RU2781340C2 - Aerosol generating system with biosensor - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medical equipment.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to medical equipment, namely to system (50) made with the possibility of aerosol generation and aerosol delivery for inhalation by a user. The system contains a case made with the possibility of being held by the user. The system includes aerosol generator (4) connected to the case and made with the possibility of aerosol generation from aerosol forming substrate containing nicotine. The system has charging unit (52) made with the possibility of a functional connection to the case. The system contains biosensor (54) built-in to the charging unit and made with the possibility of determination of at least one biological characteristic (116) of the user. The system includes controller (6, 29, 100) made with the possibility of activation of aerosol generator (4) and provision of data (118) on health based on biological characteristic (116) determined by the biosensor.

EFFECT: provision of aerosol and information on health for a user, regulation of aerosol delivery to the user based on information on health, and use of information on health as data on health in different ways for user to obtain benefits.

15 cl, 4 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to aerosol generating systems, and more specifically to aerosol generating systems having at least one biosensor that can be used to modify aerosol delivery.

There is a growing demand for hand-held aerosol generating systems or devices that are capable of delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user. Some aerosol generating devices operate by heating the aerosol generating substrate with a heating element. In particular, some devices operate by inserting an electrical heater into a solid aerosol-forming substrate and supplying power to the heater from a battery contained in the device. Aerosol generating devices can generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate in response to a user action, such as a puff. Users typically hold aerosol generating devices while taking puffs and between puffs.

There is also a growing demand for wearable electronics to provide users with more information about their health. Health information may be of particular interest to users in certain situations.

It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system that can provide aerosol and health information to a user. It would be desirable to allow delivery of the aerosol to be adjusted to the user based on health information. It would be desirable to allow health information to be used as health data in a variety of ways to benefit the user.

Various aspects of this invention relate to an aerosol generating system having a biosensor configured to detect a biological characteristic of the user. The controller provides health data based on at least one biological characteristic detected by the biosensor when the controller is operatively connected to the biosensor. The health data may be provided to the user, used to modify the aerosol generator's aerosol delivery profile, stored for later use, or may be shared with other devices. Health data can be used in a variety of situations, such as: switching from conventional smoking products, exercising or participating in competitions, medical interventions or treatments, being exposed to stressful conditions, following a doctor's prescription, or having other physical conditions ( e.g. pregnancy).

In one aspect of the invention, the aerosol generating system includes a body that can be held by a user. The system also includes an aerosol generator connected to the housing and configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate containing nicotine. The system also contains a charging unit operably connected to the housing. The system also includes a biosensor embedded in the charging unit and configured to detect at least one biological characteristic of the user. The system also includes a controller configured to activate the aerosol generator. The controller is also configured to provide health data based on at least one biological characteristic detected by the biosensor.

In one or more aspects, the controller is configured to change the aerosol delivery profile based on health data.

In one or more aspects, the controller is configured to automatically change the aerosol delivery profile based on health data.

In one or more aspects, to change the aerosol delivery profile, a controller is provided using one of a plurality of pre-programmed aerosol delivery profiles stored in the controller.

In one or more aspects, the system includes a display operably coupled to the controller, configured to display graphical images based on health data.

In one or more aspects, the controller includes a communication interface configured to operably communicate health data to at least one of the charging unit of the aerosol generating system and a separate user interface.

In one or more aspects, the communication interface is configured to communicate health data to a device capable of accessing the Internet.

In one or more aspects, the biosensor is accessible to the user using an aerosol generator.

In one or more aspects, the biosensor comprises at least one of a contact blood pressure sensor, photoplethysmography electronics, an oximeter electronics package, a non-invasive laser sensor, a bioimpedance meter, and a motion detector.

In one or more aspects, the photoplethysmography electronics package is located on the charging unit.

In one or more aspects, the oximeter electronics package is located on the charging block.

In one or more aspects, the oximeter electronics package is contained in a reclosable charging unit housing.

In one or more aspects, the oximeter electronics package forms a recess in the reclosable housing, configured to receive a user's finger to detect at least one biological characteristic of the user.

In one or more aspects, at least one biological characteristic includes at least one of blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, carbon monoxide saturation, and displacement index.

In one or more aspects, the controller includes a storage device configured to store health data.

Advantageously, the aerosol generating system of the present invention allows the user to conveniently monitor health data even while using the aerosol generating device of the system. The health data available can help the user make an informed choice regarding the use of the aerosol generating system. For example, health data can be used to determine or select an appropriate aerosol delivery profile. For added convenience, the aerosol generating system may even automatically select an appropriate aerosol delivery profile for the user. Providing health data may even help the user discover health conditions that were previously unknown to the user. A person skilled in the art after familiarization with the present invention will be obvious to its other advantages and beneficial effects.

All scientific and technical terms used in this document have the meanings commonly used in the art, unless otherwise indicated. The definitions provided in this document are intended to facilitate understanding of certain terms commonly used in this document.

The term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device configured to use an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol. In some embodiments, an aerosol generating device can be described as a smoking article or holder, in particular a tobacco stick holder. Preferably, the aerosol generating device also includes an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may include an atomizer, cartomizer, heater, or other components for generating an aerosol.

The term "aerosol generating substrate" refers to a device or substrate that releases compounds that can form an aerosol to be inhaled by the user. In some cases, the substrate may release volatile compounds when heated. Preferably, the aerosol forming substrate contains nicotine. Suitable aerosol-forming substrates may contain plant material. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco or a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol forming substrate may contain homogenized plant material. The aerosol generating substrate may contain at least one aerosol generating agent. The aerosol forming substrate may contain other additives and ingredients such as flavoring agents. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is a liquid at room temperature. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid solution, suspension, dispersion, or the like. The aerosol-forming liquid substrate may contain glycerol, propylene glycol, water, nicotine, and optionally one or more flavors. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming substrate is solid at room temperature, such as a tobacco stick or nicotine powder.

The term "tobacco material" refers to a tobacco-containing material or tobacco-containing substance, which includes tobacco blends or flavored tobacco, for example.

After explaining some commonly used terms above, the aerosol generating systems of the present invention are described herein in more detail. In general, each of the aerosol generating systems includes a biosensor configured to detect a biological characteristic. Health data based on biological characteristics can be determined. The health data may be used to modify the delivery profile of the aerosol, or may be used in other ways that are of interest to the user.

The aerosol generating system may include one or more housings configured to be held by a user. In some embodiments, the system may include an aerosol generating device having a housing. In some embodiments, the system may also include a charging unit having a separate housing. The housing of the aerosol generating device may be configured to be connected to the housing of the charging unit, for example, placed in the charging unit.

The aerosol generating device may include a battery. When operatively connected to each other, the charging unit can recharge the aerosol generating device. The charging unit may comprise a battery having a larger capacity than the battery of the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device comprises an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator is contained in the housing when in use. The aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate.

Any suitable type of aerosol generator may be used. In some cases, the aerosol generator may be thermally or fluidly coupled to the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generator may be compatible for use with various types of aerosol generating substrates.

The aerosol generator may include a heating plate for use with an aerosol generating solid substrate. The heating plate may be connected to the body of the aerosol generating device to receive power from a power source (battery). For example, the aerosol generating substrate may be provided in the form of a heated stick. A heating plate may be inserted into a heated stick and heated to generate an aerosol from the solid substrate. The solid substrate may be a smokable material such as tobacco. The heat supplied by the heating plate to the heated stick cannot burn the smoking material.

The aerosol generator may include a heater, a heater coil, a chemical heat source (eg, a carbon heat source), or any suitable means that heats the substrate to generate the aerosol. The aerosol generator may be connected to the body of the aerosol generating device to receive power from a power source (battery) and may be located adjacent to the substrate. For example, the heating element of the heater may be positioned adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate and heated to generate an aerosol from the liquid or solid substrate. The heater coil may include a current collector adjacent to the aerosol forming substrate, and when a energized induction coil is positioned adjacent to the current collector, electromagnetic energy can be transferred to the current collector to heat the substrate.

The aerosol generator may include an atomizer. The aerosol-forming liquid substrate may be contained within the substrate housing and in fluid communication with the atomizer. The nebulizer can mechanically generate an aerosol from a liquid substrate, instead of relying on temperature alone.

The aerosol generator may be compatible for use with an aerosol generating substrate having a nicotine source and a lactic acid source. The nicotine source may comprise a sorption element, such as a PTFE wick with nicotine adsorbed thereon, which may be inserted into the chamber forming the first compartment. The source of lactic acid may comprise a sorption element, such as a PTFE wick, with lactic acid adsorbed thereon, which may be inserted into the chamber forming the second compartment. The aerosol generator may include a heater for heating both the nicotine source and the lactic acid source. In this case, the nicotine vapor can react with the lactic acid vapor in the gas phase to form an aerosol.

The aerosol generator may be compatible for use with an aerosol generating substrate having a capsule that contains nicotine particles and is located in the cavity. When inhaled by the user, the airflow can rotate the capsule. Rotation can suspend and aerosolize nicotine particles.

The aerosol generating substrate is at least partially located in the aerosol generating device during use. The aerosol forming substrate may be recoverable after use. A new aerosol generating substrate may be placed in the aerosol generating device to replace the used substrate.

The aerosol generating system comprises one or more biosensors configured to detect at least one biological characteristic of the user. The biosensor may comprise any suitable sensor capable of detecting biological characteristics of interest to the user. For example, a biological characteristic may include at least one of blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, carbon monoxide saturation, and a movement index (eg, number of steps). The biosensor may comprise at least one of a contact blood pressure sensor, photoplethysmography electronics, an oximeter electronics package, a non-invasive laser sensor, a bioimpedance meter, and a motion detector (such as an accelerometer or other mechanism for measuring the number of steps or other movement).

Various correlations between biological characteristics can be determined by tracking more than one biological characteristic. In some embodiments, biological characteristics may be tracked or detected to correlate vital signs and stress indicators. For example, one or more biosensors may track or detect at least heart rate, movement, and blood pressure, which may be used to correlate vital signs of the body with measures of stress.

In general, an aerosol generating system can use biosensors to collect real-time health data. Preferably, the aerosol generating system does not need to rely on separate health data collection devices. In one example, the aerosol generating device itself is capable of collecting health data, for example without the use of a charging pack, or vice versa.

Biological characteristics can be used to determine health data. The health data may help the user track a health condition that may or may not be known to the user. Based on health data, a particular aerosol delivery profile may be desirable. The aerosol delivery profile can be selected by the user or automatically by the aerosol generating system.

The oximeter electronics kit can measure peripheral blood oxygen saturation (SpO ₂ ) or carbon monoxide (CO) saturation based on the user's arterial blood gas analysis. In some embodiments, the first part of the oximeter electronics package (the light source) may be placed on a thin part of the user's body, such as a finger. For example, suitable light sources comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). At least two wavelengths of light can pass through the body part to the second part of the electronics package (photodetector or photodiode). The varying absorbance at each wavelength can be used to determine the absorbances of arterial blood separately from other tissues. The oximeter electronics kit can be used to measure heart rate, oxygen saturation, carbon monoxide saturation (for example, using CO-oximetry), or both.

An oximeter electronics kit can be considered a special type of photoplethysmography (PPG) electronics kit, or vice versa. In general, a photoplethysmography (PPG) electronics package can detect changes in blood volume in the microvascular bed of tissue, which can be used to determine heart rate or oxygen saturation using light.

Some oximeter electronics or PPG electronics can be described as light transmission electronics, in which the light source and photodetector are located on opposite sides of the user's body part. Other oximeter electronics or PPG electronics can be described as reflective electronics, where the light source and photodetector are on the same or adjacent side of the user's body part.

A contact blood pressure sensor can be used to monitor blood pressure. The contact blood pressure sensor may include at least a light source and a photodetector. One example of a contact blood pressure sensor is the LMD health sensor, available from Leman Micro Devices, Lausanne, Switzerland.

A bioimpedance meter can be used to detect heart rate. The bioimpedance meter may include, for example, at least two conductive pads for electrical connection to the user's skin.

A non-invasive laser sensor can use laser light scattering to detect blood flow, hemodynamics, blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, or respiratory rate. One example of a non-invasive laser sensor is one available commercially from Elfi-Tech, Science Park, Rehovot, Israel.

An accelerometer is a measuring device for measuring acceleration. An example of an accelerometer is a 3-axis accelerometer kit that measures acceleration in three directions. The accelerometer can be used to determine at least the number of steps. The accelerometer may also be used to collect other motion-related information of interest to the user.

The user accesses the biosensor when used. Preferably, the biosensor is accessible to the user using an aerosol generator. At least one biosensor can be connected to the body, located on the body or built into the body of the aerosol generating device. In one example, the biosensor comprises a photoplethysmography electronics package that is located on a housing containing an aerosol generator. The biosensor on the housing of the aerosol generating device may form part of the outer surface of the housing. While the user is holding the device to use the aerosol generator, the user can contact the biosensor of the aerosol generating device with a hand. The photoplethysmography electronics package may be a photoplethysmography electronics package operating on the principle of light reflection. The light source and the photodetector of the photoplethysmography electronics kit, operating on the principle of light reflection, are designed to be on the same side of the user's finger.

The controller may select biological characteristics or measure biological characteristics on a regular basis or under certain conditions. In some embodiments, the user may provide an input detectable by the controller that causes the controller to take a measurement at a particular point in time or over a period of time, for example.

Additionally or alternatively, at least one biosensor can be connected to the charging block, located on the charging block, or built into the charging block. The charging unit may be larger than the aerosol generating device and may accommodate sensors having a particular geometric shape or size in one or more dimensions in an ergonomic manner that would be difficult to place in the aerosol generating device. The body of the charging unit may be made or designed such that a person's finger can be inserted into the body for measurement with the biosensor. In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the biosensor comprises an oximeter electronics package contained in a reclosable charging unit housing. In particular, the charging unit body may include a body portion and a cap portion. In one example, the biosensor may be located on the inside of the cap portion. The cap portion can be opened to provide access to the biosensor. The biosensor may form a recess in the resealable housing configured to accommodate a user's finger to detect at least one biological characteristic of the user. While the user is using the aerosol generator, the user can freely insert one finger into the recess of the biosensor to come into contact with the biosensor of the charging unit using the hand. The light source and photodetector of the oximeter electronics kit (or photoplethysmography electronics kit operating on the principle of light transmission) are configured to be on opposite sides of the user's finger.

The aerosol generating device may include a controller. The controller may be operatively connected to the aerosol generator. When the aerosol generating device comprises a biosensor, the controller may also be operatively connected to the biosensor. The controller of the aerosol generating device may be contained in the body of the aerosol generating device. The controller is configured to activate the aerosol generator to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generator can be activated to generate an aerosol according to the aerosol delivery profile.

The charging unit may include a controller separate from the controller of the aerosol generating device. When the charging unit contains a biosensor, the controller may also be operatively connected to the biosensor. The charging unit controller may be contained in the charging unit housing.

The functionality described herein in relation to biosensors and health data may be performed by one or more controllers, such as in an aerosol generating device or charging unit. In particular, one or more controllers are configured to provide health data based on at least one biological characteristic detected by the biosensor when operatively connected to the biosensor.

Health data determined based on the detected biological characteristics can be transferred between the aerosol generating device and the charging unit. In one example, one or more controllers comprise a communication interface configured to operably communicate health data. The communication interface of the aerosol generating device, for example, may be configured to communicate health data to at least one of the charging unit and the separate user interface. The separate user interface may be part of a device separate from the aerosol generating system, such as a smartphone, tablet, or a user's wearable electronic device (eg, smart watch). A separate user interface may include a display or speaker for conveying information to the user, such as using graphics or sound. Health data can also be used as input to one or more applications running on a separate user interface.

A separate user interface may be a device capable of accessing the Internet. Health data may be transferred to an internet-enabled device that can transmit health data over the internet for remote storage or use. For example, health data may be stored on a remote server. The remote server can be used for further processing of the data or its further storage for later access, for example, by the user using a cloud data interface.

The communication interface can be any suitable interface, wired or wireless, capable of transferring data between devices, such as universal serial bus (USB), power line, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular data networks.

Various devices may be connected to or disconnected from the communication interface over time. The communication interface may be configured to receive data from other devices. Such acquired data may be provided to the user, for example, using the user interface of the aerosol generating system.

The aerosol generating system may also include one or more user interfaces for providing health data to the user. In some embodiments, the display or speaker is operatively connected to one or more controllers. The display may be configured, for example, to display graphic images based on health data. Graphic images may contain alphanumeric characters or other images.

One or more controllers may contain a storage device. The storage device can be used to store various types of data such as health data. Stored health data can be further used, displayed or shared. In one example, health data may be determined and stored in the controller of an aerosol generating device. In another example, health data may be determined and stored in the charging unit controller. In further examples, health data may be transferred from an aerosol generating device to a charging unit and stored, or vice versa.

The health data can be used by the controller to change the aerosol delivery profile. An aerosol delivery profile describes how an aerosol is generated from an aerosol forming substrate and delivered to a user. For example, the aerosol delivery profile may control the activation of the aerosol generator to increase or decrease the amount of aerosol generated. In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery profile includes a nicotine delivery profile. A nicotine delivery profile may describe how much nicotine is delivered to a user.

Depending on the user's health data or preferences, the desired amount of aerosol or nicotine may be increased or decreased. Health data can be used as input to select the appropriate aerosol or nicotine delivery profile that the user desires.

The aerosol delivery profile may be selected from a variety of pre-programmed aerosol delivery profiles. The pre-programmed aerosol delivery profiles may be stored in the controller's memory or transmitted to the controller, for example, from another controller or user device (eg, smartphone). Each aerosol delivery profile may be appropriate for different health conditions of the user, which may be determined based on health data.

The user may be presented with health data and select an aerosol delivery profile. Additionally or alternatively, one of the controllers can automatically change the aerosol delivery profile based on health data. For example, the controller may select an appropriate aerosol delivery profile when determined based on specific values or thresholds associated with health data.

Some users may be interested in keeping track of their health data, for example, to create a historical record of their experience with an aerosol generating device. The availability of such health and historical data may be useful for users attempting to transition from conventional smoking articles to hand held aerosol generating devices.

Some users may take part in events that increase their heart rate. For example, some users may take part in regular exercise or competitive sports such as marathons and triathlons. As another example, some users may be subject to medical interventions or treatments that may be surgical or otherwise invasive. Such users may be interested in tracking their health data before or after such events. In particular, users may wish to wait for the target heart rate after such events before using the aerosol generating system.

Some users may have a medical condition or may be taking a drug that may be affected by nicotine intake. For example, some users may be recovering from severe or post-traumatic stress. Such users may wish to track their health data to coordinate their use of the aerosol generating device.

Some users may not know their health status. Tracking health data, including during use of an aerosol generating device, can help the user learn about their own health status.

In general, an aerosol delivery profile can be customized based on health data indicative of various health conditions of the user. The user may allow the controller to automatically change the aerosol delivery profile or select the desired aerosol delivery profile. In one example, the user may select a desired amount or threshold of nicotine, which may be used by the controller to select an appropriate aerosol delivery profile that matches the desired amount or threshold. With pre-programmed aerosol delivery profiles stored in the controller, the user may be prompted to select from available profiles, or the controller may automatically select a profile.

The controller may be provided in any suitable form and may, for example, include a processor and a memory. In general, the controller contains a storage device that contains instructions that cause one or more components to perform a function or aspect of the controller. The functions assigned to a controller in this invention may be implemented as one or more of software, firmware, and hardware.

In particular, one or more of the components such as controllers described herein may comprise a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), computer, logic array, or other device capable of directing data to and from the controller. The controller may include one or more computing devices containing hardware for storing, processing and transmitting data. The controller may include circuitry for connecting the various components of the controller to each other or to other components operatively coupled to the controller. The functions of the controller may be implemented in hardware and/or as computer instructions on a permanent, computer-readable storage medium.

The controller processor may comprise any one or more of a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuit. In some examples, a processor may comprise multiple components, such as any combination of one or more microprocessors, one or more controllers, one or more DSPs, one or more ASICs, and/or one or more FPGAs, and other discrete or integrated logic circuits. Functions referred to as a controller or processor in this document may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. Although the controller is described herein as a processor-based system, other components such as relays and timers may be used in an alternative controller, either alone or in combination with a microprocessor-based system, to achieve desired results.

In one or more embodiments, exemplary systems, methods, and interfaces may be implemented by one or more computer programs using a computing device, which may include one or more processors and/or storage devices. Program code and/or logic described herein may be applied to input data/information to implement the functionality described herein and generate desired output data/information. The output/information may be applied as input to one or more other devices and/or methods as described herein, or they may be applied in a known manner. From the foregoing, it clearly follows that the functionality of the controller, as described in this document, can be implemented in any way known to a person skilled in the art.

The controller may be configured to regulate the power supply. For example, the power supplied to the aerosol generator may be controlled by the controller, for example, to control the generation of an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the aerosol generating system comprises a housing configured to be held by a user. The system also includes an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating substrate. The system also includes a biosensor configured to detect at least one biological characteristic of the user. The system also includes a controller configured to activate the aerosol generator. The controller is also configured to provide health data based on at least one biological characteristic detected by the biosensor.

Fig. 1A-B are illustrations showing an example of one aerosol generating device, aerosol generating system in cross-sectional view and bottom view, respectively.

Fig. 2A-B are illustrations showing an example of one charging unit of an aerosol generating system in a closed position and an open position, respectively.

Fig. 3 is an illustration of an example of one controller of an aerosol generating system.

Fig. 4 is an illustration of an example of health data transmission using an aerosol generating system.

In FIG. 1A-B show an aerosol generating device 27 comprising a main tobacco stick holder 1 or controller part and a cover 2 or mouthpiece. The tobacco stick main holder 1 and the cover 2 together form the body of the aerosol generating device 27. The lid 2 defines a cavity 3 which is configured to receive a heated tobacco stick (not shown). The heated tobacco stick can be punctured by the heating element 4 (aerosol generator) when inserted into the cavity 3. The heating element 4 is provided in the form of a plate or a pin, for example, and uses a resistor for resistive heating or a current collector for induction heating. The heating element 4 raises the temperature of the heated tobacco stick upon activation. The holder 5, or the base of the heating element 4, provides an electrical connection (functional connection) between the heating element 4 and the electronic control unit 6 (controller). The electronic control unit 6 is operatively connected to a power supply unit 7 which contains a battery or batteries. The electronic control unit 6 is used to activate or to supply power to the heating element. The electrical unit 8 (communication interface) with a printed circuit board is functionally connected to the electronic control unit 6 and the power unit 7. The electrical block 8 is operatively connected to electrical pads 9 or data pads 9 which can be used to connect to an external power supply for charging and an external device for data transfer. A bonding substrate 10 or flat flexible substrate wiring can be used to functionally connect the electrical box 8 and the electronic control box 6 .

A recessed surface 11 is provided on the main tobacco stick holder 1 to provide ergonomic contact of the user's fingers with the biosensor 12 and the LEDs 13. The recessed surface 11 may also provide some protection for the biosensor 12 (for example, a light-reflective electronics package). The biosensor 12 includes LEDs 13 (light source) provided in the recessed surface 11. The LEDs 13 may be green LEDs, which may also emit in the infrared (IR) spectrum. Biosensor 12 also includes one or more sensors 14 that sense IR and/or green light that is emitted and reflected, which can be used for photoplethysmography or other biosensor applications.

An LED 15 is provided along the main tobacco stick holder 1 and provides an indication of states such as on/off or mode of operation. LED 15 may be color coded to provide such an indication. An operating button 16 or actuator is provided along the main tobacco stick holder 1 and allows the user to turn on or off the aerosol generating device 1 as well as access certain menu modes. The LED 15 and the operation button 16 are operatively connected to the printed circuit board 17. The printed circuit board 17 is operatively connected to the electronic control unit 6 via a bonding substrate 19 or flat flexible substrate wiring. A recessed surface 18 is provided along the main tobacco stick holder 1 to ensure ergonomic contact with the LED 15 of the user's fingers and protect the LED 15 and operation button 16 from the user's fingers. In particular, the recessed surface 18 provides some protection against inadvertent actuation of the operating button 16. The main tobacco stick holder 1 includes a display 30 (user interface) that can display alphanumeric graphics or other graphics visible to the user.

Cavity body 20 defines cavity 3 and provides air control around the heated tobacco stick as it is inserted into cavity 3. Cavity body 20 may also be used to remove the tobacco heated stick from aerosol generating device 1. As can be seen in FIG. 1B, the aerosol generating device 27 may be formed by two parts, the main tobacco stick holder 1 and the cap 2, connected together by a connector 21. The connector 21 may provide a waterproof or waterproof connection between the holder 1 and the cap 2 to provide a waterproof or waterproof housing, respectively. .

In FIG. 2A-B show an aerosol generating system 50 comprising a charging unit 52 which includes a cap 25 (cap) and a main charging unit 26 (body). Lid 25 can be opened (FIG. 2A) or closed (FIG. 2B). Lid 25 opens smoothly to at least 90 degrees to provide sufficient clearance for the user's finger. When the cover 25 is opened, the user can access the biosensor 54. In particular, the user can insert a finger into the recess 28 formed by the biosensor 54. The cover 25 defines a cavity with sufficient internal volume to accommodate the biosensor 54 and other electronic components, as well as the recess 28 for placement of the user's finger (adult's finger). As illustrated, biosensor 54 is an oximeter electronics package. The biosensor 54 includes an LED 22 and a sensor 23. The LED 22 serves as a light source for oximetry. The sensor 23 includes one or more light sensitive photodiodes for reading light through the user's finger for oximetry. The sensor 23 is located on the elastic element 24, which can help to comfortably accommodate the user's finger. The elastic element 24 may be a hard metal alloy formed in the form of a flat plate.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the aerosol generating device 27 can be inserted into the charging unit 52. The cover 25 can be closed to contain and protect the aerosol generating device 27 while being charged. A part of the aerosol generating device 27 is contained in the recess 28. The main charging box 26 includes an electronic control box 29 (controller) and a power box 30 that contains a battery or batteries. Power supply 30 is typically larger and contains more charge than power supply 7 (FIGS. 1A-B). Although not shown, the charging unit 52 may include a communication interface, either wired or wireless, that communicates with the aerosol generating device 27, for example using an electrical unit 8 (FIGS. 1A-B).

In FIG. 3 shows a controller 100 with an operative connection 102 to a biosensor 106 and an operative connection 104 to another device 110 using a communication interface 108. The controller 100 may be contained in an aerosol generating device or charging unit. The other device 110 may be an aerosol generating device 27 (FIGS. 1A-B), a charger 52 (FIGS. 2A-B), or an external Internet capable device separate from the aerosol generating system. The controller 100 includes a processor 112 and a memory 114. The processor 112 obtains a biological characteristic 116 and determines health data 118 based on the biological characteristic 116. In some embodiments, the biosensor 106 provides health data 118 that is determined by the processor 112 upon receipt. The processor 112 determines the aerosol delivery profile 120 based on the health data 118 and optionally other inputs received using the communication interface 108 or via a user interface (not shown). Memory 114 stores pre-programmed aerosol delivery profiles 122. Aerosol delivery profile 120 may be selected by processor 112 from pre-programmed aerosol delivery profiles 122.

In FIG. 4 shows a circuit 200 for communicating health data generated and provided by an aerosol generating system 50. The aerosol generating system 50 comprises an aerosol generating device 27 and a charging unit 52. The aerosol generating device 27, the charging unit 52 or both the aerosol generating device 27 and the charging unit 52 comprise a biosensor configured to provide health data. user. One of these, or both the aerosol generating device 27 and the charging unit 52, comprise a communication interface with at least one Internet capable device 202, such as a smartphone 204 or a wearable electronics 206. In one example, the smartphone 204 has the ability to access to the Internet, and the wearable electronics 206 is operatively connected to the smartphone 204. The health data can be transmitted to the Internet-capable device 202 from the aerosol generating system 50 or the system. The Internet capable device 202 need not have an active Internet connection in order to communicate with the aerosol generating system 50. Preferably, at least one internet capable device 202 is operably connected over the internet to remote system 208. Remote system 208 includes remote server 210. Health data can be transferred to remote system 208 for storage, processing, or later access.

The specific embodiments described above are intended to describe the invention. However, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims, other embodiments may be proposed, and it should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are not intended to be limiting.

As used herein, the singular forms include embodiments with reference to the plural, unless the content clearly implies otherwise.

As used herein, the conjunction "or" is generally used in its meaning, which includes "and/or" unless the content clearly implies otherwise. The term "and/or" means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

As used herein, the words "have", "having", "include", "including", "comprise", "comprising", or the like. are used in their broadest sense and generally mean "including but not limited to". It will be understood that the expressions "consisting essentially of", "consisting of", etc. belong to the category "containing", etc.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the present invention that may provide certain advantages under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. Furthermore, the description of one or more preferred embodiments is not meant to imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention, including the claims.

Claims (22)

1. System (50) configured to generate an aerosol and deliver an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: a housing configured to be held by a user; an aerosol generator (4) connected to the housing and configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate containing nicotine; charging block (52), made with the possibility of functional connection with the housing; biosensor (54) built into the charging unit and configured to determine at least one biological characteristic (116) of the user; and controller (6, 29, 100) configured to: - activation of the aerosol generator (4); and - providing health data (118) based on at least one biological characteristic (116) determined by the biosensor. 2. The system (50) of claim 1, wherein the controller (6, 29, 100) is configured to change the aerosol delivery profile (120) based on health data (118). 3. The system (50) of claim 2, wherein the controller (6, 29, 100) is configured to automatically change the aerosol delivery profile (120) based on health data (118). 4. System (50) according to claim 2 or 3, in which the controller (6, 29, 100) is configured to use one of two or more pre-programmed aerosol delivery profiles (122) stored in the controller (6, 29, 100 ), to change the aerosol delivery profile (120). 5. System (50) according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a display (30) configured to be operably connected to the controller (6, 29, 100) and capable of displaying graphic images based on health data (118). 6. The system (50) according to any of the previous claims, in which the controller (6, 29, 100) contains a communication interface (8, 108) configured to functionally transmit health data (118) to at least one of the charging block (52) of the system (50), generating aerosol, and a separate user interface. 7. The system (50) according to claim 6, wherein the communication interface (8, 108) is configured to transmit health data (118) to an Internet-enabled device (202). 8. System (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biosensor (54) is accessible to the user using an aerosol generator (4). 9. System (50) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the biosensor (54) comprises at least one of a contact blood pressure sensor, photoplethysmography electronics, an oximeter electronics package, a non-invasive laser sensor, a bioimpedance meter, and a motion detector. 10. The system (50) of claim 9, wherein the photoplethysmography electronics package is located on the charging unit (52). 11. The system (50) of claim 10, wherein the oximeter electronics package is located on the charging unit (52). 12. The system (50) of claim 11 wherein the oximeter electronics package is contained in a reclosable charging unit housing (52). 13. The system (50) of claim 12, wherein the oximeter electronics package defines a recess (28) in the resealable housing configured to accommodate a user's finger to detect at least one biological characteristic (116) of the user. 14. System (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one biological characteristic (116) includes at least one of blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, carbon monoxide saturation, and displacement index. 15. System (50) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the controller (6, 29, 100) comprises a storage device (114) configured to store health data (118).

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