Aerosol-generating devices, including self-tests

Abstract

The aerosol-generating device (100) for self-diagnosis allows a user to initiate a self-diagnosis and then provide a diagnostic indication using, for example, an indicator (162). The aerosol-generating device (100) may include an aerosol-generating device (102) and a host device (101). The host device (101) may include one or more user-selectable switches (152) for initiating the self-diagnosis procedure and one or more indicators (162) for depicting or displaying a diagnostic indication. [Selected Figure] Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to systems, devices, apparatus, computer program products, and methods for use in a self-diagnosis or self-diagnosis process for an aerosol-generating device. The diagnosis may be initiated by a user, the self-diagnosis may be performed, and then a diagnostic display may be displayed to the user indicating the results of the self-diagnosis. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol-generating devices may malfunction for a variety of different reasons, and a user may need to take or send their malfunctioning aerosol-generating device to a specialist or repair shop to determine the malfunction and possible repairs for the malfunction. In other words, currently, to perform diagnostics on an aerosol-generating device, a user may need to go to a "point of sale" and have their aerosol-generating device inspected. Such users may desire to avoid the time-consuming process of taking or sending their malfunctioning aerosol-generating device to a specialist or repair shop.

[0003] Additionally, some aerosol-generating device malfunctions may be easier to repair than others. For example, some aerosol-generating device malfunctions may be due simply to user error, which may be quickly and easily corrected through verbal instruction and / or visual demonstration. Once a malfunction is determined, the user may wish to repair the malfunction themselves, or with the assistance of others, without the time-consuming process of taking or sending their malfunctioning aerosol-generating device to a specialist store or repair shop.

[0004] Additionally, aerosol-generating devices may sometimes fail during or outside the warranty period, during which certain repairs may be covered by the manufacturer. A user may wish to determine whether their aerosol-generating device is under warranty or out of warranty, for example, to help the user decide whether to purchase a new aerosol-generating device or to work with the manufacturer to repair or replace their under-warranty aerosol-generating device.

[0005] Furthermore, the warranty status of an aerosol-generating device may be based on a variety of criteria that are not convenient or practically trackable by the user. For example, an aerosol-generating device warranty may be based on usage data, such as the amount of puffs or inhalations, the number of aerosol-generating articles used, the amount of charges or charge cycles for the host device, the amount of charges or charge cycles for the aerosol-generating device, the time since purchase, the time since manufacture, and the time since the last repair. Such usage data may not be readily available to the user. Furthermore, the warranty requirements may not be immediately or easily understood by the user.

[0006] Additionally, aerosol-generating devices may include various diagnostic processes that are not user-initiated and may instead be performed only by specialized shops or repair shops with specialized equipment and / or specialized knowledge.

[0007] Still further, aerosol-generating devices (e.g., including an aerosol generating device used to generate an aerosol using an aerosol-generating article and, inter alia, a host device used to charge the aerosol generating device) may be relatively small so as to be easily carried by a user. The small size of an aerosol-generating device may necessitate the aerosol-generating device to include a limited amount of display and input devices and may also limit the size of the battery. Therefore, the small size of an aerosol-generating device may make it difficult for a user to obtain data, such as self-diagnostic or warranty data, from the aerosol-generating device. Furthermore, larger or more display devices may require more power, which may limit the amount of usage between charges for the aerosol-generating device, especially when the battery size is limited.

[0008] More specifically, the aerosol-generating device may need to be physically very small. For example, the aerosol-generating device may be similar in size to only a portion of a conventional cigarette to provide a similar sensation to a conventional cigarette, so as to be widely accepted by smokers of conventional combustible cigarettes. Furthermore, the aerosol-generating device may be smaller in size, for example, solely for the convenience of the user carrying the aerosol-generating device. Therefore, the hardware into which the software can be embedded needs to be very compact, and this provides very limited space for a user interface or display device. Typically, there is no space for user interface features other than one or more user-selectable switches (e.g., a depressible button, a non-depressible button such as a contact switch or capacitance switch, etc.) and one or more indicators (e.g., a light such as a light-emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display, etc.).

[0009] Therefore, the process following a breakdown of an aerosol-generating device can be cumbersome and difficult for users. For example, it can be inconvenient, time-consuming, cumbersome, and burdensome for users to take or send their aerosol-generating device to a specialist shop or repair shop, especially if the repair is something the user could accomplish or perform themselves. In addition, diagnosis and subsequent repair or correction may not be timely when leaving or sending a malfunctioning aerosol-generating device to a repair shop. Furthermore, for example, warranty information may not be readily available or easily identifiable by users.

[0010] Further still, for example, a user may not have the specialized equipment or knowledge necessary to perform diagnostics on their aerosol-generating device. Finally, an aerosol-generating device may not include numerous or large displays to provide self-diagnostic data or warranty information. In addition, a limited amount of input devices may make it difficult for a user to perform or execute any self-diagnostics that may be available. Also, for example, a larger display may consume excessive power. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] One objective of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a user with a quick, easy, and convenient way to self-diagnose or initiate a self-diagnostic process for their aerosol-generating device, for example, without having to take or send their aerosol-generating device to a repair shop or specialty store. Another objective of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a user with one or more simple diagnostic displays based on a self-diagnostic procedure so that the user can quickly and easily identify what the self-diagnostic procedure has determined about their malfunctioning aerosol-generating device. Additionally, another objective of embodiments of the present invention is to provide warranty information to the user in an easily identifiable manner. In this manner, the user may be able to self-correct some malfunctions or problems (e.g., reversible, user error, etc.), or the user may have additional diagnostic information at their disposal so that they can make an informed decision about whether to repair or replace their aerosol-generating device.

[0012] Another object of embodiments of the present invention is to allow an intuitive and simple way for users to initiate a self-test or self-diagnostic process on their aerosol generating device using a limited number of indicators that are part of the aerosol generating device and a limited number of user-selectable switches that are part of the aerosol generating device and that identify the results of the self-test or self-diagnostic process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In one aspect, a method of using an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising: enabling a user to initiate a diagnostic of the aerosol generating device; performing a self-diagnostic procedure of the aerosol generating device in response to the user initiating the diagnostic of the aerosol generating device; and providing a diagnostic display to the user based on at least the self-diagnostic procedure.

[0014] This computerized method addresses industrial or technological problems specific to this technological environment that are inherent to implementation on a computer. Computers are good at performing some tasks but not others. The disclosed technical solution takes into account tasks that general-purpose computers are good at: performing self-diagnostic procedures and providing a user with a diagnostic display based on at least the self-diagnostic procedures. The described methods, systems, computer programs, and computer program products significantly assist users in diagnosing malfunctions in their aerosol-generating devices.

[0015] In one aspect, a computer program product is provided comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program code portions stored thereon, the program code portions being configured, when said program product is executed on a computer, to enable a user to initiate a diagnosis of an aerosol generating device, to perform a self-diagnostic procedure of the aerosol generating device in response to the user initiating the diagnosis of the aerosol generating device, and to provide a diagnostic indication to the user based on at least the self-diagnostic procedure.

[0016] In one aspect, an apparatus is provided having a controller including one or more processors, the controller configured to allow a user to initiate a diagnostic, the controller further configured to perform a self-diagnostic procedure for the aerosol-generating apparatus in response to the user initiating the diagnostic, and to provide a diagnostic indication to the user based on at least the self-diagnostic procedure.

[0017] The aerosol generating device preferably includes an aerosol generating device configured to generate an aerosol using the aerosol-generating article, the aerosol generating device including a power source that provides power to the aerosol generating device for use in generating the aerosol using, for example, the aerosol-generating article, and preferably also includes a host device with an interface operably coupled to the aerosol generating device for at least recharging the power source of the aerosol generating device.

[0018] One or both of the aerosol generating device and the host device may include a controller and one or more user-selectable switches to allow a user to initiate a diagnostic. Preferably, the diagnostic (self-diagnostic procedure) may be performed or executed when the aerosol generating device is operably coupled to the host device. Each of the aerosol generating device and the host device may include other devices, such as user interface devices, as well as a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data between them.

[0019] In other embodiments, diagnostics (self-diagnostic procedures) may be performed or carried out when the aerosol generating device is not operably coupled to a host device. For example, one or both of the aerosol generating device and the host device may perform diagnostics (self-diagnostic procedures) themselves when they are separate from each other.

[0020] Additionally, in another embodiment, the diagnosis may be initiated using a user interface device that is operably coupled to one or both of the aerosol generating device and the host device using a communication interface.

[0021] Various aspects of the systems, devices, and methods according to the present invention may provide one or more advantages over currently available aerosol-generating devices and associated systems. For example, currently available aerosol-generating devices and associated systems may not include simple, intuitive, user-initiated self-diagnosis. Self-diagnosis of the exemplary aerosol-generating device is advantageous because it provides a fast, convenient, and reliable process or method for providing diagnostic data without having to take or send the aerosol-generating device to a repair or specialty store.

[0022] The present invention relates to methods, processes, computer products, instruments, and systems for self-diagnostics of aerosol-generating devices. More specifically, exemplary methods, processes, computer products, instruments, and systems may be used by a user who wishes to diagnose a problem with the user's aerosol-generating device. The user may initiate a self-diagnostic procedure, and may thereafter be provided with a diagnostic display regarding the results of the self-diagnostic procedure.

[0023] It may be further explained that the present invention aims to provide an aerosol-generating device, or smoking device, having means for performing diagnostic analysis that may be enabled by a user interface specifically disposed on the device itself. In this way, advantageously, the user may independently perform the diagnostics without having to go to a "point of sale." More practically, if the user has any problems with the device, the user may contact a call center, and an operator may provide the user with information over the phone about the procedure for enabling the self-diagnostic procedure.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the selected manner for performing the diagnostic analysis may be by rapid (e.g., within 2 seconds) consecutive activations (e.g., 5 times) of one of the buttons located on the aerosol-generating device. After the diagnostic is performed, the aerosol-generating device may provide feedback regarding the results. For example, a flashing light of a first color may result in a first result, while a flashing light of a second color may result in a second result that is different from the first result.

[0025] Therefore, the present invention may be described as a simple diagnostic tool that uses existing user interfaces (e.g., LEDs) to quickly and accurately identify device failures and identify replacement strategies. In one embodiment, a user may place an aerosol-generating device in a diagnostic mode by selecting (e.g., touching, clicking, etc.) a user-selectable switch (e.g., a Bluetooth button) a selected number of times (e.g., five times) within a selected period of time (e.g., two seconds). The aerosol-generating device may then perform a self-diagnostic procedure and thereafter display a diagnostic display reflecting the results of the self-diagnostic procedure.

[0026] The aerosol-generating device may define a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article and may include a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. The heater may include a blade configured to be inserted into the aerosol-generating article and deliver heat to the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device may include a power supply that provides at least power to the heater and may be configured to interface with or be operably connected to a host device. The host device may include an interface that interfaces with or is operably connected to the aerosol-generating device and at least charges the power supply of the aerosol-generating device.

[0027] One or both of the aerosol generating device and the host device may include a controller having one or more processors and a communication interface for transferring data between them, and other devices such as user interface devices. Preferably, the aerosol generating device and the host device may communicate using data coupling (e.g., each may include at least one data interface port for communication of data that may be interconnected) when the aerosol generating device is received by the host device. Additionally, a wireless communication interface, such as a Bluetooth wireless protocol interface, may be used between the aerosol generating device and the host device. The controller may include one or more processors (e.g., microprocessors) that may operate with associated data storage or memory to access processing programs or routines and one or more types of data that may be used to execute the exemplary methods. Processing programs or routines stored in the data storage may include, for example, programs or routines for performing self-diagnosis, statistics, matrix calculations, compression algorithms (e.g., data compression algorithms), standardization algorithms, comparison algorithms, or any other processing used to execute one or more exemplary methods and processes described herein. Additionally, for example, processing the programs or routines stored in the data storage may include processes and functions for performing self-diagnostic procedures for the aerosol generating device and the host device, processes and functions for transferring data and commands between the aerosol generating device and the host device, and processes and functions for wirelessly transferring data and commands between the aerosol generating device, the host device, and the user interface device. The data storage or memory may be further configured to store diagnostic data and associated routines, as well as any other data and / or formulas necessary to perform the processes and methods described herein.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating device and host device may be described as being implemented using one or more computer programs running on one or more programmable processors including processing capabilities (e.g., microcontrollers, programmable logic devices, etc.), data storage (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory and / or storage elements), input devices, and output devices. The program code and / or logic described herein may be applied to input data to perform the functions described herein and to generate desired output information. The output information may be applied as input to one or more other devices and / or processes as described herein or as applied in a known manner.

[0029] The computer program products used to implement the processes described herein may be provided using any programmable language, such as a high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming language, suitable for communicating with a computer system. Any such program product may be stored on any suitable device, such as a storage medium readable by a general-purpose or application-specific program, a controller device for configuring and operating a computer when read by a suitable device to perform the procedures described herein. In other words, in at least one embodiment, the user interface device may be implemented using a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured with a computer program, the storage medium so configured causing a computer to operate in a specific and predetermined manner to perform the functions described herein.

[0030] The exact configuration of the aerosol generating device and the host device controller is not limited, and essentially any device capable of providing the appropriate computing and control capabilities to implement the exemplary methods described herein may be used. In view of the above, it should be readily apparent that the functionality as described in one or more embodiments according to the present invention may be implemented in any manner known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the computer language, controller, or any other software / hardware used to implement the processes described herein should not limit the scope of the systems, processes, or programs described herein (e.g., the functionality provided by such processes or programs). The methods and processes (including those attributed to devices) or various components described in this disclosure may be implemented, at least in part, in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, various aspects of the techniques may be implemented within one or more processors, including one or more microprocessors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, CPLDs, microcontrollers, or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry, as well as any combination of such components. When implemented in software, the functions of the systems, apparatus, and methods described in this disclosure may be embodied as instructions on a computer-readable medium such as RAM, ROM, NVRAM, EEPROM, FLASH memory, magnetic data storage media, optical data storage media, or the like. The instructions may be executed by one or more processors to support one or more aspects of the functions described in this disclosure.

[0031] The terms "controller" and "processor" refer to any device or apparatus capable of providing suitable computing and control capabilities, such as, for example, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry, or any combination thereof, and suitable data storage capabilities, including any medium containing digital bits (e.g., coded in binary, ternary, etc.) that may be readable and / or writable (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory, magnetic recordable media such as CD-ROM, disk or tape, etc.).

[0032] The term "communication interface" refers to any device or appliance capable of providing appropriate data communication capabilities between the aerosol generating device, the host device, and the user interface device (e.g., physical data coupling (e.g., when the aerosol generating device is received by the host device, each may include at least one data interface port that may be connected to each other for communication of data), various telemetry circuits, and antennas), and may use one or more wired or wireless (e.g., radio frequency) data transmission protocols (e.g., BLUETOOTH, Wi-Fi, any protocol in the ultra high frequency (UHF) band, any protocol in the centimeter wave (SHF) band, low frequency, or a combination thereof, etc.).

[0033] One or both of the aerosol generating device and the host device include one or more user-selectable switches. The one or more user-selectable switches may be described as buttons configured to be selected by a user to perform or initiate one or more operations of the aerosol generating device and the host device. Preferably, the user-selectable switches include depressible buttons. As used herein, a user may select a user-selectable switch by touching, clicking, tapping, or swiping the user-selectable switch with a body part, such as a finger. At least one user-selectable switch may be used to enable a user to initiate a diagnosis. For example, a user may use at least one user-selectable switch to initiate a diagnosis, such as a self-diagnosis procedure described herein. Preferably, only the host device includes one or more user-selectable switches for performing or initiating a self-diagnosis described herein.

[0034] As described herein, the aerosol generating device may be operably coupled to a host device, and when the aerosol generating device is operably coupled to the host device, user selection of a user-selectable switch on the host device may initiate a self-test of one or both of the aerosol generating device and the host device. Alternatively, a user-selectable switch on the aerosol generating device may be selected to initiate a self-test of the aerosol generating device, and a user-selectable switch on the host device may be selected to initiate a self-test of the host device. While the use of a single user-selectable switch for use by a user to initiate a test is described herein, it is understood that the present invention may include the use of more than one, i.e., two or more user-selectable switches, to initiate a self-test of an aerosol generating device.

[0035] One or more user-selectable switches may also be multipurpose. For example, one or more user-selectable switches may perform various operations (e.g., powering the device, initiating a wireless connection, etc.) when selected by the user, or a selected pattern may be used by the user to initiate another operation aside from the primary operation of the switch. More specifically, the user may perform selection of a user-selectable switch according to a selected pattern, which may trigger or initiate a self-diagnostic procedure or mode. The selected pattern may be a pattern that would not normally be triggered during typical use of the aerosol-generating device. Furthermore, the selected pattern may be a pattern that would not be likely to be accidentally triggered when the aerosol-generating device is carried in the user's pocket. In one embodiment, the selected pattern may include a series of rapid selections of user-selectable switches within a selected period of time (e.g., five selections, preferably within two seconds). Additionally, once in diagnostic mode, the aerosol-generating device may be reset using the user-selectable switches (e.g., selecting or pressing two user-selectable switches) or by waiting two minutes for the aerosol-generating device to automatically exit diagnostic mode.

[0036] One or both of the aerosol generating device and the host device may include one or more indicators for displaying a diagnostic indication to a user. Preferably, the one or more indicators include multiple, i.e., two or more, lights (e.g., LEDs). The one or more indicators may be configured to emit light according to one or more selected characteristics to provide a diagnostic indication when the aerosol generating instrument is configured in a diagnostic mode. For example, the one or more selected characteristics may include a light color and a light flashing. Thus, in one embodiment, the one or more indicators may flash in a selected pattern and / or portray a selected color to display a diagnostic indication to a user. Preferably, only the host device includes one or more indicators for displaying a diagnostic indication to a user.

[0037] Additionally, a small number of indicators, which may be different colors or may flash, may be used to create multiple different patterns, each of which may correspond to a different diagnostic code that may be identified by a user. The diagnostic code may correspond to additional information about the identified fault, which may in some embodiments be used to repair the fault.

[0038] Additionally, when the aerosol-generating device is configured in the diagnostic mode, the indicator may further provide a diagnostic mode indication to indicate to a user that the aerosol-generating device is configured in the diagnostic mode in response to the user initiating a diagnostic of the aerosol-generating device. In this manner, the user may quickly and easily determine that the user has successfully initiated a self-diagnosis, for example, using a selected pattern of selected user-selectable switches.

[0039] The diagnostic indication provided to the user by the indicator may indicate physical damage to the aerosol-generating device, such as a broken heater blade in the aerosol generator of the aerosol-generating device, a damaged cavity in the host device, a damaged interface between the aerosol generator and / or the host device, chipped paint, a damaged door or latch spring, a damaged lid, a damaged button, a damaged charging connector on the host device (e.g., a damaged USB connector due to overheating, dust, damaged pins, etc.), a damaged display window, damaged or dirty contact points on the operable interface between the aerosol-generating device and the host device, a damaged aerosol-generating article receiver of the aerosol-generating device, a damaged cap on the aerosol-generating device, or a damaged rear or mid-housing of the aerosol-generating device.

[0040] The diagnostic indications provided to the user by the indicators may further indicate software and electrical malfunctions of the aerosol-generating device. Software and electrical malfunctions of the aerosol-generating device may include, for example, malfunctioning indicator behavior (e.g., various indicators may fail to "light up"), aging battery, device outside of operating temperature range (range 10°C to 60°C), malfunctioning charging behavior, wireless connectivity malfunction (e.g., poor Bluetooth connection), no vibration, etc. The diagnostic indications provided to the user by the indicators may further indicate improper use of the aerosol-generating device. For example, improper use of the aerosol-generating device may include, for example, incorrect insertion of the aerosol-generating device into the host device (e.g., the wrong end of the aerosol-generating device may be inserted into the host device).

[0041] Exemplary embodiments may further include determining whether the aerosol-generating device is under warranty, and the diagnostic indication to the user may indicate whether the aerosol-generating device should be replaced and whether the aerosol-generating device is under warranty or out of warranty. For example, if it is determined that the aerosol-generating device is faulty, in need of replacement, and is under warranty, the diagnostic indication may indicate to the user that the aerosol-generating device should be replaced and that this will likely be covered by the warranty (e.g., because it occurred within the warranty period). Furthermore, for example, if it is determined that the aerosol-generating device is faulty, in need of replacement, and is out of warranty, the diagnostic indication may indicate to the user that the aerosol-generating device should be replaced but that this will likely not be covered by the warranty (e.g., because it occurred outside the warranty period).

[0042] The aerosol-generating device may be further configured to interact with a user interface device separate from the aerosol-generating device. The user interface device may include a controller, a communication interface, and a graphical user interface that may be interacted with to initiate self-diagnostics of the aerosol-generating device. The controller and communication interface of the user interface device may be similar to those of the aerosol-generating device and host described herein.

[0043] The user interface device may provide a graphical area (e.g., a graphical button) on the graphical user interface that the user may select to initiate a self-diagnosis. Upon selection, the user interface device may wirelessly communicate with the aerosol-generating device via the communication interface to transmit a self-diagnosis initiation command. After the self-diagnosis procedure is completed by the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device may transmit diagnostic data or information back to the user interface device, and the user interface device may display a diagnostic display on the graphical user interface.

[0044] Preferably, the user interface device is a mobile phone. Generally, a user interface device may be described as any electronic device including a display that provides a graphical user interface with which a user can interact. The user interface device includes a communication interface (e.g., at least telemetry circuitry and an antenna) for bidirectional communication with other devices, such as the aerosol-generating device, servers, network devices, personal computers, and the like, and other networks, such as the Internet and the like. More specifically, data and commands may be transmitted and received using the communication interface during uplink or downlink telemetry between the user interface device, the aerosol-generating device, and other devices and / or networks. In at least one embodiment, the communication interface is a wireless interface that uses one or more wireless (e.g., radio frequency) data transmission protocols, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, any protocol in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) band, any protocol in the centimeter-wave (SHF) band, low frequency, etc.

[0045] The user interface device may further include a display operably coupled to the controller for output of data via the display. The display may be further configured to depict and for use as a user-interactive graphical user interface. The graphical user interface and display may comprise a touch screen. The graphical user interface may be described as user-interactive because it may be configured to allow a user to view and / or manipulate data on the display to enable the user to interact with the user interface device and the like.

[0046] The graphical user interface may be configured to allow a user to select a graphical region to send a diagnostic initiation message from the user interface device to the aerosol-generating device. The diagnostic initiation message may trigger the aerosol-generating device to perform or carry out a self-diagnostic procedure. The aerosol-generating device may provide a diagnostic indication to the user interface device, and the diagnostic indication may be displayed to the user on the graphical user interface.

[0047] The user interface device may preferably be used in conjunction with an exemplary aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may include an aerosol-generating device and a host device. The term "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device configured to use or utilize an aerosol-generating article that emits a volatile compound to form an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user. The term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article including a substrate capable of emitting a volatile compound that can form an aerosol upon heating. The aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention may be visible or invisible and may include vapor (e.g., fine particles of a substance in a gaseous state that is normally liquid or solid at room temperature) and gas and condensed vapor droplets. A "heating-type aerosol-generating article" is an aerosol-generating article that includes an aerosol-generating substrate and is configured for use with an aerosol-generating device configured to heat but not burn the aerosol-generating substrate. One example of a heated aerosol-generating article is IQOS HeatSticks (also known as MARLBORO HEATSTICKS manufactured by Philip Morris International) for use with IQOS, a heated, non-combustion aerosol generator (also manufactured by Philip Morris International).

[0048] All scientific and technical terms used herein have meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided herein are provided to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequently herein. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include embodiments with plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, "or" is generally used in the sense of including "and / or," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "and / or" refers to one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements. As used herein, "have," "having," "include," "including," "comprise," "comprising," or the like are used in an open-ended sense and generally mean "including, but not limited to." It should be understood that "consisting essentially of," "consisting of," and the like are encompassed by "comprising" and the like. The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may offer certain advantages, under particular circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Moreover, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure, including the claims.

[0049] Reference will now be made to the drawings, which depict one or more aspects described in this disclosure. However, it will be understood that other aspects not depicted in the drawings also fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components, steps, and the like. However, it will be understood that the use of one number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the same numbered component in another figure. Additionally, the use of different numbers to refer to components in different figures is not intended to indicate that the differently numbered components may not be the same or similar to other numbered components. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0050] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol-generating apparatus 100 including an aerosol-generating device 102 and a host device 101 configured to interface with the aerosol-generating device 102 . [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an indicator 162 of the example host device 101 of FIG. 1 used to provide a diagnostic indication for self-diagnostics of the host device 101. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an indicator 162 of the exemplary host device 101 of FIG. 1 used to provide a diagnostic indication for self-diagnostics of the aerosol generating device 102. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary user interface device for use in self-testing an aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale and are presented for illustrative purposes and are not limiting.

[0052] An exemplary aerosol-generating device 100 is depicted in FIG. 1. The aerosol-generating device 100 preferably includes an aerosol-generating device 102 and a host device 101. The aerosol-generating device 102 includes a cavity 132 for receiving a second type of aerosol-generating article, such as a heat stick 104, and a heater 134 configured to provide a heat source for the heat stick 104 and thereby generate an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol-generating device 102 further includes a controller 128 having one or more processors and associated memory. The controller 128 may be associated with the heater 134 to, among other things, perform diagnostics on the heater 134. The controller 128 may further include a communication interface (e.g., a wireless communication interface) for communicating with, for example, the host device 101 and the user interface device 201 shown in FIG. 4. The communication interface of the controller 128 may preferably include a Bluetooth interface. The aerosol-generating device 102 further includes a power source 126 and a power and data interface port 130.

[0053] The host device 101 includes a cavity 112 configured to host the aerosol generating device 102 and recharge the power supply 126 of the aerosol generating device 102 via a power and data interface port 130. The power supply 126 of the aerosol generating device 102 may preferably be designed to provide sufficient power for a single smoking experience, such that after consumption of the heat stick 104, the user must reinsert the aerosol generating device 102 into the host device 101 and recharge the battery 126 of the aerosol generating device 102 via the power and data interface port 110 of the host device 101. The host device 101 further includes a power supply 109.

[0054] The host device 101 includes a controller 108 with one or more processors associated with a communication interface unit 106 that interacts with the controller 128 of the aerosol generating device 102 to exchange / store diagnostic data, issue commands related to the self-diagnostic procedure, and exchange messages related to the self-diagnostic procedure when the aerosol generating device 102 and the host device 101 are electrically coupled (e.g., when the aerosol generating device 102 is docked via wireless communication). The communication interface unit 106 may then be configured to exchange self-diagnostic data with the user interface device 201. Advantageously, the communication interface unit 106 comprises a wireless communication module (preferably comprising a Bluetooth interface, which is a low-power interface).

[0055] As shown, the aerosol generation device 102 and the host device 101 each include a plurality of user-selectable switches 152-1, 152-2 and a plurality of indicators 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, 162-4, 162-5. The user-selectable switches 152-1, 152-2 may be selectable (e.g., depressible) by a user, as indicated by the dashed arrows. As described herein, the user-selectable switches 152-1, 152-2 may be selectable to, among other things, initiate a self-diagnosis of one or both of the aerosol generation device 102 and the host device 101. For example, when the aerosol generation device 102 is docked within the cavity 112 of the host device 101, initiating a self-diagnosis procedure using the user-selectable switches 152-1, 152-2 of the host device 101 may perform or execute a self-diagnosis procedure on one or both of the aerosol generation device 102 and the host device 101.

[0056] 1 includes multiple user-selectable switches 152-1, 152-2 and multiple indicators 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, 162-4, 162-5, preferred embodiments of the aerosol generation device 102 may include only a single user-selectable switch and a single indicator. The single user-selectable switch may be operable, for example, to turn the aerosol generation device 102 "on." The single indicator may be operable, for example, to indicate whether the aerosol generation device 102 is "on" or "off."

[0057] The plurality of indicators 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, 162-4, 162-5 may depict light patterns that indicate or display diagnostic indications resulting from a self-diagnostic procedure. For example, some of the indicators 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, 162-4, 162-5 may illuminate a selected color, some of the indicators 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, 162-4, 162-5 may not illuminate (remain dark), and some of the indicators 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, 162-4, 162-5 may illuminate and flash.

[0058] 1 that provide diagnostic indications for the host device 101 are shown in FIG. 2, and example patterns 180, 181, 182, and 183 for the indicators 162 of the example host device 101 of FIG. 1 that provide diagnostic indications for the host device 101 are shown in FIG. 3. In these figures, a legend 179 is provided indicating that each of the indicators 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, 162-4, and 162-5 can provide or display off, solid white, flashing white, solid red, and flashing red, as shown.

[0059] When indicator 162-2 on host device 101 is white, it indicates that host device 101 is in a diagnostic mode. Indicator 162-2 is white in each of embodiments 180, 181, 182, 183, 185, 186, 187, 188, and 189 of Figures 2-3, and therefore each of embodiments 180, 181, 182, 183, 185, 186, 187, 188, and 189 depicts a pattern resulting from the execution of a self-diagnostic procedure. In embodiment 180, indicators 162-1 and 162-5 are white, and this pattern may indicate that host device 101 is not faulty and does not need to be replaced. In example 181, indicator 162-1 is white, indicator 162-2 is flashing white, and indicator 162-5 is flashing white, and this pattern may indicate that host device 101 is not faulty and does not need to be replaced, but that host device 101 is out of warranty. In example 182, indicator 162-1 is white and indicator 162-5 is red, and this pattern may indicate that host device 101 is faulty and needs to be replaced and is within warranty. In example 183, indicator 162-1 is white, indicator 162-2 is flashing white, and indicator 162-5 is flashing red, and this pattern may indicate that host device 101 is faulty and needs to be replaced and is out of warranty.

[0060] When the aerosol generation device 102 is received by the host device 101, a self-diagnosis of the aerosol generation device 102 may be performed, and indicators on the host device 101 may be used to display a diagnostic display, as shown in FIG. 3 . In example 185, indicators 162-1 and 162-5 are white, and this pattern may indicate that the aerosol generation device 102 is not faulty and does not need to be replaced. In example 186, indicator 162-1 is flashing white and indicator 162-5 is white, and this pattern may indicate that the aerosol generation device 102 is not faulty and does not need to be replaced, but that the aerosol generation device 102 is out of warranty. In example 187, indicator 162-1 is red and indicator 162-5 is white, and this pattern may indicate that the aerosol generation device 102 is faulty and needs to be replaced, and is within warranty. In example 188, indicator 162-1 is flashing red and indicator 162-5 is white, and this pattern may indicate that the aerosol generating device 102 is faulty and needs to be replaced, and is out of warranty. In example 189, indicator 162-1 is unlit (dark) and indicator 162-5 is white, and this pattern may indicate that the aerosol generating device 102 is not located in or recognized by the host device 101.

[0061] Although the examples 180, 181, 182, 183, 185, 186, 187, 188, and 189 of Figures 2-3 are patterns of indicators 162 on a host device 101, it is understood that the same or similar concepts may be associated with or used by the aerosol generating device 102, for example, when the aerosol generating device 102 includes multiple indicators 162 as shown in Figure 1.

[0062] An exemplary user interface device 201 including a display 206 depicting a graphical user interface 250 is shown in FIG. 4. The graphical user interface 250 includes a graphical area 251 for initiating a diagnostic process. A user may select the graphical area 251, which may then wirelessly transmit a self-diagnostic message to the aerosol generating device 100. The graphical user interface 250 further includes a diagnostics area 252 depicting the diagnostic code ("CO") that resulted in the self-diagnostic process being initiated and the diagnostic code's legend "Damaged or Broken Heating Blade," a repairs area 253 depicting the repair legend for the diagnostic code ("Replace Aerosol Generator"), and a warranty area 254 depicting the aerosol generating device's warranty status legend ("Out of Warranty").

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: an aerosol generating device for using the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol, the aerosol generating device comprising a power source; A host device, an interface operatively coupled to the aerosol generation device for at least recharging the power source of the aerosol generation device; a user selectable switch to allow the user to initiate diagnostics; a host device comprising: a controller having one or more processors; wherein the controller: the user is allowed to initiate a diagnosis, and the controller is configured to at least one of: initiate a diagnosis of the aerosol-generating device in response to a user selection of the user-selectable switch included in the aerosol-generating device; and receive a diagnosis initiation message from a user interface device separate from the aerosol-generating device; performing a self-diagnostic procedure for the aerosol generating device in response to initiation of the diagnostic by the user; and and an aerosol-generating device configured to provide a diagnostic indication to the user based on at least the self-diagnostic procedure.

2. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein one or both of the host device and the aerosol generating device further comprises at least one indicator for displaying the diagnostic display to the user.

3. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the at least one indicator is configured to do one or more of: flash a selected pattern and / or portray a selected color to display the diagnostic indication to the user.

4. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein enabling a user to initiate a diagnosis of the aerosol generating device comprises initiating the diagnosis of the aerosol generating device in response to a user selection of the user-selectable switch according to a selected pattern.

5. 5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the user-selectable switch comprises a depressible button.

6. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein providing the user with a diagnostic display based on at least the self-diagnostic procedure includes displaying the diagnostic display to the user on a graphical user interface of the user interface device.

7. The aerosol generating device of claim 6 , wherein the user interface device comprises a mobile phone.

8. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the controller is further configured to provide a diagnostic mode indication to the user in response to the user initiating a diagnosis of the aerosol generating device to indicate that the aerosol generating device is configured to be in a diagnostic mode.

9. 9. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the diagnostic indication to the user indicates physical damage to the aerosol generating device.

10. 10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein the physical damage to the aerosol generating device is a broken heater blade of the aerosol generating device.

11. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the diagnostic indication to the user indicates improper use of the aerosol generating device.

12. determining whether the aerosol generating device is under warranty; 12. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the controller is further configured to determine that the diagnostic display to the user indicates whether the aerosol generating device should be replaced and whether it is within or outside the warranty period.

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