Aerosol delivery device and method

Abstract

An apparatus and method are described: a step of charging a battery of an aerosol generating device in a first operating mode when the charge level of the battery is less than a first threshold; and a step of charging a battery of an aerosol generating device in a second operating mode when the charge level of the battery is greater than the first threshold.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This specification relates to an aerosol delivering device and a method of using such a device. Background Technology

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, produce tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. There have been attempts to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combusting. For example, tobacco heating devices form aerosols by heating an aerosol-generating substrate, such as tobacco, without burning the substrate.

[0003] In a first embodiment, the present specification describes an apparatus for an aerosol generating device, wherein the apparatus comprises a charging controller, the charging controller is configured to control the charging of the battery at a first charging rate when the charge level of the battery is below a first threshold; and the charging controller is configured to control the charging of the battery at a second charging rate lower than the first charging rate when the charge level of the battery exceeds the first threshold. The apparatus may include the battery. The apparatus may include an aerosol generator. In some exemplary embodiments, a third charging rate lower than the second charging rate may be provided when the charge level of the battery exceeds a second threshold. In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus may be a charging case (e.g., for charging the aerosol generating device). Additionally, the aerosol generating device may be charged under the control of the charging case and may be separated from the charging case when in use.

[0004] The device may further include an adaptive charging module. The adaptive charging module may, for example, form part of a charging controller or be provided as a separate module. In some exemplary embodiments, the adaptive charging module is configured to set a first threshold.

[0005] The adaptive charging module may be configured to learn the charging patterns of the aerosol generating device (e.g., when and / or at what rate charging occurs), and a first threshold is set at least partially based on the learned charging patterns. Alternatively, or additionally, the adaptive charging module may be configured to learn the usage patterns of the aerosol generating device, and a first threshold is set at least partially based on the learned usage patterns. Alternatively, or additionally, the adaptive charging module may be configured to learn the usage patterns of the user of the aerosol generating device.

[0006] In some exemplary embodiments, the adaptive charging module is implemented using a machine learning module.

[0007] The first threshold can be set according to the usage level of the aerosol generating device. For example, the first threshold can be set to a level at which a specified number of operations of the aerosol generating device can be driven. "Operation" may be a puff or a session, as further discussed below.

[0008] The first threshold can be set to a level at which the expected usage time of the aerosol generating device can be achieved.

[0009] The first threshold can be set to enable the expected daily operation of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, or additionally, the first threshold can be set to enable the expected level of operation up to the next expected charging time.

[0010] The first threshold may depend on the determined normal user operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0011] A first threshold may be set according to one or more of the following: the current day of the week; the current time of day; first user habits as input by the user; second user habits as determined through use; one or more characteristics of the aerosol generating material; one or more battery characteristics (e.g., battery life or a proxy for battery life); and one or more user settings.

[0012] In a second embodiment, the present specification describes a method comprising: charging the battery of an aerosol generating device in a first operating mode when the charge level of the battery is less than a first threshold; and charging the battery of the aerosol generating device in a second operating mode when the charge level of the battery exceeds the first threshold. The method may further include the step of setting the first threshold. When the charge level of the battery exceeds the second threshold, a third charging rate lower than the second charging rate may be provided. The method may include the step of setting the second threshold. The method may be implemented by an aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the method may be implemented in a charging case or charging device used to charge the aerosol generating device.

[0013] The first threshold can be set according to the usage level of the aerosol generating device.

[0014] A first threshold may be set according to one or more of the following: the current day of the week; the current time of the day; first user habits as input by the user; second user habits as determined through use; one or more characteristics of the aerosol generating material; one or more battery characteristics; and one or more user settings.

[0015] The first threshold can be set to a level at which a specified number of operations (e.g., puffs) of the aerosol generating device can be driven. Alternatively, or additionally, the first threshold may depend on a determined normal user operation.

[0016] The method may further include a step of learning charging patterns (of a user or aerosol generating device), and a first threshold is set according to the learned charging patterns. The charging patterns may include the time and method by which a user typically charges the device and / or the time and method by which a specific device is typically charged. Alternatively or additionally, the method may further include a step of learning usage patterns (of a user or aerosol generating device), and a first threshold is set according to the learned usage patterns. The patterns may be learned using a machine learning module.

[0017] In a third embodiment, the present specification describes a non-combustible aerosol generating device comprising a device (e.g., a cigarette heating system) that includes any of the features of the first embodiment. The aerosol generating device may be configured to accommodate a removable article comprising an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may include an aerosol generating substrate and an aerosol forming material.

[0018] In a fourth embodiment, the present specification describes an aerosol providing system for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, wherein the aerosol providing system comprises a device comprising any of the features of the first embodiment described above or a device comprising any of the features of the third embodiment described above.

[0019] In a fifth aspect, the present specification describes computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform any method as described with reference to the second aspect.

[0020] In a sixth aspect, the present specification describes a kit of parts comprising an article (e.g., a removable article comprising an aerosol-generating material) for use in a non-combustible aerosol generating system, wherein the non-combustible aerosol generating system relates to an apparatus comprising any of the features of the first aspect described above, or a device or system comprising any of the features of the third or fourth aspects described above. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0021] Now, exemplary embodiments will be described merely as examples with reference to the following schematic drawings: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are block diagrams of non-flammable aerosol providing devices according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm according to an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 5 to 7 are plots demonstrating exemplary uses of exemplary embodiments. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 9 to 11 are flowcharts illustrating algorithms according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 12 illustrates a neural network used in some exemplary embodiments. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0022] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to include systems for delivering a substance to a user and includes the following:

[0023] Combustible aerosol delivery systems, for example, for cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and pipes, and for roll-your-own or make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, puffed tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smokeable materials);

[0024] Non-combustible aerosol providing systems that release compounds from aerosolizable materials without burning the aerosolizable materials, e.g., electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems for generating aerosols using a combination of aerosolizable materials;

[0025] Articles comprising an aerosolizable material and configured to be used in one of these non-flammable aerosol delivery systems; and

[0026] Articles comprising lozenges, gums, patches, inhalable powders that deliver a material to a user without forming an aerosol, and smokeless tobacco products such as snus and snuff, aerosol-free delivery systems, wherein the material may or may not contain nicotine.

[0027] According to the present disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol delivery system is a system in which a component aerosolizable material of the aerosol delivery system (or its component) is combusted or burned to facilitate delivery to a user.

[0028] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol delivery system is a system in which an aerosolizable material, which is a component of the aerosol delivery system (or its components), is not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery to a user.

[0029] In the embodiments described herein, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

[0030] In one embodiment, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette also known as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolizable material is not essential.

[0031] In one embodiment, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is a tobacco heating system also known as a heat-not-burn system.

[0032] In one embodiment, the non-flammable aerosol providing system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosolizable materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosolizable materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosolizable material may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0033] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol delivery system may include a non-combustible aerosol delivery device and an article for use with the non-combustible aerosol delivery system. However, it is expected that articles comprising means for supplying power to an aerosol generating component may themselves form a non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

[0034] In one embodiment, the non-flammable aerosol providing device may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In one embodiment, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate capable of receiving energy to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosolizable material or heat transfer material located near the exothermic power source. In one embodiment, a power source such as the exothermic power source is provided to an article to form a non-flammable aerosol providing device.

[0035] In one embodiment, an article for use with a non-flammable aerosol providing device may include an aerosolizable material, an aerosol generating component, an aerosol generating region, a mouthpiece, and / or a region for receiving the aerosolizable material.

[0036] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating component is a heater capable of interacting with an aerosolizable material to release one or more volatile materials from the aerosolizable material to form an aerosol. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating component can generate an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without heating. For example, the aerosol generating component can generate an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without applying heat, such as through one or more of vibration, mechanical, pressurized, or electrostatic means.

[0037] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable material may comprise an active material, an aerosol-forming material, and optionally one or more functional materials. The active material may comprise nicotine (optionally retained in tobacco or tobacco derivatives) or one or more other non-olfactory physiologically active materials. A non-olfactory physiologically active material is a material included in the aerosolizable material to achieve physiological responses other than olfactory perception. The active material used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance physiological responses. The active material may be selected from, for example, nutraceuticals, nootropics, and psychoactives. The active material may occur naturally or be obtained by synthesis. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or other botanicals. In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0038] The aerosol-forming materials are glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, It may include one or more of propylene carbonate.

[0039] One or more functional materials may include one or more of flavors, carriers, pH regulators, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0040] In one embodiment, an article for use with a non-flammable aerosol providing device may include an aerosolizable material or a region for receiving an aerosolizable material. In one embodiment, an article for use with a non-flammable aerosol providing device may include a mouthpiece. The region for receiving an aerosolizable material may be a storage region for storing an aerosolizable material. For example, the storage region may be a storage area. In one embodiment, the region for receiving an aerosolizable material may be separated from an aerosol generating region or combined with an aerosol generating region.

[0041] An aerosolizable material, which may also be referred to herein as an aerosol generating material, is a material capable of generating an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or supplied with energy in any other way. An aerosolizable material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel that may or may not contain, for example, nicotine and / or flavoring agents. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may include an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material capable of retaining some fluid, such as a liquid, within it.

[0042] An aerosolizable material may be present on a substrate. The substrate may be, for example, paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted aerosolizable material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy, or may include these.

[0043] A consumable is an article comprising or constituting an aerosol-generating material, in whole or in part intended to be consumed during use by a user. The consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. The consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which releases heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol upon use. The heater may comprise, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0044] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration of a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material, and accordingly, penetration by the changing magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and accordingly, penetration by the changing magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically conductive and magnetic, and accordingly, the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a changing magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, according to an exemplary embodiment. The system (10) includes a charge controller (14), an aerosol generator (15), a battery (16), and a power source (18). The charge controller (14), the aerosol generator (15), and the battery (16) may form an aerosol generating device (12). Alternatively, the charge controller (14) and the aerosol generator (15) may form an aerosol generating device (12') having an external battery (16). In a further alternative, the charge controller (14) may form part of a charge module or charge case that can be used to charge the battery (16) of the aerosol generator (15). Then, the aerosol generator (including the battery) may be removed from the charge module or case to be used to generate an aerosol.

[0046] As described in detail below, the charging controller (14) is configured to control the charging of the battery (16) at a first charging speed or a second charging speed, for example, depending on the charge level of the battery.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a non-flammable aerosol providing device according to an exemplary embodiment, generally denoted by reference numeral 20. The aerosol providing device (20) is an exemplary embodiment of the aerosol generating device (12) described above. The device (20) is a modular device comprising a first part (21a) and a second part (21b).

[0048] A first part (21a) of the device (20) includes a control circuit (22) (which may include a charge controller (14) of the device (12)) and a battery (23) (e.g., the aforementioned battery (16)). A second part (21b) of the device (20) includes a heater (24) and a liquid reservoir (25) (which may collectively form the aerosol generator (15) of the aforementioned system (10)).

[0049] The first part (21a) includes a first connector (26a) (e.g., a USB connector). The first connector (26a) can enable connection to a power source (e.g., the aforementioned power source (18)) for charging the battery (23) under the control of, for example, a control circuit (22) (e.g., under the control of a charging controller (14)).

[0050] The first part (21a) also includes a second connector (26b) that can be removedly connected to the first connector (27) of the second part (21b).

[0051] When the device (20) is in use, air is drawn into the air inlet of the heater (24), as indicated by the arrow (28). The heater is used to heat the air (e.g., under the control of the circuit (23)). The heated air is directed toward the liquid reservoir (25), where an aerosol is generated. The aerosol exits the device through the air outlet (e.g., into the mouth of the user of the device (20)), as indicated by the arrow (29).

[0052] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a non-flammable aerosol providing device according to an exemplary embodiment, generally denoted by reference numeral 30. The aerosol providing device (30) is an exemplary embodiment of an aerosol generator (15) of a system (10) and may also include other elements of the system (10).

[0053] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an aerosol providing device (30) without an external cover. The aerosol providing device (30) may include a replaceable article (31), and the article (31) may be inserted into the aerosol providing device (30) to enable heating of the article (31). The aerosol providing device (30) further includes an activation switch (32) that can be used to switch on or off one or more air tube extenders (34 and 35), a plurality of heating elements (33a, 33b and 33c), and one or more air tube extenders (34 and 35). One or more air tube extenders (34 and 45) may be optional.

[0054] The heating elements (33a, 33b, and 33c) may be heaters that directly heat the article (31). Alternatively, the heating elements (33a, 33b, and 33) may be induction heating elements configured to interact with a susceptor contained within the article (31) (or provided elsewhere). The use of three heating elements (33a, 33b, and 33c) is not essential to all exemplary embodiments. Thus, the aerosol generating device (30) may include one or more heating elements.

[0055] A susceptor may be provided as part of the article (31). In an exemplary embodiment, when the article (31) is inserted into an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device (30) may be turned on due to the insertion of the article (31). When the aerosol generating device (30) is turned on, (induction) heating elements (33) (e.g., induction heating elements) may cause the article (31) to be heated (e.g., induction heating) through the susceptor. In an alternative embodiment, the susceptor may be provided as part of the aerosol generating device (30) (e.g., as part of a holder for receiving the article (31).

[0056] Two alternative aerosol delivery devices (20 and 30) are provided only as examples; many additional modifications and alternatives are possible.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm, generally denoted by reference numeral 40, according to an exemplary embodiment. The algorithm (40) may be implemented by the aforementioned systems (10, 20, or 30).

[0058] The algorithm (40) starts at operation (42), where a determination is made regarding whether the relevant charge level (e.g., the charge level of the battery (16) or the battery (23)) exceeds a first threshold.

[0059] In operation (42), if it is determined that the charge level is below a threshold, the algorithm (40) moves to operation (44) in which the relevant battery is charged to a first charge level. In operation (42), if it is determined that the charge level exceeds a threshold, the algorithm moves to operation (46), regardless of whether the relevant battery is charged to a second charge level. The second charge level is lower than the first charge level, so that the battery is charged more quickly when the charge level is below a threshold than when the charge level exceeds a threshold. As mentioned below, in some exemplary embodiments, there may be more than two charge levels (and accordingly more than one threshold).

[0060] FIG. 5 is a plot generally indicated by reference numeral 50, demonstrating an exemplary use of an exemplary embodiment. Plot (50) illustrates the charging rate of a device at different charge levels (e.g., different voltages or states of charge (SOC)). In plot (50), the charge of the battery is initially at a first charge level (when the voltage or state of charge is low) before being reduced to a second charge level (e.g., when the charge level is detected to rise above a relevant charge threshold). In plot (50), the transition between the first charge levels and the second charge levels, indicated by reference numeral 52, is sharp. The transition in plot (50) may be at a specific state of charge (SOC) or a specific voltage level of the battery.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a plot generally indicated by reference numeral 60, demonstrating an exemplary use of an exemplary embodiment. In plot (60), the charge of the battery is initially at a first charge level before being reduced to a second charge level (e.g., when the charge level is detected to rise above a related charge threshold, e.g., the related charge state of the battery). Plot (60) differs from plot (50) in that the transition between the first charge level and the second charge level, indicated by reference numeral 62 in plot (60), is gradual.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a plot generally indicated by reference numeral 70, demonstrating an exemplary use of an exemplary embodiment. In plot (70), the charge of the battery is initially at a first charge level before being reduced to a second charge level (e.g., a first charge state when the charge level is detected to rise above a first charge threshold) and before being further reduced to a third charge level (e.g., a second charge state when the charge level is detected to rise above a second charge threshold).

[0063] Plots (50, 60, and 70) are provided merely as examples. Many changes will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a system, generally indicated by reference numeral 80, according to an exemplary embodiment. The system (80) includes the aforementioned charging controller (14) and further includes an adaptive charging module (82). The adaptive charging module (82) may be provided as a separate module (as shown in FIG. 8), but alternatively, it may be provided as part of the charging module (14). The adaptive charging module may form part of the aforementioned aerosol generating device (12) or aerosol generating device (12'). Furthermore, the adaptive charging module may form part of the charging module or case.

[0065] In some exemplary embodiments, the adaptive charging module (82) is configured to set a first threshold (or one or more other thresholds) used in the aforementioned algorithm (40), for example.

[0066] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm, generally denoted by reference numeral 90, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0067] The algorithm (90) starts at operation (92), where the aforementioned first charge threshold (and potentially one or more other charge thresholds) is set. For example, an adaptive charge module (82) can be used to set the charge threshold(s) discussed above.

[0068] Next, the algorithm (90) moves to operation (94), where the device is used.

[0069] The algorithm can return to an operation (92) (e.g., periodically) where the first charging threshold can be reset (e.g., adjusted).

[0070] A first charge threshold set in operation (92) may be set according to the usage level of the device being charged. For example, the first charge threshold may be set so that a specific use of the device becomes possible when the first charge threshold is reached. For example, the first threshold may be set to a level based on a defined expected usage level or to a level where a defined number of operations of the device can be driven (e.g., a single use or puff of the device, or a single session, where "session" may be defined as using a single consumable device, such as an insert for providing aerosolizable material, using the device for a single day, or using the device for half a day). Alternatively, or additionally, the first threshold may be set so that the charge level of the device at the first threshold enables operation of the device at an expected level until the next expected charge time (or some other defined period). For example, the threshold may be lower in the afternoon than in the morning, anticipating that the device will be charged overnight.

[0071] Many variables can potentially be used to set the first charge threshold. Some examples are provided below. Of course, combinations of one or more of the factors listed below may be used.

[0072] ㆍ Day of the week. For example, one user may use the device more often on weekdays than on weekends, while another user may do the opposite. This can affect power requirements and, therefore, the optimal fast charging threshold.

[0073] ㆍ Time of day. Daytime charging may be skewed toward fast charging in anticipation of imminent device use. Slow charging may be used overnight (presumably regardless of the current charge status).

[0074] ㆍ User's habits. These may be input by the user, learned through use, or a combination of both.

[0075] ㆍ One or more characteristics of the aerosol generating materials used. For example, some aerosol generating materials may be associated with lower power requirements, and some other materials may be associated with higher power requirements. For example, if a user switches from a low-nicotine product to a high-nicotine product, power requirements may be reduced, and thus the rapid charging threshold may be reduced.

[0076] ㆍ One or more battery characteristics (e.g., lifespan and / or temperature). For example, it may be desirable to charge older batteries more slowly.

[0077] ㆍ One or more user settings (e.g., user indication of preferences for fast charging or maximizing battery life)

[0078] The first threshold may be set to enable the expected or normal one-day operation of the device. (Of course, "expected" or "normal" operation may be defined in many ways, but may be based on data regarding the actual use of the device and / or data regarding the use of the device by a specific user.) Additionally, the duration may vary, for example, the charging threshold may be set to enable normal half-day use.

[0079] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm, generally denoted by reference numeral 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. The algorithm (100) begins in operation (102), where usage patterns (or usage patterns of a specific user) regarding the usage level of the device are determined (e.g., learned). Next, in operation (104), the first threshold discussed above is set (at least partially) according to the usage patterns determined / learned in operation (102). Thus, the algorithm (100) is an exemplary embodiment of operation (92) of the aforementioned algorithm (90).

[0080] For example, a user may have a predictable usage pattern throughout the day, and the rapid charging threshold can be adjusted accordingly. For instance, usage may be highest immediately after lunch and in the evening. Furthermore, as discussed above, usage may vary on different days (e.g., weekdays and weekends).

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, a user may leave work at a predictable time during the weekday and use the device for several hours in the evening. Afterward, the device may typically be charged overnight. Thus, when the user returns home and charges the device, fast charging may be initiated so that the device is sufficiently charged to the user's typical usage level in the evening. Once such a charge level is achieved, slow charging may be used; accordingly, a fast charging threshold may be set.

[0082] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm, generally denoted by reference numeral 110, according to an exemplary embodiment. The algorithm (110) begins in operation (112), where charging patterns (or charging patterns of a specific user) regarding the charging of the device are determined (e.g., learned). The charging patterns may relate, for example, when and / or at what rate charging occurs. Next, in operation (114), the first threshold discussed above is set (at least partially) according to the charging patterns determined / learned in operation (112). Thus, the algorithm (110) is an exemplary embodiment of operation (92) of the aforementioned algorithm (90).

[0083] For example, a user may charge the device every night, and slow charging may be used for this device (regardless of the current charge state). Therefore, when night charging begins, the slow charging threshold may be set to 0 (or close to 0), and slow charging is used accordingly. Another user may typically charge the device for only a short period of time; for that user, a high fast charging threshold may be suitable.

[0084] When setting the charging threshold, algorithms (100 and 110) can be combined to consider both usage patterns and charging patterns.

[0085] Accordingly, the adaptive charging module (82) may be configured to learn usage patterns (see operation (102)) and / or charging patterns (see operation (112)), wherein the first threshold discussed above may be set according to the learned usage and / or charging patterns.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the adaptive charging module (82) may be a model having a plurality of trainable parameters (e.g., a machine learning model). For example, FIG. 12 illustrates a neural network, generally denoted by reference numeral 120, used in some exemplary embodiments. The neural network (120) includes a first layer (121), one or more hidden layers (122), and an output layer (123).

[0087] The input layer (121) may receive one or more inputs (e.g., from a charging controller (14)). The inputs may relate to the use of the device or the charging of the device. The output layer (123) may provide one or more outputs of the adaptive charging module.

[0088] Many variations of the embodiments described above are possible. For example, FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment, generally denoted by reference numeral 130. The system (130) includes the aforementioned charging controller (14), which receives a plurality of external inputs (a first external input (131) and a second external input (132) are provided merely as examples—more, fewer, or different external inputs may be provided). The external inputs may provide information such as time and date information or location information, and may be obtained, for example, using GPS information. For example, the charging controller (14) may communicate with a GPS system or an inbuilt SIM card, or may communicate with a mobile communication device (e.g., via a Bluetooth connection). One or more external data inputs may be used when setting threshold levels. For example, external data (e.g., location and / or time of day) may be useful for estimating possible usage of the device and thus may be used in the operation (100) for setting a threshold. Alternatively, or additionally, external data may be used to estimate possible charging patterns of the device (e.g., nighttime charging patterns may differ from daytime charging patterns) and thus may be used in the operation (110) for setting a threshold.

[0089] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a system, generally denoted by reference numeral 140, according to an exemplary embodiment. The system (140) includes the aforementioned charging controller (14) and further includes an application (app) (142) or some other means for providing user input to the charging controller (14). The application (142) may be used to enable the provision of user settings (e.g., for use in setting a first charging threshold). For example, the user may indicate one or more of expected usage, expected charging times, and user preferences (e.g., prioritizing fast charging or prioritizing battery life). Alternatively or additionally, the application (142) may also receive information (e.g., current charging mode) from the charging controller (14) for display to the user.

[0090] As described above, the charging controller (14) may include a part of the aerosol generating device. This is not essential to all exemplary embodiments. For example, the charging controller (14) may form part of a charging case or some other charging module. The aerosol generating device may be charged using a charging case. Thus, for example, the system (130) may form a charging case that can be used to charge a separate aerosol generating device. Similarly, the application (142) may communicate with the charging controller of the aerosol generating device or the charging controller of the charging case.

[0091] The various embodiments described herein are presented merely to aid understanding and to teach the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of the embodiments and are not comprehensive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents thereof, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, be composed of, or constitute essentially of other disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but will be claimed in the future.

Claims

Claim 1 A device for an aerosol generating device, wherein the device comprises a charging controller and an adaptive charging module, wherein the charging controller is configured to control the charging of the battery at a first charging rate when the charging level of the battery is below a first threshold; wherein the charging controller is configured to control the charging of the battery at a second charging rate lower than the first charging rate when the charging level of the battery exceeds the first threshold; wherein the adaptive charging module is configured to set the first threshold, wherein the adaptive charging module is configured to learn charging patterns of the aerosol generating device, and the first threshold is set according to at least partially learned charging patterns; and / or wherein the adaptive charging module is configured to learn usage patterns of the aerosol generating device, and the first threshold is set according to at least partially learned usage patterns. Claim 2 In claim 1, the device for an aerosol generating device, wherein the adaptive charging module is implemented using a machine-learning module. Claim 3 An apparatus for an aerosol generating device, wherein, in claim 1, the first threshold is set according to the usage level of the aerosol generating device; and / or the first threshold is set to a level at which a prescribed number of operations of the aerosol generating device can be driven and / or a prescribed expected usage time of the aerosol generating device can be achieved. Claim 4 An apparatus for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first threshold is set to enable one day of expected operation of the aerosol generating device; the first threshold is set to enable an expected level of operation up to the next expected charging time; and / or the first threshold depends on a determined normal user operation of the aerosol generating device. Claim 5 An apparatus for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first threshold is set according to one or more of the following: the current day of the week; the current time of day; first user habits as input by the user; second user habits determined through use; one or more characteristics of an aerosol generating material; one or more battery characteristics; and one or more user settings. Claim 6 An apparatus for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising the battery and / or aerosol generator. Claim 7 A method comprising: a step of charging a battery of an aerosol generating device at a first charging rate when the charge level of the battery is less than a first threshold; a step of charging a battery of an aerosol generating device at a second charging rate when the charge level of the battery exceeds a first threshold; and a step of setting the first threshold, wherein the method further comprises a step of learning charging patterns of the aerosol generating device, and the first threshold is set according to the learned charging patterns; and / or the method further comprises a step of learning usage patterns of the aerosol generating device, and the first threshold is set according to the learned usage patterns. Claim 8 A method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of setting the first threshold according to the usage level of the aerosol generating device. Claim 9 In claim 7 or 8, the first threshold is set to a level at which a prescribed number of operations of the aerosol generating device can be driven; and / or the first threshold depends on a determined normal user operation. Claim 10 A method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first threshold is set according to one or more of the following: the current day of the week; the current time of the day; first user habits as input by the user; second user habits as determined through use; one or more characteristics of an aerosol generating material; one or more battery characteristics; and one or more user settings. Claim 11 A non-combustible aerosol generating device comprising a device according to claim 1. Claim 12 In claim 11, the aerosol generating device is configured to accommodate a removable article comprising an aerosol generating material, and the aerosol generating material comprises an aerosol generating substrate and an aerosol forming material, a non-flammable aerosol generating device. Claim 13 In claim 11, the device is a non-combustible aerosol generating device comprising a tobacco heating system. Claim 14 delete Claim 15 delete Claim 16 delete Claim 17 delete Claim 18 delete Claim 19 delete Claim 20 delete Claim 21 delete Claim 22 delete Claim 23 delete Claim 24 delete Claim 25 delete Claim 26 delete Claim 27 delete Claim 28 delete

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