Aerosol generating device having a low power mode - Patents.com

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (520) having a low power mode is provided. The aerosol generating device includes an internal clock, a communication interface (522), and a controller. The controller is configured to record (804) one or more events, apply one or more internal timestamps to each of the one or more events, where the one or more initial timestamps correspond to an initial internal timepoint, receive (806) a current external timepoint via the communication interface, update (808) the internal clock from the current internal timepoint to the current external timepoint relative to the initial internal timepoint, and adjust (812) the one or more internal timestamps to each of the one or more external timestamps based on a difference between the current internal timepoint and the current external timepoint.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to a low power mode for an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating devices, such as e-cigarettes and other aerosol inhalers or vaporization devices, are becoming increasingly popular consumer products.

[0003] Heating devices for vaporization or aerosolization are known in the art. Such devices typically include a heater configured to heat a vaporizable product. During operation, the vaporizable product is heated in the heater to vaporize the product's ingredients for inhalation by the consumer. In some examples, the product may include tobacco, which may be loose contained within a capsule or similar to a traditional cigarette. In other examples, the product may be a liquid or liquid contents within a capsule.

[0004] There is a need for improved battery storage in aerosol generating devices. It is therefore an object of the present invention to address such a problem. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one aspect, there is provided an aerosol generation device configured to receive a capsule, the aerosol generation device comprising: a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of a capsule received in the aerosol generating device; A controller, detecting by a sensor that the capsule received by the aerosol generating device is an initiating capsule; and a controller configured to initiate a low power state for the aerosol generating device in response to detecting that the initiation capsule has been received by the aerosol generating device.

[0006] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is configured to be set to a low power state for transport and / or storage.

[0007] In this way, the aerosol generating device may be set to a low power state for transport and storage, allowing the battery of the aerosol generating device to be charged before transport, and during transport and storage, the battery level is preserved for subsequent initial use by the consumer. Furthermore, this can be achieved in standard capsule-based (or cartridge-based) aerosol generating devices using existing configurations, without the need to physically modify the device, when an initiating capsule (or cartridge) is inserted in place of the standard capsule containing the vaporizable material. This automatic approach of initiating a low power state upon detection of an initiating capsule is faster and more efficient than manually programming each aerosol generating device to a low power state for transport and storage.

[0008] Preferably, the aerosol-generating device is configured to receive an aerosol-generating material.

[0009] Preferably, the controller is configured to detect that a capsule received by the aerosol generating device is a low power state initiation capsule based on a characteristic detected by the sensor.

[0010] Preferably, in the low power state, some of the operational electronic circuitry of the aerosol generating device is disabled or powered off compared to the normal operating state maintained when the aerosol generating device is in regular use by a consumer.

[0011] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is configured to receive a capsule containing a vaporizable substance, such as a fibrous material (e.g. tobacco) or a vaporizable liquid. Preferably, the capsule is received within a capsule seat.

[0012] Preferably, the starting capsule is a capsule that does not necessarily contain a vaporizable substance, and instead is usable in a manufacturing and / or packaging environment that places the aerosol generating device in a low power state.

[0013] Preferably, the starting capsule has a characteristic that can be sensed by the aerosol generating device to distinguish it from a standard capsule containing a vaporizable substance as used for vapor generation and inhalation by the consumer, which characteristic may in particular be a different capsule size or shape, or instructions stored on an NFC chip within the capsule.

[0014] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is an electronic cigarette.

[0015] Preferably, the controller is a microcontroller unit including one or more processors and a memory on which the instructions are stored.

[0016] Preferably, the controller is configured to disable part of the operational electronics of the aerosol generating device when initiating a low power state.

[0017] In this way, the slow draw of battery power by the operating electronics during transport and storage is minimized.

[0018] Preferably, the low power state is a power state in which the operating electronics use less power than the fully operational power state, which is the power state for vapor generation and inhalation by the consumer.

[0019] Preferably, disabling the portion of the operational electronics comprises powering off the portion of the operational electronics.

[0020] Preferably, the controller is configured to disable at least one of the microcontroller unit, the device temperature shutdown subcircuit, the resistance measurement subcircuit, the heater driver subcircuit, the serial flash subcircuit, or the battery fuel gauge subcircuit when disabling a portion of the operational electronic circuit.

[0021] In this way, certain sub-circuits that do not need to be operational during shipping and storage are powered off to conserve battery power.

[0022] Preferably, disabling the device temperature shut down subcircuit, the resistance measurement subcircuit, the heater driver subcircuit, the linear supply subcircuit, or the battery fuel gauge subcircuit comprises powering off the microcontroller unit, the device temperature shut down subcircuit, the resistance measurement subcircuit, the heater driver subcircuit, the serial flash subcircuit, or the battery fuel gauge subcircuit, respectively. Preferably, by powering off the microcontroller unit, the voltage supply to the light emitting diode is also turned off.

[0023] Preferably, the controller is configured to send a trigger to the logic gate array of the operational electronics so that the logic gate array disables power to the part of the operational electronics that is to be disabled.

[0024] In this manner, power can be selectively disabled from specific portions of the operating electronics.

[0025] Preferably, the controller is further configured to maintain a low power state when the initiation capsule is removed from the aerosol generating device.

[0026] In this way, the starting capsule does not have to be shipped with the aerosol generating device and may be reused in a factory environment, which also obviates any confusion on behalf of the consumer as to the purpose of the starting capsule that they would otherwise have received.

[0027] Preferably, the aerosol generating device further comprises an indicator, and the controller is further configured to indicate by the indicator that the aerosol generating device has entered a low power state.

[0028] In this manner, successful entry into the low power state may be determined, thereby ensuring that the device is in a low power state for transport and storage.

[0029] Preferably, the indicator comprises one or more light emitting diodes.

[0030] In this way, a visual indicator is provided that the device has entered a low power state.

[0031] Preferably, the controller is configured to disable one or more light emitting diodes to indicate that the aerosol generating device has entered a low power state.

[0032] In this way, disabling or powering off the light emitting diode (which is switched on as standard when the device is in an operational state) saves battery power compared to powering on a separate indicator. This further contributes to conserving power for transportation and storage. Furthermore, light emitting diodes are typically used as standard in aerosol generating devices, and by multi-purposing them to indicate when a low power state has been entered in addition to the standard use of conveying information to the consumer, no further indicators need to be built into the aerosol generating device, thereby simplifying manufacturing.

[0033] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is further configured to detect a wake trigger condition, the aerosol generating device being configured to exit the low power state in response to the wake trigger condition.

[0034] In this way, when a consumer receives the device, the device may automatically exit a low power state for use by the consumer.

[0035] Preferably, the wake trigger condition includes a cable being attached to the aerosol generating device.

[0036] In this way, the device exits the low power state by inserting the charging cable, a typical action performed by a consumer. This provides a simple and easily understandable way for a user to wake the aerosol generating device from a low power state, thereby improving ease of use.

[0037] Preferably, the cable is a charging and / or data cable, such as a USB cable. Preferably, attaching the cable to the aerosol generating device comprises a connector of the cable being received in a corresponding port of the aerosol generating device. Preferably, the second sensor comprises a detector configured to detect input power and / or input data by the cable.

[0038] Preferably, the aerosol generating device further comprises an openable cover, and the wake trigger condition comprises the openable cover moving between a closed position and an open position.

[0039] In this manner, opening the cover, a typical action performed by a consumer upon receiving a new device, causes the device to exit the low power state.

[0040] Preferably, the openable cover is configured to cover a capsule seat of the aerosol generating device.Preferably, the wake trigger condition comprises detecting that the cover has moved from a closed position to an open position.

[0041] Preferably, the aerosol generating device further includes an internal clock, the controller being configured to set the internal clock to a non-operating state when initiating the low power state.

[0042] In this way, battery resources are not consumed by running the clock during shipping and storage prior to first use by the consumer.

[0043] Preferably, the controller is further configured to detect and read, by a sensor, a characteristic of the communications chip within the received capsule.

[0044] In this way, the controller can determine that the capsule is a starter capsule and not a standard capsule containing vapor generating material.

[0045] Preferably, the controller reads the specific parameters by short-range communication.

[0046] Preferably, the controller is programmed to identify the characteristic as a particular value of a variable field in the information stored in the capsule, for example the variable field may be a "date of manufacture" field with a particular value of "00000" for the date of manufacture.

[0047] Preferably, the sensor includes an electrical terminal configured for connection to a corresponding terminal on the initiation capsule, the electrical terminal configured to read information stored in a memory within the initiation capsule, and the controller configured to determine that the information corresponds to a characteristic of the initiation capsule.

[0048] In another aspect, there is provided a method for storing energy in an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: Detecting that the initiation capsule has been received by the aerosol generating device; In response to detecting that the initiation capsule has been received by the aerosol generating device, initiating a low power state for the aerosol generating device.

[0049] Preferably, the method includes detecting that a low power initiation capsule has been accepted into the aerosol generating device based on a characteristic detected by a sensor, the sensor being configured to detect a characteristic of the capsule accepted into the aerosol generating device.

[0050] In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium that, when executed by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to: detecting that the initiation capsule has been accepted into the aerosol generating device; A non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that stores instructions to cause the aerosol generating device to initiate a low power state in response to detecting that an initiation capsule has been accepted by the aerosol generating device.

[0051] Preferably, the step includes detecting that a low power initiation capsule has been accepted into the aerosol generating device based on a characteristic detected by a sensor, the sensor being configured to detect a characteristic of the capsule accepted into the aerosol generating device.

[0052] In another aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: An internal clock; A communication interface; A controller, recording one or more events and applying one or more internal timestamps to the one or more events, respectively, the one or more initial timestamps corresponding to an initial internal timepoint; receiving a current external time point via a communication interface; Update the internal clock from the current internal timepoint to the current external timepoint relative to the initial internal timepoint; A controller configured to adjust the one or more internal timestamps to the one or more external timestamps, respectively, based on a difference between the current internal timepoint and the current external timepoint.

[0053] In this way, consumers may use an aerosol generating device with full time stamping capabilities "out of the box" without the need to configure the aerosol generating device's internal clock, simplifying operational setup for the consumer and improving the user experience.

[0054] Preferably, the internal timestamp is based on a scale relative to an initial internal time of the aerosol generating device and the external timestamp is based on a scale relative to an absolute external time.

[0055] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is an electronic cigarette.

[0056] Preferably, the controller is a microcontroller unit including one or more processors and a memory on which the instructions are stored.

[0057] Preferably, the controller is further configured to, in response to determining that the aerosol generating device has exited the low power state, start an internal clock from an initial internal time point.

[0058] In this way, a consumer may use a new aerosol generating device without having to synchronize or set up the device when it exits a low power state configured for transportation and storage. Additionally, the low power state allows the aerosol generating device to be provided with a higher battery charge level "out of the box," eliminating the need for the consumer to charge the device's battery before first use. These advantages combine to improve the overall user experience.

[0059] Preferably, the low power state is a power state in which the operating circuitry of the aerosol generating device uses less power than the fully operational power state, which is the power state for vapour generation and inhalation by the consumer.

[0060] Preferably, the trigger comprises detecting that a cable has been attached to the aerosol generating device or that an openable cover of the aerosol generating device has been moved between a closed position and an open position.

[0061] Preferably, the controller is configured to receive, via the communication interface, the current external time point from an application running on an electronic device communicating with the aerosol generating device.

[0062] In this way, the internal clock of the aerosol generating device can be easily updated with an external time, such as the internal clock of a smartphone that communicates with the aerosol generating device, without the consumer having to manually configure the internal clock, thereby simplifying the setup of a new aerosol generating device and improving the user experience.

[0063] Preferably, the controller is configured to update the internal clock to the current external time point when the aerosol generating device first connects to the electronic device.

[0064] In this way, setting up a new aerosol generating device "out of the box" is further simplified by having the internal clock set to the current external time upon initial connection of the aerosol generating device to an electronic device such as a smartphone.

[0065] Preferably, the current external timepoint comprises the current clock time of the electronic device.

[0066] In this way, the clock time of the electronic device may be used as the clock time of the aerosol-generating device, thereby providing consistency between devices and improving interoperability.

[0067] Preferably, the communication interface is a Bluetooth interface and the controller is configured to receive the current external time point by a Bluetooth connection to an electronic device using the Bluetooth interface.

[0068] In this way, the internal clock of the aerosol generating device can be updated to external time in a user-friendly manner.

[0069] Preferably, the controller is configured to update the internal clock of the aerosol generating device by writing the current external time point to the internal clock.

[0070] In this way, all timestamps associated with future events can be recorded based on an external absolute time.

[0071] Preferably, the low power state is a power state in which some of the operational circuitry used by a fully operational aerosol generating device is disabled.

[0072] In this way, power is conserved by ensuring that non-essential circuitry is not active during transport and storage, before "waking up" a new aerosol generating device for initial use of the new device.

[0073] Preferably, the fully operational state is a state in which the aerosol generating device is ready for use by a consumer.

[0074] Preferably, the internal clock of the aerosol generating device is disabled before exiting the low power state.

[0075] In this way, power is conserved by not running the internal clock during transportation and storage before "waking up" a new aerosol generating device for the consumer's first use of the new device.

[0076] Preferably, when the internal clock is disabled, the internal clock is configured to be in a non-operating state.

[0077] Preferably, the low power state is configured for transportation and / or storage of the aerosol generating device.

[0078] Preferably, the initial internal timepoint, the current internal timepoint, and the one or more internal timestamps are epoch times relative to a reference point internal to the aerosol generating device, and the current external timepoint and the one or more external timestamps are epoch times relative to a reference point external to the aerosol generating device.

[0079] In this way, the time adjustments can be calculated efficiently and accurately.

[0080] Preferably, all epoch times are recorded in the same format. In an example, the external reference point is an epoch date, such as the Unix reference epoch date January 1, 1970.

[0081] Preferably, the controller is further configured to determine a wake-up timepoint, the wake-up timepoint being determined as a difference between the current external timepoint and the current internal timepoint.

[0082] In this way, the "switch on" time at which the aerosol generating device identifies a trigger condition can be determined on an absolute (external) time scale rather than a relative (internal) time scale. This is beneficial in accurately updating the internal timestamp to the external timestamp. This also allows the associated application on the electronic device to determine if the aerosol generating device has been used before, in which case the activation time point does not correspond to the time point at which the aerosol generating device was first connected to the electronic device. This improves quality assurance of the aerosol generating device.

[0083] Preferably, the controller determining a difference between the first internal timestamp and an initial internal timepoint; and adjusting the first internal timestamp of the one or more internal timestamps to the first external timestamp of the one or more external timestamps, respectively, by adding a difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal timepoint to the startup timepoint.

[0084] In this way, the internal timestamp is converted to an external or absolute time, which provides a clearer and more user-friendly event to the consumer when the external time is visible to the consumer.

[0085] Preferably, the adjusting process is repeated for each internal timestamp of one or more internal timestamps until all internal timestamps have been adjusted to their respective external timestamps.

[0086] Preferably, the event includes data relating to an inhalation of an aerosol generating device.

[0087] Preferably, the data regarding the puff includes at least one of a time stamp, a puff or duration of inhalation, vapor temperature, fluid or nicotine consumption, or a capsule serial code. In this way, information regarding the puff that is useful to the consumer can be recorded for the consumer to review.

[0088] In another aspect, there is provided a method for adjusting an internal clock of an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: recording one or more events and applying one or more internal timestamps to the one or more events, respectively, where the one or more initial timestamps correspond to an initial internal timepoint; receiving a current external time point; updating the internal clock from a current internal timepoint to a current external timepoint relative to an initial internal timepoint; and adjusting the one or more internal timestamps to the one or more external timestamps, respectively, based on a difference between the current internal timepoint and the current external timepoint.

[0089] Preferably, the method further comprises determining a wake-up timepoint, the wake-up timepoint being determined as the difference between the current external timepoint and the current internal timepoint.

[0090] Preferably, adjusting the first internal timestamp of the one or more internal timestamps to the first external timestamp of the one or more external timestamps respectively includes determining a difference between the first internal timestamp and an initial internal timepoint, and adding the difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal timepoint to the startup timepoint.

[0091] In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium that, when executed by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to: recording one or more events and applying one or more internal timestamps to the one or more events, respectively, where the one or more initial timestamps correspond to an initial internal timepoint; receiving a current external time point; updating the internal clock from a current internal timepoint to a current external timepoint relative to an initial internal timepoint; and adjusting the one or more internal timestamps to the one or more external timestamps, respectively, based on a difference between a current internal timepoint and a current external timepoint.

[0092] Preferably, the steps further include determining a wake-up timepoint, the wake-up timepoint being determined as the difference between the current external timepoint and the current internal timepoint.

[0093] Preferably, adjusting the first internal timestamp of the one or more internal timestamps to the first external timestamp of the one or more external timestamps respectively includes determining a difference between the first internal timestamp and an initial internal timepoint, and adding the difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal timepoint to the startup timepoint.

[0094] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0095] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of components of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of an aerosol generating device with a closed lid. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example of an aerosol generating device with an open lid. [Figure 3A]FIG. 2 is a diagram of another example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a diagram of another example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 3C] FIG. 2 is a diagram of another example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 3D] FIG. 2 is a diagram of another example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 3E] FIG. 2 is a diagram of another example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 3F] FIG. 3B is a diagram of a capsule suitable for use with the aerosol generating device of FIGS. 3A-3E. [Figure 3G] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the electrical terminal arrangement of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the operating electronic circuitry of the aerosol generating device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device in communication with an external electronic device. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a graphical user interface of an application associated with an aerosol generating device. [Figure 7] A flow diagram of operational steps performed by a controller of an aerosol generating device associated with entering and exiting a low power mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of operational steps performed by a controller of an aerosol generating device associated with a timestamp update process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0096] 1 shows a block diagram of the components of an aerosol generating device (also known as a vapor generating device or e-cigarette). The aerosol generating device includes a heater (also called a heater coil) 106, an operating electronic circuit or control device 104, and a battery 102. The battery 102 provides power to the heater 106 and the control device 104. The operating electronic circuit or control device 104 includes a main control unit (i.e., a controller, which may be a microcontroller unit (MCU)) 108 and other operating circuits 110 configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device. The controller includes a memory on which operating instructions for the aerosol generating device are stored, and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions and control the operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0097] The heater 106 is configured to aerosolize or vaporize an aerosol-generating material (also known as a vapor-generating material). The vapor-generating material may be a solid, such as tobacco or a tobacco-containing material. It may be either loose or encapsulated, or in a form similar to a traditional cigarette. The aerosol-generating material may also be a liquid, such as a vaporizable liquid stored in a capsule, or any other suitable type of vaporizable material. For purposes of this description, it should be understood that the terms vapor and aerosol are interchangeable. In some examples, the heater is disposed within the capsule or cigarette-like aerosol-generating material and may be connected to the aerosol-generating device, rather than being a component of the aerosol-generating device itself.

[0098] 2A, 2B, and 3A-3E show examples of an aerosol generating device according to the block diagram of FIG.

[0099] 2A and 2B, the aerosol generating device 200 includes a body portion 222 and a lid portion 220. The lid portion 220 includes a lid 224 that is movably connected to a housing 226 of the body portion 222.

[0100] An opening 228 is disposed in the housing 226, the opening 228 being covered by a lid or cover 224 in the closed position (FIG. 2A) and being uncovered (or uncovered by the lid 224) in the open position (FIG. 2B).

[0101] In the example, the lid 224 is movably connected to the housing so as to slide between a closed position and an open position. In other words, the lid 224 is a slidable door that is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the opening 228.

[0102] In this description, the lid 224 is described as a slidable lid or door, however, it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that any other suitable type of lid may be used, such as a hinged lid, a screwable lid, a pop-on lid, etc.

[0103] The opening 228 is configured to receive the aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material 240 may be in a form similar to a traditional cigarette, i.e., tobacco wrapped in paper. The cigarette-like aerosol-generating material 240 is received within the opening 228 such that a distal end of the cigarette-like aerosol-generating material 240 extends outwardly from the aerosol-generating device so that a consumer can inhale the aerosol-generating device. In an alternative configuration, the aerosol-generating material may be contained within a capsule, with a capsule receivable in the opening, or as loose tobacco inserted into the opening.

[0104] The heater of the aerosol generating device 200 may be disposed within the housing at the opening 228 so as to engage when the aerosol generating material is received in the opening 228 .

[0105] The housing further includes a battery 102 and a control device 104 including a controller 108 and other operating circuitry 110. A communication interface is further included within the housing such that the aerosol generating device can be communicatively coupled to an external electronic device such as a smartphone. In an example, the communication interface is a Bluetooth chip.

[0106] Figures 3A-3C show another example of an aerosol-generating device 300a. The device of Figures 3A-3C is configured to receive a capsule 340 containing an aerosol-generating liquid, i.e., an aerosol-generating capsule 340. Figure 3F shows a diagram of an aerosol-generating capsule 340 suitable for such an application.

[0107] Figure 3A shows a diagram of an aerosol generating device 300a with an aerosol generating capsule 340 attached, and Figure 3B shows a cross-sectional view of this configuration, while Figure 3C shows a corresponding cross-sectional view with the aerosol generating capsule 340 removed.

[0108] The aerosol generating device 300a includes a body portion 322 formed by a housing 326. The housing has an opening 328 for receiving an aerosol generating capsule 340. In some examples, a movable lid (not shown) may also be included to cover the opening, which may be operated in substantially the same manner as described with reference to Figures 2A and 2B. In operation, the aerosol generating capsule 340 is received in the opening and connected to the base 312. The aerosol generating capsule 340 is connected to the base by a suitable fastening, such as a magnetic connection, a snap fit, an interference fit, a screw fit, a bayonet fit, or any other suitable type of connection. In some examples, the capsule includes a heater, and the base is configured to electronically connect the heater included in the aerosol generating capsule to a controller and other operating circuitry of the aerosol generating device for powering the heater. In other examples, the heater is in the base itself and is configured to engage the aerosol generating capsule upon insertion into the opening.

[0109] The operating electronics 304, including the controller 108 and other operating circuits 110, are contained within the housing 326. The housing also includes a communication interface 350, such as a Bluetooth chip, for communication connection to an external electronic device, and a battery 302 configured to power the aerosol generating device 300a. A push button 309 is disposed on the exterior surface of the housing 326, the push button operable to control the aerosol generating device 300a, such as for heating the aerosol generating liquid. An indicator, such as a light emitting diode (LED) 313, is also disposed on the exterior surface of the housing 326. The LED 313 may provide an indication to the consumer, such as an operational status (i.e., the heater is in use) and a power status of the aerosol generating device 300a. In an example, the LED 313 surrounds the push button 309.

[0110] The aerosol-generating capsule 340 comprises a liquid reservoir 332, an aerosol channel 333, an atomizer arrangement 334, and a capsule circuit (i.e., capsule tip) 342, contained within a capsule housing 318. The atomizer arrangement 334 includes a heater coil 306 and a wick material 338. The wick material 338 is configured to transport (or wick) liquid from the liquid reservoir 332 to the heater 306. The heater 306 provides thermal energy to the wicked liquid to generate an aerosol. As an alternative to a liquid and wick arrangement, the aerosol-generating capsule 340 may instead include a viscous or solid aerosol-generating material.

[0111] The aerosol-generating capsule 340 has a mouthpiece portion 330 having an aerosol exit mouthpiece opening 331. An aerosol channel 333 is disposed between the mouthpiece opening 331 and the atomizer arrangement 334 such that when a consumer inhales or draws on the mouthpiece opening, aerosol generated from the liquid in the heater 306 is drawn through the aerosol channel and out of the mouthpiece opening 331 for inhalation by the consumer. An air inlet 360 may be disposed in the housing 326 of the body portion 322 or in the aerosol-generating capsule 340.

[0112] When received in the opening 328, power and data connections are established between the aerosol-generating capsule 340 and the control device 104 in the body 322, as described below with reference to FIG. 3F.

[0113] Figures 3D and 3E show diagrams of another example of an aerosol generating device 300b. The device 300b in Figures 3D and 3E is similar to the device 300a in Figures 3A-3C and includes the same features with the addition of a slidable cover 324.

[0114] 3D and 3E, the body 322 of the aerosol generating device 300b has a slidable cover 324. The slidable cover 324 is disposed to cover most of the elongated body 322 and is slidable in the longitudinal direction of the body 322 between a first position (FIG. 3D) and a second position (FIG. 3E).

[0115] The slidable cover 324 has a front panel 324 a and a back panel that are configured to cover the major surfaces of the body 322 .

[0116] In the first position (FIG. 3D), the aerosol-generating capsule 340 is substantially covered by the slidable cover 324, exposing the mouthpiece opening 331 so that a user may inhale on the device. The end 322a of the body 322 opposite to where the aerosol-generating capsule 340 is fitted is uncovered. In this manner, the slidable cover 324 protects the aerosol-generating capsule 340. As shown in FIG. 3D, the first position may be considered a "closed position" when the aerosol-generating capsule 340 is substantially covered by the slidable cover 324.

[0117] In the second position (FIG. 3E), the aerosol-generating capsule 340 is uncovered, i.e., the slidable cover 324 has been moved by a sliding action away from the aerosol-generating capsule 340 towards the opposite end 322a of the body 322. In the second position, which is considered the "open position," the aerosol-generating capsule 340 may be inserted / removed from the seat 312.

[0118] FIG. 3F shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating capsule 340 suitable for use with the aerosol-generating devices 300a and 300b of FIGS. 3A-3E. It should be understood that the dimensions of the aerosol-generating capsule 340 are variable. For example, the aerosol-generating capsule 340 may be more elongated, such as in FIGS. 3A and 3B, and store a larger amount of liquid than the more compact capsule of FIG. 3E. The liquid reservoir and aerosol channel of the aerosol-generating capsule 340 are not shown in FIG. 3F for clarity. FIG. 3F shows the capsule circuit 342, which is not shown in FIGS. 3A-3E for clarity. Additionally, FIG. 3G shows the electrical terminal arrangement 390 of the seat 312 of the body 322 of the aerosol-generating devices 300a and 300b, which is configured for connection to the electrical terminal of the aerosol-generating capsule 340. The terminals of the capsule circuit 342 and the terminals of the aerosol generating devices 300a, 300b are coupled to provide an interface between the capsule circuit 342 and the controllers 108 of the aerosol generating devices 300a, 300b. The terminals of the body 322 of the aerosol generating devices 300a, 300b may be considered sensors or interfaces for detection and communication with the aerosol generating capsule 340.

[0119] The capsule circuit 342 includes electrical terminals, including power terminals 345a and 345b, and a data terminal 348. The power terminals 345a, 345b are configured to connect the heater to a battery via the control device 104 of the aerosol generating devices 300a, 300b, via corresponding power terminals 384 on the bases 312 of the aerosol generating devices 300a, 300b.

[0120] The capsule circuit 342 further includes a memory 344 and a controller 346 for reading / writing from / to the memory 344. The data terminal 348 of the capsule circuit 342 is configured to connect to a corresponding data terminal 385 of the body 322 such that the controller 104 of the body 322 may transmit and retrieve data from the capsule memory 344. The data stored in the capsule memory 344 may include, among other suitable information, usage data of the aerosol-generating capsule 340, authentication data of the aerosol-generating capsule 340, the type of aerosol-generating capsule 340, the flavor of the ingredients in the aerosol-generating capsule 340, the amount of liquid remaining in the aerosol-generating capsule 340, the manufacturing date of the aerosol-generating capsule 340, and / or expiration date data of the aerosol-generating capsule 340. In an alternative configuration, the aerosol generating device 300a, 300b may include a wireless capsule interface with the capsule circuit 342 of the aerosol-generating capsule 340 including a corresponding wireless capsule interface. In this manner, the aerosol generating device 300a, 300b may transmit and retrieve data from the capsule memory 344 by a wireless connection, such as near field communication (NFC) or radio frequency identification (RFID), when the aerosol generating capsule 340 is received in the opening 328. In another alternative, the aerosol generating device may read the capsule information by an optical sensor or an image detector.

[0121] The body terminals 384, 385, 387 may be configured as elongated conductive members connected at one end to the base 312 and in turn to the control device 104. The opposite ends of the elongated members form free ends for connection to corresponding terminals 448 of the aerosol-generating capsule 340.

[0122] The terminals of the body 322 may further include a temperature determination terminal 387. The temperature determination terminal is configured as a measurement circuit configured to measure a voltage between the first power terminal 345a and the second power terminal 345b. This voltage may be used to precisely measure the heater temperature by determining the resistance of the heater 306.

[0123] In the example, the components of capsule circuit 342 are disposed on a printed circuit board 343 .

[0124] With respect to the example aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, after the manufacture of the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b, a significant amount of time may pass before a consumer uses the device for the first time, for example during transportation and storage. From the consumer's perspective, it is desirable for the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b to have sufficient battery power for first use, so that the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b can be used "out of the box" after transportation and storage without first charging the battery. A problem faced in the art is that a consumer may find that the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b does not have sufficient battery power remaining for immediate use of the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b if a significant amount of time has passed during transportation and storage before first use. This may be caused by residual drain of the battery by a subcircuit of the operating electronic circuit. In such a scenario, the consumer will need to charge the battery before they can use the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b.

[0125] To overcome this problem, the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b is placed in a low power mode by the manufacturer before being shipped. The aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b is then commanded to exit the low power mode upon first use by a consumer. This low power mode preserves battery power for its shelf life, such that the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b has sufficient battery power for immediate use by a consumer "out of the box" without the need to first charge the battery.

[0126] 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b is configured to receive a capsule that initiates the low power mode, i.e., a low power mode initiation capsule. In the example, the initiation capsule is inserted at the end of the manufacturing process before packaging and shipping.

[0127] The initiation capsule is inserted into the opening 228, 328 of the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b in a manner similar to a cigarette-like aerosol-generating material 240 (as in the example of FIG. 2) or a capsule containing an aerosol-generating material 340 (as in the example of FIG. 3). The controller detects the presence of the capsule using a sensor disposed in the opening 228, 328 and reads the capsule information stored in the capsule. From the information, the controller determines that the capsule is a low power mode initiation capsule (as opposed to a standard aerosol-generating material-containing capsule).

[0128] In response to determining that the initiation capsule has been inserted, the controller initiates a low power mode or state for the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b. The initiation capsule is then removed from the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b so that the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b may be packaged for shipping and sale.

[0129] When the initiation capsule is removed from the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b maintains a low power state until a subsequent wake trigger is received. Maintaining a low power state when the initiation capsule is removed is beneficial because the initiation capsule does not need to be transported with the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b and can be reused in the manufacturing and packaging process of further aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, 300b. This also obviates any confusion on behalf of the end consumer regarding the purpose of the initiation capsule.

[0130] In the case of an aerosol generating device that accepts cigarette-like aerosol-generating material 240 (as in FIG. 2) or loose tobacco, the initiation capsule may be appropriately sized to be received within the opening 228 through which the cigarette-like aerosol-generating material 240 is received.

[0131] In the case of aerosol generating devices 300a, 300b that accept a capsule (as in FIG. 3) containing aerosol-generating material 340, the starting capsule may be dimensioned similarly to the standard capsule containing aerosol-generating material 340 so as to be accepted in opening 328 in place of aerosol-generating capsule 340. In an example, the starting capsule is a dummy capsule that does not contain aerosol-generating material.

[0132] In aerosol generating devices 300a, 300b (as described with reference to FIG. 3) configured to receive an aerosol-generating material capsule 340, the aerosol generating device 300a, 300b may be configured to read information stored in the memory 344 of the capsule circuit 342 in such aerosol-generating material capsule using an electrical or wireless connection as described above. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device 300a, 300b may read the information of the aerosol-generating capsule 340 using an optical sensor or an image detector. The initiating capsule may also store information, for example, via a built-in chip. The sensor or interface in the aerosol generating device 300a, 300b is configured to read this information in the same manner as the aerosol-generating material capsule 340. That is, the sensor or interface is versatile to read information stored in both the aerosol-generating material capsule 340 and the initiating capsule. A starter capsule for use in such an aerosol generating device 300a, 300b may include a modified version of at least one of the parameters stored in the standard aerosol generating material capsule 340. For example, the date of manufacture may be set to a specific value, such as 00000, to indicate that the capsule is a starter capsule and not a standard aerosol generating material capsule 340. The controller 108 may determine that information stored in the starter capsule is information that triggers a low power mode. The aerosol generating device 300a, 300b is programmed such that the low power mode is initiated upon determining the instruction parameters in the accepted starter capsule.

[0133] As explained, the aerosol generating device 300a, 300b configured to receive the aerosol-generating material capsule 340 has a sensor or interface at the opening that is used to read information stored in the capsule, for example, by an electrical or wireless connection such as an NFC or RFID interface between the aerosol generating device 300a, 300b and the capsule, or by an image detector or optical sensor, which the controller can use to detect and read the starting capsule in addition to the aerosol-generating material capsule 340.

[0134] Alternatively, or in addition, a separate, dedicated sensor may be disposed in the opening 228, 328 for the specific purpose of detecting an initiating capsule. In particular, such an arrangement may be used in aerosol generating devices 200 that may not include a capsule sensor or interface, such as aerosol generating devices 200 configured to accept cigarette-like aerosol-generating material 240 (as described with reference to FIG. 2) or loose tobacco. Also, aerosol generating devices 300a, 300b configured to accept an aerosol-generating material capsule may include such a separate, dedicated initiating capsule sensor instead of, or in addition to, an aerosol-generating material capsule sensor generalized to detect an initiating capsule.

[0135] In embodiments where a separate dedicated initiation capsule sensor is used, the initiation capsule parameter may be stored as pre-programmed information that the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b recognizes as an instruction to enter a low power mode. This need not be a modification of an existing parameter such as the date of manufacture (as, for example, a device configured to accept aerosol-generating material 240 in a cigarette form or loose tobacco may not be compatible with such information). Instead, it may be a specific parameter that the sensor is specifically configured to recognize. That is, the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b may have a sensor specifically configured to detect the initiation capsule and the low power mode instruction thereon. This sensor need not be a sensor configured to detect and read the aerosol-generating material capsule 340. Such a sensor may include an electrical interface between the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b and the initiation capsule in the opening 228, 328 as described with reference to Figures 3F and 3G. Alternatively, the sensor may include a wireless interface, such as an NFC or RFID interface, between the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b and the initiating capsule. The aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b may read an NFC or RFID chip in the initiating capsule when the initiating capsule is received in the opening 228, 328. In another alternative, the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b may be configured to determine that the capsule received in the opening 228, 328 is an initiating capsule by an image detector or light sensor in the opening 228, 328 reading certain parameters of the initiating capsule.

[0136] 4 shows a block diagram of the operating electronics 400 of the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b. The operating electronics 400 of the aerosol generating device includes several sub-circuits responsible for the operation of various parts of the aerosol generating device. These subcircuits may include, but are not limited to, a microcontroller unit and Bluetooth connection subcircuit 402, a supply switching subcircuit 404, a serial flash subcircuit 406 that uses a memory storage unit to store aspiration records and event records, a light emitting diode (LED) driver subcircuit 408, a device temperature shutoff subcircuit 410, a heater driver subcircuit 412, a capsule connection subcircuit 414, a push button subcircuit 416, a resistance measurement subcircuit 418, a shelf life power latch subcircuit 420, a 3V linear supply subcircuit 422, a 4V buck / boost supply subcircuit 424 used to supply the LEDs with 4V even when the battery voltage is lower, a battery fuel gauge subcircuit 426, a haptic driver subcircuit 428, and a USB battery charging subcircuit 430, as shown in FIG.

[0137] In the low power mode or state, parts of the operational electronics 400 of the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b are disabled or powered off, as compared to the normal operational state maintained when the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b is in constant use by a consumer, and thus in the low power state the operational electronics 400 uses less residual power than in the full operational state.

[0138] More specifically, the controller (or MCU) 402 disables certain subcircuits of the operating electronics 400 (104, 304) when entering the low power mode. The MCU recognizes the initiation capsule and executes a routine that prepares the MCU for power off. The MCU then triggers the logic gate array to disable the 3V linear supply subcircuit 426. This turns off subcircuits including the device temperature shutoff 410, resistance measurement 418, heater driver 412, battery fuel gauge 426, serial flash 406, and the MCU 402 itself. Similarly, turning off the MCU also turns off the 4V supply to the LED driver, which in turn turns off the LED driver 408.

[0139] More specifically, when the controller identifies that the initiation capsule has been accepted by the aerosol generating device, the output of the shelf-life power latch subcircuit 420 is turned off. This in turn turns off the output of the 3V linear supply subcircuit 422, which in turn turns off the supply to the MCU 402 and the output of the supply switching subcircuit 404. The output of the supply switching subcircuit 404 supplies subcircuits including the device temperature shutoff 410, the resistance measurement 418, and the heater driver 412, and these subcircuits are therefore turned off by turning off the output of the supply switching subcircuit 404. The output of the 3V linear supply subcircuit 422 supplies subcircuits including the MCU 402, the battery fuel gauge 426, and the serial flash 406, and these subcircuits are therefore turned off by turning off the output of the 3V linear supply subcircuit 422. Any subcircuits powered by the output of the 3V linear supply subcircuit 422 or the output of the supply switching subcircuit 404 are turned off. As a result of turning off the MCU 402, the 4V supply for the LEDs, ie, the LED driver subcircuit 408, is also turned off.

[0140] Switching off the MCU also results in the internal clock of the aerosol generating device being switched off or paused.

[0141] The aerosol generating device is provided with an indicator configured to indicate that the low power mode has been entered and that the initiation capsule may be removed when the low power mode has been entered. In an example, the indicator is a visual indicator, such as one or more LEDs, that when switched off indicate that the low power mode has been entered. As described with reference to FIG. 3, the LEDs are switched off as a result of powering off the LED driver subcircuit 408.

[0142] The indicator allows the manufacturer to know when the aerosol generating device has entered a low power mode for shipping and storage and that the initiation capsule can be removed.

[0143] By disabling or powering off the LED, battery power is saved compared to powering on a separate indicator, which further contributes to conserving power for transportation and storage. Furthermore, LEDs are typically used as standard in aerosol generating devices, and by multi-purpose them to indicate when a low power state has been entered, in addition to the standard use of conveying information to the consumer, the need to incorporate additional indicators into the aerosol generating device is eliminated, thereby simplifying manufacturing.

[0144] The aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b is configured to exit the low power mode in response to a wake trigger condition. This is intended to occur when a consumer uses a new aerosol generating device for the first time after it has entered the low power mode for transport and storage. That is, the wake trigger is used to command a new "out-of-the-box" aerosol generating device, not previously used by a consumer between transport / storage and this first use, to exit the low power mode. The wake trigger restores power to the MCU and powers on the disabled subcircuits.

[0145] In a first example, the movement of the lid or cover 224, 324 between the closed position (FIG. 2A) and the open position (FIG. 2B) acts as a trigger. An electrical connection may be established when the lid or cover 224, 324 is in the closed position (or open position) and disconnected when the lid or cover 224, 324 is in the open position (or closed position). That is, by detecting that the electrical connection is made or disconnected when the lid or cover 224, 324 moves between the two positions, the controller may determine whether the lid or cover 224, 324 is in an open or closed state and when it is moved between the open and closed states. When the initiation capsule is removed and the aerosol generating device enters a low power state, the manufacturer may close the lid or cover 224, 324. Subsequent opening of the lid or cover 224, 324 by the consumer, for example to insert an aerosol generating material, restores power to the MCU and the aerosol generating device exits the low power mode. Rather than sliding open the lid or cover, opening the lid or cover may also include separating a compartment of the aerosol generating device to expose a cavity in which an aerosol-generating material capsule can be received, such as separating a mouthpiece portion of the aerosol generating device from a battery portion, with an appropriate switch to detect when something has been removed.

[0146] In a second example, a wake trigger that may be used as an alternative or in addition to the first wake trigger may be detecting that a cable has been attached to the aerosol generating device. For example, the cable may be a charging and / or data cable, such as a USB cable (or any other suitable type of cable, such as micro USB, USB-B, USB-C, Lightning cable, etc.), that is acceptable to a corresponding port of the aerosol generating device. That is, insertion of the cable into the cable port of the aerosol generating device restores power to the MCU and causes the aerosol generating device to exit the low power mode.

[0147] More specifically, opening the lid or cover 224, 324 and / or inserting a cable switches on the output of the shelf-life power latch subcircuit 420. This in turn switches on the 3V linear supply subcircuit 422. Switching on the 3V linear supply subcircuit 422 switches on the MCU 402, the battery fuel gauge subcircuit 426, and the serial flash subcircuit 406. Switching on the output of the 3V linear supply subcircuit 422 also switches on the output of the supply switching subcircuit 404, which in turn switches on the subcircuits powered by the supply switching subcircuit, including the device temperature shutoff subcircuit 410, the resistance measurement subcircuit 418, and the heater driver subcircuit 412.

[0148] In this manner, a typical action performed by a consumer will cause the aerosol generating device to exit the low power mode, such as inserting a cable or opening the lid or cover 224, 324. This provides a simple and easily understandable way for a user to wake the aerosol generating device from a low power state, thereby improving usability.

[0149] When a consumer uses the aerosol generating device 520, event data is recorded with a time stamp for each inhalation or puff of the generated aerosol or vapor. The event data may include not only the time stamp itself, but also, among others, the duration of the puff, the aerosol or vapor temperature, the fluid and / or nicotine consumption, the energy consumed per puff, and the capsule serial code. In an example, the fluid, and therefore the nicotine consumption, may be calculated based on the energy consumed per puff, knowing the liquid composition. In another example, the energy consumed per puff may be used to derive information about the airflow, which may be particularly useful for situations where there is no puff or pressure sensor on the aerosol generating device. Therefore, using the energy consumed per puff as event data is advantageous to provide more information by storing one type of event data. The event data may also include the start and end points of the puff, the duration of the puff (i.e., the length of the puff), and the interval between puffs (i.e., the time between successive puffs). The event data may also include any further suitable metrics for analyzing the consumer's behavior. The aerosol generating device 520 can be communicatively coupled to an external electronic device 524, such as a smartphone, as shown in FIG. 5. The aerosol generating device 520 has a communication interface 522 through which the aerosol generating device 520 can be coupled to the external electronic device 524 via a communication medium between the communication interface 522 of the aerosol generating device 520 and a corresponding communication interface 526 of the external electronic device 524. For example, the communication medium 526 can be a wired connection, such as a USB connection, or a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth connection. An application associated with the aerosol generating device 520 can be loaded onto the external electronic device 524. The application can be used to perform operations, including reviewing the aerosol generating device 520 vaping history or providing instructions to the aerosol generating device 520 via the communication interface 522.

[0150] The time-stamped event information may be transmitted by the communication interface 522 to the external electronic device 524. This allows the consumer to review the consumer's vaping record using a graphical user interface of the relevant application provided on the screen of the external electronic device 524.

[0151] 6 shows an exemplary graphical user interface 600 that presents information to a consumer derived from event information received from an aerosol generating device 520 by a communication interface 522. Timestamping allows a time and date to be assigned to a puff. The graphical interface 600 displays the consumer's vaping history. In the example, this is displayed in an hourly array 602 and a daily array 604, and is determined based on the time-stamped event information.

[0152] In the low power mode, the internal clock of the aerosol generating device 520 is switched off or paused (i.e., set to a "not running" state). In effect, by entering the low power state, the internal clock is kept at the paused time. When a wake trigger is detected and the device exits the low power mode, the internal clock starts running again from the time it was switched off (or a default time such as 00:00:00), which is called the initial internal time point (T INITIAL_INTERNAL ) Therefore, the time of the internal clock (i.e., internal time) does not match the external time in the real world.

[0153] When the aerosol generating device 520 connects to an external electronic device 524 via the communication interface 522, the controller determines the external device time (i.e., the clock time of the external electronic device 524) and the internal clock is updated (or synchronized) to this external clock time (i.e., the external time) with the clock time of the external device 524. In an example, an application writes to the DeviceClock property of the Device Information Bluetooth service. In this way, a new "out-of-the-box" aerosol generating device 520 can have its internal clock updated from internal time to external time when it is first connected to the external electronic device 524.

[0154] When a user uses a new “out-of-the-box” aerosol generating device 520 before connecting it to an external device 524, i.e., an aerosol generating device 520 that has exited low power mode but whose internal clock has not yet been updated to the external time, the aerosol generating device 520 will timestamp the event data against an initial internal time point. INTERNAL_STAMP uses an internal time based on the amount of time elapsed since an initial internal timepoint.

[0155] When synchronized with the external electronic device clock, the controller determines the wake-up time of the aerosol generating device 520 as the point at which the aerosol generating device 520 exits the low power mode based on absolute external time rather than relative internal time. ACTIVATION is the current external time T PRESENT_EXTERNAL (i.e., the time of the external electronic device being synchronized) and the current internal time T PRESENT_INTERNAL (i.e., the time of the internal clock relative to the initial internal time when the aerosol generating device exited the low power mode). T ACTIVAITON =T PRESENT_EXTERNAL -T PRESENT_INTERNAL To facilitate simple subtraction and addition of clock times, the clock times may be stored as epoch times.

[0156] The controller starts up for a period of time T ACTIVAITON and the initial internal time T INITIAL_INTERNAL Using the internal timestamp T INTERNAL_STAMP Each of these is assigned an external timestamp (a timestamp according to the external time) T EXTERNAL_STAMP to update. T EXTERNAL_STAMP =(T INTERNAL_STAMP -T INITIAL_INTERNAL )+T ACTIVAITON Alternatively, the start-up time T ACTIVAITON and the initial internal time T INITIAL_INTERNAL The difference between may be added to each internal timestamp by the controller to update the internal timestamp to the external timestamp.

[0157] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary flow diagram of the operational steps executed by a controller of an aerosol generating device associated with entering and exiting the low power mode described above.

[0158] In step 702, the controller detects via a sensor that the capsule received by the aerosol generating device is a starting capsule.

[0159] In step 704, in response to detecting that the initiation capsule has been received by the aerosol generating device, the controller initiates a low power state for the aerosol generating device.

[0160] In step 706, the controller disables some of the operational electronics of the aerosol generating device when initiating a low power state.

[0161] Optionally, in step 708, the controller indicates via an indicator that the aerosol generating device has entered a low power state.

[0162] Optionally, in step 710, the controller remains in a low power state when the initiation capsule is removed from the aerosol generating device.

[0163] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary flow diagram of operational steps performed by a controller of an aerosol generating device associated with the timestamp update process described above.

[0164] Optionally, in step 802, the controller starts an internal clock from an initial internal time point in response to determining that the aerosol generating device has exited the low power state.

[0165] In step 804, the controller records one or more events and applies one or more internal timestamps to the one or more events, respectively, with one or more initial timestamps corresponding to an initial internal time point.

[0166] In step 806, the controller receives the current external time point via the communications interface.

[0167] In step 808, the controller updates the internal clock from the current internal time point to the current external time point relative to the initial internal time point.

[0168] Optionally, in step 810, the controller determines a wake-up timepoint, where the wake-up timepoint is determined as the difference between the current external timepoint and the current internal timepoint.

[0169] In step 812, the controller adjusts the one or more internal timestamps to the one or more external timestamps, respectively, based on the difference between the current internal timepoint and the current external timepoint.

[0170] In addition to the power savings provided by the low power mode for transport and storage, further power savings can be realized between consumer uses by placing the aerosol generating device in a standby mode. Between uses, when the user is not using the aerosol generating device, the lid or cover 224, 324 can be placed in a closed position. By means of an appropriate sensor, such as that described above with reference to the wake trigger, the controller can determine that the lid or cover 224, 324 is in the closed position. When determining that the lid or cover 224, 324 is in the closed position, the controller can place the aerosol generating device in a standby mode to conserve power. Alternatively, or additionally, the controller can place the aerosol generating device in a standby mode after determining that the lid or cover 224, 324 remains in the open position for an amount of time that exceeds a preset threshold. The preset threshold may be configured within an application on the external electronic device or may be commanded to the aerosol generating device using the communication interface.

[0171] The standby mode involves suspending at least some of the subcircuits of the operational electronics that are not essential to the operation of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is not in use. This conserves battery power. During operation, the consumer opens the lid or cover 224, 324 and inserts the aerosol generating material. The controller determines that the lid or cover 224, 324 has been opened and causes the aerosol generating device to exit the standby mode by powering on the suspended subcircuits. More specifically, in the standby mode, the output of the supply switching subcircuit 404 is switched off, thereby switching off the device temperature shutoff subcircuit 410, the resistance measurement subcircuit 418, and the heater driver subcircuit 412.

[0172] The process steps described herein executed by the main control unit or controller may be stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium or storage device associated with the main control unit. Computer readable media may include non-volatile media and volatile media. Volatile media may include, among others, semiconductor memory and dynamic memory. Non-volatile media may include, among others, optical and magnetic disks.

[0173] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the preceding embodiments in the foregoing description are not limiting, and the features of each embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments as appropriate.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating device comprising: An internal clock; A communication interface; A controller, recording one or more events and applying one or more internal timestamps to each of the one or more events relative to an initial internal time point; receiving a current external time point via the communication interface; determining a start time point as a difference between the current external time point and the current internal time point; updating the internal clock from the current internal time point relative to the initial internal time point to the current external time point; a controller configured to adjust the one or more internal timestamps to one or more external timestamps, respectively, based on the difference between the current internal timepoint and the current external timepoint; Equipped with The controller: determining a difference between a first internal timestamp of the one or more internal timestamps and the initial internal time point; adding the difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal time point to the start-up time point; an aerosol generating device configured to adjust the first internal timestamp to a first external timestamp of the one or more external timestamps by:

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to start the internal clock from the initial internal time point in response to determining that the aerosol generating device has exited a low power state.

3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller is configured to receive, via the communication interface, the current external time point from an application running on an electronic device communicating with the aerosol generating device.

4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3 , wherein the controller is configured to update the internal clock to the current external time point when the aerosol generating device first connects to the electronic device.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 3 or 4, wherein the current external time point comprises a current clock time of the electronic device.

6. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the communication interface is a Bluetooth interface and the controller is configured to receive the current external time point via a Bluetooth connection to the electronic device using the Bluetooth interface.

7. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the controller is configured to update the internal clock of the aerosol generating device by writing the current external time point to the internal clock.

8. The aerosol generating device of claim 2 , wherein the low power state is a power state in which some of the operational circuitry used by the aerosol generating device in a fully operational state is disabled.

9. The aerosol generating device of claim 2 , wherein the internal clock of the aerosol generating device is disabled before exiting the low power state.

10. The aerosol generating device of claim 2 , wherein the low power state is configured for transportation and / or storage of the aerosol generating device.

11. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the initial internal timepoint, the current internal timepoint, and the one or more internal timestamps are epoch times relative to a reference point internal to the aerosol generating device, and the current external timepoint and the one or more external timestamps are epoch times relative to a reference point external to the aerosol generating device.

12. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the event comprises data relating to inhalation of the aerosol generating device.

13. 1. A method for adjusting an internal clock in an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: recording one or more events and applying one or more internal timestamps to each of the one or more events referenced to an initial internal timepoint; receiving a current external time point; determining a start time point as a difference between the current external time point and the current internal time point; updating the internal clock from the current internal time point relative to the initial internal time point to the current external time point; adjusting the one or more internal timestamps to one or more external timestamps, respectively, based on the difference between the current internal timepoint and the current external timepoint; Including, adjusting a first internal timestamp of the one or more internal timestamps to a first external timestamp of the one or more external timestamps, respectively; determining a difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal time point; adding the difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal time point to the start-up time point; A method for adjusting an internal clock of an aerosol generating device, comprising:

14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium that, when executed by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to: recording one or more events and applying one or more internal timestamps to each of the one or more events, the timestamps being referenced to an initial internal timepoint; receiving a current external time point; determining a start time point as a difference between the current external time point and the current internal time point; updating an internal clock from the current internal time point relative to the initial internal time point to the current external time point; adjusting the one or more internal timestamps to one or more external timestamps, respectively, based on the difference between the current internal timepoint and the current external timepoint; storing an instruction to execute the adjusting a first internal timestamp of the one or more internal timestamps to a first external timestamp of the one or more external timestamps, respectively; determining a difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal time point; adding the difference between the first internal timestamp and the initial internal time point to the start-up time point; A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising:

Images