Battery level display on demand

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (10) comprising: a sensor (11) configured to detect movement of the device; and a control circuit (12) configured to indicate a battery status upon detection of a first movement by the sensor, the first movement comprising placing the device in a first orientation (20) in which a longitudinal axis of the device is aligned with a first direction (24); rotating the device substantially one-half rotation (25) around an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and rotating the device substantially one-half rotation (26) in the opposite direction around an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to motion detection in aerosol generating devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating devices, such as e-cigarettes, typically require power to operate. A battery can be used to operate the device remotely. The battery needs to be charged from time to time, but without a battery level indicator, the user of the device does not know how much longer the device can operate. The battery level could be permanently indicated, for example using a light-emitting diode, but this would unnecessarily consume additional power.

[0003] It is desirable to be able to easily determine the battery status of an aerosol generating device while at the same time reducing the power consumption of the device. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] One aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol generating device including a sensor configured to detect device movement and control circuitry configured to indicate a battery status upon detection by the sensor of a first movement, the first movement comprising placing the device in a first orientation such that a longitudinal axis of the device is aligned with a first direction, rotating the device substantially one-half rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and counter-rotating the device substantially one-half rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0005] Advantageously, the device's current battery status can be indicated on demand. A first movement detected by the sensor triggers the control circuit to indicate the battery status. The first movement is particularly distinctive because the sequence of a substantially half-turn rotation followed by a substantially half-turn reverse rotation deviates from the device's typical movement. Therefore, it is unlikely that the sensor will detect the first movement unless the first movement is performed intentionally. Therefore, it is unlikely that the control circuit will accidentally indicate a battery status. This advantageously reduces power consumption. The first movement involves a full rotation followed by a reverse rotation, such that the final orientation of the device at the end of the first movement is the same as its initial orientation. This is particularly important for aerosol generating devices, since they have a preferred orientation for use, in which the longitudinal axis of the device should be oriented toward the user's mouth. Therefore, a user can easily check the battery status by rotating the device and then reverse-rotating it to return it to its natural vaping orientation, with the longitudinal axis aligned with the user's mouth. This provides a gesture that all users can easily perform from a vaping position. The gesture is unlikely to be input accidentally and does not interfere with normal vaping activity because the start and end positions are with the longitudinal axis pointing towards the user's mouth.

[0006] The sensor configured to detect the movement of the device may include one or more inertial sensors. Inertial sensors are typically sensitive to changes in the speed or direction of movement. Preferably, the inertial sensor includes at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope. For example, the inertial sensor may include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or both an accelerometer and a gyroscope. Other inertial sensors may also be used. An accelerometer may be used to measure changes in the velocity and displacement of the device, and a gyroscope may be used to measure the orientation and / or angular velocity of the device. Therefore, inertial sensors such as an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope may provide feedback about the current orientation and movement through space.

[0007] Advantageously, this enables the sensor to detect a movement of the device, such as the first movement described above. For example, the gyroscope may be capable of detecting a first orientation in which a longitudinal axis of the device is aligned with a first direction, the accelerometer and gyroscope combination may be capable of detecting a rotation of the device along an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the accelerometer and gyroscope may be capable of detecting a counter rotation about substantially the same axis.

[0008] Optionally, the one or more inertial sensors include a six-axis gyro sensor. The six-axis gyro sensor typically includes a three-axis gyroscope and a three-axis accelerometer, where the three axes are preferably orthogonal and may be referred to as the pitch axis, yaw axis, and roll axis. One axis of the gyro sensor may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the device. Advantageously, the six-axis gyro sensor can detect complex device movements and easily distinguish between different device movements.

[0009] The indication of battery status may be provided in several ways. Preferably, the aerosol generating device includes a tactile unit, and the control circuitry is configured to activate the tactile unit to indicate the battery status. The tactile unit may be configured to vibrate upon activation. The length of time of the vibration may be adjustable. Similarly, the intensity of the vibration may be adjustable. Furthermore, the intensity may vary over the course of the vibration, for example to provide a pulsed vibration. The intensity may drop to zero between pulses to provide a series of discrete vibrations. The vibration characteristics may be configured to a factory setting or may be configurable by the user.

[0010] An advantage of haptic feedback is the ability to convey information to a user without the user having to focus or look at the device. A further advantage of the adjustable vibration patterns provided by the haptic unit is the ability to convey multiple different messages to the user. Preferably, each of the multiple messages corresponds to a distinct vibration pattern. For example, different battery levels can be indicated by different patterns of vibration, each battery level having a distinct corresponding pattern.

[0011] The battery status may also be indicated to the user using light. The aerosol generating device may include a light-emitting unit, and the control circuitry is configured to activate the light-emitting unit to indicate the battery status. The light-emitting unit may include any light-emitting component, typically a light-emitting diode (LED). The LEDs may be white or colored. Activation of the light-emitting unit by the control circuitry may involve turning on one or more of the LEDs. The control circuitry may activate different LEDs within the unit depending on the battery status. For example, a red LED may indicate a low battery level, a yellow LED may indicate a medium battery level, and a green LED may indicate a high battery level. Alternatively, or in addition, activation of the light-emitting unit may involve a pulsating pattern of light.

[0012] An advantage of optical feedback is the clarity of the feedback provided: different colors are usually obvious to the user, and combinations of colors and pulses can be used to convey many different messages.

[0013] The light emitting units may be operated individually or in conjunction with the tactile units. The tactile units may be operated individually. The mode of the battery indication, i.e., whether to use only the light emitting units, only the tactile units, or the light emitting units and tactile units together, may be pre-set or determined by the user using a connected electronic device such as a mobile terminal device.

[0014] After indicating the battery status, the control circuitry is preferably further configured to inhibit the display of the battery status for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period of time may be any suitable time, such as 3 seconds. Inhibiting or preventing the display of the battery status means that no sensory feedback, i.e., tactile or optical feedback, will be provided to the user even if the first movement is detected by the sensor.

[0015] This has the advantage that if the sensor repeatedly detects a first movement, for example as a result of a user playing with the aerosol generating device in a particular way, the battery level will not be constantly indicated, which advantageously reduces power consumption.

[0016] For the sensor to detect the first movement, the sensor must determine a sequence of rotation of the device substantially half a rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, followed by a reverse rotation of the device substantially half a rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0017] A half rotation can be approximately 180 degrees. However, a precise input of a half rotation is not usually required for the sensor to be able to detect that a half rotation of the device has occurred. Typically, a half rotation is at least 140 degrees, and preferably, a half rotation is at least 160 degrees. A half rotation may also be greater than 180 degrees. Furthermore, the half rotation that the device rotates through and the half rotation that the device rotates back through may be different. It can be difficult to perform a precise 180-degree rotation or back rotation, and therefore, it is advantageous for the sensor to be able to determine the occurrence of a half rotation from a range of rotation inputs.

[0018] The aerosol generating device is typically approximately cubic in shape, having a specific length, width, and height. The length of the device is typically the longest dimension and is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis. Rotation and counter-rotation of the device are about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the rotation point of the device is located along the longitudinal axis. The rotation point can be external to the device or internal to the device. For example, the rotation point can be close to the center of gravity of the device.

[0019] The width of the device is preferably greater than its height. Thus, the device may have a substantially rectangular (non-square) cross-sectional shape with a whistle-shaped mouthpiece having two major faces and two smaller faces representing the respective edges. Rotation and counter-rotation of the device is preferably only about an axis parallel to the width of the device, or in other words, an axis parallel to a surface normal located at the edge of the device. In this way, rotation and counter-rotation can be easily achieved when the whistle-shaped mouthpiece is aligned with the user's mouth. In this way, detection of a specific rotation of the cubic device about a specific axis alone can be used to indicate battery status.

[0020] As discussed above, the first movement involves placing the device in a first orientation in which the longitudinal axis of the device is aligned in a first direction. In some arrangements, the first direction may be a predetermined direction. Thus, the device may indicate a charging state only when the initial device orientation matches the predetermined orientation. The predetermined orientation may be selected to match the expected orientation of the device in normal use. Typically, this will be an orientation in which the mouthpiece is pointed toward the user's mouth and the longitudinal axis is angled downward relative to the horizontal.

[0021] The step in the first movement of placing the device in a first orientation in which the longitudinal axis of the device is aligned in a predetermined direction can occur before the step of rotating the device and / or after the step of counter-rotating the device. In this manner, the initial and final orientation of the device before any rotation or counter-rotation can be used to control whether a battery indication is provided. This can be used to ensure that the device is in its normal vaping orientation before performing the rotation and counter-rotation.

[0022] During rotation or counter-rotation of the device, one end of the device may pass through an arc shape, for example, if the rotation point is at one end of the device, the other end of the device may pass through an arc shape having a radius equal to the length of the device.

[0023] Typically, device motions are initiated by a user. Users benefit from device motions because they can use device motions to request battery status information on demand. The first motion is a natural action that a user can easily and smoothly input to trigger a display of the battery status. By inputting the first motion, a user can easily and conveniently check the battery status of the device.

[0024] The aerosol generating device may be configured to be connected to another electronic device. For example, the aerosol generating device may be configured to be connected to a mobile terminal device. Preferably, the aerosol generating device further includes a communication module. When the aerosol generating device is connected to the mobile terminal device, the communication module may be configured to receive instruction information from the mobile terminal device, the instruction information typically indicating a first movement.

[0025] In this manner, the first movement can be indicated to the aerosol generating device by the mobile terminal device using the communication module. The first movement can be determined to be a rotation and counter-rotation sequence. The control circuit can be configured to indicate the battery status upon detection by the sensor of the first movement indicated by the instruction information. Communication of the instruction information by the mobile terminal device to the aerosol generating device advantageously provides flexibility and personalization for users of the aerosol generating device.

[0026] Another aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol generating device that includes a sensor configured to detect user gestures, a selection module that allows a user to select one or more gestures from a group of gestures, and a control circuit configured to indicate a battery status upon detection of the selected gesture or gestures by the sensor.

[0027] A user may select one or more gestures from the group of gestures such that subsequent input of the selected one or more gestures results in an indication of the battery status. The control circuitry may be configured to inhibit the indication of the battery status upon detection by the sensor of a gesture that is not one of the selected one or more gestures. Advantageously, this allows a user to personalize device operation by selecting one or more gestures that will result in an indication of the battery status.

[0028] The group of gestures preferably includes one or more of a first gesture, a second gesture, and a third gesture. The group of gestures may also include additional gestures. The first gesture may include placing the device in a first orientation in which the longitudinal axis of the device is aligned with a first direction, rotating the device substantially half a turn about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and rotating the device substantially half a turn back about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second gesture may include a double tap. The third gesture may include a double shock, in which two impacts are applied to the device in quick succession.

[0029] The aerosol generating device may be programmed to recognize or detect the first gesture, the second gesture, and the third gesture, and any additional gestures may also be pre-programmed or programmed by the user.

[0030] The first, second, and third gestures have distinctive characteristics. One of the first, second, or third gestures may be easier to perform than the others in a particular user situation. For example, in a crowded space, it may be easier for a user to perform the second gesture, or while walking, it may be easier for a user to perform the first gesture. The third gesture can be easily performed without looking at the device. Alternatively, a user may want to have a subset of gestures corresponding to battery status indications by the control circuit, and therefore the selection module can be used to select just one gesture in the group of gestures, or two of the three gestures.

[0031] This user selection of one or more gestures beneficially provides the user with flexibility in using the device and the ability to program the device according to the user's preferences, which may be made at any time should the user's preferences or the particular user situation change.

[0032] The aerosol generating device may be configured to be connected to an electronic device, such as a mobile terminal device. The aerosol generating device may further include a communications module, typically configured to receive instruction information from the mobile terminal device. The instruction information may be used to indicate one or more selected gestures. Selection of one or more gestures may be performed on the mobile terminal device and transmitted to the aerosol generating device accordingly. The mobile terminal device may include an application used to review configuration details of the aerosol generating device, such as the selected gesture or gestures. An advantage of indicating the selected gesture or gestures using instruction information transmitted by the mobile terminal device is that the selected gesture or gestures can be reviewed on the mobile terminal device. Furthermore, the selection may be performed using an application on the mobile terminal device. An advantage of performing the selection in this manner is the relative simplicity of the interface and therefore the selection input.

[0033] A further aspect of the present invention provides a mobile terminal device configured to be in communication with an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device including a sensor configured to detect user gestures, the mobile terminal device including an application and a selection module that enables a user to select one or more gestures from a group of gestures, the sensor of the aerosol generating device being configured to detect the selected one or more gestures.

[0034] Advantageously, the arrangement of the sensor for detecting the selected gesture or gestures allows for personalization of the aerosol generating device in a flexible manner: the selection of one or more gestures from a group of gestures in the selection module can be made by the user.

[0035] Preferably, the mobile terminal device further includes a transmission module configured to transmit messages to the aerosol generating device. The messages typically contain information and / or commands. This allows the mobile terminal device to advantageously communicate with the aerosol generating device. For example, the configuration of the aerosol generating device may be updated using an application on the mobile terminal device, and the transmission module may transmit information about the update to the aerosol generating device.

[0036] Alternatively, commands may be entered at the mobile terminal device, and a transmission module may transmit the entered commands to the aerosol generating device, advantageously enabling communication between the mobile terminal device and the aerosol generating device. An application interface on the mobile terminal device may beneficially provide a more accessible and user-friendly interface for entering commands and updating configuration information related to the aerosol generating device.

[0037] Preferably, the transmission module may be further configured to transmit instruction information to the aerosol generation device, the instruction information indicating the selected gesture or gestures. Advantageously, the selection of one or more gestures from the group of gestures may be performed in the mobile terminal device using the selection module. The transmission module is configured to transmit information, and may optionally transmit instruction information to communicate to the aerosol generation device which gesture or gestures have been selected.

[0038] The group of gestures from which one or more gestures are selected may include one or more of a first gesture, a second gesture, and a third gesture. The first gesture may include placing the device in a first orientation with a longitudinal axis of the device aligned with a first direction, rotating the device substantially one-half rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and rotating the device substantially one-half rotation back about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second gesture may include a double tap. The third gesture may include a double shock. The group of gestures may include any of the first, second, and third gestures, along with additional gestures that may include any detectable device input.

[0039] Advantageously, the group of gestures may include gestures with different characteristics that may be selected using the selection module according to user preference. The selection of one or more gestures from the group of gestures provides additional convenience to the user through flexibility of input gestures.

[0040] A further aspect of the present invention provides a method for indicating a battery status of an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device includes a sensor and control circuitry. The method includes detecting a first movement by the sensor, the first movement including placing the device in a first orientation such that a longitudinal axis of the device is aligned with a first direction, rotating the device substantially one-half rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and rotating the device substantially one-half rotation in a counter direction about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The method further includes indicating a battery status of the aerosol generating device by the control circuitry.

[0041] Advantageously, the current battery status of the device is indicated following detection by the sensor of a first movement, thereby allowing the battery status to be requested on demand by performing a characteristic first movement of the device.

[0042] One aspect of the present invention provides a method for determining one or more gestures for indicating a battery status of an aerosol generating device, the method including: selecting one or more gestures from a group of gestures using a connected mobile terminal; and transmitting instructional information from the mobile terminal to the aerosol generating device, the instructional information indicating the selected one or more gestures.

[0043] Advantageously, in this way the battery status request can be adapted according to the user's preferences. The aerosol generating device can be configured to indicate the current battery status to the user when one of one or more gestures is performed.

[0044] Another aspect of the present invention provides a computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform steps including detecting a first movement, the first movement including placing the device in a first orientation in which a longitudinal axis of the device is aligned with a first direction; rotating the device substantially half a rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and rotating the device substantially half a rotation in the opposite direction about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and indicating a battery status of the aerosol generating device.

[0045] The first movement can be detected using sensors, which can include one or more inertial sensors. Raw data received from the inertial sensors can be processed using a computer to convert the raw data into analyzable physical quantities. The first movement can be detected when the analyzed movement matches a stored movement. The display of the aerosol generating device's battery status following detection of the first movement advantageously allows the battery status to be displayed on demand. In this way, the battery level does not need to be displayed permanently, but instead can be displayed temporarily to reduce battery consumption.

[0046] A further aspect of the present invention provides a computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform steps including determining one or more gestures from a group of gestures and transmitting instruction information to an aerosol generating device, the instruction information indicating the determined one or more gestures.

[0047] The determined gesture(s) from the group of gestures may be determined based on the gesture(s) selected by the user. Sending instructional information indicating the determined gesture(s) advantageously provides flexible input according to user preferences. Interaction with the aerosol generating device can be beneficially personalized by allowing the user to select one or more gestures that can be used as a battery display request to trigger a display of the current battery level.

[0048] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0049] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2A] 10 is a schematic diagram of a first portion of a first movement according to a second embodiment. [Figure 2B] 10 is a schematic diagram of a second portion of the first movement according to the second embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating recognition of a first movement according to the third embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a schematic diagram of a user gesture according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 5] 13 is a flowchart illustrating recognition of a user gesture according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an application interface according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 7A] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the functionality of a selection module according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 7B] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the functionality of a selection module according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 7C] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the functionality of a selection module according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 8A] 16 is a schematic diagram of a battery display mode according to the tenth embodiment. [Figure 8B] 16 is a schematic diagram of a battery display mode according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 9] 12 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device and a mobile terminal device according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 10] 22 is a flowchart illustrating communication between modules according to the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 11] 22 is a flowchart illustrating a predetermined period according to the fourteenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating device 10 is capable of detecting device movement or other inputs, such as user gestures. The aerosol generating device 10 includes a sensor 11 and a control circuit 12.

[0051] The sensor 11 is configured to detect movement of the aerosol generating device 10, particularly the first movement. In this embodiment, the sensor 11 includes an inertial sensor including an accelerometer and a gyroscope. In this embodiment, the sensor includes a six-axis gyro sensor. The six-axis gyro sensor includes three accelerometers and three orientation sensors used to detect movement of the device. In alternative embodiments, the sensor may also include additional sensors, such as capacitance sensors.

[0052] Control circuitry 12 can be configured to respond in a particular way to specific movements of the device. In this embodiment, control circuitry 12 is configured to indicate the battery status upon detection of a first movement by sensor 11. Examples of first movements are described in more detail with reference to Figures 2A, 2B, and 4.

[0053] 2A and 2B illustrate portions of a flip motion. The flip motion can be used to trigger a battery status indication using vibration, light, or other sensory feedback. Prior to the flip motion, the device is placed in a first orientation with the longitudinal axis of the device aligned with a first direction. In this embodiment, the device is substantially cubic in shape with a measurable length, width, and height. The width of the device is greater than the height, resulting in a rectangular, non-square cross-sectional shape. The device 10 includes a whistle-shaped mouthpiece 13 that has a width greater than its height and a shape that flares outward along the length of the device. The length of the device is measured along its longitudinal axis. The movement of the device is measured relative to the first direction in which the longitudinal axis of the device is aligned. The device has two major surfaces 14, 16, where a user tends to place their fingers during normal use, a first edge surface 18, and a second edge surface (not visible in FIG. 2A).

[0054] FIG. 2A illustrates a first portion of the flip motion. During the first portion, the device is positioned in a first orientation 20, with the longitudinal axis of the device aligned with a first direction 24. In this embodiment, the first direction is substantially horizontal. In normal use, the first direction 24 aligns with the user's mouth to prepare the device for vaping. The device is rotated substantially one-half rotation 25 about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and substantially parallel to the width axis. A half rotation is approximately 180 degrees. For the sensor to recognize a half rotation, the device must be rotated at least 140 degrees, preferably 160 degrees. At the end of the first portion, the device is positioned in a second orientation 21, substantially anti-parallel to the first orientation 20. In this embodiment, the second orientation 21 is also substantially horizontal, but the ends of the device are inverted relative to the first orientation 20. Thus, the initially upward facing major surface 16 is flipped to face downward, while the initially downward facing major surface 14 is flipped to face upward. In this arrangement, the first edge surface 18 continues to face sideways during the flip motion.

[0055] 2B illustrates the second portion of the flip motion. To perform the flip motion, a sequence of the first portion followed by the second portion, or a sequence of the second portion followed by the first portion, is performed. In FIG. 2B, the device rotates substantially half a turn 26 in the opposite direction to that illustrated in FIG. 2A.

[0056] The control circuit 12 can also verify that the device is in a predetermined orientation before performing a forward and reverse rotation. The battery indication can be provided only if the device is in this initial predetermined orientation and then a forward and reverse rotation is detected. In one example, the predetermined orientation is a configuration in which the mouthpiece 13 and first direction 24 are pointed toward the user's mouth and the longitudinal axis is tilted downward relative to the horizontal. Thus, the predetermined orientation can correspond to the expected orientation of the device for normal vaping use. In this way, the battery indication can be provided only if the device is determined to be in the initial predetermined orientation and then two half rotations are detected. This provides a specific gesture that all users can perform to check the battery status while minimizing interruptions to normal vaping and preventing accidental triggering.

[0057] At the start of the second portion, the device is positioned in a third orientation 22. In this embodiment, the second portion follows the first portion, and therefore, the third orientation 22 is generally the same as the second orientation 21. The device rotates substantially one half rotation 26 to a fourth orientation 23. The fourth orientation 23 is generally the same as the first orientation 20 in that the longitudinal axis of the device is generally aligned with the first direction 24, although the positioning of the device may differ between the fourth orientation 23 and the first orientation 20. In this embodiment, the first half rotation 25 may be referred to as a rotation, and the second half rotation 26 may be referred to as a counter rotation. In normal use, this means that the device 10 can rotate from an orientation aligned with the user's mouth and then counter rotate so that it is once again aligned with the user's mouth and ready for vaping.

[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates communication between system components in the process of recognizing a first motion. The first motion can be a flip motion as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The application business logic 301, the motion AI library 302, and the inertial sensor 303 are in communication. To begin the process, the application business logic 301 sends a message to the inertial sensor 303 to start sensor data 310. The inertial sensor 303 sends a response message 311. Motion recognition is then initialized 312 by the application business logic 301. The application business logic 301 then sends a message to the motion AI library 302 to create a motion analyzer 313. The motion AI library 302 starts listening for sensor data 314 and sends a response message 315 to the application business logic 301.

[0059] The motion AI library 302 receives data output by the inertial sensors 303, including accelerometer data 316 and gyroscope data 317. The motion AI library 302 processes the sensor data and sends a message to the application business logic 301 when motion is recognized 318, 320. The application business logic processes the motion 319, 321, or determines the device's motion.

[0060] In this embodiment, the motion AI library 302 processes the output from the inertial sensor 303 and converts the raw data received from the accelerometer and gyroscope into physical quantities. These physical quantities can be sent to the application business logic 301 and used to communicate that a particular device motion has been detected and recognized as a particular motion, such as a first motion. Double shock motions can also be detected using the inertial sensor 303 and the motion AI library 302 to determine that a sequence of two impacts has been applied to the device. In this embodiment, the detection of double shock motions is not affected by the orientation of the device. Furthermore, in this embodiment, contact between the device and the surface during the impact does not affect the detection of double shocks.

[0061] In an alternative configuration, the accelerometer data 316 and gyroscope data 317 can be processed to determine the rotation of the device 10 through angular quadrants. A 180-degree rotation can be divided into four angular portions, each representing a 45-degree rotation. Thus, a successful rotation must involve detecting movement through the four quadrants in a specific sequence, followed by a reverse rotation in which movement is detected through the same four quadrants in the reverse sequence. This technique involves simple processing while still producing reliable results. Advantageously, this technique can be used to reduce the computational load and power consumption associated with the calculations.

[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates a double-tap user gesture. In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device 40 includes a capacitance sensor 41. The capacitance sensor 41 has several individually identifiable capacitance pads. In alternative embodiments, any sensor that can be used to detect touch may be used. The capacitance sensor can be used to recognize inputs such as swipe actions, taps, double taps, or other user interaction patterns. A double tap 42 is a gesture typically input using a user's finger or thumb and involves pressing the capacitance sensor 41 once, releasing it, and then pressing it a second time. The double-tap recognition process is described in more detail in conjunction with FIG. 5.

[0063] FIG. 5 illustrates a double-tap recognition flow diagram. The double-tap recognition process begins 500, and the device waits for a first press 501. One or more capacitive pads of a capacitive sensor within the aerosol generating device are pressed by a user's thumb or finger 510. The pads are numbered, and the number of the pressed pad is identified and stored along with the numbers of adjacent capacitive pads 511. For a double tap to be registered, the two taps or presses must be in approximately the same location on the capacitive sensor. A tap is a short press, distinguishing it from a hold gesture in which a user may touch and hold the capacitive sensor. For a press to be registered as a tap, the pressed pad or pads must be released within 250 milliseconds, in this embodiment. The device is configured to wait 250 milliseconds 512. If 250 milliseconds have elapsed 513, the gesture is not registered as a tap, and the device waits for a first press 501.

[0064] When a pressed capacitive pad is released 520, if the pad was pressed for less than 250 milliseconds, i.e., if the device was still waiting for the release 521, the press-release sequence is registered as a first tap 522. Because a double tap is a quick gesture, the wait time between the first and second taps is also short. In this embodiment, the time spent waiting for a second pad press 523 is set to 250 milliseconds. If 250 milliseconds elapse before the second press is registered 524, the double tap is not recognized and the device waits for the first press 501.

[0065] If the capacitive sensor is pressed 530 within a 250 millisecond wait time 531, the number of the pressed pad or pads is identified. If the number is the same as one of the numbers identified and stored 511 during the first tap 532, the device registers that the second press 530 is in approximately the same location as the first press 510. If the number does not match one of the previously stored numbers, the gesture is not registered as a double tap, and the device waits for the first press 501. If the second press is in approximately the same location as the first press, the pressed pad or pads must be released within 250 milliseconds for the press to register as a tap rather than a hold gesture. The device is configured to wait 533 for 250 milliseconds. If 250 milliseconds have elapsed 534, the gesture is not registered as a tap, and the device waits for the first press 501.

[0066] When the pressed capacitive pad is released 540, if the device was still waiting for the release 541, the press-release sequence is registered as a second tap 542. If the second tap is properly registered, a double tap is recognized 543.

[0067] FIG. 6 illustrates an example application interface for a mobile device. The mobile device is connected to an aerosol generating device, and the application can be used to monitor the status of the aerosol generating device and / or update configuration settings. FIG. 6 shows a battery level module 61 shown in application 60. The application can be used to edit settings or configuration details of the aerosol generating device. In this embodiment, the battery level module 61 allows a user to select one or more gestures from a group of gestures. In this embodiment, the group of gestures includes flip motions such as those described in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3 and double taps such as those described in FIGS. 4 and 5. In an alternative embodiment, the group of gestures may also include a double shock motion. The aerosol generating device has a sensor configured to detect the selected gesture or gestures and perform an action. In this embodiment, the battery status is indicated to the user upon detection of one of the selected gesture or gestures by the sensor.

[0068] The selected gesture or gestures are indicated in the selection options 63. Edit options can be accessed using the edit icon 62 to change the selection options 63 or to view alternative selection options. The mobile terminal device transmits instructional information indicating the selected gesture or gestures to the aerosol generating device. When the selection options 63 are updated, the mobile terminal device transmits the updated instructional information to the aerosol generating device. In FIG. 6, the currently selected option 63 is shown as "Flip + Double Tap." In this embodiment, the group of gestures includes a flip gesture and a double tap gesture. Accordingly, a user can use the mobile terminal device to select "Flip," "Double Tap," or "Flip + Double Tap." The effects of selecting each of these three options are illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C. In an alternative embodiment in which the group of gestures includes a double shock movement, additional configurations may be available for selection, including "Flip + Double Shock," "Double Tap + Double Shock," and "Flip + Double Tap + Double Shock."

[0069] 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate the effect of selecting one or more gestures as described in FIG. 6. A user 701 can update the configuration of the aerosol generating device using an Android® application 702. The Android application 702 communicates with application business logic 703. In alternative embodiments, the Android application can be any application for a mobile device.

[0070] In Figure 7A, a user 701 configures a battery request action 710 using an Android application 702. The user 701 selects the battery request trigger "double tap" 711. Therefore, in this embodiment, double tap is the selected gesture. The application business logic 703 stores 712 the user selection.

[0071] The user may then perform a double-tap gesture 713 as described in connection with Figures 4 and 5. The application business logic 703 checks 714 whether a double-tap is configured for battery demand, i.e., determines whether the double-tap is one of one or more selected gestures. In this embodiment, the double-tap is the selected gesture, and therefore the application business logic 703 returns battery level indication feedback 715 to the user 701. In this embodiment, the feedback is in the form of optical feedback, meaning that the aerosol generating device is configured to light up to indicate the battery status. The color, duration, or sequence of the emitted light changes depending on the battery level.

[0072] In this embodiment, when the user performs a different gesture, such as a flip motion 716, the application business logic 703 checks 717 whether the flip motion is configured for battery demand, i.e., whether the flip motion is one of the selected gestures. In this embodiment, the flip motion is not selected, and therefore the application business logic determines 718 that no feedback should be given to the user 701.

[0073] 7B, a user 701 configures a battery request action 720 using an Android application 702 and selects the battery request trigger "flip motion" 721. Therefore, in this embodiment, the flip motion is the selected gesture. The application business logic 703 stores 722 the user selection.

[0074] In this embodiment, if the user performs a double tap gesture 723, when the application business logic 703 checks whether double tap is configured for battery demand 724, the application business logic 703 determines that double tap is not one of the selected gestures, and therefore no feedback is given to the user 725.

[0075] However, if a flip motion is made 726 by the user 701 in this embodiment, a check 727 performed by the application business logic 703 will determine that the flip is set for battery demand and will return battery level indication feedback 728 to the user 701. In this embodiment, haptic feedback 728 is provided, which means that the device will vibrate to indicate the battery status, and the pattern of the vibration will be different depending on the battery level.

[0076] In Figure 7C, a user 701 configures a battery request action 730 using an Android application 702 to select the battery request trigger "flip + double tap" 731. In this embodiment, the gesture selected from the group of gestures includes both a flip motion and a double tap gesture. The application business logic 703 stores the user selection 732.

[0077] Because both the flip motion and the double tap gesture have been selected, both of these gestures can be input by the user to request battery status feedback. In an alternative embodiment in which the double shock motion is a gesture within the group of gestures and the double shock motion is selected in addition to the flip motion and double tap, the user can input any one of the three gestures to request battery status feedback. In this embodiment, when the user performs a double tap gesture 733, the application business logic 703 checks 734 whether the double tap is configured for a battery request and provides feedback 735 accordingly. Similarly, when the user performs a flip motion 736, the application business logic 703 checks 737 whether the flip motion is configured for a battery request and provides feedback 738 to the user 701. In this embodiment, the feedback is in the form of optical and haptic feedback. A combination of LEDs and vibrations in specific patterns can be used to indicate specific battery status to the user 701.

[0078] The feedback provided to the user to indicate the battery level of the aerosol generating device can be designed according to specific preferences. Figures 8A and 8B illustrate examples of feedback.

[0079] The battery level is expressed as a percentage, so that when the battery is empty 800, it is 0% and when the battery is full 806, it is 100%. In FIG. 8A , the battery level is divided into three sections 801, 803, 805, which can be referred to as a low battery level 801, a medium battery level 803, and a high battery level 805. The low battery level 801 is defined as the battery level between empty 800 and a first transition point 802. The high battery level 805 is defined as the battery level between full 806 and a second transition point 804. The medium battery level 803 is defined as the battery level between the first transition point 802 and the second transition point 804. In this embodiment, the first transition point 802 is 25% and the second transition point 804 is 65%. If the battery level is equal to the first transition point 802 or equal to the second transition point 804, it is determined to be a medium battery level in this embodiment. In alternative embodiments, the first and second transition points may be set to any value, and the battery level may be further subdivided to include additional categories of battery levels, for example, different battery status indications may be provided for low, medium-low, medium-high, and high battery levels.

[0080] In this embodiment, the battery level is indicated using haptic feedback. When the battery level is low 801, a first vibration pattern 821 is used. The first vibration pattern 821 is a single short vibration. The vibration may be up to 500 milliseconds. When the battery level is medium 803, a second vibration pattern 822 is used. The second vibration pattern 822 is two short vibrations. Each vibration may be up to 500 milliseconds and may be spaced apart by up to 250 milliseconds. When the battery level is high 805, a third vibration pattern 823 is used. The third vibration pattern 823 is three short vibrations. Similarly, each vibration may be up to 500 milliseconds and may be spaced apart by up to 250 milliseconds. In this embodiment, the length of each vibration in the second and third vibration patterns 822, 823 is the same, but in alternative embodiments, the lengths may be different.

[0081] In this embodiment, the feedback that requires the most power to perform is chosen to reflect the highest battery level. Similarly, the feedback that requires the least power to perform indicates the lowest battery level. This allows the user the freedom to check the battery status without wasting power on feedback. Haptic feedback allows the user to determine the battery level without having to look at the device.

[0082] FIG. 8B illustrates an embodiment in which the feedback is both tactile and optical. In this embodiment, a first LED pattern 811 is used simultaneously with a first vibration pattern 821 to indicate a low battery level 801. A second LED pattern 812 is used simultaneously with a second vibration pattern 822 to indicate a medium battery level 802. A third LED pattern 813 is activated simultaneously with a third vibration pattern 823 to indicate a high battery level 805. In this embodiment, the first LED pattern 811 is a single flash of a red LED. The second LED pattern 812 is a single flash of a yellow LED. The third LED pattern 813 is a single flash of a green LED. In this embodiment, each flash lasts between 500 and 700 milliseconds. In alternative embodiments, any number of flashes of any duration and any color LED can be selected to indicate each battery level. In this embodiment, red, yellow, and green LEDs were chosen to represent low, medium, and high battery levels, respectively, because these colors are easily associated in the user's mind with the associated corresponding battery levels. In alternative embodiments, the feedback may be light only.

[0083] 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of components of an aerosol generating device and a mobile terminal device. An application module 910 includes a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transport module 911, communication protocol support 912, application business logic 913, a capacitance area control module 914, an LED control module 915, a haptic control module 916, and a battery supervisor 917. Subordinate elements 920 include a capacitance area driver 921 and a motion AI library 922. The application business logic 913 mediates between hardware 930 and the application module 910.

[0084] The communication protocol support 912 mediates communication between the application business logic 913 and the BLE transport module 911. The BLE transport module is configured to communicate with the mobile terminal device 900 using BLE.

[0085] The aerosol generation device hardware 930 includes a capacitance area 931, a white LED 932, a red, green, and blue (RGB) LED 933, a haptic engine 934, an inertial sensor 935, and a battery 936. Input to the capacitance area 931 is translated using a capacitance area driver 921 into information about the input, such as which capacitance pad was pressed and what level of force was applied. Capacitive events identified by the capacitance area driver 921 are translated using a capacitance area control module 914, which is in communication with application business logic 913. The capacitance area control module 914 can recognize input events such as swipes, taps, double taps, or other user interaction patterns.

[0086] An LED control module 915 provides a link between the application business logic 913 and the white and RGB LEDs 932, 933. The LED control module 915 controls the light display. Similarly, a haptic control module 916 provides a link between the application business logic 913 and the haptic engine 934. The haptic control module 916 controls the specific vibration patterns output by the haptic engine 934.

[0087] In this embodiment, the inertial sensor 935 includes a 6-axis gyro sensor. Data from the inertial sensor 935 is processed by the motion AI library 922. The motion AI library 922 converts the raw data from the inertial sensor 935 into physical quantities that can be interpreted by the application business logic 913.

[0088] The battery supervisor 917 is in communication with the battery 936. The battery supervisor 917 periodically requests the battery status from the battery 936. In this embodiment, the battery supervisor 917 requests the battery status every 5 seconds. The battery information is converted into readable events, such as the battery level as a percentage. The battery level can then be read by the application business logic 913. The battery supervisor 917 also responds to interrupts from the hardware when a charger is connected or disconnected.

[0089] 10 illustrates communication between control circuits configured to indicate battery status upon detection of a specific motion of the aerosol generating device. The device is configured to indicate the battery status to the user if the gesture is one of a subgroup of gestures selected by the user, as described in FIGS. 6, 7A, 7B, and 7C. After the selected battery request gesture is detected by the aerosol generating device sensor, the device performs the battery function flow illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0090] Battery request event handler 1001 sends a battery request event 1010 to application business logic 1002. Application business logic 1002 sends a request 1011 requesting the battery level to battery supervisor 1003. Battery supervisor 1003 sends a response message 1012 containing the current battery level. Application business logic 1002 evaluates 1013 the battery level and determines whether the battery level is low, medium, or high. In this embodiment, a low battery is a level at or below 25%, a high battery is a level greater than 65%, and a medium battery is greater than 25% but less than or equal to 65%.

[0091] Once the application business logic 1002 determines the battery level, it indicates 1014 the battery level to the LED control module 1004. The LED control module 1004 is configured to activate 1015 a red LED for a low battery, a yellow LED for a medium battery, and a green LED for a high battery. The LED control module 1004 is configured to activate 1015 the appropriate LED for three seconds in this embodiment. In alternative embodiments, the duration can be adjusted according to preference.

[0092] The application business logic 1002 also indicates 1016 the battery level to the haptic control module 1005. The haptic control module 1005 is configured to trigger 1017 one short vibration for a low battery, two short vibrations for a medium battery, and three short vibrations for a high battery. In alternative embodiments, the pattern of vibrations can be adjusted according to preference.

[0093] In this embodiment, the battery status is indicated to the user using LED and vibration patterns. In alternative embodiments, the LED indication may be used alone, or the vibration indication may be used alone.

[0094] In any event, after indicating the battery level using the haptic engine and / or LEDs, subsequent battery requests may only be accepted after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, and the control circuitry may be configured to inhibit the display of the battery status if a user gesture is input during the predetermined period of time.

[0095] 11 is a flow diagram illustrating the wait time between battery request events. In this embodiment, the predetermined period is 3 seconds. However, the duration of this period can be adjusted according to preference.

[0096] In this embodiment, the application business logic begins listening for a battery trigger event 110. In this embodiment, a double tap 111, a flip motion 112, and a double shock 113 are selected to be recognized as battery trigger events. Upon input of either the double tap 111, the flip motion 112, or the double shock 113, the input time is registered 115. The relative input time to the previous event is determined 116. If less than three seconds have elapsed, the application business logic does not begin indicating the battery level but instead continues to wait for a trigger event 114. However, if at least three seconds have elapsed, the battery level is indicated 117, as described in FIG. 10 . Once the battery level is indicated 117, the event is determined to be processed 118, and the application business logic continues listening for further battery trigger events 110. In alternative embodiments, the selected one or more gestures may include different gestures. For example, only a flip motion may be selected, or a flip motion and a double shock may be selected. If the gesture is not one of the selected gestures, such as a double tap in the example, input of a non-selected gesture will not register as a battery trigger event.

[0097] As will be appreciated, the aerosol generating device includes a sensor configured to detect one or more gestures. The control circuitry is configured to indicate the battery status upon detection of one or more gestures by the sensor. The aerosol generating device can be connected to a mobile terminal device that can be used to select one or more gestures to detect. In this way, a user can request the current battery status on demand using a simple, natural movement that the user can select.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a sensor configured to detect movement of the device; a control circuit configured to indicate a battery status upon detection of a first movement by the sensor; wherein the first movement comprises: placing the device in a first orientation such that a longitudinal axis of the device is aligned with a first direction, the first direction being a predetermined direction in which a mouthpiece of the device is pointed toward a user; rotating the device substantially one-half revolution about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; subsequent to rotating the device, counter-rotating the device substantially one-half revolution about the axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; wherein placing the device in the first orientation occurs at least before rotating the device.

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises one or more inertial sensors.

3. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the one or more inertial sensors include at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the one or more inertial sensors include a six-axis gyro sensor.

5. 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a tactile unit, wherein the control circuit is configured to activate the tactile unit to indicate the battery status.

6. 6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a light emitting unit, wherein the control circuit is configured to activate the light emitting unit to indicate the battery status.

7. 7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein after indicating the battery status, the control circuit is further configured to inhibit the display of the battery status for a predetermined period of time.

8. 8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the half rotation is at least 140 degrees.

9. The aerosol generating device is configured to be connected to a mobile terminal device, and the aerosol generating device is A communication module, when the aerosol generating device is connected to the mobile terminal device, the communication module is configured to receive instruction information from the mobile terminal device; the instruction information indicates the first movement. Communication Module The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:

10. the device has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape having a width and a height; the width is greater than the height, the axes of rotation and counter-rotation are substantially parallel to the width direction; The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein in the first movement, positioning the device in the first orientation is further performed after rotating the device in a reverse direction.

12. 1. A method for indicating a battery status of an aerosol generating device including a sensor and control circuitry, the method comprising: detecting a first movement by the sensor, the first movement comprising: placing the device in a first orientation such that a longitudinal axis of the device is aligned with a first direction, the first direction being a predetermined direction in which a mouthpiece of the device is pointed toward a user; rotating the device substantially one-half revolution about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; subsequent to rotating the device, counter-rotating the device substantially one-half revolution about the axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and indicating, by the control circuitry, the battery status of the aerosol generating device; wherein placing the device in the first orientation occurs at least prior to rotating the device.

13. A computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, Detecting a first movement, the first movement comprising: placing the device in a first orientation such that a longitudinal axis of the device is aligned with a first direction, the first direction being a predetermined direction in which a mouthpiece of the device is pointed towards a user; rotating the device substantially one-half revolution about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; subsequent to rotating the device, counter-rotating the device substantially one-half revolution about the axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and indicating the battery status of the aerosol generating device; wherein placing the device in the first orientation occurs at least before rotating the device.

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