Notification of end of smoking session

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (102) including a puffing session indicator (127) and a controller (128) operably coupled to the puffing session indicator, the controller configured to monitor a user's puffing session, determine the end of the puffing session based on the monitoring, and, in response to determining the end of the puffing session, provide a puffing session end notification to the user indicating the end of the puffing session.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus, computer program product, and method used to notify a user of the end of a smoking session, wherein a user may initiate a smoking session, which is monitored to determine the end of the smoking session, and the user is notified of the end of his or her smoking session. [Background technology]

[0002] Smokers or users of traditional combustion cigarettes have distinct start and stop experiences for a smoking session. For example, the start of a traditional cigarette smoking session may be indicated by the removal of the cigarette from the pack, the unlit or unburned state of the cigarette, the overall length of the cigarette, the total mass of the cigarette, the solidity of the cigarette, the partial rigidity, and the smell of the unburned cigarette. In other words, users of traditional combustion cigarettes have many signs or signals, some more obvious than others, to indicate that a smoking session has begun or is about to begin.

[0003] Furthermore, the end of a smoking session of a conventional cigarette may be indicated by a partially burned state of the cigarette, a shortened length of the cigarette, a decrease in the mass of the cigarette, a decrease in the firmness or rigidity of the cigarette, and the smell of the partially burned cigarette. In other words, a user of a conventional combustion cigarette has some more obvious signs or signals than others to indicate that a smoking session is over or about to end.

[0004] A smoker or user of a traditional combustion cigarette may utilize many of their senses to determine the beginning and end of a smoking session using the above-described indicators or signals that indicate the beginning or end of such a smoking session. For example, a user may utilize their vision to determine the physical state of the cigarette, such as whether the cigarette is partially burned or unburned, and the length of the cigarette. Further, for example, a user may utilize their sense of smell to determine whether the cigarette is partially burned or unburned. Still further, for example, a user may use their kinesthetic sense to determine whether the cigarette has become less solid or stiff. Of course, the indicators or signals that indicate the beginning and end of a smoking session described herein are not exhaustive and other indicators, signals are available to a smoker.

[0005] Because smokers of traditional combustion cigarettes have distinct onset and offset experiences for a smoking session, they can know when to end their smoking session based on the offset and duration since the offset. As a result, smokers of traditional cigarettes experience interruptions between smoking sessions indicated by the offset and offset experiences. Smokers of traditional cigarettes can then "know" their consumption based on the volume of their smoking sessions.

[0006] In contrast, users of aerosol generating devices that generate aerosol without combustion, for example, from an article that includes a tobacco substrate (e.g., a non-combustion heated aerosol generating device), may not have such clear start and stop experiences for a smoking session that can be perceived by the user. For example, because the user may not completely consume the tobacco substrate over the duration of a typical smoking session, it may not be apparent to the user when a smoking session has begun or ended. Furthermore, the visual, olfactory, and tactile indicators of the start and end of a smoking session may differ from those of a traditional cigarette.

[0007] As a result, users of aerosol generating devices that generate aerosol without combustion, for example, from articles that include a tobacco substrate, may find the associated smoking session etiquette uncomfortable and may have difficulty adopting aerosol generating devices that lack clear smoking session start and stop experiences. Furthermore, because traditional start and stop cues or experiences are absent or simply distinct from traditional combustible cigarettes, users of non-combustible aerosol generating devices may continue to use their aerosol generating devices "on" all day long. Furthermore, without clear start and stop experiences for a smoking session, users may lack insight into their consumption (e.g., inhalation and exposure data) and therefore be unable to act accordingly.

[0008] PCT Publication No. WO2020 / 006311 describes a vaporizer system that includes a device in communication with the vaporizer that can track usage against one or more usage limits set by a user. The usage limit can be the number of puffs over a predetermined period of time. The device can notify the user on a user interface that the usage limit is about to be reached.

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 10,398,178 B2 describes that electronic vaporizers may be used that are equipped with tactile devices that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy that is intended to be tactilely sensed by the user while the vaporizer is actively generating vapor, or that can be tactilely sensed by the user. Additionally, the tactile device may operate during activation of the electronic vaporizer and then vibrate or pulse at intervals to communicate the status of the electronic vaporizer.

[0010] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0069603 describes a personal vaporization device that stores a substance to be vaporized and includes means for indicating, by visual cue, auditory cue, touch feedback, haptic, vibration, heat or other sensory signal or prompt, when the device has sufficiently heated the substance to a predetermined temperature or for a predetermined time and the device is ready for use.

[0011] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0338407 describes a programmable controller that includes a tactile interface that allows a user to receive tactile feedback on their withdrawal using an electrical current that stimulates the hand holding the vaping device, or a buzzer motor, or notification method on a display, or by illuminating a series of lights in sequence depending on the strength and / or length of inhalation through the vaping device.

[0012] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0020825 describes an electronic smoking article adapted to provide tactile feedback to a user. The tactile feedback may define an operating state, such as heating a heater to form an aerosol, powering up the device, or powering down the device. The tactile feedback may define additional device states, such as a low aerosol precursor composition reservoir, the device not functioning properly, or the control component being properly connected to the cartridge. In some embodiments, the tactile feedback may be independent of the device state. For example, the tactile feedback may be provided to enhance the user's experience with the device.

[0013] For example, it may be desirable for a user of an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol without combustion to have one or both of a start experience and a stop experience communicated to the user in order to develop a method for their aerosol consumption. For example, a stop experience may limit the user from using the aerosol generating device all day long. Furthermore, the stop experience may provide the user with insight into their consumption (e.g., inhalation data and exposure data). Such insight into consumption allows the user to act accordingly, ensuring that the user's consumption remains "in control" and under control.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided that includes monitoring a user's puffing session using an aerosol generating device, determining the end of the puffing session based on the monitoring, and in response to determining the end of the puffing session, providing a puffing session end notification to the user indicating the end of the puffing session. Summary of the Invention

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program product for use with an aerosol generating device comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program code stored thereon, the program code being configured, when the program product is executed on a computer, to monitor a user's puffing session using the aerosol generating device, determine an end of the puffing session based on the monitoring, and, in response to determining the end of the puffing session, provide a puffing session end notification to the user indicating the end of the puffing session.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a puff session indicator; and a controller including one or more processors operably coupled to the puff session indicator, wherein the controller is configured to monitor a user's puff session, determine an end of the puff session based on the monitoring, and, in response to determining the end of the puff session, provide an end-of-puff session notification to the user indicating the end of the puff session.

[0017] A smoking session includes and spans the initial puff or inhalation using the aerosol-generating device and the final puff or inhalation of the aerosol during such an inhalation session using the aerosol-generating device. A smoking session may span multiple or many minutes. However, a smoking session may be indicated by one or more of the amount of puff time, the number of puffs, or the amount of aerosol generated (and potential inhalation). Thus, a smoking session may be defined by, among other things, a selected number of puffs, a selected amount of puff time, or a selected amount of aerosol generated.

[0018] For example, in one embodiment, the amount of puff time is monitored over a moving or rolling time window, and the end of the puff session is determined when the amount of puff time during the moving time window exceeds a puff time threshold. Further, for example, in another embodiment, the number of puffs is monitored over a moving or rolling time window, and the end of the puff session is determined when the number of puffs during the moving time window exceeds a puff number threshold. The moving time window is selected to capture the maximum amount of time a user is expected to take to complete a single puff session. In one embodiment, the moving time window is 30 minutes. In other embodiments, the moving time window is shorter than 30 minutes, such as, for example, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or 20 minutes. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the moving time window is longer than 30 minutes, such as, for example, 40 minutes, 45 minutes, or 1 hour.

[0019] The moving time window may be described as "moving" or "rolling" in that it is a window that slides along a time axis such that any puffs occurring within the window are tallied or summed to provide the amount of puff time or the number of puffs during the moving time window. In this way, the moving time window may accurately capture a puff session. Furthermore, the moving time window may be described as being a retrospective time frame that looks back over the amount or duration of the moving time window. In other words, if the moving time window is 30 minutes long, the moving time window may "look back" over the last 30 minutes and tallie or sum up the amount of puff time or the number of puffs between the present and the previous 30 minutes.

[0020] The amount of puff time is the amount of time that the user puffs or inhales aerosol from the aerosol generating device, which may be continuously tallied or summed within or over a moving time window. Similarly, the number of puffs is the number of times that the user puffs or inhales aerosol from the aerosol generating device, which may be continuously tallied or summed within or over a moving time window. Each of the amount of puff time and the number of puffs over the moving time window is compared to a threshold to determine whether the puffing session has completed (e.g., ended or stopped).

[0021] The puff time threshold can be set or configured to an amount of puff time that captures a user's typical puff session. For example, the puff time threshold can be designed to deliver the amount of aerosol that a user expects to receive during a single puff session. In one embodiment, the puff time threshold is a puff time of 30 seconds. In other embodiments, the puff time threshold is shorter than 30 seconds, such as 25 seconds, 20 seconds, 15 seconds, 10 seconds, or 5 seconds. In yet other embodiments, the puff time threshold is longer than 30 seconds, such as 25 seconds or 50 seconds.

[0022] The puff time threshold may be preconfigured at the time of manufacture or may be selected or changed by the user after purchase. Thus, in one aspect, the user may be able to select the puff time threshold. For example, some users may take larger puffs than a typical user over the same amount of time, and therefore may need to shorten the puff time per puff session. As a result, users who take these larger puffs may wish to reduce the puff time threshold used to indicate the end of a puff session. Similarly, some users may take smaller puffs than a typical user over the same amount of time, and therefore may need to lengthen the puff time per puff session. As a result, users who take these smaller puffs may wish to increase the puff time threshold used to indicate the end of a puff session.

[0023] The puff count threshold may also be set or configured to a number of puffs that captures a typical smoking session. For example, the puff count threshold may be selected or designed to deliver the amount of aerosol that a user expects to receive during a single smoking session. In one embodiment, the puff count threshold is 20 puffs. In other embodiments, the puff count threshold is shorter than 20 puffs, such as 15 puffs, 10 puffs, or 5 puffs. In yet other embodiments, the puff count threshold is longer than 20 puffs, such as 30 puffs or 40 puffs.

[0024] The puff count threshold may be preconfigured at the time of manufacture or may be selected or changed by the user after purchase. Thus, in one aspect, the user may be able to select the puff count threshold. For example, some users may take larger puffs (e.g., longer puffs) than typical users and therefore may need to take fewer puffs per puffing session. As a result, users who take these larger puffs may wish to reduce the puff count threshold used to indicate the end of a puffing session. Similarly, some users may take smaller puffs (e.g., shorter puffs) than typical users and therefore may need to take more puffs per puffing session. As a result, users who take these smaller puffs may wish to increase the puff count threshold used to indicate the end of a puffing session.

[0025] In one aspect, a user can select or change the puff time threshold or puff count threshold using a user interface device, such as, for example, a mobile phone, operably coupled to the aerosol generating device. For example, the user interface device may be operably coupled wirelessly, operably coupled by wire, operably coupled via a network such as a local network or the Internet, or effectively operably coupled to the aerosol generating device in any other manner such that puff time threshold or puff count threshold changes can be communicated from the user interface device to the aerosol generating device.

[0026] As described herein, the end of the puffing session is determined based on the monitoring, which may include comparing the amount of puff time over a moving time window to a puff time threshold or comparing the number of puffs over the moving time window to a puff number threshold. Once the end of the puffing session is determined, a puff session end notification is provided to the user indicating the end of the puffing session. More specifically, in response to determining the end of the puffing session, a puff session end notification is provided to the user indicating the end of the puffing session.

[0027] To do so, the aerosol generating device includes a puff session indicator. The puff session indicator may be any device or appliance capable of providing a puff session notification to a user. Furthermore, the puff session notification may include any type of notification that provides a user with an indication or notification that the user can perceive using one of their senses. In one aspect, the puff session end notification is a sensory output to the user. A sensory output may be described as any output that produces a change on or in the body that the user perceives.

[0028] For example, the tactile output may be a vibration generated by a vibration device located within or as part of the aerosol generating device. In this manner, the end-of-session notification is a vibration of the aerosol generating device such that the user feels the vibration in their hand (e.g., finger) when the amount of puff time or number of puffs exceeds a threshold within a respective moving time window. Thus, the user may be notified of the end of a puff session via the vibration. Furthermore, the vibration tactile output may be described as haptic feedback felt by the user.

[0029] In one aspect, to provide such a vibrotactile output, the smoking session indicator is a vibrotactile actuator. One example of a vibrotactile actuator is an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motor, which rotates a counterweight around a motor shaft, generating a motor displacement that is converted into vibration. Most ERM motors can advantageously be powered by direct current. Electromagnetic vibration motors may also be used. The ERM motor may be adapted for simple vibration or may be coupled to a suitable processor driver IC, which can be programmed to vary the motor speed to control the vibration amplitude and frequency and, therefore, the waveform generated by the smoking article. Another example of a vibrotactile actuator is a linear resonant actuator (LRA). Such devices typically include an internal magnetic mass and spring, with current in a voice coil displacing the mass. Nevertheless, vibrotactile actuators such as ERM motors and LRAs can be provided in a variety of form factors. For example, the vibrotactile actuator may be cylindrical. In some embodiments, the vibrotactile actuator may be coin-shaped (i.e., substantially coin-like). Furthermore, in some aspects, the vibrotactile actuator may be adapted to substantially vibrate the entire aerosol generating device or only a portion thereof, in other words, the vibrotactile actuator may not be coordinate-specific or may be adapted for touch coordinate-specific response.

[0030] Further, for example, the tactile output may be a temperature change (e.g., heat), a pressure change, a texture change, or a stiffness change in the aerosol generating device that can be felt by a user.

[0031] In one embodiment, the notification of the end of a puff session is the turning off or powering down of the aerosol generating device. The user immediately notices that the aerosol generating device has been turned off or powered off when the amount of puff time or number of puffs taken by the user exceeds a threshold within the respective moving time window. Thus, the user can be notified of the end of a puff session via the turning off of the aerosol generating device.

[0032] In one aspect, the notification of the end of a smoking session is a visual output to the user. A visual output may be described as any output that is visible to the user. For example, the visual output may be provided by one or more visual indicators, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), located on the aerosol generating device.

[0033] In other words, the vaping or puffing session profiling feature described herein is described as allowing a user to set up vaping or puffing session thresholds so that they are notified at the end of each session, thereby allowing the user to create a familiar habit. Furthermore, puffing session notifications are useful for helping users understand something about their consumption. A user may define their own specific triggers so that they are notified after reaching or completing a user-defined number of puffs or a user-defined puff time. A notification may be delivered at the end of a puff that exceeds a threshold or trigger. In one aspect, the aerosol generating device only generates a notification and is not turned off so that the user can continue to use the device. In this context, the notification may be described as being for information only.

[0034] Additionally, a user can configure vaping or smoking session end notifications and other settings related thereto using a user interface device (e.g., a software application or "app" on the user interface device) that may be in communication with the aerosol generating device. In one aspect, a smoking or vaping session is defined by a selectable "puff duration." In another aspect, a smoking or vaping session is defined by a selectable "number of puffs." In one aspect, notification at the end of a smoking session experience may be through device vibration or device off, which may be selected or configured by the user.

[0035] In one embodiment, a user may use a software application on a user interface device to select a "Session Profiling" feature to turn session profiling "on" and further select a "Puff Time" to define their puff session. Once activated, the aerosol generating device will notify the user at the end of each session, either by vibrating the device or by turning the device off. For example, if the user selects 15 seconds per puff session, the user will be notified by the device every 15 seconds that the user vapes or puffs.

[0036] Additionally, using a software application on the user interface device, a user can select an event that will trigger a notification when a predefined rolling period of more than 30 minutes is reached. In this manner, the user can configure the number of puffs that will trigger a notification. A supported range can be 1 to 65,535 puffs over the rolling period. In one embodiment, the rolling period is 30 minutes. In one embodiment, the user can set or select the duration of the rolling period. Further, for example, a user may set a trigger or threshold of 20 puffs, and the aerosol generating device will respond if 20 puffs are produced over a rolling 30-minute period. In this situation, the puff duration is not relevant, and only the number of puffs is used to determine whether the end of the smoking session has been reached.

[0037] Alternatively, the user can configure the amount of puff time that will trigger a notification. The supported range can be 1 to 65,535 seconds of puff time over a rolling period. For example, if the trigger or threshold is set to 30 seconds of puff time, the aerosol generating device may respond when the total puff time reaches 30 seconds over a rolling period, such as 30 minutes. In this case, the number of puffs is not relevant, only the puff time is used.

[0038] Additionally, the exemplary devices, methods, and computer products described herein can alert a user to the need to discontinue inhalation not only when a particular set number of puffs is reached, but also when a cumulative duration of puffs over a rolling period (e.g., the last 30 minutes) is reached, thereby allowing the device to warn the user even if the user takes a few very long puffs.

[0039] The exemplary aerosol-generating devices described herein generate aerosols from articles that include a tobacco substrate that is heated but not combusted, and that contains certain smoke components in amounts or concentrations less than the smoke or aerosol produced from the combustion and pyrolysis of tobacco in conventional cigarettes. In one known type of aerosol-generating device, the aerosol is generated by heat transfer from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol-generating article (e.g., including a tobacco-containing substrate). The device is configured so that the heat source does not combust the substrate. During use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

[0040] An exemplary aerosol-generating device may define a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article and may include a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the 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 source that provides at least power to the heater and may be configured to interface with or be operably coupled to a user interface device.

[0041] The aerosol generating device and the user interface device may include a controller including one or more processors and a communication interface for transferring data between them. Preferably, the aerosol generating device and the user interface device may communicate using data coupling (e.g., each may include at least one data interface port for communication of data that may be interdigitated) when the aerosol generating device is received by a host device. Additionally, a wireless communication interface, such as a Bluetooth wireless protocol interface, may be used between the aerosol generating device and the user interface 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. For example, the processing programs or routines stored in the data storage may include programs or routines for monitoring puff sessions, maintaining the number of puffs over a moving period, maintaining the amount of puff time over a moving period, comparing the number of puffs or the amount of puff time to various thresholds, initiating puff session notification, statistics, matrix calculations, compression algorithms (e.g., data compression algorithms), normalization algorithms, comparison algorithms, or any other processes used to implement one or more of the exemplary methods and processes described herein. Further, for example, the processing programs or routines stored in the data storage may include processes and functions for transferring data and commands, such as changing the puff count threshold or changing the puff time, between the aerosol generating device and the user interface device. The data storage, or memory, may further be configured to store puff count thresholds, puff time thresholds, rolling amounts of puff time over a moving period, rolling numbers of puffs over a moving period, related routines, and any other data and / or formulas necessary to implement the processes and methods described herein.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the aerosol generation device and user interface 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.

[0043] 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, for example, 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 the device appropriate 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.

[0044] The exact configuration of the aerosol generating device and the controller of the user interface device is not limited, and essentially any device capable of providing the appropriate computational 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.

[0045] 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.).

[0046] 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.).

[0047] As described herein, 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 provide a graphical area (e.g., a graphical button) on the graphical user interface that a user may select to change or select a puff time threshold or puff count threshold. Upon selection, the user interface device may wirelessly communicate with the aerosol generating device via the communications interface to transmit and update the puff time threshold or puff count threshold. After the puff time threshold or puff count threshold is updated on the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device may transmit confirmation data or information back to the user interface device indicating that such threshold was successfully updated.

[0048] 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 device to enable the user to interact with the user interface device and the like.

[0049] Aerosol-generating devices 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 comprising 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 "heated aerosol-generating article" is an aerosol-generating article that includes an aerosol-generating substrate and is configured for use with an aerosol-generating device that is 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-generating device (also manufactured by Philip Morris International). [Example]

[0050] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, the following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0051] Example 1: A method for use with an aerosol generating device, comprising: monitoring a puffing session using the aerosol generating device; determining an end of the puffing session based on the monitoring; and, in response to determining the end of the puffing session, providing a puffing session end notification to a user indicating the end of the puffing session. Example 2: A computer program product for use with an aerosol generating device, comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program code stored thereon, the program code being configured, when the program product is executed on a computer, to monitor a user's puffing session using the aerosol generating device, determine the end of the puffing session based on the monitoring, and, in response to determining the end of the puffing session, provide a puffing session end notification to the user indicating the end of the puffing session. Example 3: An aerosol generating device comprising: a puff session indicator; and a controller including one or more processors operably coupled to the puff session indicator, wherein the controller is configured to monitor a user's puff session, determine an end of the puff session based on the monitoring, and, in response to determining the end of the puff session, provide a puff session end notification to the user indicating the end of the puff session. Example 4: A method, computer program product, and aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein monitoring a user's puffing session using an aerosol generating device includes monitoring the amount of puffing time over a moving time window, and determining the end of the puffing session based on the monitoring includes determining the end of the puffing session when the amount of puffing time during the moving time window exceeds a puffing time threshold. Example 5: The method, computer program product, and aerosol generating device described in Example 4, wherein the method further includes, the program code is further configured to execute, or the controller is further configured to execute, allowing the user to select a puff time threshold. Example 6: A method, computer program product, and aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein monitoring a user's smoking session using an aerosol generating device includes monitoring the number of puffs over a moving time window, and determining the end of the smoking session based on the monitoring includes determining the end of the smoking session when the number of puffs during the moving time window exceeds a puff number threshold. Example 7: The method, computer program product, and aerosol generating device according to Example 6, wherein the method further includes, the program code is further configured to execute, or the controller is further configured to execute, allowing a user to select a puff count threshold. Example 8: The method, computer program product, and aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 4 to 7, wherein the moving time window is 30 minutes. Example 9: The method, computer program product, and aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 5 to 7, wherein allowing the user to make a selection includes allowing the user to make a selection using a user interface device. Example 10: The method, computer program product, and aerosol generating device according to Example 9, wherein the user interface device is a mobile phone. Example 11: The method, computer program product, and aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the notification of the end of the smoking session includes a sensory output for the user. Example 12: The method, computer program product, and aerosol generating device according to Example 11, wherein the tactile output comprises vibration. Example 13: 13. The method, computer program product, and aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the notification of the end of the smoking session includes turning off the aerosol generating device.

[0052] Reference will now be made to the drawings, which depict one or more embodiments described in the present disclosure. However, it will be understood that other embodiments not shown in the drawings 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. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are not necessarily drawn to scale and are presented for illustrative purposes, not limiting. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0053] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the following figures:

[0054] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol-generating device 100 including an aerosol-generating device 102 and a user interface device 201 configured to interface with the aerosol-generating device 102 . [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary method for generating an end-of-puff session notification for an aerosol generating device 102. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a graph of exemplary puff times over a portion of a day. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a graph of exemplary puff counts over a portion of a day. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of an exemplary user interface device for use in altering the puff time threshold of the aerosol generating device 102. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] 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 user interface device 201. 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 further include a communication interface (e.g., a wireless communication interface) for communicating 199 with, for example, the host device 101 and the user interface device 201 shown in FIG. 5. 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.

[0056] The controller 128 is configured to monitor puffs by the user. Specifically, the controller 128 is configured to monitor the amount of puff time and the number of puffs over a moving or rolling period. The aerosol generating device 102 further includes a puff session indicator 127 operably coupled to the controller 128 and the power source 126. The controller 128, in conjunction with the puff session indicator 127, provides a puff session notification, such as an end-of-puff session notification, to the user. The puff session indicator 127 may include a somatosensory device, such as a haptic or vibration generating mechanism, configured to deliver a somatic sensation to the user when the controller 128 determines the end of a puff session based on the monitoring.

[0057] As shown, the aerosol generating device 102 includes a plurality of indicators 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, and 162-4 that can be used to communicate information to a user. For example, the plurality of indicators 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, and 162-4 can be used to provide a puff session notification, such as an end-of-puff session notification, to a user. In particular, for example, the plurality of indicators 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, and 162-4 can display a light pattern that indicates the end of a puff session.

[0058] An exemplary method 50 for generating a puff session end notification for an aerosol generating device 102 is shown in Figure 2. The method 50 includes monitoring a user's puff session using the aerosol generating device at 52, determining an end of the puff session based on the monitoring at 54, and, in response to determining the end of the puff session, providing a puff session end notification to the user at 56 indicating the end of the puff session.

[0059] An exemplary puff duration over a portion of a day is shown in the graph of Figure 3. The portion of the day shown is from 9:00 to 12:00. As shown, the user consumed or inhaled for 5 seconds between 9:00 and 9:05, as indicated by the black bar extending upward from the x-axis at 9:05, resulting in a 5-second puff duration. Additionally, as can be seen, the user consumed a 4-second puff duration between 9:05 and 9:10, a 5-second puff duration between 9:10 and 9:15, and a 5-second puff duration between 9:15 and 9:20.

[0060] The rolling sum of puff duration over a 30-minute moving time window is shown as a dotted line on the graph. Additionally, a 16-second puff duration threshold is shown using a dash-dot line. As can be seen, the amount of puff duration over the 30-minute moving window is exceeded between 9:15 and 9:20. Accordingly, the example apparatus, methods, and computer products described herein may determine the end of a puff session based on such monitoring and may then provide a puff session end notification to the user indicating the end of the puff session.

[0061] Furthermore, if the user puffs for 5 seconds between 10:05 and 10:10, for 6 seconds between 10:10 and 10:15, and for 6 seconds between 10:15 and 10:20, the puff duration threshold is again exceeded between 10:15 and 10:20, and a puff session end notification is delivered to the user indicating the end of the puff session.Finally, if the user puffs for 15 seconds between 11:25 and 11:30, the puff duration threshold is not exceeded and a puff session end notification is not delivered.

[0062] An exemplary number of puffs over a portion of a day is shown in the graph of Figure 4. The portion of the day shown is from 9:00 to 12:00. As shown, the user takes eight puffs between 9:00 and 9:05, as indicated by the black bar extending upward from the x-axis at 9:05. Furthermore, as can be seen, the user takes six puffs between 9:05 and 9:10, three puffs between 9:10 and 9:15, three puffs between 9:15 and 9:20, six puffs between 9:20 and 9:25, and five puffs between 9:25 and 9:30.

[0063] The rolling total of puffs over a 30-minute moving time window is shown as a dotted line on the graph. Additionally, a 30 puff count threshold is shown using a dash-dot line. As can be seen, the number of puffs over the 30-minute moving window is exceeded between 9:25 and 9:30. Accordingly, the example apparatus, methods, and computer products described herein may determine the end of a puff session based on such monitoring and may then provide a puff session end notification to the user indicating the end of the puff session.

[0064] Furthermore, if the user takes five puffs between 10:05 and 10:10, six puffs between 10:10 and 10:15, three puffs between 10:15 and 10:20, five puffs between 10:20 and 10:25, and six puffs between 10:25 and 10:30, the puff count threshold will not be exceeded and a puff session end notification will not be sent. Finally, if the user takes 13 puffs between 11:25 and 11:30, and 17 puffs between 11:30 and 11:35, the puff duration threshold will again be exceeded and a puff session end notification will be sent to the user indicating the end of the puff session.

[0065] 5 shows an exemplary user interface device 201 including a display 206 showing a graphical user interface 250. The graphical user interface 250 includes a graphical area 260 for selection of a puff time threshold. For example, a user may select a puff time threshold from a rotary selector graphic 262 located within the graphical area 260, and upon selecting the puff time threshold, the user may select an "OK" confirmation graphical area 264. After the puff time threshold is selected and confirmed, the user interface device 201 wirelessly communicates the updated puff time threshold to the aerosol generation device 102.

[0066] All scientific and technical terms used herein have meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided herein are intended 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 employed 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," and the like are used in their 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, under particular circumstances, offer certain advantages. 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.

[0067] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like are understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Accordingly, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 1%. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include a numerical value that is within the typical standard error for measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some cases as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel property(ies) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. 1. A method for use in an aerosol generating device, comprising: monitoring a user's puffing sessions using the aerosol generating device, including monitoring the amount of puff time or number of puffs over a moving time window; determining an end of the smoking session based on the monitoring; and and in response to determining the end of the smoking session, providing a smoking session end notification to the user indicating the end of the smoking session.

2. 1. A computer program product for use with an aerosol generating device comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium having program code stored thereon, the program code performing the following when the program product is run on a computer: monitoring a user's puffing session using the aerosol generating device, including monitoring the amount of puff time or number of puffs over a moving time window; determining an end of the smoking session based on the monitoring; A computer program product configured to, in response to determining the end of the puffing session, provide a puffing session end notification to the user indicating the end of the puffing session.

3. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a smoking session indicator; a controller operably coupled to the puff session indicator, the controller including one or more processors, the controller comprising: monitoring the user's smoking sessions, including monitoring the amount of puff time or number of puffs over a moving time window; determining an end of the smoking session based on the monitoring; The aerosol generating device is configured to, in response to determining the end of the puffing session, provide a puffing session end notification to the user indicating the end of the puffing session.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the end of the puffing session based on the monitoring comprises determining the end of the puffing session when the amount of puffing time during the moving time window exceeds a puffing time threshold.

5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising allowing the user to select the puff time threshold.

6. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the end of the puffing session based on the monitoring comprises determining the end of the puffing session when the number of puffs during the moving time window exceeds a puff number threshold.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising allowing the user to select the puff count threshold.

8. 8. The method of any one of claims 1 and 4 to 7, wherein the moving time window is 30 minutes.

9. The method of claim 5 or 7, wherein allowing the user to make a selection comprises allowing the user to make a selection using a user interface device.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the user interface device is a mobile phone.

11. The method of any one of claims 1 and 4 to 9, wherein the smoking session end notification comprises a sensory output to the user.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the somatosensory output comprises vibration.

13. The method of any one of claims 1 and 4 to 12, wherein the notification of the end of a smoking session comprises turning off the aerosol generating device.

14. The computer program product of claim 2, wherein determining the end of the smoking session based on the monitoring includes determining the end of the smoking session when the amount of smoking time during the moving time window exceeds a smoking time threshold.

15. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the program code is further configured to: enable the user to select the puff time threshold.

16. The computer program product of claim 2, wherein determining the end of the smoking session based on the monitoring includes determining the end of the smoking session when the number of puffs during the moving time window exceeds a puff number threshold.

17. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the program code is further configured to: enable the user to select the puff count threshold.

18. The computer program product of any one of claims 2 and 14 to 17, wherein the moving time window is 30 minutes.

19. A computer program product as described in any one of claims 15 and 17, wherein enabling the user to make a selection includes enabling the user to make a selection using a user interface device.

20. The computer program product of claim 19, wherein the user interface device is a mobile phone.

21. A computer program product as described in any one of claims 2 and 14 to 19, wherein the notification of the end of the smoking session includes a sensory output to the user.

22. The computer program product of claim 21, wherein the sensory output includes vibration.

23. A computer program product as described in any one of claims 2 and 14 to 22, wherein the notification of the end of the smoking session includes turning off the aerosol generating device.

24. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein determining the end of the puffing session based on the monitoring includes determining the end of the puffing session when the amount of puffing time during the moving time window exceeds a puffing time threshold.

25. The aerosol generating device of claim 24, wherein the controller is further configured to perform the following: enable the user to select the puff time threshold.

26. An aerosol generating device as described in claim 3, wherein determining the end of the puffing session based on the monitoring includes determining the end of the puffing session when the number of puffs during the moving time window exceeds a puff number threshold.

27. ​​The aerosol generating device of claim 26, wherein the controller is further configured to enable the user to select the puff count threshold.

28. An aerosol generating device described in any one of claims 3 and 24 to 27, wherein the moving time window is 30 minutes.

29. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 25 and 27, wherein allowing the user to make a selection includes allowing the user to make a selection using a user interface device.

30. An aerosol generating device as described in claim 29, wherein the user interface device is a mobile phone.

31. An aerosol generating device described in any one of claims 3 and 24 to 29, wherein the notification of the end of the smoking session includes a sensory output to the user.

32. An aerosol generating device as described in claim 31, wherein the sensory output includes vibration.

33. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 3 and 24 to 32, wherein the notification of the end of the smoking session includes turning off the aerosol generating device.

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