Display for aerosol supply devices and systems

Abstract

A non-combustible aerosol delivery device is disclosed. The non-combustible aerosol delivery device includes a first display for displaying an image visible to a user in an active area of ​​the display. The first display is configured such that a non-active area of ​​the first display is transparent. A non-combustible aerosol generating system including the non-combustible aerosol generation device according to the present invention is also disclosed, along with a method of controlling the non-combustible aerosol delivery device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present specification relates to a non-combustible aerosol supply device, a non-combustible aerosol generation system, and a method for controlling a non-combustible aerosol supply device.

Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco to generate 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 include so-called "non-combustion heating-type" products, or tobacco heating devices or tobacco heating products, which release compounds by heating rather than burning a base material. For example, a tobacco heating device heats an aerosol-generating base material, which may be tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine, to form an aerosol by heating the base material without burning it.

Summary of Invention

[0003] According to some embodiments described in the present specification, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol supply device including a first display for displaying an image visible to a user in an active area of the display, wherein the first display is configured such that a non-active area of the first display is transparent.

[0004] The non-combustible aerosol supply device may include a housing having an outer surface. The first display may be attached to the outer surface such that the outer surface is visible through the non-active area of the first display.

[0005] The outer surface of the housing may have an uneven shape, and the first display can be configured to conform to the uneven shape of the outer surface of the housing.

[0006] The housing may be tubular such that its outer surface extends around the longitudinal axis. The first display and / or second display may extend around the longitudinal axis at an angle of at least 90 degrees, at least 180 degrees, or 360 degrees, or any other angle in between.

[0007] The first display may extend longitudinally over substantially the entire length of the housing.

[0008] In another embodiment, the first display forms a housing; that is, the display and the housing may be formed integrally, or the display itself may include the housing.

[0009] In another embodiment, the non-combustible aerosol supply device includes a second display for displaying an image in the working area of ​​the display.

[0010] The second display can be positioned below the first display, so that the image displayed in the working area of ​​the second display is visible through the non-working area of ​​the first display.

[0011] If the device has a housing with an outer surface, the second display may be positioned between the outer surface of the housing and the first display.

[0012] The housing may have a undulating shape. In that case, the second display may be configured to conform to the undulating shape of the housing. In an alternative embodiment, the second display may form the housing of the device.

[0013] The housing may be tubular and have a curved outer surface extending around a longitudinal axis. The first and / or second(s) displays may, in this case, provide a curved display surface extending around the longitudinal axis at least 90 degrees, at least 180 degrees, 360 degrees, or any other angle in between.

[0014] The second display may extend longitudinally along the entire length or substantially the entire length of the housing.

[0015] The second display may be completely covered by the first display.

[0016] The first display may be attached to the second display.

[0017] The first display may be positioned at a distance from the second display.

[0018] A non-combustible aerosol supply device may include a control circuit configured to control a first display and a second display. The control circuit can control the first and second displays such that the working area of ​​the second display is below the non-working area of ​​the first display, and therefore the image displayed on the second display is visible through the non-working area of ​​the first display.

[0019] The control circuit can be configured to control the first and second displays so that an image is displayed on the second display and information is displayed on the first display. The information displayed on the first display can be superimposed on the image on the second display.

[0020] The control circuit may include memory for storing images displayed on the first display and the second display, respectively.

[0021] For example, in response to a user activating the device, in response to detecting a user in close proximity to the device, and / or in response to movement of the device, the control circuit may include sensors configured to activate a first display and / or a second display to display an image.

[0022] Depending on whether the device is being used, whether a user is in proximity to the device, or whether the device is being moved, the control circuit may be configured to display predetermined images on said first display and said second display.

[0023] The first display and / or the second display(s) may be configured to display an image comprising at least one of a solid color, a pattern, an animation, or a graphic.

[0024] One of the first display and the second display may be configured to display a still image, and the other of the first display and the second display may be configured to display a moving image.

[0025] In any embodiment, the first display and the second display may be of the same or different display types.

[0026] In some embodiments, the second display may be configured such that non-active regions of the second display are transparent.

[0027] At least one of the first display and the second display may be an OLED, a flexible TFT display, an OLCD, an electronic ink (or EPD), an AMOLED, or a PMOLED display.

[0028] The first display may be a touch-sensitive display. In this case, the first display may be configured to display one or more user-selectable elements in response to user input.

[0029] According to another aspect, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol-generating device comprising a non-combustible aerosol-generating device according to the present invention, and a non-combustible aerosol-generating article acceptably receivable in the non-combustible aerosol-generating device.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a non-combustible aerosol provision device comprising a first display and a second display disposed under the first display, the method comprising the step of displaying images respectively on the active areas of the first display and the second display such that an image displayed on the active area of the second display is visible through the inactive area of the first display. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a non-combustible aerosol provision device for heating a smoking material according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of a non-combustible aerosol provision device for heating a smoking material according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 3. MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0032] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system is a system in which the aerosol-generating constituent material (or components thereof) of the aerosol provision system is not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0033] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping system or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), however, it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0034] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustible heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0035] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system for generating an 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 the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may, for example, contain tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0036] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables such as articles for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device. The aerosol-generating material is a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, it is heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0037] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may include a consumable receiving area, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0038] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a coating, a filter, a suction port, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view is shown of an example of a non-combustible aerosol supply system comprising a device 1 and an article 5 received in the device 1. The device 1 is configured to heat a smoking material in order to volatilize at least one component of the smoking material for inhalation by a user. The non-combustible aerosol supply device 1 is a so-called "non-combustible heating" 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 called the mouth end. The outer housing 2 may be formed from an insulating material. A particularly preferred material is polyether ether ketone (PEEK), but other plastics or other insulating materials, including, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), may be used. The outermost surface of the outer housing 2 may have a decorative coating, such as a metallic finish.

[0040] Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device 1 for heating the smoking material 5 shown in Figure 1. Therefore, the system can be considered to consist of two main components: a device portion or aerosol generating device 1, and a consumable portion or aerosol generating product (generally indicated by the smoking material 5). The device portion 1 and the consumable portion 5 are engageable with each other (as shown in Figures 1 and 2) so that the consumable portion 5 can be engaged with / inserted into the device portion 1. The device 1 has a heating chamber 4 that houses the smoking material 5 to be heated and vaporized during use. The smoking material 5 may be in the form of a consumable and can be removably inserted by the user into the open end 3 of the device 1. The article 5 may be a generally elongated cylinder, such as a rod. During use, the article 5 is inserted into the housing 2 such that the end of the article 5 protrudes from the device 1 through the open end 3 of the housing 2, and as a result, the user can place their lips over the article 5 to inhale the aerosol generated by the device 1.

[0041] Device 1 comprises an electronic device / power chamber 6 housing an electrical control circuit 7 and a power supply 8. In this example, the heating chamber 4 and the electronic device / power chamber 6 are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal axis XX of Device 1. The electrical control circuit 7 may include a controller, such as a microprocessor configuration, configured and positioned to control the heating of the smoking material 5 and, as will be described in more detail below, to control the images displayed on one or more displays forming part of Device 1.

[0042] The electrical control circuit 7 can receive signals from, for example, a puff activation sensor (not shown) that can detect changes in pressure or airflow that occur during use, for example, when the user begins to inhale the smoking material 5. The electrical control circuit 7 can then operate to heat the smoking material 5 "on demand" when needed. Various configurations are available for the puff activation sensor, including, for example, thermistors, electromechanical devices, mechanical devices, optical devices, opticmechanical devices, and micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) based sensors. Alternatively, device 1 may have a manually operable switch for the user to initiate puffing.

[0043] The power source 8 may be a battery, which may be 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. A particularly preferred type of battery 8 is a LiFePO4 battery. The battery 8 is electrically coupled to one or more heating elements 10 of the heating chamber 4 and, when needed, supplies power under the control of the electrical control circuit 7 to heat and vaporize the smoking material 5 without burning it. In this example, the battery 8 is located 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 arranged differently, for example, adjacent to each other along the longitudinal axis XX of the device 1.

[0044] The heating chamber 4 is housed within a heater support sleeve 9, which in turn is housed within an outer housing 2. In this example, the heater support sleeve 9 is a generally elongated cylinder with a circular cross-section. In one example, the heater support sleeve 9 is a double-walled or "vacuum" sleeve, having an outer cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall, which are joined to each other at their respective ends.

[0045] In one example of device 1, the heater support sleeve 9 contains multiple heating elements or heater segments 10. In this example, the heater segments 10 are aligned along or parallel to the longitudinal axis XX of the heater support sleeve 9. The electrical control circuit 7 is configured to supply power to the heater segments 10 to heat the smoking material article 5.

[0046] Device 1 according to an 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) visible to the user in the working area of ​​the display 12. The display 12 is formed from a transparent, or at least semi-transparent or partially transparent material, so that it is visible through the non-working area of ​​the display 12 to the extent that the user can see the surface of the housing 2 beneath the display 12. The display 12 may be completely transparent, or it may be colored or painted in some way to maintain at least some degree of transparency. Although the display 12 is shown protruding from the housing 2 in Figures 1 and 2, it will be understood that the display 12 may be fitted into the housing 2 and made flush with the outer surface of the housing 2 to give the appearance of being integrally formed with the housing 2. By integrating the display 12 around the device 1 and fitting the display 12 into the surface of the housing 2, the device 1 can be made to have a shape similar to conventional devices, and thus user familiarity can be maintained.

[0047] The term "non-working area" refers to the area of ​​the display 12 where no image is displayed and therefore the switch is off or in a non-working state. When the switch of device 1 is completely off and nothing is displayed, the entire display 12 can be considered to form a non-working area. When device 1 is working and image 12a is displayed on a portion of the display 12, the remaining portion of the display 12 that does not display image 12a can be considered a non-working area. It will be understood that there may be a single working area and a single non-working area, or there may be multiple working areas and multiple non-working areas.

[0048] As shown in Figure 1, the display 12 may be wrapped around or extend around the housing 2, resulting in a snug fit to the contour of the housing 2. Ideally, even if the display 12 is attached or wrapped around the housing 2 during manufacturing, it will have the appearance of forming at least part of the housing 2 rather than being a separate component. In addition to being transparent, the display 12 may have flexibility so that it can be deformed during manufacturing and assembly to conform to or resemble the outer contour of the housing 2.

[0049] Since the non-working area of ​​the display 12 is transparent, the outer surface of the housing 2 can be seen through the non-working area, and as a result, the user can see the outermost surface of the housing 2. As shown above, the outer housing 2 may have a decorative covering or finish, such as a metallic finish, that can be seen by the consumer through the non-working area of ​​the display 12. Alternatively, a fixed image, graphic, or text may be applied to the outer surface of the housing 2 that can be seen through the display 12.

[0050] The display 12 may extend at any angle around the longitudinal axis of the housing 2. However, it is preferable that the display extends at least 90 degrees, at least 180 degrees, or 360 degrees around the housing 2, as shown in Figure 1. The display 12 may also extend along the entire length of the housing, or substantially over its entire length, in the longitudinal direction (XX) of the housing 2, so that the housing 2 is completely covered by the display 12, or at least a major portion of the housing 2 is covered. However, there may be areas not covered by the display 12, such as the mouthpiece or on / off button. In Figures 1 and 2, substantially the entire length of the device 1 is covered by the display 12, with only the shorter portions 13, 14 of the housing remaining uncovered at both ends of the device 1.

[0051] In certain situations, the display 12 may have elastic flexibility, which may allow pressure to be applied to the display 12 to temporarily deform it, thereby activating a mechanical or pressure-sensitive button, i.e., an on / off button, located beneath the display 12. A figure or other image or mark may be displayed on the display 12 to indicate to the user the location and / or state of a button located beneath the display 12. The figure or image may change when a button is activated. The display 12 may be a flexible display 12 to facilitate the formation of a curved display surface. In particular, a flexible display 12 can be bent to provide a curved display surface. Once the display 12 is fixed to the housing 2 or otherwise bonded, the display 12 may no longer be able to bend, for example, once the display 12 is attached to the housing 2 at least partially or entirely.

[0052] 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, and as a result, the display 12 performs two functions: displaying an image and defining a structural housing containing the components of device 1, and thus the display 12 itself forms the outer surface of device 1. In this case, internal components of device 1, such as the battery 8 and the control circuit 7, may be directly visible through the non-working area of ​​the transparent display 12.

[0053] The display 12 can be powered by the device battery 8. Alternatively, the display 12 may have its own separate power source, such as another rechargeable battery (not shown) housed within the housing 2. The device battery 8 and the display battery may be rechargeable together or independently of each other. The display 12 is initially kept "on," especially when a display 12 that requires minimal power, such as an E Ink type display, is used, and is switched off only when, for example, power is low or when device 1 has not been used for a longer period of time.

[0054] Next, another embodiment of the non-combustible aerosol supply device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the non-combustible aerosol supply device 1 comprises two displays, namely, a first display 12 that is wrapped around and extends around the housing 2, similar to those described above with reference to the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, and a second opaque display 14 that is operable to display an image 14a (represented by the dashed line image "B" in Figure 3, which can be seen through the transparent first display 12) in the working area, and is positioned between the first display 12 and the housing 2.

[0055] In the embodiments of the two displays 12, 14, the second display 14 extends around the housing 2 and fits snugly against its undulating outer surface. Alternatively, the second display 14 may form an integral part of the housing 2, as described above with respect to the first display 12. In either case, the first display 12 extends over the second display 14, and as a result, the image 14a displayed in the working area of ​​the second display 14 is visible through the non-working area of ​​the first display 12. Although the first display 12 and the second display 14 are shown protruding from the outer surface of the housing 2, it will be understood that either one or both displays, or at least the second display 14, may be fitted into the surface of the housing 2, and the second display 14 or both displays 12, 14 can be flush with the outer surface of the housing 2.

[0056] The images 12a and 14a displayed on the first display 12 and the second display 14, respectively, may be controlled by the control circuit 7 so that there is some interaction between them, i.e., a video may start on one of the displays 12, 14 and have a relationship with a different video on the other of the two displays 12, 14 to provide an attractive and interesting overall appearance. Alternatively, one of the displays 12, 14 may be used primarily to provide the user with feedback or information about the state of the device 1, while the other of the displays 12, 14 may be used to display a figure or image. In certain embodiments, the second display 14 is used to display a casing, "wallpaper," to create an overall appearance for the device 1, while the first display 12 is used to provide information to the user on top of the wallpaper or casing displayed on the second display 14.

[0057] Similar to the first display 12, the second display 14 can extend or wrap around at least 90 degrees, at least 180 degrees, or 360 degrees around the longitudinal axis (XX) to provide a curved and / or undulating display surface. The second display 14 may also extend longitudinally (XX) over at least a portion of the length of the housing 2, preferably the entire length. The first display 12 and the second display 14 may extend similarly such that the second display 14 is entirely covered by the transparent first display 12, or the second display 14 may be smaller than the first display 12 such that the transparent first display 12 extends beyond the periphery of the second display 14, and the portion of the outer surface of the housing 2 surrounding the second display 14 is visible through the larger first display 12.

[0058] The first display 12 may be mounted on the second display 14, or it may be attached to the second display 14. Alternatively, the first display 12 may be mounted on the housing 2 around the periphery of the second display 14, or it may be mounted on the housing 2 through a place where the second display 14 is not present. Regardless of how the first display 12 and the second display 14 are mounted, they may be spaced apart from each other so that the user can more clearly recognize the different displays 12, 14 on which images are displayed, and so that the images have at least a "depth" effect. A spacer 15 may be provided between the displays 12 and 14 to provide the necessary gap or space between them.

[0059] The control circuit 7 may be configured to control the first display 12 and the second display 14 such that the working area of ​​the second display 14 lies below the non-working area of ​​the first display 12, and as a result, the image 14a displayed on the second display 14 can be seen through the non-working area of ​​the first display 12. In some embodiments, the control circuit 7 may be configured to control the second display 14 to form an "outer shell" on the device 1 or to provide an overall uniform appearance, while the first display 12 may be controlled to display information to the user, and that information can be displayed on top of the overall appearance displayed on the second display 14, which is below the information displayed on the first display 12.

[0060] In a modification of the above-described embodiment, the second display 14 may also be transparent so that it can be viewed through the non-working area of ​​the display 14. In this case, images can be displayed on the first display 12 and the second display 14, and the user can view them through any non-working area where the first display 12 and the second display 14 overlap, and the outer surface of the housing 2 can be viewed through both displays 12, 14. Thus, it would be possible to see the image on the first display 12, the image on the second display 14 below the first display 12, and the surface of the housing 2 below both displays 12, 14. Alternatively, if the second display 14 forms an integral part of the housing 2, it may be possible to see the internal components of the device 1 through both displays 12, 14.

[0061] The control circuit 7 may include a memory for storing images displayed on the first display 12 and the second display 14, respectively, and the device 1 may include a sensor 16 configured to detect events and send signals via the control circuit 7 to activate the first display 12 and / or the second display 14 in response to the occurrence of an event. The first display 12 and / or the second display 14 can be activated, for example, in response to a user activating the device 1, i.e., when a user turns on the device 1 by pressing an on / off button, in response to detection of a user approaching the device 1, and / or in response to movement of the device 1. It is also conceivable that one or both of the displays 12, 14 may remain activated even when the device 1 is not used for a period of time, and / or even when the device 1 is switched off. The displays 12, 14, or each of the displays 12, 14, may be configured to display different images depending on the state of the device 1.

[0062] The control circuit 7 may also be configured to control the first display 12 and / or the second display 14 to display different images in response to a user puffing on the device 1 or to a consumable being inserted into the device 1. In each of these cases, the different images for each of the two displays 12, 14 may be stored in a memory that forms part of the device's control circuit 7. As previously mentioned, the electrical control circuit 7 may, during use, receive a signal, for example, from a puff activation sensor, to cause the smoking material article 5 to heat up. The puff activation sensor may also generate signals to control the operation of one or both of the displays 12, 14.

[0063] It will be understood that the images displayed by the first display 12 and / or any second display 14 may include, comprise, or consist solely of, at least one of the following: solid colors, patterns, animations, graphic representations, or any text or other markings.

[0064] In certain embodiments, the control circuit 7 may be configured to control the first display 12 and / or the second display 14 such that one of the displays 12 and 14 displays a still image and the other displays a moving image. Any suitable still image may be an image that can be displayed on the displays 12 and 14. The still image may include cartoon-like images or realistic images. The still image may be displayed in color on some of all of the displays 12 and 14.

[0065] Any suitable video may be an image that can be displayed on displays 12 and 14. The video may be displayed on displays 12 and 14 as a continuous motion or change. For example, the brightness or color of various pixels may change. The video may include cartoon-like images, live-action images, or lifelike videos (for example, using computer-generated graphics).

[0066] The first display 12 and the second display 14 can be of the same type. However, each of the displays 12 and 14 can be of a different type. For example, at least one of the first display 12 and the second display 14 can 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 used for each of the first display 12 and the second display 14 depends on the nature of the image being displayed.

[0067] These displays 12, 14 may include, for example, a plurality of pixels arranged in an array that can form an image. Displays 12, 14 can be used to display various images at different times. The images may be still images or moving images, and may be a series of still images or an encoded moving image. Displays 12, 14 may display one or more displayable elements, selectable elements, and colors. Displays 12, 14 may be color displays.

[0068] The control circuit 7 of the aerosol supply device 1 may include one or more of a display driver, a communication interface, a controller (e.g., a microprocessor or microcontroller), and memory for storing data. The control circuit 7 can be operably coupled to one or more of the displays 12, 14, actuators, aerosolizers, and puff sensors to facilitate various functions of the aerosol supply device 1.

[0069] One or more controllers of the control circuit 7 described herein may include a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a computer, a logic array, or another system that can instruct data to enter or exit the aerosol supply device 1. The controller includes one or more computing devices having memory, processing, and communication hardware. The functions of the controller can be performed by hardware and / or as computer instructions on a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium.

[0070] The controller's processor may include one or more of the following: a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or equivalent individual or integrated logic circuits. In some examples, the processor may include multiple components, such as one or more microprocessors, one or more controllers, one or more DSPs, one or more ASICs, and / or one or more FPGAs, and any other individual or integrated logic circuits. Functions attributed to the controller or processor in this specification may be embodied as software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. Although described herein as a processor-based system, alternative controllers may achieve desired results by utilizing other components such as relays and timers, either alone or in combination with a microprocessor-based system.

[0071] The exemplary devices, methods, and interfaces can be executed using one or more computer programs using a computing device which may include one or more processors and / or memory. The program code and / or logic described herein can be applied to input data / information to perform the functions described herein and generate desired output data / information for each of the displays 12, 14. It will be readily apparent that controller functions such as those described herein can be embodied in any manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0072] The control circuit 7 can be used to enable various modes of the aerosol generating device 1. One example is to provide a visual artistic effect to the operating mode, in which case a video may be displayed on one or more displays 12, 14 in response to the operation of the aerosolizer, for example, by an actuator or puff sensor. The controller, upon detecting a puff and optionally receiving a puff profile, can collect memory addresses associated with the visual artistic effect to be displayed on one or both of the displays 12, 14. Data associated with the visual artistic effect can be retrieved from memory at those memory addresses. This data can then be used to display or show the visual artistic effect on the first display 12 and / or the second display 14.

[0073] Other image data, such as user information or user messages, may be retrieved in a similar manner, for example, in response to user actions other than puffing. Remote user devices (e.g., smartphones or tablets) may be used to detect one or more types of user actions, such as input on the touchscreen of display 12. Visual artistic effects may be displayed simultaneously with the operation of device 1.

[0074] Another example of the modes of the aerosol supply device 1 includes a visual artistic effect, such as a continuous "wallpaper" mode. In this mode, a wallpaper, such as a still image or a video, can be displayed on the second display below the first display 12. Another example includes a user interface mode. In this mode, a user interface image that can be stored in memory can be displayed. The user interface image may include one or more selectable or displayable elements. It may be detected that the user has selected a selectable element using a touchscreen or other buttons.

[0075] Aerosol supply devices according to some embodiments can be conveniently customized by enabling the display of downloadable visual and artistic effects on one or two overlapping displays 12, 14.

[0076] In some embodiments, the first display 12 can be a touch-sensitive display, and as a result, can be used as a communication interface to display one or more user-selectable elements in response to user touch. The touch-sensitive display 12 of the aerosol supply device 1 can further increase the interaction, reconfigurability, and customization of the sensory experience provided by the aerosol supply device 1. It is conceivable that shapes or information can be manipulated or moved across the display 12 in response to finger gestures, as can be achieved using displays often associated with smartphones. The user may also be able to activate various functions of the device 1 by using the screen as input, i.e., by performing various gestures such as tapping and swiping on the display 12. The touch-sensitive component can be embodied using any preferred technology, such as capacitive touch sensing or resistive touch sensing.

[0077] While the above has focused in part on "non-combustion heating" type aerosol generating devices, it should be understood that the principles described herein are not limited to this type of aerosol generating device 1. For example, one or more displays 12 may be provided in an aerosol generating device configured to vaporize a liquid raw material (this may be achieved by using a liquid transport element or wick to vaporize a small amount of liquid drawn from a liquid reservoir containing a large amount of liquid). Such aerosol generating devices are typically called vaping systems or electronic nicotine delivery systems (END). Such systems consist of device parts and cartridges (an example of consumable parts).

[0078] The cartridge comprises a housing (e.g., formed of a plastic material), an aerosol-generating material storage area (or liquid reservoir), an aerosol-generating material transfer component (or wicking element, e.g., formed of porous ceramic or a bundle of fibers such as cotton) configured to be in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage area, and an aerosol generator (which may include a heating element, e.g., a resistance heating wire wound around the wicking element). The aerosol-generating material transfer component is configured to supply the aerosol-generating material (liquid) from the aerosol-generating material storage area to the aerosol generator. The air / aerosol path extends from the inlet to the outlet of the cartridge (which may coincide with the mouthpiece portion of the cartridge intended to be inserted into the user's mouth during use). The air / aerosol path passes beside / near the aerosol generator, and as a result, vapors generated from the aerosol generator may be drawn into the air passing through the air / aerosol path to be delivered to the user. Thus, the area surrounding the aerosol generator forms an aerosol-generating area. The device portion comprises suitable components for enabling and controlling aerosol generation, such as an electronic device / power chamber (similar to the electronic device / power chamber 6) including an electrical control circuit (similar to the electrical control circuit 7) and a power supply (similar to the power supply 8). Power can be supplied from the device portion to consumables to cause the aerosol generator to generate aerosols (for example, by supplying current to the aerosol generator via electrical contacts provided on a cartridge that engage with electrical contacts of the device portion).

[0079] According to this disclosure, one or more displays may be provided on the device portion of the vaping system described above (in substantially the same manner as described above with respect to “non-combustion heating” devices). In addition to or instead of this, these or one or more displays may be provided on a cartridge. The cartridge may be configured to receive electrical input from the device portion to control one or more displays of the cartridge (if any). Alternatively, the cartridge may have its own power supply and / or controller for controlling one or more displays of the cartridge (if any).

[0080] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided merely as representative examples of the embodiments and do not exhaust all embodiments or preclude other embodiments. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to limit equivalents of the claims, and it will be understood that other embodiments can be utilized and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist solely of, or substantially consist of, the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those described in detail herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A first display for displaying an image visible to the user within the working area of ​​the display, A second display for displaying an image in the working area of ​​the second display, wherein the second display is of a different type from the first display, The first display is configured such that the non-operating area of ​​the first display is transparent. The second display is positioned below the first display, and as a result, the image displayed in the working area of ​​the second display is visible through the non-working area of ​​the first display. Non-combustible aerosol supply device.

2. A non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 1, comprising a housing having an outer surface, wherein the first display is mounted on the outer surface such that the outer surface is visible through the non-operating area of ​​the first display.

3. The non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 2, wherein the outer surface of the housing has a curved shape, and the first display is configured to fit the curved shape of the outer surface of the housing.

4. The non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein the housing is tubular, the outer surface extends about a longitudinal axis, and the first display extends at least 90 degrees, at least 180 degrees, or 360 degrees about the longitudinal axis.

5. The non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the first display forms a housing.

6. A non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 1, comprising a housing having an outer surface, wherein the second display is disposed between the outer surface of the housing and the first display.

7. The non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 6, wherein the housing has a curved shape and the second display is configured to fit the curved shape of the housing.

8. The non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the second display forms a housing.

9. The non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the housing is tubular and has a curved outer surface extending about a longitudinal axis, and the first display and / or the second display provide a curved display surface extending at least 90 degrees, at least 180 degrees, or 360 degrees about the longitudinal axis.

10. The non-combustible aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second display is entirely covered by the first display.

11. The non-combustible aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first display is arranged at a distance from the second display.

12. A non-combustible aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a control circuit configured to control the first display and the second display such that the working area of ​​the second display is below the non-working area of ​​the first display, and as a result, an image displayed on the second display is visible through the non-working area of ​​the first display.

13. The non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 12, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the first display and the second display such that an image is displayed on the second display and information is displayed on the first display, and the information displayed on the first display is superimposed on the image on the second display.

14. The non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 13, wherein the control circuit includes a memory for storing images displayed on the first display and the second display, respectively.

15. The non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 14, further comprising a sensor configured to activate the first display and / or the second display to display an image in response to a user activating the device, in response to detection of a user in proximity to the device, and / or in response to movement of the device.

16. The non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 15, wherein the control circuit is configured to display predetermined images on the first display and the second display depending on whether the device is being used, whether a user is in close proximity to the device, or whether the device is being moved.

17. A non-combustible aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein one of the first display and the second display is configured to display a still image, and the other of the first display and the second display is configured to display a video.

18. A method for controlling a non-combustible aerosol supply device, comprising a first display and a second display positioned below the first display, wherein the second display is of a different type from the first display, A method comprising the step of displaying images in the working areas of the first display and the second display, respectively, such that the images displayed in the working area of ​​the second display are visible through the non-working area of ​​the first display.

Images