E-Cigarette Controller With Smartphone Connectivity For Targeted Marketing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic cigarettes lack advanced control and communication features that enable targeted marketing and user interaction, limiting their functionality and social engagement.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a controller with communication capabilities in electronic cigarettes that allows for connectivity with computing devices, enabling monitoring, control of smoke properties, and receipt of marketing notifications, as well as social networking and usage tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic cigarette integrates communication interface and controller for smartphone connectivity, then user interaction and marketing capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages both the core e-cigarette operations (heating control, atomization) and communication functions (smartphone connectivity, data transmission, marketing interface). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A communication interface acts as an intermediary between the controller and smartphone, enabling user interaction and marketing capabilities without requiring direct integration of complex smartphone functionalities into the e-cigarette hardware. This mediator approach allows versatility while isolating complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If e-cigarette collects and transmits usage data for targeted marketing, then marketing effectiveness is improved, but loss of user information privacy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarketing effectivenessVSAvoiduser information privacy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different levels of data collection and processing to different users or different data types. Sensitive personal information may be handled differently from usage pattern data, allowing targeted marketing effectiveness while preserving user privacy through differentiated information handling approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If e-cigarette provides real-time monitoring and control through smartphone app, then user control capability is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous real-time communication between the e-cigarette and smartphone, the system uses periodic data synchronization and control updates. The controller monitors usage and transmits data to the smartphone app at intervals, enabling user control capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances user interaction and control, facilitates targeted marketing, and promotes social engagement through real-time communication and data analysis, improving the overall electronic cigarette experience.

Implementation Method 1

The device may use heat, ultrasonic energy, or other means to atomize/vaporize a liquid (for example based on propylene glycol, or glycerin, for example including taste and fragrance ingredients) solution into an aerosol mist

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

The device may use heat, ultrasonic energy, or other means to atomize/vaporize a liquid solution into an aerosol mist. The atomization may be similar to nebulizer or humidifier vaporizing solutions for inhalation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAtomization: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3831230A1Digital marketing application for electronic cigarette users
Publication Date: 2021.06.09 ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC
  • EP3831230A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3831230A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3831230A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An electronic vaping device may include functionality for targeted marketing. The marketing may be through communications with a computing device, such as a smartphone. For example, a smartphone application may be used for monitoring e-Cig usage and collecting data regarding the user and the usage. That data may result in targeted marketing. In another example, location information may also be used for targeted advertisements from a retailer.