Devices, systems and methods for communication between an aerosol-generating device and an auxiliary device

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerosol-generating device (300, 400) and an auxiliary device (350, 450). The devices include a transcoding unit (335, 385, 435, 485) configured to convert between information and a corresponding vibrational communication sequence, wherein the vibrational communication sequence comprises a plurality of time periods, each time period associated with at least one constant vibrational characteristic. The devices include a transceiver (322, 372, 422, 472) configured to transmit and / or receive a vibrational signal associated with the vibrational communication sequence thereby allowing the information to be remotely exchanged between the devices. The vibrational signal is a haptic signal or an audio signal.

Description

[0001] DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AN AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE AND AN AUXILIARY DEVICE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for communicating between an aerosol-generating device and an auxiliary device.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Devices which heat, rather than bum, an aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol for inhalation have become popular with consumers in recent years. A commonly available reduced-risk or modified-risk device is the heated material aerosol-generating device, or so-called heat-not-burn device. Devices of this type generate an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol-generating material to a temperature typically in the range 150°C to 300°C. This temperature range is quite low compared to an ordinary cigarette. Heating the aerosol-generating material to a temperature within this range, without burning or combusting the aerosol-generating material, generates a vapor which typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the device. An aerosol may also be produced without heating (e.g., by using ultrasonic or chemical reaction), particularly if the device uses a liquid aerosol-generating material or substrate.

[0006] It is known that such an aerosol-generating device can form part of a communication system if it is equipped with a communication means with another “auxiliary” device, which can be not only a communication terminal, such as a smartphone and a personal computer, but also another aerosol-generating device. Such data communication between the devices can offer various connectivity features, including firmware update of the device, transmission of usage data from the device to a data server, etc., and thus it can present significant opportunities to improve usability and enhance vaping experience with the device.

[0007] For this purpose, various communication protocols are made available for wired connections e.g. via a USB-C cable, and wireless connection e.g. via the Bluetooth technology. For example, US20230397009A1 , comprised in the prior art, discloses a communication system comprising an inhaler device, and a terminal device such as a smartphone. In such an approach, both devices have Bluetooth-enabled interfaces for wireless data transmission, and the system can offer a secure way of performing the Bluetooth pairing, for establishing a connection between the devices. However, such a pairing process may be found complicating on some occasions as it generally forces the user to follow certain procedures on both of the devices, and these procedures may have to be repeated in case of a connection failure. This may perhaps limit the possibility of incentivizing the user to utilize the connectivity features.

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to provide an easy and user-friendly way of transmitting signals, without involving the complexity in pairing the devices for establishing the connection.

[0009] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosolgenerating device for communication with an auxiliary device, the aerosolgenerating device comprising: a transcoding unit configured to convert between information and a corresponding electromagnetic communication sequence, wherein the electromagnetic communication sequence comprises a plurality of time periods, each time period associated with a respective constant electromagnetic field value; and an electromagnetic transceiver (e.g., electromagnetic communication unit) configured to transmit and / or receive the electromagnetic communication sequence to or from the auxiliary device thereby allowing the information to be remotely exchanged with the auxiliary device.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an auxiliary device for communication with an aerosol-generating device, the auxiliary device comprising: a transcoding unit configured to convert between information and a corresponding electromagnetic communication sequence, wherein the electromagnetic communication sequence comprises a plurality of time periods, each time period associated with a respective constant electromagnetic field value; and an electromagnetic transceiver (e.g., electromagnetic communication unit) configured to transmit and / or receive the electromagnetic communication sequence to or from the aerosol-generating device thereby allowing the information to be exchanged with the aerosolgenerating device.

[0012] The following features and advantages may apply to the aerosol-generating device of the first aspect, and / or the auxiliary device of the second aspect.

[0013] Advantageously, by communicating using constant electromagnetic fields, the devices may communicate in a simple way that does not require any configuration by the user. This communication protocol may also operate without being noticed by the user. Furthermore, this unique communication protocol is unlikely to interfere with other communication protocols being used in the surrounding environment, such as WiFi, Bluetooth or infrared signals from other devices (which use electromagnetic waves rather than constant electromagnetic fields). Therefore, the devices may communicate passively and reliably with minimal intervention by users.

[0014] As used herein, the term “constant electromagnetic field value” preferably refers to an electromagnetic field having a value that is substantially constant throughout the duration of each time period. For example, each time period may have a constant electric field value (e.g., measured in volts per meter) and / or a constant magnetic field value (e.g., measured in Tesla). Each time period may be associated with a constant electrostatic field value, and / or a constant magnetostatic field value. The field value may change between each time period (e.g., to move to a different constant value). However, within each time period, the electric and / or magnetic field remains constant (e.g., has a derivative with respect to time that is substantially 0). In this way, the devices do not necessarily exchange information using electromagnetic waves (i.e., oscillating electromagnetic fields), but by using a sequence of discrete field values (e.g., of an electrostatic field or a magnetostatic field), which are transmitted and detected by the devices. The electromagnetic communication sequence described herein differs from communication methods that transmit electromagnetic waves (e.g., where the electric and magnetic field values oscillate). In such communication methods, an electromagnetic carrier wave may be used, with the data being encoded by amplitude or frequency modulation. However, even if the amplitude or frequency takes constant values within each time period, the electromagnetic field value still oscillates due to the presence of the carrier wave. As a result, these communication methods are likely to interfere with other communication protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and / or NFC protocols) that also use electromagnetic waves. By using constant electrostatic or magnetostatic fields values within each time period, the likelihood of wireless interference with other devices is substantially reduced.

[0015] Each time period of the electromagnetic communication sequence may be associated with either a constant electrostatic field value, or a constant magnetostatic field value. Advantageously, using only a single type of field means that the hardware in the devices may be simplified. Alternatively, each time period may be associated with both a constant electrostatic field value and a constant magnetostatic field value. Advantageously, by using both electric fields and magnetic fields, the bitrate of data transfer may be increased.

[0016] As used herein, the term “electromagnetic transceiver” preferably refers to a component that is capable of transmitting and / or receiving an electrostatic and / or a magnetostatic field; the term does not necessarily require that the transceiver can both transmit and receive, though this is preferably the case. The term “electromagnetic communication unit” may be used herein to refer to the “electromagnetic transceiver” and vice versa. Where the electromagnetic transceiver only transmits the electromagnetic communication sequence it may be referred to as an electromagnetic transmitter. Where the electromagnetic transceiver only receives the electromagnetic communication sequence it may be referred to as an electromagnetic receiver. Preferably, the electromagnetic transceiver is configured to both transmit and receive the electromagnetic communication sequence. Where the transceiver only sends and / or receives an electrostatic field, it may be referred to as an electrostatic transceiver. Where the transceiver only sends and / or receives a magnetic field, it may be referred to as a magnetostatic transceiver. A device that transmits the electromagnetic communication sequence may be referred to as a sender device. A device that receives the electromagnetic communication sequence may be referred to as a receiver device. A transcoding unit that only converts from the information to the electromagnetic communication sequence may be referred to as an encoding unit or an encoder. A transcoding unit that only converts from the electromagnetic communication sequence to the information may be referred to as a decoding unit or a decoder.

[0017] The electromagnetic transceiver may comprise an electrostatic transmitter configured to transmit an electrostatic field, an electrostatic receiver configured to detect an electrostatic field, and preferably both an electrostatic transmitter and receiver. In this way, the device is able to exchange information with another device by transmitting and / or receiving electrostatic fields. Such fields can be detected passively by the other device without the need for any setup or configuration by the user, thereby allowing the devices to continually communicate.

[0018] The electrostatic transmitter may comprise a capacitive electrode chargeable to a plurality of voltage levels, each voltage level resulting in an electric field having a different intensity. Preferably, the capacitive electrode is coated with a dielectric material. Preferably, the capacitive electrode is located at least in part on an outer surface of the device. In this way, the electrostatic field generated by the electrode is not obstructed by an external casing of the device, which increases the strength of the field transmitted, and therefore increases the transmission range between the devices.

[0019] Preferably, the capacitive electrode extends to the outer surface of the device through an insulating layer. In this way, the effect of the casing on the field generated by the electrode is reduced, thereby further enhancing the strength and consistency of the field that is transmitted. The electromagnetic transceiver may comprise a magnetostatic transmitter configured to transmit a magnetostatic field, a magnetostatic receiver configured to detect a magnetostatic field, or preferably both a magnetostatic transmitter and receiver. In this way, the device is able to exchange information with another device by transmitting and / or receiving magnetostatic fields. Such fields can be detected passively by the other device without the need for any setup or configuration by the user, thereby allowing the devices to continually communicate.

[0020] Preferably, the magnetostatic transmitter comprises a coil configured to receive a plurality of current levels, each current level resulting in a magnetic field having a different intensity. Preferably, the coil comprises a core, such as a ferrite core, which may increase the strength of the field being generated.

[0021] The device may further comprise an outer casing enclosing the magnetostatic transmitter, preferably wherein the outer casing comprises aluminium, magnesium or plastic. This allows the magnetostatic transmitter to be concealed and protected by the outer casing during use. It has been found that the magnetostatic fields are not significantly impacted by the casing (even when the casing is made of a metal such as aluminium or magnesium), though most preferably, the outer casing is made of plastic (at least in the portion adjacent to the magnetostatic transmitter). Preferably, the magnetostatic transmitter is located directly beneath the outer casing to increase its proximity to the other device during use.

[0022] Preferably, the outer casing has a thickness less than or equal to 2.0mm. In this way, the effect of the casing on the transmission of the magnetostatic field is minimized. Preferably, the devices communicate with each other when the distance between their respective transceivers is 10mm or less. Where the magnetostatic transmitter comprises a coil, the receiver in the other device should be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the coil (e.g., an axis passing through its core around which the coil is wound) in order to maximise the strength of the received field. Preferably, the receiver should not be offset by a distance greater than 10mm away from this axis, more preferably not greater than 5mm away from this axis.

[0023] Where the information is sent from the aerosol-generating device to the auxiliary device, the information may comprise: a state of at least part of the aerosolgenerating device, an operational setting of at least part of the aerosol-generating device, user information, and / or usage data of the aerosol-generating device. Where the information is sent from the auxiliary device to the aerosol-generating device, the information may comprise: an instruction to run a diagnostic or maintenance program, an instruction to update a firmware, an instruction to enable or disable operation of the aerosol-generating device, an instruction to lock an operation of the aerosol-generating device for a period of time, or restore the locked operation, and / or an instruction to change an operational setting.

[0024] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosolgenerating system comprising the aerosol-generating device of the first aspect and the auxiliary device of the second aspect. It will be appreciated that the aerosol-generating system of the third aspect may include any of the preferable features discussed above in relation to the first and second aspects. Preferably, both the aerosol-generating device and the auxiliary device can both transmit and receive the electromagnetic communication sequence. The devices may communicate with each other in a half-duplex or full-duplex manner.

[0025] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of transmitting information between a first device and a second device in an aerosol-generating system, at least one of the devices comprising an aerosolgenerating device, the method comprising: at the first device, encoding the information as an electromagnetic communication sequence, wherein the electromagnetic communication sequence comprises a plurality of time periods, each time period associated with a respective constant electromagnetic field value; and transmitting the electromagnetic communication sequence from the first device to the second device; receiving the electromagnetic communication sequence at the second device; and at the second device, decoding the electromagnetic communication sequence to retrieve the information. Preferable features and advantages of the fourth aspect may correspond to those already described in relation to the first and second aspects, and vice versa.

[0026] The communication sequence may include a start frame to indicate that information is about to be sent. The communication sequence may include an end frame to indicate that all the information has been sent. Preferably, the method comprises check for the start frame and / or the end frame. If the start frame and / or end frame are not detected, the second device may continue to monitor for incoming communication sequences without taking further action. Preferably, the method includes a step of checking that the information is valid. If the information is not valid, then the second device may notify the first device to send the communication sequence again. Preferably, the method includes a step of checking whether the information is addressed to the second device. If the information is not addressed to the second device, then the second device may ignore the information. If the information is addressed to the second device, then the second device may notify the first device that the information was exchanged successfully.

[0027] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosolgenerating device for communication with an auxiliary device, the aerosolgenerating device comprising: a transcoding unit configured to convert between information and a corresponding vibrational communication sequence, wherein the vibrational communication sequence comprises a plurality of time periods, each time period associated with at least one constant vibrational characteristic; and a transceiver configured to transmit and / or receive a vibrational signal associated with the vibrational communication sequence to or from the auxiliary device, thereby allowing the information to be exchanged with the auxiliary device.

[0028] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided an auxiliary device for communication with an aerosol-generating device, the auxiliary device comprising: a transcoding unit configured to convert between information and a corresponding vibrational communication sequence, wherein the vibrational communication sequence comprises a plurality of time periods, each time period associated with at least one constant vibrational characteristic; and a transceiver configured to transmit and / or receive a vibrational signal associated with the vibrational communication sequence to or from the aerosol-generating device, thereby allowing the information to be exchanged with the aerosol-generating device.

[0029] The following features and advantages may apply to the aerosol-generating device of the fifth aspect, and / or the auxiliary device of the sixth aspect.

[0030] Advantageously, by communicating using vibrations, the devices may communicate in a simple way that does not require any configuration by the user. As used herein, the term “vibrational signal” preferably refers to a signal that uses mechanical vibrations, such as acoustic (e.g., sound or audio) or haptic vibrations (e.g., physical motion of the device in space). The vibrational signal may be a haptic signal and / or an audio signal. Since this type of signal does not require transmission or detection of electromagnetic fields (e.g., oscillating electromagnetic fields), this communication protocol is unlikely to interfere with other communication protocols being used in the surrounding environment, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC or infrared signals from other devices. Therefore, the devices may communicate passively and reliably with minimal intervention by users.

[0031] The vibrational characteristic(s) remains substantially constant throughout each time period. The vibrational characteristic(s) may change between each time period (e.g., to move to a different constant value). The (or each) vibrational characteristic may take one of a plurality of discrete values during each of the time periods.

[0032] As used herein, the term “transceiver” preferably refers to a component that is capable of transmitting and / or receiving a vibrational signal; the term does not necessarily require that the transceiver can both transmit and receive, though this is preferably the case. Where the transceiver only transmits the vibrational communication sequence it may be referred to as a transmitter. Where the transceiver only receives the vibrational communication sequence, it may be referred to as a receiver. A device that transmits a vibrational signal may be referred to as a sender device. A device that receives the vibrational signal may be referred to as a receiver device. A transcoding unit that only converts from the information to the vibrational communication sequence may be referred to as an encoding unit or an encoder. A transcoding unit that only converts from the vibrational communication sequence to the information may be referred to as a decoding unit or a decoder.

[0033] The vibrational characteristic may comprise: a vibration frequency, a vibration amplitude, or a vibration phase. Plurality, each time period is associated with a plurality of vibrational characteristics. For example, a first time period may be associated with a first frequency and a first amplitude, and a second subsequent time period may be associated with a second frequency and a second amplitude that may be different to the first frequency and first amplitude. By using a combination of vibrational characteristics, it is possible to send information with a high bit depth, while only using frequencies and amplitudes that can be easily distinguished from each other. For example, if the frequency can take 8 possible values and the amplitude can take 4 possible values, then 32-bit signal can be sent while maintaining a large spacing between each of the frequency and amplitude values. By contrast, depending on the available bandwidth and surrounding environment, 32 different possible values for the amplitude may be difficult to reliably transmit and detect.

[0034] The vibrational signal may be a haptic signal, and the transceiver may comprise a vibrational actuator to transmit the haptic signal, a motion sensor to detect a received haptic signal, or preferably both a vibrational actuator and a motion sensor. In this way, the device is able to exchange information with another device by transmitting and / or receiving haptic vibrations. Such vibrations can be detected passively by the other device without the need for any setup or configuration by the user, thereby allowing the devices to communicate. Advantageously, haptic signals may be transmitted at close range thereby removing the risk of other devices receiving the haptic signal.

[0035] The vibrational actuator may comprise an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor, a linear resonant actuator, or a piezo actuator. The motion sensor may comprise an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a microphone.

[0036] The device may further comprise a mechanical coupling configured to transmit the haptic signal directly between the aerosol-generating device and the auxiliary device, preferably wherein the mechanical coupling comprises a clamp. By mechanically coupling the devices together, the signal can be more effectively transmitted, particularly where the devices are clamped together. Preferably the mechanical coupling is made of a rigid material. In this way, signals may be transmitted between the devices without being substantially attenuated.

[0037] The vibrational signal may be an audio signal, and the transceiver may comprise an acoustic generator to transmit the audio signal, an acoustic sensor to detect a received audio signal, or preferably both an acoustic generator and an acoustic sensor. In this way, the device is able to exchange information with another device by transmitting and / or receiving audio signals. Such signals can be detected passively by the other device without the need for any setup or configuration by the user, thereby allowing the devices to communicate. Advantageously, audio signals can be transmitted without the need for the devices to be in contact or close proximity to each other.

[0038] The audio signal may be an audible signal containing at least one frequency from 20Hz to 20kHz. The audio signal may be an ultrasonic audio signal containing at least one frequency above 20kHz. Where the signal is an ultrasonic signal, this may allow the devices to communicate using frequencies that are not audible to humans, thereby allowing the communication to occur when the user is present without disrupting them. It will be appreciated that the audio signal may contain both audible frequencies and ultrasonic frequencies. The acoustic generator may be a speaker, a piezo haptic actuator, or an ultrasonic transducer. The acoustic sensor may be a microphone.

[0039] The device may further comprise an outer casing, and the acoustic sensor and / or the acoustic generator may be disposed within an opening in the outer casing, preferably wherein the opening is covered by a protective mesh. By providing an opening in the outer casing, the sound is not substantially attenuated when it travels from one device to the other. By covering the opening with a mesh, the acoustic sensor and / or the acoustic generator are protected from debris and liquid increase, thereby increasing their performance and longevity.

[0040] Where the information is sent from the aerosol-generating device to the auxiliary device, the information may comprise: a state of at least part of the aerosolgenerating device, an operational setting of at least part of the aerosol-generating device, user information, and / or usage data of the aerosol-generating device. Where the information is sent from the auxiliary device to the aerosol-generating device, the information may comprise: an instruction to run a diagnostic or maintenance program, an instruction to update a firmware, an instruction to enable or disable operation of the aerosol-generating device, an instruction to lock an operation of the aerosol-generating device for a period of time, or restore the locked operation, and / or an instruction to change an operational setting.

[0041] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device of the fifth aspect and the auxiliary device of the sixth aspect. It will be appreciated that the aerosol-generating system of the seventh aspect may include any of the preferable features discussed above in relation to the fifth and sixth aspects. Preferably, both the aerosol-generating device and the auxiliary device can both transmit and receive the electromagnetic communication sequence. The devices may communicate with each other in a half-duplex or full-duplex manner.

[0042] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of transmitting information between a first device and a second device in an aerosol-generating system, at least one of the devices comprising an aerosolgenerating device, the method comprising: at the first device, encoding the information as a vibrational communication sequence, wherein the vibrational communication sequence comprises a plurality of time periods, each time period associated with at least one vibrational characteristic; transmitting a vibrational signal associated with the vibrational communication sequence from the first device to the second device; receiving the vibrational signal at the second device; and at the second device, decoding the vibrational communication sequence associated with the vibrational signal to retrieve the information. Preferable features and advantages of the eighth aspect may correspond to those already described in relation to the fifth and sixth aspects, and vice versa.

[0043] The communication sequence may include a start frame to indicate that information is about to be sent. The communication sequence may include an end frame to indicate that all the information has been sent. Preferably, the method comprises check for the start frame and / or the end frame. If the start frame and / or end frame are not detected, the second device may continue to monitor for incoming communication sequences without taking further action. Preferably, the method includes a step of checking that the information is valid. If the information is not valid, then the second device may notify the first device to send the communication sequence again. Preferably, the method includes a step of checking whether the information is addressed to the second device. If the information is not addressed to the second device, then the second device may ignore the information. If the information is addressed to the second device, then the second device may notify the first device that the information was exchanged successfully.

[0044] It will be understood by a skilled person that any device or system feature described herein may be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. It will also be understood that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects herein can be implemented and / or supplied and / or used independently. Moreover, it will be understood that the present invention is described herein purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

[0045] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0046] One or more embodiments will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0047] Figures 1A and 1 B show external and internal view of a typical aerosol-generating device;

[0048] Figures 2A and 2B show a first embodiment of a system having an aerosolgenerating device and an auxiliary device, where information is exchanged with an electrostatic field;

[0049] Figures 2C and 2D show circuits forming part of the devices of Figures 2A and 2B;

[0050] Figure 2E shows how the information may be encoded using the electrostatic field in the first embodiment;

[0051] Figures 3A and 3B show a second embodiment of a system having an aerosolgenerating device and an auxiliary device, where information is exchanged with a magnetostatic field;

[0052] Figures 3C and 3D show circuits forming part of the devices of Figures 3A and 3B;

[0053] Figure 3E shows how the information may be encoded using the magnetostatic field in the second embodiment;

[0054] Figure 4A shows a third embodiment of a system having an aerosol-generating device and an auxiliary device, where information is exchanged using sound;

[0055] Figures 4B and 4C show circuits forming part of the devices in Figure 4A; Figures 5A and 5B show a fourth embodiment of a system having an aerosolgenerating device and an auxiliary device, where information is exchanged using haptic vibrations;

[0056] Figure 5C shows circuits forming part of the devices of Figures 5A and 5B;

[0057] Figures 6A and 6B show how the information may be encoded using the sound or haptic vibrations in the third and fourth embodiments;

[0058] Figure 7 shows a method that may be performed by the systems in the first to fourth embodiments;

[0059] Figures 8A to 8C show a particular example of a method performed by the third embodiment of the system; and

[0060] Figure 9 shows another method that may be performed by an aerosol-generating device in any of the first to fourth systems.

[0061] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] An example of a typical aerosol-generating device 10 is shown in Figure 1A, with internal components of the device 10 shown in Figure 1 B. The device 10 has an external casing 11 that houses the internal components. The internal components of the device 10 include a heater 12 having a cavity into which an aerosolgenerating consumable is inserted during use. The consumable may be a heat- not-burn stick. When the heater 12 is activated, the consumable generates an inhalable aerosol that is inhaled by the user, such as by drawing upon an end of the consumable that protrudes from the cavity. As shown in Figure 1A, a cover 12a is provided to prevent access to the cavity when the device 10 is not in use. The device 10 also includes a battery 14 for supplying power to other components of the device such as the heater 12. The device 10 includes control electronics 13 for controlling operation of the device 10, such as operation of the heater 12. The device 10 may also contain other components (e.g., sensors, user interface, charging ports), but these are not described in further detail herein. It may be desirable to be able to communicate with the aerosol-generating device 10. In order to do so, the aerosol-generating device 10 needs to connect to a separate device (referred to herein as an “auxiliary device”). The auxiliary device could be a smartphone, a manufacturing device, a retailer diagnostic station, a vending machine, or a separate aerosol-generating device. The aerosolgenerating device and the auxiliary device may be referred to together as a “communication system”, an “aerosol-generating system” or simply a “system”. By connecting the aerosol-generating device 10 to a separate device it is possible to exchange information between the devices. In some cases, information may be sent from the aerosol-generating device 10 to the auxiliary device, and in other cases information may be sent from the auxiliary device to the aerosol-generating device 10.

[0063] Generally, this exchange of information allows for diagnostics and maintenance to occur, firmware to be updated, operation of the device 10 to be customised, and prevention of use by underaged users. More specifically, information sent from the aerosol-generating device 10 to the auxiliary device can include a state of at least part of the device 10, an operational setting of at least part of the device 10, user information (e.g., age verification information), usage data of the aerosolgenerating device 10 (e.g., to track activity such as the frequency and duration of vaping sessions). Information sent from the auxiliary device to the aerosolgenerating device 10 can include: an instruction to run a diagnostic or maintenance program, an instruction to update the device firmware, an instruction to enable or disable operation of the aerosol-generating device 10 (e.g., to disable operation of the device 10 if user verification fails), an instruction to lock an operation of the device 10 for a period of time or restore a locked operation (e.g., where a user may want to limit their usage of the device 10), and / or an instruction to change an operational setting.

[0064] In existing approaches, the exchange of information occurs using physical connections such as USB-C or by using existing wireless protocols, such as WiFi or Bluetooth. However, these approaches have the following issues. For example, in many devices on the market, users are prevented from making USB connections due to concerns regarding security and power consumption, and this functionality is reserved for developers. Even if the USB connection was enabled to users, the users would still find it inconvenient to connect to the device and run software in order to communicate.

[0065] Existing wireless protocols use radio waves (i.e., oscillating electromagnetic fields with frequencies from around 2.4GHz to 5GHz). Since many devices in the surrounding environment also use the same wireless communication protocols, it is necessary to configure the devices to enable them to communicate with each other (without interference from the other devices). This is normally achieved by pairing the devices together (with Bluetooth), or inputting passwords to each of the devices (to connect to WiFi). This is also inconvenient to the user; even if the user is required to connect devices during initial pairing, they are usually not motivated to maintain the connection of the devices long term, which means that exchange of information between the devices may cease to function, thereby preventing updates from occurring in future.

[0066] In the aerosol-generating systems that will now be described, there is no need for any app, pairing, or connection to establish in order for aerosol-generating devices to communicate with an auxiliary device. As such, these connections may be described as “passive” connections, rather than the “active” connections required in existing approaches.

[0067] Figure 2A shows a first example of an aerosol-generating system 1 . The system 1 includes an aerosol-generating device 100, and an auxiliary device 150. Under normal operation, the aerosol-generating device 100 operates as described previously. The aerosol-generating device 100 comprises a casing 110 to house its internal components (e.g., the battery and heater discussed previously). Likewise, the auxiliary device 150 also comprises a casing 160 to house its internal components (though the specific internal components depend upon the type of device that is being used as the auxiliary device). The casings 110, 160 may be made of metal or plastic. The aerosol-generating device 100 comprises a communication unit 120, including an electrostatic transceiver in the form of a capacitive electrode 122. The auxiliary device 150 also includes a communication unit 170 including an electrostatic transceiver in the form of an electrode 172. As described further below, in this example the electrode 122 is operated to create an electric field outside the casing 110 of the aerosol-generating device 100, and the electrode 172 of the auxiliary device 150 is operated to detect this electric field.

[0068] Further details of the construction of the devices 100, 150 are shown in Figure 2B. The electrode 122 of the communication unit 120 has a tip 123 that extends through an opening in the casing 110 of the aerosol-generating device 100. In other words, the electrode 122 is located at least in part on an outer surface of the device 100. The tip 123 may be a sharp edge of the electrode 122 that is coated with a dielectric material. The electrode 122 is insulated from the casing 110 by insulators 114. Since electrostatic fields can be affected by the materials used in the casing 110 (and may discharge due to contact with the casing), it is beneficial for the electrode 122 to extend outside the casing 110 and to be insulated from the casing 110.

[0069] The electrode 172 of the communication unit 170 also extends through an opening in the casing 160 of the auxiliary device 150. In this example, the casing 160 is made of plastic, so further insulators are not required to prevent discharge of the electrode 172 to the casing 160; however, insulators still may be provided for this purpose. During communication between the devices 100, 150, the distance, d, between the electrodes 122, 172 should be 10mm or less. Where the devices 100, 150 are brought close enough together, communication between them may occur automatically.

[0070] Figure 2C schematically shows further details of the circuitry within the communication unit 120 of the aerosol-generating device 100, and Figure 2D schematically shows further details of the circuitry within the communication unit In this example, the communication unit 120 is an emitter unit 120. The emitter unit 120 includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) 130. The MCU 130 includes an encoding unit 135 that converts between information to be transmitted, and an electrostatic communication sequence (as described further in relation to Figure 2E). The MCU 130 also includes a DAC 134 to convert the digital signal from the encoding unit 135 into an analogue signal that can be used to modulate the charge at the electrode 122. The emitter unit 120 also includes a charge pump or DC / DC transformer 136 which receives signals from the MCU 130 via an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) and modulates the charge on the electrode 122. The emitter unit 120 may include a discharge N-MOSFET 138, so that the electrode 122 can be discharged to ground.

[0071] In this example, the communication unit 170 is a receiver unit 170. The receiver unit 170 includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) 180, which includes a decoding unit 185 to convert between a received electrostatic communication sequence and information to be received (as described further in relation to Figure 2E). The MCU 180 receives signals from a sensor 190 via an I2C. The sensor 190 is an electrostatic sensor 190 with an impedance inverter 192 connected to the electrode 172.

[0072] It will be appreciated that although communication unit 120 is described as an emitter unit and communication unit 170 is described as a receiver unit, one or both of the communication units 120, 170 may be configured to both emit and receive signals using electrostatic fields. In such cases, both communication units 120, 170 may contain corresponding features to each other to allow information to be both emitted and received by both devices 100, 150. For example, both the encoding unit 135 and the decoding unit 185 may instead be respective transcoding units that are capable of both encoding and decoding signals (depending on which way the information is being sent).

[0073] The electrostatic communication sequence will now be described further with reference to Figure 2E, which shows how the voltage applied at the electrode 122 (or received at the electrode 172) may vary over time. The voltage applied at the electrode 122 directly corresponds to the electrostatic field that is generated by the electrode 122, and thus the graph in Figure 2E showing voltage would be similar to a graph showing the electric field at either of the electrodes 122, 172.

[0074] As shown, the electrostatic communication sequence comprises a plurality of time periods. During each of these time periods, the voltage remains at a substantially constant value (thereby providing a substantially constant electric field). The specific voltage corresponds to the information being encoded in the electromagnetic communication sequence. In Figure 2E, the values of the voltage correspond to the hexadecimal values provided under each time period. In this example, the data is encoded in 2 bits of hexadecimal, and therefore each time period corresponds to a voltage that takes one of 256 discrete values. However, depending on the precision of the communication units 120, 170, the voltage may take more or fewer possible discrete values than this, such as 128 or 512 values. The length of the sequence may depend on the amount of information that needs to be communicated. As described later in relation to Figure 9, the sequence may include a start frame and an end frame, to indicate that information is about to be sent, and to indicate when the information has been fully transmitted.

[0075] The range of voltages may depend on several factors. The maximum value, X, is selected to be below the dielectric breakdown voltage of air (and / or a regulation threshold). Furthermore, the field generated by the electrode 122 may depend on parameters such as temperature and humidity, and the distance, d, between the aerosol-generating device 100 and the auxiliary device 150. Therefore, such parameters may be measured by the device 100 so that a consistent field may be generated by the electrode 122. The system 1 may be calibrated by plugging in a USB cable (in order to share a ground voltage level to be used by both devices 100, 150). Alternatively, the system 1 may be calibrated by using an air ionizer to remove any initially charged particles within the air between the devices 100, 150.

[0076] Figure 3A shows a second example of an aerosol-generating system 2. The system 2 includes an aerosol-generating device 200 and an auxiliary device 250. These devices share a number of features with the devices 100, 150 already described in relation to the first system 1 , such as respective casings 210, 260, and for brevity these features will not be described in detail again. The aerosol-generating device 200 comprises a communication unit 220, including a magnetostatic transceiver in the form of a coil 222. The coil 222 is made of copper and has a ferrite core 223. The auxiliary device 250 also includes a communication unit 270 including a magnetostatic transceiver in the form of a magnetic sensor 272. More specifically, the magnetic sensor 272 is a hall effect sensor 272. As described further below, the coil 222 is operated to create a magnetic field outside the casing 210 of the aerosol-generating device 200, and the magnetic sensor 272 of the auxiliary device 250 is operated to detect this magnetic field.

[0077] Further details of the construction of the devices 200, 250 are shown in Figure 3B. The coil 222 of the communication unit 220 is contained within the casing 210 of the aerosol-generating device 200. Likewise, the magnetic sensor 272 of the communication unit 270 is contained within the casing 260 of the auxiliary device 250. Magnetic fields can travel through the casings 210, 260 (which may be made of materials such as aluminium, magnesium or preferably plastic), so the coil 222 and sensor 272 may be located inside the casing 210, 260. However, to maximise the magnetic propagation, the coil 222 and the sensor 272 should be placed as close as possible to the external surface of the devices 200, 250. To achieve this, the coil 222 and sensor 272 are placed adjacent to an internal surface of the casing 210, 260, and the casing 210, 260 has a wall thickness of 2mm or less. Additionally, during communication between the devices 200, 250 the distance, d, between the coil 222 and the sensor 272 should be 10mm or less. As well as meeting this separation requirement, the magnetic sensor 272 should be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the coil 222. The distance of the magnetic sensor 272 should not be more than 10mm from this axis and preferably not more than 5mm from this axis.

[0078] Figure 3C schematically shows further details of the circuitry within the communication unit 220 of the aerosol-generating device 200, and Figure 3D schematically shows further details of the circuitry within the communication unit 270 of the auxiliary device 250. In this example, the communication unit 220 is an emitter unit 220. The emitter unit 220 includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) 230. The MCU 230 includes an encoding unit 235 that converts between information to be transmitted, and a magnetostatic communication sequence (as described further in relation to Figure 3E). The MCU 230 also includes a DAC 234 to convert the digital signal from the encoding unit 235 into an analogue signal that can be used to modulate the current through the coil 222. The emitter unit 220 also includes a current source 236 (either digital or analogue) which receives signals from the MCU 230 via an I2C and modulates the current through the coil 222, thereby modulating the magnetic field generated by the coil 222. The emitter unit 220 may include a discharge N- MOSFET 238.

[0079] In this example, the communication unit 270 is a receiver unit 270. The receiver unit 270 includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) 280, which includes a decoding unit 285 to convert between a received magnetostatic communication sequence and information to be received (as described further in relation to Figure 3E). The MCU 280 receives signals from a sensor 290 via an I2C. The sensor 290 includes the magnetic sensor 272.

[0080] Similarly to the system 1 , it will be appreciated that the communication units 220, 270 in system 2 may be configured to both emit and receive signals using magnetostatic fields. In such cases, both communication units 220, 270 may contain corresponding features to each other to allow information to be both emitted and received by both devices 200, 250. For example, both the encoding unit 235 and the decoding unit 285 may instead be respective transcoding units that are capable of both encoding and decoding signals (depending on which way the information is being sent).

[0081] The magnetostatic communication sequence will now be described further with reference to Figure 3E, which shows how the field created by the coil 222 (or measured by the sensor 272) may vary over time. Similarly to the electrostatic communication sequence described in relation to Figure 2E, the magnetostatic communication sequence comprises a plurality of time periods. During each of these periods, the magnetic field remains at a substantially constant value. The value of the magnetic field corresponds to the hexadecimal values provided under each time period. In this example, the data is encoded in 2 bits of hexadecimal, and therefore each time period has a field taking one of 256 values.

[0082] For example, in one implementation this may be achieved using a minimum field value of 2mT, a maximum value of 512mT, and steps of 2mT. Using the equation for the magnetic field in a coil (in particular a copper coil with 20 turns of diameter 5mm and a ferrite core with pr= 1500), the current required may range from 0 to 1 .35 pA in steps of 5nA.

[0083] Figure 4A shows a third example of an aerosol-generating system 3. The system 3 includes an aerosol-generating device 300 and an auxiliary device 350. The devices share a number of features with the devices 100, 150, 200, 250 already described in relation to the first system 1 and second system 2, such as respective casings 310, 360, and for brevity these features will not be described in detail again.

[0084] The auxiliary device 350 comprises a sound emitter 372 (or “acoustic generator”) in the form of a speaker 372. Alternatively, the sound emitter 372 could be a piezo buzzer, haptic motor, buzzer, or ultrasonic transducer. The aerosol-generating device 300 comprises a sound receiver 322 (or “acoustic sensor”) in the form of a microphone 322. The casing 310 of the aerosol-generating device 300 includes an opening 312 so that sound can reach the microphone 322 without being substantially attenuated by the casing 310. The casing 360 of the auxiliary device 350 also has an opening 362 so that sound can leave the device 350 from the speaker 372 without being substantially attenuated by the casing 360. To protect the microphone 322 and speaker 372 from debris and liquid ingress, a mesh 314, 364 is provided over the respective openings 312, 362. While not shown in Figure 4A, the speaker 372 and microphone 322 are provided within respective communication units 370, 320.

[0085] Figures 4B schematically shows further details of the circuitry within the communication unit 370 of the auxiliary device 350, and Figure 4C schematically shows further details of the circuitry within the communication unit 320 of the aerosol-generating device 300.

[0086] In this example, communication unit 370 is an emitter unit 370. The emitter unit 370 includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) 380. The MCU 380 includes an encoding unit 385 that converts between information to be transmitted and a vibrational communication sequence (as described further in relation to Figures 6A and 6B). The MCU 380 also includes a DAC 384 to convert the digital signal from the encoding unit 385 into an analogue signal that can be used to modulate the sound emitted by the speaker 372.

[0087] In this example, the communication unit 320 is a receiver unit 320. The receiver unit 320 includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) 330, which includes a decoding unit 335 to convert between a received vibrational communication sequence and information to be received (as described further in relation to Figures 6A and 6B). The MCU 330 receives signals from the microphone 322 via a non-inverting amplifier 336. The gain of the non-inverting amplifier 336 may be tuned depending on the type of sound emitter being used and / or the type of sound being transmitted. The MCU 334 comprises an analogue to digital converter (ADC) to convert the received analogue signal into a digital signal that can be converted into information by the decoding unit 335.

[0088] Similarly to the systems 1 , 2, it will be appreciated that the communication units 320, 370 in system 3 may be configured to both emit and receive signals using audio signals. In such cases, both communication units 320, 370 may contain corresponding features to each other to allow information to be both emitted and received by both devices 300, 350. For example, both communication units 320, 370 may include both a sound emitter and a sound receiver (together with any corresponding electronic components described above). Additionally, both the decoding unit 335 and the encoding unit 385 may instead be respective transcoding units that are capable of both encoding and decoding signals (depending on which way the information is being sent). Figure 5A shows a fourth example of an aerosol-generating system 4. The system 4 includes an aerosol-generating device 400 and an auxiliary device 450. The devices share a number of features with the devices 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 already described in relation to the first system 1 , second system 2, and third system 3, such as respective casings 410, 460, and for brevity these features will not be described in detail again.

[0089] The aerosol-generating device 400 comprises a communication unit 420, including a haptic actuator 422. The haptic actuator 422 may be an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor (ERM), a linear resonant actuator (LRA), or a piezo actuator. The auxiliary device also includes a communication unit 470 including a haptic sensor 472. The haptic sensor 472 may be any kind of motion sensor such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, or microphone, but in this example the haptic sensor 472 is an accelerometer 472. In order to allow transmission of vibrations between the aerosol-generating device 400 and the auxiliary device 450, a mechanical interface 462 is provided. In this example, the mechanical interface 462 is a clamp 462. Alternatively, the mechanical interface 462 may be provided by bringing the devices into direct contact with each other (e.g., by placing the aerosol-generating device 400 on top of the auxiliary device 450).

[0090] Further details of the construction of the devices 400, 450 are shown in Figure 5B. The mechanical interface 462 comprises a first jaw 462a and a second jaw 462b that can retain the aerosol-generating device 400 therebetween. This allows the vibrational signal to be effectively transmitted to the haptic sensor 472 which is in contact with the mechanical interface 462. To facilitate this, the mechanical interface 462 is made of a rigid material.

[0091] Figure 5C schematically shows further details of the circuitry within the communication unit 420 of the aerosol-generating device 400 and the communication unit 470 of the auxiliary device 450.

[0092] In this example, the communication unit 420 is an emitter unit 420. The emitter unit 420 includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) 430. The MCU 430 includes an encoding unit 435 that converts between information to be transmitted, and a vibrational communication sequence (as described further in relation to Figures 6A and 6B). The emitter unit 420 also includes a haptic driver 436 which receives signals from the MCU 430 via an I2C and drives the haptic actuator 422 to transmit a vibrational signal.

[0093] In this example, the communication unit 470 is a receiver unit 470. The receiver unit 470 includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) 480, which includes a decoding unit 485 to convert between a received vibrational communication sequence and information to be received (as described further in relation to Figures 6A and 6B). The MCU 480 receives signals from the haptic sensor 472 via an I2C.

[0094] Similarly to the systems 1 , 2, 3, it will be appreciated that the communication units 420, 470 in system 4 may be configured to both emit and receive signals using haptic vibrations. In such cases, both communication units 420, 470 may contain corresponding features to each other to allow information to be both emitted and received by both devices 400, 450. For example, both the encoding unit 435 and the decoding unit 485 may instead be respective transcoding units that are capable of both encoding and decoding signals (depending on which way the information is being sent).

[0095] The vibrational communication sequence (applicable to both system 3 and system 4) will now be described further with reference to Figures 6A and 6B.

[0096] Similarly to the communication sequences described above in relation to Figures 2E and 3E, the vibrational communication sequence shown in Figure 6A comprises a plurality of time periods. Each of these time periods is associated with at least one vibrational characteristic, such as frequency, amplitude or phase, where the vibrational characteristic(s) remain substantially constant throughout each time period. In this example, each time period is associated with both a frequency and an amplitude value which together encode the hexadecimal values provided under each time period.

[0097] As shown in Figure 6B, the frequency of the vibration can take one of eight possible values (3 bits of binary), and the amplitude of the vibration can take one of four possible values (2 bits of binary). By using both of these vibrational characteristics in combination, each time period of the vibrational communication sequence can take one of 32 possible values (5 bits of binary), which may be represented in hexadecimal, as shown in Figure 6A.

[0098] Alternatively, each time period of the vibrational communication sequence may be associated with only one vibrational characteristic; for example, different frequencies may be used with a constant amplitude, or vice versa. As a further alternative, each time period may be associated with three or more vibrational characteristics, such as frequency, amplitude and phase.

[0099] A method 500 of operating any of the systems 1 , 2, 3, 4, above will now be described in relation to Figure 7. As already described, the systems comprise a first device and a second device, where one of the devices is an aerosolgenerating device, and the other device is an auxiliary device.

[0100] At step 501 , the first device encodes information as a communication sequence (such as an electromagnetic communication sequence or a vibrational communication sequence) having a plurality of time periods.

[0101] At step 502, the communication sequence is transmitted from the first device to the second device (e.g., using an electrostatic field, a magnetostatic field, or a vibrational signal such as an audio signal or a haptic signal).

[0102] At step 503, the communication sequence is received at the second device.

[0103] At step 504, the second device decodes the communication sequence to retrieve the information.

[0104] While the method 500 only requires transmission of information from the first device to a second device (at least one of which being an aerosol-generating device), it will be appreciated that the second device may transmit information to the first device. This may occur in a half-duplex and / or full-duplex manner. A particular example of how information may be exchanged between devices is shown in Figures 8A to 8C. As shown, the system includes an aerosol-generating device 10 and an auxiliary device 15. The auxiliary device 15 is a smartphone 15 having an app that enables the aerosol-generating device 10 to be locked for a certain number of days or for a certain number of heat-not-burn sticks. This may allow a user to restrict their usage of the aerosol-generating device and / or prevent it being used by an underaged user. When the user operates the app to perform a locking operation (see Figure 8A), the smartphone 15 transmits a communication sequence to the aerosol-generating device 10 (see Fig 8B). In this example, the communication sequence is a vibrational communication sequence transmitted by sound waves, but it will be appreciated that the other types of communication sequence discussed above may also be used. When the audio signal is received at a microphone in the aerosol-generating device 10, a transcoding unit in the device 10 decodes the vibrational communication sequence to recover the locking instruction. The device 10 is then locked according to the locking instruction (see Figure 8C).

[0105] Since the communication protocols described above do not require any preconfiguration to pair the devices together, there may be instances where multiple devices can receive the same signal at the same time. In some cases, this is beneficial; for example, a single auxiliary device may be used to simultaneously update a plurality of aerosol-generating devices (e.g., within a factory or diagnostics centre). However, in other cases, this may not be desirable (e.g., where a locking instruction is sent with the intention of only locking a single aerosol-generating device). To address this, Figure 9 shows the steps of another method 600 that may be followed by one of the devices in an aerosol-generating system (e.g., any of the aerosol-generating devices or auxiliary devices described above).

[0106] The method 600 starts at 601 . At 602, the device checks whether a start frame is detected, which may be a preset initial part of the communication sequence indicating that information is about to be transmitted. If a start frame is not detected, then the device continues monitoring at step 602. If the start frame is received, then at 603, the device receives the information via the communication sequence. At 604, the device checks whether an end frame is detected, which may be a preset final part of the communication sequence indicating that the information has been fully transmitted. If the end frame is not detected, then the message has not been correctly or fully received, so the device returns to 602 to continue monitoring. If the end frame is detected, then the device checks the validity of the received signal at 605, such as to check whether it is a genuine transmission containing valid information (e.g., instructions or data). If not, then the device may notify the user to try again at 606 (by sending an outgoing communication sequence). If the signal is valid, then at 607 the device checks whether the signal was addressed to itself (rather than being addressed to another such device). If not, then the device ignores the message at 608. If the signal is addressed to the device receiving the signal, then at 609 it notifies the user that the information was received correctly (by sending an outgoing communication sequence).

[0107] While the foregoing is directed to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that the present invention is described herein purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention. Moreover, other and further embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, which is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An aerosol-generating device for communication with an auxiliary device, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a transcoding unit configured to convert between information and a corresponding vibrational communication sequence, wherein the vibrational communication sequence comprises a plurality of time periods, each time period associated with at least one constant vibrational characteristic; and a transceiver configured to transmit and / or receive a vibrational signal associated with the vibrational communication sequence to or from the auxiliary device, thereby allowing the information to be exchanged with the auxiliary device; wherein the vibrational signal is a haptic signal or an audio signal.

2. An auxiliary device for communication with an aerosol-generating device, the auxiliary device comprising: a transcoding unit configured to convert between information and a corresponding vibrational communication sequence, wherein the vibrational communication sequence comprises a plurality of time periods, each time period associated with at least one constant vibrational characteristic; and a transceiver configured to transmit and / or receive a vibrational signal associated with the vibrational communication sequence to or from the aerosolgenerating device, thereby allowing the information to be exchanged with the aerosol-generating device; wherein the vibrational signal is a haptic signal or an audio signal.

3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the vibrational characteristic comprises: a vibration frequency, a vibration amplitude, or a vibration phase.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein each time period is associated with a plurality of vibrational characteristics.

5. The device of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vibrational signal is a haptic signal, and the transceiver comprises a vibrational actuator to transmit thehaptic signal, a motion sensor to detect a received haptic signal, or preferably both a vibrational actuator and a motion sensor.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the vibrational actuator comprises an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor, a linear resonant actuator, or a piezo actuator.

7. The device of claim 5 or 6, wherein the motion sensor comprises an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a microphone.

8. The device of any of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a mechanical coupling configured to transmit the haptic signal directly between the aerosolgenerating device and the auxiliary device, preferably wherein the mechanical coupling comprises a clamp.

9. The device of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vibrational signal is an audio signal, and the transceiver comprises an acoustic generator to transmit the audio signal, an acoustic sensor to detect a received audio signal, or preferably both an acoustic generator and an acoustic sensor.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the audio signal is an audible signal containing at least one frequency from 20Hz to 20kHz, and / or wherein the audio signal is an ultrasonic audio signal containing at least one frequency above 20kHz.11 . The device of claim 9 or 10, wherein the acoustic generator is a speaker, a piezo haptic actuator, or an ultrasonic transducer, and / or wherein the acoustic sensor is a microphone.

12. The device of any of claims 9 to 11 , further comprising an outer casing, and wherein the acoustic sensor and / or the acoustic generator is disposed within an opening in the outer casing, preferably wherein the opening is covered by a protective mesh.

13. The device of any preceding claim, wherein where the information is sent from the aerosol-generating device to the auxiliary device, the information comprises: a state of at least part of the aerosol-generating device, an operational setting of at least part of the aerosol-generating device, user information, and / or usage data of the aerosol-generating device; and / or where the information is sent from the auxiliary device to the aerosol-generating device, the information comprises: an instruction to run a diagnostic or maintenance program, an instruction to update a firmware, an instruction to enable or disable operation of the aerosol-generating device, an instruction to lock an operation of the aerosol-generating device for a period of time, or restore the locked operation, and / or an instruction to change an operational setting.

14. An aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device of claim 1 and the auxiliary device of claim 2.

15. A method of transmitting information between a first device and a second device in an aerosol-generating system, at least one of the devices comprising an aerosol-generating device, the method comprising: at the first device, encoding the information as a vibrational communication sequence, wherein the vibrational communication sequence comprises a plurality of time periods, each time period associated with at least one vibrational characteristic; transmitting a vibrational signal associated with the vibrational communication sequence from the first device to the second device; receiving the vibrational signal at the second device; and at the second device, decoding the vibrational communication sequence associated with the vibrational signal to retrieve the information; wherein the vibrational signal is a haptic signal or an audio signal.

Images