Systems, methods, and appartuses for variable control of vaping device using an onboard and / or remote data source

Abstract

Implementations set forth herein relate to a vaping device that facilitates one or more phases of a program for quitting vaping or smoking. Initially, an amount of material in a substance container of the vaping device can be set at a particular concentration, volume, and / or mass. The vaping device can be set with a parameter for limiting delivery of vapor for a certain amount of time (e.g., x- seconds). When that amount of time has been reached (e.g., the user smokes or "draws" from the vaping device for a total of at least x-seconds during one or more sessions), the vaping device can lock-out the user according to a separate parameter (e.g., a lock-out time of y-seconds, where y is any number). This prevents continuous material (e.g., nicotine, THC, etc.) intake, thereby promoting a safer vaping experience that facilitates quitting.

Description

SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARTUSES FOR VARIABLE CONTROL OF VAPING DEVICE USING AN ONBOARD AND / OR REMOTE DATA SOURCEBackground

[0001] The vaping industry has witnessed a rapid increase in the number of individuals addicted to e-cigarettes, with over 18 million adults in the United States alone falling victim to this harmful habit. This surge in addiction can be attributed to the dominance of big tobacco companies, which have perpetuated the widespread use of vaping devices. One of the most significant concerns surrounding traditional vaping products is their adverse impact on health.

[0002] Studies have consistently shown that vaping can have detrimental effects on lung health and overall well-being. Inhalation of harmful chemicals and toxins present in e-cigarette aerosols can lead to respiratory issues and other serious health complications. Moreover, the addictive nature of nicotine contained in vaping liquids further exacerbates the problem, trapping users in a cycle of dependency.

[0003] Vaping addiction poses a significant burden on individuals who, on average may spend thousands of dollars per year on vapes and vaping accessories, creating electronic waste while perpetuating a costly habit. Furthermore, available vaping products fail to provide any technical features for addressing addiction. The absence of any intelligent vaping devices that can combat addiction leaves many users without any tools to overcome their addiction effectively. These issues underscore the urgent need for a revolutionary solution that addresses the root causes of vaping addiction and empowersindividuals to reclaim their health and financial well-being.Summary

[0004] Implementations set forth herein relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling features of a vaping device using an onboard and / or remote data source. The vaping device can refer to any electronic device that includes functionality for smoking or vaporizing a substance. In some implementations, the vaping device regulates inhalation timing and lock-up periods, ensuring controlled usage and helping users avoid overconsumption. In some implementations, the vaping device can be utilized as part of a program where users transition through one or more phases, each with decreasing concentration levels until they reach zero (e.g., concentration of nicotine, cannabinoid, and / or any other material that can be included in as substance for smoking).

[0005] In some implementations, the vaping device can include a computing device with one or more memory devices and / or one or more processors for manages device functionality, including lock-out parameters, collecting data (with prior permission from a user), receiving data from a separate device, sending data to a separate device, and / or any other functionality that can be controlled for a vaping device. For example, the vaping device can include a display interface that can be controlled using the computing device of the vaping device. The computing device can operate to cause the display interface to provide information such as one or more lock-out parameters, concentration of any material in the substance container for the vaping device, usage data for the vaping device for one or more users, and / or any other information that can be associated with smoking or vaping, and / or any physiological measurements thatcan be associated with smoking or vaping (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, 02 blood level, respiration rate, etc.).

[0006] In some implementations, the vaping device can include one or more sensors for determining an amount of substance left in a substance container that can be attached to a substance receptacle for the vaping device. When a user is utilizing the vaping device to quit vaping or otherwise cut down on smoking / vaping, the sensors and / or a vaporizing device of the vaping device can provide usage data that can indicate when the user should transition from a current phase of their quitting program. For example, the computing device can process usage data and / or any other data accessible to the computing device to generate one or more notifications to indicate progress and / or warnings. A notification can be rendered at the display interface, a haptic interface, and / or an audio interface of the vaping device.

[0007] Alternatively, or additionally, the computing device can include one or more communication devices (e.g., a Bluetooth module, cellular module, WiFi module, and / or any other wireless or wired communication devices) to facilitate communications with a separate device, such as a wearable computing device. In this way, the user can receive notifications associating with vaping at any of their computing devices (e.g, cellular phone, wearable health monitor, VR / AR headset, etc.). In some implementations, usage data can also be generated at a remote device and utilized for setting certain parameter(s) for the vaping device (one or more parameters can include but are not limited to: a duration of time until the user can vape again, a threshold for a physiological measurement, an amount of consumption of a material in the substance container, a temperature of the vaping device, etc.).

[0008] The above description is provided as an overview of some implementations of the present disclosure. Further description of those implementations, and other implementations, are described in more detail below.

[0009] Other implementations may include a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors (e.g, central processing unit(s) (CPU(s)), graphics processing unit(s) (GPU(s)), and / or tensor processing unit(s) (TPU(s)) to perform a method such as one or more of the methods described above and / or elsewhere herein. Yet other implementations may include a system of one or more computers that include one or more processors operable to execute stored instructions to perform a method such as one or more of the methods described above and / or elsewhere herein.

[0010] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts described in greater detail herein are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] FIG. 1A, FIG. IB, FIG. 1C, FIG. ID, FIG. IE, FIG. IF, and FIG. 1G views of a vaping device and / or system according to one or more embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a method for controlling the vaping device according to one or more embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example computer system.Detailed Description

[0014] FIG. 1 A illustrate a view 100 of a user 102 operating a vaping device 104. In some implementations, the vaping device 104 can be utilized to facilitate one or more phases of a program for quitting vaping. The vaping device 104 can operate according to a computing device, such as computing system 310 of FIG. 3 (with or without certain elements according to the particular implementation). The vaping device 104 can include one or more interfaces 106, such as a display interface (as shown), haptic interface, audio interface, and / or any other input interface and / or output interface. The vaporizing device 106 can operate according to one or more sensors, which can trigger the vaporizing device 106 to convert a substance to a vapor for “drawing” vape from the vaping device 104. For example, a pressure sensor, air flow sensor, and / or other sensor can detect when the user 102 is sucking on a portion of the vaping device 104 to initiate a vaping session. In response, the computing device 310 or other circuit or logic of the vaping device 104 can cause the vaporizing device 106 to convert a substance into a vapor for the user 102 to vape or smoke.

[0015] The vaping device 104 can include one or more vaporizing devices 106 that can be triggered by an input device, such as a button or other interface, and / or based on a response of one or more sensors to the user 102 interacting with the vaping device 104. When the user 102 is utilizing the vaping device 104 to quit vaping and / or quit consuming any material in a substance container 110 of the vaping device 104, the user 102 can initiate an initial phase of quitting via the vaping device 104. During an initial phase of usage, an amount of material in the substance container of the vaping device can be set at a particular concentration,volume, and / or mass (e.g. 50mg of nicotine). At this phase, the vaping device 104 can be set with a parameter for limiting delivery of vapor for a certain amount of time (e.g., x-seconds, where x is any number), and once that amount of time has been reached (e.g., the user has smokes or “draws” from the vaping device for a total of x-seconds), the vaping device 104 can lock-out the user 102 according to a separate parameter (e.g, a lock-out time of y-seconds, where y is any number). This prevents continuous material (e.g, nicotine, THC, etc.) intake, thereby allowing the user 102 to regulate their consumption effectively, promoting a more controlled and mindful vaping experience compared to currently available vapes.

[0016] In some implementations, a second phase can be initiated using the vaping device 104 or a separate vaping device (e.g, a disposable vaping device that can include many of the same elements as vaping device 104 but operates according to different parameters). The second phase can be initiated when one or more other parameters are satisfied. For example, when the user 102 has successfully gone through z-number of iterations (where z is any number) of being locked-out and waiting the set amount of time before vaping again, the second phase can be initiated. The computing device and / or a separate computing device can cause the vaping device 104 to enter the second phase, wherein one or more different parameters are implemented. For example, the amount of time of delivery can be adjusted from a previous value to an updated value (e.g., from x-second to m-seconds, where m < x), and / or the lock-out period can be adjusted from a prior value to a new value e.g., from y-seconds to n-seconds, where n > y)-

[0017] In some implementations, more or less phases be implemented to facilitate the user 102 quitting their habit of vaping, smoking, and / or otherwiseconsuming any material provide through vaporizing the substance in the container 110. In some implementations, the vaping device 104 can employ a final phase in which the computing device 310 limits the material from being available through the vapor that is generated from vaporizing the substance in the substance container 110. For example, the computing device 310 can optionally detect whether the substance container includes the material (e.g., nicotine) by identifying the particular substance container (e.g. , via RFID, input from the user, data generated by a sensor 112 of the vaping device 104 or a separate device, and / or by a physiological measurement that is indicative of the material being consumed by the user).

[0018] Alternatively, or additionally, the computing device can optionally operate as if the final phase has been initiated as a result of completing any prior phases. For example, upon determining that a user has completed a prior phase, the computing device 310 can cause the vaping device to operate according to a final phase. In the final phase, the user may or may not be locked out of the vaping device for any period of time and / or according to any parameters. For instance, when the computing device 310 determines that a user has completed a prior phase, the computing device 310 can generate one or more parameters that will not limit any duration of delivery time 144 for the vaping device, or otherwise limit an amount of time the vaporizing device of the vaping device will convert any substance into vapor. As a result, the user may be free to utilize the vaping device without risking consuming any addictive material in the substance container 110, or otherwise consuming any other material in the substance.

[0019] In some implementations, the vaping device 104 can be controlled via a separate computing device that is associated with the user and / or a separate user (with prior permission from any user affected by the vaping device orotherwise associated with the vaping device). For example, the user or a separate user can operate an application of a separate computing device to control the one or more parameters of the vaping device 104. In this way, a user can collaborate with a close friend or other person to assist with quitting vaping. For example, when the computing device 310 determines that the user has completed a particular phase (e.g, the user has waiting to “draw” vapor from the vaping device for a duration of time, and / or over one or more lock-out periods), the computing device 310 of the vaping device 104 can cause a separate computing device to provide another user with a notification. The notification can solicit the other user to confirm that the user has actually completed the particular phase. This can be particularly helpful when two or more friends are attempting to quit at the same time and want to act as an accountability partner.

[0020] In some implementations, multiple users that each use a respective vaping device discussed herein can have their own account for their vaping device. This account can be linked to an application and / or platform associated with the vaping device. In this way, users can compare their progress in quitting with other users that participate in the platform. In some implementations, and with prior permission from users, one or more heuristic processes and / or machine learning models can be utilized for developing phases and / or parameters that certain users should comply with via their respective vaping device. For example, one or more trained machine learning models can be trained using data characterizing whether users were successful in quitting or decreasing their consumption of some material (e.g, nicotine). A trained model can then be utilized to process data that has been willingly provided by another user. Custom parameters can then be generated for that other user and / or their respective device in furtherance of optimizing any phase or phases of quitting vaping for that otheruser. The one or more models can then be further trained based on feedback data generated (with prior permission from any associated user) based on that other user’s experience with the custom phases and / or custom parameters.

[0021] FIG. IB illustrates a perspective view 120 of a non-limiting example of the vaping device 104. The vaping device 104 can include a battery 114 that can be disposable, recyclable, and / or rechargeable. The vaping device 104 can include a charging interface 122 when the vaping device is configured as a reusable vaping device 104 and not a disposable vaping device. The vaping device 104 can include one or more sensors 112 that can detect one or more different environmental features, physiological features of a user, and / or conditions of the vaping device 104. For example, the one or more sensors 112 can detect an amount of material remaining in the substance container 110, a quality of air at or near the vaping device 104, a heartrate and / or blood oxygen level of the user 102, and / or an amount of charge remaining in the battery 114.

[0022] FIG. IB illustrates a view 120 of a vaping device 104 that can control an amount of time that a user can perfonn a vaping action from vaping device 104, and / or control a lockout period where the user is restricted from performing a vaping action on the vaping device 104. In some implementations, vaping device 104 can include a vaporizing device 106 that can vaporize, or otherwise convert, one or more substances in one or more substance containers 110 into vapors or smoke that can be smoked by the user 102. In some implementations, the vaping device 104 can also include one or more sensors 112 that can be utilized for generating usage data for controlling the vaping device 104.

[0023] For example, the one or more sensors 112 can include, withoutlimitation, a touch sensor, a health sensor, a weight sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a heart monitor, and / or any other physiological sensor, mechanical or electrical sensor, or any other sensor utilized to measure flow, weight, or other properties of a substance that is static or dynamic. For example, the one or more sensors 112 can include a flow sensor, generating usage data that indicates an amount of vapor that has flowed through the vaping device 104 and / or been received by user 102 when smoking.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the one or more sensors 112 can include one or more electrical sensors for determining an amount of current, voltage, resistance, capacitance, and / or any other electrical measurement that can be generated by a sensor or one or more sensors 112. For example, the one or more sensors 112 can include a current or voltage sensor and / or timer for generating usage data that indicates an amount of energy within a particular amount of time. In some implementations, the vaping device 104 can include a charge interface 122 and / or one or more batteries 114, thereby allowing the one or more batteries 114 to be recharged via charge interface 122. In some implementations, the vaping device 104 may not include the charging interface 122, but one or more batteries 114 can be available for powering the vaping device 104, which may be disposable.

[0025] In some implementations, the vaping device 104 includes a computing device 310 for controlling various components of the vaping device 104. For example, the computing device 310 can include one or more processors and / or one or more memory devices. The computing device 310 processes usage data generated by the one or more sensors 112 to generate control data for controlling the vaping device 104. For example, the control data can be generated by restricting usage of the vaping device 104 to encourage the user 102 to quitvapmg.

[0026] In some implementations, the control data can characterize an amount of time or an amount of vapor or substance that the user 102 can smoke before a lockout period is initiated. In some implementations, the control data can characterize a length of time for one or more lockout periods. For example, the control data can characterize a first lockout period, a second lockout period, a third lockout period, and so forth. And each lockout period can be the same or different amounts of time. For example, a first lockout period can be longer than a second lockout period, or alternatively, a second lockout period can be longer than a first lockout period.

[0027] In some implementations, the control data can characterize an amount of smoking time, an amount of substance, and / or an amount of vapor or total suction time that a user can consume or otherwise operate the vaping device 104. When the user 102 has consumed the designated amount of substance, vaped for an indicated period of time, and / or performed a vaping action for the designated amount of time for the designated threshold, the vaping device 104 initiates the lockout period.

[0028] In some implementations, some of the control data can be conveyed via an interface 108 of the vaping device 104. For example, as shown in view 140, FIG. 1C, the interface 108 can be a display interface that shows an amount of time for a particular lockout period and / or an amount of time left for vaping. Each of these amounts can be conveyed as a display element 146 and / or a second display element 144. In some implementations, when the vaping device 104 is rechargeable, the display interface 108 can render a third display element 142 for indicating an amount of charge that is left in the battery, the one or more batteries

[0029] FIG. ID illustrates another perspective view 160 of vaping device 104, according to some implementations. In FIG. ID, the interface 108 can appear brighter than in FIG. 1C, based on the usage data and / or control data generated by vaping device 104. For example, a characteristic of the interface 108 can change according to the control data, thereby providing the user with one or more indications regarding a current lockout period, an upcoming lockout period, a current amount of vaping time available, a current amount of vaping substance available during the cunent unlocked period, and / or any other operational feature characterized by a display interface.

[0030] For example, and as illustrated in FIG. IE, the interface 108 can show an alternative display element 172 that characterizes an amount of time left for the current lockout period. Alternatively, when vaping device 104 is not operating in a lockout period, as illustrated in FIG. IF, interface 108 can show an amount of remaining draw time 182. Alternatively or additionally, as shown in view 170, FIG. IE, the interface 108 can render an amount of draw time that will be allotted for the user during the next unlocked period. Alternatively or additionally, as shown in view 180, FIG. IF, interface 108 can show the duration for the lockout period as a separate display element 184.

[0031] The display elements shown in FIG. 1C, FIG. IE, and FIG. IF can be exclusively on their own and / or in combination with themselves. For example, a remaining draw time 182 may be shown exclusively on the interface 108 without showing the next lockout duration or remaining unlocked dose 182. Alternatively or additionally, the interface 108 can display all of these values concurrently.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, the display interface 108 can be a touch interface that allows the user to toggle between viewing different control data or usage data. For example, interface 108 can allow a user to see an amount of vaping substance they have consumed within a particular amount of time, such as the last unlocked period, the current day, the current week, the current month, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the interface 108 can be toggled using the one or more sensors 112, and the interface 108 may not be a touch interface in such instances or implementations.

[0033] For example, the one or more sensors 112 can include a touch sensor that allows the user to toggle between viewing physiological data collected with prior permission from the user by the vaping device 104 and / or one or more other computing devices associated with the user and / or the vaping device 104. Alternatively, or additionally, the user can interact with the one or more sensors 112 to view details about a current lockout period, a current unlocked period, an amount of substance available in the vaping device 104, an amount of charge left in the vaping device 104, a status or issues about a component of the vaping device 104 (such as whether a coil should be replaced or is experiencing issues), and / or whether the vaping device 104 should be cleaned because of data detected, or because of an issue detected by a sensor 112, and / or because of one or more thresholds reached by certain sensor data.

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 for controlling or operating a vaping device according to one or more implementations discussed herein. The method 200 can include an operation 202 of determining usage data associated with a user of a vaping device. The usage data can characterize an amount of time or an amount of substance consumed while the vaping device is not restricting a vaping action of the vaping device.

[0035] In some implementations, usage data can characterize an amount of times the user has spent vaping with the vaping device and / or another vaping device, an amount of substance received or estimated to have been received by the user via the vaping device and / or another vaping device, and / or an amount of time that the vaping device has been unlocked or unrestricted with respect to the user.

[0036] The method 200 can include an operation 204 of determining whether the usage data satisfies one or more parameters for restricting one or more operations of the vaping device. For example, if the usage data satisfies one or more threshold parameters, the method 200 can proceed from the operation 204 to an operation 206. Otherwise, when the usage data does not satisfy the one or more threshold parameters, method 200 can proceed from the operation 204 to an optional operation 208 or return to the operation 202.

[0037] The operation 206 can include causing or maintaining one or more temporary restrictions on a vaporizing device operation. For example, the temporary restriction of the vaporizing device operation can include limiting the operation of a vaporizer of the vaping device for a particular amount of time. Alternatively or additionally, the operation 206 can include limiting an amount of substance and / or a particular type of substance from being vaporized by the vaping device.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, the temporary restriction can correspond to one or more operations of the vaping device being paused for a particular amount of time, or paused until subsequent usage data satisfies the one or more threshold parameters.

[0039] The optional operation 208 can include bypassing restricting of oneor more vaporizing device operations. In other words, because the usage data did not satisfy the one or more threshold parameters, the vaping device may not restrict one or more operations of the vaping device or vaporizing device of the vaping device.

[0040] The method 200 can proceed from the operation 206 to an operation 210. The operation 210 can include determining whether an additional parameter threshold has been satisfied. The operation 210 can be determined based on the usage data determined at the operation 202 and / or subsequent usage data generated by the vaping device or other usage data generated by the vaping device. For example, the threshold parameter determined as satisfied at the operation 204 may correspond to an amount of vaping that the user has performed. When the usage data satisfying a threshold parameter, the vaping device can be restricted or operate in a locked mode, according to the operation 206. As a result, a lockout period may be initialized, resulting in a timer counting down until the lockout period is over. This additional time can be compared to the additional parameter threshold, which can be a time limit for the lockout period. Therefore, when the vaping device has not been locked out for a threshold duration of time, the method 200 may proceed from the operation 210 back to the operation 202. However, when the additional parameter threshold is satisfied at the operation 210, the method 200 can proceed from the operation 210 to an operation 212.

[0041] The operation 212 can include stopping restricting of the vaping device operation. As a result of the operation 212, the lockout period will end, and the user can continue to use the vaping device and smoke. The method 200 can proceed from the operation 212 back to the operation 202 for determining additional usage data for the user of the vaping device. This additional usage datacan then be compared to the one or more threshold parameters at the operation 204 to determine when to restrict one or more operations of the vaping device at the operation 206.

[0042] As a result of performing the method 200, the user will be encouraged to quit vaping, thereby improving overall long-term health. Moreover, implementing these operations at the vaping device means the user would not need to rely on multiple different applications and / or computing devices. This can preserve computational resources at any affected computing devices, such as mobile phones and network servers, and also mitigate waste of tangible materials. For example, instead of purchasing various medications or other disposable products, such as patches and pills, the user may rely on a single apparatus over time to taper and ultimately quit vaping.

[0043] In some implementations, the vaping device can be reusable despite not being rechargeable. For example, the vaping devices may be sold in, sold for, or provided for particular phases, such that a vaping device for a particular phase can operate differently than another vaping device for another phase of quitting. When a user completes a first phase of quitting using a first vaping device that operates according to the method 200, the first vaping device can be returned and reused by another person that is starting their journey quitting vaping. This can be repeated for a second vaping device that is usually utilized for a second phase of quitting vaping, thereby allowing other persons to reuse the second vaping device that a user completed the second phase with.

[0044] Additionally, encouraging quitting vaping according to the operations of the vaping device described herein, control of substances such as nicotine can be more accurately controlled during quitting. Additionally, moreaccurate control of lockout periods can be enforced based on those accurate, more accurate measurements of substances consumed or durations of vaping. In this way, because vaping devices may often be inaccurate and / or unrestricted with respect to how much nicotine or other substance a user can consume, the described implementations allow for more accurate indications of a substance consumed, which can be crucial when the user is attempting to quit vaping or smoking.

[0045] In some implementations, the vaping device can include a container or other vaporizing device system that is refillable, such as using a liquid refill pod refill or other type of refillable container or cartridge that can be employed by a vaping device. In this way, material waste can be limited compared to other smoking behaviors, such as smoking cigarettes and cigars, which generate significant amounts of litter that can destroy habitats and other delicate natural environments.

[0046] In some implementations, FIG. 2 illustrates a method for controlling the vaping device according to one or more embodiments. The method 200 can be performed by one or more processors, computing devices, and / or any other apparatus or module capable of interacting with a vaping device and / or a vape. For example, the vaping device 104 can perform the method 200 using one or more elements of computer system 310 and / or in collaboration with one or more separate computing devices. The method 200 can include an operation of determining usage data associated with a user of a vaping device. This usage data can include but is not limited to a total duration of time that a user has utilized their vaping device since a particular instance of time (e.g, since starting using the vaping device, since a previous vaping session, and / or since one or more parameter thresholds were satisfied.

[0047] The method 200 can proceed form the operation 202 to an operation 204 for determining whether a total amount of usage satisfies a threshold parameter. For example, the threshold parameter can be a threshold for a total duration of time. When the threshold parameter is satisfied, the method 200 can proceed form the operation 204 to an operation 206. Otherwise, when the threshold parameter is not satisfied, the method 200 can proceed from the operation 204 to an optional operation 208. The operation 206 can include causing or maintaining a temporary restriction of an operation of a vaporizing device of the vaping device. The optional operation 208 can include bypassing restricting of the vaping device operation.

[0048] The method 200 can proceed from the operation 206 to an operation 210, which can include determining whether an additional parameter threshold has been satisfied. The additional parameter threshold can include, but is not limited to, a threshold duration of time for a lock-out. When the user has been locked out of the vaping device, and / or the vaporizing device operation has otherwise been restricted for a threshold duration of time, the method 200 can proceed from the operation 210 to an operation 212. Otherwise, the method 200 can proceed from the operation 210 and return to the operation 202 and / or another operation. The operation 212 can include stopping restricting, and / or otherwise lifting one or more restrictions, of the vaping device operation. Thereafter, the method 200 can proceed from the operation 212 to an operation 202, and / or another operation.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a block diagram 300 of an example computer system 310. Computer system 310 typically includes at least one processor 314 which communicates with a number of peripheral devices via bus subsystem 312. These peripheral devices may include a storage subsystem 324, including, for example,a memory 325 and a file storage subsystem 326, user interface output devices 320, user interface input devices 322, and a network interface subsystem 316. The input and output devices allow user interaction with computer system 310. Network interface subsystem 316 provides an interface to outside networks and is coupled to corresponding interface devices in other computer systems.

[0050] User interface input devices 322 may include a keyboard, pointing devices such as a mouse, trackball, touchpad, or graphics tablet, a scanner, a touchscreen incorporated into the display, audio input devices such as voice recognition systems, microphones, and / or other types of input devices. In general, use of the term “input device” is intended to include all possible types of devices and ways to input information into computer system 310 or onto a communication network.

[0051] User interface output devices 320 may include a display subsystem, a printer, or non-visual displays such as audio output devices. The display subsystem may include a cathode ray tube (CRT), a flat-panel device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or LED display, a projection device, or some other mechanism for creating a visible image. The display subsystem may also provide non-visual display such as via audio output devices. In general, use of the term “output device” is intended to include all possible types of devices and ways to output information from computer system 310 to the user or to another machine or computer system.

[0052] Storage subsystem 324 stores programming and data constructs that provide the functionality of some or all of the modules described herein. For example, the storage subsystem 324 may include the logic to perform selected aspects of any vaping device discussed herein as well as any method, computingdevice, separate computing device, server, and / or any other application, device, apparatus, and / or module discussed herein.

[0053] These software modules are generally executed by processor 314 alone or in combination with other processors. Memory 325 used in the storage subsystem 324 can include a number of memories including a main random access memory (RAM) 330 for storage of instructions and data during program execution and a read only memory (ROM) 332 in which fixed instructions are stored. A file storage subsystem 326 can provide persistent storage for program and data files, and may include a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive along with associated removable media, a CD-ROM drive, an optical drive, or removable media cartridges. The modules implementing the functionality of certain implementations may be stored by file storage subsystem 326 in the storage subsystem 324, or in other machines accessible by the processor(s) 314.

[0054] Bus subsystem 312 provides a mechanism for letting the various components and subsystems of computer system 310 communicate with each other as intended. Although bus subsystem 312 is shown schematically as a single bus, alternative implementations of the bus subsystem may use multiple busses.

[0055] Computer system 310 can be of varying types including a workstation, server, computing cluster, blade server, server farm, or any other data processing system or computing device. Due to the ever-changing nature of computers and networks, the description of computer system 310 depicted in FIG. 3 is intended only as a specific example for purposes of illustrating some implementations. Many other configurations of computer system 310 are possible having more or fewer components than the computer system depictedin FIG. 3.

[0056] In some implementations, an apparatus is set forth as including a vaporizing device that receives a substance from a substance container and converts the substance into a vapor for smoking. The apparatus can further include a non-tangible computer-readable storage medium storing control data that sets an adjustable limit on one or more operations of the vaporizing device; and one or more processors that control the vaporizing device according to the adjustable limit by performing operations that include: processing usage data that characterizes usage of the vaporizing device, the vapor, and / or the substance in the substance container; determining the control data that characterizes the one or more parameters to be satisfied before restricting one or more operations of the vaporizing device; and causing, based on the one or more parameters, the vaporizing device to be temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking.

[0057] In some implementations, the one or more parameters include a duration of time to temporarily restrict the vaporizing device from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking. In some implementations, the apparatus can include one or more wireless communication devices that facilitates transmitting information from a remote computing device to the one or more processors, wherein the usage data is received from the remote computing device. In some implementations, the remote computing device is a wearable computing device worn by the user and the usage data is based on one or more health metrics of the user.

[0058] In some implementations, the usage data characterizes a heart rate, blood pressure, or other physiological measurement of the user. In some implementations, the one or more parameters indicate an amount of time that thevaporizing device is temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor. In some implementations, the usage data indicates an amount of time that the vaporizing device has been operated and / or an amount of time that an element of the vaporizing device has operated at a particular temperature. In some implementations, the one or more parameters indicate one or more threshold levels for one or more physiological measurements of the user, and wherein the vaporizing device is temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor until subsequent usage data indicates the one or more physiological measurements of the user satisfy the one or more threshold levels.

[0059] In some implementations, the one or more parameters includes a concentration of one or more materials in the vapor, and the vaporizing device operates to control a concentration of the one or more materials in the vapor. In some implementations, the one or more materials include nicotine, propylene glycol, one or more cannabinoid, and / or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the apparatus can further include a rechargeable battery and charging interface for receiving charge to charge the rechargeable battery. In some implementations, substance container is a pod, and the apparatus includes a material storage receptacle that is configured to receive the pod. In some implementations, the substance container is a cartridge, and the apparatus includes a material storage receptacle that is configured to receive the cartridge.

[0060] In some implementations, the cartridge includes a resin, rosin, oil, budder, shatter, wax, sauce, crystal, live resin, live rosin, and / or any other substance that can be converted to a vapor, liquid, or other material state for consumption by a user when smoking. In some implementations, the apparatus can further include one or more interfaces, wherein the one or more interfaces are at least partially controlled by the one or more processors for rendering information to the user. In some implementations, the one or more interfacesinclude an audio interface and / or a display interface that renders the usage data, battery charge, the one or more parameters, and / or any other information for the user.

[0061] In some implementations, the apparatus can include an input device that can operate according to one or more sensors and / or one or more interfaces, wherein an interaction with the input device causes the one or more processors to control the display interface for rendering a duration of time until the vaporizing device will no longer be temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking. In some implementations, the interaction with input device, or an interaction with a separate input device, causes the vaporizing device to convert the substance into the vapor for smoking when the vaporizing device is not temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking.

[0062] In some implementations, the interaction with input device, or an interaction with a separate input device, causes the one or more processors to control the one or more interfaces to render an indication that the vaporizing device is temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking. In some implementations, the apparatus can include one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors are included with the vaporizing device or separate from the vaporizing device, and wherein the one or more sensors provide data that is utilized by the one or more processors for determine the usage data, one or more parameters, and / or control data. In some implementations, the one or more sensors include an air flow sensor, temperature sensor, photo sensor, liquid sensor, cunent sensor, voltage sensor, resistance sensor, and / or mass sensor, and / or any combination thereof, and / or wherein the one or more sensors include an air flow sensor and / or pressure sensor that is responsive to the user performing a sucking action to suck vapor, and the suckingaction causes the vaporizing device to convert the substance to the vapor.

[0063] In some implementations, the apparatus can further include a haptic feedback sensor that provides haptic feedback when the user attempts to cause the vaporizing device to convert the substance into the vapor when the vaporizing device is temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking.

[0064] In yet other implementations, an apparatus, such as but not limited to a vaping device, is set forth as including a vaporizing device that receives a substance from a substance container and converts the substance into a vapor for smoking. The apparatus can further include a non-tangible computer-readable storage medium storing control data that sets an adjustable limit on one or more operations of the vaporizing device. The apparatus can further include one or more processors that control the vaporizing device according to the adjustable limit by performing operations that include: processing usage data that is associated with usage of the vaporizing device, the vapor, and / or the substance in the substance container, generating the control data based on the usage data, and causing the vaporizing device to be temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking. In some implementations, the control data indicates one or more parameters to be satisfied for before causing the vaporizing device to no longer be temporarily restricted, and causing the vaporizing device to not be temporarily restricted when the one or more parameters are satisfied.

[0065] In some implementations, the one or more parameters include a duration of time to temporarily restrict the vaporizing device from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking. In some implementations, the apparatus can further include one or more wireless communication devices that facilitates transmitting information from a remote computing device to the oneor more processors, wherein the usage data is received from the remote computing device. In some implementations, the remote computing device is a wearable computing device worn by the user and the usage data is based on one or more health metrics of the user.

[0066] In some implementations, the usage data characterizes an amount of time breathing, an amount of time inhaling, an amount of time smoking / vaping, an amount of vapor released from the vaping device, an amount of substance released from the container, a user heart rate, a user blood pressure, and / or a user blood oxygen level. In some implementations, the one or more parameters indicate an amount of time that the vaporizing device is temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor. In some implementations, the usage data indicates an amount of time that the vaporizing device has been operated and / or an amount of time that an element of the vaporizing device has operated at a particular temperature. In some implementations, the one or more parameters indicate one or more threshold levels for one or more physiological measurements of the user, and wherein the vaporizing device is temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor until subsequent usage data indicates the one or more physiological measurements of the user satisfy the one or more threshold levels.

[0067] In some implementations, the one or more parameters includes a concentration of one or more materials in the vapor, and the vaporizing device operates to control a concentration of the one or more materials in the vapor. In some implementations, the one or more materials include nicotine, propylene glycol, one or more cannabinoid, and / or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the apparatus can further include a rechargeable battery and charging interface for receiving charge to charge the rechargeable battery. Insome implementations, the substance container is a pod, and the apparatus includes a material storage receptacle that is configured to receive the pod.

[0068] In some implementations, the substance container is a cartridge, and the apparatus includes a material storage receptacle that is configured to receive the cartridge. In some implementations, the cartridge includes a resin, rosin, oil, budder, shatter, wax, sauce, crystal, live resin, live rosin, and / or any other substance that can be converted to a vapor, liquid, or other material state for consumption by a user when smoking. In some implementations, the apparatus can further include one or more interfaces, wherein the one or more interfaces are at least partially controlled by the one or more processors for rendering information to the user. In some implementations, the one or more interfaces include an audio interface and / or a display interface that renders the usage data, battery charge, the one or more parameters, and / or any other information for the user. In some implementations, the apparatus can further include comprising: an input device, wherein an interaction with the input device causes the one or more processors to control the display interface for rendering a duration of time until the vaporizing device will no longer be temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking.

[0069] In some implementations, interaction with input device, or an interaction with a separate input device, causes the vaporizing device to convert the substance into the vapor for smoking when the vaporizing device is not temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking. In some implementations, the interaction with input device, or an interaction with a separate input device, causes the one or more processors to control the one or more interfaces to render an indication that the vaporizing device is temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking. In someimplementations, the apparatus can further include one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors are included with the vaporizing device or separate from the vaporizing device, and wherein the one or more sensors provide data that is utilized by the one or more processors for determine the usage data, one or more parameters, and / or control data.

[0070] In some implementations, the one or more sensors include an air flow sensor, timer, temperature sensor, photo sensor, liquid sensor, current sensor, voltage sensor, resistance sensor, and / or mass sensor, and / or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the apparatus can further include a haptic feedback sensor that provides haptic feedback when the user attempts to cause the vaporizing device to convert the substance into the vapor when the vaporizing device is temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking.

[0071] In yet other implementations, a method implemented by one or more processors is set forth for controlling one or more operations indicated for the apparatus, the system, and / or manufacturing. In some implementations, a method is set forth as including operations such as determining usage data associated with a user of the vaping device, wherein the usage data indicates an amount of time that the user has participated in a vaping session using the vaping device and / or another device. The method can further include determining whether a total amount of time that the user has participated in one or more vaping sessions satisfies a threshold parameter. The method can further include, when the total amount of time that the user has participated in the one or more vaping sessions satisfies the threshold parameter: causing the vaping device to temporarily restrict a vaporizing device of the vaping device from converting a substance to a vapor, wherein the substance is stored in a substance container of the vaping device. The method can further include, when the total amount of time that the user hasparticipated in the one or more vaping sessions does not satisfy the threshold parameter: causing the vaporizing device to not be restricted from converting the substance to the vapor until the total amount of time satisfies the threshold parameter.

[0072] In some implementations, the method can include, when the total amount of time that the user has participated in the one or more vaping sessions satisfies the threshold parameter: determining an additional threshold parameter to be satisfied before the vaporizing device will no longer be restricted from converting the substance to the vapor. In some implementations, wherein the additional threshold parameter is a threshold duration of time, wherein a computing device of the vaping device initiates a timer in response to determining that the total amount of time that the user has participated in one or more vaping sessions satisfies a threshold parameter, and wherein the additional threshold parameter is satisfied when the timer reaches the threshold duration of time.

[0073] In some implementations, the method can further include, when the total amount of time that the user has participated in the one or more vaping sessions does not satisfy the threshold parameter: generating one or more other parameters based on usage data associated with the user and the vaping device. In some implementations, the method can further include determining whether physiological data associated with the user satisfies the one or more other threshold parameters, wherein causing the vaping device to temporarily restrict the vaporizing device of the vaping device from converting the substance to the vapor when the one or more threshold parameters are satisfied. In some implementations, the one or more threshold parameters include a threshold heartrate, a threshold blood pressure level, a threshold 02 level, and / or any other physiological measurement that can be affected by vaping.

[0074] In some implementations, the physiological data is measured using one or more sensors that are integral to the vaping device and / or a separate computing device. In some implementations, causing the vaping device to temporarily restrict the vaporizing device of the vaping device from converting the substance to the vapor includes: temporarily restricting an input device and / or input interface of the vaping device from affecting an operation of the vaporizing device. In some implementations, the substance is stored in a substance container of the vaping device.

[0075] In yet other implementations, a method implemented by one or more processors associated with a vaping device is set forth as including operations such as determining usage data associated with a user of the vaping device; processing the usage data using one or more trained machine learning models to generate control data that characterizes one or more threshold parameters; detennining whether the usage data satisfies one or more threshold parameters; and controlling a vaporing device of the vaping device according to whether the usage data satisfies the one or more threshold parameters. In some implementations, controlling the vaporing device of the vaping device according to whether the usage data satisfies the one or more threshold parameters includes: when the usage data satisfies the one or more threshold parameters: causing the vaping device to temporarily restrict the vaporizing device of the vaping device from converting a substance to a vapor. In some implementations, controlling the vaporing device of the vaping device according to whether the usage data satisfies the one or more threshold parameters includes: when the usage data does not satisfy the one or more threshold parameters: causing the vaporizing device to not be restricted from converting the substance to the vapor until the total amount of time satisfies the threshold parameter.

[0076] In yet other implementations, a method is set forth as including operations of: determining usage data associated with a user of a vaping device; generating control data based on the usage data and / or other input data to the vaping device or a separate device or application; detennining whether the usage data satisfies one or more threshold parameters; and restricting a vaping function of the vaping device according to whether the usage data satisfies the one or more threshold parameters.

[0077] In situations in which the systems described herein collect personal information about users (or as often referred to herein, “participants”), or may make use of personal information, the users may be provided with an opportunity to control whether programs or features collect user information (e.g., information about a user’s social network, social actions or activities, profession, a user’s preferences, or a user’s current geographic location), or to control whether and / or how to receive content from the content server that may be more relevant to the user.

[0078] Also, certain data may be treated in one or more ways before it is stored or used, so that personal identifiable information is removed. For example, a user’s identity may be treated so that no personal identifiable infonnation can be determined for the user, or a user’s geographic location may be generalized where geographic location information is obtained (such as to a city, ZIP code, or state level), so that a particular geographic location of a user cannot be detennined. Thus, the user may have control over how infonnation is collected about the user and / or used.

[0079] While several implementations have been described and illustrated herein, a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the function and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages describedherein may be utilized, and each of such variations and / or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the implementations described herein. More generally, all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is / are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific implementations described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing implementations are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, implementations may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 17 February 2026 (17.02.2026)1. An apparatus, comprising: a vaporizing device that receives a substance from a substance container and converts the substance into a vapor for smoking; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing control data that characterizes one or more parameters to be satisfied before restricting one or more operations of the vaporizing device; and one or more processors that control the vaporizing device according to an adjustable limit by performing operations that include: processing usage data that characterizes usage of the vaporizing device, the vapor, and / or the substance in the substance container, determining the control data that characterizes the one or more parameters to be satisfied before restricting one or more operations of the vaporizing device, and causing, based on the one or more parameters, the vaporizing device to be temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters include a duration of time to temporarily restrict the vaporizing device from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: one or more wireless communication devices that facilitate transmitting information from a remote computing device to the one or more processors, wherein the usage data is received from the remote computing device.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the remote computing device is a wearable computing device worn by a user and the usage data is based on one or more health metrics of the user.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the usage data characterizes an amount of time breathing, an amount of time inhaling, an amount of time smoking, an amount of vapor released from the vaporizing device, an amount of substance released from the substance container, a user heart rate, a user blood pressure, and / or a user blood oxygen level.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein causing the vaporizing device to be temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking includes initiating a lockout period that prevents a user from controlling a vaporizing function of the vaporizing device during the lockout period.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the usage data indicates an amount of time that the vaporizing device has been operated and / or an amount of time that an element of the vaporizing device has operated at a particular temperature.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters indicate one or more threshold levels for one or more physiological measurements of a user, and wherein the vaporizing device is temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor until subsequent usage data indicates the one or more physiological measurements of the user satisfy the one or more threshold levels.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the one or more parameters includes a concentration of one or more materials in the vapor, and wherein the vaporizing device operates to control a concentration of the one or more materials in the vapor.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the one or more materials include nicotine, propylene glycol, one or more cannabinoids, and / or any combination thereof.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, further comprising: a rechargeable battery and charging interface for receiving charge for the rechargeable battery.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the substance container is a pod, and the apparatus includes a material storage receptacle that is configured to receive the pod.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substance container is a cartridge, and the apparatus includes a material storage receptacle that is configured to receive the cartridge.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the cartridge includes a resin, rosin, oil, budder, shatter, wax, sauce, crystal, live resin, and / or live rosin.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: one or more interfaces, wherein the one or more interfaces are at least partially controlled by the one or more processors for rendering information to a user.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the one or more interfaces include an audio interface and / or a display interface that renders the usage data, battery charge, and / or the one or more parameters for the user.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: an input device that can operate according to one or more sensors and / or one or more interfaces, wherein an interaction with the input device causes the one or more processors to control the display interface for rendering a duration of time until the vaporizing device will no longer be temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the interaction with the input device, or an interaction with a separate input device, causes the vaporizing device to convert the substance into the vapor for smoking when the vaporizing device is not temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the interaction with the input device, or an interaction with a separate input device, causes the one or more processors to control the one or more interfaces to render an indication that the vaporizing device is temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, further comprising: one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors are included with the vaporizing device or separate from the vaporizing device, and wherein the one or more sensors provide data that is utilized by the one or more processors for determining the usage data, the one or more parameters, and / or the control data.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors include an air flow sensor, temperature sensor, photo sensor, liquid sensor, current sensor, voltage sensor, resistance sensor, and / or mass sensor, and / or any combination thereof, and / or wherein the one or more sensors include an air flow sensor and / or pressure sensor that is responsive to a user performing a sucking action to suck vapor, and the sucking action causes the vaporizing device to convert the substance to the vapor.

22. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, further comprising: a haptic feedback sensor that provides haptic feedback when a user attempts to cause the vaporizing device to convert the substance into the vapor when the vaporizing device is temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking.

23. An apparatus, comprising: a vaporizing device that receives a substance from a substance container and converts the substance into a vapor for smoking; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing control data that sets an adjustable limit on one or more operations of the vaporizing device; and one or more processors that control the vaporizing device according to the adjustable limit by performing operations that include: processing usage data that is associated with usage of the vaporizing device, the vapor, and / or the substance in the substance container, generating the control data based on the usage data, causing the vaporizing device to be temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking, wherein the control data indicates one or more parameters to be satisfied before causing the vaporizing device to no longer be temporarily restricted, and causing the vaporizing device to not be temporarily restricted from being utilized by a user for smoking when the one or more parameters are satisfied.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the one or more parameters include a duration of time to temporarily restrict the vaporizing device from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising: one or more wireless communication devices that facilitate transmitting information from a remote computing device to the one or more processors, wherein the usage data is received from the remote computing device.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the remote computing device is a wearable computing device worn by a user and the usage data is based on one or more health metrics of the user.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the usage data characterizes a heart rate, blood pressure, or other physiological measurement of the user.

28. The apparatus of any one of claims 23-27, wherein the one or more parameters indicate an amount of time that the vaporizing device is temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor.

29. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the usage data indicates a cumulative amount of time that the vaporizing device has been operated during multiple vaping sessions.

30. The apparatus of any one of claims 23-27, wherein the one or more parameters indicate one or more threshold levels for one or more physiological measurements of the user, and wherein the vaporizing device is temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor until subsequent usage data indicates the one or more physiological measurements of the user satisfy the one or more threshold levels.

31. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the one or more parameters includes a concentration of one or more materials in the vapor, andwherein the vaporizing device operates to control a concentration of the one or more materials in the vapor.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the one or more materials include nicotine, propylene glycol, cannabinoid, and / or any combination thereof.

33. The apparatus of any one of claims 23-27, further comprising: a rechargeable battery and charging interface for receiving charge to charge the rechargeable battery.

34. The apparatus of any one of claims 23-27, wherein the substance container is a pod, and the apparatus includes a material storage receptacle that is configured to receive the pod.

35. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the substance container is a cartridge, and the apparatus includes a material storage receptacle that is configured to receive the cartridge.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the cartridge includes a resin, rosin, oil, budder, shatter, wax, sauce, crystal, live resin, live rosin, and / or any other substance that can be converted to a vapor, liquid, or other material state for consumption by a user when smoking.

37. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising: one or more interfaces, wherein the one or more interfaces are at least partially controlled by the one or more processors for rendering information to the user.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the one or more interfaces include an audio interface and / or a display interface that renders the usage data, battery charge, the one or more parameters, and / or any other information for the user.

39. The apparatus of claim 38, further comprising: an input device, wherein an interaction with the input device causes the one or more processors to control the display interface for rendering a duration of time until the vaporizing device will no longer be temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the interaction with the input device, or an interaction with a separate input device, causes the vaporizing device to convert the substance into the vapor for smoking when the vaporizing device is not temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking.

41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the interaction with the input device, or an interaction with a separate input device, causes the one or more processors to control the one or more interfaces to render an indication that the vaporizing device is temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking.

42. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising: one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors are included with the vaporizing device or separate from the vaporizing device, and wherein the one or more sensors provide data that is utilized by the one or more processors for determining the usage data, one or more parameters, and / or control data.

43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the one or more sensors include an air flow sensor, temperature sensor, photo sensor, liquid sensor, current sensor, voltage sensor, resistance sensor, and / or mass sensor, and / or any combination thereof.

44. The apparatus of any one of claims 23-27, further comprising: a haptic feedback sensor that provides haptic feedback when the user attempts to cause the vaporizing device to convert the substance into the vapor when the vaporizing device is temporarily restricted from converting the substance into the vapor for smoking.

46. A method implemented by one or more processors associated with a vaporizing device for smoking, the method comprising: determining usage data associated with a user of the vaporizing device, wherein the usage data indicates an amount of time that the user has participated in a vaping session using the vaporizing device and / or another device; determining whether a cumulative amount of time that the user has participated in different vaping sessions satisfies a threshold parameter; and when the cumulative amount of time that the user has participated in the one or more vaping sessions satisfies the threshold parameter: causing the vaporizing device to be temporarily restricted from converting a substance to a vapor for the user, wherein the substance is stored in a substance container of the vaporizing device.

47. The method of claim 46, further comprising: when the cumulative amount of time that the user has participated in the different vaping sessions satisfies the threshold parameter: determining an additional threshold parameter to be satisfied before the vaporizing device will no longer be restricted from converting the substance to the vapor.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the additional threshold parameter is a threshold duration of time,wherein a computing device of the vaporizing device initiates a timer in response to determining that the cumulative amount of time that the user has participated in the different vaping sessions satisfies a threshold parameter, and wherein the additional threshold parameter is satisfied when the timer reaches the threshold duration of time.

49. The method of claim 46, further comprising: when the cumulative amount of time that the user has participated in the different vaping sessions does not satisfy the threshold parameter: determining one or more other parameters based on usage data associated with the user and the vaporizing device.

50. The method of claim 49, further comprising: determining whether physiological data associated with the user satisfies the one or more other threshold parameters, wherein causing the vaporizing device to temporarily restrict the vaporizer of the vaporizing device from converting the substance to the vapor is performed when the one or more threshold parameters are satisfied.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the one or more threshold parameters include a threshold heartrate, a threshold blood pressure level, a threshold oxygen level, and / or any other physiological measurement that can be affected by vaping.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the physiological data is measured using one or more sensors that are integral to the vaporizing device and / or a separate computing device.

53. The method of claim 46, wherein causing the vaporizing device to temporarily restrict the vaporizer of the vaporizing device from converting the substance to the vapor includes: temporarily restricting an input device and / or input interface of the vaporizing device from affecting an operation of the vaporizing device.

55. A method implemented by one or more processors associated with a vaporizing device for vaping, the method comprising: determining usage data associated with a user of the vaporizing device; processing the usage data using one or more trained machine learning models to generate control data that characterizes one or more threshold parameters; determining whether the usage data satisfies the one or more threshold parameters; and controlling a vaporizer of the vaporizing device according to whether the usage data satisfies the one or more threshold parameters.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein controlling the vaporizer of the vaporizing device according to whether the usage data satisfies the one or more threshold parameters includes: when the usage data satisfies the one or more threshold parameters: causing the vaporizing device to temporarily restrict the user from initiating a vaping session with the vaporizing device.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein controlling the vaporizing device according to whether the usage data satisfies the one or more threshold parameters includes: when the usage data does not satisfy the one or more threshold parameters: causing the vaporizing device to not be restricted from converting the substance to the vapor until a total amount of time satisfies the threshold parameter.

58. A method, comprising: determining usage data associated with a user of a vaporizing device; generating control data based on the usage data, wherein the control data characterizes one or more threshold parameters; determining whether the usage data satisfies one or more threshold parameters; andrestricting a vaping function of the vaporizing device according to whether the usage data satisfies the one or more threshold parameters, wherein restricting the vaping function temporarily prevents the user from initiating a vaping session with the vaporizing device.STATEMENT UNDER ARTICLE 19 (1)Applicant submits the following statement in connection with the amendments to the claims filed concurrendy herewith under PCT Article 19.

1. Amendments Addressing Formal Objections (Box Nos. II and VIII)The claims have been amended to correct formal deficiencies identified by the International Searching Authority. Independent claims and their dependents have been revised to standardize the term “vaporizing device” throughout, consistent with the specification. Antecedent basis for “an adjustable limit” (Claim 1) and “a user” (Claims 4 and 26) has been introduced. Claim numbering has been regularized by canceling the duplicate Claim 45 and Claim 54, and subscript notation in Claim 51 has been replaced with plain text. Dependent Claims 7-22, 29-44, 49, and 53 have been restructured to remove improper multiple dependencies in compliance with PCT Rule 6.4(a). These amendments are entirely formal in character and do not alter the substantive scope of any claim.

2. Amendments Directed to Novelty and Inventive Step (Box No. V)With respect to the cited document US 2019 / 0167927 Al (“CloudMode”), the independent claims have been amended to more clearly recite the following combination of features, which Applicant submits is not disclosed or suggested by CloudMode:(a) Cumulative multi-session timing: determining a total amount of time a user has participated across one or more discrete vaping sessions, and comparing that cumulative total against a threshold parameter;(b) Session-triggered lockout: upon the cumulative total satisfying the threshold, causing the vaporizing device to temporarily restrict the user from initiating further vaping; and(c) Independent resumption parameter: determining a separate threshold parameter that must be satisfied before the restriction is lifted.These features reflect a device-level behavioral control architecture that accumulates usage data across sessions and enforces a lockout period keyed to cumulative session time, with resumption conditioned on a second, independent parameter. This combination is directed to a concrete technical function — controlled, session-aware lockout — not merely the collection or adjustment of dosing data. Support for these features is found in the specification as originally filed. The amended claims are believed to satisfy the requirements of novelty and inventive step under PCT Articles 33(2) and 33(3).

Images