KR20240009481A - Aerosol delivery system - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for managing the supply of aerosolizable material for a non-flammable aerosol delivery system includes receiving one or more characteristics related to use of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system. The method also includes predicting the length of time remaining until the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted based on the initial supply of aerosolizable material and one or more characteristics related to use. The method additionally includes the step of taking preemptive action before the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted.

Description

Aerosol delivery system

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of aerosol delivery systems. In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to managing the supply of aerosolizable materials for non-flammable aerosol delivery systems.

[0002] A “non-flammable” aerosol delivery system is one in which the aerosol-generating materials of which the aerosol delivery system (or a component thereof) is comprised do not combust or burn to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user. It's a system.

[0003] The non-flammable aerosol delivery system may be an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement. You should pay attention to

[0004] A non-flammable aerosol delivery system may be an aerosol generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0005] A non-flammable aerosol delivery system may be a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be in solid, liquid or gel form, for example, and may or may not contain nicotine. Hybrid systems may include liquid or gel aerosol-generating materials and solid aerosol-generating materials. Solid aerosol generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0006] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system may include a non-flammable aerosol delivery device and consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol delivery device.

[0007] A non-flammable aerosol delivery system, such as a non-flammable aerosol delivery device, can include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical power source or a thermal power source. The exothermic power source may include a carbon substrate that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol generating material or a heat transfer material proximate to the exothermic power source.

[0008] A non-flammable aerosol delivery system may include a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an area for receiving an aerosol modifier.

[0009] Consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol delivery device include aerosol-generating materials, aerosol-generating material storage areas, aerosol-generating material transport components, aerosol generators, aerosol-generating areas, housings, wrappers, and filters. , a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol modifier.

[0010] Known approaches include WO2014199233A2, WO2015128665A1, US2017027229A1, WO2015138589A1, WO2019060305A1, US20140246035A1, WO2014058678A1, WO20120273 50A2, EP3210481A1, WO2020229045A1, US9877505B2, and US9888725B2.

[0011] In a first aspect, a method is provided for managing the supply of aerosolizable material for a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, the method comprising: receiving one or more characteristics associated with use of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system; steps; predicting the length of time remaining until the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted based on the initial supply of aerosolizable material and one or more characteristics related to use; and taking preemptive action before supplies of aerosolizable materials are depleted.

[0012] In a second aspect, a user device is provided, the user device comprising: a receiver/transmitter element that receives one or more characteristics related to use of a non-flammable aerosol delivery system; and a processor, wherein the processor: predicts the length of time remaining until the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted based on one or more characteristics related to use and the initial supply of aerosolizable material; and to take preemptive action before supplies of aerosolizable materials are depleted.

[0013] In a third aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided comprising instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry of a computing device, cause the computing device to: Use a non-flammable aerosol delivery system. receive one or more characteristics related to; predict the length of time remaining until the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted based on one or more characteristics related to use and the initial supply of aerosolizable material; Ensure preemptive action is taken before supplies of aerosolizable materials are depleted.

[0014] Embodiments and examples of the present approaches will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings:
[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a non-flammable aerosol delivery system.
[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a user device.
[0017] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of tracking an inventory of aerosolizable materials for a non-flammable aerosol delivery system.
[0018] Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for responding to an inventory of aerosolizable materials falling below a threshold.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for tracking an inventory of aerosolizable materials as the storage elements of a pod are updated.
[0020] Figure 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of managing the supply of aerosolizable materials for a non-flammable aerosol delivery system.
[0021] Figure 7 is a method of tracking the use of aerosolizable materials for non-flammable aerosol delivery systems.
[0022] Figures 8A-8E illustrate example inventories of aerosolizable materials.
[0023] Figures 9A-9C are schematic diagrams illustrating a user interface used to manage the supply of aerosolizable material for a non-flammable aerosol delivery system.
[0024] Although the presently described approach is capable of various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the figures and are described in detail herein. However, the drawings and detailed description thereof are not intended to limit the scope to the particular form disclosed; on the contrary, the scope is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope as defined in the appended claims. It should be understood as

[0025] Non-flammable aerosol delivery systems are used with consumable aerosol generating materials, referred to herein as aerosolizable materials. It can be provided in a non-flammable aerosol delivery system in a number of ways, but typically a non-flammable aerosol delivery system may be used with pods containing aerosolizable material, which pods themselves may be disposable or refillable. It may be refillable.

[0026] However, although aerosolizable material is provided in a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, the aerosolizable material is consumed through use of the system. Because aerosolizable materials are consumed in this way, the user's supply of aerosolizable materials may be depleted over time, and when this supply runs out, the user must use a non-flammable aerosol delivery system until the supply is replenished. may not be available.

[0027] To reduce the chance of running out of aerosolizable materials, using the techniques described herein, a user can track a variety of inventories of aerosolizable materials and ensure that the user's supply of aerosolizable materials is The supply of aerosolizable materials can be managed by determining whether the materials are sufficient for use and/or by recording and monitoring how users use the non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

[0028] In this way, the user can be provided with a higher level of control over the supply of aerosolizable material, thereby reducing the likelihood of running out of supply. Additionally, the techniques described herein provide convenient mechanisms for users to order more aerosolizable material or take other proactive steps to ensure that aerosolizable material does not run out.

[0029] It will be understood that the present approaches include transmitting data to and from a non-flammable aerosol delivery system and processing the stored and/or received data by the non-flammable aerosol delivery system. Additionally, the present approaches require the user device to be able to communicate with a non-flammable aerosol delivery system. This user device may be able to communicate with other services or systems. Accordingly, to illustrate suitable devices for providing these functionalities, an exemplary non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 and an exemplary user device 40 are illustrated with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively.

[0030] An example of a non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown, the aerosol delivery device 10 comprises an aerosol media container or cartridge 12 (in the case of an END device, the aerosol media container or cartridge 12 will contain nicotine or a nicotine-containing formulation); It is a device comprising elements related to aerosol generation, such as an aerosol generation chamber (14) and an outlet (16) through which the generated aerosol can be discharged. A battery 18 may be provided to power a heat generator element (e.g., heater 20) within (or functionally adjacent to) the aerosol generation chamber 14. Battery 18 may also supply power to processor/controller 22, which may provide purposes of device use, such as activation of the device for aerosol generation, and purposes of communication and functionality control in response to an activation trigger. . Processor/controller 22 may have access to memory 24, which may be used to store operating instructions for processor/controller 22. Memory 24 may also be used to store data describing operating conditions and/or states of non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 and/or one or more components thereof. Memory 24 may be internal to processor/controller 22, or may be provided as an additional, separate physical element.

[0031] To perform transmission and reception of data and/or messaging, the processor/controller 22 is provided with a transmitter/receiver element 26. Transmitter/receiver elements 26 allow non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 to communicate with connected devices using connectivity technologies, such as personal area network protocols. Exemplary personal area network protocols include Bluetooth™, Bluetooth Low Energy (tm) (BLE), Zigbee™, Wireless USB, and Near Field Communication (NFC). Exemplary personal area network protocols also include protocols that use optical communications, such as the Infrared Communications Standard (IrDA), and data-over-sound. Other wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi™ technology, may be used if the non-flammable aerosol delivery system has adequate functionality. In other examples, transmitter/receiver element 26 may be configured to provide a wired communication channel between physical ports of non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 and a connected device. These wired communication channels may utilize physical connection technologies such as USB™, serial ports, FireWire™, or other point-to-point wired connectivity. The remainder of this disclosure will use the example of BLE and use BLE terminology, but it will be understood that corresponding or equivalent functionality of other personal area network technologies may be substituted. Accordingly, in this example, transmitter/receiver element 26 is a BLE interface element that includes or is connected to a wireless antenna for wireless communication. In other examples, such as those indicated above, this may be an interface element for alternative wireless technologies and/or wired connection interfaces.

[0032] Any communications established with a connected device may be non-permanent or otherwise temporary in the sense that a channel may be established for a period of time necessary to perform certain functionalities, but may also be disconnected when not needed. You might lose. For this reason, such connected devices will be referred to herein as user devices, in the sense that they are likely to be utilized and/or controlled by the user of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 and the connected device. These user devices may be referred to as remote devices, in the sense that the device is remote from the non-flammable aerosol delivery system, or as intermediate devices, in the sense that the device is intermediate between the non-flammable aerosol delivery system and the unlocking/life verification services. An example of this is described below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0033] Returning to the discussion of Figure 1, processor/controller 22 may, in one example, be an STM32 microcontroller provided by ST Microelectronics and based on the ARM™ Cortex™-M processor. In other examples, an alternative microcontroller or processor may be used, which may be based on ARM™ architecture, Atom™ architecture, or other low power processor technology. Alternatively or additionally, transmitter/receiver element 26 may, in one example, include an nRF BLE chip in cooperation with a processor/controller to provide BLE connectivity to the non-flammable aerosol delivery system. In other examples, other communication interface chips or modules may be deployed to provide connectivity services.

[0034] As illustrated, processor/controller 22 may be coupled to, for example, an aerosol media container or cartridge 12, aerosol generation chamber 14, and battery 18. This connection may be connected to an interface connection or output from one of the components, and/or may be connected to a sensor located at or within one of the components. These connections may provide access by the processor to the properties of the individual components. For example, the battery connection can be used to control the activation of a non-flammable aerosol delivery system for aerosol generation.

[0035] Additional functionality of processor/controller 22 and/or memory 24 will be described with reference to examples of the present approaches below.

[0036] An example of a user device 40 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 2 . The user device may be a device such as a mobile phone or tablet of the user (and/or owner) of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10. As shown, user device 40 includes a receiver transmitter element 42 for communicating with non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10. Accordingly, the receiver transmitter element 42 will be configured to use the same connectivity and protocols, etc., as the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 with which it will interact in any implementation. Accordingly, in the present examples, receiver transmitter element 42 is a BLE interface element that includes or is coupled to a wireless antenna for wireless communication. In other examples, such as those indicated above, this may be an interface element for alternative wireless technologies and/or wired connection interfaces.

[0037] Receiver transmitter element 42 is coupled to a processor or controller 44 that can receive and process data or messaging received from the non-flammable aerosol delivery system. Processor or controller 44 may access memory 46, which may be used to store program information and/or data. User device 40 may include an additional data transfer interface 48 . This interface may provide one or more interface functionality for, for example, a wired connection, such as a wired local area network, and/or a wireless connection, such as a wireless local area network and/or cellular data services. This interface may be used to send and receive messaging to and from various other devices, computer systems, and/or computer services, for example, as required by any particular implementation. Additionally, this interface may also or alternatively be used for communications related to other functionality of the user device 40 unrelated to the operation or interaction of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

[0038] User device 40 also includes output device 50 (which may include one or more of a display, audio output, and haptic output) and input device 52 (buttons, keys). ), touch-sensitive display elements, or a mouse/trackpad).

[0039] User device 40 may be pre-programmed or configured to provide functionality according to the approaches discussed below. Additionally or alternatively, the user device may store software, such as an app, (e.g., in memory 46) so that when the software is executed, the processor or controller 44 has corresponding functionality. . Accordingly, the user device may be a multi-purpose device with the described functionality when the app is executed.

[0040] Software that allows a user device to be programmed for the techniques described herein may also include instructions, embodied in or encoded in a computer-readable medium, such as a computer-readable storage medium. Instructions embedded or encoded in a computer-readable medium may, for example, cause a programmable processor or other processor to perform a method when the instructions are executed. Computer-readable media may include non-transitory computer-readable storage media, and transitory communication media such as carrier signals and transmission media. Computer readable storage media include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), programmable read only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), and electronically erasable programmable read only memory. (EEPROM), flash memory, hard disk, CD-ROM, floppy disk, cassette, magnetic media, optical media, or other computer-readable storage media. The term “computer-readable storage media” refers to physical storage media. Transient communication media may occur between components of a single computing system (e.g., on a bus or internal link between a memory and a processor) or between separate computing systems (e.g., over a network or connection between other computing devices). and may include transmission signals, carrier waves, etc.

[0041] Such software may be loaded directly onto the user device 40 from a computer-readable medium, or may be connected to the user device to another computing device (e.g., a desktop computer, laptop computer, etc.) and run on the other computing device. Software may be used to control loading of the software onto the user device.

[0042] Accordingly, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system and a user device have been described that can interact to provide a user of the user device with a number of additional functionalities for the non-flammable aerosol delivery system. Now, examples of such functionality will be described.

[0043] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of tracking an inventory of aerosolizable materials for a non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

[0044] A user's inventory of aerosolizable materials refers to the amount of aerosolizable materials available to the user. In some cases, this is the total amount of aerosolizable material owned by the user, which may be divided into several pods of aerosolizable material. In this case, the inventory may identify the level of aerosolizable material in each pod, or the total amount of aerosolizable material distributed across multiple pods without indication of which pods the material is in. In some examples, non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 operates with refillable pods, and the inventory indicates the amount of refill liquid. In still other examples, non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 includes a reservoir for storing aerosolizable material, such that non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 is operable without using any pods. In these examples, the inventory may represent the total amount of fluid (aerosolizable material) the user has in the reservoir and can be stored separately for refilling the reservoir. The inventory of aerosolizable materials will be discussed in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 8A-8E.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, at step S31, input is received indicating changes in the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials. This input may take a number of forms and may vary depending on the cause of the change in the user's inventory.

[0046] In some examples, the input is user input input to user device 40, such as specifying a change in user inventory. For example, a user may enter into user device 40 the number of pods of aerosolizable material that the user has purchased. This may therefore correspond to an increase in the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials. User input may also indicate that the inventory of aerosolizable material has been reduced. For example, the user may specify that the currently displayed inventory of aerosolizable materials is too much and should be revised downward, for example, if the user has transferred/lost the pod or used the pod on another device. By supporting user input in this manner, user device 40 can maintain an accurate inventory that reflects the user's actual inventory, which may not be possible if only automated means are used to detect changes in inventory. That is, automated technologies for detecting changes in a user's supply of aerosolizable materials can provide seamless tracking of inventory in many cases, but inventory inventory may not always be properly detected using such automated technologies. There are some events that can cause changes in . Accordingly, by supporting user input indicating changes in inventory, an accurate representation of the amount of aerosolizable material available to the user can be maintained.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, input indicating changes in user inventory received in step S31 may be received from the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 itself. Because the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 causes consumption of aerosolizable material, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 may be able to track that consumption and display changes on the user device. For example, non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 may determine the amount of aerosolizable material consumed based on usage by the user and communicate this to user device 40 as an input indicating a change. In some examples, non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 may determine a change in the level of aerosolizable material within a pod by calculating the amount of aerosol consumed based on the length/number of puffs on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system. Calculate changes in the inventory of available materials itself. The change in the level of aerosolizable material within the pod thus determined may be applied to the known, detected or estimated previous level of aerosolizable material within the pod to calculate the remaining level.

[0048] Similarly, non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 may provide user device 40 with details related to the use of non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10, from which user device 40 itself may receive Changes in inventory can be determined. For example, non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 may determine the length of one or more puffs, the number of puffs, and/or the heater power level when the puffs are performed at the user device. Based on this data, user device 40 may be able to calculate changes in user inventory. Again, the change in residual level of aerosolizable material determined can be applied to the known, detected or estimated previous level to calculate the residual level.

[0049] By using input from the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 in this manner, the user device 10 can automatically detect changes in the supply of aerosolizable material as the user uses the device without manual intervention from the user. You can specify how much material was used by tracking it.

[0050] In some examples, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 is capable of operating in an “auto draw” mode of operation, wherein the auto draw functionality is configured to notify input indicating a change in the user inventory at step S31. It is additionally used to In this auto-draw mode, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 detects a puff or puffs on the device and, based on the puff(s), directs the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 to generate aerosols for consumption by the user. It is configured to control. Puff(s) may be detected by comparing the pressure within the mouthpiece of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 to ambient pressure using a pressure sensor of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10. When a user puffs on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10, the pressure within the mouthpiece decreases, which can be detected as a pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure within the mouthpiece. The puff or puffs may similarly be detected by a flow sensor that detects the flow of air passing through the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 due to the user's puffing.

[0051] The non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 in auto draw mode responds to detection of the puff(s) to control the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 to generate aerosols. The control may include initiating generation of aerosols when a puff is detected, thereby providing a way for the user to signal the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 when the user wishes to use the device. there is. However, in some examples, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 further controls parameters related to how the aerosolizable material is aerosolized based on the properties of the puff. For example, a deeper puff (which can be detected by a larger difference between mouthpiece pressure and ambient pressure) causes the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 to operate the heater 20 at a higher power level, and /or to continue producing aerosolizable material for longer periods of time. In this way, the user can control the operation of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 in an intuitive manner by changing the method of puffing on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10.

[0052] The user's puff or characteristics of puffs (e.g., length of puff, flow rate during puff, and/or pressure difference) may be used as input to indicate changes in user inventory. That is, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 may provide this information to the user device 40 and, based on this, the user device 40 may determine the aerosol content consumed during the corresponding use of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10. It may be possible to determine the amount of material available. The non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 responds to the puffs with details about how the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 is controlled (e.g., the heater power level used or the time the heater 20 is operated). may alternatively or additionally be provided, and this information may be used by user device 40 to determine the amount of aerosolizable material consumed. In still other examples, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 calculates the amount of aerosolizable material consumed during operation while responding to the user's puff(s), and determines this amount of aerosolizable material in step S31. It is communicated to the user device as an input indicating a change in inventory.

[0053] Another possible form of input that may be received at step S31 is an indication that a pod for use with the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 has been changed (e.g., removed or inserted). Based on this information, user device 40 may infer that all aerosolizable material within the pod has been consumed. Alternatively, in instances where the inventory separately indicates amounts of different types of aerosolizable material, the indication that a pod has been changed may serve as an indication that a different type of material is being consumed.

[0054] It will be appreciated that user device 40 may respond to more than one of the different types of input described herein, and the display of inventory may be modified accordingly in several different ways. This may allow user device 40 to better respond to changes in inventory aerosolizable materials that occur for different reasons and increase the accuracy of stored representations of inventory.

[0055] Upon receiving input indicating a change in the user inventory, user device 40 updates a stored representation of the inventory of aerosolizable materials based on the input. The representation of the inventory may be stored on the user device 40 itself, on a remote server accessible to the user device 40, and/or on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 itself. Regardless of the form of the representation, changes in the received inventory are reflected in updates to the stored representation. For example, if the input includes user input specifying that a pod has been lost/sold out, user device 40 may modify the display of the inventory downward by one pod (or an equivalent amount of aerosolizable material). It is configured to do so. On the other hand, if the input comes from a non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 and reflects the aerosolizable material consumed with the use of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10, the change in aerosolizable material may be less than the entire pod. , user device 10 is configured to change the stored representation of the inventory to reflect the portion of the pod in use.

[0056] By receiving input indicating changes in the user's inventory and updating the inventory of aerosolizable materials in this manner, the user device can maintain an up-to-date indication of the amount of aerosolizable materials available to the user.

[0057] User device 40 may also be capable of handling situations where a user has more than one non-flammable aerosol delivery system. In this case, the method further includes receiving, from a second non-flammable aerosol delivery system, a second usage inflation indicative of the amount of aerosolizable material used, and updating a stored representation of the inventory of aerosolizable material. It can be included. This allows inventory to be accurately tracked in cases where a user has more than one non-flammable aerosol delivery system and changes in inventory may occur due to use of any of the systems. In this case, the inventory may include a combined inventory of both/all non-flammable aerosol delivery systems, for example, if the aerosolizable materials are interchangeable and can be used in both systems. . However, user device 40 may also support inventory with two or more different types of aerosolizable materials in cases where non-flammable aerosol delivery systems are not compatible with the same types of aerosolizable materials.

[0058] Returning to Figure 3, another way the inventory of aerosolizable materials can change is for the user to purchase more aerosolizable materials. As shown in step S35, user device 40 may detect the purchase of such aerosolizable material. This may occur when a purchase is made on the same or related software on the device (for example, the user orders more pods through an app on the user's device), or when supplies are low, the software automatically purchases more aerosolizable material. It can occur by detection. In some examples, purchase of aerosolizable material is detected based on a user account associated with user device 40. Accordingly, the user's purchase of aerosolizable materials may be linked to the account registered on the user device 40 even if the purchase is made on a separate device. In other examples, purchase of aerosolizable material is detected based on confirmation of purchase received in the user's email application (or other messaging application).

[0059] In response to detecting an additional purchase of aerosolizable material, the amount of aerosolizable material purchased in step S37 is determined, based on the amount of aerosolizable material purchased in step S39. The saved display in your inventory is updated. For example, a user may order a set of 10 replacement pods of aerosolizable material through an app on user device 40 that detects the purchase. After identifying that 10 replacement pods have been ordered, user device 40 will update the inventory to include the additional 10 pods in this case. This provides a convenient way for users to manage their inventory without having to manually mark additional aerosolizable materials.

[0060] The display of the inventory can be used in a number of ways, but in the example shown in FIG. 3, the display of the inventory of aerosolizable materials calculated using the output device 50 of the user device 40 is performed in the following steps: It is displayed to the user in (S41). Accordingly, users are provided with an accurate indication of the amount of aerosolizable material they can use.

[0061] An indication of the inventory of aerosolizable materials may be presented to the user in amounts corresponding to a percentage of the total pod. In this case, a 50% inventory would indicate to the user that half the pods of aerosolizable material remain, while an inventory of 200% would indicate to the user 2 pods of aerosolizable material (or the equivalent of 2 pods). It will indicate that there is an equivalent amount remaining.

[0062] Additionally or alternatively, the inventory of aerosolizable materials may be indicated by displaying icons, symbols, or colors that correspond to the quantities in the inventory. For example, levels of inventory may be assigned different colors, such as red to indicate that the inventory contains less than 2 pods remaining, orange to indicate 2 to 4 pods, etc. and green, which indicates to the user that four or more pods of aerosolizable material remain. An appropriate color, icon, or symbol corresponding to the amount of aerosolizable material remaining may then be displayed to the user to indicate the inventory. The mapping between inventory levels and colors, icons or symbols may be predetermined, for example by the manufacturer or default, or based on the user's preferences and/or the inventory level the user wishes to maintain. It can be set by the user. In some examples, the mapping between colors, icons or symbols is established based on observed consumption rates of aerosolizable material such that each color, icon or symbol is predicted to be consumed within a certain amount of time. Indicates the amount of material available.

[0063] Accordingly, approaches have been described for tracking the amount of aerosolizable material for a non-flammable aerosol delivery system remaining in a user's inventory.

[0064] In addition to, or instead of, displaying a representation of the user's inventory, the method may include verifying whether the inventory is sufficient for the user's needs. As illustrated in Figure 4, this is done by comparing the inventory to a threshold.

[0065] In step S39 of FIG. 4 (corresponding to step S39 of FIG. 3), the stored representation of the inventory of aerosolizable materials is updated (e.g., this may occur at steps S33 and S39). You can respond to either or both). This updated inventory is then compared against a threshold. The threshold may be predetermined by the manufacturer, for example, and set to a default value, or may be set by the user based on the inventory level the user wishes to maintain. In some examples, the threshold is calculated based on a consumption rate of the aerosolizable material observed by the user such that the threshold level corresponds to usage over a predetermined period of time. For example, the threshold level can be set to correspond to daily use of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10.

[0066] If it is detected in step S42 that the inventory of aerosolizable materials falls below a threshold level, the user device 40 is configured to take preemptive action in step S43. By applying thresholds and acting proactively in this way, rather than waiting for a user to run out of aerosolizable material before reacting, this approach reduces the likelihood that a user will run out of aerosolizable material; This prevents users from using the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10. Instead, by anticipating depletion of supplies, one can purchase more aerosolizable materials or slow down the use of aerosolizable materials to avoid running out of aerosolizable materials.

[0067] Preemptive action can take a number of forms, which will be discussed in more detail with respect to step S61 of FIG. 7, but in some examples, preemptive action may include notifying the user, providing the user with aerosolizable material, Prompting to order more, ordering more aerosolizable material on behalf of the user, and causing the non-flammable aerosol delivery system to enter an aerosolizable material preservation mode.

[0068] The techniques described herein can be performed with a number of types of non-flammable aerosol delivery systems operable with a variety of different mechanisms for providing aerosolizable material. As discussed above, pods of aerosolizable material can be inserted into a non-flammable aerosol delivery system to provide aerosolizable material to the system. In some cases, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system cannot distinguish between pods, so the inventory displays the total level of aerosolizable material across a potential plurality of pods, but the level of aerosolizable material in a particular pod. can be maintained without identification.

However, in some examples, non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 may operate with pods that include a storage element that stores data describing the supply level of aerosolizable material for that pod. The storage element may include, for example, a flash memory capable of storing information that can be read and modified by the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 while the pod is inserted into the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10. It can be included.

[0070] Accordingly, based on detected changes to the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials, particularly for non-flammable aerosol delivery systems, automatically triggering action, particularly if a certain level of depletion of that inventory is detected; and/or the approach that can be taken is described.

[0071] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for tracking an inventory of aerosolizable materials as storage elements on a pod are updated. As shown in Figure 5, in step S45, insertion of a pod into the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 is detected. This may occur, for example, when the electrical contacts on the pod complete a circuit and are detected by the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10, when the electrical resistance of the pod is detected, when the pod is inserted, when the pod depresses a contact switch, or when the pod and This may occur due to the possibility of RFID/NFC communication being detected. In response to detecting insertion of the pod, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 reads, from the pod's storage element, an initial supply corresponding to the amount of aerosolizable material initially stored in the pod. This reading may be based on a physical electrical connection between the non-flammable aerosol delivery system and the pod, and/or a wireless (e.g., RFID or NFC) connection between the non-flammable aerosol delivery system and the pod. For new pods, the initial supply may be set when the pod is first filled, indicating that the pod is full, and indicating the capacity and/or contents of the pod (e.g., type/flavor of aerosolizable material) You may. For pods that have already been used, an initial supply may have been recorded in the pod after a period of use to reflect changes in the pod's level due to that use.

[0072] After inserting the pod, the user can proceed to use the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10, which generates aerosols using aerosolizable material from the pod. Accordingly, the level of aerosolizable material within the pod is reduced. At step S47, input is received indicating a change in the supply of aerosolizable material. This change in supply can be measured by monitoring the amount of aerosolizable material withdrawn from the pod by the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 itself, or calculated based on the usage characteristics of the device. For example, the amount of aerosolizable material can be determined by the number of puffs taken by the user, the heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system, the length of puffs taken by the user, and any other factors that affect consumption of aerosolizable material. It can be calculated (by a non-flammable aerosol delivery system or user device) based on relevant factors.

[0073] Based on changes in the supply of such aerosolizable materials, the stored representation of the maintained inventory may be updated in step S48 (corresponding to step S39 in FIGS. 3 and 4). Additionally or alternatively, in step S49, the updated level of aerosolizable material within the pod may be written back to the storage element of the pod. By updating the storage element of the pod with a new level of aerosolizable material in this manner, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 can maintain an accurate indication of the level of aerosolizable material within the pod on the storage element. This can help users manage their inventory of aerosolizable materials, especially as pods are used across more devices.

[0074] In step S50, as shown in FIG. 5, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 detects removal of the pod. This can be achieved, for example, by breaking the circuit completed by a pod, changing the resistance or by a contact switch.

[0075] When used with pods that can store a current level of aerosolizable material, additional safety functionality may be provided to detect if a non-refillable pod has been refilled. This functionality utilizes both the level details of the pod's current aerosolizable material and the unique identifier, allowing that pod to be individually identified to all other pods in the user's inventory. Inventory tracking can track the amount of inventory associated with that specific pod identifier (i.e., the last reading or current level recorded of aerosolizable material for that pod), so that the amount of aerosolizable material remaining in the future can be determined for that pod. If the current level of aerosolizable material previously read or recorded is exceeded, a refill action may be detected. If an attempt to refill a non-refillable pod is detected, a warning may be displayed to the user or the non-flammable aerosol delivery system may prevent use of that pod for safety reasons.

[0076] Accordingly, the initial amount of aerosolizable material is discovered by reading the pod, which stores a value representing the remaining amount of aerosolizable material inside, and later (with the use of a non-flammable aerosol delivery system into which the pod is inserted). An approach has been described to record an updated amount of aerosolizable material in a pod (after the remaining amount of aerosolizable material in the pod has decreased). Accordingly, pod level inventory tracking can be performed where individual pod inventory can be tracked as representative of the entire inventory under consideration or as part of broader inventory tracking based on multiple pods within the inventory.

[0077] Figure 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of managing the supply of aerosolizable materials for a non-flammable aerosol delivery system. As used herein, supply refers to a user's inventory of aerosolizable material (e.g., an amount of aerosolizable material stored across a plurality of pods, multiple pods of aerosolizable material, or refillable material). amount of aerosolizable material available for use with the pods). In some cases, the supply of aerosolizable material may be determined by the level of aerosolizable material remaining in a particular pod, or the amount of aerosolizable material currently available to the user (e.g., in inventory at another location). ) may be related to the amounts of other aerosolizable materials, such as the amount of aerosolizable material the user has on hand, if this may also be included.

[0078] In step S51 of Figure 6, characteristics related to the use of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 are received. These characteristics may be received from the user himself through user input specifying the characteristics. For example, the user may, on the user device, change the supply of aerosolizable material that may indicate one or more pods that the user has transferred/lost, modify a stored representation of the user's supply of aerosolizable material, or You can enter the amount of aerosolizable material consumed in a usage session.

[0079] Use-relevant properties may also be provided by the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10. This can be useful because users don't have to track their usage. For example, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 may detect one or more puffs on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system, determine the length of the puffs, the number of puffs taken, and/or the heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10. Usage characteristics for one or more puffs, such as, can be collected. Non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 can then provide these characteristics to user device 40 for use in predicting the length of time remaining until the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted.

[0080] In some examples, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 is capable of operating in an auto-draw mode as described above, features associated with the use of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10, and details of the detected puffs. , the amount of aerosolizable material consumed when operating in response to these puffs, or parameters of operation of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 that are set based on these puffs.

[0081] After receiving the properties, the length of time remaining until the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted is calculated in step S53. The calculations performed will depend on the properties received, but may include, for example, determining the average consumption rate of aerosolizable material over a recent period of time and projecting this consumption rate forward to determine the remaining length of time. Other factors such as heater power level may be considered in this calculation. Since the heater power level may be related to the rate at which aerosolizable material is consumed, by further considering the current heater power setting, a more accurate estimate of the length of time remaining may be obtained.

[0082] In some examples, the prediction of the length of time remaining also considers the user's usage patterns for the non-flammable aerosol delivery system based on past use. This means that predictions can be tailored to the user and take into account individual variations in how the device is used.

[0083] In some cases, this may detect and utilize the user's average puff duration, the average number of puffs the user takes in a session, the user's typical heater power level selection, and/or the number of sessions conducted during a given time period. It includes doing. By utilizing typical values of these quantities for the user, a more accurate prediction of the time remaining until the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted can be obtained.

[0084] The method may also take into account the user's usage patterns by developing a user usage profile over a day or week. For example, usage characteristics may indicate that a user tends to use a small amount of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 in the morning but then uses a large amount in the afternoon. By incorporating this information into forecasts, forecasts can account for changes in a user's typical consumption over the course of a day.

[0085] As discussed, the usage-related characteristics are used to calculate the remaining prediction time length in step S53. This calculation additionally depends on the initial supply of aerosolizable material and the usage characteristics used to determine the amount of time that supply is expected to be depleted. The initial supply may be obtained from a number of sources, but in some examples, the initial supply is entered by a user, read from a storage element on the pod, or retrieved from a stored supply indication.

[0086] In some instances, the supply is considered depleted when there is no more aerosolizable material left. In other words, depletion of supply corresponds to the use of all materials. However, in some instances, a different level of aerosolizable material may be considered depleted, for example when the level of aerosolizable material reaches a critical level.

[0087] At this point the estimated remaining length of time may be displayed to the user, or used to inform other calculations. However, in the example of Figure 6, at step S55 it is identified that additional aerosolizable material has been ordered. This determination may be made based on an indication from the user, an order made within an app on the user device, detection that an account associated with the user has been used to order more aerosolizable materials, or an aerosolization agent by the user device 40. This may be done in response to automated ordering of available materials.

[0088] Then, at step S57, it is determined when additional aerosolizable materials will become available to the user, for example, by identifying an expected delivery date for the order.

[0089] Following this, in step S59, the predicted remaining time length is compared to the threshold time length. The additional aerosolizable material ordered and the time at which this material will become available can be used to set the level of the threshold. For example, if the length of time remaining with the current supply of aerosolizable material is long enough for additional aerosolizable material to arrive, it may be determined that the supply of aerosolizable material is sufficient.

[0090] In some cases, additional aerosolizable material may not have been ordered (and thus optional steps (S55 and S57) were omitted), and thus this additional factor when comparing the predicted remaining time to the threshold. You will notice that will not be used. Instead, a threshold amount of time may be set at step S61 at which preemptive action is triggered. If the predicted remaining time length falls below a critical time length (e.g. if the supply of aerosolizable material is not sufficient to last a day/week), this preemptive action is triggered, It can reduce the chance of running out of power or display a warning to the user.

[0091] Preemptive action can take a number of possible forms depending on the perceived severity of the remaining length of time that falls below the threshold, the capabilities of the user device and non-flammable aerosol delivery system, and the user's preferences.

[0092] For example, the preemptive action may include notifying the user of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 that the predicted remaining length of time is below a threshold. The user can then take appropriate measures, for example to reduce their consumption or obtain more aerosolizable materials. Notifying the user may include issuing a notification via an output device 50 of the user device. Likewise, the preemptive action may include displaying the predicted remaining length of time to the user (e.g., on output device 50 of user device 40).

[0093] In some instances, to extend the length of time remaining until the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted, preemptive action may be taken when the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 is in one or more other modes of the system. Entering an aerosolizable material preservation mode where the aerosolizable material is consumed at a slower rate. Therefore, this approach increases the length of time remaining until the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted, potentially providing sufficient time for more aerosolizable material to be obtained. Examples of operating characteristics of a non-flammable aerosol delivery system that can be altered to achieve an aerosolizable material preservation mode include heater power settings and puff duration limits, thereby allowing the aerosol-capable material retention mode to be implemented while the aerosolizable material preservation mode is in effect. It can reduce the depletion rate of materials that can be burned.

[0094] Another proactive measure that can be taken includes ordering more aerosolizable materials. This action may be performed automatically in response to the length of time remaining falling below a threshold, or the user may be prompted to order more aerosolizable material. Such a prompt may be issued to the user along with a notification that the length of time remaining has fallen below a threshold, which is illustrated in Figure 9B and described in more detail with reference thereto.

[0095] It will be appreciated that more than one of these preemptive measures may be taken (eg, notifying the user and ordering more aerosolizable material). Taking these proactive measures reduces the likelihood that the user will run out of aerosolizable material and become unable to use the device, and provides the user with control and oversight over the supply of aerosolizable material.

[0096] Accordingly, an approach is described that can track the time remaining until depletion of aerosolizable material in a user's inventory (or indeed a single pod) and take one or more appropriate actions in response to such depletion reaching a threshold. It has been done. Accordingly, near real-time updates to remaining inventory can be made so that user notification and/or other appropriate actions can be taken without delay, such as preventing total inventory depletion before the next inventory restocking event.

[0097] Figure 7 is a method of tracking the use of aerosolizable materials for non-flammable aerosol delivery systems. As shown in Figure 7, in step S71, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 detects a session containing a puff or one or more puffs on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10. This may act as a trigger for the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 to collect usage characteristics indicative of how the user uses the device, at step S73. Use characteristics include the duration of puffs taken on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system, the number of puffs taken in a use session before the user discontinues use of the device for an extended period of time, and the aerosol consumed using the non-flammable aerosol delivery system. It may include an identifier of the amount of flammable material, the time the non-flammable aerosol delivery system has been used, and/or the type/characteristic of the pod present in the non-flammable aerosol delivery system. The non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 may also or alternatively be operable in the auto draw mode described above. In this case, the usage characteristics may be the details of the detected puffs, the amount of aerosolizable material consumed when operating in response to those puffs, or the operation of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 set based on the puffs in question. It may include parameters.

[0098] After collecting information about these characteristics, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 communicates the usage characteristics to the user device 40 (e.g., via Bluetooth ^™ or another suitable connectivity protocol). Non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 may provide usage characteristics to user device 40 as the characteristics are recorded to provide user device 40 with up-to-date information regarding use of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system. However, in some examples, non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 collects a set of usage characteristics (e.g., corresponding to a usage session or specific time period) and provides the collection of usage characteristics together to user device 40. By doing so, power consumption associated with maintaining communication between the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 and the user device 40 can be reduced.

[0099] After receiving the usage characteristics at step S79, the user device is configured to calculate a usage summary based at least in part on the usage characteristics. The usage summary may be provided to the user to provide the user with insight into how to use the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10, or may be used to determine consumption rates of aerosolizable materials, for example.

[0100] The usage summary may take a number of forms and may vary depending on the usage characteristics provided. However, in one example, the usage characteristics indicate times during which the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 is used from which the user device 40 can determine a usage summary indicative of the user's typical usage profile over the course of a day. This can be helpful in understanding when and how users tend to use the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10. For example, if the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 is capable of operating with different types of pods, and the type of pod can be identified by the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10, the usage summary may be The types of pods typically used during certain periods of time may be indicated (e.g., mint flavored pods in the morning, mango flavored pods in the afternoon).

[0101] Similarly, if the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 is capable of operating with multiple heater power levels, the usage summary may indicate which of the heater power levels the user uses at different times of the day. there is. In another example, a usage summary identifies how the typical number of puffs taken by a user in a usage session varies over different periods of the day. In this way, the user can track whether they are using the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 more at certain times than at other times.

[0102] Another useful metric for tracking the use of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 is that the duration of puffs taken by the user depends on the heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10. This may include how things change. If the usage characteristics identify the duration and heater power level of one or more puffs on a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, the usage summary may display, as a typical usage profile, the average duration of a puff for each of a plurality of heater power levels. You can.

[0103] Accordingly, from one perspective, a usage summary may be considered representative of a typical usage profile. These profiles can take into account the wide range of available data on the use of non-flammable aerosol delivery systems. If the approaches involve multiple non-flammable aerosol delivery systems of the user, the usage profile may be applicable to only one or a subset of the user's non-flammable aerosol delivery systems, or to all of the user's non-flammable aerosol delivery systems. It can be made applicable to systems.

[0104] Based on the usage summary, user device 40 may calculate, at step S83, an expected amount of aerosolizable material to be used during the upcoming period. By basing these calculations on a usage summary determined for the usage characteristics, a tailored estimate of the expected amount of aerosolizable material can be derived, taking into account how the user uses the non-flammable aerosol delivery system, and thus the accuracy of the calculations. can increase.

[0105] In a similar manner as previously discussed, and as illustrated in step S85 of Figure 7, calculation of the expected amount of aerosolizable material consumed creates a predicted inventory of aerosolizable material beyond the upcoming period. Can be used to calculate This can be displayed to the user to inform them how the inventory of aerosolizable materials is expected to change. However, as illustrated in Figure 7, the predicted inventory is compared to a threshold at step S87, and if the predicted inventory level is below the threshold, preemptive action is taken at step S89.

[0106] As discussed above, preemptive action may include, for example, notifying the user, prompting the user to order more aerosolizable material, ordering more aerosolizable material on behalf of the user, or Non-flammable aerosol delivery systems can take a variety of forms, such as putting the non-flammable aerosol delivery system into an aerosolizable material preservation mode.

[0107] Accordingly, the use of one or more non-flammable aerosol delivery systems should be monitored to provide a detailed summary of the use and aerosolizable materials of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system (e.g., pods, other consumables and/or refill stocks ( An approach has been described that can provide either or both more accurate tracking of consumption of stock)).

[0108] Figures 8A-8E illustrate example inventories of aerosolizable materials, and corresponding representations of inventories that can be maintained according to the techniques described herein.

[0109] As shown in Figure 8A, the user's inventory includes three pods 62, 64, and 66 of aerosolizable material that are indistinguishable from each other. That is, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 cannot individually identify the three pods. In this case, one of the pods (62) is 50% full and the other two pods (64, 66) are full. Because the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 cannot distinguish between pods individually, an indication of the inventory (or supply of aerosolizable material) is the total amount of aerosolizable material across all pods that may be available to the user. is maintained to display. Therefore, in this case the inventory includes 2.5 pods worth of aerosolizable material. The capacity of the pod is used herein as a unit representing the amount of aerosolizable material, however, it will be understood that the inventory may be expressed in other ways (e.g., milliliters).

[0110] Figure 8B shows another example of a user inventory where there are two types of pods. In this example, the types of pods represent aerosolizable material in different flavors: mint and mango. As shown in Figure 8B, the inventory contains three mint pods (68, 70, 72), one of which is 50% full and the others full, and two mango pods (74, 76). One of these is 70% full and the other is full. The non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 can distinguish between these different types of pods and thus assign a separate delivery level to each type of pod. As shown, the inventory thus indicates that there are 2.5 pods of mint aerosolizable material and 1.7 pods of mango aerosolizable material. As will be appreciated, other specific types of pods may be detected in this arrangement. Examples where the type of pod may be identified may include an arrangement where each pod has a detectable type characteristic of the pod that can be read by the non-flammable aerosol delivery system when the pod is inserted into the non-flammable aerosol delivery system. there is. For example, electrical contacts on the pod complete the circuit and could be made by information provided by the non-flammable aerosol delivery system and/or the possibility of RFID/NFC communication with the pod.

[0111] As illustrated in Figure 8C, the pods can all be individually identified by the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10, so that a separate indication of the amount of aerosolizable material in each pod can be maintained. . In this example, pod 1 (78) is 80% full, pod 2 (80) is full, and pod 3 (82) is 30% full. Maintaining a separate representation of supply for each pod in this way allows users to have a more complete and more accurate view of their inventory at a more granular level. Examples of allowing each pod to be individually identified may include an arrangement where each pod has unique pod characteristics that can be read by the non-flammable aerosol delivery system when the pod is inserted into the non-flammable aerosol delivery system. . For example, this may be due to the specific electrical response provided by the electrical contacts when connected to a non-flammable aerosol delivery system and/or the information provided by the possibility of RFID/NFC communication with the pod.

[0112] Figure 8D illustrates an example in which refillable pods of aerosolizable material are used. In this case, the refillable pod 84 stores aerosolizable material that can be filled from a reservoir 86 of refillable material. In this case, the inventory may track the amount of aerosolizable material in refillable pods 84 and reservoirs 86. As shown in Figure 8D, this corresponds to a total of 5 refills of the refillable pod.

[0113] If refillable pods are used, the life of the pod may also be tracked using the techniques described herein. Refillable pods may have a maximum number of refill cycles associated with them before the pod must be replaced, so by tracking the amount of aerosolizable material consumed from that pod, the number of refills of a pod can be estimated. Accordingly, if the number of refills exceeds the allowable number of refill cycles, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 may warn the user or prevent use of the pod for safety reasons.

[0114] Figure 8E illustrates an example where more than one inventory is maintained. In this example, the user's total supply of aerosolizable materials, the supply of aerosolizable materials that the user has while traveling, and the user's supply of aerosolizable materials at home (or stored in a vehicle or at another location, such as stored at a work location). Three separate marks on inventory are maintained to indicate the supply of aerosolizable material on hand. As shown, a separate display of inventory is maintained for each of these three inventories. To maintain inventories in this manner, non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 and/or user device 40 may respond to input indicating an amount (or change in amount) of aerosolizable material, such that the input corresponds to which inventory After identifying if they are related, you can update the related inventory. Maintaining more than one inventory in this way allows you to have more than one inventory even in cases where not all of the inventory is available to you at the same time (for example, if some of your supplies are with you while traveling and some are left behind at home). Added flexibility is provided by being able to track the supply of aerosolizable materials. As can be seen, either or both of the “traveling” and “at home” inventories can be viewed in FIGS. 8A , 8B , depending on the extent to which any pods are individually identifiable or not individually identifiable. It can be managed according to the approach shown in any of Figures 8C or 8D.

[0115] Figures 9A-9C are schematic diagrams illustrating user interfaces used to manage the supply of aerosolizable material for a non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

[0116] Figure 9A illustrates a user interface 100 that includes a display of supplies/inventory 102 to display the amount of supplies/inventory available to the user. For example, indication 102 may display to the user that a given number of pods remain or that pods currently in use are filled to a given percentage.

[0117] User interface 100 also includes elements 104, 106 that allow a user to input a supply of aerosolizable material or a change in the supply of aerosolizable material, wherein such user input determines the supply of aerosolizable material. Used to update saved representations. The user interface 100 includes elements 108 that display the predicted time remaining until the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted, and elements 108 that display the current heater power level and allow the user to determine the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10. It further includes a heater power level element 110 that allows selecting a heater power level.

[0118] Figure 9B illustrates a user interface 120 that provides a notification 122 to the user that aerosolizable material is low. This may be displayed as a preemptive measure, for example, in response to determining that the inventory of aerosolizable material is below a threshold or that the predicted remaining time until aerosolizable material is depleted is below a threshold. . As shown in Figure 9B, the notification not only informs the user of inventory/supply status, but also allows the user to order more aerosolizable materials via order button 124 or non-flammable aerosol delivery system via button 126. (10) may prompt you to enter the aerosolizable material preservation mode.

[0119] Figure 8C illustrates user interface 130 with an example usage summary. In this example, the usage summary indicates, for each of a plurality of heater power levels (low, medium, and high), the average duration of a puff taken by a user when the non-flammable aerosol delivery system 10 is operating at that level. do.

[0120] Accordingly, a number of user interface approaches are provided to illustrate how a user may interact with a user device to discover, configure, and receive notifications regarding the user's use of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system(s). are exemplified.

[0121] As indicated above, the techniques described herein may also be implemented or encoded in a computer-readable medium containing instructions, such as a computer-readable storage medium. Instructions embedded or encoded in a computer-readable medium may, for example, cause a programmable processor or other processor to perform a method when the instructions are executed. Computer-readable media may include non-transitory computer-readable storage media and transitory communication media such as carrier signals and transmission media. Computer readable storage media include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), programmable read only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), and electronically erasable programmable read only memory. (EEPROM), flash memory, hard disk, CD-ROM, floppy disk, cassette, magnetic media, optical media, or other computer-readable storage media. The term “computer-readable storage media” refers to physical storage media. Transient communication media may occur between components of a single computing system (e.g., on a bus or internal link between a memory and a processor) or between separate computing systems (e.g., over a network or connection between other computing devices). and may include transmission signals, carrier waves, etc.

[0122] In this specification, the words "configured to..." are used to mean that an element of the device is configured to perform a defined operation. In this context, “configuration” means the manner of arrangement or interconnection of hardware or software. For example, a device may have dedicated hardware that provides defined operations, or a processor or other processing device may be programmed to perform that function. “Configured to” does not imply that the device elements need to be modified in any way to provide the defined operation.

[0123] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely for the purpose of assisting in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These examples are provided only as a representative sample of examples and are not complete and/or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or equivalents to the claims. should not be regarded as limitations, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention suitably include, consist of, or appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. , or may be essentially composed of these. Additionally, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

provisions

Clause 1. A method of tracking an inventory of aerosolizable materials for a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, comprising:

The above method is:

receiving input indicating changes in the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials; and

updating a stored representation of the inventory of aerosolizable materials based on the input indicating the change.

method.

Clause 2. For clause 1:

wherein the input includes user input indicating the change in the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials,

method.

Clause 3. In Clause 1 or Clause 2:

wherein the input includes usage information received from the non-flammable aerosol delivery system,

method.

Article 4. In Article 3:

The above usage information:

length of puff taken by the user;

number of puffs taken by the user; and

At least one of the heater power settings of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system when one or more puffs are taken,

method.

Clause 5. In any preceding clause:

wherein the input indicates that a pod of aerosolizable material for use with the non-flammable aerosol delivery system has been inserted or removed.

method.

Clause 6. In any preceding clause:

The above method is:

reading an initial supply level of aerosolizable material from a storage element of the pod; and

recording an updated supply level of aerosolizable material to the storage element of the pod, wherein the updated supply level is based on the input indicating the change.

method.

Clause 7. In any preceding clause:

the non-flammable aerosol delivery system operable with pods containing the aerosolizable material;

wherein the pods are indistinguishable from the non-flammable aerosol delivery system, and the stored representation of the inventory represents a combined supply of aerosolizable material across one or more pods.

method.

Article 8. In any one of Articles 1 to 6,

the non-flammable aerosol delivery system operable with pods containing the aerosolizable material;

wherein the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is capable of detecting two or more different types of pods, wherein the usage information indicates the specific type of pod in which the aerosolizable material was used;

The inventory identifies, for different types of pods, the level of aerosolizable material for that type.

method.

Article 9. In any one of Articles 1 to 6,

the non-flammable aerosol delivery system operable with pods containing the aerosolizable material;

the pods may be individually identifiable in the non-flammable aerosol delivery system, and the usage information indicates a specific pod in which the aerosolizable material was used;

The stored representation of the inventory identifies, for each of the plurality of pods, the level of aerosolizable material in that pod.

method.

Clause 10. In any preceding clause:

wherein the user input is an indication of the amount of aerosolizable material purchased by the user,

method.

Clause 11. In any preceding clause:

The above method is:

detecting said purchase of aerosolizable material by a user;

determining the amount of aerosolizable material purchased; and

further comprising updating the stored representation of the inventory based on the amount of aerosolizable material purchased.

method.

Clause 12. In any preceding clause:

The above method is:

detecting that said inventory of aerosolizable material is below a threshold level; and

Further comprising triggering a preemptive action,

method.

Article 13. In Article 12:

The above preemptive measures are:

notifying the user;

prompting the user to order more aerosolizable material;

ordering additional aerosolizable materials on behalf of the user; and

At least one of causing the non-flammable aerosol delivery system to enter an aerosolizable material preservation mode,

method.

Clause 14. In any preceding clause:

further comprising displaying, to the user, the indication of the inventory of aerosolizable materials.

method.

Article 15. In Article 14:

displaying the indication of the inventory of aerosolizable material comprises displaying the indication of the inventory as a percentage of total pods of aerosolizable material.

method.

Clause 16. In clause 14 or clause 15:

Displaying the representation of the inventory of aerosolizable materials comprises displaying an icon, color or symbol corresponding to the representation of the inventory.

method.

Clause 17. In any preceding clause:

The above method is:

receiving a second user input indicating an amount of aerosolizable material in the second inventory;

maintaining a second stored representation of the second inventory of aerosolizable materials; and

Identify which of the inventory and the second inventory the user input and the usage information are associated with, and update the stored representation of the inventory or the second stored representation of the second inventory based on the identification. further comprising steps,

method.

Article 18. In Article 3:

The above method is:

receiving, from a second non-flammable aerosol delivery system, second usage information indicating the amount of aerosolizable material used; and

In response to receiving the second usage information, updating the stored representation of the inventory of aerosolizable materials.

method.

Clause 19. A user device comprising a processor, comprising:

The processor:

receive input indicating changes in the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials;

configured to update a stored representation of the inventory of aerosolizable materials based on the input indicating the change.

User device.

Article 20. In Article 19:

wherein the input includes user input indicating the change in the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials,

User device.

Clause 21. In clause 19 or clause 20:

The input includes usage information received from a non-flammable aerosol delivery system,

User device.

Article 22. In Article 21:

The above usage information:

the length of the puff taken by the user;

number of puffs taken by the user; and

At least one of the heater power settings of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system when one or more puffs are taken,

User device.

Article 23. In any one of Articles 19 to 22,

wherein the input indicates that a pod of aerosolizable material for use with the non-flammable aerosol delivery system has been inserted or removed.

User device.

Article 24. In any one of Articles 19 to 23,

The processor:

causing an initial supply level of aerosolizable material to be read from the storage element of the pod;

and cause an updated supply level of aerosolizable material to be recorded in the storage element of the pod, wherein the updated supply level is based on the input indicating the change.

User device.

Article 25. In any one of Articles 19 to 24,

said inventory of aerosolizable material is for a non-flammable aerosol delivery system operable with pods containing said aerosolizable material;

wherein the pods are indistinguishable from the non-flammable aerosol delivery system, and the stored representation of the inventory represents a combined supply of aerosolizable material across one or more pods.

User device.

Article 26. In any one of Articles 19 to 24,

said inventory of aerosolizable material is for a non-flammable aerosol delivery system operable with pods containing said aerosolizable material;

wherein the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is capable of detecting two or more different types of pods, wherein the usage information indicates the specific type of pod in which the aerosolizable material was used;

The inventory identifies, for the different types of pods, the level of aerosolizable material for that type.

User device.

Article 27. In any one of Articles 19 to 24,

said inventory of aerosolizable material is for a non-flammable aerosol delivery system operable with pods containing said aerosolizable material;

the pods may be individually identifiable in the non-flammable aerosol delivery system, and the usage information indicates a specific pod in which the aerosolizable material was used;

The stored representation of the inventory identifies, for each of the plurality of pods, the level of aerosolizable material in that pod.

User device.

Article 28. In any one of Articles 19 to 27,

wherein the user input is an indication of the amount of aerosolizable material purchased by the user,

User device.

Article 29. In any one of Articles 19 to 28,

The user device:

detecting said purchase of aerosolizable material by a user;

Determine the amount of aerosolizable material purchased;

further configured to update the stored representation of the inventory based on the amount of aerosolizable material purchased.

User device.

Article 30. In any one of Articles 19 to 29,

The user device:

detecting that the inventory of aerosolizable material is below a threshold level;

further configured to trigger preemptive action,

User device.

Article 31. In Article 30:

The above preemptive measures are:

notifying the user;

prompting the user to order more aerosolizable material;

ordering additional aerosolizable material on behalf of the user; and

At least one of causing the non-flammable aerosol delivery system to enter an aerosolizable material preservation mode,

User device.

Article 32. In any one of Articles 19 to 31,

The user device:

further configured to display the indication of the inventory of aerosolizable materials to the user,

User device.

Article 33. In Article 32:

To display the inventory of aerosolizable material, the user device is configured to display an indication of the inventory as a percentage of total pods of aerosolizable material.

User device.

Clause 34. In clause 32 or clause 33:

To display the inventory of aerosolizable materials, the user device is configured to display an icon, color or symbol corresponding to the representation of the inventory.

User device.

Article 35. In any one of Articles 19 to 34,

The processor:

receive a second user input indicating an amount of aerosolizable material in the second inventory;

maintain a second storage indication of the second inventory of aerosolizable materials;

identify which of the inventory and the second inventory the user input and the usage information are associated with, and update the stored representation of the inventory or the second stored representation of the second inventory based on the identification; Consisting of additional,

User device.

Article 36. In Article 21:

The processor:

receive, from a second non-flammable aerosol delivery system, second usage information indicating the amount of aerosolizable material used;

further configured to, in response to receiving the second usage information, update the stored representation of the inventory of aerosolizable materials.

User device.

Article 37. A computer-readable medium containing instructions, comprising:

The instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry of a computing device, cause the computing device to:

receive input indicating changes in the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials;

update a stored representation of the inventory of aerosolizable materials based on the input indicating the change,

Computer-readable media.

Article 38. In Article 37:

wherein the input includes user input indicating the change in the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials,

Computer-readable media.

Clause 39. In clause 37 or clause 38:

The input includes usage information received from a non-flammable aerosol delivery system,

Computer-readable media.

Article 40. In Article 39:

The above usage information:

the length of the puff taken by the user;

number of puffs taken by the user; and

At least one of the heater power settings of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system when one or more puffs are taken,

Computer-readable media.

Article 41. In any one of Articles 37 to 40,

wherein the input indicates that a pod of aerosolizable material for use with the non-flammable aerosol delivery system has been inserted or removed.

Computer-readable media.

Article 42. In any one of Articles 37 to 41,

The instructions further cause the computing device to:

read the initial supply level of aerosolizable material from the storage element of the pod;

record an updated supply level of aerosolizable material in the storage element of the pod, wherein the updated supply level is based on the input indicating the change;

Computer-readable media.

Article 43. In any one of Articles 37 to 42,

said inventory of aerosolizable material is for a non-flammable aerosol delivery system operable with pods containing said aerosolizable material;

wherein the pods are indistinguishable from the non-flammable aerosol delivery system, and the stored representation of the inventory represents a combined supply of aerosolizable material across one or more pods.

Computer-readable media.

Article 44. In any one of Articles 37 to 42,

said inventory of aerosolizable material is for a non-flammable aerosol delivery system operable with pods containing said aerosolizable material;

wherein the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is capable of detecting two or more different types of pods, and the usage information indicates a specific type of pod in which the aerosolizable material was used;

The inventory identifies, for the different types of pods, the level of aerosolizable material for that type.

Computer-readable media.

Article 45. In any one of Articles 37 to 42,

said inventory of aerosolizable material is for a non-flammable aerosol delivery system operable with pods containing said aerosolizable material;

the pods may be individually identifiable in the non-flammable aerosol delivery system, and the usage information indicates a specific pod in which the aerosolizable material was used;

The stored representation of the inventory identifies, for each of the plurality of pods, the level of aerosolizable material in that pod.

Computer-readable media.

Article 46. In any one of Articles 37 to 45,

wherein the user input is an indication of the amount of aerosolizable material purchased by the user,

Computer-readable media.

Article 47. In any one of Articles 33 to 42,

The instructions further cause the computing device to:

detect said purchase of aerosolizable material by a user;

Determine the amount of aerosolizable material purchased;

updating the storage indication in the inventory based on the amount of aerosolizable material purchased,

Computer-readable media.

Article 48. In any one of Articles 37 to 47,

The instructions further cause the computing device to:

detect that the inventory of aerosolizable materials is below a threshold level;

triggering preemptive action,

Computer-readable media.

Article 49. In Article 48:

The above preemptive measures are:

notifying the user;

prompting the user to order more aerosolizable material;

ordering additional aerosolizable material on behalf of the user; and

At least one of causing the non-flammable aerosol delivery system to enter an aerosolizable material preservation mode,

Computer-readable media.

Article 50. In any one of Articles 37 to 49,

The instructions further cause the computing device to:

displaying to the user the indication of the inventory of aerosolizable materials,

Computer-readable media.

Article 51. In Article 50:

To display the indication of the inventory of aerosolizable material, the instructions cause the computing device to display the indication of the inventory as a percentage of total pods of aerosolizable material.

Computer-readable media.

Clause 52. In clause 50 or clause 51:

To display the representation of the inventory of aerosolizable materials, the instructions cause the computing device to display an icon, color, or symbol corresponding to the representation of the inventory.

Computer-readable media.

Article 53. In any one of Articles 37 to 52,

The instructions further cause the computing device to:

receive a second user input indicating the amount of aerosolizable material in the second inventory;

maintain a second storage indication of the second inventory of aerosolizable materials;

identify which of the inventory and the second inventory the user input and the usage information are associated with, and update the stored representation of the inventory or the second stored representation of the second inventory based on the identification; doing,

Computer-readable media.

Article 54. In Article 39:

The instructions further cause the computing device to:

receive, from a second non-flammable aerosol delivery system, second usage information indicating the amount of aerosolizable material used;

In response to receiving the second usage information, update the stored representation of the inventory of aerosolizable materials.

Computer-readable media.

Article 55. As a method:

Receiving usage characteristics from a non-flammable aerosol delivery system; and

Comprising a usage summary based at least in part on the usage characteristics,

method.

Article 56. In Article 55:

The use characteristics relate to a single puff on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system by a user.

method.

Article 57. In Article 55:

The use characteristics relate to a plurality of puffs on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system by a user.

method.

Article 58. In any one of Articles 55 to 57,

The above usage characteristics are:

the puff duration of the puff on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system;

Number of puffs taken in a usage session;

The amount of aerosolizable material consumed in using the non-flammable aerosol delivery system; and

At least one of the times the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is used,

method.

Article 59. In any one of Articles 55 to 58,

The usage characteristics identify when the non-flammable aerosol delivery system has been used;

Computing the usage summary includes calculating a typical usage profile of the user during the day,

method.

Article 60. In Article 59:

The usage characteristics further identify the type of pod used with the non-flammable aerosol delivery system;

Computing the typical usage profile includes, for one or more periods of the day, identifying a type of pod that the user typically uses during that period,

method.

Clause 61. In clause 59 or clause 60:

The usage characteristics further identify a heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system;

Calculating the typical usage profile may comprise, during one or more periods of the day, selecting a heater power level that the user typically uses during that period from among a plurality of heater power levels supported by the non-flammable aerosol delivery system. comprising the step of identifying,

method.

Article 62. In any one of Articles 59 to 61,

The usage characteristics further identify the number of puffs taken in a usage session of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system;

Computing the typical usage profile includes identifying a typical number of puffs taken by the user in a usage session during one or more periods of the day,

method.

Article 63. In any one of Articles 55 to 62,

The usage characteristics identify a heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system and the duration of one or more puffs on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system taken by the user;

Calculating the usage summary includes determining, for each of a plurality of heater power levels supported by the non-flammable aerosol delivery system, an average duration of a puff on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

method.

Article 64. In any one of Articles 55 to 63,

The usage characteristics are received via Bluetooth,

method.

Article 65. In any one of Articles 55 to 64,

The above method is:

further comprising displaying the usage summary to the user,

method.

Article 66. In any one of Articles 55 to 65,

The above method is:

Based on the usage characteristics, calculating the amount of aerosolizable material consumed by the non-flammable aerosol delivery system during the period of use associated with the usage characteristics,

method.

Article 67. In any one of Articles 5 to 66,

The above method is:

Based on the usage summary, calculating an expected amount of aerosolizable material to be used during an upcoming period.

method.

Article 68. In Article 67:

The above method is:

calculating an expected inventory of aerosolizable materials after the upcoming period based on the expected amount of aerosolizable materials to be used and a stored indication of the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials; and

further comprising taking preemptive action if the expected inventory of aerosolizable material beyond the upcoming period is below a threshold.

method.

Article 69. In Article 68:

The above preemptive measures are:

notifying the user;

prompting the user to order more aerosolizable material;

ordering additional aerosolizable materials on behalf of the user; and

At least one of causing the non-flammable aerosol delivery system to enter an aerosolizable material preservation mode,

method.

Article 70. A non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprising:

a control unit configured to collect usage characteristics for the non-flammable aerosol delivery system; and

Comprising a communication element that communicates the usage characteristics to a user device,

Non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

Article 71. In Article 70:

wherein the control unit is configured to detect a puff on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system and collect the usage characteristics in response to detecting the puff.

Non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

Clause 72. In clause 70 or clause 71:

The communication element is a Bluetooth communication element that communicates the usage characteristics to the user device via Bluetooth,

Non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

Article 73. As a user device:

a receiver element that receives usage characteristics from the non-flammable aerosol delivery system; and

comprising a processor to calculate a usage summary based at least in part on the usage characteristics,

User device.

Article 74. In Article 73:

The use characteristics relate to a single puff on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system by a user.

User device.

Article 75. In Article 73:

The use characteristics relate to a plurality of puffs on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system by a user.

User device.

Article 76. In any one of Articles 73 to 75,

The above usage characteristics are:

the puff duration of the puff on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system;

Number of puffs taken in a usage session;

The amount of aerosolizable material consumed in using the non-flammable aerosol delivery system; and

At least one of the times the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is used,

User device.

Article 77. In any one of Articles 73 to 76,

The usage characteristics identify when the non-flammable aerosol delivery system has been used;

Computing the usage summary includes calculating a typical usage profile of the user during the day,

User device.

Article 78. In Article 77:

The usage characteristics further identify the type of pod used with the non-flammable aerosol delivery system;

To calculate the typical usage profile, the processor is configured to identify, during one or more periods of the day, what type of pod the user typically uses during that period.

User device.

Article 79. In any one of Articles 78 to 80,

The usage characteristics further identify a heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system;

To calculate the typical usage profile, the processor may determine, during one or more periods of the day, which of a plurality of heater power levels supported by the non-flammable aerosol delivery system the user typically uses during that period. configured to identify the power level,

User device.

Article 80. In any one of Articles 77 to 79,

The usage characteristics further identify the number of puffs taken in a usage session of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system;

To calculate the typical usage profile, the processor is configured to identify a typical number of puffs taken by the user in a usage session during one or more periods of the day,

User device.

Article 81. In any one of Articles 73 to 80,

The usage characteristics identify a heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system and the duration of one or more puffs on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system taken by the user;

To calculate the usage summary, the processor is configured to determine an average duration of a puff on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system for each of a plurality of heater power levels supported by the non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

User device.

Article 82. In any one of Articles 73 to 81,

The usage characteristics are received via Bluetooth,

User device.

Article 83. In any one of Articles 73 to 82,

The user device is:

further configured to display the usage summary to the user,

User device.

Article 84. In any one of Articles 73 to 83,

The processor:

further configured to calculate, based on the usage characteristics, an amount of aerosolizable material consumed by the non-flammable aerosol delivery system during a period of use associated with the usage characteristics.

User device.

Article 85. In any one of Articles 73 to 84,

The processor:

further configured to calculate, based on said usage summary, an expected amount of aerosolizable material to be used during an upcoming period.

User device.

Article 86. In Article 85:

The processor:

calculate an expected inventory of aerosolizable materials after the upcoming period based on the expected amount of aerosolizable materials to be used and a stored indication of the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials;

further configured to take preemptive action if the expected inventory of aerosolizable materials after the upcoming period is below a threshold,

User device.

Article 87. In Article 86:

The above preemptive measures are:

notifying the user;

prompting the user to order more aerosolizable material;

ordering additional aerosolizable materials on behalf of the user; and

At least one of causing the non-flammable aerosol delivery system to enter an aerosolizable material preservation mode,

User device.

Clause 88. A computer-readable medium containing instructions, comprising:

The instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry of a computing device, cause the computing device to:

receive usage characteristics from a non-flammable aerosol delivery system;

calculate a usage summary based at least in part on the usage characteristics,

Computer-readable media.

Article 89. In Article 88:

The use characteristics relate to a single puff on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system by a user.

Computer-readable media.

Article 90. In Article 88:

The use characteristics relate to a plurality of puffs on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system by a user.

Computer-readable media.

Article 91. In any one of Articles 86 to 90,

The above usage characteristics are:

the puff duration of the puff on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system;

Number of puffs taken in a usage session;

The amount of aerosolizable material consumed in using the non-flammable aerosol delivery system; and

At least one of the times the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is used,

Computer-readable media.

Article 92. In any of Articles 88 to 91,

The usage characteristics identify when the non-flammable aerosol delivery system has been used;

Computing the usage summary includes calculating a typical usage profile of the user during the day,

Computer-readable media.

Article 93. In Article 92:

The usage characteristics further identify the type of pod used with the non-flammable aerosol delivery system;

Computing the typical usage profile includes, for one or more periods of the day, identifying a type of pod that the user typically uses during that period,

Computer-readable media.

Clause 94. In clause 92 or clause 93:

The usage characteristics further identify a heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system;

Calculating the typical usage profile may comprise, during one or more periods of the day, selecting a heater power level that the user typically uses during that period from among a plurality of heater power levels supported by the non-flammable aerosol delivery system. comprising the step of identifying,

Computer-readable media.

Article 95. In any one of Articles 92 to 94,

The usage characteristics further identify the number of puffs taken in a usage session of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system;

Computing the typical usage profile includes identifying a typical number of puffs taken by the user in a usage session during one or more periods of the day,

Computer-readable media.

Article 96. In any one of Articles 88 to 95,

The usage characteristics identify a heater power level of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system and the duration of one or more puffs on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system taken by the user;

Calculating the usage summary includes determining, for each of a plurality of heater power levels supported by the non-flammable aerosol delivery system, an average duration of a puff on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

Computer-readable media.

Article 97. In any one of Articles 88 to 96,

The usage characteristics are received via Bluetooth,

Computer-readable media.

Article 98. In any one of Articles 88 to 97,

Instructions further cause the computing device to:

displaying the usage summary to the user,

Computer-readable media.

Article 99. In any one of Articles 88 to 98,

The instructions further cause the computing device to:

Based on the usage characteristics, calculate the amount of aerosolizable material consumed by the non-flammable aerosol delivery system during the period of use associated with the usage characteristics.

Computer-readable media.

Article 100. In any of Articles 88 to 99,

The instructions further cause the computing device to:

Based on the above usage summary, calculate the expected amount of aerosolizable material to be used in the upcoming period,

Computer-readable media.

Article 101. In Article 100:

The instructions further cause the computing device to:

calculate an expected inventory of aerosolizable materials after the upcoming period based on the expected amount of aerosolizable materials to be used and a stored indication of the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials;

Taking preemptive action if the expected inventory of aerosolizable materials beyond the upcoming period is below a threshold,

Computer-readable media.

Article 102. In Article 101:

The above preemptive measures are:

notifying the user;

prompting the user to order more aerosolizable material;

ordering additional aerosolizable material on behalf of the user; and

At least one of causing the non-flammable aerosol delivery system to enter an aerosolizable material preservation mode,

Computer-readable media.

Article 103. A computer-readable medium containing instructions, comprising:

The instructions, when executed by the processing circuitry of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system, cause the non-flammable aerosol delivery system to:

collect usage characteristics for the non-flammable aerosol delivery system;

communicating said usage characteristics to a user device,

Computer-readable media.

Article 104. In Article 103:

The instructions further cause the non-flammable aerosol delivery system to:

detecting a puff on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system and collecting the usage characteristics in response to detecting the puff,

Computer-readable media.

Article 105. In Article 103 or Article 104:

The instructions cause the non-flammable aerosol delivery system to:

communicating the usage characteristics to the user device via Bluetooth,

Computer-readable media.

Claims (54)

As a method for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials for a non-flammable aerosol delivery system:
Receiving one or more characteristics related to use of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system;
predicting the length of time remaining until said supply of aerosolizable material is depleted based on said one or more characteristics related to use and an initial supply of aerosolizable material; and
comprising taking preemptive action before said supply of aerosolizable material is depleted.
Methods for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials. According to claim 1,
wherein the preemptive action includes notifying users of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system.
Methods for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials. According to claim 1 or 2,
The preemptive action comprises causing the non-flammable aerosol delivery system to enter an aerosolizable material preservation mode.
Methods for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials. According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The preemptive action includes prompting the user to order more aerosolizable material,
Methods for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials. According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
wherein the preemptive action includes ordering more aerosolizable material on behalf of the user.
Methods for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials. According to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The preemptive action includes displaying the predicted remaining length of time,
Methods for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Said supply of aerosolizable material:
Amount of aerosolizable material stored across a plurality of pods;
The amount of aerosolizable material stored in a particular pod;
Number of pods of aerosolizable material; and
At least one of the quantities of aerosolizable material available for use with refillable pods,
Methods for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The above method is:
further comprising determining whether the remaining length of time is less than a threshold,
wherein the taking preemptive action is responsive to determining that the length of time remaining is below the threshold.
Methods for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The non-flammable aerosol delivery system is capable of operating at multiple heater power settings;
The one or more characteristics associated with use include a heater power setting of the current heater power,
Methods for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The one or more characteristics related to use include the user's usage patterns for the non-flammable aerosol delivery system based on the user's past use of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system.
Methods for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials. According to claim 10,
One or more of the above characteristics relevant to use are:
The user's average puff duration;
selecting the user's typical heater power level; and
At least one of the typical number of puffs taken by a user in a session of use of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system,
Methods for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The one or more usage-related characteristics include puff information for one or more puffs on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system taken by the user.
Methods for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials. According to claim 12,
The puff information is:
Length of puff;
number of puffs taken by the user; and
At least one of the heater power levels of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system when the one or more puffs are taken,
Methods for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
wherein the initial supply is determined based on a stored representation of the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials,
Methods for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
The above method is:
further comprising receiving input from a user indicating the initial supply of aerosolizable material,
Methods for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The above method is:
further comprising detecting said initial supply of aerosolizable material from a storage element of the pod.
Methods for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
wherein the one or more characteristics related to use include a change in the supply of aerosolizable material indicated by the user.
Methods for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17,
The above method is:
identifying that additional aerosolizable material has been ordered; and
further comprising determining when the additional aerosolizable material will be available to the user,
determining whether the remaining length of time is below the threshold is based on the additional aerosolizable material and when the additional aerosolizable material will be available.
Methods for managing the supply of aerosolizable materials. As a user device:
a receiver/transmitter element receiving one or more characteristics relevant to use of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system; and
Includes a processor,
The processor:
predict the length of time remaining until the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted based on the one or more characteristics associated with use and the initial supply of aerosolizable material;
configured to take preemptive action before said supply of aerosolizable material is depleted,
User device. According to clause 19,
wherein the preemptive action includes notifying users of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system.
User device. The method of claim 19 or 20,
The preemptive action comprises causing the non-flammable aerosol delivery system to enter an aerosolizable material preservation mode.
User device. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21,
wherein the preemptive action includes prompting the user to order more aerosolizable material.
User device. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 22,
wherein the preemptive action includes ordering more aerosolizable material on behalf of the user.
User device. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 23,
wherein the preemptive action includes displaying the predicted length of time remaining,
User device. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 24,
Said supply of aerosolizable material:
Amount of aerosolizable material stored across a plurality of pods;
The amount of aerosolizable material stored in a particular pod;
Number of pods of aerosolizable material; and
At least one of the quantities of aerosolizable material available for use with the refillable pods,
User device. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 25,
The processor:
further configured to determine whether the remaining length of time is below a threshold;
wherein the taking preemptive action is responsive to determining that the length of time remaining is below the threshold.
User device. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 26,
The non-flammable aerosol delivery system is capable of operating at multiple heater power settings;
The one or more characteristics associated with use include a heater power setting of the current heater power,
User device. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 27,
The one or more characteristics related to use include the user's usage patterns for the non-flammable aerosol delivery system based on the user's past use of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system.
User device. According to clause 28,
One or more characteristics relevant to use are:
the user's average puff duration;
select the user's typical heater power level; and
At least one of the typical number of puffs taken by a user in a use session of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system,
User device. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 29,
The one or more usage-related characteristics include puff information for one or more puffs on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system taken by the user.
User device. According to claim 30,
The puff information is:
Length of puff;
number of puffs taken by the user; and
At least one of the heater power levels of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system when the one or more puffs are taken,
User device. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 31,
wherein the initial supply is determined based on a stored representation of the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials,
User device. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 32,
The processor:
further configured to receive input from a user indicating the initial supply of aerosolizable material,
User device. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 31,
The receiver/transmitter element further:
Receiving an initial supply of detected aerosolizable material from a storage element of the pod,
User device. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 34,
wherein the one or more characteristics related to use include variation in the supply of aerosolizable material indicated by the user.
User device. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 35,
The processor:
identify that additional aerosolizable material has been ordered;
further configured to determine when the additional aerosolizable material will be available to the user,
determining whether the remaining length of time is below the threshold is based on the additional aerosolizable material and when the additional aerosolizable material will be available.
User device. 1. A computer-readable medium containing instructions:
The instructions, when executed by processing circuitry of a computing device, cause the computing device to:
receive one or more characteristics related to use of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system;
predict the length of time remaining until the supply of aerosolizable material is depleted based on the one or more characteristics associated with use and the initial supply of aerosolizable material;
allowing preemptive action to be taken before said supplies of aerosolizable materials are depleted,
Computer-readable media. According to clause 37,
wherein the preemptive action includes notifying users of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system.
Computer-readable media. According to claim 37 or 38,
The preemptive action comprises causing the non-flammable aerosol delivery system to enter an aerosolizable material preservation mode.
Computer-readable media. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 39,
wherein the preemptive action includes prompting the user to order more aerosolizable material.
Computer-readable media. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 40,
wherein the preemptive action includes ordering more aerosolizable material on behalf of the user.
Computer-readable media. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 41,
wherein the preemptive action includes displaying the predicted length of time remaining,
Computer-readable media. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 42,
Said supply of aerosolizable material:
Amount of aerosolizable material stored across a plurality of pods;
The amount of aerosolizable material stored in a particular pod;
Number of pods of aerosolizable material; and
At least one of the quantities of aerosolizable material available for use with the refillable pods,
Computer-readable media. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 43,
The instructions may further cause the processing circuitry to:
determine whether the remaining length of time is below a threshold;
wherein the taking preemptive action is responsive to determining that the length of time remaining is below the threshold.
Computer-readable media. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 44,
The non-flammable aerosol delivery system is capable of operating at multiple heater power settings;
The one or more characteristics associated with use include a heater power setting of the current heater power,
Computer-readable media. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 45,
The one or more characteristics related to use include the user's usage patterns for the non-flammable aerosol delivery system based on the user's past use of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system.
Computer-readable media. According to clause 46,
One or more of the above characteristics relevant to use are:
the user's average puff duration;
select the user's typical heater power level; and
At least one of the typical number of puffs taken by a user in a use session of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system,
Computer-readable media. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 47,
The one or more usage-related characteristics include puff information for one or more puffs on the non-flammable aerosol delivery system taken by the user.
Computer-readable media. According to clause 48,
The puff information is:
Length of puff;
number of puffs taken by the user; and
At least one of the heater power levels of the non-flammable aerosol delivery system when the one or more puffs are taken,
Computer-readable media. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 49,
wherein the initial supply is determined based on a stored representation of the user's inventory of aerosolizable materials,
Computer-readable media. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 50,
The instructions further cause the computing device to:
receiving input from a user indicating the initial supply of aerosolizable material,
Computer-readable media. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 49,
The instructions further cause the computing device to:
detecting the initial supply of aerosolizable material from a storage element of the pod,
Computer-readable media. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 52,
wherein the one or more characteristics related to use include a change in the supply of aerosolizable material indicated by the user.
Computer-readable media. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 53,
The instructions further cause the computing device to:
identify that additional aerosolizable material has been ordered;
determine when the additional aerosolizable material will be available to the user;
determining whether the remaining length of time is below the threshold is based on the additional aerosolizable material and when the additional aerosolizable material will be available.
Computer-readable media.