How to operate an aerosol generating device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for operating an aerosol generating device. The method comprises the steps of: determining the positional orientation of the device when in use; monitoring the usage of the device; activating a first operating mode when it is determined that the device is in a first direction, wherein in the first mode, a first indication is provided to the user when the usage of the device reaches a first threshold value; and activating a second operating mode when it is determined that the device is in a second direction, wherein in the second mode, no indication is provided to the user.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating an aerosol generating device for an enhanced user experience. More specifically, the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device capable of indicating aerosol inhalation to a user based on the location of the device, such as an electronic cigarette, a device that heats without burning, etc. Background Technology

[0002] Inhalers or aerosol generating devices, such as electronic cigarettes or vaping devices, are becoming increasingly popular. Unlike burning tobacco as in conventional tobacco products, these devices generally heat or warm aerosolizable materials to produce an aerosol for inhalation. The resulting aerosol may contain flavorings and / or stimulants (e.g., nicotine or other active ingredients). Users of these inhalers may sometimes wish to monitor the amount of flavoring or stimulant inhaled during use.

[0003] Most aerosol generating devices generally include a simple computer processor and a certain type of electronic control circuitry to allow the user to control the operation of the aerosol generating device. However, the settings of these devices can be quite limited and may not provide the user with much flexibility. Even in devices that allow the user to customize settings, this requires some effort from the user and may not be intuitive.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a device that can be operated and controlled according to user preferences for aerosol monitoring without requiring additional effort. means of solving the problem

[0005] According to an aspect of the present invention, a method for operating an aerosol generating device is provided, the method comprising: determining the positional orientation of the device when in use; monitoring the usage of the device; activating a first operating mode when it is determined that the device is in a first direction, wherein in the first mode, a first indication is provided to the user when the usage of the device reaches a first threshold value; and activating a second operating mode when it is determined that the device is in a second direction, wherein in the second mode, no indication is provided to the user.

[0006] Advantageously, the user can choose to operate in two different modes by simply flipping the vaping device in different directions. While it is possible to monitor vaping usage in both modes, an indication is provided to the user when the usage threshold is reached while operating in the first mode. In this way, the user can have more control over their vaping habits.

[0007] Preferably, a first indication is provided only when the usage of the device in the first direction reaches a first threshold value.

[0008] Preferably, in the above method, if the device is determined to be in the second direction for less than a preset time period and returns to the first direction within the preset period, the first mode is maintained.

[0009] Preferably, when in the second direction, if the usage of the device is less than a preset number of puffs before the device returns to the first direction, the first mode is maintained.

[0010] Preferably, in the above method, it is determined whether the device is in a first direction at least once during a predetermined usage period, and if so, a second indication is provided to the user at the end of the predetermined usage period.

[0011] Preferably, a second indication is provided to the user when the usage of the device reaches a second threshold value during a predetermined usage period.

[0012] Preferably, in the above method, an aerosol source is identified and a second threshold value is automatically set based on the aerosol source.

[0013] Preferably, in the above method, input is received from the user to set a second threshold value.

[0014] Preferably, in the above method, when the usage of the device reaches a second threshold value after a predetermined usage period regardless of the active operating mode, a second indication is provided to the user.

[0015] Preferably, in the above method, the number of puffs is counted to determine the usage of the device, and each puff is associated with a time stamp to analyze the usage over time.

[0016] Preferably, the method further includes the step of receiving input from a user to set the number of puffs in a session as a first threshold value during a first mode, and if the setting is changed by the user during the session, the number of puffs is reset to 0.

[0017] Preferably, in the above method, the difference between the first direction and the second direction is 180 degrees along the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a control network for use in an aerosol generating device is provided, and the control network is configured to operate the method described above.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises: a main body having an inlet and an outlet, wherein an air channel is defined between an inlet and an outlet; a direction sensor configured to detect the positional direction of the device when in use; and a controller configured to monitor the usage of the device; configured to activate a first operating mode when the device is detected to be in a first direction, wherein in the first mode, an indication is provided to the user when the usage of the device reaches a first threshold value; and configured to activate a second operating mode when the device is detected to be in a second direction, wherein in the second mode, no indication is provided to the user.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method described above. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0021] An embodiment of the present invention is now described by way of example with reference to the drawings: FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an aspect of the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of various components of the device of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating the device of FIG. 1; FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 illustrate graphs illustrating the control operation of the device of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 illustrates a user's vaping profile displayed on a personal computing device associated with the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0022] Next, various aspects of the present invention will be described. Note that identical or similar parts are indicated by identical or similar reference numerals in the description of the drawings below. Note that the drawings are schematic and the proportions of the dimensions differ from the actual proportions. Therefore, specific dimensions, etc., must be estimated in consideration of the following description.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a non-combustion type aerosol generating device (100) for inhaling an aerosol by heating or vaporization without combustion. The device (100) has a rod-like shape having a main body (101) extending from a non-mouthpiece end (102) to a mouthpiece end (103). An air channel or path is limited to the main body (100) between the opposing ends (102, 103). The aerosol generating device (100) of the present example is an electronic cigarette or vaping device and is hereinafter referred to as an electronic cigarette (100). The electronic cigarette (100) operates by vaporizing or heating an aerosol source inserted into the electronic cigarette (100) to release a flavoring agent and / or stimulant for the user to inhale through the mouthpiece end (103). Those skilled in the art, whose technical knowledge is well known regarding the configuration and operation of such aerosol-generating devices, will understand that the invention disclosed herein may be applied to any shape of aerosol-generating device configured with any aerosol-generating technique, the invention being disclosed herein is not limited to examples.

[0024] The electronic cigarette (100) may include an activation switch (104) that can be configured to perform at least one of turning on and turning off the power source of the electronic cigarette (100). The activation switch (104) may be a push button or a touch button placed at any convenient location on the surface of the main body (101) of the electronic cigarette (100). Alternatively, the electronic cigarette (100) is not dependent on a switch button that activates the power supply to the heater, but is dependent on a puff sensor that detects the airflow and triggers the device to start the generation of an aerosol.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating various components or modules of an electronic cigarette (100). In one example, the electronic cigarette (100) comprises a consumable module (201a) and a heating element (202) that vaporizes a consumable item (201b) received by the consumable module (201a) to discharge an aerosol containing a flavoring agent and / or stimulant that the user inhales. In this example, the consumable item (201b) is a substance containing nicotine. The presence of the consumable item (201b) within the consumable module (201a) may be detected by a detector (201c). The consumable item (201b) may be in the form of a solid or liquid and is heated by the heating element (202) to discharge an aerosol without combustion. If the consumable item (201b) is a liquid reservoir, more than one consumable item may be received in the consumable module (201a). The heating element (202) can be powered by the power source (203).

[0026] The power source (203) is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The power source (203) supplies the power necessary for the operation of the electronic cigarette (100). For example, the power source (203) supplies power to all other components or modules included in the electronic cigarette (100).

[0027] For the purposes of this description, it will be understood that the terms vapor and aerosol are interchangeable. In some examples, a heating element is placed within a capsule or a tobacco-like aerosol generating material and can be connected to an aerosol generating device rather than being a component of the aerosol generating device itself.

[0028] In one embodiment, a flavoring agent is present in the consumable article (201b). The flavoring agent may include ethyl vanillin (vanilla), menthol, isoamyl acetate (banana oil), or similar. In another embodiment, the consumable article (201b) may include an additional flavoring agent source (not shown) provided on the side of the mouthpiece end (103) beyond the consumable module (201a) and the consumable article (201b), and produce a flavoring agent for the user to inhale together with the aerosol produced from the consumable article (201b). In a further embodiment, the electronic cigarette (100) comprises more than one consumable article, each containing a flavoring agent and / or a specific level of an active ingredient (nicotine). In this case, each consumable article may be heated independently to produce an aerosol.

[0029] The electronic cigarette (100) also includes a controller (204) configured to control various components within the electronic cigarette. For example, the controller (204) may control a timing device (205) (including a timer), a communication device (206), a memory (207), a direction sensor (208), and a puff sensor (209) included in the electronic cigarette (100). The timing device (205) is configured to generate timestamps for puff data or event data, which provide time information (e.g., time of day) and help analyze the user's vaping preferences. The timing device (205) is also configured to monitor the timing of each puff, intervene between them, and provide this information to the controller (204) to monitor and potentially restrict the user's use of the electronic cigarette (100). For example, the timing device (205) may determine when to indicate the user when a puff threshold value is reached. Note that the function of the timing device (205) can be integrated into the controller (204).

[0030] The communication device (206) is configured to manage communication with any personal computing device, server, tracking device, or other electronic cigarette in the vicinity of the electronic cigarette (100). The memory (207) is configured to store vaping usage history and information, such as user settings and preferences.

[0031] The electronic cigarette (100) may also include various sensors, such as a direction sensor (208) and a puff sensor (209). The direction sensor (208), such as a gyroscope, is configured to determine the positional orientation of the electronic cigarette (100) and, for example, determine whether the electronic cigarette (100) is kept facing upward or downward while in use. When the electronic cigarette (100) is used with the front facing upward (the activation button (104) and / or the LED and / or logo facing upward), a first operating mode is activated in which an indication is provided to the user when a puff threshold value is reached. This mode is also referred to as the session mode.

[0032] When the electronic cigarette is used with the front facing downward (the activation button (104) and / or the LED facing downward), a second operating mode is activated in which no indication is provided to the user when the puff threshold is reached. This mode is also referred to as free mode. That is, the electronic cigarette (100) is rotated 180 degrees along its longitudinal axis or turned to switch between session mode and free mode. In session mode, with the LED facing upward, the puff threshold is displayed to the user by the LED, which is easily visible to the user. In free mode, with the LED facing downward, the puff threshold is not displayed to the user.

[0033] Note that the electronic cigarette (100) facing upward or downward may also be defined for any visual pattern, such as a logo or surface design, to serve as a reference for the user. An activation button and an LED may not be essential to provide such a reference. In any case, a sensor on the device may not be dependent on this physical or visual element.

[0034] The puff sensor (209) is configured to determine the number of puff operations for inhaling aerosol. The puff sensor (209) can also determine the time duration required for a puff operation for inhaling aerosol. Recorded usage data may include puff duration (i.e., length of the puff), puff interval (i.e., time between consecutive puffs), and fluid and / or nicotine consumption.

[0035] The electronic cigarette (100) may also include a consumable recognition sensor (not shown) configured to identify a consumable item (201b) inserted into the electronic cigarette (100). The recognition sensor may be included in a consumable module (201a) or a detector (201c). The recognition sensor may recognize the strength of a stimulant contained in the consumable item (201b) from an NFC / RFID tag placed on the consumable item (201b) using NFC, RFID, or any other known technique.

[0036] The electronic cigarette (100) may also include an input-output (I / O) or user interface (210) configured to provide a display to the user and receive input from the user. The I / O interface (210) preferably includes a display device and an input device. The display device may provide a display to the user by including a visual light-emitting element, a screen display, an acoustic emitter, or other suitable means, including one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). A visual light-emitting element, such as an LED, may be placed at the tip of the non-mouthpiece end (102) or on the side of the electronic cigarette (100). Such an LED may display various light-emitting modes to provide the user with a display of a puff state in which an aerosol is inhaled, a non-puff state in which an aerosol is not inhaled, a preheating state in which the heater is heated, a vaping ready state when the heater operates at a target temperature to generate an aerosol, a depletion state in which an LED bar indicates the depletion level of the aerosol source, and any other information related to the operating state of the electronic cigarette. The input device may be one or more user-operable buttons or detectable touch panels responsible for pressing, toggling, or touching.

[0037] All the elements described above transmit and / or receive commands and / or data through the communication bus (211).

[0038] In one embodiment, the electronic cigarette (100) is also configured to communicate with a personal computing device (not shown) owned by the user. The personal computing device may be a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. For clarity, the personal computing device is hereinafter referred to as a smartphone. Preferably, the electronic cigarette (100) is configured to communicate wirelessly with or be paired with a smartphone using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless communication standards. The smartphone preferably runs a mobile application (commonly referred to as an app) that allows the user to interact with the electronic cigarette (100) through a user-friendly interface. The app may be hosted by the manufacturer of the electronic cigarette (100) and may be compatible with different mobile platforms, such as iOS™ and Android™.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of the process (300) for operating an electronic cigarette (100). Note that the steps of the process (300) may not necessarily be performed in the same sequence. Also, not all steps are illustrated, and some steps may be arbitrary and omitted.

[0040] In step (301), the positional orientation of the device is determined when in use. In this example, when a user begins to use the electronic cigarette (100), the orientation sensor (208) of the electronic cigarette (100) determines whether the electronic cigarette (100) is maintained in an upward or downward position. Optionally, the orientation sensor (208) may be activated when the user presses the activation switch (104). Additionally, there may be a motion sensor that detects the movement of the electronic cigarette (100) in addition to the activation of the activation switch (104). Signals from the orientation sensor (208), the activation switch (104), and the motion sensor may all be processed by the controller (204) to determine whether one of the two operating modes is activated.

[0041] In step (302), the usage of the device is monitored. In this example, when it is determined that the device is in use, regardless of direction, the controller (204) begins monitoring the usage of the electronic cigarette (100) with the help of the puff sensor (209) and the timing device (205). The puff sensor (209) detects each puff inhaled by the user, and the timing device (205) not only timestamps each puff but also monitors the start and end of each puff. In session mode, the timing device (205) starts and stops a timer between two consecutive puffs and monitors interruptions during the puff session. This is described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5. Nevertheless, in both session mode and free mode, the number of puffs inhaled by the user is counted and recorded to analyze the user's vaping pattern over time.

[0042] In step (303), it is determined whether the device is in the first direction. In this example, if the controller (204) determines from the signal received from the direction session (208) that the electronic cigarette (100) is kept facing upward, the process moves to step (304), or otherwise the process moves to step (307).

[0043] In step (304), the first operating mode is activated. In this example, when it is determined that the electronic cigarette (100) is maintained in an upward position, the controller (204) activates the session operating mode. In the session mode, the timing device (205) actively monitors the timing and number of each puff and communicates with the controller (204) to take necessary actions as needed. In one embodiment, the user can set the number of puffs in the session mode based on user preference. For example, 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20 puffs in one session and user is notified when the set number of puffs in the session is reached. When "None" is selected, the minimum number of puffs is not set during the session. Furthermore, in the middle of the session and when the user sets a new parameter or standard, the number of puffs and the amount vaped are reset to 0.

[0044] In step (305), it is determined whether the usage has reached a first threshold value. In this example, in session mode, the timing device continuously monitors the number of puffs performed by the user and compares this number with a predetermined threshold value (also referred to as the puff threshold value). When the number reaches the puff threshold value, the timing device (205) notifies the controller (204) and the process moves to step (306); otherwise, the process moves back to step (302), where the controller (204) continues to monitor the use of the electronic cigarette (100).

[0045] In step (306), an indication is provided to the user. In this example, when it is determined that the number of puffs has reached a puff threshold, the controller (204) activates one or more indicators on the I / O interface (210). For example, after reaching the 15th puff (e.g., 1 second after finishing inhalation), an upward-facing LED on the I / O interface (210) is illuminated with a soft light, and the electronic cigarette (100) vibrates (e.g., two short vibrations) to provide both visual and tactile indications to the user, reminding the user of continued continuous vaping. Additionally, the user may also receive a notification from an app provided on a connected smartphone. If the user continues to vape thereafter, additional indications may be provided to the user after reaching an additional threshold or the Nth puff, i.e., the 30th puff, the 45th puff, etc.

[0046] That is, in step (307), a second operating mode is activated. In this example, when it is determined that the electronic cigarette (100) is being used while facing downward, the controller (204) activates free mode. While in free mode, the controller (204) continues to monitor changes in the number and positional orientation of the electronic cigarette (100), but no activation control is performed. Therefore, as illustrated in step (308), no indication is provided to the user while operating in free mode. However, if the session mode is activated even once during a predetermined time period (e.g., one day), the electronic cigarette (100) enters safe mode and provides an indication to the user when the safety threshold value is reached during the corresponding predetermined time period, regardless of the current active operating mode. For example, if the user is currently vaping in free mode and has reached 50 puffs on that day and has vaped at least once in active session mode during that day, the controller (204) provides an indication to the user via the I / O interface (210) when the 50th puff is reached.

[0047] In one embodiment, the safety threshold value may be based on the strength of the consumable item (201b) as identified by a recognition sensor. For example, if the nicotine strength of the consumable item (201b) is 12 mg / ml, the safety threshold value may be automatically set to 50 puffs per day, and if the strength is 18 mg / ml, the safety threshold value is set to 40 puffs per day. In another embodiment, the safety threshold value may be set based on user input.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a graph (400) illustrating the related responses of a timing device (205) and a puff sensor (209) of an electronic cigarette (100). The response of the timing device (205) is plotted on the X-axis relative to the response of the puff sensor (209) on the Y-axis. The puff sensor (209) detects a first puff (400-1) performed by the user. As soon as the first puff (400-1) ends, the timing device (205) starts a timer, that is, at the trailing edge of the puff wave. The timing device (205) continues to monitor the time, and the timer remains on until the next puff is detected. As soon as the next puff is detected, that is, at the leading edge of the next puff wave, the timer is turned off. The timer is turned on again at the trailing edge of this puff wave.

[0049] In session mode, the controller (204) uses this information from the timing device (205) to monitor the interruptions performed by the user between puffs. As determined by a timer that turns on and off, if the duration of the interruption performed between two consecutive puffs is within a preset time period, the controller (204) continues to count puffs consecutively in the same session. When the number of puffs in that session reaches a puff threshold, the controller (204) triggers the I / O interface (210) to provide an indication to the user. That is, when the duration of the interruption exceeds a preset time period, e.g., 7 minutes, the controller (204) restarts the counting of puffs in a new session. As illustrated in FIG. 4, after the third puff (400-3), the user performs a long interruption and then performs the next puff (400-4). If this long interruption is shorter than 7 minutes, the timing device (205) counts this as the fourth puff in the same session. However, if this long break is longer than 7 minutes, the timing device (205) resets the counter and the puff (400-4) is the first puff in the new session. In this way, no unnecessary indication is provided to the user when the user takes a long break in between and thus engages in continuous vaping that lasts for a long time.

[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates a graph (500) illustrating a puff count correction method used by a controller (204). The parameters of the graph (500) are the same as the parameters of the graph (400). In this example, the controller (204) monitors a situation where the user inadvertently keeps the electronic cigarette (100) facing downward (and thus operating in free mode) when the user is actually intended to keep the electronic cigarette (100) facing upward (and thus operating in session mode). The controller (204) determines that the electronic cigarette (100) is inadvertently kept facing downward if the user rotates the electronic cigarette back upward within a correction threshold value. Therefore, the controller (204) continues to count puffs in session mode and triggers an indication when the puff count exceeds the puff threshold value.

[0051] In the first scenario, as illustrated in FIG. 5, consider that the user holds the electronic cigarette (100) facing upward (activating the first / session mode) and performs 10 puffs in one session up to the tenth puff (500-10). Subsequently, after a 2-minute break, the user inadvertently performs the next 2 puffs with the electronic cigarette (100) facing downward (activating the second / free mode). The user soon notices the mistake, rotates the electronic cigarette (100) to face upward (correction threshold, e.g., within 3 puffs), and performs 3 additional puffs. In this scenario, the controller (204) will understand that the two puffs performed in the downward direction were accidental, and therefore will count these two puffs in session mode and thus determine the total number of puffs performed to be 15 (puff threshold value) and thus provide the user with an indication after the 15th puff (500-15).

[0052] In the second scenario, everything else is the same as in the first scenario, and the user eventually performs 5 puffs with the electronic cigarette (100) facing downward (free mode) before rotating the electronic cigarette (100) upward. In this scenario, the controller (204) will not count these 5 puffs in session mode because the number of puffs exceeds the correction threshold value. Therefore, even though the total number of puffs performed by the user is 15, no indication is provided to the user.

[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates a graphical representation of a user's vaping profile. In this example, an app provided on a smartphone associated with an electronic cigarette (100) generates the user's vaping profile (600). As can be seen, the vaping profile (600) indicates the total number of puffs performed by the user in the current puff session, as well as the total amount of vapor or aerosol inhaled by the user on that day. Additionally, there is information regarding the total number of sessions and vaping time during that day based on an hourly analysis illustrated by a line graph. The profile (600) may also indicate the remaining battery level of the electronic cigarette (100) and the remaining vaping time or the number of remaining sessions based on current battery usage. Note that the user's vaping history is monitored regardless of the operating mode.

[0054] Therefore, in both Session Mode and Free Mode, users can view their entire vaping profile in the app.

[0055] It is understood that the devices and methods described above may vary depending on design choices and manufacturer preferences. For example, the operating mode may change based on different positional orientations of the device. Furthermore, the timing control and puff count sequences may change. Additionally, various threshold values ​​and preset values ​​may be hardcoded or user-configurable.

[0056] The controller (204) may also regulate aerosol delivery to increase or decrease the substance in the aerosol and / or add flavorings to the aerosol according to the user's preference. The amount of substance in the aerosol may be changed (increased or decreased) in a plurality of ways. In one example, the amount of aerosol emitted from the consumable item (201b) may be changed to affect the amount of substance the user inhales. In another example, a multi-tank vaping device may be used that includes two or more liquid reservoirs each containing liquids of different concentrations of substance. By switching the supply to reservoirs containing liquids of different concentrations, it is possible to regulate the inhalation of substance while maintaining the same amount of aerosol. In another additional example, the substance delivery may be changed by controlling the heating operation in a non-burning heating device and a vapor-based device (e.g., by controlling the energy supplied to the heater) or by controlling the pressurized liquid supply source of the vapor-based device.

[0057] The processing steps described herein, performed by the main control unit or controller, may be stored in a non-transient computer-readable medium or storage associated with the main control unit. Computer-readable media may include non-volatile media and volatile media. Volatile media may include, in particular, semiconductor memory and dynamic memory. Non-volatile media may include, in particular, optical disks and magnetic disks.

[0058] The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments is provided for illustrative and illustrative purposes only. It is not intended to be comprehensive or limiting with respect to the exact forms disclosed, and modifications and changes may be possible in light of the foregoing teachings or obtained from the practice of the disclosed embodiments.

[0059] As used herein, the term “non-transient computer-readable medium” is intended to represent any type of (tangible) computer-based device implemented by any method or technique for short-term and long-term storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and submodules, or other data within any device. Accordingly, the method described herein may be encoded as an executable instruction contained in a tangible computer-readable medium of type, which includes, without limitation, a storage device and / or a memory device. When such instruction is executed by a processor, it causes the processor to perform at least a portion of the method described herein. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “non-transient computer-readable medium” includes all types of computer-readable media without limitation, including volatile media and non-volatile media and removable media and non-removable media, e.g., firmware, physical and virtual storage, CD-ROMs, DVDs and any other digital sources, e.g., networks or the Internet, as well as digital means not yet under development (the only exception being non-transient radio signals).

[0060] As will be understood based on the foregoing specification, the embodiments described above in this disclosure may be implemented using computer programming or engineering techniques comprising computer software, firmware, hardware, or any combination or subset thereof. Any such resulting program having computer-readable code may be included in or provided on one or more computer-readable media so that a computer program product, i.e., a manufactured article, may be manufactured according to the embodiments discussed in this disclosure. A manufactured article containing computer code may be manufactured and / or used by executing the code directly from one medium, by copying the code from one medium to another medium, or by transmitting the code over a network.

Claims

Claim 1 A method for operating an aerosol generating device, comprising: determining the positional direction of the device when in use; monitoring the usage of the device; activating a first operating mode when it is determined that the device is in a first direction, wherein in the first operating mode, a first indication is provided to a user when the usage of the device reaches a first threshold value; and activating a second operating mode when it is determined that the device is in a second direction, wherein in the second operating mode, no indication is provided to a user. Claim 2 A method according to claim 1, wherein the first indication is provided only when the usage of the device in the first direction reaches a first threshold value. Claim 3 A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of maintaining the first operating mode if the device is determined to be in the second direction for less than a preset time period and returns to the first direction within the preset period. Claim 4 A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of maintaining the first operating mode if, when in the second direction, the usage of the device is less than a preset number of puffs before the device returns to the first direction. Claim 5 A method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of determining whether the device is in the first direction at least once during a predetermined usage period, and if so, providing a second indication to the user at the end of the predetermined usage period. Claim 6 In paragraph 5, the method wherein the second indication is provided to the user when the usage of the device during the predetermined usage period reaches a second threshold value. Claim 7 A method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of identifying an aerosol source and automatically setting the second threshold value based on the aerosol source. Claim 8 A method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of receiving input from the user and setting the second threshold value. Claim 9 A method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of providing the second indication to the user when the usage of the device reaches the second threshold value after the predetermined usage period, regardless of the active operating mode. Claim 10 A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the step of determining the usage of the device by counting the number of puffs, wherein each puff is associated with a time stamp to analyze the usage over time. Claim 11 A method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of receiving input from a user to set the number of puffs in a session as a first threshold value for the first operating mode, and if the setting is changed by the user during the session, the number of puffs is reset to 0. Claim 12 A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the difference between the first direction and the second direction is 180 degrees along the longitudinal axis of the device. Claim 13 A control network for use in an aerosol generating device, configured to operate a method according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Claim 14 An aerosol generating device comprising: a main body having an inlet and an outlet, wherein an air channel is defined between the inlet and the outlet; a direction sensor configured to detect the positional direction of the device when in use; and a controller configured to monitor the usage of the device; configured to activate a first operating mode when the device is detected to be in a first direction, wherein in the first operating mode, an indication is provided to the user when the usage of the device reaches a first threshold value; and configured to activate a second operating mode when the device is detected to be in a second direction, wherein in the second operating mode, no indication is provided to the user. Claim 15 A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a step of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images