KR20240027080A - Interactive aerosol delivery system - Google Patents

Abstract

The aerosol delivery system includes a control processor and an aerosol delivery device, wherein the aerosol delivery device in turn includes a power source and a disposable, removably attachable portion, wherein the disposable, removably attachable portion, in turn, aerosolizes the aerosol. a payload for, and a heating element for aerosolizing the payload, the heating element being electrically coupled to the power source and the control processor by attachment of the disposable portion to the aerosol delivery device, the control processor in an initial state. configured to set the flow of electrical energy to supply the heater from the power source, and to detect a subsequent change in resistance in the heating element caused by the airflow cooling the heater, and wherein the control processor is configured to: It is arranged to enter a subsequent state upon detection of a subsequent change in resistance, in order to increase the flow of electrical energy to supply the heater from the power source.

Description

Interactive aerosol delivery system

The present invention relates to an interactive aerosol delivery system.

The “background” description provided herein is generally intended to provide context for the disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent that the work is described in this Background section, and aspects of the description that may not otherwise be recognized as prior art at the time of filing, are expressly recognized as prior art to this disclosure. It is not acknowledged implicitly or implicitly.

Aerosol delivery systems are popular with users because they allow active ingredients (e.g., nicotine) to be delivered to the user in a convenient manner and as needed.

As an example of an aerosol delivery system, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) typically contain a source liquid, typically containing a nicotine-containing formulation, that generates an aerosol, for example through thermal vaporization. Includes repository. Accordingly, an aerosol source for an aerosol delivery system may comprise a heater having a heating element arranged to receive source liquid from a reservoir, for example via wicking/capillary action. Other source materials can be similarly heated to produce an aerosol, such as a gel containing botanicals or active ingredients and/or flavors. Thus, more generally, e-cigarettes can be thought of as containing or receiving a payload for thermal vaporization.

While the user inhales on the device, electrical power is supplied to the heating element, vaporizing the aerosol source (part of the payload) near the heating element, creating an aerosol for inhalation by the user. Such devices are typically provided with one or more air inlet holes located distal to the mouthpiece end of the system. When a user sucks on a mouthpiece connected to the mouthpiece end of the system, air is drawn through the inlet holes and past the aerosol source. There is a flow path connecting the aerosol source and the mouthpiece opening, such that air drawn past the aerosol source continues to move along the flow path to the mouthpiece opening, carrying with it a portion of the aerosol from the aerosol source. Aerosol carrying air exits the aerosol delivery system through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user.

Typically, the heater is energized when the user is sucking/puffing the device. Typically, an electrical current is supplied to the heater, for example a resistive heating element, in response to activation of an air flow sensor along the flow path when the user inhales/sucks/puffs or in response to activation of a button by the user. The heat generated by the heating element is used to vaporize the formulation. The released vapor mixes with air drawn through the device by the puffing consumer to form an aerosol. Alternatively or additionally, heating elements are used to heat plants, such as tobacco, but generally not burn them, to release their active ingredients as a vapor/aerosol.

Reliable, efficient and/or timely operation of such aerosol delivery system may benefit from appropriately responding to how a user interacts with the system.

In this context, the present invention arises.

Various aspects and features of the invention are defined within the text of the appended claims and appended description.

- In a first aspect, an aerosol delivery system according to claim 1 is provided.

- In another aspect, a method of controlling an aerosol delivery system according to claim 20 is provided.

A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will be readily obtained as they are better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, In the attached drawings:
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a delivery device according to the described embodiments.
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the body of a delivery device according to the described embodiments.
Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a cartomiser of a delivery device according to the described embodiments.
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the body of a delivery device according to the described embodiments.
Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a delivery ecosystem according to embodiments of the description.
Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a delivery device according to the described embodiments.
Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a delivery device according to the described embodiments.
Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a delivery device according to the described embodiments.
Figures 9A-9C are schematic diagrams illustrating individual time-resistance relationships according to illustrative embodiments.
Figure 10 is a flowchart of a method according to embodiments of the description.

An interactive aerosol delivery system is disclosed. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details need not be employed to practice embodiments of the present disclosure. Conversely, certain details known to those skilled in the art are omitted where appropriate for purposes of clarity.

The term 'interactive aerosol delivery system' or similar "delivery device" may include a system that delivers at least one substance to a user, such as e-cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and combinations of aerosol generating materials. non-flammable aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from the aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as bybrid systems that generate the aerosol using: and oral products such as lozenges, gums, patches, articles containing inhalable powders, and oral cigarettes including snus or moist snuff. Aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver at least one substance orally, nasally, transdermally or otherwise to a user without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, wherein the at least one substance may include nicotine. May or may not include - Includes.

The material to be delivered may be an aerosol generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized. Where appropriate, both materials may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavors, one or more aerosol former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.

Currently, the most common examples of such delivery devices or aerosol delivery systems (eg, non-flammable aerosol delivery systems) are electronic vapor delivery systems (EVPS), such as e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description, the term "e-cigarette" is occasionally used, however, this term may be used interchangeably with delivery device or aerosol delivery system except where otherwise noted or the context indicates otherwise. . Similarly, the terms 'vapour' and 'aerosol' are referred to equally herein.

Generally, the electronic vapor/aerosol delivery system may be an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery device (END), but the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating (e.g., aerosolizable) material is required. It should be noted that this is not a matter. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is a tobacco heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials, one or more of which may 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. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. Solid aerosol generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products. Meanwhile, in some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system generates a vapor/aerosol from one or more such aerosol generating materials.

Typically, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system may include non-flammable aerosol delivery devices and articles (otherwise referred to as consumables) for use with the non-flammable aerosol delivery system. However, it is contemplated that articles that themselves include means for powering aerosol generating components (e.g., aerosol generators such as heaters, vibrating meshes, etc.) may themselves form non-flammable aerosol delivery systems. do. In one embodiment, a non-flammable aerosol delivery device can include a power source and controller. The power source may be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In one embodiment, the heating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosolizable material or heat transfer material proximate to the heating power source. In one embodiment, a power source, such as a heat-generating power source, is provided to the article to form a non-flammable aerosol product. In one embodiment, an article for use with a non-flammable aerosol delivery device may include an aerosolizable material.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating component is a heater that can interact with the aerosolizable material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosolizable material to form an aerosol. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating component can generate an aerosol from an aerosolizable material without heating. For example, an aerosol generating component can generate an aerosol from an aerosolizable material without applying heat, for example, through one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurized or electrostatic means.

In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may include an active material, an aerosol-forming material, and optionally one or more functional materials. The active ingredient may include nicotine (optionally contained in tobacco or a tobacco derivative) or one or more other non-olfactory physiologically active ingredients. Non-olfactory physiologically active materials are materials that are included in aerosolizable materials to achieve a physiological response other than olfactory perception. Aerosol-forming materials include glycerine, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and 1,3-butyl. 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate ), triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, It may include one or more of lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. One or more functional ingredients may include one or more of flavors, carriers, pH adjusters, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

In some embodiments, an article for use with a non-flammable aerosol delivery device may include an aerosolizable material or a region for receiving an aerosolizable material. In one embodiment, an article for use with a non-flammable aerosol delivery device may include a mouthpiece. The area for receiving aerosolizable material may be a storage area for storing aerosolizable material. For example, a storage area can be a repository. In one embodiment, the area for receiving aerosolizable material may be separate from the aerosol generating area, or may be combined with the aerosol generating area.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers designate like or corresponding parts throughout the various drawings, Figure 1 is a schematic (not to scale) illustration of a vapor/aerosol delivery system, such as an e-cigarette 10, Provides a non-limiting example of a delivery device according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

The e-cigarette generally has a cylindrical shape extending along a longitudinal axis indicated by a dotted line (LA) and includes two main components: a body 20 and a cartomizer 30. The cartomizer includes an internal chamber containing a reservoir of a payload, for example a liquid containing nicotine, a vaporizer (such as a heater), and a mouthpiece 35 . It will be understood that any subsequent references to 'nicotine' are examples only and may be substituted by any suitable active ingredient. References below to 'liquid' as a payload will be understood as an example only, and any suitable payload such as a plant material (e.g. tobacco that is heated rather than burned) or a gel containing active ingredients and/or flavours. It can be replaced by load. The reservoir may be a foam matrix or any other structure to retain the liquid until it needs to be delivered to the vaporizer. In the case of a liquid/flowing payload, the vaporizer is for vaporizing the liquid and the cartomizer 30 is a wick or similar device for transporting a small amount of liquid from a reservoir to a vaporization location on or adjacent to the vaporizer. Additional equipment may be included. In the following, a heater is used as a specific example of a vaporizer. However, it will be understood that other types of vaporizers (e.g., those that use ultrasounds) may also be used, and that the type of vaporizer used may also vary depending on the type of payload to be vaporized. .

The main body 20 includes a rechargeable cell or battery for providing power to the e-cigarette 10 and a circuit board for overall control of the e-cigarette. When the heater receives power from the battery, as controlled by the circuit board, the heater vaporizes the liquid, which vapor is then inhaled by the user through mouthpiece 35. In some specific embodiments, the body is further provided with a passive activation device 265, such as a button, switch, or touch sensor located externally to the body.

The main body 20 and the cartomizer 30 may be separable from each other by being separated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LA as shown in FIG. 1, but there is a mechanical and Devices 10 are coupled together when in use by connections schematically indicated at 25A and 25B in FIG. 1 to provide an electrical connection. The electrical connector 25B on the body 20 used to connect to the cartomizer 30 serves as a socket for connecting a charging device (not shown) when the body 20 is separated from the cartomizer 30. I also do it. The other end of the charging device can be plugged into a USB socket to recharge the cells in the body 20 of the e-cigarette 10. In other implementations, a cable may be provided for direct connection between the electrical connector 25B on the body 20 and the USB socket.

The e-cigarette 10 is provided with one or more holes (not shown in Figure 1) for air inlets. These holes are connected to an air passage through the e-cigarette 10 to the mouthpiece 35. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece 35, air is drawn into this air passage through one or more air inlet holes suitably located on the exterior of the e-cigarette. When the heater is activated to vaporize the nicotine from the cartridge, an air flow passes through and combines with the generated vapor, and this combination of air flow and generated vapor is then passed out of the mouthpiece 35 to the user. is inhaled. Except for disposable devices, the cartomizer 30 can be separated from the body 20 and discarded (replaced with another cartomizer if desired) when its supply of liquid is exhausted.

The e-cigarette 10 shown in Figure 1 is presented as an example, and it will be understood that various other implementations may be employed. For example, in some embodiments, cartomizer 30 consists of two separable components: a cartridge containing a liquid reservoir and a mouthpiece (which can be replaced when liquid from the reservoir is depleted); and a heater (usually maintained). As another example, the charging facility may be connected to an additional or alternative power source, such as a car cigarette lighter.

FIG. 2 is a schematic (simplified) diagram of the body 20 of the e-cigarette 10 of FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 can generally be regarded as a cross-section in a plane through the longitudinal axis LA of the e-cigarette 10. It should be noted that various components and details of the body, for example wiring and more complex molding, have been omitted from Figure 2 for clarity.

The main body 20 includes a battery or cell 210 for supplying power to the e-cigarette 10 in response to user activation of the device. Additionally, the body 20 includes a control unit 205 , such as a chip such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or microcontroller for controlling the e-cigarette 10 . A microcontroller or ASIC contains a CPU or microprocessor. The operations of the CPU and other electronic components are generally controlled at least in part by software programs running on the CPU (or other components). These software programs may be stored in non-volatile memory, such as ROM, which may be integrated within the microcontroller itself or may be provided as a separate component. The CPU can access ROM to load and execute individual software programs when and as needed. The microcontroller also includes appropriate communications interfaces (and control software) to properly communicate with other devices of the body 10.

The body 20 further includes a cap 225 to seal and protect the distal end of the e-cigarette 10. Typically, an air inlet aperture is provided in or adjacent to the cap 225 to allow air to enter the body 20 when a user inhales on the mouthpiece 35. The control unit or ASIC may be positioned along or at one end of battery 210. In some embodiments, the ASIC is attached to the sensor unit 215 to detect suction on the mouthpiece 35 (or alternatively the sensor unit 215 may be provided on the ASIC itself). An air path is provided from the air inlet through the e-cigarette, past the air flow sensor 215 and the heater (in the vaporizer or cartomizer 30), and to the mouthpiece 35. Therefore, when the user puffs on the mouthpiece of the e-cigarette, the CPU detects this puff based on information from the air flow sensor 215.

At the opposite end of the main body 20 from the cap 225, there is a connector 25B for coupling the main body 20 to the cartomizer 30. Connector 25B provides mechanical and electrical connection between body 20 and cartomizer 30. Connector 25B includes a body connector 240 that is metallic (silver-plated in some embodiments) that serves as one terminal for an electrical connection (positive or negative) to cartomizer 30. Connector 25B further includes an electrical contact 250 to provide a second terminal for electrical connection to the cartomizer 30 of opposite polarity to the first terminal, i.e., body connector 240 . Electrical contact 250 is mounted on a coil spring 255. When the main body 20 is attached to the cartomizer 30, the connector 25A on the cartomizer 30 compresses the coil spring axially, that is, in a direction parallel (equally aligned) to the longitudinal axis LA. It is pushed against the electrical contact portion 250 in such a way that it is pushed against the electrical contact portion 250. Taking into account the elastic properties of the spring 255, this compression biases and expands the spring 255, which has the effect of pushing the electrical contact 250 firmly against the connector 25A of the cartomizer 30, This helps ensure good electrical connection between the main body 20 and the cartomizer 30. Body connector 240 and electrical contacts 250 are separated by a trestle 260 made of a non-conducting material (such as plastic) to provide good insulation between the two electrical terminals. The trestle 260 is shaped to assist in mechanical engagement of the connectors 25A and 25B with each other.

As described above, on the outer housing of the body 20, a button 265 may be located that represents the type of passive activation device 265. Button 265 may be implemented using any suitable mechanism operable to be manually activated by a user—for example, a mechanical button or switch, a capacitive or resistive touch sensor, etc. Additionally, the passive activation device 265 may be located on the outer housing of the cartomizer 30 and not on the outer housing of the body 20, in which case the passive activation device 265 may be located on the connections 25A, It will be understood that it can be attached to the ASIC through 25B). Button 265 may also be located at the end of body 20 instead of (or in addition to) cap 225.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the cartomizer 30 of the e-cigarette 10 of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 can generally be regarded as a cross-section in a plane through the longitudinal axis LA of the e-cigarette 10. It should be noted that various components and details of the cartomizer 30, such as wiring and more complex shaping, have been omitted from Figure 3 for reasons of clarity.

The cartomizer 30 has an air passage 355 extending along the central (longitudinal) axis of the cartomizer 30 from the mouthpiece 35 to the connector 25A to couple the cartomizer 30 to the body 20. ) includes. A liquid reservoir 360 is provided around the air passage 335. This reservoir 360 can be implemented, for example, by providing cotton or foam soaked in liquid. The cartomizer 30 also has an airflow from the reservoir 360 to generate vapor to flow through the air passage 355 and through the mouthpiece 35 in response to the user inhaling the e-cigarette 10. It includes a heater 365 for heating the liquid. Heater 365 receives power through lines 366 and 367 which are sequentially connected to opposite polarities (positive and negative or vice versa) of battery 210 of main body 20 through connector 25A. (details of wiring between power lines 366, 367 and connector 25A are omitted in FIG. 3).

Connector 25A includes an internal electrode 375, which may be silver-plated or made of some other suitable metal or conductive material. When the cartomizer 30 is connected to the main body 20, the internal electrode 375 contacts the electrical contact portion 250 of the main body 20 to establish a first electrical path between the cartomizer 30 and the main body 20. to provide. In particular, when the connectors 25A, 25B are engaged, the inner electrode 375 is pushed against the electrical contact 250, compressing the coil spring 255, thereby causing a gap between the inner electrode 375 and the electrical contact 250. Helps ensure good electrical contact.

The inner electrode 375 is surrounded by an insulating ring 372, which may be made of plastic, rubber, silicone, or any other suitable material. The insulating ring is surrounded by a cartomizer connector 370, which may be silver-plated or made of some other suitable metal or conductive material. When the cartomizer 30 is connected to the main body 20, the cartomizer connector 370 contacts the main body connector 240 of the main body 20 to form a second electrical path between the cartomizer 30 and the main body 20. provides. In other words, the internal electrode 375 and the cartomizer connector 370 are properly connected from the battery 210 of the body 20 to the heater 365 of the cartomizer 30 via appropriate supply lines 366 and 367. They serve as positive and negative terminals (or vice versa) to supply power.

The cartomizer connector 370 is provided with two lugs or tabs 380A, 380B extending in opposite directions away from the longitudinal axis of the e-cigarette 10. These tabs are used to provide a bayonet fitting with body connector 240 to connect cartomizer 30 to body 20. This bayonet fitting provides a secure and secure connection between the cartomizer 30 and the body 20, so that the cartomizer and body are held in a fixed position relative to each other with minimal wobble or bending, and any The possibility of accidental disconnection is very small. At the same time, bayonet fittings are connected by rotation after insertion, and are then withdrawn and disconnected after rotation (in the reverse direction), providing simple and quick connection and disconnection. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may use different types of connections between the body 20 and the cartomizer 30, such as a snap fit or screw connection.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of certain details of connector 25B at the end of body 20 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure (but, like trestle 260, of the connector as shown in FIG. 2). Most of the internal structure is omitted for clarity). In particular, Figure 4 shows the outer housing 201 of the body 20, which has the form of a generally cylindrical tube. This outer housing 201 may include a metal inner tube with an outer covering, such as paper, for example. The outer housing 201 may also include a passive activation device 265 (not shown in FIG. 4) so that the passive activation device 265 is easily accessible to the user.

A body connector 240 extends from this outer housing 201 of the body 20 . The main body connector 240 as shown in FIG. 4 has two main parts, namely a shaft part 241 in the shape of a hollow cylindrical tube sized to fit inside the outer housing 201 of the main body 20, and e. - a lip portion 242 directed in a radial outward direction away from the main longitudinal axis (LA) of the cigarette. The collar or sleeve 290 surrounding the shaft portion 241 of the body connector 240 where the shaft portion does not overlap the outer housing 201 is also in the shape of a cylindrical tube. The collar 290 is held between the lip portion 242 of the body connector 240 and the outer housing 201 of the body, which together are axially (i.e., parallel to axis LA) of the collar 290. prevent movement. However, collar 290 is free to rotate about shaft portion 241 (and therefore also axis LA).

As mentioned above, the cap 225 is provided with an air inlet hole to allow air to enter when the user inhales on the mouthpiece 35. However, in some embodiments, most of the air that enters the device when a user inhales flows through collar 290 and body connector 240, as indicated by the two arrows in FIG. 4.

Referring now to Figure 5, e-cigarette 10 (or more generally any delivery device described elsewhere herein) may operate within a broader delivery ecosystem 1. Within the broader delivery ecosystem, multiple devices can communicate with each other directly (shown with solid arrows) or indirectly (shown with dashed arrows).

5 , e-cigarette 10 as an example of a delivery device may be a smartphone 100, a dock 200 (e.g., a home refill and/or charging station), a vending machine 300, or a wearable. Can communicate directly with one or more other classes of devices (e.g., using Bluetooth® or Wifi Direct®), including (but not limited to) 400. As mentioned above, these devices can cooperate in any suitable configuration to form a delivery system.

Alternatively or additionally, the delivery device, e.g., e-cigarette 10, may be connected to a network, such as the Internet 500, e.g., using Wifi® short-range communication, a wired link, or an all-in-one mobile data method. You can communicate indirectly with one or more of these device classes through: Again, as mentioned above, in this way these devices can cooperate in any suitable configuration to form a delivery system.

Alternatively or additionally, a delivery device, for example an e-cigarette 10, may communicate directly or indirectly with the server 1000 via a network such as the Internet 500, for example by using Wifi. Communicates with other devices in the ecosystem, for example using Bluetooth® or Wifi Direct®, to communicate with the smartphone 100, dock 200, vending machine 300, or wearable 400 and then to the server. It can communicate with and relay communications of the e-cigarette, or report on communications with the e-cigarette 10. Another device in the delivery ecosystem, such as a smartphone, dock, or POS system/vending machine, may therefore optionally act as a hub for one or more delivery devices with only short-range transfer capabilities. Therefore, these hubs can extend the battery life of delivery devices that do not need to maintain an ongoing WiFi® or mobile data link. Additionally, it will be understood that different types of data may be transmitted at different levels of priority; For example, data related to user feedback systems (such as user factors data or feedback action data as discussed herein) may be transmitted at a higher priority than more general usage statistics, or similarly more short-term variables. Some user parameter data related to long-term variables (e.g., current physiological data) may be transmitted with a higher priority than user parameter data related to long-term variables (e.g., current weather, or day of the week). A non-limiting example transmission scheme that allows for higher or lower priority transmission is LoRaWAN.

Meanwhile, devices of other classes in the ecosystem, such as smartphones, docks, vending machines (or any other POS system) and/or wearables, can also be used to perform aspects of their own functionality (e.g., relays (e.g. relay or co-processing unit) may indirectly communicate with the server 1000 via a network such as the Internet 500 on behalf of the delivery system. These devices may communicate with each other directly or indirectly.

The delivery ecosystem may exist, for example, because a user owns multiple devices (e.g. to easily switch between different active ingredients or flavours), or because multiple users share at least partially the same delivery ecosystem. It will be appreciated that it may include multiple delivery devices 10 (for example, cohabiting users may share a charging dock, but have their own mobile phones or wearables). Optionally, these devices may similarly communicate directly or indirectly with each other and/or with devices within the shared delivery ecosystem and/or servers.

Referring now to FIG. 6 where similar features to those of FIG. 1 are numbered similarly, then, as an alternative to or in addition to (as shown) passive activation device 265, an aerosol delivery device may optionally be provided. configured to detect a person without physical contact with the sensor by the user; And it may include at least one proximity sensor 610 configured to output a detection signal when a person is detected.

As an alternative to or in addition to the at least one proximity sensor 610 on the aerosol delivery device, optionally, at least one proximity sensor 610 may be used as a companion device, e.g. It may be provided on a related device, such as a charging hub, or actually the user's phone or smartwatch.

Accordingly, an aerosol delivery system (e.g., an aerosol delivery device, optionally operating with or in conjunction with one or more other devices within the delivery ecosystem, such as a phone or smartwatch) (which may be a normal user of the device) It will be appreciated that a person (who may or may not be a normal user) may be detected without contact by the user (or indeed, in different cases, the detected person).

Exemplary proximity sensors include, but are not limited to, capacitive sensors, active and/or passive audio sensors, and electromagnetic sensors, as described elsewhere herein.

The aerosol delivery system is configured to receive a detection signal and determine whether to change the operating state of the aerosol delivery device between the first activity state and the second activity state based at least in part on the received detection signal. Also includes a processor. These states can be thought of as individual groupings of one or more settings for one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery system.

The activity state processor may be, for example, a control unit 205 operating under appropriate software instructions, or similarly the processor of a charging hub, phone, smartwatch or other device within the delivery ecosystem, or any of these. It can be a combination.

The second activity state reflects the desired levels of activity that a person (typically considered a user) will exhibit when in proximity to the device or system. Meanwhile, the first activity state is for cases where they are not close.

Therefore, generally, compared to the second activity state, the first activity state has lower power requirements, fewer active functions, lower power settings for one or more functions, and alternatives for the function for the second activity state. have one or more of the following functionalities (e.g., typically lower power alternatives, and/or less intrusive features, such as quieter alerts).

For example, a first activity state may include displaying a first set of information; display of first level details of information; Lower duty cycle or lower power data transmission; Lower duty cycle or lower power preheating; Lower duty cycle or lower power lighting; and lower duty cycle or lower power situational awareness, where 'lower' is lower than in the second state. In contrast, for example, the second activity state may include displaying a second set of information (separate from or a superset of the first set of information); display of a second, higher level of detail of information; Higher duty cycle or higher power data transmission; Higher duty cycle or higher power heating; Higher duty cycle or higher power lighting; and higher duty cycle or higher power situational awareness, where 'higher' is higher than in the first state.

Therefore optionally, the first activity state may be a lower power state, a lower situational awareness state, a lower notification state (e.g., to the user or companion devices), a lower arousal state, compared to the second state. , may be characterized as one or more of a lower UI information state, a quieter state, a cooler state, etc.

In the examples above, in one case, a lower situational awareness state may result in a slower duty cycle for an active proximity sensor, or less complex data analysis by an active state processor, or less contextualized data for data fusion activities. It can mean reception, etc. Alternatively, lower situational awareness may limit recognition of other information, such as the wireless environment, or biometric updates from a smartwatch, or calendar or other contextual information, but reduces the sensitivity of at least one form of proximity detection. Alternatively, the duty cycle can be maintained or even increased. Therefore, while the first state is still expected to have lower overall complexity/lower overall power consumption, the proximity detection aspect may remain the same as the second state, or alternatively (for at least one proximity sensor ) can be higher.

Meanwhile, the first and second sets of information and levels of detail of the information may relate to different states and information related to the likely level of engagement of the user with the device at that time. .

Therefore, for example in a first state, the delivery device may appear to be completely off, or display (or a companion device) only the status of its battery and payload (e.g. e-liquid level), for example without a backlight. can be reported to the device periodically). Meanwhile in the second state, it can backlight the display and include other and more detailed information in the UI, such as the current payload flavor or intensity, the current operating mode, and optionally, heat the heater up to the pre-evaporation temperature. It can preheat and indicate when this has been achieved. Alternatively, actions such as preheating a heater (which uses a relatively large amount of power) may optionally be performed in a manner that characterizes the imminent use of a third party in which the user begins to directly physically interact with the delivery device. It can only be performed as part of a state. Optionally, if such a third state is included, the functions in the second state may include active sensing of indicators of the third state.

Therefore, the first state can be characterized as a sleep or standby state, a second state can be characterized as a wake-up or ready state, and an optional third state can be characterized as a ready or pre-use state. .

The functions distinguished by the first and second states can be achieved by both the specific delivery device and optionally also the specific proximity sensor(s) used to detect the proximity of the person and/or the specific proximity sensor(s) used to detect the proximity of the person (or specifically the user). It can change depending on the reliability (detected as ).

With respect to the proximity sensor 610, optionally this may be a parasitic capacitance with the environment above the insulating layer and a person acting as a conductor, creating a proximity capacitance when they are within the vicinity of the electric field of the capacitive sensor, e.g. , comprising a capacitive sensor, comprising a first sensor electrode and an insulating layer.

This is when a person is close to a device or system without being in contact with it - for example, when they place their hands outside a pocket or bag containing the aerosol delivery device - or when picking it up from a table. ; It allows the aerosol delivery system to detect any action that may be a precursor to its use.

Therefore, an aerosol delivery system or device can transition from a first state to a second state, for example by activating a UI and/or preparing an evaporation heater of the delivery device, as described elsewhere herein. This can result in preheating to temperatures, such as just below the evaporation temperature of the payload, resulting in the device being more responsive when first used because there is less increase in temperature required.

The same principle applies if detection is via any other suitable proximity sensors.

Thus, for example, the proximity sensor may include an audio sensor operable to detect audio characteristic of proximity to a person.

Such audio sensor may include one or more microphones, which may be located on one or more devices within the delivery ecosystem.

In one case, the audio sensor is passive and typically detects one or more characteristic biometric feature(s) of a nearby person, such as the user, such as their heart rate or their breathing rate (e.g., if the delivery device is in a pocket). ), or may actually be operable to detect the type of their breathing (e.g., shallow, deep, irregular, etc.). A high heart rate or respiratory rate may indicate the stress of our arousal and may suggest an increased likelihood of imminent use of the delivery device.

Similarly, passive audio sensors may detect the user's voice, and optionally the user's voice patterns therein, and/or signs of stress or calm in their vocabulary, or other indicators of a desire or intention to interact with the delivery device. may be operable to detect certain predetermined keywords or phrases, for example.

The activity state processor may use these characteristic biometric features to determine whether to change the operating state, e.g., based on the presence of one or more characteristic biometric feature(s) of the user and what they currently indicate. Heuristic associations may be derived between the feature(s) and the likelihood that the user will interact with the delivery device immediately thereafter (eg, within a predetermined period of time).

Alternatively, or additionally, in this case the audio sensor is active; That is, it relies on predetermined emitted sound sources rather than ambient sound sources. Therefore, in this case, the audio sensor can act like a SONAR or acoustic tape measure. This can be achieved by the proximity sensor being operable to detect a delayed correlation between the detected audio and the emitted audio, where the delay is typically a function of propagation time from the emitter to the audio sensor via reflection of the target object. Therefore, the time of propagation indicates the distance to the target object (with the known speed of sound).

Audio may be emitted by a delivery device or by a companion device, such as the user's mobile phone. If the same device contains an emitter and an audio sensor, the detected delay corresponds to the outbound and return journey (to the unknown object) - however, the distance estimated here may vary depending on user behavior (e.g. moving closer to the device). ), and then the active state processor can be arranged to change, for example, from a first state to a second state. On the other hand, if different devices contain an emitter and an audio sensor, then the detected delay corresponds to the direct path distance between them. Therefore, for example, if the user's phone emits audio (e.g., at a high pitch or as an ultrasonic chirp), then the distance to the user may be assumed to be similar to a direct path. In this case, relative timings can be achieved, for example, by the use of Bluetooth® or other wireless synchronization signal, transmitted by the device emitting audio.

Again, the active state processor can be arranged to change state depending on the apparent distance. If the distance is fairly short (approximately 50-100 cm) but over a long period of time, it can be assumed that this is due to the user carrying both devices. In this case, the activity state processor may optionally change the delivery device to or maintain the first activity state, for example, until the distance changes more than a threshold amount indicating a change in the user's state.

Optionally, the proximity sensor may use the delayed correlation between the emitted sound and the detected sound to detect a characteristic event, such as an aerosol delivery device being released from a reservoir (e.g., from a bag, pocket, sleeve/pouch, or similar). It may be possible to detect whether something is being removed or about to be removed, or a characteristic distance from the user (particularly the user's face). In the latter case, data fusion between the orientation of the delivery device, optionally obtained from a proximity sensor and other sensor data, such as an accelerometer or similar, can be used to more reliably infer this event. For example, a combination of a characteristic distance and orientation, or a preceding or current feature in orientation (e.g., from substantially vertical to horizontal, typically in an arc with a radius similar to that of the user's forearm). Physical changes can, for example, distinguish imminent use from storage in a wobbly handbag.

Optionally, the proximity sensor may use the delayed correlation between the emitted and detected sound to provide other situational awareness, such as whether the delivery device is indoors, for example, based on the number of path reflections and path times detected. You can provide whether it is indoors or outdoors. Again, data fusion can optionally be used to determine what it means to be indoors or outdoors; Users can leave their workplace for regular breaks, for example at certain times; Location via WiFi or GPS may not be detected if the user is still present but outdoors, whereas a certain combination of time and acoustic indications of being outdoors may cause the activity state processor to You can switch states.

As mentioned elsewhere herein, the audio sensor may include a plurality of microphones (either active and/or passive). Optionally, they may be configured to detect the direction of relevant sound (whether ambient or emitted), for example based on the differential timings of corresponding audio features between microphones (e.g., proximity sensors and /or in conjunction with an activity state processor). Orientation relative to the microphones may provide useful information, for example, when the user speaks, which may enable the device to determine its directional relationship to the user's mouth, which may indicate imminent use and therefore activity status. This may be an indication of the reason for the processor to change its operating state appropriately.

Alternatively or additionally, such a microphone array could optionally be used to estimate the attenuation distance of sounds (e.g., voiced sounds) and thus to estimate the distance of the device from the user's mouth. Again, the distance may be an indication of impending use and therefore a reason for the active state processor to change the operating state appropriately.

Other proximity sensors include, for example, electromagnetic sensors (e.g., infrared or microwave sensors, whether active or passive, in a similar sense to the acoustic sensors described elsewhere herein). Such sensors may detect the presence of a person (e.g., via infrared emissions by the person) and/or may selectively detect one or more characteristic biometric feature(s) of the person. As with audio sensors, infrared or microwave sensors could be used, for example, to capture nearby heartbeats.

References herein to data fusion are such that the activity state processor receives a detection signal, and is based at least in part on the received detection signal, but optionally also on other data that provides additional context to the person's apparent proximity. Thus, it is recognized that the method may be configured to determine whether to change the operating state of the aerosol delivery device between a first active state and a second active state. Examples may include delivery device orientation from an accelerometer, time of day, location, ambient light levels, etc.

Optionally, such secondary data source may include second proximity data from at least a second sensor, e.g., a first sensor located at a different position on the delivery device or another device in the delivery ecosystem. It may be a proximity sensor similar to the other, or it may be a different one of the types described herein.

By using two or more data sources including those from the first proximity sensor and optionally from the second proximity sensor, optionally, the activity state processor detects using the detection signal and the signal from at least the second sensor. It is possible to estimate whether the person using the service can be a user. In other words, by using more data sources and especially (but not necessarily) a second proximity sensor, the system can better distinguish between whether the person in proximity is the user or not. For example, if the delivery device is placed on a table in a restaurant, then information about the direction of the user's voice may be used in conjunction with other proximity detection sensors to selectively override the weight of signals detected from other directions, or can be reduced.

The use of multiple sensors is not limited to this application. For example, proximity detection from capacitance detectors on each side of the delivery device can determine the direction of approach, or, for example, continuous proximity (e.g., in a pocket) versus transient and therefore potentially intentional proximity (e.g., reaching a pocket). can be distinguished. Combinations of sensors and deployments can be envisioned as appropriate for a variety of use cases, which in turn will depend on the size, shape, and weight of the device and/or its target market (e.g. For example, factors that may affect whether the device will be placed in a pocket, kept in plain view, or stored in a case/bag).

Optionally, if the second (or indeed first) proximity sensor is a capacitance sensor, it may also function as a detector of direct or impending touch. If a sensor occupies an area of the delivery device (e.g., as an array or distribution of discrete sensors), it may also be configured to detect a person's current or impending retention pattern upon contact or as users approach. there is. The area, shape, and/or size of the holding pattern may be characteristic of the user, or may well be within a small potential group of people, such as at home. The area, shape and/or size of the retention pattern may similarly function to distinguish certain non-users, such as children with small hands. Therefore, in this latter example, the active state processor may remain in the first state, or may appropriately ignore indications to switch to the second state, as indicated by other proximity sensors, or may immediately return to the first state. (e.g., if proximity was detected earlier, prompting a switch to the second state, but it subsequently appears that the person may be a child). If such a mechanism is provided, then, optionally for adults with small hands, such feature may be disabled using settings accessible, for example, after a secure login process.

If reference is made to proximity detection (optionally in conjunction with data fusion with other data sources) to prompt the activity state processor to switch to a second state, to remain in the second state if it is already in it, similarly: It will be appreciated that the same detection could also be used. Conversely, lack of proximity detection, optionally for a predetermined period of time, and optionally in conjunction with lack of relevant data from other data sources, may cause the active state processor to switch back to the first state.

If a third state is also used (e.g., in response to a direct physical interaction with the delivery device), then proximity detection is used to generally trigger the second state if currently in the third state, Prior to switching to the second state, the third state may be maintained for a predetermined period of time. Therefore, for example, if a user puts their device down (thereby generally exiting the third state) but keeps their hands nearby, then the device recognizes that the user is likely to pick it up again. Under certain conditions, the third state may be maintained for a predetermined period of time, such as 5, 10, or 30 seconds.

Therefore, optionally, the aerosol delivery system may, however, also or instead (e.g., if sooner) occur after human detection has elapsed and aerosol delivery has been completed (i.e., the expected use has occurred and it is time to reset the cycle). (as appropriate), and/or an indication of sleep achieved by user interface interaction (e.g., double tapping the delivery device, or selecting the snooze option on the UI of the delivery device or companion device). It will be appreciated that the device is configured to switch from the second state back to the first state at a predetermined time after the relevant interaction such as) is completed.

Referring now to FIG. 7 where features similar to those of FIG. 1 are numbered similarly, as an alternative to or in addition to the features of the system described with reference to FIG. 6, optionally the aerosol delivery device may be configured to have a predetermined It may include at least one interaction sensor 710 operable to generate signals in response to interaction. A predetermined interaction is an interaction that is relevant to subsequent use of the aerosol delivery device, as described elsewhere herein.

As an alternative to or in addition to the at least one interaction sensor 710 on the aerosol delivery device, optionally at least one interaction sensor 710 may be provided on a companion device, which is described elsewhere herein. As described in, typically these are closely related devices within the delivery ecosystem, such as the user's phone, smartwatch, fitness tracker, etc.

However, in total, at least two interactive sensors are provided.

Accordingly, in embodiments of the present description, an aerosol delivery system 1 includes an aerosol delivery device 10, a first sensor 610 configured to detect a first interaction related to subsequent use of the aerosol delivery device; and a second sensor 610 configured to detect a second, distinct interaction related to subsequent use of the aerosol delivery device.

Additionally, the aerosol delivery system includes a two-factor detection processor operable to calculate when detection of the first interaction and the second interaction meets at least a first predetermined criterion. The two-factor detection processor may include a control unit 205 of the delivery device (operating under appropriate software instructions), and/or a CPU of a companion device, again operating under appropriate software instructions, or another device in the delivery ecosystem. .

Similarly, the aerosol delivery system includes a control processor operable to change one or more operating parameters of the aerosol delivery device in response to the detection of the first interaction and the second interaction being calculated to meet at least a first predetermined criterion. Includes.

Again, this control processor may be the control unit 205 of the delivery device and/or the CPU of a companion device or other device in the delivery ecosystem operating under appropriate software instructions.

Depending on the predetermined interaction, a given sensor may be a physical sensor or a logical sensor. Examples of physical sensors include one or more accelerometers, one or more gyroscopes, and one or more cameras, and the insertion or physical Contains detectors for tuning. Examples of logical sensors include selection of payload or adjustment of consumable payload formulation via a user interface, or aerosol delivery that is considered relevant to (e.g., indicative of subsequent use of) the aerosol delivery device. and detecting (e.g., flagging) any other predetermined interaction with the user interface of the system.

Therefore, the first and second sensors can detect individual interactions from a non-limiting list consisting of:

i. Insertion of a consumable payload—physically loading a consumable payload into a delivery device, for example, directly, in a capsule or package, or by refilling a capsule or package;

ii. Selection of the consumable payload - indicating selective heating of the gel, for example, when an array of different gels is provided as the payload, by moving the gel over the heating zone, either logically or by physically manipulating the gels;

iii. Adjustment of the consumable payload formulation - for example, by dynamic mixing of active ingredients and flavors, or by adjusting the concentration of either one, or by selecting the relative heating profiles of two or more gels, etc.;

iv. Engagement of the power supply - for example by plugging into a power bank battery, mains charger or docking the delivery device with the charging unit);

v. Isolation of such power supply;

vi. A predetermined interaction with the user interface of the aerosol delivery system - for example, the amount of payload or battery charge remaining, or the amount of use remaining within a usage management scheme (e.g. any such established determines the time according to the schedule or displays the remaining number of puffs during the day);

vii. A change in orientation of the aerosol delivery device that exceeds a critical rate—e.g., indicating it is being removed from a bag or pocket, as opposed to shaking of the bag or moving within the pocket;

viii. A change in orientation as a characteristic of use - for example, a change in arching from vertical to horizontal, as if lifted into the mouth;

ix. Change of grip for one characteristic of use; and

x. Vertical transition within a predetermined range - for example within the range of 40-80 cm from the bag or pocket to the head.

Additionally, the proximity sensors described elsewhere herein may be considered suitable examples of first and second sensors.

It will be appreciated that, as a mechanism for detecting impending use, the first and second sensors are not sensors used to detect and/or cause full activation of the delivery device (eg, delivery of vapor). Therefore, for example, they do not involve pressing a button to activate the aerosol delivery device, and/or inhaling the mouthpiece of the aerosol delivery device.

A specific operating parameter for tobacco heating products 'THPs', and similarly for gels, is to activate the preheating stage. THPs and gels take a relatively long time (compared to e-liquids, for example) to heat up to the vaporization temperature and, therefore, are heated to near the vaporization temperature in anticipation of actual activation by the user to create an aerosol. To take the load, a faster or longer preheat step is typically desirable.

However, if such a preheating step is triggered unnecessarily, it can quickly exhaust the delivery device's battery, cause the heating cycle to affect the heater, or evaporate small amounts of the payload within the device and the subsequent If condensation occurs, it can potentially shorten the life of the delivery device. As a result, it is advantageous for the preheating step to be activated when there is a strong possibility of imminent use, and the above two-factor authentication of imminent use provides a powerful means to reduce the number of false-positive activations.

This principle includes, by way of non-limiting example, one or more selected from the list consisting of: or to any aspect of the aerosol delivery system that can be associated with a transition to a pre-use state (e.g., a second state as previously described with respect to proximity detection):

i. Display of a set of information (a separate or superordinate set from the set displayed in the preceding state) - for example, if in the standby state the delivery device showed only the battery status, then in the second pre-use state: It may also indicate payload remaining status;

ii. Display of a higher level of detail of information than that displayed in the preceding state - for example, if in the standby state the delivery device only indicated battery status, then in the second pre-use state it would display the battery power It can also represent an estimate of how many puffs it could equate to;

iii. Transmitting higher duty cycle or higher power data than the preceding state—for example, increasing the range or frequency of occurrence of communications with a companion device;

iv. Higher duty cycle or higher power heating than the preceding condition - e.g., providing more power to the heater, as a higher percentage 'on' in the duty cycle, and/or more power. The preceding state may have a lower duty cycle or power, or may actually not supply the heater with any power for heating, in which case it may operate the heater at a predetermined power (e.g., up to the pre-evaporation temperature). It can be the same as turning on;

v. Higher duty cycle or higher power illumination than the preceding state—for example, backlighting the display of the delivery device; and

vi. Higher duty cycle or higher power situational awareness than the preceding state - e.g., to increase the threshold of one or more other sensors of the aerosol delivery system, e.g., to be more responsive to the imminent and/or actual onset of use. Activates or increases sensitivity.

Therefore, such a ready or pre-use state can be thought of as a set of one or more changed operating parameters.

The two-factor authentication approach helps prevent unnecessary activation of such states or changes to such operating parameters in response to a false positive indication of impending use.

Example scenarios include loading a payload to a device or steering a payload to a device. To a first approximation, this could be considered an indication that the user wishes to use a new or updated payload. However, often users are simply using the delivery device as a means of preloading and transporting payload for later use, but perhaps loading their device as a prelude to commuting to work, for example. Accordingly, the user may not be guaranteed to use the delivery device within a certain period of time after loading or modifying the payload, for example, preheating a heater may be economical from a battery life perspective.

However, if the user then lifts the device up a characteristic amount (e.g. in the 40-80 cm range) or adopts a grip characteristic when inhaling the mouthpiece, these events are associated with changes in the payload. This indicates the possibility of imminent use and preheating of the delivery device is likely to be advantageous.

Conversely, simply holding the device with the same grip the user uses may not be a sufficient indicator of imminent use. Users can maintain their devices for long periods of time in this way because it is easier to carry them in the same position in which they are used. For this reason it would be inefficient to continuously warm up the delivery device between uses. However, if the device is also moved near the user's face, this indicates the possibility of imminent use in conjunction with being held in a use grip and pre-heating of the delivery device is likely to be advantageous.

Therefore, more generally, a two-factor detection processor may detect a first interaction (e.g., from signals from a first sensor) and a second interaction (e.g., from signals from a second sensor). and calculate when detection of the action meets at least a first predetermined criterion. The criteria may be separate for each interaction (in which case both must be met) or they may be combined criteria.

For example, that or each criterion may be an individual selected from a list consisting of:

i. A duration of at least one of the interactions exceeding a duration threshold (eg, duration of a grip);

ii. Two interactions (e.g., grip and arching motion) that overlap by at least a predetermined period of time; and

iii. Two interactions that occur within an interval of predetermined length (e.g., loading a payload and subsequently lifting the device a characteristic amount within, e.g., 15, 30, 45, or 60 seconds) thing).

Therefore, the control processor is operable to place the aerosol delivery device in a predetermined state in response to detection of the first interaction and the second interaction being calculated to meet at least a first predetermined criterion.

It will be appreciated that some combinations of interactions may indicate imminent use other than inhalation for the device. For example, holding the device at a certain angle may indicate that the UI, payload, or battery indicator is being inspected. On the other hand, playing with or tapping the device by rotating or otherwise changing its orientation without significant other significant motion may indicate an expectation that the device will become more interactive. In these cases, a different predetermined state appropriate for the most likely impending action is selected based on a combination of first and second interactions. For example, when playing with the device, more information may be displayed in the UI, or the UI may be backlit. On the other hand, if the device is rotated, paused, and rotated again, as if it were being inspected, then more detailed information may be presented, and so on.

Therefore optionally, the control processor is configured to place the aerosol delivery device in a respective predetermined state in response to the detection of the respective combination of the first interaction and the second interaction being calculated to meet at least the first predetermined criterion. It may be possible to operate.

Referring now to Figure 8, where features similar to those of Figure 1 are similarly numbered, as an alternative to, or in addition to, the features of one or both of the systems described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. , in one embodiment of the description, the aerosol delivery device 10 includes a power source (e.g., a battery 210 as described elsewhere herein); a control processor (e.g., control unit 205, and/or CPU of a companion device such as a telephone); and disposable, removably attachable portions (e.g., cartomizer 30, or replaceable parts thereof, such as payload refill reservoirs, tobacco heating product containers, or gel packs).

The disposable, removably attachable portion, in turn, includes a payload for aerosolization, and a heating element 810 for aerosolization of the payload, as described elsewhere herein.

The heating element is electrically coupled to the power source (eg, using contacts on the exterior of the payload container) and to the control processor by attachment of a disposable portion to the aerosol delivery device.

The control processor is configured to set the flow of electrical energy to supply the heater from the power source in an initial state and to detect subsequent changes in the flow characteristics of the change in resistance in the heating element caused by the air flow cooling the heater.

The control processor is further configured to enter a subsequent state upon detection of a subsequent change in flow to increase the flow of electrical energy to supply the heater from the power source sufficient to increase the heater temperature.

As described elsewhere herein, the initial state may be a first state and the subsequent state may be a second (or third) state; Alternatively, the initial state may be a second state (eg, following two-factor authentication of imminent use and/or proximity detection) and the subsequent state may be a third state.

In particular, the heater used to vaporize the payload for inhalation may therefore be set to a preheated state (whether close to the vaporization temperature, or simply at a predetermined lower level, albeit assumed to be above ambient); , the control processor may detect subsequent changes in resistance in the heating element caused by the airflow cooling the heater. As a result, the control processor can detect airflow within the delivery device without the need for a separate airflow sensor 215, which can therefore be omitted from the delivery device.

In this way, the disposable heater 810 associated with the payload may have an auxiliary function as a hot-wire anemometer for the purposes of detecting an inhalation action by the user of the delivery device.

A conventional heater of a delivery device is typically close to the payload to be vaporized to heat the payload, and also close to, but not necessarily within, the airflow path carrying the resulting vapor. Accordingly, in embodiments of this description, the heating element is configured to be at least partially within the inhalation airflow path of the aerosol delivery device. This configuration may require changes in the shape and/or position of the heater.

For example, the heating element may include a thin wire portion and/or a membrane portion within the inhalation airflow path of the aerosol delivery device. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element includes a number of parts, at least one of which is at least partially within the inhalation airflow path of the aerosol delivery device. In this case, all of the components heat up in response to the application of current from the battery, but they may not be continuous and/or they may not all be heated to the same temperature.

The advantage of using the heater as an anemometer is that the heater is part of a disposable, removably attachable portion of the disposable component of the delivery device. As a result, vapor condensation, particles, dust, or other materials do not have time to accumulate sufficiently on the disposable heater to impair its secondary function as an airflow sensor. In contrast, the previously mentioned airflow sensor 215 is part of the body of the delivery device and is permanent; As a result, its functionality may deteriorate over time as materials build up on or in it, limiting the useful life of the delivery device.

Now, referring to FIGS. 9A-9C, the hot wire anemometer provides current (e.g., from a battery) to a heater to make it hot (or at least sufficiently hotter than the ambient temperature so that subsequent temperature drops can occur). It works by creating. Then, as air is drawn over the heater (e.g., due to a suction action), the air cools the wire by removing some of its heat. The amount of heat removed is a function of the speed of air past the heater, and because there is a relationship between electrical resistance and temperature, cooling can be detected by the transfer device. Therefore, at the expected temperature (X), the subsequent decrease in resistance (Y) indicates a drop in temperature (Δ

Figure 9a illustrates this principle for a steady state situation; The y-axis corresponds to resistance (and instead temperature) while the x-axis corresponds to time. In this case, the expected resistance is indicated by the dashed line and will remain unchanged for a given current temperature resulting from applying a given current. However, the actual resistance (shown by the solid line) drops, indicating an unexpected drop in heater temperature caused by the airflow extracting heat energy from the heater. As noted elsewhere herein, the drop in resistance then has a predictable relationship to air speed. As a result, a drop in resistance greater than a predetermined threshold amount (over a predetermined period of time, optionally to reduce false positives in case of noisy signals) indicates that the suction action on the device has been initiated by the user. can be regarded as indicating that

Figure 9b illustrates that the same principle applies, for example when the heater is heating; The resistance must follow a predetermined relationship with temperature, which in turn will have a known relationship with the applied current in relation to time. However, the deviation in resistance versus time may, again, be indicative of the airflow removing heat from the heater, and again, the critical deviation (optionally over a critical period) may be taken to indicate that the suction action is starting. there is.

Similarly, Figure 9C shows that after power is turned off (or power is ramped down) to intentionally cool the heater, if the airflow removes heat energy from the heater, again, the resistance may drop faster than expected. It shows that there is. Again, a threshold deviation (optionally during a threshold period) may be considered to indicate that suction action is starting.

It will be appreciated that FIGS. 9B and 9C as actually shown reflect the steady state example of FIG. 9A except for the temperatures increasing or decreasing in a known manner. The expected resistance or temperature profiles may be linear, as shown, or the progression of the deviation therefrom may be non-linear, as may be the case.

In any case, optionally a threshold deviation from the expected resistance during a threshold period of time may therefore be taken to indicate that an inhalation action by the user has been initiated. Therefore, the control processor may be configured to transition to a subsequent state if the absolute change in resistance exceeds a first predetermined threshold (in effect the resistance will drop).

Likewise, when the deviation has substantially ended, it may be considered to indicate that the inhalation action by the user has ended.

Accordingly, when the aerosol delivery device is in a subsequent state (e.g., after inhalation has been detected), the control processor is configured to detect additional changes in resistance at the heating element caused by the airflow no longer cooling the heater. and the control processor is configured to re-enter the initial state upon detection of a further change in flow.

Optionally, the increase in temperature is to just below the vaporization temperature for the payload. This is typical, for example, for the example of the second state described herein. This allows the aerosol delivery device to react quickly to an apparent drop in resistance, perhaps without also requiring the aerosol delivery device to be present for a corresponding critical period of time, or to be present for a first shorter critical period of time. Allowed.

In this case, optionally, if the change in resistance persists for a critical period of time, or if the change in resistance exceeds or continues to exceed a second predetermined threshold that is greater than the first, in temperature. The increase in further increases the evaporation temperature for the payload.

In this way, an early indication of air flow cooling the heater can cause the heater temperature to increase to the pre-evaporation temperature, after which the change in resistance continues for a predetermined period of time or typically indicates a particular intake. If it is at the second critical level or increases to the second level, the evaporation temperature can be increased.

It will be appreciated that the change in resistance can still be tracked as a function of the expected change during the heating stage, according to FIG. 9B. The predetermined period of time may optionally be equivalent to the time it takes for the heater to reach the pre-evaporation temperature, such that this heating time does not reduce the apparent overall response of the delivery device to inhalation actions. It acts as a filter for false positives.

Alternatively, of course, the control processor could instead begin evaporation by simply heating the heater to the evaporation temperature.

Conversely, as previously mentioned herein, when suction is stopped, the control processor may revert to an initial state (typically a second or first state, depending on the implementation, or a similar low-power state). Optionally, the initial state may comprise or additionally serve as a blocking state in which the control processor stops the flow of electrical energy from the power source to the heater, in particular. Therefore, for example, when in or returning to an initial state, the control processor may be operable to enter/integrate a blocking state if at least a first predetermined criterion is met. Examples of such predetermined criteria are each of the following: no transition to a subsequent state within a predetermined period of time; a user interface command to enter a blocking state (e.g., by activating a shutdown or standby button or UI, or by deactivating an action button or UI); the power level falling below a predetermined threshold (eg, 5 or 10%); Aerosol delivery system does not detect motion during a critical period; and the aerosol delivery system does not detect a second-factor for user proximity and/or two-factor authentication within a critical period.

During such a blocking state, if it is a modification of the initial state or is still a lower power state than the initial state, the control processor may be operable to enter the initial state if at least a first predetermined criterion is met. Examples of such predetermined criteria are each of the following: a user interface command to enter an initial state (e.g., pressing a warmup button or option); Manipulation of the delivery device by the user (eg, touch/electrical ground/motion); Movements of the delivery device characteristic of imminent use (e.g., horizontal arcuate movements); any of the two-factor authentication techniques disclosed elsewhere herein for changing state; Any of the proximity detection techniques disclosed elsewhere herein for changing state.

Similarly, during such a blocking state, the control processor may be operable to enter a subsequent state (eg, a preheat or transfer state) if at least a first predetermined criterion is met. In this case, examples of such predetermined criteria are each of the following: a user interface command to enter a subsequent state (e.g., pressing a heater/vaping button or option); and electrical grounding of a predetermined portion of the delivery device (e.g., a mouthpiece), optionally in conjunction with a second-factor as part of a two-factor authentication technique as described elsewhere herein.

As noted elsewhere herein, the advantage of using the heater in the cartomizer/payload package as an anemometer is that it is disposable and therefore free of particulates or other materials that may insulate the heater from the airflow within the delivery device. It will not have time to build up significantly and thus will reduce its responsiveness to the user initiating an inhalation action to trigger the production of vapor.

However, a resulting issue with this approach is that these heaters are typically much larger and typically consume more power than conventional hot wire anemometers or other airflow sensors. Therefore, it is desirable not to be in the on state all the time. Nevertheless, it is still desirable for the delivery device to be responsive to inhalations by the user.

So, to solve this problem, as described herein, a delivery system can detect interactions indicative of subsequent or impending use, including proximity detection and other indicators such as characteristic grips, movements, etc. Other sensors can be used for this purpose. These can be used to selectively activate the heater in its initial anemometer state. Optionally, to limit false positives, these may be used in a two-factor arrangement, as described elsewhere herein, to selectively activate the heater in its initial anemometer state.

Therefore, for example, the delivery device may be operable in the first state described above, which is a standby state (for purposes of power to the heater) or a 'shutdown' state; Proximity and/or other sensors, optionally, undergo a two-factor check and then cause the control processor to transition to an initial state, which may be similar to the second state described above; In this state, the heater can enter anemometer mode to detect the beginning of suction. As described elsewhere herein, other sensors may also optionally detect indicators or impending use, again optionally in a two-factor configuration.

When the control processor detects impending use from these sensors, it can optionally heat the heater to the pre-evaporation temperature while still detecting suction action using the heater. Alternatively or additionally, the control processor may detect suction action using the heater in the manner described herein and detect the heater up to the vaporization temperature (or for less than a predetermined period of time, as described elsewhere herein). While this continues, it can be heated (up to the pre-evaporation temperature).

It will be further appreciated that the above technology may be particularly useful for non-combustion heating type tobacco heating products, or delivery devices that generate vapor from gels, where they require a longer time than e-liquids to heat to vaporization temperature. Because it can get caught. As a result, the relatively longer warm-up time of the heater in these delivery devices makes the heater particularly suitable for use as an anemometer at limited additional costs in terms of power consumption.

Finally, optionally, the aerosol delivery system can maintain the heater at a temperature below the vaporization temperature, but at a minimal amount above ambient, such that inhalation is still detectable using the techniques described herein, resulting in reduced power consumption. Although constant, it is low and sustainable. Optionally, such an approach may be performed, for example, while the power supply exceeds a threshold, and/or for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 5 or 10 minutes) since the last intake, and or (e.g., on consecutive days or can be used for learned periods of frequent use (measured over weeks).

By using these techniques, an aerosol delivery system can detect inhalation actions using a disposable heater supplied with the payload, while limiting power consumption but remaining responsive to the user.

Referring now to Figure 10, an aerosol delivery device in turn comprising a power source and in turn a payload for aerosolization and a heating element for aerosolization of the payload—the heating element (as described elsewhere herein) ) electrically coupled to a power source by attachment of the disposable portion to an aerosol delivery device. A method of controlling an aerosol delivery system comprising a disposable, removably attachable portion comprising:

For example, as described elsewhere herein, a first step s1010 of configuring an initial state by the control processor to establish the flow of electrical energy to supply the heater from the power source.

For example, a second step s1020 in which a subsequent change in resistance in the heating element caused by the airflow cooling the heater is detected by the control processor, again as described elsewhere herein.

and, upon detection of a subsequent change in resistance, again by the control processor, for example as described elsewhere herein, to increase the flow of electrical energy to the heater from the power source sufficient to increase the heater temperature. A third step (s1030) to enter the subsequent state (e.g. to increase the current to the heater to increase the heater to the pre-evaporation or evaporation temperature).

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that variations in the above method corresponding to the operation of various embodiments of the device as described and claimed herein are also contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

In particular, the method includes detecting a person without physical contact using at least one proximity sensor, as described elsewhere herein; outputting a detection signal when a person is detected; Receiving a detection signal; and determining whether to change the operating state of the aerosol delivery device between the first and second activity states based at least in part on the received detection signal.

As described elsewhere herein, optionally in this case the first active state may be a blocking state (or an initial state incorporating heater blocking), or an initial state; The additional activity state can be a correspondingly initial state (eg the heater for detecting suction actions is in the on state), or a subsequent state.

Similarly, the method may include a first detection step of detecting a first interaction related to subsequent use of the aerosol delivery device, as described elsewhere herein; a second detection step of detecting a second distinct interaction related to subsequent use of the aerosol delivery device; a calculating step of calculating when detection of the first interaction and the second interaction meets at least a first predetermined criterion; and a control step of changing the operating state of the aerosol delivery device in response to the detection of the first interaction and the second interaction being calculated to meet at least a first predetermined criterion.

Again, in this case, optionally, the operating state to be changed may be either a blocking state (or an initial state incorporating a heater blocking) or an initial state, and may be changed to the initial state or a subsequent state as appropriate.

It will similarly be appreciated that the above methods may be implemented on conventional hardware, as the case may be, suitably configured by software instructions or by the inclusion or replacement of dedicated hardware. An example of such conventional hardware is the control unit 205 of the CPU of a companion device, such as the phone 100 of the delivery ecosystem, which, under appropriate software instructions, can function as a control processor.

Accordingly, the essential configuration of existing components of a conventional equivalent device is non-disk storage media such as floppy disks, optical disks, hard disks, solid state disks, PROMs, RAM, flash memory, or any combination of these or other storage media. stored on a transient machine-readable medium, or suitable for use in adapting an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or a conventional equivalent device. The implementation may be in the form of a computer program product comprising processor-implementable instructions implemented in another configurable circuit. Independently, such computer programs may be transmitted via data signals over a network such as Ethernet, a wireless network, the Internet, or any combination of these or other networks.

The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the invention. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention, as well as other claims. This disclosure, including any readily identifiable variations of the teachings herein, defines in part the scope of the foregoing claim terminology so as not to deprive the public of any inventive subject matter.

Claims (23)

As an aerosol delivery system,
control processor; and
An aerosol delivery device comprising:
everyone; and
Comprising a disposable, removably attachable portion, said disposable, removably attachable portion comprising, in order:
Payload for aerosolization; and
a heating element for aerosolizing the payload, the heating element electrically coupled to the power and control processor by the attachment of the disposable portion to the aerosol delivery device;
the control processor is configured to set the flow of electrical energy to supply the heater from the power source in an initial state and to detect subsequent changes in resistance in the heating element caused by the airflow cooling the heater; and
wherein the control processor is configured to enter a subsequent state upon detection of the subsequent change in resistance to increase the flow of electrical energy to supply the heater from the power source sufficient to increase the heater temperature.
Aerosol delivery system. According to claim 1,
In the subsequent state, the control processor is configured to detect further changes in resistance in the heating element caused by the airflow no longer cooling the heater; and
wherein the control processor is configured to re-enter the initial state upon detection of the additional change in the flow.
Aerosol delivery system. According to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the control processor is configured to transition to the subsequent state if the absolute change in resistance exceeds a first predetermined threshold.
Aerosol delivery system. According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The increase in temperature is to just below the vaporization temperature for the payload,
Aerosol delivery system. According to clause 4,
If the subsequent change lasts for a threshold period of time, or if the change exceeds a second predetermined threshold that is greater than the first, the increase in temperature adds up to the vaporization temperature for the payload. Increased by,
Aerosol delivery system. According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The increase in temperature is up to the vaporization temperature of the payload,
Aerosol delivery system. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
wherein the heating element is at least partially within an inhalation airflow path of the aerosol delivery device.
Aerosol delivery system. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
wherein the heating element comprises a thin wire portion within the inhalation airflow path of the aerosol delivery device.
Aerosol delivery system. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
wherein the heating element comprises a thin portion within the inhalation airflow path of the aerosol delivery device.
Aerosol delivery system. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The heating element includes a plurality of parts, at least one of which is at least partially within the inhalation airflow path of the aerosol delivery device,
Aerosol delivery system. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
wherein the control processor includes a shut-off state in which the control processor stops the flow of electrical energy from the power source to the heater,
Aerosol delivery system. According to claim 11,
In the initial state, the control processor is operable to enter the blocking state if at least a first predetermined criterion is met,
Aerosol delivery system. According to claim 12,
The above or each predetermined criterion is,
i. does not transition to said subsequent state within a predetermined time;
ii. a user interface command to enter the blocking state;
iii. Power level falling below threshold;
iv. the aerosol delivery system does not detect movement of the aerosol delivery device for a critical period of time;
v. the aerosol delivery system does not detect a second factor in a two-factor authorization system; and
vi. The aerosol delivery system does not detect nearby users
An individual selected from a list consisting of,
Aerosol delivery system. According to claim 11,
In the blocking state, the control processor is operable to enter the initial state if at least a first predetermined criterion is met,
Aerosol delivery system. According to claim 14,
The above or each predetermined criterion is,
i. user interface commands to enter the initial state;
ii. manipulation of the delivery device by a user;
iii. movement of the delivery device characteristic of imminent use;
iv. Two-factor authentication of imminent use; and
v. Proximity detection of the user
An individual selected from a list consisting of,
Aerosol delivery system. According to claim 11,
In the blocked state, the control processor is operable to enter the subsequent state if at least a first predetermined criterion is met,
Aerosol delivery system. According to claim 16,
The above or each predetermined criterion is,
i. user interface instructions to enter the subsequent state; and
ii. Electrical grounding of a predetermined portion of the delivery device
An individual selected from a list consisting of,
Aerosol delivery system. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17,
configured to detect a person without physical contact with the sensor by the person; and at least one proximity sensor configured to output a detection signal when a person is detected;
An activity state processor configured to receive the detection signal and determine whether to change an operating state of the aerosol delivery device between a first activity state and a second activity state based at least in part on the received detection signal. Including,
Aerosol delivery system. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18,
a first sensor configured to detect a first interaction related to subsequent use of the aerosol delivery device;
a second sensor configured to detect a second, distinct interaction related to subsequent use of the aerosol delivery device;
a two-factor detection processor operable to calculate when detection of the first interaction and the second interaction meets at least a first predetermined criterion; and
a control processor operable to change an operating state of the aerosol delivery device in response to the detection of the first interaction and the second interaction being calculated to meet the at least first predetermined criteria,
Aerosol delivery system. A method of controlling an aerosol delivery system, comprising:
a disposable, removably attachable portion comprising an aerosol delivery device in turn containing a power source and in turn a payload for aerosolization and a heating element for aerosolization of the payload;
The heating element is electrically coupled to the power source by attachment of the disposable portion to the aerosol delivery device, the method comprising:
configuring an initial state to establish a flow of electrical energy to supply the heater from the power source;
detecting subsequent changes in resistance in the heating element caused by the airflow cooling the heater;
Upon detecting the subsequent change in resistance, entering a subsequent state to increase the flow of electrical energy to supply the heater from the power source sufficient to increase the heater temperature.
How to control an aerosol delivery system. According to claim 20,
detecting a person without physical contact using at least one proximity sensor;
outputting a detection signal when a person is detected;
Receiving the detection signal; and
determining whether to change an operating state of the aerosol delivery device between a first active state and a second active state based at least in part on the received detection signal.
How to control an aerosol delivery system. The method of claim 20 or 21,
a first detection step of detecting a first interaction associated with subsequent use of the aerosol delivery device;
a second detection step of detecting a second distinct interaction related to subsequent use of the aerosol delivery device;
a calculating step of calculating when detection of the first interaction and the second interaction meets at least a first predetermined criterion; and
A control step of changing an operating state of the aerosol delivery device in response to the detection of the first interaction and the second interaction being calculated to meet the at least first predetermined criterion.
How to control an aerosol delivery system. As a computer program,
Comprising computer-executable instructions configured to cause a computer system to perform the method of any one of claims 20 to 22,
computer program.