Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol delivery apparatus (100) is disclosed that includes an aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit (112, 212) for controlling an operational state of the aerosol delivery device, and a biometric detector (120, 220) configured to detect a characteristic associated with a user (130, 230, 250, 304, 326) of the aerosol delivery device and provide a signal (140, 240, 260) to the control circuit (112, 212). The control circuit (112, 212) is configured to change the operational state of the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a signal (140, 240, 260) from the biometric detector (120, 220) associated with an authorized user. The biometric detector (120, 220) uses node identification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device, an aerosol supply device, a method for supplying an aerosol in an aerosol supply device, and an aerosol supply means.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol supply systems are known. A typical system uses a heater actuated by a user to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material by an aerosol supply device, and this aerosol is then inhaled by the user. This device can be actuated by the user when a button is pressed or simply by the inhalation act. Recent systems can use consumable parts containing an aerosol generating material. It may be desirable for the manufacturer to be able to control the operation of the system. This can avoid the system operating in an undesirable situation.

[0003] The present invention aims to solve some of the above problems.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Various aspects of the present invention are defined in the appended claims.

[0005] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol supply device is provided. This aerosol supply device is an aerosol supply device comprising an aerosol supply device having a control circuit for controlling the operating state of the aerosol supply device, and a biometric detector configured to detect a characteristic associated with a user of the aerosol supply device and provide a signal to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to change the operating state of the aerosol supply device when receiving a signal from the biometric detector associated with an authorized user. The biometric detector uses node identification.

[0006] Such devices can reliably prevent unauthorized users from using the device while allowing authorized users to use it. Therefore, security and control over device usage are improved.

[0007] According to several embodiments described in this book, an aerosol supply device is provided. This aerosol supply device comprises a control circuit for controlling the operating state of the aerosol supply device and a biometric detector configured to detect characteristics associated with a user of the aerosol supply device and provide a signal to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to change the operating state of the aerosol supply device when it receives a signal from the biometric detector associated with an authorized user. The biometric detector uses nodal identification.

[0008] According to some embodiments described in this book, a method for supplying aerosols from an aerosol supply device is provided. This method comprises the steps of: a biometric detector transmitting a signal associated with an authorized user; a control circuit of the aerosol supply device receiving this signal; and the control circuit changing the operating state of the aerosol supply device from a default operating state to a certain operating state.

[0009] According to several embodiments described herein, an aerosol supply means is provided. This aerosol supply means comprises an aerosol supply device comprising a control means for controlling the operating state of the aerosol supply device, and a biometric detection means configured to detect characteristics associated with a user of the aerosol supply device and provide a signal to the control means. The control means is configured to change the operating state of the aerosol supply device when it receives a signal from the biometric detection means associated with an authorized user. The biometric detection means uses nodal identification. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] This instruction is explained using the following diagrams as examples only.

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an aerosol supply device, one example. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of an aerosol supply device, one example. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating one example.

[0012] While the present invention allows for various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and described in detail. However, the drawings and the detailed descriptions of specific embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to any particular form disclosed. Rather, the invention encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] This document discusses and describes various aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments. Some aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments are possible in the prior art and are not discussed or described in detail for the sake of brevity. Therefore, aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed in this document that are not described in detail should be understood as being possible in accordance with the prior art for carrying out those aspects and features.

[0014] This disclosure relates to an aerosol supply system, sometimes referred to as an e-cigarette. Throughout the following description, the terms “e-cigarette” or “electronic cigarette” may be used, but should be understood as interchangeable with “aerosol supply system / device” and “electronic aerosol supply system / device.” Also, as is common in the art, the terms “aerosol” and “vapor,” as well as related terms such as “evaporation,” “volatilization,” and “aerosolization,” can generally be used interchangeably with each other.

[0015] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol supply device 100 according to the present invention and a user 130. The aerosol supply device 100 has an aerosol supply device 110. The aerosol supply device 110 has a control circuit 112. The control circuit 112 is configured to control the operating state of the aerosol supply device 110. The aerosol supply device 100 has a biometric detector 120 configured to detect characteristics associated with the aerosol supply device 110 of a user 130 (not part of the device 100). The biometric detector 120 detects the characteristics of the user 130 and provides a signal 140 to the control circuit 112. When the control circuit 112 receives a signal from the biometric detector 120 associated with an authorized user, it is configured to change the operating state of the aerosol supply device 110. The biometric detector 120 uses nodal identification.

[0016] The aerosol supply device 110 in the example shown in Figure 1 includes a control circuit 112 that can control the operating surface of the aerosol supply device 110. In particular, the control circuit 112 may transmit signals to heaters, heating elements, atomizers, diaphragms, and other aerosol generating elements 116 within the aerosol supply device 110 to enable or activate the heaters 116. The signals from the control circuit 112 are triggered by a signal 140 transmitted from a biometric detector 120 when a user 130 who wishes to use the aerosol supply device 110 is authenticated.

[0017] Therefore, in one usage scenario, user 130 uses the biometric detector 120 to send an authentication signal to the aerosol supply device 110, enabling the aerosol supply device 110 to operate. The aerosol supply device 110 may be in a default operating state before use by user 130. This default operating state may be a non-operating state. In this example, the user cannot operate the aerosol supply device 110 until authentication is performed via the biometric detector 120.

[0018] The biometric detector 120 may have a control circuit 122 for receiving data from the user 130, processing the data by comparing it with a memory or the like, and providing a signal to the control circuit 112 of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0019] In an example where data processing is performed by a biometric detector 120, the signal from the biometric detector 120 may be a signal that notifies the aerosol supply device 110 to either enable operation (if the user is an authorized user) or prevent operation (if the user is not an authorized user). Processing may take the form of comparing data from the user (identified nodes) with a database of identified nodes for registered and authenticated users. If a match is found, signal 140 indicates that the user is authorized and the device 110 should function. If no match is found, the biometric detector 120 may request the user to retry and / or send a signal to the aerosol supply device 110 indicating that the user is not authorized.

[0020] In an example where data processing is performed by the aerosol supply device 110, the signal from the biometric detector 120 may be a signal related to data from the user 130, and the processing of this signal by comparison with memory, etc., may be performed by the control circuit 112 of the aerosol supply device 110. In this example, once processing is performed and the user 130 is identified as either an authorized or unauthorized user, the control circuit 112 sends a signal to the heater 116 to enable the use of the aerosol supply device 110 if the user is authorized, and to prevent the use of the aerosol supply device 110 if the user is unauthorized.

[0021] The default operating state of the aerosol supply device 110 may be non-operating. In this case, if user 130 is not an authorized user, the control circuit 112 does not need to send a signal to the heater 116 even if it receives a signal from the biometric detector 120. This is because there is no change in the state of the aerosol supply device 110.

[0022] The operating state of the aerosol supply device 110 can be considered, in a broad sense, as an operating state or a non-operating state. The signal provided by the biometric detector 120 is received by the control circuit 112 and may ultimately cause the aerosol supply device 110 to change from one state to another.

[0023] In the operating state, elements of the aerosol supply device 110 used to generate aerosol (such as an atomizer, heater, etc.) can be operated. This specific operation of the device 110 may require additional inputs such as suction on the device, pressing a button on the device, etc. In other examples, the device 110 may be one that automatically generates aerosol when the heater 116 receives a signal from the control circuit 112.

[0024] In the non-operating state, elements of the aerosol supply device 110 used to generate aerosol (such as an atomizer, heater, etc.) cannot be operated. In this example, suctioning the device or pressing a button does not affect the heater, atomizer 116, etc.

[0025] The term "operating state" can refer to a number of states in which the device 110 can be operated. Similarly, the term "non-operating state" can refer to a number of states in which the device 110 cannot be operated.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, a device 200 similar to the device 100 of FIG. 1 is shown. Features similar to those used in FIG. 1 are shown with reference numbers incremented by only 100. For example, the device 100 of FIG. 1 is similar to the device 200 of FIG. 2. Similar or identical features may not be considered for the sake of brevity. In FIG. 2, two users 230, 250 are also shown beside the device 200.

[0027] Figure 2 shows an example where a first user 230 attempts to access an aerosol supply device 210, and separately, a second user 250 attempts to access the aerosol supply device 210. The biometric detector 220 uses node identification to detect the characteristics of the user 230 and provides a signal 240 to the control circuit 212 of the aerosol supply device 210. If the user 230 is permitted, the control circuit 212 enables the aerosol supply device 210 to function and can activate the heater 216 for use by the user 230. Thus, the operating state of the aerosol supply device 210 is active with respect to the first user 230.

[0028] The second user 250 may attempt to use the aerosol supply device 210. The biometric detector 220 uses node identification to detect the characteristics of the second user 250 and provides a signal 240 to the control circuit 212 of the aerosol supply device 210. If the user 250 is not permitted, the control circuit may prevent the aerosol supply device 210 from operating. This may include keeping the aerosol supply device 210 in a non-operating state (if the device 210 was already in a non-operating state) or changing the state of the aerosol supply device 210 from an operating state to a non-operating state.

[0029] If the first user 230 is a permitted user and the second user 250 is unauthorized, the change in the operating state of the aerosol supply device 210 may be as described below.

[0030] Initially, device 210 is in its default operating state, which is a non-operating state. A first user 230 can use the biometric detector 220 to change the state of device 210 to the operating state and then use device 210. After the first user 230 has finished using it, or after use is deemed to have ended, such as after one smoking session, multiple puffs, or a predetermined amount of time, device 210 may be reset to the non-operating state. In this case, user 230 may need to change the state of device 210 to the operating state before using it again. With this configuration, the security of device 210 is enhanced by preventing unauthorized use of device 210 after an authorized user has changed the state of device 210 to the operating state and finished a smoking session.

[0031] If an unauthorized second user 250 attempts to access device 210, the biometric detector 220 provides a signal 260 to the control circuit 212. The control circuit 212 may keep device 210 in a non-operating state, thereby preventing the second user 250 from operating device 210. In another example, if the control circuit 212 identifies user 250 as an unauthorized user attempting to use device 210, it may change the state of device 210 to a locked state. The locked state may be a form of non-operating state in which an authorized user 230 must be detected by the biometric detector 220 to unlock the state before it becomes possible to use device 210 to provide aerosols. The locked state may require a further level of identification of the authorized user 230 to allow the locked state to be changed to an unlocked operating state. This may take the form of a password, passkey, or alphanumeric string. Using such a locked state provides the authorized user 230 with an indication that an unauthorized user 250 has attempted to use device 210.

[0032] As used in this document, the term "operating state" includes both operating and non-operating states. An operating state may be a state in which the device is usable. Other more specific operating states may define the performance of the device (e.g., the selection of the heating mechanism used, the heating profile used, the aerosol-generating material used, etc.). Such operating states may be associated with specific users. In this case, when authorized user 1 is recognized, heating profile 1 is provided to the aerosol-generating medium 1 using the corresponding heating mechanism 1. When authorized user 2 is recognized, heating profile 2 is provided to the aerosol-generating medium 2 using the corresponding heating mechanism 2. In this way, different users can be provided with personalized aerosols when each user is recognized.

[0033] A non-operating state may be a state in which the device is unusable. Other more specific non-operating states include the default non-operating state. The default non-operating state can be changed by biometric authentication of an authorized user by the device. Other non-operating states, such as a locked state, may require the user to meet more than one criterion (e.g., one biometric detection) in order to change the device to an operating state. This can help prevent hacking of the device and also notify authorized users that an unauthorized user has attempted to access it. Thus, this configuration enhances the overall protection provided by the device.

[0034] Node recognition enables user recognition by the location of multiple identifiable nodes on an image. This may be used to provide a face recognition system. Such nodes may be the locations of both eyes, and the distance between the eyes may be used to provide a user identification feature. Nodes may be located around the mandible to identify the shape of the user's jaw. Nodes may be at the edges of the forehead, and the distance between these edges, as well as the external position of the face, may be used to identify the shape of the user's face. Node recognition can be used to recognize a user's face. Therefore, this can provide a biometric detection mechanism used to enable access to an aerosol supply device.

[0035] In the examples described in this book, the biometric detector may be a face scanner. In another example, the biometric detector may be a projector scanner.

[0036] Figure 3 shows a method 300 for using the aerosol supply device. In method 300, the device starts in a default state 302. When a user attempts to use the device, the user may be prompted to use a biometric detector for identification. The biometric detector detects the user 304 and detects the user's characteristics. The biometric detector transmits a signal to the control circuit according to the detected user characteristics. As described above, either the biometric detector or the control circuit compares this signal with memory, a database, etc., to determine the user's authorization level (authorized or unauthorized). If an unauthorized user is detected (312), the method proceeds to step 314, in which case the device is locked or remains in the default state.

[0037] If an authorized user is detected (322), the device is changed to an operating state 324. As described above, this operating state may be associated with a user to provide a personalized aerosol. Thus, the heater or atomizer operates with a predetermined heating profile on a predetermined aerosol-generating medium to provide a personalized user aerosol to user 326. After the user finishes their session (which may be communicated to the device by the user pressing a button, or after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed or a predetermined number of puffs have been reached), the usage session is terminated or deemed terminated (328). The device is then returned to its default state as in step 302 (329). In this way, the use of the device disclosed herein can be protected from unauthorized use and unauthorized users.

[0038] The biometric detector may be part of an external device such as a smartphone or tablet. The biometric detector and the aerosol supply device may interact via an application on a smartphone or tablet. The aerosol supply device may be accessed from the biometric detection function of one or more smartphones or tablets. Using only one smartphone increases the likelihood of preventing unauthorized users from accessing the aerosol supply device, because an unauthorized user would need both the aerosol supply device and the device housing the biometric detector.

[0039] As another example, the biometric detector may be part of an aerosol delivery device. This provides a more compact solution for the user.

[0040] In certain examples, the devices disclosed herein may operate with replaceable fragrance pods within the device. The fragrances may be either tobacco or glycol, or extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, etc.) It may also contain mint oil (obtained from jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, bell pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or any variety of the genus Mint), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives, such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant materials, or breath fresheners. These may be imitation ingredients, synthetic ingredients, natural ingredients, or blends thereof.

[0041] The aerosol supply devices disclosed in this book can be called aerosol supply systems when combined with an aerosol generating medium.

[0042] The aerosol supply device has been described in this manner. This aerosol supply device comprises an aerosol supply device having a control circuit for controlling the operating state of the aerosol supply device, and a biometric detector configured to detect characteristics associated with the user of the aerosol supply device and provide a signal to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to change the operating state of the aerosol supply device when it receives a signal from the biometric detector associated with an authorized user. The biometric detector uses nodal identification.

[0043] The aerosol supply system may be used in tobacco industry products, such as non-combustion type aerosol supply systems.

[0044] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product comprises one or more components of a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

[0045] In one embodiment, the aerosol supply system is an e-cigarette, also known as a vaping device.

[0046] In one embodiment, the e-cigarette comprises a heater, a power source capable of supplying power to the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing, and optionally a mouthpiece.

[0047] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable substrate is housed in or on a substrate container. In one embodiment, the substrate container is combined with a heater or comprises a heater.

[0048] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heated product that releases one or more compounds by heating a substrate material without combustion. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material, which may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heated product is a tobacco heated product.

[0049] In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

[0050] In one embodiment, the tobacco heating product comprises a heater, a power supply capable of supplying power to the heater, and an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or gel material.

[0051] In one embodiment, the heated product is a non-electronic article.

[0052] In one embodiment, the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or gel material, and a heat source capable of supplying thermal energy to the aerosolizable substrate without the use of electronic means, for example, by burning a combustible material (e.g., charcoal).

[0053] In one embodiment, the heated product also includes a filter capable of filtering out the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

[0054] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable substrate material may include an aerosolizing agent or aerosol-generating agent or a wetting agent, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0055] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol by heating a combination of multiple substrate materials without combustion. These substrate materials may include, for example, solids, liquids, or gels, and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.

[0056] To address various issues and advance the technology, this disclosure, as a whole, illustrates various embodiments in which the claimed inventions may be carried out, providing an excellent electronic aerosol delivery system. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative samples of various embodiments and are neither exhaustive nor exclusive. These embodiments are presented solely to help understand and teach the features described in the claims. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure should not be considered to limit the disclosure as defined by the claims or to limit the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be utilized or modified without departing from the scope and / or spirit of this disclosure. Various embodiments may appropriately comprise, be appropriately composed of, or appropriately essentially composed of, various combinations of disclosed elements, parts, features, parts, steps, means, etc. This disclosure also includes other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. an aerosol supply device comprising a control circuit for controlling the operating state of the aerosol supply device, A biometric detector configured to detect user-related characteristics of the aerosol supply device and provide a signal to the control circuit, comprising a biometric detector using nodal identification, an aerosol supply device comprising, The control circuit is configured to change the operating state of the aerosol supply device when it receives a signal from the biometric detector associated with an authorized user. If the user is an unauthorized user, the control circuit is configured to set the operating state of the aerosol supply device to a locked, non-operating state, and further levels of identification are required to change the locked state to an unlocked, operating state. Aerosol supply device.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the further level of identification comprises a password or passkey.

3. The default operating state of the aerosol supply device is a non-operating state, The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to reset the aerosol supply device to the non-operating state after the user has finished using the aerosol supply device.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein the user is deemed to have ended use of the aerosol supply device after the user has ended a smoking session.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the biometric detector includes a face scanner.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the biometric detector comprises a projector scanner.

7. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein when an authorized user is detected, the control circuit changes the operating state of the aerosol supply device to an operating state, and in the operating state, the heater is automatically activated.

8. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to change the operating state of the aerosol supply device from a default operating state to a first operating state when it receives a first signal from the biometric detector, and the control circuit is configured to change the operating state of the aerosol supply device from a default operating state to a second operating state when it receives a second signal from the biometric detector, and the first signal is associated with a first user, and the second signal is associated with a second user.

9. The aerosol supply device according to claim 8, wherein the first user is a first authorized user and the first operating state is a first operating state.

10. The aerosol supply device according to claim 9, wherein the second user is a second authorized user, the second operating state is a second operating state, and the second operating state is different from the first operating state.

11. The aerosol supply device according to claim 10, wherein the first operating state is associated with a first heating profile and the second operating state is associated with a second heating profile.

12. an aerosol supply device, A control circuit for controlling the operating state of the aerosol supply device, A biometric detector configured to detect characteristics associated with the user of the aerosol supply device and to provide a signal to the control circuit, comprising a biometric detector using nodal identification, Equipped with, The control circuit is configured to change the operating state of the aerosol supply device when it receives a signal from the biometric detector associated with an authorized user. If the user is an unauthorized user, the control circuit is configured to set the operating state of the aerosol supply device to a locked, non-operating state, and further levels of identification are required to change the locked state to an unlocked, operating state. Aerosol supply device.

13. The aerosol supply device according to claim 12, wherein the biometric detector comprises a face scanner.

14. The aerosol supply device according to claim 12, wherein the biometric detector comprises a projector scanner.

15. A method for supplying aerosols from an aerosol supply device, The steps include: a biometric detector transmitting a signal associated with the user, The control circuit of the aerosol supply device receives the signal, If the signal corresponds to an authorized user, the control circuit changes the operating state of the aerosol supply device from the default operating state to a certain operating state. If the signal corresponds to an unauthorized user, the control circuit sets the operating state of the aerosol supply device to a locked, non-operating state, wherein a further level of identification is required to change the locked state to an unlocked, operating state. A method for providing this.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the default operating state is a non-operating state.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the control circuit is configured to reset the aerosol supply device to the non-operating state after the user has finished using the aerosol supply device.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the default operating state is the locked state.

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