User interface for aerosol generating devices and systems

Abstract

A non-flammable aerosol generating device is disclosed. The non-flammable aerosol generating device comprises a display for displaying an image visible to a user in an active state, and a control circuit configured to cause a default image to be always displayed on the display when the display is in an active state. The control circuit is also configured to allow at least one user-selectable image of a plurality of user-selectable images to be displayed in addition to the default image. A non-flammable aerosol generating system comprising the non-flammable aerosol generating device according to the present invention is also disclosed, along with a method of controlling the non-flammable aerosol generating device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to a non-flammable aerosol generating device, a non-flammable aerosol generating system, and a method for controlling a non-flammable aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternative delivery devices for these articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such delivery devices are so-called "heat-not-burn" products or tobacco heating devices or products that release compounds by heating, but not burning, a substrate. For example, tobacco heating devices heat an aerosol-generating substrate, which may be tobacco or other non-tobacco product that may or may not contain nicotine, to form an aerosol by heating the substrate without burning it. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol generating device comprising: a display for displaying an image visible to a user in an active state; and a control circuit configured to always display a default image on the display when the display is in an active state, the control circuit also being configured to allow at least one user-selectable image of a plurality of user-selectable images to be displayed in addition to the default image.

[0004] The control circuitry may be configured so that the user-selectable image is selectable from a menu of user-selectable images.

[0005] The control circuitry can include a display driver configured to display a default image and at least one user-selected image of the user-selectable images when the display is in an active state.

[0006] The control circuitry may include a communications interface capable of providing a signal to a display driver to display at least one user-selected image. In some embodiments, the communications interface may provide a signal to the display driver to replace the at least one user-selected image with at least one other user-selectable image selected from the menu. Alternatively, the communications interface may provide a signal to the display driver to deselect the at least one user-selected image. Thus, the deselected image or images are no longer displayed.

[0007] The communication interface may be configured to receive a signal indicative of at least one user-selected image from a remote device, and the remote device may have a user input configured to enable a user to select a user-selectable image to be displayed from the menu of user-selectable images on the remote device.

[0008] The communication interface may receive wireless signals, such as Bluetooth signals, from the remote device, which may be a smartphone, a tablet, or a smartwatch.

[0009] The device may include a memory for storing image data for at least one user-selectable image. Further, the image data for the user-selectable images may be downloaded from a remote device and stored in the memory.

[0010] In particular embodiments, the communications interface may be a touchscreen, where the touchscreen may be configured to allow a user to select an image for display as the user-selected image from a menu of user-selectable images in response to the user touching an area of ​​the touchscreen.

[0011] The control circuitry may be configured to allow a user to control the device to enter a user selection mode, in which a menu of user-selectable images may be displayed as a list on the display, and the control circuitry may allow the user to select an image for display as the user-selected image by touching an item in the list or by dragging a selected item from the menu to another area of ​​the screen away from the menu.

[0012] The touchscreen may be a resistive or capacitive touchscreen.

[0013] In some embodiments, one or more of the default images are touch-sensitive icons. The control circuitry can then be configured to control an aspect of the aerosol generating device in response to touching one or more of the default images. For example, the default image may be an on / off switch, and the device may be turned on / off by touching the default image.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the user-selectable images, when selected as a user-selected image, may be a touch-sensitive icon, in which case the control circuitry may be configured such that an aspect of the aerosol generating device is controlled in response to touching one or more of the selected user-selectable images.

[0015] In any of the embodiments of the present invention, the control circuit may also be configured to detect the presence of a user and / or a remote device in proximity to the aerosol generating device and, in response to said detection, switch the display from an inactive state in which no image is displayed to an active state in which the default image and at least one user-selected image from a menu of user-selectable images are displayed.

[0016] The control circuit may be configured to control the display so that the display switches from an active state to an inactive state after the control circuit no longer detects the presence of a user and / or remote device in proximity to the aerosol generating device after a predetermined period of time.

[0017] The control circuit may include a sensor 16 for detecting the presence of a user and / or a remote device in proximity to the aerosol generating device. The display driver may then be configured to receive a signal from the sensor 16 indicative of said detected presence and control the display to switch from an inactive state to an active state.

[0018] The sensor 16 may be configured to detect the presence of a user and / or a remote device when the user and / or the remote device is away from the device, and the display driver may then switch the display to an active state without the aerosol generating device being touched.

[0019] The communication interface may be configured to receive an activation signal from a remote device that is spaced apart from but in close proximity to the aerosol generating device to switch the display of the aerosol generating device from an inactive state to an active state.

[0020] In another embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to detect the presence of a user and / or device spaced apart but in close proximity to the aerosol generating device and to change or modify the displayed image in response to said detection.

[0021] The control circuitry may be configured to detect the presence of a user and / or remote device spaced apart but proximate to the aerosol generating device, in which case the display driver may be configured to receive a signal indicative of the detected presence and to change or modify one or more of the displayed user-selected images in response to the detection.

[0022] The communication interface may be configured to receive signals from a remote device that is spaced apart from but in close proximity to the aerosol generating device.

[0023] The device may include a housing having an exterior surface, and the display may be attached to the exterior surface of the housing.

[0024] The exterior surface of the housing may include a contoured shape, and the display may then be configured to fit the contoured shape of the exterior surface of the housing.

[0025] The housing may be tubular, the exterior surface may extend about a longitudinal axis, and the display may extend at least 90 degrees, at least 180 degrees, or 360 degrees about the longitudinal axis. The display may also extend longitudinally for substantially the entire length of the housing.

[0026] The display may be configured to display images including at least one of a solid color, a pattern, an animation, or a graphic, which may be a static image and / or a moving image. The display may be an OLED, flexi-TFT, display, OLCD, e-ink (or EPD), AMOLED, or PMOLED display.

[0027] According to another aspect, there is provided a non-flammable aerosol generating system comprising a non-flammable aerosol generating device according to the present invention and a non-flammable aerosol product article receivable within the non-flammable aerosol generating device.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a non-flammable aerosol generating device having a display for displaying an image visible to a user in an active state, the control method including the steps of configuring the display so that a default image is always displayed when the display is in an active state, and configuring control circuitry so that at least one user-selected image can be displayed in addition to the default image, wherein the or each user-selected image is selectable from a menu of user-selectable images.

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an example of a non-combustible aerosol generating device for heating smokable material according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a non-flammable aerosol generating device in communication with a remote device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates steps involved in a method of controlling a non-combustible aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system are not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0032] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaporization system or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0033] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0034] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0035] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol delivery system may include a non-combustible aerosol delivery device and consumables, such as articles for use with the non-combustible aerosol delivery device. An aerosol-generating material is a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or energized in any other manner. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavoring.

[0036] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery device may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0037] In some embodiments, consumables for use with non-combustible aerosol delivery devices may include an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage region, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating region, a housing, a packaging material, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1 , a perspective view of an example of a non-combustible aerosol generating system is shown, comprising a device 1 and an article 5 received within the device 1. The device 1 is configured to heat the smokable material of the article 5 to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material for inhalation by a user. The non-combustible aerosol generating device 1 is a so-called "heat-not-burn" device 1. The device 1 in this example has a generally elongated cylindrical outer housing 2 with a circular cross-section. The outer housing 2 has an open end 3, also referred to as the mouth end. The outer housing 2 may be formed from a thermally insulating material. A particularly suitable material is polyetheretherketone (PEEK), although other plastics, including, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or other thermally insulating materials, may also be used. The outermost surface of the outer housing 2 may have a decorative coating, such as a metallic finish.

[0039] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device 1 for heating smokable material 5 shown in FIG. 1 . The system can therefore be considered to be formed from two main components: a device portion or aerosol-generating device 1 and a consumable portion or aerosol-production article, generally represented by smokable material 5. The device portion 1 and consumable portion 5 are engageable with each other (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) so that the consumable portion 5 can be engaged / inserted into the device portion 1. The device 1 has a heating chamber 4 containing smokable material 5, which is heated and vaporized during use. The smokable material 5 may be in the form of a consumable article that can be removably inserted into the open end 3 of the device 1 by a user. The article 5 may be a generally elongated cylinder, such as a rod. In use, the article 5 is inserted into the housing 2 so that an end of the article 5 protrudes from the device 1 through the open end 3 of the housing 2, and so that the user can place their lips on the article 5 to inhale the aerosol generated by the device 1.

[0040] Device 1 comprises an electronics / power chamber 6 which includes an electrical control circuit 7 and a power source 8. In this example, the heating chamber 4 and the electronics / power chamber 6 are adjacent to one another along the longitudinal axis XX of the device 1. The electrical control circuit 7 may include a controller, such as a microprocessor arrangement, constructed and arranged to control the heating of the smokable material 5, and incorporates a display driver 15 for controlling images that appear on one or more displays that are part of device 1, as described in more detail below.

[0041] In use, the electrical control circuitry 7 may receive a signal from, for example, a puff-activated sensor (not shown) that is sensitive to changes in pressure or airflow rate that occur, for example, when a user begins to draw on the smokable material article 5. The electrical control circuitry 7 can then operate to cause heating of the smokable material article 5 "on demand" when needed. Various configurations for puff-activated sensors are available, including, for example, thermistors, electromechanical devices, mechanical devices, optical devices, opto-mechanical devices, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based sensors. Alternatively, the device 1 may have a manually operable switch for the user to initiate a puff.

[0042] The power source 8 may be a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium-ion batteries, nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries and / or the like. The battery 8 is electrically coupled to one or more heating elements 10 of the heating chamber 4 and, when needed, provides power under the control of the electrical control circuit 7 to heat and volatilize the smokable material 5 without burning it. In this example, the battery 8 is contained within the printed circuit board of the electrical control circuit 7. In other examples, the battery 8 and the electrical control circuit 7 may be positioned differently, such as, for example, adjacent to one another along the longitudinal axis XX of the device 1.

[0043] Heating chamber 4 is contained within a heater support sleeve 9 contained within outer housing 2. In this example, heater support sleeve 9 is a generally elongated cylinder of circular cross section. In one example, heater support sleeve 9 is a double-walled or "vacuum" sleeve having outer and inner cylindrical walls joined together at each end.

[0044] In one example of the device 1, the heater support sleeve 9 includes a plurality of heating elements or heater segments 10. In this example, the heater segments 10 are aligned along or parallel to a longitudinal axis XX of the heater support sleeve 9. The electrical control circuitry 7 is configured to supply power to the heater segments 10 to heat the smokable material article 5.

[0045] The device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a display 12 for displaying an image 12a (represented by the letter "A" in Figure 1) that is visible to a user when the display is in an active state.

[0046] 1 and 2 as protruding from housing 2, it will be appreciated that display 12 may be recessed within housing 2 or may be flush with the exterior surface of housing 2, giving the appearance of being integrally formed with housing 2. Integrating display 12 around the periphery of device 1 and recessing display 12 into the surface of housing 2 may allow device 1 to have a shape similar to conventional devices, thus maintaining user familiarity.

[0047] 1, display 12 may wrap or extend around housing 2 to closely conform to the contours of housing 2. Ideally, display 12 will at least give the appearance of forming part of housing 2 rather than being a separate component, even if display 12 is applied or wrapped around housing 2 during manufacturing. Display 12 may be flexible so that it can be manipulated to conform to or mimic the contours of the exterior surface of housing 2 during manufacturing and assembly.

[0048] The display 12 may extend around the longitudinal axis XX of the housing 2 at any angle. However, the display 12 preferably extends around the housing 2 through at least 90 degrees, at least 180 degrees, or 360 degrees, as shown in FIG. 1 . The display 12 may extend in the longitudinal direction (XX) along the entire length or substantially the entire length of the housing 2, such that the housing 2 is completely covered by the display 12, or at least a large portion of the housing 2 is covered. However, there may be areas not covered by the display 12, such as a mouthpiece or an on / off button. In FIGS. 1 and 2 , substantially the entire length of the device 1 is covered by the display 12, with only short portions 13, 14 of the housing 2 remaining uncovered by the display 12 at either end of the device 1.

[0049] In certain circumstances, the display 12 may be resiliently flexible so that a mechanical or pressure-sensitive button, i.e., an on / off button, located below the display 12 may be activated by applying pressure to the display 12 to temporarily deform it, and then applying pressure to the button to activate it. A graphic or other image or indicia may appear on the display 12 to indicate to the user the location and / or state of a button located below the display 12. The graphic or image may change when the button is activated. The display 12 may be a flexible display 12 to facilitate the formation of a curved display surface. In particular, the flexible display 12 may be bent to provide a curved display surface. When the display 12 is fixed or otherwise coupled to the housing 2, the display 12 may no longer be able to flex, for example, when the display 12 is at least partially or entirely attached to the housing 2.

[0050] In another embodiment, the display 12 forms an integral part of the housing 2, i.e., the display 12 and the housing 2 are a single, integrated component such that the display 12 performs the dual function of displaying images and defining a structural housing containing the components of the device 1, and thus the display 12 itself forms the outer surface of the device 1.

[0051] Display 12 may be powered by device battery 8. Alternatively, display 12 may have its own separate power source, such as another rechargeable battery (not shown) received within housing 2. Device battery 8 and display battery may be rechargeable together or independently of each other. Display 12 may be kept "on" by default and only switch off or enter "standby mode," for example, when power is low or when device 1 has not been used for a certain period of time, particularly when a display 12 requiring minimal power, such as an electronic ink display, is being used.

[0052] In some embodiments, there may be two or more displays 12 located elsewhere on device 1; i.e., there may be two side-by-side displays 12, or one display may extend partially around the longitudinal axis and another display may extend partially around the remaining portion of the axis not covered by the first display. If a second or further display is provided, it may have the same or similar structure as first display 12. The images 12a displayed on the first and second displays 12 or on each of the first and second displays may be controlled via display driver 15 of control circuitry 7 so that there is some relationship between the images displayed; i.e., a video may be initiated on one of displays 12 to complement a different video on another display 12 to provide an appealing and interesting overall appearance. Alternatively, one of displays 12 may be used primarily to provide feedback or information to the user regarding the status of device 1, while another display 12 may be used to show graphics or images.

[0053] The displays 12 may extend or wrap around the longitudinal axis (XX) through at least 90 degrees, at least 180 degrees, 360 degrees, or any other angle to provide a curved and / or contoured viewing surface. Each of the secondary displays 12 may extend in the longitudinal direction (XX) through at least a portion of the length of the housing 2.

[0054] A display driver 15 of the control circuit 7 may be arranged to control the display 12 to display a predetermined image on the, or on each, display 12 if there is more than one display.

[0055] It will be appreciated that the image displayed by the or each display may include or consist of at least one of a solid color, a pattern, an animation, a graphical representation, or any text or other indicia.

[0056] In certain embodiments, control circuitry 7 may be configured to control displays 12 so that one of the displays displays a static image and the other displays a moving image. Any suitable static image may be displayable on displays 12. The static image may be a cartoon image or a realistic image. The static image may be displayed in color on a portion of all displays 12.

[0057] Any suitable motion image may be an image displayable on display 12. A motion image may appear as continuous movement or change on display 12. For example, various pixels may change in brightness or color. A motion image may include cartoon images, live action images, or images of living creatures in action (e.g., using computer-generated graphics).

[0058] If two or more displays 12 are provided, they may be of the same type. However, each of the displays or some of the displays 12 may be of a different type. For example, at least one of the displays may be an OLED, flexi-TFT, OLCD, e-ink (or EPD), AMOLED (active matrix organic light-emitting diode display), or PMOLED display. The type of display 12 depends on the nature of the image to be displayed. If only a single display 12 is used, it may be any of the above display types.

[0059] The one or more displays 12 may include, for example, a plurality of pixels arranged in an array capable of forming an image. The display 12 may be used to display various images at different times. The images may be still or motion images, or a series of still images or encoded motion images. The display 12 may show one or more visible elements, selectable elements, and colors. The display 12 may be a color display.

[0060] The control circuitry 7 of the aerosol generation device 1 includes a display driver 15, a communication interface, a controller (e.g., a microprocessor or microcontroller), and a memory 17 for storing data and images displayed by the displays 12. The control circuitry 7 may be operatively coupled to one or more of the displays 12 to facilitate various functions of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0061] One or more of the controllers of the control circuit 7 described herein may include a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), computer, logic array, or other device capable of directing data to and from the aerosol generation device 1. The controller includes one or more computing devices having memory, processing, and communication hardware. The functions of the controller may be performed by hardware and / or as computer instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0062] The processor of a controller may include any one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. In some examples, the processor may include multiple components, such as any combination of one or more microprocessors, one or more controllers, one or more DSPs, one or more ASICs, and / or one or more FPGAs, as well as other discrete or integrated logic circuitry. The functionality attributed to a controller or processor herein may be embodied as software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. While described herein as a processor-based system, alternative controllers may utilize other components, such as relays and timers, alone or in combination with a microprocessor-based system, to achieve desired results.

[0063] The exemplary systems, methods, and interfaces may be implemented using one or more computer programs using a computing device, which may include one or more processors and / or memory 17. The program code and / or logic described herein may be applied to input data / information to perform the functions described herein and to generate desired output data / information on the or each display 12. It will be readily apparent that the controller functions described herein may be implemented in any manner known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0064] The control circuitry 7 may be used to enable various modes of the aerosol generating device 1. One example includes a visual artistic effect for activation mode, in which motion images may be shown on one or more displays 12 in response to activation of the device 1, for example, by an actuator or puff sensor. Upon detecting a puff and optionally receiving a puff profile, the controller may collect a memory address associated with the visual artistic effect to be shown on the or each display 12. Data associated with the visual artistic effect may be fetched from memory at the memory address. The data may be used to display or show the visual artistic effect on the or each display 12.

[0065] In certain embodiments of the aerosol generating device 1 of the present invention, the control circuit 7, including the display driver 15, can be configured to display a default image each time the display 12 is activated. The default image is an image that is always displayed when the display 12 is in an active state and that the user cannot change or remove from the display 12 except by deactivating the display 12.

[0066] Control circuitry 7 may also allow at least one user-selected image to be displayed in addition to the default image. A user-selected image is an image that the user can choose to display or not display, depending on their preference. The user may choose to have only one or any number of user-selectable images displayed on display 12 along with the default image. The user may select the image to be displayed from a menu of user-selectable images, which may be accessible via display 12 or via remote device 20.

[0067] The communications interface may provide a signal to display driver 15 to display any of the user-selectable images selected by the user. The signal may control display 12 to replace at least one previously selected user-selectable image with at least one other user-selectable image selected from the menu. Alternatively, the signal may control display 12 to deselect at least one previously selected image and no longer display it along with the default image.

[0068] In some embodiments, the communication interface has a user input, such as a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or any other wearable technology, and is capable of receiving a signal indicative of at least one user-selected image from a remote device 20, shown in Figure 3 as a smartphone. A user can select a user-selectable image to be displayed from a menu of user-selectable images on said remote device 20, and a signal indicative of the selected image can then be transmitted, preferably wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth, from the remote device 20 to the aerosol generation device 1 to control the display 12 based on the input made on the remote device 20.

[0069] 3 shows an aerosol generating device 1, such as the device 1 described above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2, in communication with a remote device 20. Also shown is an article 5 that is received by the device 1 and together forms a system. It will be appreciated that the remote device 20 communicates with the non-combustible aerosol generating device 1 via signals indicated by the letters S and T in FIG. 3, allowing the device 1 to detect the presence of the remote device 20, but also to use the remote device 20 to control the aerosol generating device 1, for example to control the display 12.

[0070] In any embodiment, device 1 may include a memory for storing image data for at least one user-selectable image. Preferably, the memory is capable of storing image data representing multiple images, other images being stored on remote device 20 and downloadable from remote device 20 to device 1.

[0071] It is also envisioned that the communications interface may be a touchscreen that extends entirely or partially over display 12. Any type of touchscreen, such as a resistive or capacitive touchscreen, may be used. The touchscreen may be an integral part of display 12 and may be configured to allow a user to select an image for display 12 as a user-selected image from a menu of user-selectable images displayed on display 12. In response to controlling device 1 to enter a user selection mode, the menu of user-selectable images may be displayed. Selection of an image for display as a user-selected image may then be accomplished simply by the user touching an area of ​​the touchscreen that displays the image, or an icon or other information representing the image, or by dragging or moving the image, icon, or other information from one location to another on display 12.

[0072] The default and / or user-selected images may be touch-sensitive icons or "virtual" buttons, and the control circuitry 7 may be configured to control aspects of the aerosol generation device 1 in response to a user touching one or more of the default or user-selected images that appear on the display 12. Thus, the default images may be buttons that control important functions of the device 1 and / or may include more important options such as an on / off switch, while the user-selectable images may be buttons that control less frequently used functions. By selecting user-selectable images to display as user-selected images along with the default image, the user may be able to have more access to personally important functions than less frequently used functions.

[0073] In certain embodiments of the non-flammable aerosol delivery device 1, the control circuit 7 is configured to detect the presence of a user and / or a remote device in proximity to the aerosol generation device 1. This ability to detect presence may be used in any of the embodiments described above in connection with the display of a default image and one or more user-selectable images when the device 1 is in an active state.

[0074] Control circuitry 7 may include a sensor 16 to enable proximity detection. When a user and / or remote device is detected by sensor 16, display driver 15 may receive a signal from sensor 16 and switch display 12 (or at least one of the displays, if there are multiple displays) from an inactive state to an active state, i.e., detection of a user and / or remote device acts as a trigger to switch display 12 from an inactive state to an active state such that display 12 begins displaying one or more default images and one or more user-selected images of the user-selectable images.

[0075] It will be understood that the term "active state" is intended to refer to a display 12 that is actively displaying images, such as a default image and one or more user-selected images. A display 12 that is said to be in an "inactive state" is one that is not displaying any images and is therefore said to be switched off. A "switched off" display 12 or a display in an "inactive state" may also be said to be in what is commonly referred to as "sleep mode" or "standby," in which the device 1 assumes a low-power mode but does not display any images.

[0076] Although reference is made to a "user," it will be understood that this term encompasses not only those who intend to use device 1, but also those who are in proximity to system 1 but may not actually use device 1.

[0077] When the non-flammable aerosol generating device 1 is left unattended for a predetermined period of time, as determined by the control circuit 7, the display 12 is controllable to switch from an active state to an inactive state in order to reduce power consumption of the battery 8.

[0078] The sensor 16 may detect the presence of a user and / or a remote device in proximity to the aerosol generation device 1 and may provide a signal indicative of the detected presence to the display driver 15. The display 12 may then be controlled to switch from an inactive state to an active state such that one or more default images are displayed along with one or more user-selected images without the device 1 or display 12 being physically touched.

[0079] When the display 12 is switched to its active state without being touched, the communication interface can receive a signal, such as a radio signal, from a remote device 20, such as the remote device 20 shown in FIG. 3 , that is spaced apart but in close proximity to the aerosol generating device 1 indicating the presence of such remote device 20. The signal provided by the remote device 20 may be a radio signal, or a signal generated using the Bluetooth® protocol, infrared, near-field communication, or other wireless standard. Alternatively, a type of biometric authentication, such as a facial recognition system, may be used. Such a system has the advantage of switching the display 12 to its active state only in response to the presence of an authenticated user, or switching the display 12 to its active state to display a predetermined or specific image based on the identified user.

[0080] In alternative embodiments, sensor 16 may be a capacitive proximity sensor 16. In any embodiment, sensor 16 may comprise an array of proximity sensing elements that may extend across the surface of device 1 such that display 12 is triggered regardless of the orientation of device 1 or the position of the user or remote device 20.

[0081] If a touch-sensitive display 12 is used, the display 12 may switch from an inactive state to an active state in response to being touched, and the communications interface may be configured to detect the presence of a user and send a signal to the display driver 15 in response to the display 12 being touched.

[0082] The steps involved in a method of controlling a non-flammable aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above are shown in Figure 4. In particular, the method may include, in step S1, configuring the display 12 so that a default image is always displayed when the display 12 is in an active state. Furthermore, the method may include configuring the control circuit 7 to allow at least one user-selected image to be displayed in addition to the default image. Selection of the user-selected image may be performed via the remote device 20 or directly via the display 12 of the device 1 itself.

[0083] According to certain other embodiments, the control circuit 7 may be configured to detect the presence of a user and / or remote device 20 close to but at a distance from the aerosol generation device 1 and to change or modify the displayed image when the presence of a user and / or remote device 20 close to the device 1 is detected. This embodiment may also be used in conjunction with the above-described embodiments relating to the display of default and user-selectable images on the display 12.

[0084] In this embodiment, the display driver 15 may be configured to receive signals from the sensor 16 indicating the presence of a user and / or remote device 20 and to modify the displayed image by changing the existing image to a different image, or by changing its position, orientation or appearance, which may include, for example, its color or shading, or by combining the image with another image.

[0085] If the sensor 16 is capable of detecting a remote device 20, such as a smartphone, tablet, or another non-flammable aerosol generating device 1, the sensor 16 may be a communications interface configured to receive signals from the remote device 20 located at a distance but in close proximity to the aerosol generating device 1. As with the previous embodiment, the communications interface may be configured to receive wireless signals, such as Bluetooth signals, infrared signals, or to comply with short-range communications protocols or other wireless standards. Forms of biometric authentication, such as facial recognition systems, may also be used so that images are altered or modified differently based on the presence of an identified user.

[0086] In alternative embodiments, the sensor 16 is a capacitive proximity sensor 16, or an array of capacitive proximity sensors 16, or an array of another type of sensor 16, including an audio sensor 16 that detects noise levels in the vicinity of the device 1.

[0087] It will be appreciated that, according to any embodiment of the present invention, detection of a user or another device 1 may not only switch the display 12 to an active state or change or modify the displayed image, but may also activate or switch on the device 1 so that the steps necessary to enable use of the device 1 are initiated. Additionally or alternatively, detection of a user or another device may unlock the device 1 so that the device can be used.

[0088] While the above has focused in part on a "non-combustion heating" type aerosol generating device, it should be understood that the principles described herein are not limited to this type of aerosol generating device. For example, one or more displays 12 may be provided on an aerosol generating device configured to vaporize a liquid source (which may be achieved by using a liquid transport element or wick to vaporize a small amount of liquid extracted from a liquid reservoir containing the bulk liquid). Such aerosol generating devices are typically referred to as inhalation systems or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDs). Such systems consist of a device portion and a cartridge (an example of a consumable part).

[0089] The cartridge portion includes a housing (e.g., formed of a plastic material), an aerosol-generating material storage area (or liquid reservoir), an aerosol-generating material transfer component (e.g., a wicking element formed of a porous ceramic or fiber bundle such as cotton) disposed in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage area, and an aerosol generator (which may include, for example, a heating element such as a resistive heating wire wrapped around the wicking element). The aerosol-generating material transfer component is disposed to provide the aerosol-generating material (liquid) from the aerosol-generating material storage area to the aerosol generator. An air / aerosol path extends from the cartridge inlet to the outlet (which may correspond to the mouthpiece portion of the cartridge intended to be inserted into the user's mouth during use). The air / aerosol path passes beside or adjacent to the aerosol generator so that vapor generated from the aerosol generator can be entrained in air passing through the air / aerosol path for delivery to the user. The area surrounding the aerosol generator thereby forms an aerosol-generation region. The device portion comprises suitable components for enabling and controlling aerosol generation, such as, for example, an electronics / power chamber (similar to electronics / power chamber 6) containing electrical control circuitry (similar to electrical control circuitry 7) and a power source (similar to power source 8). Power may be provided from the device portion to the consumable to cause the aerosol generator to generate aerosol (e.g., by passing electrical current to the aerosol generator via electrical contacts on the cartridge that engage electrical contacts on the device portion).

[0090] According to the present disclosure, one or more displays may be provided on the device portion of the vaporization system described above (in a manner substantially similar to that described above with respect to the "non-combustion heated" system). Additionally, or alternatively, one or more displays may be provided on the cartridge. The cartridge may be configured to receive electrical input from the device portion to control one or more displays (if present) on the cartridge. Alternatively, the cartridge may be provided with its own power source and / or controller for controlling one or more displays (if present) on the cartridge.

[0091] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Additionally, the present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. a display for displaying an image visible to a user in an active state; a control circuit configured to always display a default image on the display when the display is in an active state; Equipped with The non-flammable aerosol generating device, wherein the control circuit is also configured to allow at least one user-selectable image of a plurality of user-selectable images to be displayed in addition to the default image.

2. The non-flammable aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the control circuit is configured so that the or each user-selectable image is selectable from a menu of user-selectable images.

3. 2. The non-flammable aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit comprises a display driver configured to display the default image and at least one user-selected image of the user-selectable images when the display is in an active state.

4. The non-flammable aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the control circuit includes a communication interface, the communication interface configured to provide a signal to the display driver to display the at least one user-selected image.

5. The control circuitry configured such that the or each user-selectable image is selectable from a menu of user-selectable images; 5. The non-flammable aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the communication interface is configured to provide a signal to the display driver to exchange at least one user-selected image with at least one other user-selectable image selected from the menu.

6. 5. The non-flammable aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the communication interface is configured to provide a signal to the display driver to deselect at least one user-selected image such that the deselected at least one user-selected image is no longer displayed.

7. The control circuitry configured such that the or each user-selectable image is selectable from a menu of user-selectable images; 5. The non-flammable aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive a signal indicating the at least one user-selected image from a remote device having a user input configured to enable a user to select a user-selectable image to be displayed from the menu of user-selectable images on the remote device.

8. The non-flammable aerosol generating device of claim 7 , wherein the communication interface is configured to receive a wireless signal from the remote device.

9. The non-flammable aerosol generating device of claim 3 , comprising a memory for storing image data for at least one user-selectable image.

10. The control circuitry configured such that the or each user-selectable image is selectable from a menu of user-selectable images; 5. The non-flammable aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the communication interface is a touchscreen configured to enable a user to select an image to display as a user-selected image from the menu of user-selectable images in response to a user touching an area of ​​the touchscreen.

11. The non-flammable aerosol generating device of claim 10, wherein the control circuit is configured to allow a user to control the non-flammable aerosol generating device to enter a user selection mode in which a menu of user-selectable images is displayed as a list on the display.

12. 12. The non-flammable aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the control circuit is configured to allow a user to select an image to display as a user-selected image by touching an item in the list.

13. The non-burning aerosol generating device of claim 10 , wherein the touch screen is a resistive or capacitive touch screen.

14. The non-burning aerosol generating device of claim 10, wherein one or more of the default images are touch-sensitive icons, and the control circuit is configured to control one aspect of the non-burning aerosol generating device in response to touching one or more of the default images.

15. The non-combustible aerosol generating device of claim 10, wherein one or more of the user-selectable images are touch-sensitive icons, and the control circuit is configured to control one aspect of the non-combustible aerosol generating device in response to touching one or more of the selected user-selectable images.

16. The control circuitry configured such that the or each user-selectable image is selectable from a menu of user-selectable images; A non-flammable aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 3 to 15, wherein the control circuit is configured to detect the presence of a user and / or a remote device in proximity to the non-flammable aerosol generating device and, in response to the detection, switch the display from an inactive state in which no image is displayed to an active state in which the default image and at least one user-selected image from the menu of user-selectable images are displayed.

17. The non-combustible aerosol generating device of claim 16, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the display so that the display switches from an active state to an inactive state after the control circuit no longer detects the presence of a user and / or remote device in proximity to the non-combustible aerosol generating device after a predetermined period of time.

18. The non-flammable aerosol generating device of claim 16, wherein the control circuit comprises a sensor for detecting the presence of a user and / or a remote device in proximity to the non-flammable aerosol generating device, and the display driver is configured to receive a signal from the sensor indicating the detected presence and control the display to switch from an inactive state to an active state.

19. The non-flammable aerosol generating device of claim 18, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the presence of a user and / or a remote device when the user and / or the remote device are away from the non-flammable aerosol generating device so that the display driver switches the display to an active state without the non-flammable aerosol generating device being touched.

20. 1. A method of controlling a non-burning aerosol generating device having a display for displaying an image visible to a user in an active state, the method comprising: configuring the display to always display a default image when the display is in an active state; configuring the control circuitry so that at least one user-selected image can be displayed in addition to the default image, the or each user-selected image being selectable from a menu of user-selectable images; A method comprising:

Images