EA045005B1 - AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE WITH LOW ENERGY CONSUMPTION MODE - Google Patents

Description

Field of technology to which the invention relates

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and in particular to low power modes for aerosol generating devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Aerosol-generating devices, such as e-cigarettes and other aerosol inhalation or vaporizer devices, are becoming increasingly popular consumer products.

Heating devices for evaporation or aerosolization are known from the prior art. Such devices typically contain a heater configured to heat the product being evaporated. During operation, the evaporated product is heated by a heater with evaporation of the product components, which are inhaled by the consumer. In some examples, the product may contain tobacco; the tobacco may be uncoated, placed in a capsule, or resemble a traditional cigarette; in other examples, the product may be a liquid or liquid contents in a capsule.

There is a need to improve battery charge conservation in aerosol generating devices. Therefore, the purpose of the invention is to solve such a problem.

The essence of the invention

In one aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device configured to insert a capsule, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of a capsule inserted into the aerosol generating device and a controller configured to detect, through the sensor, that a capsule inserted into the aerosol generating device constitutes a launch capsule; and placing the aerosol generating device into a low power state in response to detecting that a launch capsule has been inserted into the aerosol generating device.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device is configured to be placed into a low power state for dispatch and/or storage.

In this way, the aerosol generating device can be placed into a low power state for shipping and storage, allowing the battery of the aerosol generating device to be charged prior to shipping, with the battery charge level maintained during shipping and storage for subsequent first use by the consumer. In addition, this can be provided in a standard capsule-based (or cartridge-based) aerosol generating device using existing arrangements without the need for physical modification of the device, since the capsule (or cartridge) to be launched is inserted in place of a standard capsule containing the evaporated material. This automatic approach to entering a low-power state when a capsule is detected for launch is faster and more efficient than manually programming each aerosol-generating device into a low-power state for dispatch and storage.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device is configured to insert an aerosol generating material.

Preferably, the controller is configured to detect, based on the characteristic detected by the sensor, that a capsule inserted into the aerosol generating device is a capsule to be put into a low power state.

Preferably, in the low power state, a portion of the control electronics of the aerosol generating device is disabled or switched off, as compared to the normal operating state maintained when the aerosol generating device is in normal use by the consumer.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device is configured to insert a capsule containing a vaporizable substance, such as a fibrous material (eg tobacco) or a vaporizable liquid. Preferably the capsule is inserted into a capsule socket.

Preferably, the launch capsule is a capsule that does not necessarily contain a vaporizable substance, and is instead configured for use in manufacturing and/or packaging equipment to place the aerosol generating device into a low power state.

Preferably, the launch capsule has a characteristic that can be detected by the aerosol generating device to distinguish it from a standard capsule containing a vaporizable substance, such as that used to generate and inhale vapor by a consumer. This characteristic could be different size or shape of the capsule or instructions stored in the NFC chip in the capsule, among other things.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device is an electronic cigarette.

Preferably, the controller is a microprocessor-based control device comprising one or more processors and a memory with instructions stored therein.

Preferably, the controller is configured to turn off part of the control electronics of the aerosol generating device when the latter is placed in a low power state.

- 1 045005

In this way, the gradual use of battery power by the control electronics during shipping and storage is minimized.

Preferably, the low power state is a power state in which the control electronics uses less power than in a fully operational power state, wherein the fully operational power state is a power state for generating and inhaling vapor by the consumer.

Preferably, turning off part of the control electronics includes turning off part of the control electronics.

Preferably, the controller is configured to disable at least one of the microprocessor control device, the device temperature switch subcircuit, the resistance measurement subcircuit, the heater driver subcircuit, the serial access flash memory subcircuit, or the battery level indicator subcircuit when a portion of the control electronics is disabled.

Thus, specific subcircuits that should not be running during dispatch and storage are turned off to conserve battery power.

Preferably, disabling the device temperature switch subcircuit, the resistance measurement subcircuit, the heater driver subcircuit, the linear power subcircuit, or the battery level indicator subcircuit involves disabling the microprocessor control device, the device temperature switch subcircuit, the resistance measurement subcircuit, the heater driver subcircuit, or the USB-accessible flash memory subcircuit. serial interface or battery level indicator subcircuit, respectively. Preferably, turning off the microprocessor control device also turns off the voltage supply to the light emitting diodes.

Preferably, the controller is configured to send a trigger to the logic gate array of the control electronics such that the logic gate array turns off power to the portion of the control electronics to be turned off.

In this way, the power supply to specific parts of the control electronics can be selectively switched off.

Preferably, the controller is also configured to maintain a low power state when the launch capsule is removed from the aerosol generating device.

This way, the launch capsule does not need to be shipped with an aerosol generating device and can be reused in production equipment. This also eliminates any confusion the end user may otherwise have regarding the purpose of the launch capsule.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device further includes an indicator, and the controller is also configured to indicate, through the indicator, that the aerosol generating device has entered a low power state.

In this way, it can be determined that the low power state has been entered successfully, thereby ensuring that the device is in a low power state for sending and storing.

Preferably the indicator comprises one or more light emitting diodes.

Thus, a visual indicator is provided that indicates that the device has entered a low power state.

Preferably, the controller is configured to turn off one or more light emitting diodes to indicate that the aerosol generating device has entered a low power state.

Thus, turning off, or turning off, the light-emitting diodes (which would normally be turned on when the device is operating) saves battery power compared to turning on power to a separate indicator. This also helps conserve charge during shipping and storage. Additionally, light-emitting diodes are typically used as standard in aerosol-generating devices; Their universal use to indicate the transition to a low power state, as well as the standard use of communication to the consumer, eliminates the need to incorporate additional indicators into the aerosol generating device and thereby simplifies manufacturing.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device is also configured to detect a wake-up trigger condition, and wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to exit a low power state in response to the wake-up trigger condition.

Thus, when the consumer receives the device, the device can automatically exit the low power state for use by the consumer.

Preferably, the wake-up trigger condition comprises attaching a cable to the aerosol generating device.

Thus, a typical action performed by a consumer, inserting a charging cable, causes the device to exit a low power state. This provides the user with

- 2 045005 a simple and easy to understand approach for waking up an aerosol generating device from a low power state. This improves applicability.

Preferably the cable is a charging cable and/or a data cable such as a USB cable. Preferably, attaching the cable to the aerosol generating device involves inserting a cable connector into a corresponding connector of the aerosol generating device. Preferably, the second sensor includes a detector configured to detect input power and/or input data received through the cable.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device further comprises an openable cover member, and the wake-up trigger condition comprises moving the openable cover member between a closed position and an open position.

Thus, a typical action performed by a consumer upon receiving a new device, opening the cover element, causes the device to exit a low power state.

Preferably, the openable closure member is configured to cover the capsule receptacle of the aerosol generating device. Preferably, the wake-up trigger condition comprises detecting that the closure element has moved from a closed position to an open position.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device further comprises an internal clock, and the controller is configured to set the internal clock to a stopped state when placed in a low power state.

This way, battery resources are not consumed by operating the watch during shipping and storage before first use by the consumer.

Preferably, the controller is also configured to detect and read the characteristic, by means of a sensor, thanks to a communication chip in the inserted capsule.

In this way, the controller can determine that the capsule is a launch capsule rather than a standard capsule containing steam generating material.

Preferably, the controller reads the specific parameter via short-range wireless communication.

Preferably, the controller is programmed to identify the characteristic as a specific variable field value in the information stored in the capsule. For example, the variable field could be a production date field, with the specific production date value set to 00000.

Preferably, the sensor includes an electrical terminal configured to connect to a corresponding terminal in the launch capsule, wherein the electrical terminal is configured to read information stored in a memory in the launch capsule, and wherein the controller is configured to determine that the information matches a characteristic of the launch capsule. launch.

In another aspect, there is provided a method for storing energy of an aerosol generating device, the method comprising detecting that a launch capsule has been inserted into the aerosol generating device;

placing the aerosol generating device into a low power state in response to detecting that a launch capsule has been inserted into the aerosol generating device.

Preferably, the method includes detecting, based on the characteristic detected by the sensor, that a capsule has been inserted into the aerosol generating device to initiate a low power mode, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the characteristic of the capsule inserted into the aerosol generating device.

In another aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of:

detecting that a launch capsule has been inserted into the aerosol generating device;

placing the aerosol generating device into a low power state in response to detecting that a launch capsule has been inserted into the aerosol generating device.

Preferably, the steps include detecting, based on the characteristic detected by the sensor, that a capsule has been inserted into the aerosol generating device to initiate a low power mode, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the characteristic of the capsule inserted into the aerosol generating device.

In another aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising an internal clock;

a communication interface and a controller configured to record one or more events and apply one or more internal timestamps, respectively, to the one or more events, wherein the one or more initial timestamps refer to the initial internal time;

- 3 045005 receiving through the communication interface the moment of the available external time;

updating the internal clock from the moment of the available internal time relative to the initial moment of the internal time to the moment of the available external time; and adjusting the one or more internal time stamps, respectively, to the one or more external time stamps based on the difference between the instant of the available internal time and the instant of the available external time;

Thus, the consumer can use the aerosol generating device with full time stamp functionality right out of the box without the need to adjust the internal clock of the aerosol generating device. This makes the preparation phase easier for the consumer and improves the user experience.

Preferably, the internal time stamps are based on a scale relative to the initial internal time of the aerosol generating device, and the external time stamps are based on a scale relative to absolute external time.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device is an electronic cigarette.

Preferably, the controller is a microprocessor-based control device comprising one or more processors and a memory with instructions stored therein.

Preferably, the controller is further configured to start the internal clock from the initial instant of internal time in response to determining that the aerosol generating device has exited a low power state.

Thus, the consumer can use the new aerosol generating device after it exits the low power state intended for dispatch and storage, without the need to synchronize or configure the device. Additionally, the low power state allows the aerosol generating device to provide a higher battery level out of the box, eliminating the need for the consumer to charge the device's battery before first use. These benefits combine to improve the overall user experience.

Preferably, the low power state is a power state in which the control circuits of the aerosol generating device use less power than in a fully operational power state, wherein the fully operational power state is a power state for generating and inhaling vapor by a consumer.

Preferably, the trigger comprises detecting that a cable has been attached to the aerosol generating device, or that an openable cover member of the aerosol generating device has been moved between a closed and open position.

Preferably, the controller is configured to receive an instant of available external time via a communication interface from an application running on an electronic device in communication with the aerosol generating device.

Thus, the internal clock of the aerosol generating device can simply be updated based on external time, such as the time in a smartphone with which the aerosol generating device is in communication. The consumer does not have to manually set the internal clock, which simplifies the setup of the new aerosol generating device and improves the user experience.

Preferably, the controller is configured to update the internal clock to the current external time when the aerosol generating device is first connected to the electronic device.

Thus, out-of-the-box setup of a new aerosol generating device is further simplified by setting the internal clock to the available external time when the aerosol generating device is first connected to an electronic device such as a smartphone.

Preferably, the instant of the available external time comprises the available clock time of the electronic device.

In this way, the clock time of the electronic device can be used as the clock time of the aerosol generating device, thereby enabling interoperability between devices and improving interoperability.

Preferably, the communication interface is a Bluetooth interface, and the controller is configured to obtain an instant of available external time through a Bluetooth connection with an electronic device via the Bluetooth interface.

In this way, the internal clock of the aerosol generating device can be updated to external time in a user-friendly manner.

Preferably, the controller is configured to update the internal clock by recording the instant of available external time to the internal clock of the aerosol generating device.

In this way, all timestamps relating to future events can be recorded based on external, absolute time.

Here, the low power state is preferably a power state in which a portion of the control circuits used by the aerosol generating device, in a fully operational state, is turned off.

- 4 045005

In this way, energy is conserved until the new aerosol generating device wakes up for the first use of the new device by ensuring that non-core circuits are not active during dispatch and storage.

Preferably, the fully operational state is a state in which the aerosol generating device is ready for use by the consumer.

Preferably, the internal clock of the aerosol generating device is disabled until the low power state is exited.

Thus, energy is conserved by stopping the internal clock during shipping and storage, before waking up the new aerosol generating device for the first use of the new device by the consumer.

Preferably, when the internal clock is disabled, the internal clock is configured to be in a stopped state.

Preferably, a low power consumption state is provided for sending and/or storing the aerosol generating device.

Preferably, the initial internal time instant, the available internal time instant and one or more internal time stamps represent a reference time relative to a reference point internal to the aerosol generating device, and the available external time instant and one or more external time stamps represent a reference time relative to the reference a point external to the aerosol generating device.

In this way, timing control can be calculated efficiently and accurately.

Preferably, all reference times are recorded in the same format. In one example, the external reference point is a reference date, such as the Unix base reference date of January 1, 1970.

Preferably, the controller is also configured to determine the activation time, wherein the activation time is defined as the difference between the available external time and the available internal time.

Thus, the turn-on time when the aerosol generating device identifies a start-up condition can be determined on an absolute (external) time scale rather than on a relative (internal) time scale. This is useful with respect to accurately updating internal timestamps to external timestamps. This also allows the associated application in the electronic device to determine whether the aerosol generating device has been used previously, and if so, the activation time will not correspond to the time at which the aerosol generating device was first connected to the electronic device. This improves quality assurance of the aerosol generating device.

Preferably, the controller is configured to adjust the first internal time stamp of the one or more internal time stamps, respectively, to the first external time stamp of the one or more external time stamps by determining a difference between the first internal time stamp and the starting point of the internal time; and adding the difference between the first internal time stamp and the initial internal time point to the activation time point.

In this way, internal time stamps are converted to external or absolute time. This provides the consumer with more understandable and user-friendly events since the external time is recognizable to the consumer.

Preferably, the adjustment process is repeated for each of the internal time stamps of the one or more internal time stamps until all of the internal time stamps have been adjusted to the corresponding external time stamps.

Preferably, the events contain data regarding inhalation through the aerosol generating device.

Preferably, the inhalation data comprises at least one of a time stamp, puff or inhalation duration, vapor temperature, fluid or nicotine consumption amount, or capsule serial code. In this way, inhalation information that is useful to the consumer can be recorded for review by the consumer.

In another aspect, a method is provided for adjusting the internal clock of an aerosol generating device, the method comprising recording one or more events and applying one or more internal time stamps, respectively, to the one or more events, wherein the one or more initial time stamps refers to the starting time of the internal time stamp. time;

receiving the moment of available external time;

updating the internal clock from the moment of the available internal time relative to the initial moment of the internal time to the moment of the available external time; and adjusting the one or more internal time stamps, respectively, to the one or more external time stamps based on the difference between the available internal time instant and the available external time instant.

- 5 045005

Preferably, the method further includes determining the activation time, wherein the activation time is determined as the difference between the available external time and the available internal time.

Preferably, adjusting the first internal time stamp of the one or more internal time stamps, respectively, to the first external time stamp of the one or more external time stamps includes: determining a difference between the first internal time stamp and a starting point of the internal time; and adding the difference between the first internal time stamp and the initial internal time point to the activation time point.

In another aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of:

recording one or more events and applying one or more internal time stamps, respectively, to the one or more events, wherein the one or more initial timestamps refer to the initial instant of the internal time;

receiving the moment of available external time;

updating the internal clock from the moment of the available internal time relative to the initial moment of the internal time to the moment of the available external time; and adjusting the one or more internal time stamps, respectively, to the one or more external time stamps based on the difference between the available internal time instant and the available external time instant.

Preferably, the steps further include determining the activation time, wherein the activation time is determined as the difference between the available external time and the available internal time.

Preferably, adjusting the first internal time stamp of the one or more internal time stamps, respectively, to the first external time stamp of the one or more external time stamps includes: determining a difference between the first internal time stamp and a starting point of the internal time; and adding the difference between the first internal time stamp and the initial internal time point to the activation time point.

Brief description of graphic materials

Embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of example with reference to drawings in which:

in fig. 1 shows a block diagram of the components of the aerosol generating device;

in fig. 2a is a schematic representation of an example of an aerosol generating device with the lid closed;

in fig. 2b is a schematic illustration of an example of an aerosol generating device with the cover open;

in fig. 3a, 3b and 3c are schematic diagrams of another example of an aerosol generating device;

in fig. 3d and 3e are schematic diagrams of another example of an aerosol generating device;

in fig. 3f is a schematic illustration of a capsule suitable for use with the aerosol generating device of FIG. 3a-c and 3d-e;

in fig. 3g is a schematic diagram of the electrical terminal arrangement of the aerosol generating device;

in fig. 4 shows a block diagram of the control electronics of the aerosol generating device;

in fig. 5 shows a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device that is connected to an external electronic device;

in fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of a graphical user interface of an application associated with an aerosol generating device;

in fig. 7 is a flowchart of control steps performed by the aerosol generating device controller regarding startup and recovery from low power mode; and in fig. 8 is a flowchart of control steps performed by the aerosol generating device controller regarding the time stamp updating process.

Detailed description

In fig. 1 is a block diagram of the components of an aerosol generating device (also known as a vapor generating device or an electronic cigarette). The aerosol generating device includes a heater 106 (also called a heating coil), control electronics or control device 104, and a battery 102. Battery 102 provides power to heater 106 and control device 104. Control electronics or control device 104 includes a main control unit 108 ( that is, the controller, which may be a microprocessor control unit (MCU)) and other control circuits 110 are designed

- 6 045005 for controlling the operation of an aerosol-generating device. The controller includes a memory stored therein with operating instructions for the aerosol generating device and one or more processors for executing the instructions and controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device.

The heater 106 is configured to produce an aerosol or vapor from an aerosol-generating material (also known as a vapor-generating material). The vapor generating material may be a solid material such as tobacco or tobacco-containing material; it can be either uncoated, capsuled, or shaped like a traditional cigarette. The aerosol generating material may also be a liquid, such as a vaporizable liquid stored in a capsule, or any other suitable type of vaporizable material. It should be understood that for the purposes of this description, the terms vapor and aerosol are used interchangeably. In some examples, the heater is located in a capsule or cigarette-like aerosol-generating material and is configured to be coupled to the aerosol-generating device rather than being a component of the aerosol-generating device itself.

In fig. 2a-2b, 3a-3c and 3d-3e show examples of aerosol generating devices according to the block diagram in FIG. 1.

In the example in FIG. 2a and 2b, the aerosol generating device 200 includes a main body member 222 and a cover member 220. Cap member 220 includes a cap 224 that is movably coupled to body 226 of body member 222.

The housing 226 is provided with an opening 228; opening 228 is covered by a cap or closure member 224 in the closed position (in FIG. 2A) and is not closed (or covered by cap 224) in the open position (in FIG. 2B).

In one example, the cover 224 is movably coupled to the housing so that it slides between a closed position and an open position. In other words, cap 224 is a sliding cap configured to move between open and closed positions relative to opening 228.

Although the lid 224 is described in this specification as a sliding lid or lid, one skilled in the art will appreciate that any other suitable type of lid may be used, such as a hinged lid, a screw-on lid, a pop-up lid, and etc.

The opening 228 is configured to receive an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material 240 may be designed to resemble a traditional cigarette, that is, tobacco wrapped in paper. A cigarette-like aerosol-generating material 240 is inserted into the opening 228, with a distal end of the cigarette-like aerosol-generating material 240 extending outward from the aerosol-generating device so that a consumer can puff therethrough. In alternative arrangements, the aerosol generating material may be housed in a capsule, the capsule being configured to fit into an opening, or inserted as uncoated tobacco into the opening.

A heater for the aerosol generating device 200 may be located within the housing at the opening 228 to ensure contact with the aerosol generating material when inserted into the opening 228.

The housing further includes a battery 102 and a control device 104 containing a controller 108 and other control circuits 110. A communication interface is further provided within the housing such that the aerosol generating device is communicatively connected to an external electronic device such as a smartphone. In one example, the communication interface is a Bluetooth chip.

In fig. 3a-3c show another example of an aerosol generating device 300a. The device in FIG. 3a-3c is configured to insert a capsule 340 containing an aerosol generating liquid, that is, an aerosol generating capsule 340. In FIG. 3f is a schematic illustration of an aerosol generating capsule 340 that is suitable for such an application.

In fig. 3a is a schematic illustration of an aerosol generating device 300a with an attached aerosol generating capsule 340; in fig. Figure 3b shows a cross-sectional view of this device. In fig. 3c is a corresponding cross-sectional view with the aerosol generating capsule 340 removed.

The aerosol generating device 300a includes a body member 322 formed by a housing 326. The housing includes an opening 328 for inserting an aerosol generating capsule 340. In some examples, a movable cover (not shown) may also be provided to cover the opening, which may be operated in generally the same manner as those described with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b. In use, the aerosol generating capsule 340 is inserted into the opening and connected to the socket 312. The aerosol generating capsule 340 is connected to the socket by a suitable fastening method, such as a magnetic connection, a snap connection, an interference fit, a screw connection, a bayonet connection, or any other suitable connection type. Somehow

- 7 045005 In many examples, the capsule contains a heater, and the socket is configured to electronically couple a heater contained within the aerosol generating capsule to a controller and other control circuitry of the aerosol generating device to provide power to the heater. In other examples, the heater is located within the receptacle itself and is configured to engage the aerosol generating capsule when inserted into the opening.

Control electronics 304, including a controller 108 and other control circuits 110, are housed within a housing 326. The housing also includes a communications interface 350, such as a Bluetooth chip for communication capability to an external electronic device, and a battery 302 for supplying power to the device. 300a, generating aerosol. Located on the outer surface of the housing 326 is a push button 309; the push button is configured to control the aerosol generating device 300a for purposes such as heating the aerosol generating liquid. Also located on the outer surface of the housing 326 is an indicator such as a light-emitting diode (LED) 313; The LED 313 may provide information to the user, for example, about the operating status (ie, whether the heater is engaged) and the power status of the aerosol generating device 300a. In one example, LED 313 surrounds push button 309.

The aerosol generating capsule 340 includes a liquid compartment 332, an aerosol channel 333, an evaporating device 334, and a capsule electronic circuit 342 (ie, a capsule chip), which are housed in a capsule body 318. The evaporation device 334 includes a heating coil 306 and a wick material 338. The wick material 338 is designed to move (or transfer) liquid from the liquid compartment 332 to the heater 306. The heater 306 applies thermal energy to the transferred liquid and generates an aerosol. As an alternative to liquid and wick arrangements, the aerosol generating capsule 340 may instead contain a viscous or solid aerosol generating material.

The aerosol generating capsule 340 includes a mouthpiece portion 330 with a mouthpiece opening 331 for releasing the aerosol. An aerosol passage 333 is provided between the mouthpiece opening 331 and the vaporizing device 334 such that when a consumer inhales or puffs through the mouthpiece opening, the aerosol generated from the liquid on the heater 306 is drawn through the aerosol passage and exits the mouthpiece opening 331 for inhalation by the consumer. . An air inlet opening 360 may be provided in the body 326 of the body 322 or in the aerosol generating capsule 340.

As described below with reference to FIG. 3f, when the aerosol generating capsule 340 is inserted into the opening 328, power and data connections are provided between it and the control device 104 of the main body 322.

In fig. 3d and 3e are schematic diagrams of another example of an aerosol generating device 300b. Device 300b in FIG. 3d and 3e are similar to device 300a in FIG. 3a-3c and has the same features, with the addition of a sliding cover element 324.

In the example in FIG. 3d and 3e, the main body 322 of the aerosol generating device 300b includes a sliding cover element 324. The sliding cover element 324 is designed to cover the majority of the elongated body part 322 and is configured to slide in the longitudinal direction of the main body 322 between a first position (Fig. 3d) and the second position (Fig. 3e).

The sliding cover member 324 includes a front panel 324a and a rear panel for covering the main surfaces of the body 322.

In the first position (FIG. 3d), the aerosol generating capsule 340 is substantially closed by the sliding cover 324, with the mouthpiece opening 331 open so that the user can puff through the device. The end 322a of the main body 322 opposite the end to which the aerosol generating capsule 340 is attached is not covered. Thus, the sliding cover 324 protects the aerosol generating capsule 340. The first position shown in FIG. 3d may be considered a closed position since the aerosol generating capsule 340 is substantially covered by the sliding cover member 324.

In the second position (Fig. 3e), the aerosol generating capsule 340 is not closed; that is, the sliding cover member 324 has been slidably moved from the aerosol generating capsule 340 to the opposite end 322a of the body 322. In the second position, which is considered as an open position, the aerosol generating capsule 340 can be inserted/removed from the seat 312.

In fig. 3f is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating capsule 340 suitable for use with the aerosol generating devices 300a and 300b of FIG. 3a-3c and 3d-3e. It should be understood that the dimensions of the aerosol generating capsule 340 are variable; for example, the aerosol generating capsule 340 may be more elongated, such as in FIG. 3a and 3b, to store a larger volume of liquid than the more compact capsule in FIG. 3e. The liquid compartment and aerosol channel of the aerosol generating capsule 340 in FIG. 3f are not shown for the sake of clarity; For the sake of clarity, FIG. 3f shows the electronic circuit of the 342 capsule, which is not

- 8 045005 is shown in Fig. 3a-3e. In addition, in FIG. 3g shows the electrical terminal arrangement 390 of the socket 312 of the main body 322 of the aerosol generating devices 300a and 300b, which is configured to provide connection to the electrical terminals of the aerosol generating capsule 340. The terminals of the capsule electronic circuit 342 and the terminals of the aerosol generating device 300a, 300b are connected to provide interface between the capsule electronic circuit 342 and the controller 108 of the aerosol generating device 300a, 300b. The terminals in the body 322 of the aerosol generating devices 300a and 300b may be considered as a sensor or interface for detecting and establishing communication with the aerosol generating capsule 340.

The capsule electronic circuit 342 includes electrical terminals including power terminals 345a and 345b and data communication terminals 348. The power terminals 345a, 345b are configured to connect the heater to the battery via the control device 104 of the aerosol generating device 300a, 300b via corresponding power terminals 384 in the socket 312 of the aerosol generating device 300a, 300b.

The capsule electronic circuit 342 further includes a memory 344 and a controller 346 for reading/writing from/to the memory 344. The data communication pins 348 of the capsule electronic circuit 342 are provided for connection to corresponding communication terminals 385 in the main body 322 such that the controller 104 in main body 322 can send and retrieve data from capsule memory 344. Among other suitable information, data stored in capsule memory 344 may include usage data of aerosol generating capsule 340, authentication data of aerosol generating capsule 340, type of aerosol generating capsule 340, taste or odor of material in aerosol generating capsule 340, remaining the amount of liquid in the aerosol-generating capsule 340, the manufacturing date of the aerosol-generating capsule 340, and/or the expiration date of the aerosol-generating capsule 340. In alternative arrangements, the aerosol generating device 300a, 300b may include a wireless capsule interface, wherein the electronics 342 of the aerosol generating capsule 340 includes a corresponding wireless capsule interface. Thus, the aerosol generating device 300a, 300b can send and retrieve data from the capsule memory 344 using a wireless connection such as near field communication (NFC) or radio frequency identification (RFID) when the aerosol generating capsule 340 is inserted. into opening 328. In other alternatives, the aerosol generating device may sense information about the capsule using an optical sensor or image detector.

The main body terminals 384, 385, 387 may be formed as elongated conductive elements connected at one end to the socket 312 and, in turn, to the control device 104. The opposite ends of the elongated elements form free ends for connection with the corresponding terminals 448 of the capsule 340, generating aerosol.

The terminals of the main body 322 may further include terminals 387 for detecting temperature. The temperature detection terminals are configured as a sensing circuit that is configured to sense a voltage between the first power terminal 345a and the second power terminal 345b. This voltage can be used to accurately measure the temperature of the heater by determining the resistance of the heater 306.

In one example, components of the capsule electronic circuit 342 are located on a printed circuit board 343.

With regard to the aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, 300b, FIG. 2 and 3, after the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b has been manufactured, a significant amount of time may elapse, such as shipping and storage, before a consumer uses the device for the first time. From a consumer perspective, it is advantageous for the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b to have sufficient battery charge for initial use so that, once shipped and stored, it can be used straight out of the box without the need to pre-charge the battery. A problem encountered in the art is that if a significant amount of time is involved in shipping and storage, then before first use the consumer may discover that the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b does not have sufficient battery power to immediately using the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b. This may be caused by residual battery drain from the control electronics subcircuits. In such a situation, the consumer will need to charge the battery before he can use the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b.

To overcome this problem, the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b is set to a low power mode by the manufacturer before shipment. In such a case, the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b is integrated with a function to exit the low power mode upon first use by the consumer. This low power mode maintains the battery's charge throughout its life so that the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b will have sufficient battery charge for immediate consumer use straight out of the box without the need to pre-charge the battery.

In examples like FIGS. 2 and in Fig. 3, the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b is configured to insert a capsule that initiates a low power mode, i.e.

- 9 045005 capsules to start low power mode. In one example, the launch capsule is inserted at the end of the manufacturing process before packaging and shipping.

The launch capsule is inserted into the opening 228, 328 of the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b, similar to how the cigarette-like aerosol generating material 240 is inserted (as in the example of FIG. 2), or similar to how the capsule is inserted. containing aerosol generating material 340 (as in the example of FIG. 3). The controller uses a sensor located in the opening 228, 328 to determine the presence of a capsule and reads capsule information stored in the capsule. From this information, the controller determines that the capsule is a low power mode trigger capsule (and not a standard capsule that contains an aerosol generating material).

Upon determining that a launch capsule has been inserted, the controller places the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b into a low power mode or low power state. The launch capsule is then removed from the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b so that the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b can be packaged for shipment and sale.

When the launch capsule is removed from the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b continues to be in a low power state until a subsequent wake-up trigger is received. Maintaining a low power state after the launch capsule is removed is advantageous because the launch capsule does not need to be shipped with the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b and can be reused in the manufacturing and packaging process of other aerosol generating devices 200, 300a, 300b. aerosol. This also eliminates any confusion for the end user regarding the purpose of the launch capsule.

In the case of an aerosol generating device into which a cigarette-like aerosol generating material 240 (as in FIG. 2) or uncoated tobacco is inserted, the launch capsule may be suitably sized to be inserted into the opening 228 into which the similar aerosol is inserted. aerosol-generating material 240 per cigarette.

In the case of an aerosol generating device 300a, 300b into which capsules containing aerosol generating material 340 are inserted (as in FIG. 3), the launch capsule may be of similar dimensions to a standard capsule that contains aerosol generating material 340 , to be inserted into the opening 328 in place of the aerosol generating capsule 340. In one example, the launch capsule is an empty capsule that does not contain aerosol generating material.

In the case of an aerosol generating device 300a, 300b that is configured to insert capsules 340 of aerosol generating material (such as those described with reference to FIG. 3), the aerosol generating device 300a, 300b may be configured to read information stored in the memory 344 of the electronic circuit 342 capsules in such capsules with the aerosol generating material as described previously, using an electrical connection or a wireless connection. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device 300a, 300b may read information about the aerosol generating capsule 340 using an optical sensor or image detector. The launch capsule also stores information, for example using an embedded chip. A sensor or interface in the aerosol generating device 300a, 300b is configured to read this information in the same manner as in the case of the aerosol generating material capsule 340. That is, the sensor or interface is multi-purpose for reading information stored in both the aerosol generating material capsule 340 and the launch capsule. A launch capsule for use in such an aerosol generating device 300a, 300b may comprise a modified version of at least one of the parameters stored in the standard aerosol generating material capsule 340; for example, the date of manufacture may be set to a specific value, such as 00000, which indicates that the capsule is a launch capsule rather than a standard 340 capsule with aerosol generating material. The controller 108 may determine that the information stored in the startup capsule is that which triggers the low power mode. The aerosol generating device 300a, 300b is programmed so that the low power mode is triggered when a characteristic parameter is detected in the inserted trigger capsule.

As described, the aerosol generating device 300a, 300b, which is configured to receive a capsule 340 of aerosol generating material, includes in an opening 328 a sensor or interface used to read information stored in the capsule, for example, through an electrical connection or a wireless connection. such as an NFC or RFID interface between the aerosol generating device 300a, 300b and the capsule, or through an image detector or optical sensor. In addition to the capsule 340 containing the aerosol generating material, the controller may use this sensor to detect and read the launch capsule as well.

Alternatively or additionally, a separate, dedicated sensor may be located in the opening 228, 328 for the specific purpose of detecting a launch capsule. In private

- 10 045005 sti, such an arrangement can be used in an aerosol generating device 200 that may not otherwise include a sensor or capsule interface, such as aerosol generating devices 200 configured to insert cigarette-like aerosol generating materials 240 ( as described with reference to Fig. 2), or uncoated tobacco. In addition, the aerosol generating device 300a, 300b configured to insert an aerosol generating material capsule may include such a separate dedicated capsule sensor for triggering instead of or in addition to an aerosol generating material capsule sensor that is multi-purpose for detecting the capsule for start.

In embodiments that use a separate dedicated launch capsule sensor, the launch capsule parameter may be stored as information that the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b is preprogrammed to recognize as an instruction to enter a low power mode. This does not necessarily have to be a modification of an existing parameter such as the date of manufacture (since devices configured to, for example, insert cigarette-like aerosol generating materials 240 or uncoated tobacco may not be comparable with respect to such information); instead, it may be a specific parameter that the sensor is specifically designed to recognize. That is, the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b may include a sensor specifically designed to detect a launch capsule and instruct a low power mode therein; this sensor need not be a sensor designed to detect and read capsules 340 of aerosol generating material. Such a sensor may include in the opening 228, 328 an electrical interface such as that described with reference to FIG. 3f and 3g, between the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b and the launch capsule. Alternatively, the sensor may comprise a wireless interface between the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b and the launch capsule, such as an NFC or RFID interface, wherein the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b may read the NFC or The RFID chip is in the launch capsule when the launch capsule is inserted into the opening 228, 328. In another alternative, the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b may be configured to determine that the capsule inserted into the opening 228, 328 , represents a launch capsule by reading a specific parameter of the launch capsule through an image detector or optical sensor in the opening 228, 328.

In fig. 4 is a block diagram of the control electronics 400 of the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b. The control electronics 400 of the aerosol generating device contains a variety of subcircuits responsible for the operation of various parts of the aerosol generating device. As shown in FIG. 4, these subcircuits may, without limitation, include a microprocessor control device and Bluetooth network connectivity subcircuit 402; power switching subcircuit 404; a serial flash memory subcircuit 406 that uses a memory storage unit to store puff records and event records; a light emitting diode (LED) driver subcircuit 408; device temperature switch subcircuit 410; heater driver subcircuit 412; capsule connection subcircuit 414; push button subcircuit 416; resistance measurement subcircuit 418; a life-span power supply latch subcircuit 420; 3V power supply linear subcircuit 422; a 4V power inverting subcircuit 424 used to supply power to the LEDs at 4V even when the battery voltage is lower; battery level indicator subcircuit 426; haptic driver subcircuit 428; and a USB battery charging subcircuit 430.

In the low power mode or low power state, a portion of the control electronics 400 of the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b is disabled or turned off compared to the normal operating state maintained when the aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b is regularly used by the consumer. Thus, in a low power state, the control electronics 400 uses less remaining power than in a fully operational state.

Specifically, controller (or MCU) 402 disables specific subcircuits of control electronics 400 (104, 304) when entering a low power mode. The MCU recognizes the capsule for startup and performs a procedure to prepare the MCU for shutdown. The MCU then runs the logic gate array to turn off the linear 3V power supply subcircuit 426. This turns off the subcircuits containing the device temperature switch subcircuit 410, resistance measurement subcircuit 418, heater driver subcircuit 412, battery level indicator subcircuit 426, access flash memory subcircuit 406 over the serial interface, and the MCU 402 itself. In turn, turning off the MCU also stops supplying 4V power to the LED drivers and thereby also turns off the LED drivers 408.

In particular, when the controller detects that a launch capsule has been inserted into the aerosol generating device, the output of the power supply shutoff subcircuit 420 is turned off during its lifetime. This in turn turns off the output of the 3V power supply linear subcircuit 422, stopping power supply to the MCU 402 and the output of the power switching subcircuit 404. Switching subcircuit 404 output

- 11 045005 power supplies power to subcircuits containing a device temperature switch subcircuit 410, a resistance measurement subcircuit 418, and a heater driver subcircuit 412; therefore, these subcircuits are turned off by turning off the output of the power switching subcircuit 404. The 3V output of linear power subcircuit 422 supplies power to subcircuits comprising MCU 402, battery level indicator subcircuit 426, and serial flash memory subcircuit 406; therefore, these subcircuits are turned off by turning off the output of the 3V power line subcircuit 422. Any subcircuits that are powered by the output of the 3V line power subcircuit 422 or the output of the power switching subcircuit 404 are turned off. By turning off the MCU 402, the 4V power supply for the LEDs, that is, the LED driver subcircuit 408, will also be turned off.

Turning off the MCU also turns off or suspends the internal clock of the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device is provided with an indicator to indicate that a low power mode has been entered and that the launch capsule can be removed because the low power mode has been entered. In one example, the indicator is a visual indicator, such as one or more LEDs, that, when turned off, indicates that a low power mode has been entered. The LEDs are turned off due to the LED driver subcircuit 408 being turned off, as described with reference to FIG. 3.

The indicator allows the manufacturer to know that the aerosol generating device has entered a low power mode for dispatch and storage and that the launch capsule can be healed.

Disabling or turning off the LED(s) saves battery power compared to powering a separate indicator. This also helps conserve charge during shipping and storage. Additionally, LEDs are typically used as standard in aerosol generating devices; Their universal use to indicate the transition to a low power state, as well as the standard use of communication to the consumer, eliminates the need to incorporate additional indicators into the aerosol generating device and thereby simplifies manufacturing.

The aerosol generating device 200, 300a, 300b is configured to exit the low power mode in response to a wake up trigger condition. This should occur the first time a consumer uses a new aerosol generating device after it has been placed in low power mode for shipping and storage. That is, the wake-up trigger is used to instruct a new out-of-the-box aerosol generating device that has not previously been used by a consumer between shipping/storage and this first use to come out of low power mode. The wake-up trigger restores power to the MCU and turns on disabled subcircuits.

In the first example, movement of the lid or closure member 224, 324 between a closed position (FIG. 2a) and an open position (FIG. 2b) acts as a trigger. When the lid or closure member 224, 324 is in the closed position (or open position), an electrical connection can be made that is severed when the lid or closure member 224, 324 is in the open position (or closed position). That is, upon detecting an electrical connection being made or broken when the cover or closure member 224, 324 moves between two positions, the controller can determine whether the cover or cover member 224, 324 is in the open or closed state and when it moves between the open and closed states. . When the launch capsule is removed and the aerosol generating device is placed in a low power state, the manufacturer may close the lid or cover member 224, 324; subsequent opening of the cover or cover member 224, 324 by the consumer to, for example, insert the aerosol generating material, causes power to be restored to the MCU and the aerosol generating device exits the low power mode. Instead of sliding the lid or closure member into an open position, opening the lid or closure member may also involve detaching a section of the aerosol generating device to expose a cavity into which a capsule of aerosol generating material can be inserted, such as detaching a mouthpiece portion of the aerosol generating device , partly in the form of a battery, with appropriate switching to detect that something has been removed.

In a second example, a wake-up trigger that may be used as an alternative to or in addition to the first wake-up trigger may be detection of a cable being connected to an aerosol generating device. For example, the cable may be a charging cable and/or a data cable, such as a USB cable (or any other suitable type of cable, such as a micro USB cable, USB-B, USB-C, lightning cable, etc.) , configured to be inserted into a corresponding connector in the aerosol generating device. That is, inserting the cable into the cable connector in the aerosol generating device causes power to be restored to the MCU and the aerosol generating device exits low power mode.

- 12 045005

In particular, opening the cover or closure member 224, 324 and/or inserting a cable turns on the output of the power disable subcircuit 420 for a lifetime. In turn, this enables the 3V power supply linear subcircuit 422. Enabling the 3V power supply linear subcircuit 422 enables the MCU 402, the battery level indicator subcircuit 426, and the serial access flash memory subcircuit 406. Enabling the output of the 3V linear power subcircuit 422 also turns on the output of the power switching subcircuit 404 and therefore includes the subcircuits that are powered by the power switching subcircuit, including the device temperature switch subcircuit 410, the resistance measurement subcircuit 418, and the heater driver subcircuit 412.

Thus, characteristic actions performed by the consumer, such as inserting a cable or opening a cover or closure member 224, 324, cause the aerosol generating device to exit the low power mode. This provides the user with a simple and easy-to-understand approach for waking up the aerosol generating device from a low power state and thereby improves its applicability.

When a consumer uses the aerosol generating device 520, for each inhalation or puff of the generated aerosol or vapor, event data is recorded with a time stamp. The event data may include, but is not limited to, the duration of the puff, the temperature of the aerosol or vapor, the amount of fluid and/or nicotine consumed, the energy expended per puff and the pod serial code, as well as the time stamp itself. In one example, fluid consumption, and therefore nicotine, can be calculated based on the energy expended per puff for a known liquid composition. In another example, the energy expended in a puff can be used to extract information about airflow, and this can be especially useful in situations where the aerosol generating device does not have a puff sensor or pressure sensor. Thus, using the energy spent on the puff as event data is preferable to provide more information by storing one type of event data.

The event data may also include puff start and end points, puff duration (that is, the duration of the puff), and the puff interval (that is, the time between successive puffs). The event data may also contain any additional suitable metrics for analyzing consumer behavior. As shown in FIG. 5, aerosol generating device 520 is communicable to an external electronic device 524 such as a smartphone. The aerosol generating device 520 includes a communication interface 522 with which it is configured to communicate with an external electronic device 524 through means for establishing communication between the communication interface 522 of the aerosol generating device 520 and a corresponding communication interface 526 of the external electronic device 524. For example, communication means 526 may be a wired connection element, such as a USB connection, or a wireless connection element, such as a Bluetooth connection. An application associated with the aerosol generating device 520 may be downloaded to an external electronic device 524. The application may be used to perform actions through the communication interface 522, including viewing vaping statistics through the aerosol generating device 520 or sending instructions to the device 520 , generating aerosol.

The time-stamped event information may be transmitted via communication interface 522 to the external electronic device 524. This allows the consumer to view their vaping record using a related application graphical user interface provided on the screen of the external electronic device 524.

In fig. 6 shows an exemplary graphical user interface 600 that presents information to a consumer extracted from event information received by communication interface 522 from aerosol generating device 520. Providing a time stamp allows you to assign a time and date to your puffs. The graphical interface 600 displays consumer vaping statistics. In this example, it is displayed with a distribution of 602 in hours and a distribution of 604 in days and is determined based on the time stamped event information.

In low power mode, the internal clock of the aerosol generating device 520 is turned off or suspended (ie, placed in a stopped state). During operation, entering a low power state keeps the internal clock at the point at which it was suspended. When a wake-up trigger is detected and the device exits Low Power Mode, the internal clock will start running again from the point at which it was turned off (or from a default time, such as 00:00:00); this is considered the initial moment of internal time (T _INITIAL oe_v _NUT re _NN its) - Thus, the time on the internal clock (that is, internal time) will not coincide with the actual world external time.

When aerosol generating device 520 connects to external electronic device 524 via communication interface 522, the controller determines the time of the external device (i.e., the clock time of external electronic device 524) and the internal clock is updated (or synchronized) with respect to this external clock time (i.e., external time) based on hour

- 13 045005 external device time 524. In one example, the application writes the device clock characteristic to the Bluetooth device information service. Thus, new out of the box aerosol generating device 520 may have its internal clock updated based on internal time relative to external time when it first connects to external electronic device 524.

If a user is using a new out-of-the-box aerosol generating device 520 prior to pairing with an external device 524, that is, an aerosol generating device 520 has come out of low power mode but the internal clock has not yet been updated with respect to the external time of the device 520. the aerosol generating device will record time stamps for the event data up to the initial internal time. Such internal time stamps, T _{INTERNAL_RENEY_0STAMP} , use internal time based on _the elapsed time _since the initial instant of internal time.

When synchronized with the clock of an external electronic device, the controller determines the activation time of the aerosol generating device 520 as the point in time at which the aerosol generating device 520 exited the low power mode based on absolute external time rather than relative internal time. The activation time, _TACTIVATION , is calculated as the difference between the available external time, which _{is EXTERNAL} , (that _is , the time _of the external electronic device during synchronization) and the available internal time, which _{is INTERNAL} , (that is, time on the internal clock relative to the initial internal time when the aerosol generating device came out of low power mode):

ACTIVATIONS = ^T existing_external ^{- T} existing_INTERNAL.

To facilitate simple subtraction and addition of clock time, clock time can be stored as a reference time.

The controller updates each of the internal timestamps, T _{INTERNAL_0STAMP} , to the external timestamps ( _that is, timestamps according to the external time), T _{EXTERNAL_0STAMP ,} using the activation time, Activation, and the initial internal time, Initial_internal:

^T OUTER_MARK = ^{( T} INTERNAL_MARK ^{- T} INITIAL_INTERNAL ⁾ + TACTIVATIONS.

Alternatively, the difference between the activation time, T _ACTIVATION , and the initial internal time, T _{initial internal} , can be added to each internal timestamp by _the controller to update the internal timestamps to the external timestamps.

In fig. 7 is an exemplary flowchart of control steps performed by the aerosol generating device controller regarding starting and exiting the previously described low power mode.

At step 702, the controller detects through the sensor that the capsule inserted into the aerosol generating device is a launch capsule.

At step 704, the controller places the aerosol generating device into a low power state in response to detecting that a launch capsule has been inserted into the aerosol generating device.

At step 706, the controller disables some of the control electronics of the aerosol generating device when it places it in a low power state.

Optionally, at step 708, the controller indicates via an indicator that the aerosol generating device has entered a low power state.

Optionally, at step 710, the controller maintains a low power state when the launch capsule is removed from the aerosol generating device.

In fig. 8 is an exemplary flowchart of control steps performed by the aerosol generating device controller with respect to the previously described time stamp updating process.

Optionally, at step 802, the controller starts the internal clock from the initial internal time in response to determining that the aerosol generating device has exited a low power state.

At step 804, the controller records one or more events and applies one or more internal timestamps, respectively, to the one or more events, wherein the one or more initial timestamps refer to the starting point of the internal time.

At step 806, the controller receives, via the communication interface, the instant of available external time.

At step 808, the controller updates the internal clock from the available internal time relative to the initial internal time to the available external time.

Optionally, at step 810, the controller determines the activation time, wherein the activation time is determined as the difference between the available external time and the available internal time.

At step 812, the controller adjusts one or more internal time stamps, respectively, to one or more external time stamps based on the difference between the available internal time instant and the available external time instant.

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Claims (14)

In addition to the energy savings provided by the low power mode for dispatch and storage, additional energy savings can be achieved between consumer uses by putting the aerosol generating device into a standby mode. Between uses, when the user is not using the aerosol generating device, the lid or closure member 224, 324 may be positioned in a closed position. Through a suitable sensor, such as that previously described regarding the wake-up trigger, the controller may determine that the lid or closure member 224, 324 is in the closed position. Upon determining that the lid or closure member 224, 324 is in the closed position, the controller may cause the aerosol generating device to enter a sleep mode to conserve energy. Alternatively or in addition, upon determining that the lid or closure member 224, 324 has been left in the open position for a certain amount of time exceeding a preset threshold, the controller may cause the aerosol generating device to enter a sleep mode. A preset threshold value can be defined in an application on an external electronic device and transmitted as an instruction to the aerosol generating device using a communication interface. The sleep mode involves suspending at least some of the control electronics subcircuits that are not essential to the operation of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is not in use. This saves battery power. During operation, the user opens the lid or closure member 224, 324 to insert the aerosol generating material. The controller determines that the lid or cover 224, 324 has been opened and causes the aerosol generating device to wake up by energizing the suspended subcircuits. Specifically, the standby mode turns off the output of the power switch subcircuit 404, thereby turning off the device temperature switch subcircuit 410, the resistance measurement subcircuit 418, and the heater driver subcircuit 412. The processing steps described herein, performed by the main control unit or controller, may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or data storage associated with the main control unit. Computer readable storage media may include non-volatile media and volatile media. Volatile media may include, but are not limited to, semiconductor memories and dynamic storage devices. Non-volatile media may include, but are not limited to, optical disks and magnetic disks. One skilled in the art will readily understand that the above discussed embodiments in the above description are not limiting; features of each embodiment may be used in other embodiments as appropriate. CLAIM 1. An aerosol generating device containing an internal clock; a communication interface and controller configured to disable the internal clock upon entering a low power state and start the internal clock from an initial value of the internal time in response to determining that the aerosol generating device has exited the low power state; recording one or more events and applying one or more internal time stamps, respectively, to the one or more events, wherein the one or more internal time stamps are determined relative to an initial value of the internal time; receiving, through the communication interface, the current external time value from an electronic device in communication with the aerosol generating device; updating the internal clock from the current internal time value determined relative to the initial internal time value to the current external time value and adjusting one or more internal time stamps, respectively, to one or more external time stamps based on the difference between the current internal time value and the current external time value . 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller is configured to receive the current external time value via a communication interface from an application running on an electronic device in communication with the aerosol generating device. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, characterized in that the controller is configured to update the internal clock to the current external time value when the aerosol generating device is first connected to the electronic device. 4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the current value of the external time contains the current clock time of the electronic device. - 15 045005 5. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the communication interface is a Bluetooth interface, and the controller is configured to receive the current external time value via a Bluetooth connection with an electronic device using a Bluetooth interface . 6. The aerosol generating device according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the controller is configured to update the internal clock by writing the current external time value to the internal clock of the aerosol generating device. 7. The aerosol generating device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the low power state is a power state in which a portion of the control circuitry used by the aerosol generating device, when fully operational, is disabled. 8. The aerosol generating device according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the low power consumption state is for transporting and/or storing the aerosol generating device. 9. The aerosol generating device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the initial internal time value, the current internal time value, and one or more internal time stamps are time relative to a reference point internal to the aerosol generating device, and the current value external time and one or more external time stamps represent time relative to a reference point external to the aerosol generating device. 10. The aerosol generating device according to any of the previous paragraphs, wherein the controller is also configured to determine the activation time of the aerosol generating device as the difference between the current external time value and the current internal time value. 11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the first internal time stamp of the one or more internal time stamps, respectively, to the first external time stamp of the one or more external time stamps by determining a difference between the first internal time stamp time and the initial internal time and adding the difference between the first internal time stamp and the initial internal time to the activation time. 12. An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the events contain data regarding inhalation through the aerosol generating device. 13. The method of adjusting the internal clock of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the method includes disabling the internal clock of the aerosol generating device upon entering a low power state and starting the internal clock from an initial value of the internal time in response to determining that the aerosol generating device has exited the low power state; recording one or more events and applying one or more internal time stamps, respectively, to the one or more events, wherein the one or more internal time stamps are determined relative to an initial value of the internal time; receiving the current external time value from an electronic device in communication with the aerosol generating device; updating the internal clock from the current value of the internal time determined relative to the starting point of the internal time to the current value of the external time and adjusting one or more internal time stamps respectively to one or more external time stamps based on the difference between the current value of the internal time and the current value of the external time . 14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to execute the steps of the method of claim 13. -