Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
  • A24F40/53—Monitoring, e.g. fault detection
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/60—Devices with integrated user interfaces
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/65—Devices with integrated communication means, e.g. wireless communication means

Definitions

• the present invention relates to aerosol generation devices and the use of gestures to operate such devices.
• An aerosol generation device such as an electronic cigarette is typically easily operated, for example by providing negative pressure to a mouthpiece, i.e. inhaling, or by pressing a button.
• the ease with which the aerosol generation device may be operated can be beneficial to a user, but there may be situations in which a higher level of security is desired, such as when the user is around children. Accidental usage may be avoided by increasing the security level of the device.
• An aspect of the invention provides an aerosol generation device, comprising: a sensor that comprises a capacitive unit having a plurality of capacitive cells configured to detect user gestures; locking control circuitry configured to lock or unlock the aerosol generation device upon detection of a first gesture by the sensor; and lock enable control circuitry configured to enable or disable the locking control circuitry upon detection of a second gesture by the sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to remain active for the detection of user gestures irrespective of the lock state of the aerosol generation device, and irrespective of whether the lock enable control circuitry is enabled or disabled.
• locking control circuity and lock enable control circuity in the device advantageously provides flexible levels of device security which can be adapted based on user preference and a particular user situation. If the locking control circuity is enabled, a locked device can be unlocked in order to use it, and an unlocked device can be locked in order to prevent accidental input or use, for example by a child. Alternatively, if the locking control circuitry is disabled, the device can be used freely. A user may prefer to disable the locking control circuitry for convenience during a period of frequent use in which the device is unlikely to be tampered with. Advantageously, this can be achieved using a single sensor that can detect both the first and second gestures.
• the sensor is preferably arranged to be continuously monitoring user gestures whenever power is supplied from a power source.
• the sensor is used for unlocking the device and additionally for enabling or disabling the locking control functionality. Thus, the sensor itself cannot be locked or disabled.
• the sensor of the aerosol generation device is configured to detect user gestures.
• the particular type or types of sensor used may depend on the type of user gesture.
• the user gesture may involve motion, touch, other forms of input, or any combination of these.
• the sensor comprises a capacitive unit having a plurality of capacitive cells, preferably positioned on a surface of the outer body of the aerosol generation device.
• the sensor may comprise one or more buttons which can be used for touch input.
• a capacitive unit having a plurality of capacitive cells as a sensor can advantageously be used to detect a variety of different touch inputs such as tapping, touching and holding, swiping, or any combination of these in sequence.
• the capacitive cells may be arranged linearly within the capacitive unit. This advantageously simplifies the available user gestures.
• a user gesture can beneficially be entered in a natural way without a high level of precision.
• the first and second gestures can be programmed to comprise any form of user gesture or sequence of user gestures.
• the first or second gesture comprises: holding a first capacitive cell for a predetermined time period; and swiping along a length of the plurality of capacitive cells.
• the locking control circuitry is configured to lock or unlock the aerosol generation device upon detection of a first or second gesture by the sensor.
• a touch and hold gesture followed by a swipe gesture is advantageously difficult to input inadvertently whilst each component of the first or second gesture is a natural gesture for a user to perform. This beneficially results in a gesture which is easy to perform with a low risk of accidental input. Therefore the user can easily change the lock state on demand.
• the first or second gesture comprises: holding a first capacitive cell and a second capacitive cell for a predetermined time period; and swiping along a length of the plurality of capacitive cells.
• this typically requires two hands, or the careful placement of adjacent digits on a single hand, and therefore adds security to the gesture.
• the first or second gesture includes one or more swipe actions.
• Each of the one or more swipe actions may comprise swiping along the length of the plurality of capacitive cells.
• Each of the one or more swipe actions may be performed in any direction.
• each of the one or more swipe actions may be performed in the same direction, or in alternating directions, or in a predefined sequence of directions.
• the first or second gesture comprises: swiping in a first direction along the length of the plurality of capacitive cells; and swiping in a second direction along the length of the plurality of capacitive cells.
• the first and second direction may be substantially the same direction.
• the second direction is substantially opposite to the first direction.
• the first direction may be left to right, or top to bottom, and the second direction may be right to left, or bottom to top.
• the absolute direction of the swipe will depend on the orientation of the aerosol generation device.
• the sensor is preferably configured to detect the relative difference between the first and second directions.
• the senor may be configured to detect the second gesture when the first direction is from a first end of the capacitive unit to a second end of the capacitive unit and when the second direction is from the second end to the first end.
• the sensor may also be configured to detect the second gesture when the first direction is from the second end to the first end and the second direction is from the first end to the second end. This may beneficially provide flexibility to the user, as the user would not have to remember to start the gesture at a particular end.
• the senor may be configured to only detect the second gesture when the first direction is a particular direction such as from the first end of the capacitive unit to the second end of the capacitive unit. This more limited detection by the user may beneficially help to avoid accidental input.
• the second gesture comprises elements which are easy to input, but the particular sequence of individual gestures is difficult to perform by accident. Accordingly, the second gesture also beneficially results in a gesture which is easy to input with a low risk of accidental input. Therefore the user can easily enable or disable the locking control circuitry on demand.
• the device may be configured to provide feedback to the user upon initial recognition of, during, or after completion of, one or more user gestures.
• the aerosol generation device includes a feedback unit configured to provide sensory feedback to a user.
• the feedback unit optionally comprises a haptic unit, a photic unit, an aural unit, or a combination of these.
• the feedback unit may provide feedback using vibrations, lights, or sounds. This advantageously can communicate information to the user about the success, failure, duration, or other status of the user gesture.
• the feedback unit may be activated by the locking control circuitry upon detection of the first gesture. This may provide confirmation to the user that the aerosol generation device has successfully been locked or unlocked.
• the feedback unit may be activated by the lock enable control circuitry upon detection of the second gesture in order to communicate to the user that the locking control circuitry has been enabled or disabled.
• Feedback may also be provided to the user in the process of entering the first and/or second gestures.
• this provides feedback to the user which allows the user to re-enter a gesture, stop entering a gesture, start entering a gesture, perform the next gesture in a sequence, or otherwise interact with the device according to the received sensory feedback.
• the present approach can assist the user in performing a technical task, which is the locking or unlocking of the aerosol generation device or the enabling/disabling of the locking control circuitry.
• the feedback can guide a user through this human-machine interaction while providing the first or second gesture. If the user attempts to complete the first or second gesture but does not receive any sensory feedback they can understand that there was an error in the detection or performance of the gesture. The absence of expected feedback can therefore guide the user to re-enter the gesture.
• the aerosol generation device is connected to an electronic device, and the lock enable control circuitry is further configured to enable or disable the locking control circuitry upon receipt of a control command sent to the aerosol generation device by the connected electronic device.
• the electronic device which may be a smartphone for example, allows the locking control circuitry to be enabled or disabled remotely. This advantageously provides additional flexibility for the user. However, it does not replace the direct control that the user has using the sensor that is located on the device.
• the lock enable control circuitry is configured to enable or disable the locking control circuitry.
• the lock enable control circuitry is further configured to unlock the aerosol generation device when the locking control circuitry is disabled. Accordingly, if the locking control circuitry is enabled and the device is locked, the lock enable control circuitry may be configured to disable the locking control circuitry and unlock the aerosol generation device upon detection of the second gesture. Alternatively, if the locking control circuitry is enabled and the device is unlocked, the lock enable control circuitry may be configured to disable the locking control circuitry and leave the aerosol generation device unlocked. This beneficially allows the device to be used freely when desired.
• the aerosol generation device comprises a sensor including a capacitive unit having a plurality of capacitive cells, locking control circuitry and lock enable circuitry.
• the method comprises: detecting a first gesture by the sensor, wherein upon the detection of the first gesture the locking control circuitry locks or unlocks the device if the locking control circuitry is enabled; and detecting a second gesture by the sensor, wherein upon the detection of the second gesture the lock enable circuitry enables or disables the locking control circuitry, wherein the sensor is configured to remain active for the detection of user gestures irrespective of the lock state of the aerosol generation device, and irrespective of whether the lock enable control circuitry is enabled or disabled.
• the method can be used to lock or unlock the device when the locking control circuitry is enabled.
• An advantage of the method is the convenience with which the security state of the device can be changed, allowing the settings to match the requirements of a particular situation.
• the sensor is a capacitive sensor.
• the first or second gesture may include a sequence of a touch and hold gesture followed by a swipe gesture.
• the first or second gesture may include a sequence of multiple swipe actions.
• the gestures may be input by a user.
• the hold action and swipe action are natural gestures for a user, but the particular sequence of gestures is unlikely to be performed accidentally, adding security.
• Another aspect of the invention provides a computer readable medium comprising instructions which when executed on a controller in an aerosol generation device as defined above, cause the controller to carry out steps according to the method defined above.
• this two-level locking capability provides added flexibility to the user. Different lock states can easily and conveniently be switched between using the sequence of natural gestures.
• Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a first aerosol generation device
• Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a first gesture
• Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a second gesture
• Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an application interface
• Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a successful lock unlock sequence
• Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a first failed lock unlock sequence
• Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a second failed lock unlock sequence
• Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of a second aerosol generation device
• Figure 9A is a schematic illustration of a first portion of a third gesture
• Figure 9B is a schematic illustration of a second portion of the third gesture
• Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating lock enable control circuitry
• FIG 11 is a schematic illustration of the components of a third aerosol generation device.
• FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an aerosol generation device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• the aerosol generation device 10 comprises a sensor 11, a feedback unit 12 and control circuitry 13.
• the aerosol generation device 10 also includes a power source, such as a rechargeable battery that can provide power to its various components.
• the aerosol generation device 10 can detect user gestures using the sensor 11 and provide feedback to a user using the feedback unit 12.
• the feedback unit 12 comprises a light-emitting unit and a haptic unit configured to provide feedback using lights and/or vibrations.
• the control circuitry 13 is locking control circuitry and is configured to lock or unlock the aerosol generation device upon detection of a particular user gesture by the sensor 11.
• the sensor 11 is designed to operate continuously whenever power is supplied by the power source so that any user gestures can be successfully detected. In other words, the sensor 11 remains active for the detection of user gestures.
• a user gesture typically involves input using motion, touch, or a combination of inputs either in sequence or simultaneously.
• the particular user gesture is a first gesture followed by a second gesture.
• the first and second gesture have different characteristics.
• the first gesture is a touch and hold gesture which involves touching the sensor 11 for a predetermined time period.
• the first gesture is described in more detail with reference to Figure 2.
• the second gesture is a swipe gesture which involves swiping across the length of the sensor 11.
• the second gesture is described in more detail with reference to Figure 3.
• the sensor 11 is configured to provide a signal to the feedback unit 12 upon detection of the first gesture.
• the feedback unit 12 Upon receipt of the signal, the feedback unit 12 is configured to provide sensory feedback to the user in the form of photic and/or haptic feedback.
• the mode of feedback given to the user may be pre programmed or may be programmed by the user in accordance with user preference.
• the haptic unit of the feedback unit 12 vibrates with increasing strength during the first gesture. Once the predetermined time period has elapsed, the vibration stops to indicate that the first gesture has been properly detected.
• the light-emitting unit of the feedback unit 12 is activated once the first gesture has been properly detected and starts to blink. Blinking of the light-emitting unit involves the light-emitting unit emitting a series of short pulses of light, in this case of a single colour. The colour may be chosen to be neutral so that it is not confused with, for example, a battery indication. In this embodiment a blue LED is chosen to provide the feedback to the user that the first gesture has been detected.
• FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a first gesture using an aerosol generation device 20 with a capacitive unit 21.
• the input of the first gesture followed by a second gesture changes the lock state of the aerosol generation device 20, i.e. unlocks a locked device or locks an unlocked device.
• the capacitive unit 21 is used as a sensor to sense user input.
• the capacitive unit 21 has a plurality of capacitive cells which can be activated separately or together. In order to activate a capacitive cell, it must be touched using something electrically conducting such as a finger or a thumb of a user.
• the first gesture is a touch and hold gesture. To perform the first gesture, a user must touch the capacitive unit 21 and hold for a predetermined time period. In this embodiment, two capacitive cells 22, 23 are touched simultaneously.
• the first capacitive cell 22 is the terminal cell at a first end of the capacitive unit.
• the second capacitive cell 23 is the terminal cell at a second end of the capacitive unit.
• the first gesture involves touching and holding only the first capacitive cell 22.
• the first gesture involves touching and holding only the second capacitive cell 23.
• the capacitive unit comprises a single column of capacitive cells.
• the length of the capacitive unit is such that the two extreme capacitive cells can be touched simultaneously using two adjacent fingers of a user’s hand.
• the user may perform the first gesture of this embodiment using two hands.
• the duration of the predetermined time period can be adjusted. Typically the duration is approximately 1.5 seconds.
• the aerosol generation device provides feedback to the user to indicate that the first gesture has been detected. Receiving feedback triggers the user to either enter a second gesture or to release the pressed capacitive cells. The second gesture may follow the release of the pressed capacitive cells.
• FIG 3 schematically illustrates a second gesture using an aerosol generation device 30 with a capacitive unit 31.
• the capacitive unit 31 has four capacitive cells arranged linearly along the length of the aerosol generation device 30 with a first end closer to a mouthpiece 36 of the device 30 and a second end further from the mouthpiece 36 of the device 30.
• the input of the second gesture after the first gesture as described in relation to Figure 2 changes the lock state of the aerosol generation device 30 from locked to unlocked or from unlocked to locked.
• the second gesture is a swipe action in which a plurality of capacitive cells are activated sequentially.
• a swipe action is a smooth motion and is distinct from the pressing of consecutive cells one after the other.
• a swipe is a continuous action.
• Figure 3 highlights the activated capacitive cell at four points in time during the second gesture.
• a first cell 32 is pressed.
• the first cell 32 is the cell closest to the mouthpiece 36.
• a second cell 33 is pressed. Due to the smooth movement, there is likely to be a time after the first time and before the second time during which both the first and second cells 32, 33 are pressed simultaneously. This can be used to distinguish between the continuous swipe movement and the separated pressing of cells.
• the swipe action continues along the capacitive unit 31 such that at a third time which is later than the second time a third cell 34 is pressed and at a fourth time which is later than the third time a fourth cell 35 is pressed.
• the fourth cell 35 is at the second end of the device 30 and is the cell furthest away from the mouthpiece 36.
• a full swipe is performed as the second gesture in which the start and end points are the two outermost cells of the capacitive unit 31.
• a partial swipe may be recognised as the second gesture.
• some of the cells are not activated. For example, a partial swipe may activate the first cell 32, the second cell 33 and the third cell 34 sequentially.
• the second gesture is a swipe action in a first direction from the first end to the second end of the device 30.
• the second gesture is in a second direction, starting at the fourth cell 35 and swiping towards the first cell 32. If a partial swipe is entered, the first activated cell may be closer to the mouthpiece 36 than the fourth cell 35. For example, a partial swipe in the second direction may be recognised if the third cell 34, second cell 33 and first cell 32 are activated sequentially.
• the aerosol generation device 30 can be configured to detect the second gesture only upon input of a swipe action in one of the first or second directions, or upon input of a swipe action in either the first or the second direction.
• the aerosol generation device 30 can be configured to detect the second gesture only upon input of a full swipe, or upon input of a partial swipe.
• Figure 4 illustrates an application interface of a connected electronic device.
• the connected electronic device can be a mobile terminal, a tablet, a laptop, or any suitable electronic device which can communicate with the aerosol generation device.
• the communication between the connected electronic device and the aerosol generation device is achieved using Bluetooth low energy (BLE).
• BLE Bluetooth low energy
• the connected electronic device can be used to input commands or change the configuration of the aerosol generation device.
• a suitable connected electronic device has a screen, which enhances the available user interaction.
• Figure 4 depicts a ‘Lock/Unlock’ screen 40 that can be provided in an optional set-up on a connected electronic device such as a smartphone running an application dedicated for the aerosol generation device and paired/connected to the aerosol generation device via wireless communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth).
• a connected electronic device such as a smartphone running an application dedicated for the aerosol generation device and paired/connected to the aerosol generation device via wireless communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth).
• the locking control circuitry of the aerosol generation device may be enabled or disabled using a switch 41. This may alternatively be achieved by performing the third gesture as described in relation to Figures 9A and 9B.
• the lock/unlock screen 40 further provides gesture information 42 which illustratively teaches the sequence of gestures which the user may perform on the aerosol generation device in order to lock or unlock the device.
• the lock/unlock screen 40 further provides warning information 43 to the user.
• the aerosol generation device When the aerosol generation device is locked, it has reduced functionality and not all gestures input by the user will be recognised. In addition, feedback from the aerosol generation device such as photic or haptic feedback will be limited or absent when locked. This prolongs the battery life of the aerosol generation device.
• Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating the communication between locking control circuitry components of the aerosol generation device during a successful lock or unlock sequence comprising a first gesture followed by a second gesture.
• the first gesture includes touching and holding a capacitive sensor and the second gesture includes a swipe action.
• the locking control circuitry comprises a capacitive area control module 501, application business logic 502, a light-emitting diode (LED) control module 503 and a haptic control module 504.
• the first gesture includes touching and holding two capacitive cells, otherwise known as capacitive pads, in a capacitive sensing unit of an aerosol generation device.
• the two capacitive pads are the extreme pads within the unit.
• the extreme pads may be referred to as the side pads.
• the capacitive area control module 501 sends a signal 511 to the application business logic 502 indicating that the first gesture is being entered by indicating that the two side pads are held.
• the application business logic 502 commands 512 the haptic control module 504 to play a lock/unlock hold vibration.
• the haptic control module 504 plays 513 a vibration with a constantly increasing power for a predetermined time period. In this embodiment the predetermined time period is 1.5 seconds.
• the application business logic waits 514 1.5 seconds for the hold to complete and commands 515 the haptic control module 504 to play a lock/unlock hold confirmation vibration.
• the haptic control module 504 plays 516 one short vibration.
• the short vibration indicates to the user that the first gesture has been successfully entered. Having received the confirmation vibration 516, the user is prompted to proceed with the next stage of the lock or unlock sequence.
• the capacitive area control module 501 sends a signal 517 to the application business logic 502 indicating that the two side pads have been released.
• the application business logic 502 commands 518 the LED control module 503 to start the blue LED blinking. Blinking of an LED involves rapid pulsing of the LED.
• a blue LED is chosen in this embodiment as it is a neutral colour which is not associated with a particular function and can therefore be used to communicate a general message to a user.
• the blinking of the blue LED indicates to the user that the second gesture can be entered.
• the application business logic 502 waits for a predetermined time period for the user to enter the second gesture. In this embodiment, the application business logic 502 waits 519 for 3 seconds for the swipe gesture.
• the capacitive area control module 501 Upon input of the second gesture, the capacitive area control module 501 sends a signal 520 to the application business logic 502 to indicate that the swipe has been recognized, and that the final capacitive pad has been released.
• the swipe gesture can be input in any direction along the length of the capacitive unit in order to be successfully recognised as the second gesture.
• the release of the pad indicates that the swipe action is complete.
• the application business logic 502 then commands 521 the LED control module 503 to stop the blue LED blinking.
• the lock state of the aerosol generation device will be switched. If the device was locked, the device will be unlocked, and if the device was unlocked, the device will be locked.
• the LED control module 503 and/or the haptic control module 504 provide feedback to the user relating to the initial state of the device. For example, if the aerosol generation device is unlocked when the lock/unlock sequence is initiated, a short pulse of light or a short vibration may be played to indicate that the device is unlocked. Similarly, if the aerosol generation device is locked when the lock/unlock sequence is initiated, there may be no additional feedback in order to indicate to the user that the device is locked.
• the application business logic receives three signals from the capacitive area control module.
• the first signal indicates that the first gesture has begun; the second signal indicates that the first gesture has stopped; and the third signal indicates that the second gesture has been entered.
• the lock/unlock sequence may fail and be cancelled if the first gesture stops too soon or if the second gesture is not entered soon enough.
• the specific timing configuration of the lock/unlock sequence can be adjusted such that the sequence of gestures is easy and natural for a user to enter.
• Figures 6 and 7 are flow charts illustrating possible failed lock/unlock sequences.
• the first gesture is terminated early.
• the second gesture is not entered before the predetermined wait time has elapsed.
• Figure 6 illustrates similar locking control circuitry to Figure 5, i.e. a capacitive area control module 601, application business logic 602, an LED control module
• the first gesture includes touching and holding a single capacitive pad of the capacitive unit.
• the pressed capacitive pad is one of the outermost pads.
• the capacitive area control module 601 communicates this to the application business logic 602 by sending a signal 611.
• the application business logic 602 commands 612 the haptic control module
• the haptic control module 604 plays 613 a vibration with a constantly increasing power.
• the capacitive area control module 601 communicates this to the application business logic 602 by sending another signal 615 indicating that the side pad has been released.
• the application business logic 602 Upon receipt of the signal 615 that the side pad has been released, the application business logic 602 determines 616 how much time has passed since the signal 611 that one of the side pads is held was sent. If the release signal 615 is sent before the predetermined time period has elapsed, the application business logic 602 determines that the side pad was not held for long enough for the first gesture to be fully detected. In this embodiment the predetermined time period is 1.5 seconds. If the pressed pad is released too early, the lock/unlock sequence is cancelled 616 by the application business logic 602. The application business logic 602 commands 617 the haptic control module 604 to stop vibrating accordingly.
• Figure 7 illustrates similar locking control circuitry to Figures 5 and 6, including a capacitive area control module 701 , application business logic 702, an LED control module 703 and a haptic control module 704.
• the first gesture a touch and hold gesture in which two side pads of the capacitive unit are pressed, is entered correctly and is therefore properly detected.
• a hold signal 711 is sent by the capacitive area control module 701 to the application business logic 702 when the two side pads are held.
• the application business logic 702 commands 712 the haptic control module 704 to vibrate with a constant power increase.
• the application business logic 702 may specify the starting strength of the vibration as well as the rate of increase of the strength of vibration.
• the haptic control module 704 vibrates 713 accordingly.
• the application business module 702 waits 714 for a predetermined time period of 1.5 seconds for the hold to complete and then commands 715 the haptic control module 704 to play a confirmation vibration 716.
• the application business logic 702 may specify the strength and duration of the confirmation vibration 716 as part of the command 715.
• the haptic control module 704 plays one short vibration 716 to confirm that the first gesture has been detected.
• a release signal 717 is sent by the capacitive area control module 701 to the application business logic 702 when the two side pads are released.
• the application business logic 702 commands 718 the LED control module 703 to start a blue LED blinking.
• the colour and pattern of light pulses including the duration and intensity can be communicated to the LED control module 703 as part of the command 718.
• the application business logic 702 then waits 719 for a predetermined time period. During this predetermined time period the application business logic 702 listens for a signal from the capacitive area control module 701 indicating that the second gesture has been detected.
• the predetermined time period is typically a few seconds, and is 3 seconds in this embodiment. In the scenario illustrated in Figure 7, the second gesture is not detected before 3 seconds has passed 720. Accordingly, the application business logic 702 cancels 720 the lock/unlock, and commands 721 the LED control module 703 to stop the blue LED blinking.
• FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an aerosol generation device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• the aerosol generation device 80 comprises a sensor 81 , locking control circuitry 82 and lock enable control circuitry 83.
• the aerosol generation device 80 can detect user gestures using the sensor 81.
• the sensor 81 can recognise and detect a number of user gestures including a first gesture and a second gesture.
• Each user gesture includes at least one gesture component. Multiple gesture components may be performed one after the other to form a gesture sequence, and the gesture sequence may be recognised by the sensor 81 as a predefined user gesture.
• Each user gesture is typically linked to a particular action.
• the locking control circuitry 82 locks or unlocks the aerosol generation device 80.
• the lock enable control circuitry 83 enables or disables the locking control circuitry 82.
• the locking control circuitry is disabled, the locking control circuitry 82 does not affect the lock state of the aerosol generation device 80 and therefore does not lock or unlock the aerosol generation device 80.
• the device can be used freely when the locking control circuitry is disabled.
• the sensor 81 in this embodiment includes a capacitive unit with a plurality of capacitive cells or capacitive pads.
• User gestures which can be detected using a capacitive sensor typically involve touch such as taps, presses, holds and swipes.
• the first gesture comprises holding a first capacitive cell and a second capacitive cell for a predetermined time period; and subsequently swiping along a length of the plurality of capacitive cells.
• the first gesture comprises holding the first capacitive cell for the predetermined time period.
• the first and second capacitive cells are the side cells, i.e. the outermost cells of the capacitive unit.
• the first and second capacitive cells may not be the most extreme cells but they are typically non-contiguous such that more than one press point is required in order to contact both of the cells simultaneously.
• the predetermined time period is typically between half a second and three seconds.
• the swipe gesture can be detected by the sensor 81 independent of the particular swipe direction. However the recognised swipe directions may be limited.
• the second gesture in this embodiment comprises swiping in a first direction along the length of the plurality of capacitive cells; and swiping in a second direction along the length of the plurality of capacitive cells.
• the second direction is substantially opposite to the first direction.
• the capacitive unit is linear and the first and second directions are in line with the longitudinal axis of the capacitive unit.
• the second gesture is detected, in this embodiment, when a swipe is entered followed by a reverse swipe.
• the relative direction between the two swiping actions is detected, and the absolute direction is not important. However in an alternative embodiment the absolute direction may be important.
• the aerosol generation device 80 provides feedback to the user in order to communicate to the user that a gesture has been detected. This is particularly relevant when a user gesture comprises multiple component gestures to form a gesture sequence. In a gesture sequence with N gesture components, the aerosol generation device 80 can be configured to confirm to the user that the n- th gesture has been recognised before the user enters the n+1-th gesture for 1 ⁇ n ⁇ N. The aerosol generation device 80 can also provide feedback to the user once the gesture or gesture sequence has been completed. The feedback is typically sensory feedback.
• Figures 9A and 9B schematically illustrate a first and second portion of a user gesture respectively.
• the user gesture is performed on an aerosol generation device 90 with a capacitive unit 91 acting as a sensor to sense user input.
• the capacitive unit 91 has four capacitive cells arranged linearly along the length of the aerosol generation device 90. In alternative embodiments there may be any number of capacitive cells.
• Figure 9A illustrates a swipe action in a first direction 901
• Figure 9B illustrates a swipe action in a second direction 902.
• Figure 9A highlights the activated capacitive cell at four points in time during the swipe action.
• Activation of a capacitive cell involves pressing the cell with an electrically conducting member such as a finger or a thumb.
• Contiguous cells may be activated simultaneously by a single digit.
• a first cell 92 is activated.
• a second cell 93 adjacent to the first cell 92 is activated.
• a third cell 94 adjacent to the second cell 93 is activated.
• a fourth time later than the third time a fourth cell 95 adjacent to the third cell 94 is activated.
• the successive activation in a continuous manner of the first, second, third and fourth cells 92, 93, 94, 95 is detected by the capacitive unit 91 as a swipe action in the first direction 901.
• the continuous manner of the swipe means that at some point in time between the first time and the second time, both the first cell 92 and the second cell 93 will be activated.
• the finger or thumb used to activate the capacitive unit is in contact with the capacitive unit throughout the swipe action.
• the activated cell is changed over time as a result of lateral movement of the finger or thumb without any raising or lowering of the finger or thumb during the swipe action.
• Figure 9B highlights which cells are activated at four more points in time during a swipe action in a second direction 902.
• a first cell 96 of the capacitive unit 91 is activated.
• a second cell 97 adjacent to the first cell 96 is activated.
• a third cell 98 adjacent to the second cell 97 is activated.
• a fourth cell 99 adjacent to the third cell 98 is activated. The successive activation in a continuous manner of the first, second, third and fourth cells 96, 97, 98, 99 is detected by the capacitive unit 91 as a swipe action in the second direction 902.
• the user gesture includes a swipe action in the first direction
• swipe actions performed in the first and/or second directions may be combined to form any sequence of swipe actions in order to input specific user commands or requests. In this way the user may easily interact with the aerosol generation device 90.
• performing a swipe in the first or second direction followed by a swipe in the reverse direction, i.e. the second or first direction respectively triggers lock enable control circuitry to enable or disable locking control circuitry.
• FIG 10 is a flow chart illustrating the communication between the lock enable control circuitry components of the aerosol generation device during a successful enable or disable sequence comprising two anti-parallel swipe gestures.
• the lock enable control circuitry comprises a capacitive area control module 1001 , application business logic 1002 and a feedback control module 1003.
• the feedback control module 1003 may provide feedback using a light-emitting unit and/or a haptic unit.
• the lock enable control circuitry is configured to enable or disable locking control circuitry upon detection of a user gesture comprising two swipe actions.
• the capacitive area control module 1001 is in communication with the capacitive unit which senses touch input.
• the capacitive area control module 1001 informs the application business logic 1002 by sending a signal 1010.
• the signal 1010 is sent once the swipe has been completed, i.e. once the final capacitive pad or cell has been released.
• the application business logic 1002 commands 1011 the feedback module 1003 to provide feedback.
• the feedback is sensory feedback such as photic, haptic and/or aural feedback.
• the feedback module 1003 then provides feedback 1012 to the user in accordance with the command 1011 received from the application business logic 1002.
• the application business logic 1002 listens for a further signal from the capacitive area control module 1001.
• the application business logic 1002 waits for the second swipe in the sequence of two swipes.
• the wait time is typically between 1 and 5 seconds. In this embodiment the wait time is 3 seconds.
• the capacitive area control module 1001 informs the application business logic 1002 by sending a signal 1014 on completion of the swipe. If the signal 1014 is received before the wait time has elapsed, the enable or disable sequence has been entered successfully and the lock enable state of the device is switched. Switching of the lock enable state of the device entails disabling the locking control circuitry if it is enabled, or enabling the locking control circuitry if it is disabled.
• the application business logic 1002 commands 1015 the feedback module 1003 to provide feedback to the user to communicate that the second swipe has been recognised.
• the feedback module 1003 then provides haptic, photic and/or aural feedback 1016 to the user in accordance with the received command 1015.
• the application business logic 1002 is only configured to command the feedback module 1003 to provide feedback to the user following detection of the first swipe and the second swipe.
• the first and second swipes may be in the same direction or may be in opposite directions.
• the second swipe may be anti-parallel to the first swipe.
• Figure 10 illustrates a successful enable or disable sequence.
• the wait time 1013 set by the application business logic 1002 elapses before the signal about the second swipe is transmitted 1014.
• the application business logic 1002 is configured to cancel the enable/disable sequence if the second swipe is not detected in the allotted time.
• the feedback module 1003 can be configured to provide further feedback about the state of the aerosol generation device. For example, if a user attempts to input a lock unlock sequence as described in Figures 5, 6 and 7 when the locking control circuitry is disabled, the feedback module 1003 may play a short vibration, a short pulse of light, or a short beep to indicate to the user that the lock unlock sequence will not work when the associated circuitry is disabled.
• the state of the aerosol generation device i.e. whether the locking control circuitry is enabled or disabled, may also be reviewed using a connected electronic device.
• An application interface as described in relation to Figure 4 can be provided to switch from an enabled state to a disabled state and from a disabled state to an enabled state using the connected electronic device instead of the user gestures as described above.
• FIG 11 schematically illustrates the components of an aerosol generation device and a connected electronic device.
• the application modules 1110 comprise a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) transport module 1111 , communication protocol support 1112, application business logic 1113, a capacitive area control module 1114, an LED control module 1115, a haptic control module 1116 and a battery supervisor 1117.
• the dependencies 1120 comprise a capacitive area driver 1121 and a motion Al library 1122.
• the application business logic 1113 mediates between the hardware 1130 and application modules 1110.
• the application modules 1110 are typically performed on a controller or microprocessor on the device.
• the communication protocol support 1112 mediates communication between the application business logic 1113 and the BLE transport module 1111.
• the BLE transport module is configured to communicate using BLE with a mobile terminal device 1100.
• the hardware 1130 of the aerosol generation device comprises a capacitive area 1131 , a white LED 1132, a red-green-blue (RGB) LED 1133, a haptic engine 1134, inertial sensors 1135 and a battery 1136.
• Input to the capacitive area 1131 is transformed using the capacitive area driver 1121 into information about the input such as which capacitive pads were pressed and what level of force was applied.
• Capacitive events identified by the capacitive area driver 1121 are transformed using a capacitive area control module 1114 which is in communication with the application business logic 1113.
• the capacitive area control module 1114 can recognise input events such as swipe, tap, double-tap, or other user interaction patterns.
• the LED control module 1115 provides a link between the application business logic 1113 and the white and RGB LEDs 1132, 1133. The LED control module 1115 controls light indication.
• the haptic control module 1116 provides a link between the application business logic 1113 and the haptic engine 1134. The haptic control module 1116 controls the specific vibration pattern output by the haptic engine 1134.
• Data from the inertial sensors 1135 is processed by the motion Al library 1122.
• the motion Al library 1122 transforms the raw data from the inertial sensors 1135 into physical values which can be interpreted by the application business logic 1113.
• the battery supervisor 1117 is in communication with the battery 1136.
• the application business logic 1113 can determine the battery level by sending a request to the battery supervisor 1117.
• the LED control module 1115, haptic control module 1116, battery supervisor 1117, communication protocol support 1112 and Bluetooth transport module 1111 are de-activated. Unlocking the aerosol generation device allows these modules to be accessed.
• the capacitive area control module 1114, along with the associated dependencies and hardware, remains active in order to detect further user gestures. This allows the battery usage to be reduced when the device is locked.
• an aerosol generation device is provided with control circuitry configured to change the lock state of the device upon detection of a particular user gesture or set of gestures by a sensor in the device.
• Locking control circuitry can be used to lock or unlock the aerosol generation device and lock enable control circuitry can be used to enable or disable the locking control circuitry. In this way a user can adapt the security level of the aerosol generation device to match the requirements of a situation.
• a gesture for locking and unlocking an aerosol generation device is disclosed in the context of Figures 2-7.
• a gesture for enabling or disabling locking control circuitry is disclosed in the context of Figures 9A, 9B and 10.
• these different gestures may be used for the other purpose.
• the gesture described in the context of Figures 2-7 may be used for enabling or disabling locking control circuitry
• the gesture described in the context of Figures 9A, 9B and 10 may be used for locking and unlocking the aerosol generation device.
• the aerosol generation device may be locked by pressing the fourth cell 35, and then swiping upwards so that contact is detected successively with the third cell 34, the second cell 33 and the first cell 32.
• a red blink is provided as a LED notification to indicate that the device has been successfully locked.
• the aerosol generation device is unlocked by pressing the first cell 32 and then swiping downwards so that contact is detected successively with the second cell 33, the third cell 34 and the fourth cell 35.
• a green blink is provided as a LED notification to indicate that the device has been successfully unlocked.
• the locking control circuitry may be enabled by holding the first and fourth cells 32, 35 and then swiping from top to bottom so that contact is detected successively with the first cell 32, the second cell 33, the third cell 34 and the fourth cell 35.
• a blue blink is provided as a LED notification to indicate that the locking control circuitry has been successfully enabled.
• the locking control circuitry can be disabled by holding the first and fourth cells 32, 35 and then swiping from bottom to top so that contact is detected successively with the fourth cell 35, the third cell 34, the second cell 33 and the first cell 32.
• a blue blink is provided as a LED notification to indicate that the locking control circuitry has been successfully disabled.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
• Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
• User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)
• Telephone Function (AREA)

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• 2021
  • 2021-06-24 JP JP2022571289A patent/JP2023530595A/ja active Pending
  • 2021-06-24 EP EP21734014.0A patent/EP4171289A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2021-06-24 WO PCT/EP2021/067295 patent/WO2022002740A1/en unknown

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