An aerosol generating device operation method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for operating an aerosol generating device, the method comprising a step of causing the computer to provide a pattern for usage of the aerosol generating device by a user, wherein the pattern is based on a mode of a session performed by the device.

Description

[0001] AN AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE OPERATION METHOD

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to the field of aerosol generating devices, and more particularly to techniques for an aerosol generating device operation method.

[0004] TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0005] The popularity and use of reduced-risk or modified-risk devices (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly in the past few years as an aid to assist habitual smokers wishing to quit smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and rolling tobacco. Various devices and systems are available that heat or warm aerosolisable substances as opposed to burning tobacco in conventional tobacco products.

[0006] A commonly available reduced-risk or modified-risk device evaporates or vaporizes a liquid or e-liquid contained in a container or reservoir. The liquid may comprise nicotine or other kinds of material to generate an aerosol for the user to inhale. These kinds of aerosol generating devices evaporating liquids are convenient for users to seek an instant generation of an inhalable aerosol.

[0007] Certain liquid-based aerosol generating devices work with a consumable article, a cartridge or a capsule, which is received in the device. The consumable article is typically equipped with a reservoir for the liquid, and a heating element. During usage, e.g., when a user draws on a mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device, liquid is guided from the reservoir towards the heating element, to generate an inhalable aerosol. The heating element could be heated for instance using a coil. Typically, a wick is applied to convey liquid from the reservoir to the heating element. The liquids stored in the consumable article are often made from a mixture of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings and / or nicotine. Alternatively, vaporizable nicotine containing liquids may be derived directly from tobacco materials, and are known as tobacco liquids, or T-liquids. Such T-liquids may still comprise PG and VG, and tobacco material or particles within the liquid solution. The nicotine present in the liquid then essentially originates from natural tobacco materials. An alternative commonly available reduced-risk or modified-risk device is the heated substrate aerosol generating device or heat-not-burn, HNB, device. Devices of this type generate an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate that typically comprises moist leaf tobacco or other suitable aerosolisable material.

[0008] However, known aerosol generating devices can only generate aerosol according to the puffs of users, and cannot adjust itself based on the specific state or request of users.

[0009] It is thus an objective of the present invention to improve existing aerosol generating devices, thereby overcoming the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art at least in part.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0011] The objective is met by the subject-matter defined in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are defined in the dependent claims as well as in the description and the figures.

[0012] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for operating an aerosol generating device, the method comprising a step of causing the computer to provide a pattern for usage of the aerosol generating device to a user, wherein the pattern is based on a mode of a session performed by the device.

[0013] With the method of the first aspect, the device can actively provide a vaping pattern to meet the demand or request of users so as to improve the experience of vaping and provide the user with a consistent inhalation experience.

[0014] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, according to the first aspect, the method comprises determining the mode of the session based on an input of the user.

[0015] With the second aspect, the user is provided with options for the vaping pattern. This enhances the flexibility and freedom for users to choose their preferred or more suitable vaping pattern.

[0016] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, according to the first or second aspects, the pattern defines one or more parameters for each of a plurality of breathing actions in such a manner that one or more parameters for at least two of the plurality of breathing actions vary from each other. In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the preceding aspects, the pattern defines one or more parameters for each of a plurality of breathing actions, preferably, in such a manner that one or more parameters for at least two of the plurality of breathing actions matches with each other.

[0017] The flexibility of vaping is enhanced due to the third or fourth aspects of this invention.

[0018] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the third or fourth aspects, the aerosol generating device automatically generates the breathing actions having the parameters in accordance with the pattern, preferably, when the puff actions of the user are detected.

[0019] With the arrangement of the fifth aspect, the vaping pattern can be provided to the users more accurately.

[0020] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, the method further comprises a step of causing the computer to provide a combination of patterns for usage of the aerosol generating device to a user relating to multiple parameters of the aerosol generating device.

[0021] The sixth aspect of this invention offers a more comprehensive and flexible vaping experience.

[0022] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the preceding aspects, in the pattern: one or more parameters for each of the plurality of the breathing actions differs for their adjacent breathing actions in sequence; or the plurality of the breathing actions in sequence are divided into multiple groups, at least one of the groups comprises at least two breathing actions, one or more parameters for the breathing actions of the same group are identical, and one or more parameters for the breathing actions of the multiple groups differs between groups.

[0023] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, the pattern is an augmentative, a diminutive, a constant, or a fluctuating pattern or any combination thereof. The seventh and eighth aspects of the invention offer a diverse range of vaping experience to users.

[0024] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, the parameter for the pattern is associated with one or more of a predefined point in time, a predefined duration of the breathing action, a predefined depth of the breathing action, and a predetermined parameter relating to the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device per breathing action, preferably an amount of predetermined substance released per breathing action, a total amount of predetermined substance released during the usage of the aerosol generating device, or an amount of vapor released per breathing action.

[0025] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, the parameter for the pattern is associated with at least one of, preferably a plurality of the following aspects of the breathing actions: nicotine level, pressure drop, puff duration, vapor volume, and flavor intensity of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device.

[0026] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, the method further comprises a step of causing the computer to receive, through the aerosol generating device, the input from a user initiating usage of the aerosol generating device, wherein the input comprises the pattern.

[0027] In a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, the method further comprises a step of causing the computer to configure a session following at least one pattern.

[0028] In a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, according to the preceding aspect, the session comprises at least io breathing actions, preferably at least 13 breathing actions, more preferably at least 15 breathing actions, and most preferably at least 20 breathing actions; and / or at most 30 breathing actions, preferably at most 27 breathing actions, more preferably at most 25 breathing actions, and most preferably at most 23 breathing actions. In a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspects, between each pair of breathing actions, there is a gap of o.i to i seconds, preferably 0.2 to 0.5 seconds, more preferably 0.3 to 0.4 seconds.

[0029] In a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the twelfth to the fourteenth aspects, the method further comprises a step of causing the computer to stop a session if a time interval between two consecutive breathing actions is more than a predetermined time, preferably at most 10 minutes, more preferably at most 8 minutes, and most preferably at most 5 minutes.

[0030] The method of fifteenth aspect provides a more accurate tracking of the user activity when the user takes a break from the vaping, ensuring that the user can have a complete session of vaping, for example, after the break, and saving power of the device.

[0031] In a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, the method further comprises a step of causing the computer to issue, through the aerosol generating device, a sequence of outputs via one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device for guiding the usage of the aerosol generating device by the user according to the pattern.

[0032] In a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, according to the preceding aspect, the one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device comprise one or more of: a vibration user interface, preferably a vibration actuator; a light-emitting user interface, preferably an LED; and an audio interface, preferably a speaker.

[0033] With the guidance as described in the sixteenth or the seventeenth aspects, it is ensured that the aerosol generating device can accurately perform the selected pattern of vaping during the usage of the device.

[0034] In an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, the mode of the session is based on a heartbeat rate of a user. A nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer program comprising instructions which when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform the method of any one of the first to eighteenth aspects of the disclosure.

[0035] A twentieth aspect of the present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, comprising means for performing the method of any one of the first to eighteenth aspects of the disclosure.

[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] In the following, preferred embodiments are described, by way of example only. Reference is made to the following accompanying figures:

[0038] Fig. i illustrates an aerosol generating device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] Fig. 2 illustrates an implementation of a method for operating an aerosol generating device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0040] Fig. 3 illustrates exemplary sessions that can be chosen by the user in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In the following, representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings will be explained. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments and the following descriptions refer to examples which are not intended to limit the scope of protection to one preferred embodiment.

[0043] As used herein, the term “aerosol generating device” “vaping device” “vaporizer system”, “inhaler” or “electronic cigarette” may include an electronic cigarette configured to deliver an aerosol to a user, including an aerosol for smoking. The illustrated embodiments of the aerosol generating system in this invention are schematic, and it is also possible to combine some of the parts into single units, such as aerosol inlet and outlet, operator or computer modules, which is apparent to a person skilled in the art. Fig. i illustrates an aerosol generating device io in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating device 10 may comprise one or more processing units 11 for executing instructions of a computer program, for processing sensor data etc., like a processor and / or a programmable circuitry, for performing the method of any one of the aspects described herein. The processing units 11 may comprise one or more sensors that are capable of measuring the status or parameters mentioned herein, especially the ones that relates to the users and the aerosol generating itself. The aerosol generating device 10 may further comprise one or more user interfaces (e.g., for receiving input and / or for issuing output). The aerosol generating device 10 may further comprise one or more connectivity interfaces (e.g., for connecting the aerosol generating device io with another device such as a smartphone or a smartwatch etc.). The aerosol generating device io may further comprise a power supply 12. The aerosol generating device 10 further comprises heating units 13 to provide energy to a heating element of a consumable article 20 of the aerosol generating device 10 or to heat directly at least a part of the consumable article 20. The heating units 13 may be a coil or an induction coil configured to heat the heating element of the consumable article 20 by induction when the power supply 12 is connected to the heating means. The heating means may generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field for heating the heating element of the consumable article 20.

[0044] Fig. 2 illustrates an implementation too of a method for operating an aerosol generating device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] In step 101, a user may want to start vaping and initiate a vaping session. For example, the user may feel that his or her heartbeat rate is too high caused by excitement or stress, he or she can initiate usage of the aerosol generating device with the user interface of the aerosol generating device for relaxation. The interface can be a button, a voice command interaction, a certain finger gesture on a touch screen or a certain movement, such as a user drawing on the device or a start of puffing etc., with which the initiation process can be performed. In some embodiments, the user may use a user interface as explained above on another device (such as a mobile phone) that is connected to the aerosol generating device. In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating device itself is equipped with sensors that can detect a state of the user, for example, the heartbeat rate with the help of a smartwatch. Once another device senses that the state of the user is met with a predetermined condition, such as a fast heartbeat that is above a certain threshold, the aerosol generating device automatically initiates a vaping session. In step 102, a vaping routine or pattern is then selected. For example, due to the fast heartbeat due to stress or excitement, the user may want to relax so as to control and reduce his or her breathing rhythm with the aerosol generating device. In such a case, the user may choose a predetermined mode of a session, such as a ‘relaxing session mode’, that is either preset in the aerosol generating device during manufacturing or preset by the user in the device. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device may receive an input from the user initiating the usage of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, if the aerosol generating device or another device senses a state of a user that meets a predetermined condition, the device itself may automatically select a corresponding mode for the user. As the example above, if a smartwatch detects a fast heartbeat of the user that is above a certain threshold, the vaping machine may automatically select a predetermined mode that fits with the state of the user so as to, for example, relax him or her. In a more preferred embodiment, after the initiation of the user, the aerosol generating device or another device may start sensing a state of the user and choose a corresponding mode of session automatically. Once a new vaping session mode is set by the user or the device, the controlling units may check the status of current device parameters. Once the status is known, the aerosol generating device sets a new mode in case it is different from the current mode. If the device is already in the corresponding mode, the vaping session mode of the aerosol generating device may not be changed, but a new session is to be configured to start.

[0046] The mode of session comprises a predetermined pattern, namely a breathing routine, for the usage of the aerosol generating device. The pattern may comprise a plurality of breathing actions. Each of the breathing actions is associated with, for example, one or more of a predetermined point in time (e.g., a point in time in which the breathing action is to be performed according to the selected breathing routine), a predefined duration of the breathing action (e.g., a time length of a puff or a time length during which generating aerosol for the breathing action is to be performed according to the selected breathing routine), a predefined depth of the breathing action (e.g., defined in ml), and / or a predetermined parameter relating to the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device per breathing action. Preferably, the predetermined parameter comprises an amount of predetermined substance released per breathing action (e.g., o.oi mg nicotine), a total amount of predetermined substance released during the usage of the aerosol generating device (e.g., nicotine level), a pressure drop (e.g., defined in mm H2O), a flavor intensity and / or an amount of vapor released per breathing action (e.g., vapor volume defined in ug / m3) in which the breathing action is to be performed according to the selected breathing routine. In step 103, the aerosol generating device then automatically and actively operates so as to generate aerosols allowing vaping with the above pattern. According to the present invention, the aerosol generating device is configured to actively generate aerosol with the above breathing actions with specific values and parameters, to be delivered to the user. Unlike conventional aerosol generating devices, the aerosol generating device of this invention ensures that the user receives the desired pattern of breathing actions by autonomously producing the aerosol. The heating device and other control units that are comprised by the aerosol generating device are capable of generating the aerosol corresponding to the desired pattern of the session mode. By controlling the operating of the heating device and other control units, the above-mentioned parameters and values of breathing actions can be adjusted to meet the user’s needs. In other words, the aerosol generating device generates a sequence of aerosol based on the selected pattern for the usage of the aerosol generating device.

[0047] Accordingly, the pattern defines one or more parameters for each of a plurality of breathing actions, preferably, in such a manner that one or more parameters for at least two of the plurality of breathing actions vaiy from or matches with each other. Specifically, one or more parameters for each of the plurality of the breathing actions differs from their adjacent breathing actions in sequence. In the preferred embodiment, each breathing actions will be delivered to the user in the sequence according to the pattern once a puff or puffs from the user corresponding to the breathing actions in the pattern is detected by the aerosol generating device.

[0048] Specifically, each vaping session comprises at least io breathing actions, preferably at least 13 breathing actions, more preferably at least 15 breathing actions, and most preferably at least 20 breathing actions; and at most 30 breathing actions, preferably at most 27 breathing actions, more preferably at most 25 breathing actions, and most preferably at most 23 breathing actions.

[0049] Alternatively, the plurality of the breathing actions in sequence are divided into multiple groups, at least one of the groups comprises at least two breathing actions, one or more parameters for the breathing actions of the same group are identical, and one or more parameters for the breathing actions of the multiple groups differs between groups.

[0050] This mode is advantageous as it ensures a gradual progression in vaping for different purposes as mentioned above, while allowing users to acclimate to each new breathing actions over time. For example, if the user chooses a relaxing session mode of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device is set to generate, for example, 15 breathing actions to the user. The first five puffs or breathing actions of the selected vaping session are adapted to his or her breathing state so that the puffs have short duration, for example, 1 second per breathing action, with high pressure drop, for example, 80 - 85 mm H2O. Then, the fifth to the tenth puffs of the vaping session have a medium puff duration, for example, 3 seconds, with lower pressure drop, such as 75 mm H2O. Finally, the last puffs of the session, that are the eleventh to the fifteenth puffs, have long puff durations, for example 5 to 6 seconds, with low pressure drop, such as 68 mm H2O.

[0051] In another example, if a user choses a diminutive session mode for relaxation, the aerosol generating device is set to a pattern (with e.g., 20 breathing actions) such that the user can progressively reach a relaxed state puff after puff until the end of the session. After checking the status of the current device as described in step 101, in the first 5 breathing actions, the aerosol generating device generates aerosols with high pressure drop (e.g. 90 mm H2O), short puff duration (e.g. 2 seconds), high nicotine level, low flavor intensity, and small vapor volume. Then, the fifth to tenth puffs could have lower pressure drop (e.g. 75 mm H2O), a somewhat longer puff duration (e.g. 3 seconds), and a slightly bigger vapor volume. In the eleventh to fifteenth puffs, the device parameters can be low pressure drop (e.g. 65 mm H2O), a somewhat longer puff duration (e.g. 4 seconds), and a bigger vapor volume. In the final sixteenth to twentieth puffs, the device parameters can be very low pressure drop (e.g. 55 mm H2O), long puff duration (e.g. 5.5 seconds), high flavor intensity, and big vapor volume.

[0052] In addition to the augmentative pattern as described above, a diminutive, a constant, or a fluctuating pattern can be provided by the aerosol generating device.

[0053] In more a preferred embodiment, a combination of the above patterns for usage of the aerosol generating device to a user relating to multiple parameters of the aerosol generating device is provided to the user as a session. For example, the vaping session may start with a diminutive pattern and then continue with an augmentative pattern and finish with another augmentative pattern; or the vaping session may be a combination of a first augmentative pattern and a second diminutive pattern. In another example, at any time of an ongoing session, whether the aerosol generating device is in augmentative or diminutive session mode, the user could change the device mode to constant session mode to keep device parameters as per the last puff. This is like putting on hold / freezing device parameters until further mode changes. This means that the aerosol generating device keeps in its internal memory the frozen state of the device parameters until a new mode is set. This is advantageous, as the user can personalize his or her device so it can perform as per user’s wish.

[0054] In preferred embodiments, through the user interface that is equipped with the aerosol generating device, or through another device that is connected with the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device can monitor and adjust the breathing actions.

[0055] In more preferred embodiments, as shown in step 103a, the user interface maybe used to guide the user and cue the user through the breathing actions according to the vaping pattern selected in step 102. For instance, the user interface of the aerosol generating device may provide a sequence of outputs through the user interface of the aerosol generating device or another device for guiding the usage of the aerosol generating device based on the selected pattern for the usage of the aerosol generating device. A sequence of outputs can be one or more outputs, which may be issued in a predefined manner. The ways of guiding may comprise one or more of a vibration user interface (e.g., a vibration actuator) of the aerosol generating device and / or of another device connected to the aerosol generating device, a light-emitting user interface (e.g., an LED) of the aerosol generating device and / or of another device connected to the aerosol generating device and an audio interface (e.g., a speaker) of the aerosol generating device and / or of another device connected to the aerosol generating device.

[0056] In step 104, the vaping routine may end. Preferably, to ensure the users can have a complete vaping session experience every time, and a random stop will not cause disorder of the vaping sessions, the aerosol generating device is configured to stop a session if a time interval between two consecutive breathing actions is more than a predetermined time, preferably at most 10 minutes, more preferably at most 8 minutes, and most preferably at most 5 minutes. In another embodiment, between each pair of breathing actions, there is a gap that is set to 0.1 to 1 seconds, preferably 0.2 to 0.5 seconds, more preferably 0.3 to 0.4 seconds. In other words, the aerosol generating device may stop the vaping session if the gap between the breathing actions is less than 0.3 seconds, preferably less than 0.2 seconds, more preferably less than 0.1 seconds; and / or if the gap is more than 0.4 seconds, preferably more than 0.5 seconds, more preferably more than 1 second. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the aerosol generating device, with the input from the user, may configure a vaping session mode with several sessions during a day in advance. Specifically, users can have the options to choose their desired sessions with breathing actions and determine the time and frequencies for the sessions during a day and in each session what kind(s) of changing schemes they would prefer and the specific changing parameter or several changing parameters that are desired.

[0057] The aerosol generating device of this invention make the user’s vaping experience dynamic and unique as it can be personalized according to their own need. Accordingly, the user does not need to switch between different aerosol generating devices, and there is no need to carry, for example, multiple flavor refillings and wait until one is fully consumed so as to start a new one.

Claims

Claims1. Computer-implemented method for operating an aerosol generating device, the method comprising the steps of: causing the computer to provide a pattern for usage of the aerosol generating device by a user, and causing the computer to issue, through the aerosol generating device, a sequence of outputs via one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device for guiding the usage of the aerosol generating device by the user according to the pattern; wherein the pattern is based on a mode of a session performed by the device.

2. The method according to the preceding claim, the method further comprising a step of determining the mode of the session based on an input of the user.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, the method further comprising a step of causing the computer to provide a combination of patterns for usage of the aerosol generating device to a user relating to multiple parameters of the aerosol generating device.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pattern defines one or more parameters for each of a plurality of breathing actions in such a manner that one or more parameters for at least two of the plurality of breathing actions varies from or matches with each other; preferably, the aerosol generating device automatically generates the breathing actions having the parameters in accordance with the pattern, more preferably, when the puff actions of the user are detected.

5. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein, in the pattern: one or more parameters for each of the plurality of the breathing actions differs for their adjacent breathing actions in sequence; or the plurality of the breathing actions in sequence are divided into multiple groups, at least one of the groups comprises at least two breathing actions, one or moreparameters for the breathing actions of the same group are identical, and one or more parameters for the breathing actions of the multiple groups differs between groups.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pattern is an augmentative, a diminutive, a constant, or a fluctuating pattern or any combination thereof.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the parameter for the pattern is associated with one or more of a predefined point in time, a predefined duration of the breathing action, a predefined depth of the breathing action, and a predetermined parameter relating to the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device per breathing action, preferably an amount of predetermined substance released per breathing action, a total amount of predetermined substance released during the usage of the aerosol generating device, or an amount of vapor released per breathing action.

8. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the parameter for the pattern is associated with at least one of, preferably a plurality of the following aspects of the breathing actions: nicotine level, pressure drop, puff duration, vapor volume, and flavor intensity of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a step of causing the computer to receive, through the aerosol generating device, the input from a user initiating usage of the aerosol generating device, wherein the input comprises the pattern.

10. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 9, further comprising a step of causing the computer to configure a session following at least one pattern; preferably, the session comprises at least 10 breathing actions, preferably at least 13 breathing actions, more preferably at least 15 breathing actions, and most preferably at least 20 breathing actions; and / or at most 30 breathing actions, preferably at most 27 breathing actions, more preferably at most 25 breathing actions, and most preferably at most 23 breathing actions; and / or between each pair of breathing actions, there is a gap of 0.1 to 1 seconds, preferably 0.2 to 0.5 seconds, more preferably 0.3 to 0.4 seconds.

11. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 10, further comprising a step of causing the computer to stop a session if a time interval between two consecutivebreathing actions is more than a predetermined time, preferably at most to minutes, more preferably at most 8 minutes, and most preferably at most 5 minutes.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more user interfaces of the aerosol generating device comprise one or more of: a vibration user interface, preferably a vibration actuator; a light-emitting user interface, preferably an LED; and an audio interface, preferably a speaker.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mode of the session is based on a heartbeat rate of a user.

14. A computer program comprising instructions which when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform the method of any one of the claims 1 to 13.

15. An aerosol generating device, comprising means for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

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