RU2790242C2 - Method, a machine-readable medium, a system and a user interface device for tracking the transition from an aerosol-generating product of the first type, such as an aerosol-generating product of a combustible type, to an aerosol-generating product of the second type, such as heated aerosol-generating products - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to medicine and can be used to track the transition from an aerosol-generating product of the first type, such as an aerosol-generating product of a combustible type, to an aerosol-generating product of the second type, such as heated aerosol-generating products. A system including a machine-readable medium and a device is proposed to implement a method that includes: the first computer automatically detects the consumption of an aerosol-generating product of the first type for at least one period of time using a sensor device to provide at least one first value characterizing the consumption of an aerosol-generating product of the first type for at least one specified period time, moreover, the sensor device contains a communication interface for communication with other devices and is designed to be located near a part of the use’s body; the second computer provides at least one second value characterizing the consumption of the aerosol-generating product of the second type for the specified at least one period of time, and the aerosol-generating product of the first type differs from the aerosol-generating product of the second type; the second computer generates at least one indicator characterizing the transition from the consumption of an aerosol-generating product of the first type to the consumption of an aerosol-generating product of the second type, based on the specified at least one first value and at least one second value; and the graphical user interface displays a supporting text message to encourage the user regarding the transition of consumption from an aerosol-generating product of the first type to an aerosol-generating product of the second type and/or information content related to the transition of consumption from an aerosol-generating product of the first type to an aerosol-generating product of the second type.

EFFECT: group of inventions provides automatic detection of consumption for use when switching to the consumption of aerosol-generating products.

52 cl, 11 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to systems, devices and methods for use in transitioning from consumption of one type of aerosol-generating article to consumption of another type of aerosol-generating article. Data related to the consumption of an aerosol generating article of one or both types can be automatically determined or discovered using various methods and devices, and then they can be used in systems, devices and methods for use when switching to the consumption of aerosol generating articles.

Regular cigarette smokers may want to switch to consuming devices that generate aerosol without burning, such as products that contain a tobacco substrate. For example, the aerosol generated from articles containing a tobacco substrate that is heated rather than burned contains lower amounts or concentrations of certain smoke constituents compared to the smoke or aerosol generated from the combustion and pyrolytic decomposition of tobacco in conventional cigarettes.

In one known type of aerosol generating device, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol generating article that contains, for example, a substrate containing tobacco. This device is designed in such a way that the heat source does not ignite the substrate. During use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate as a result of heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

In addition, the aerosol generating devices may be configured to include a communication function, such as a wireless communication function, for example, to communicate with the aerosol generating devices. PCT Published Patent Application WO-2009/127401A1 discloses an electrically heated smoking system capable of interfacing with electrical hardware and having the ability to communicate with a remote host device such that, for example, smoking information can be downloaded to the host device. behavior. Typical of this type of aerosol generating devices, this arrangement includes hardware that contains a limited set of software-supporting components. In this type of arrangement, the data processing capability of the aerosol generating device is low.

Several aerosol generating devices and related devices may comprise different apparatuses using different techniques to detect user behavior that is indicative of smoking conventional cigarettes. For example, a user may be associated with (e.g., by donning, wearing, or otherwise physically in communication with the user) a sensor unit comprising an accelerometer and configured to detect smoking behavior by collecting accelerometric data based on a detected motion pattern indicative of smoking behavior. . In addition, for example, sound sensors may be associated with (e.g., placed on a neck chain) to the user, configured to detect smoking behavior by collecting sound data (e.g., lighter ignition sounds, inhalation sounds, inhalation sounds, exhalation sounds) indicative of smoking behaviour. In addition, for example, a temperature or heat sensor may be associated with the user, configured to detect smoking behavior by detecting thermal energy.

Switching from the consumption of combustible aerosol-generating products, such as combustible cigarettes, to the consumption of aerosol-generating products that are heated but not burned, can be problematic for users. For example, it can be inconvenient, burdensome, and problematic for users to accurately track their consumption of combustible aerosol-generating articles and their consumption of aerosol-generating articles that are heated but not combusted. For example, they may need to record their consumption of flammable aerosol generating products on a recordable medium (eg, they may need pen and paper or an electronic user interface device such as a smartphone). Or, for example, the device may estimate the amount of consumption of combustible aerosol-generating articles based on indirect data, such as, for example, previous usage data or consumption data of another type of aerosol-generating article.

In addition, it can be problematic for users to determine the extent of their progress when moving from combustible aerosol generating products to aerosol generating products that are heated but not combusted. In addition, users may need additional encouragement or support as they transition from combustible aerosol generating products to aerosol generating products that are heated but not combusted. In addition, users may also wish to be provided with information related to the transition process, which may be useful, for example, for users to perform said transition.

One objective of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide users with a quick and convenient way to track their transition from a first type aerosol generating article, such as a combustible type aerosol generating article (such as combustible cigarettes), to a second type aerosol generating article, such as such as heated aerosol generating articles (eg heated sticks for use in aerosol generating devices with heat but no combustion).

However, as described above, typically aerosol-generating devices of the type characterized by heating, but without burning, an aerosol-generating substrate, possibly an aerosol-generating substrate that is part of a separate aerosol-generating article, contain hardware that includes a limited set of components that support the software.[/g1] There are many reasons for this. First, such aerosol generating devices must be physically very small. They are similar in size to only a portion of a conventional cigarette to provide a similar feel to that of a conventional cigarette in order to broaden the range of acceptability for conventional combustible cigarette smokers. Therefore, the hardware into which the software can be embedded must be very compact and this limits the functionality available. The hardware of the aerosol generating product is typically present in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or processor with embedded software that is custom made for use in the aerosol generating product. The ASIC usually performs important safety functions in a way that prevents the product from overheating. The power available to ASICs is severely limited. This is because the compact shape of the aerosol generating device limits the available space for the battery or batteries, and comparatively high power levels are required to electrically heat the aerosol generating substrate from the battery or batteries. [g1]All this taken together severely limits the available data processing performance in the [/g1]ASIC.

In addition, the compact dimensions of the aerosol-generating article result in very limited free space for the user interface. Usually there is only enough free space to accommodate the on-off switch from among the user interface elements, and some types of devices do not have an on-off switch at all and are activated by puffing.

The authors of the present patent application have found that by using a second separate computer (such as a general purpose computer, such as a smartphone) for an aerosol generating product, it is possible to achieve proper data processing performance using said computer with the proper data processing software or applications. from the aerosol-generating article in order to provide at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol-generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol-generating article. Such devices typically have a display, such as a liquid crystal display, and, most importantly, the authors of the present patent application have found that they can be easily used to provide the necessary information to the user.

In addition, there is an advantage that software or application programs on a general purpose computer can be easily updated from a central storage device such as a remote server or a cloud server via the Internet. In this way, it is possible to conveniently change or improve the functionality of the software or application programs. The compact size and limited power available for an aerosol generating product means that free Internet connection, and in particular wireless Internet connection, is not available.

As used herein, the term "flammable aerosol-generating article" or "combustible-type aerosol-generating article" means an article that is configured to burn an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco rod, for example, to create an aerosol that can be inhaled by a consumer. Examples of combustible aerosol generating articles include cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos.

In the context of this document, the term "heatable type aerosol generating article" means an aerosol generating article that contains an aerosol generating substrate and is configured to be used with an aerosol generating device, which in turn is configured to heat, but not burn, said aerosol generating substrate. . One example of a heated type aerosol generating article is the IQOS heated sticks, also known as MARLBORO HEATED STICKS, from Phillip Morris International, for use in IQOS, a heated but non-burning aerosol generating device, also from Phillip Morris International.

Yet another object of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to automatically acquire data relating to consumption of a first type aerosol generating article (and data relating to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article) to provide accurate transition information. For example, it is thus possible that the consumption of the first type of aerosol generating article does not require manual recording by the user or evaluation in case manual recording is not performed by the user.

Another object of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to generate information related to the process of said transition so as to provide users with one or more indications of the status of their progress when moving from a first type aerosol generating article to a second type aerosol generating article. In addition, another object of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide useful encouragement and/or support to users to assist them in making the transition from using a first type of aerosol generating article to using a second type of aerosol generating article. In addition, another object of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide users with information that is relevant to the consumption transition process and, in some embodiments, information that is relevant to a particular step or stage of the consumption transition process.

In one aspect, a method is provided, comprising the steps of: a first computer automatically determines a consumption amount of a first type aerosol-generating article over at least one period of time, using a sensor device to provide at least one first value indicative of the consumption of a first type aerosol-generating article over a period of time. said at least one time period, and the second computer provides at least one second value indicative of the amount of consumption of the second type aerosol generating article over said at least one time period. The aerosol-generating article of the first type is different from the aerosol-generating article of the second type. The method also includes a step in which the computer generates at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating product to consumption of a second type aerosol generating product, based on said at least one first value and at least one second value.

Said method may be a computerized method in which each of said method steps is performed on a computer. It has been recognized by the present applicants that general purpose computers such as smartphones, desktop computers, laptop computers, and tablet computers are ubiquitous and that they may represent a platform or technical solution for an embodiment of switching from consuming one type of aerosol generating product to consumption of another type of aerosol-generating article. This provides an advantage in that they can be expected to always be near or directly to a person trying to switch to consuming a different type of product. computer. The computerized method solves a technical or technological problem specifically in relation to implementation on a computer that is specific to a given technological environment. Computers are good for some tasks, but not for others. The disclosed solution takes into account tasks for which general purpose computers are well suited to provide the user with an interface that is easy for human understanding and intended to be used in assisting in the transition from the consumption of one type of aerosol generating product to the consumption of another type of aerosol generating product. the method, system, computer program, and computer program product provide significant assistance in the transition from consumption of one type of aerosol-generating article to consumption of another type of aerosol-generating article.

In one aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer-readable storage medium for long-term data storage, having program code blocks stored thereon, which are configured, when said software product is executed on a computer or network device: to automatically detect consumption of a first type aerosol-generating article for at least one time period using a sensor device to provide at least one first value indicative of the consumption of a first type aerosol generating article over said at least one time period; and generating at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article, based on said at least one first value characterizing the consumption of a first type aerosol generating article over said at least one period of time. , and at least one second value characterizing the consumption of the second type of aerosol-generating article for the specified at least one period of time. The aerosol-generating article of the first type is different from the aerosol-generating article of the second type. The software code blocks are also configured to provide the user with said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating product to consumption of a second type aerosol generating product.

In one aspect, a computer program is provided, configured to: automatically detect consumption of a first type aerosol-generating article over at least one period of time, using a sensor device to provide at least one first value indicative of consumption of a first type aerosol-generating article over a specified period of time. at least one period of time; and generating at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article, based on said at least one first value characterizing the consumption of a first type aerosol generating article over said at least one period of time. , and at least one second value characterizing the consumption of the second type of aerosol-generating article for the specified at least one period of time. The aerosol-generating article of the first type is different from the aerosol-generating article of the second type. Said program code blocks are also configured to provide the user with said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article.

In one aspect, a user interface device is provided, comprising: a display comprising a graphical user interface configured to present at least one indicator indicative of a transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article; and a controller comprising one or more processors operatively connected to the display and configured to: receive at least one first value indicative of the consumption of a first type aerosol generating article for at least one period of time from a sensor device configured to automatically detecting consumption of the first type aerosol-generating article; and generating at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article based on at least one first value characterizing the consumption of a first type aerosol generating article over at least one period of time, and at least one second value characterizing the consumption of the second type of aerosol-generating article for the specified at least one period of time. The aerosol-generating article of the first type is different from the aerosol-generating article of the second type. The controller is also configured to display, on said graphical user interface, said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article.

In one aspect, a system is provided, comprising: a user interface device as described above; and a sensor device configured to automatically detect consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. The sensor device comprises: a first communication interface for exchanging data with a user interface device; and a first controller containing one or more processors. The sensor device controller is configured to: determine at least one first value indicative of consumption of a first type aerosol generating article over said at least one period of time; and transmitting said at least one first value indicative of consumption of a first type aerosol generating article over said at least one period of time to the user interface device. The system also includes an aerosol generating apparatus configured to use a second type aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating apparatus comprises: a communication interface for exchanging data with a user interface device; and a controller containing one or more processors. The aerosol generating apparatus controller is configured to: determine at least one second value indicative of consumption of a second type aerosol generating article over at least one time period using the aerosol generating apparatus; and transmitting said at least one second value indicative of consumption of a second type of aerosol-generating article over said at least one period of time to the user interface device.

The inclusion of a user interface device in an aerosol generating apparatus is a technical solution that takes into account the process environment. In this embodiment proposed by the present inventors, by incorporating a user interface device into the aerosol generating apparatus, it is particularly easy for the user to track their progress from consuming one type of aerosol generating product to consuming another type of aerosol generating product.

The aerosol generating apparatus may comprise: an aerosol generating device comprising a power source; and a host device comprising an interface operatively connected to the aerosol generating device for at least recharging the power source of the aerosol generating device. The host may include a communication interface and a controller. The controller of the aerosol generating apparatus may also be configured to receive data associated with said at least one second value indicative of consumption of the second type aerosol generating article over at least one period of time when the aerosol generating device is operably connected to the host device. The aerosol generating device may include a communication interface and a controller.

The specified period of time can be equal to one day. This period of time is such that sufficient data can be stored to assist in the transition from consumption of one type of aerosol generating product to consumption of another type of aerosol generating product, given the limited memory capacity of some computers such as smartphones.

Generating said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article may include generating a value of the degree of transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article. This solution is particularly useful if the first type of aerosol generating article is conventional smoking articles or combustible smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos, since these articles do not have the ability to easily electronically connect. In addition, it is possible to automatically detect the consumption of the first type aerosol generating article, so that, for example, the user does not need to manually enter or record the consumption of the first type aerosol generating article or estimate it instead of manually entering it.

Said at least one second value characterizing the consumption of the second type aerosol generating article for the specified at least one period of time may contain: an initial second value characterizing the consumption of the second type aerosol generating article for the initial period of time and consumption of the second type aerosol-generating article over a plurality of the following time periods; and said at least one first value characterizing the consumption of the second type aerosol-generating article for at least one period of time, contains: of a first type aerosol-generating article over a plurality of the following time periods, wherein the next first value of said plurality of next first values generated is generated based on said initial first value, said initial second value, and the next second value of said plurality of next second values corresponding to the generated next first value.

The initial and subsequent first values may be discovered or determined automatically, or manually entered by the user. The first values can be detected automatically in various ways using various devices and equipment. In one example, automatic detection of consumption of a first type aerosol-generating article includes motion analysis of at least one part of the user's body that is indicative of consumption of a first type aerosol-generating article. Further, the sensor device may comprise at least one accelerometer for detecting movement of at least one part of the user's body, which is indicative of consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. In addition, the sensor device is configured to be attached to the user's wrist.

In one example, automatic detection of consumption of a first type aerosol generating article includes analyzing one or more sounds associated with consumption of a first type aerosol generating article. In addition, the sensor device may include at least one microphone for recording sound data for analyzing one or more sounds associated with consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. In addition, the sensor device is adapted to be attached to the user's neck.

In one example, automatic detection of consumption of a first type aerosol generating article includes detecting thermal energy associated with consumption of a first type aerosol generating article. In addition, the sensor device may include at least one infrared pyroelectric sensor for detecting thermal energy associated with consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. In addition, the sensor device is configured to be attached to a user's hand, finger, or wrist.

Generating said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article may include generating a value of the degree of transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article by dividing the current next second values by the sum of the current next first value and the corresponding current next second value. This method is computationally efficient for generating said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type of aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type of aerosol generating article.

Said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article may comprise the cumulative degree of transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article corresponding to the moving average of the set of previous values the degree of transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article over a plurality of previous time periods. This method is computationally efficient for generating said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type of aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type of aerosol generating article.

Said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article may contain a graphical indication characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article. Said graphical indication may comprise a bar graph. This indication is particularly user-friendly.

The method may also include, or the controller may also be configured to perform, generating a supportive text message based on said at least one indication indicative of said transition to encourage the user to switch from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of an aerosol-generating article of the second type.

The method may also include a step, or the controller may also be configured to perform a step in which information content is generated related to the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating product to consumption of a second type aerosol generating product, based on said at least one indicator, characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating product to consumption of a second type aerosol generating product, to provide additional information to the user in order to assist in the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating product to consumption of a second type aerosol generating product.

In various aspects of the present invention, systems, devices, and methods are provided that are capable of providing at least one first value indicative of the consumption of a first type of aerosol-generating article, such as, for example, combustible aerosol-generating articles (e.g., combustible cigarettes), for at least one time period, and providing at least one second value characterizing the consumption of a second type of aerosol-generating article, such as heated aerosol-generating articles (e.g., heated sticks), over said at least one time period, moreover, generating the aerosol product of the first type is different from the aerosol generating product of the second type. The present invention also provides systems, devices, and methods that are capable of generating and providing users with at least one indicator indicative of the transition from consumption of a first type of aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type of aerosol generating article, based on at least one first value. , characterizing the consumption of a first type aerosol generating article, and at least one second value characterizing the consumption of a second type aerosol generating article.

In various aspects of the present invention, a user interface device is also provided, comprising a display and a controller comprising one or more processors and operatively coupled to the display. The display may include a graphical user interface configured to provide at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article.

In various aspects, the present invention also provides an aerosol generating apparatus configured to use a second type aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating apparatus comprises a communication interface for exchanging data with a user interface device and a controller containing one or more processors. The controller is configured to determine at least one second value characterizing the consumption of a second type aerosol generating article over at least one period of time using the aerosol generating apparatus and transmitting said at least one second value characterizing the consumption of a second type aerosol generating article over specified at least one period of time, per user interface device.

Various aspects of the systems, devices and methods of the present invention are capable of providing one or more advantages over currently available aerosol generating articles and related systems. For example, these indicators characterizing the transition of users from consumption of a first type of aerosol generating product to consumption of a second type of aerosol generating product may be preferred because these indicators provide a way for users to track their progress in their implementation of the specified transition, and provide support or encouragement to users. In addition, these indicators characterizing the transition of users in consumption may be preferred due to the fact that these indicators provide an overall picture or overview of the progress in the implementation of the transition by users.

In addition, for example, a user interface device may be preferred because said display provides a way to provide users with information that is relevant to the transition process in consumption and includes encouragement and support without hindering users. In addition, automatic acquisition of data relating to the consumption of the first type aerosol generating article enables ease of use because it is less burdensome than manual input. In addition, these systems, devices, and methods allow for a more enjoyable and inclusive user experience by providing information about the user's transition, including encouragement and support without interference.

In addition, for example, a communication interface in an aerosol generating apparatus is preferred because it provides a fast, convenient and reliable process or method for providing usage data, such as at least one second value indicative of the consumption of an aerosol generating article of a second type, for the user interface device.

In addition, the present invention proposes to collect input from the user regarding his consumption habits and return as output the value of the degree of transition between the two types of smoking products. As will be fully explained below, it is possible to automatically collect input data without entering specific data by the user, or it is possible to directly poll the user regarding his consumption. In addition, it is also possible to evaluate the data based on predetermined formulas. The degree of transition may be periodically calculated and provided to the user. Preferably, it is possible to generate additional content based on the current value characterizing the transition. For example, if the transition rate is consistently very low, this may trigger the provision of more educational content to inform the user about the benefits of using aerosol generating systems compared to conventional cigarettes.

The present invention relates to systems, devices and methods for use in the transition to the consumption of other types of aerosol generating products. More specifically, exemplary systems, devices, and methods can be used by a user who intends to switch from a first type aerosol generating product, such as a combustible type aerosol generating product, to a second type aerosol generating product, such as a heated aerosol generating product. type. To do this, these systems, devices and methods can be created with the ability to obtain or provide data related to the consumption of a first type of aerosol generating article, and data related to the consumption of a second type of aerosol generating article, and then using said consumption data to generate or form information or output that may be useful to the user in his attempts to make the specified transition. Data relating to consumption of a first type aerosol generating article may be automatically determined using a device, such as a wearable device, for example, which detects behavior indicative of consumption of a first type aerosol generating article.

Although a significant part of the description provided in this application relates to the transition from the consumption of combustible-type aerosol-generating products to the consumption of heated-type aerosol-generating products, it should be understood that the systems, devices and methods described in the present invention are applicable to the transition from any aerosol-generating articles of the first type to any aerosol-generating article of the second type. Examples of aerosol-generating articles other than combustible-type aerosol-generating articles and heated-type aerosol-generating articles include aerosol-generating articles that contain liquid aerosol-generating substrates (such as electronic cigarette liquids (e-liquids)) and aerosol-generating articles that contain substrates for powder inhalation.

Preferably, the data relating to the consumption of the first type aerosol generating article includes at least one first value, such as the number or number of first type aerosol generating articles that were consumed by the user within or within a specific period of time, such as one day. Similarly, data relating to the consumption of a second type of aerosol generating article preferably contains at least one second value, such as the number or number of second type aerosol generating articles that were consumed by the user within or within a specific period of time, like one day. As further described herein with respect to exemplary systems, apparatuses and devices, data relating to consumption of first and second type aerosol generating articles may be provided or collected by various manual or automatic means. For example, the user may enter or download to the user interface device the amount or number of first and/or second type aerosol generating articles consumed by the user. In one or more embodiments, the user interface device may prompt or prompt the user to enter or download data on the amount of first and/or second type aerosol generating articles consumed over a period of time. In addition, for example, data on the amount or number of second type aerosol generating articles consumed by the user may be transmitted (eg, using wireless or wired data transmission) from the aerosol generating device to another device or system, such as a user interface device.

In addition, for example, data entered into the user interface device on the amount or number of first and/or second type aerosol generating articles consumed by the user can be automatically determined using various sensor devices. In one or more embodiments, the sensor device may be wearable or attachable to a user's body part. For example, the sensor device may be included in or part of a finger ring, bracelet, wristwatch, armband, neck chain, hearing aid, glasses, and headgear.

The sensor devices can detect consumption of first type aerosol generating articles, such as conventional cigarettes, for example, by detecting user behavior indicative of consumption of first type aerosol generating articles. For example, the sensor devices may comprise sensors for detecting the movement of body parts around which said sensor devices are attached or not attached. More specifically, motion detection sensor devices may include accelerometers for detecting the movement of a body part around which the sensor device is secured. Movement of the hand or part of the arm from the shoulder to the wrist in a specific manner over a period of time may indicate consumption of the first type of aerosol-generating articles. In some embodiments, the implementation of the sensor device may be included in a watch, bracelet or ring or be a part of them.

In addition, for example, the sensor devices may comprise sensors for detecting sounds that indicate consumption of first type aerosol generating articles. More specifically, the sound detection sensor devices may comprise one or more microphones or other sound detection devices for detecting sounds that are indicative of consumption of the first type aerosol generating articles. Said sounds may include sounds made by the user when consuming the first type of aerosol generating articles, such as, for example, inhalation, exhalation, burning or crackling sounds, and mouth sounds. In other words, one or more sounds may be associated with consumption of a first type aerosol generating article, and the sensor devices may comprise sensors for detecting such sounds. In some embodiments, the sensor device may be included in or part of a neck chain or other device capable of being worn around the user's neck.

In addition, for example, the sensor devices may comprise sensors for detecting thermal energy, which is indicative of the consumption of first type aerosol generating articles. More specifically, the heat detection sensor devices may comprise one or more infrared pyroelectric sensors or other heat detection devices designed to detect heat (eg, a thermal "signature") that is indicative of consumption of first type aerosol generating articles. The heat to be detected may be thermal patterns or signatures that are generated by first type aerosol generating articles when they are consumed, such as, for example, heat from the burning end of a cigarette or a similar first type aerosol generating article and heat from exhaled air by the user during consumption of aerosol generating articles. products of the first type. In other words, heat signatures may be associated with consumption of a first type aerosol generating article, and the sensor devices may comprise sensors for detecting such heat signatures. In some embodiments, the sensor device may be included in or part of a neck chain or other device that can be worn around a user's hand or wrist.

The sensor devices may include a communication interface, such as at least a telemetry circuit and an antenna, for two-way communication with other devices such as an aerosol generating apparatus, user interface devices, servers, network devices, personal computers, and the like, and with other networks such as the Internet and the like. More specifically, data and commands may be transmitted and received during telemetry through outgoing or incoming communication channels between sensor devices and other devices and/or networks using the specified communication interface. In at least one embodiment, said communication interface is a wireless interface using one or more wireless (e.g., radio frequency) communication protocols, such as BLUETOOTH, WI-FI, any ultra high frequency (UHF) protocol, any protocol in the microwave range (SHF), low-frequency protocols, etc.

It should be understood that the period of time during which the provision or collection of data relating to the consumption of aerosol generating products of the first and second type may include periods of time greater than, less than or equal to days. Preferably, said time period is one day. However, in other embodiments, said time period may be greater than or equal to approximately 1 hour, greater than or equal to approximately 2 hours, greater than or equal to approximately 6 hours, greater than or equal to approximately 12 hours, greater than or equal to approximately 18 hours, greater than or equal to is equal to approximately 22 hours, greater than or equal to approximately 1 day, greater than or equal to approximately 2 days or greater than or equal to approximately 1.5 weeks. However, in other embodiments, said time period may be less than or equal to about 3 months, less than or equal to about 1 month, less than or equal to about 2 weeks, less than or equal to about 1 week, or less than or equal to about 5 days.

In addition, the exemplary sensor device may transmit, for example, using a communication interface, data on the amount or first value of the first type aerosol generating article that has been consumed by the user in each time period to the user interface device. The transmission from the sensor device to the user interface device may occur periodically, such as after each period of time, or at longer intervals, depending on the functionality of the connection, as further described herein.

In addition, it should be understood that exemplary systems, devices, and methods may be configured to provide or collect data relating to consumption of first and second type aerosol generating articles over multiple or multiple time periods. Preferably, exemplary systems, apparatuses and methods are capable of automatically detecting or determining an initial first value over a first time period and any further first values indicative of consumption of a first type aerosol generating article over subsequent time periods. If the exemplary systems, devices and methods cannot automatically determine the first values indicative of the consumption of a first type aerosol generating article, then the values indicative of the consumption of a first type aerosol generating article may be estimated or predicted based on other data, such as, for example, the initial first a value and other values related to the second values characterizing the consumption of the second type aerosol generating article. In other words, if the first values indicative of the consumption of a first type aerosol generating article are not automatically determined, then exemplary systems, devices and methods enable the first values to be estimated or predicted as described herein. In addition, in one embodiment, the user is able to enter or download (eg, using an exemplary user interface device) the amount of first type aerosol generating article that has been consumed by the user over various time periods.

In addition, it is possible to provide or collect data relating to consumption of first and second type aerosol generating articles over multiple time periods so as to determine trends in the degree of transition to consumption over longer time periods than a single time period, for example. Manual and/or automatic collection of data relating to consumption of second type aerosol generating articles over multiple time periods is possible.

Initially, when the user presumably starts his transition from consumption of the first type of aerosol-generating article to consumption of the second type of aerosol-generating article, the initial value characterizing the consumption of the second type of aerosol-generating article is 0. However, in case the user starts using the exemplary systems , devices and methods after the user has started the transition from the first type aerosol generating product to the second type aerosol generating product, can be entered or loaded by the user or transmitted from the aerosol generating device to the user interface device, the initial second value characterizing the consumption of the second type aerosol generating product type for the initial period of time.

Using these illustrative systems, devices and methods, the following second values can also be provided indicative of the consumption of a second type of aerosol generating article over the following time periods. For example, the user may enter or download (eg, using an exemplary user interface device) the amount of second type aerosol generating article that has been consumed over each successive time period. Exemplary systems, devices, and methods provide the ability to periodically request or remind the user to enter or download data on the amount of aerosol generating products of the first and/or second type consumed over the following periods of time. In addition, for example, the exemplary aerosol generating apparatus may transmit data on the amount of the second type aerosol generating article that has been consumed by the user in each subsequent period of time to the user interface device. The transmission from the aerosol generating apparatus to the user interface device may occur periodically, for example, after each time period, or at longer intervals, depending on the connection functionality, as described later in this document.

As noted herein, exemplary systems, devices, and methods are capable of estimating or predicting the next first values indicative of the consumption of a first type aerosol generating article over the following time periods in the event of, for example, automatic determination of first values failing. The estimate may be based on other data such as, for example, previous first values and other values related to second values indicative of the consumption of a second type aerosol generating article. Preferably, if the current next second value is not entered by the user, the next generated first value is generated based on the initial first value characterizing the consumption of the first type aerosol generating article for the initial time period, the initial second value characterizing the consumption of the second type aerosol generating article for the specified an initial time period, and a next second value corresponding to the generated next first value (eg, corresponding to the same time period). More specifically, the generated next first value can be calculated by subtracting the corresponding or current next second value from the sum of the initial first and second values. For example, if the initial first value is 20 (e.g., corresponding to consumption of 20 regular cigarettes), the initial second value is 0 (e.g., corresponding to zero consumption of heated aerosol generating articles), and the next or current next second value is 15 (e.g., corresponding to consumption of 15 heated aerosol-generating articles), then the next second value generated will be 5 (5=20+0-15). Stated differently, the exemplary systems, devices, and methods are capable of estimating or predicting that a user has consumed 5 first type aerosol generating articles based on the number of second type aerosol generating articles that have been consumed over the same time period.

Exemplary systems, devices, and methods are capable of generating at least one metric indicative of the transition from consumption of a first type of aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type of aerosol generating article based on data related to consumption of first type aerosol generating articles and data related to consumption of an aerosol-generating article of the second type. In other words, the data relating to the consumption of the first and second type of aerosol-generating articles can be used to determine or calculate at least one indicator characterizing said transition.

Preferably, said at least one consumption indicator includes the degree of transition from consumption of a first type of aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type of aerosol generating article. Said degree of conversion may be expressed, for example, as a percentage of the first type of aerosol-generating articles consumed in relation to all aerosol-generating articles used or consumed over a certain period of time, for example, one day. In other words, the degree of transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article can be generated or calculated by dividing the current next second value by the sum of the current next second value and the corresponding current next first value. For example, if a user smoked 15 aerosol-generating products of the first type and 5 aerosol-generating products of the second type during the day, then the degree of switching to consumption of products of another type will be 25% (5 divided by the sum of 5 and 15).

In addition, the degree of transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article can be expressed graphically in the form of a graphical indication such as a bar graph, pie chart, Venn diagram, traffic light diagram, etc. . Preferably, the graphical display enables the user to be effectively and promptly informed of the status of the user's transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article. For example, the degree of transition from consumption of a first type of aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type of aerosol generating article can be expressed as a bar graph extending from the first end corresponding to 0% to the second end corresponding to 100%. In the previous example, the bar chart can extend one fourth of the bar chart's full length to represent the fact that the consumption transition rate is 25%.

In addition, specific colors can be associated with different degrees of consumption transition, which can be used to graphically indicate the degree of transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article. For example, if the user's conversion rate is less than about 33%, then the color associated with said conversion rate may be red to indicate a "low" conversion rate from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article. In addition, if the conversion rate is from about 34% to about 66%, the color associated with said conversion rate may be yellow to indicate a "medium" conversion rate from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article. In addition, if the conversion rate is from about 67% to about 94%, then the color associated with said conversion rate may be green to indicate a "high" conversion rate from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article. In addition, if the conversion rate is between about 95% and about 100%, the color associated with said conversion rate may be dark green to indicate that the user has "transitioned" from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a first type aerosol generating article. aerosol products of the second type.

As noted in this document, the acquisition of data on the values characterizing the consumption of the aerosol generating device of the first and second type may occur intermittently, depending on, for example, how often the sensor device communicates with the user interface device, how often the aerosol generating device communicates with the user interface device, how often the aerosol generating device is operatively connected to the host device, how often the user enters such values, and the like. Preferably, the present invention includes one or more processes for compensating for intermittent data acquisition. For example, in the case of discontinuous data acquisition of the first values characterizing the consumption of first type aerosol generating articles, in exemplary systems, devices and methods, it is possible to use estimated or predictive next first values characterizing the consumption of a first type aerosol generating article over the following periods of time, which, as described herein may be based on other data such as an initial first value and other values related to second values indicative of consumption of a second type aerosol generating article.

In addition, for example, in the case of discontinuous acquisition of second values indicative of the consumption of second type aerosol generating articles, the generation of said at least one indicator indicative of the transition from consumption of the first type aerosol generating article to consumption of the second type aerosol generating article can preferably be controlled. for intermittent data acquisition. For example, in the case where exemplary systems, devices, and methods have not adopted or provided the current next second value characterizing the consumption of a second type aerosol generating article, as an indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article type, a previous indicator can be set that characterizes the transition to the consumption of a product of another type for the previous period of time (for example, a day). This prevents the user from being provided with indications of switching to another type of product, which (indicators) may be based on incomplete and/or inaccurate data. Instead, the changeover rate will simply be based on previous data.

In addition, preferably, said at least one indicator characterizing said transition may include a cumulative degree of transition from consumption of a first type aerosol-generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol-generating article, based on at least a moving average of a plurality of previous values of the degree of transition from consumption aerosol-generating article of the first type to the consumption of the aerosol-generating article of the second type over a plurality of previous time periods. More specifically, in one embodiment, the set of previous values of the degree of transition to the consumption of a product of a different type, which (values) are used in determining the moving average, may include values for five previous time periods. In addition, preferably and more specifically, in one embodiment, the set of previous values of the degree of transition to the consumption of a product of a different type, which (values) are used in determining the moving average, may not include at least one outlier value, for example, the maximum and/or the minimum drop-down value.

Exemplary systems, devices, and methods may preferably operate differently over an initial plurality of time periods. For example, said at least one indicator characterizing said transition over the first five time periods may not include the cumulative degree of transition to consumption of a product of another type, and instead, it may include the degree of transition calculated or generated in one time period.

As noted, the present invention may include a user interface device and one or more sensor devices. Preferably, the user interface device is a cellular phone. In yet another embodiment, one or more of the user interface device and detector devices is a smartwatch. In general, a user interface device can be described as any electronic device containing a display to provide a graphical user interface capable of interacting with a user, and sensor devices can be described as any device preferably worn or attached to a user and capable of detecting consumption or use. an aerosol generating article of the first type. Each of the user interface device and sensor devices includes a communication interface, such as at least a telemetry circuit and an antenna, for two-way communication with other devices such as an aerosol generating apparatus, servers, network devices, personal computers, and the like. , and with other networks such as the Internet, etc. More specifically, data and commands may be transmitted and received during telemetry over outgoing or incoming communication channels between the user interface device and other devices and/or networks using the specified communication interface. In at least one embodiment, said communication interface is a wireless interface using one or more wireless (e.g., radio frequency) communication protocols, such as BLUETOOTH, WI-FI, any ultra high frequency (UHF) protocol, any protocol in the microwave range (SHF), low-frequency protocols, etc.

Each of the user interface device and sensor devices may include a controller containing one or more processors (eg, microprocessors). The one or more processors may operate with their associated storage or memory to access one or more types of processing programs or routines and data that may be used to implement exemplary methods. For example, the processing programs or routines stored on the data storage device may include programs for performing statistical calculations, matrix mathematical calculations, compression algorithms (e.g., data compression algorithms), standardization algorithms, comparison algorithms, or any other processing used to perform one or more of the exemplary methods and processes described herein. In addition, for example, processing programs or routines stored on the data storage device may include processes and functions for wirelessly transmitting data and commands between the user interface device and the aerosol generating apparatus. The data storage device or memory may also be configured to store data related to the consumption of first and second type aerosol generating products, data and formulas related to the generation of said at least one indicator characterizing the transition in consumption, and any other data and/ or formulas necessary for the implementation of the processes and methods described in this document.

In one or more embodiments, the user interface device and sensor devices may be described as being implemented using one or more computer programs executing on one or more programmable processors that contain processing means (e.g., microcontrollers, programmable logic devices, etc.). ), data storage device (eg, volatile or non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), input devices, and output devices. Program codes and/or logic described herein may be applied to input data to implement the functionality described herein and to generate the desired output information. The output information may be provided as input to one or more other devices and/or processes, as described herein, or it may be provided in a known manner.

The computer program products used to carry out the processes described herein may be provided using any programming language, such as a high-level procedural and/or object-oriented programming language, that is suitable for communication with a computer system. Any such software products may, for example, be stored in any suitable device, such as a storage medium, capable of being read by a general purpose or special purpose controller device for configuring and controlling the computer when said suitable device reads to perform procedures, described in this document. Stated differently, in at least one embodiment, the user interface device may be implemented using a computer-readable storage medium configured by a computer program, the storage medium thus configured to operate the computer in a specific and predetermined manner to perform functions, described in this document.

The specific configuration of the user interface device controller and sensor devices is not limited, and essentially any device capable of providing suitable computing capabilities and control capabilities for implementing the exemplary methods described herein can be used. From the foregoing, it clearly follows that the functionality described in one or more embodiments according to the present invention can be implemented in any way known to specialists in this field of technology. Thus, the computer language, controller, or any other software/hardware to be used to carry out the processes described herein should not limit the scope of the systems, processes, or programs (e.g., functionality provided by such processes or programs) described. in this document. The methods and processes described herein, including those related to systems or various constituent components, may be implemented at least in part in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination of the foregoing. For example, various aspects of these technologies may be implemented within one or more processors, including one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), complex programmable logic integrated circuits (CPLD), microcontrollers or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuits, or any combination of such components. When implemented in software, the functionality referred to in the systems, devices, and methods described herein may be implemented as instructions on a computer-readable medium such as RAM, ROM, NVRAM, EEPROM, flash memory, magnetic storage media for storage media, an optical storage medium, and the like. These instructions may be executed by one or more processors to support one or more aspects of the functionality described in the present invention.

The user interface device may also include a display operatively connected to the controller to output data through the display. The display may also be capable of graphical presentation and may be used as a graphical user interface capable of interactive user interaction. The graphical user interface and display may include a touch screen. A graphical user interface can be described as being interactive with a user because said graphical user interface can be configured for a user to view and/or manipulate data on a display so that the user can interact interactively with a user interface device and the like.

The graphical user interface may be configured for the user to enter first and second values indicative of the consumption of the first and second type of aerosol generating article, and with the possibility for the user to observe and interact with at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of the first type of aerosol generating article. for the consumption of an aerosol-generating product of the second type. The graphical user interface may also be configured to display textual support messages to encourage the user regarding the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol-generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol-generating article, and/or information content related to the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol-generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article to convey additional information to the user to assist in making the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article. Such text support messages and informational content can be generated by the user interface device controller based on at least one indicator characterizing the transition to consumption of a product of a different type.

For example, if the transition to the consumption of a product of a different type is progressing successfully, then textual supportive messages “You are doing great!” or "Keep it up!" can be generated by the controller and displayed on the graphical user interface. The text support message may be displayed on the graphical user interface in the vicinity of said at least one indication of the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article. In addition, for example, in the event that the degree of transition to the consumption of a product of another type approaches 100%, which corresponds to the completion of the specified transition by the user, the text support message "You have almost reached the goal!" can be generated by the controller and displayed on a graphical user interface.

In addition, the information content related to the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article may contain, for example, information about the aerosol generating apparatus as a product (for example, information related to various aerosol generating devices generating aerosol substrates, etc.). In addition, the information content may also contain links to stores where users can purchase an aerosol generating apparatus, such as aerosol generating devices, main devices, and aerosol generating products. More specifically, the information content may include information that enables the user to refill their aerosol generating products, such as information about online stores, a map showing places where such aerosol generating products can be purchased, and the like.

Preferably, the user interface device may be used in conjunction with an exemplary system that includes an aerosol generating apparatus and sensor devices. The aerosol generating apparatus may comprise an aerosol generating device and a host device. The term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device capable of using or consuming an aerosol generating article that emits volatile compounds to form an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user. The term "aerosol generating article" refers to an article that contains a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds when heated, which can form an aerosol. The aerosols generated from the aerosol-generating articles of the present invention may be visible or invisible, and they may contain vapors (for example, fine particles of substances that are in a gaseous state and are usually liquid or solid at room temperature), as well as gases and droplets. condensed vapor liquids.

The aerosol generating device may form a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article, and it may include a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate of said article to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating device may include a power source for supplying power to at least the heater, and it may be configured to interface or operably connect with the host device. The host device may include an interface element that is configured to interface or operably connect with the aerosol generating device to at least charge the power source of the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating apparatus may include a controller comprising one or more processors and a communication interface (eg, a wireless communication interface such as a BLUETOOTH wireless protocol interface) for communicating with a user interface device. The controller and communication interface in the aerosol generating apparatus may be the same as in the user interface device described herein. A controller containing one or more processors may be included as part of one or both of the aerosol generating device and the host device. In other words, the electronic control part may be part of the aerosol generating device and/or the main device.

The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to communicate, for example via a communication interface, with a user interface device for transmitting data indicative of consumption of the second type aerosol generating article over a plurality of time periods. For example, the aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to transmit at least one second value indicative of the consumption of the second type aerosol generating article over each of the plurality of time periods.

The host may receive or collect usage data from the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is docked or operatively connected to the host. After receiving the usage data from the aerosol generating device, the host device can transmit said data via a communication interface to the user interface device. In case the user interface device comprises a controller and a communication interface, this aerosol generating device can be configured to communicate directly with the user interface device without using a host device for data communication.

The terms “controller” and “processor” refer to any device or hardware capable of providing appropriate computing and control capabilities, such as microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits , ASIC), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuits, or any combination of the above, and capable of providing appropriate storage media that includes any media (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory , CD-ROM, magnetic recording medium such as a disk or tape, etc.) containing digital bits (for example, encoded in binary, ternary, etc.) that can be made readable and/or records.

The term "communication interface" refers to any device or apparatus capable of providing adequate data transfer capabilities between an aerosol generating device and a user interface device, such as various telemetry circuits and antennas, for example, and capable of using one or more wired or wireless communication protocols. (for example, at radio frequency), such as BLUETOOTH, WI-FI, any protocols in the ultra-high frequency (ultra-high frequency, UHF) range, any protocols in the super high frequency (super high frequency, SHF) range, at low frequencies, or combinations of the above.

All scientific and technical terms used in the context of 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. As used herein, the singular forms cover 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 terms "have", "having", "include", "including", "comprise", "comprising" or the like are used in their broadest sense and generally mean "including, but not limited to". It should be understood that the expressions "consisting essentially of", "consisting of", etc., refer to the category "comprising", etc. The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that can provide certain benefits 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 present invention, including the claims.

The following will be reference to the drawings, which depict one or more aspects described in the present invention. However, it should be understood that other aspects not shown in the drawings are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The same numbers used in the figures refer to the same components, steps, and the like. However, it should be understood that the use of a number to designate a component in a given figure is not intended to limit a component in another figure designated by the same number. In addition, the use of different numbers to designate components in different figures is not intended to indicate that components of different numbers cannot be the same or similar to components of different numbers.

FIG. 1 shows a functional diagram of an exemplary system 200 for use in generating at least one metric indicative of the transition from consumption of a first type of aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type of aerosol generating article.

On FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol generating apparatus 100 comprising an aerosol generating device 102 and a host device 101 configured to cooperate with the aerosol generating device 102.

On FIG. 3-5 are views of an exemplary graphical user interface 250 for use with the user interface device 201, displaying metrics indicative of the transition from consumption of a first type of aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type of aerosol generating article.

On FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for generating indicators of the transition from consumption of a first type of aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type of aerosol generating article.

On FIG. 7-8 are diagrams showing various scenarios including the representation of the consumption of the first type aerosol generating article and the second type aerosol generating article, the transition rates from the consumption of the first type aerosol generating article to the consumption of the second type aerosol generating article, and intermediate data related to the above, over many periods of time.

On FIG. 9-11 show views of exemplary sensor devices for detecting consumption of a first type aerosol generating article.

These schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale and are provided for illustrative purposes and not limitation.

On FIG. 1 depicts a functional diagram of an exemplary method and exemplary system 200 according to the present invention. The system 200 includes a user interface device 201, an aerosol generating apparatus 100, and a sensor device 109. The user interface device 201, the aerosol generating apparatus 100, and the sensor device 109 are physically separate devices. The user interface device 201 is a general purpose computer (in this example, a smartphone or tablet computer) and includes a controller 202 and an associated storage device 203. The data storage device 203 includes programs and subroutines 204, such as, for example, programs and subroutines for obtaining data characterizing the consumption of first and second type aerosol generating articles, for generating indicators of the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article. , and any other programs or routines for implementing the exemplary methods and processes described herein. The data storage device 203 also contains data 205 such as data indicative of consumption of first and second type aerosol generating articles, consumption transition rates over a plurality of time periods, and the like. The user interface device 201 also includes a display 206 containing a graphical user interface capable of interactive interaction with the user. The user interface device includes means for connecting to the Internet, such as a wireless LAN (eg, Wi-Fi) transceiver (not shown).

Block 2 represents a first value characterizing the consumption of a first type aerosol generating article, and block 4 represents a second value characterizing the consumption of a second type aerosol generating article, each of these values can be input to the user interface device 201. According to this embodiment, the aerosol generating the second type article is a heated stick 104 for use with the aerosol generating device 102 of the aerosol generating apparatus 100, and the first type aerosol generating article is a conventional combustible type cigarette.

In general, the second value 4, HScur, relating to the consumption of a second type of aerosol-generating article, such as heated sticks, for example, may be entered by the user into the user interface device 201, and/or it may be entered by the aerosol-generating apparatus 100 ( e.g., automatically by the aerosol generating device 102) into the user interface device 201. Similarly, the first value 2, CCcur, relating to the consumption of a second type of aerosol generating article, such as conventional cigarettes, for example, can be entered (e.g., automatically detected and entered) by the sensor device 109 into the user interface device 201. In at least one embodiment, the first value 2, CCcur, is data received directly from the sensor device 109 in response to a request that is transmitted from the user interface device 201 and can take time according to the given time schedule. In addition, if the first value 2, CCcur, is received by the sensor device 109, then the second predictive data, CCpred, which is input data on conventional cigarette consumption, which can be estimated based on a predetermined formula, can be generated by the user interface device 201.

After inputting the first and second values 2, 4 to the user interface device 201, the user interface device 201 is able to determine the output data, CS, based on the received values 2, 4. As stated above, the output data, CS, may include at least at least one indication of the transition from consumption of a first type of aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type of aerosol generating article, such as the degree of transition from consumption of conventional cigarettes to consumption of heated sticks, for example. The output, CS, may be provided to the user via the display 206 of the user interface device 201. These method steps may be periodically repeated during the following time intervals, with the specific purpose of informing/educating users during their journey and transition to the consumption of safer products, for example, such as heated type aerosol generating articles. Preferably, the collection of the first and second values 2, 4 and the calculation and provision of said at least one transition indicator in consumption (eg degree of transition) are daily operations.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the user interface device 201 may be a portable device that is configured to connect to an external database server 50 to transmit/receive data. Data may be transmitted and/or received over the Internet via the Wi-Fi transceiver of the user interface device 201. Programs and routines or application programs in the data storage device 203 may be updated over the Internet from a remote server (not shown), such as a cloud server. As a result, the application programs in the storage device 203 can be easily updated.

As noted herein, system 200 may include an aerosol generating apparatus 100, as described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2. Preferably, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 includes an aerosol generating device 102 and a main device 101. The aerosol generating device 102 includes a cavity 132 for receiving a second type aerosol generating article such as a hot stick 104, and a heater 134[/g7], which is configured with the ability to provide a heat source for the heated stick 104, thus creating an inhalable aerosol. Aerosol generating device 102 also includes a controller 128 containing one or more processors and associated memory. The controller 128 may be associated with the heater 134 in order to collect the second input data 4, HScur, consumption. In fact, controller 128 provides the advantage of being able to read/write the temperature history of heater 134 during smoking, including, for example, temperature drops due to user puffs. By collecting all the data relating to the temperature history of the heater 134, the controller 128 is able to determine whether the heated stick 104 has been consumed or not. If yes, then the controller 128 updates the contents of the internal counter. The controller 128 then stores the result of registering the number of heated sticks 104 smoked per day. Controller 128 may also include a communication interface, such as a wireless communication interface, for example, for communication with user interface device 201 and/or host 101. Controller 128 communication interface may preferably comprise a BLUETOOH interface. The aerosol generating device 102 also includes a power source 126 and power and data interface ports 130 .

The main device 101 includes a cavity 112 configured to accommodate an aerosol generating device 102 for recharging its power source 126 through the power and data interface ports 130. Preferably, the power supply 126 of the aerosol generating device 102 may be configured to supply sufficient power for a single smoking session such that the user, after consuming the heated stick 104, must reinsert the aerosol generating device 102 inside the main device 101 to recharge its battery 126 through the power interface ports 110 and data in the main unit 101.

The main device 101 includes a controller 108 containing one or more processors and associated with an interface unit 106 communication that interacts with the controller 128 generating aerosol generating device 102 to exchange/store collected data, such as daily number or number of consumed hot sticks, HScur when the aerosol generating device 102 and the main device 101 are electrically connected (for example, when the aerosol generating device 102 is connected via wireless communication, etc.). The communication interface unit 106, in turn, can be configured to exchange collected data, such as the second input data 4, HScur, with the user interface device 201. Preferably, the communication interface unit 106 has a wireless communication module, preferably including a BLUETOOH interface. It is a low power interface.

Thus, data on the number of heated sticks consumed per day, HScur, is stored in the system 200 without user action and transmitted to the user interface device 201 (to calculate the output data, i.e., the degree of transition), as explained below with reference to the different practical scenarios of FIG. 7-8.

An exemplary user interface device 201 including a display 206 displaying a graphical user interface 250 is shown in FIG. 3-5. The graphical user interface 250 includes two indicators of the transition from consumption of conventional cigarettes to consumption of aerosol generating products 260, 264 of a heated type, text support messages 262 to encourage the user regarding the transition in consumption, and informational content 266 related to the transition in consumption to provide additional information. to the user in order to assist in the implementation of the transition in consumption. The first indicator 260 of the transition from consumption of conventional cigarettes to consumption of heated aerosol generating products contains the degree or percentage of the transition from consumption of conventional cigarettes to consumption of heated aerosol generating products ("Switched by 20%" in Fig. 3, "Switched by 50 %" in Fig. 4, and "Transition completed at 75%" in Fig. 5). The second indicator 264 of the transition from consumption of conventional cigarettes to consumption of heated aerosol generating products includes a bar graph representation of the degree or percentage of the transition from consumption of conventional cigarettes to consumption of heated aerosol generating products. According to FIG. 3, text support message 262 looks like this: "You're doing great!" According to FIG. 4, the text support message 262 is as follows: "Keep it up!" According to FIG. 5, text support message 262 is as follows: "You have almost reached the goal."

In general, the exemplary methods of the present invention may be implemented by a software application downloaded by a user to a user interface device 201 (typically a mobile phone or tablet computer) from a database 50 on a server. The user may log in for the first time after downloading said application and may be required to enter his credentials along with initial data relating to his first and second type smoking product consumption habits. In other words, on the first day the user begins their transition process (which may correspond to the purchase of an exemplary aerosol generating system), the user may be required to enter data about their average consumption of heated sticks (number of heated sticks per day) and their average consumption of conventional cigarettes (number of regular cigarettes per day). Typically, the initial number of heated sticks per day is zero, unless the user is already smoking heated sticks at the time of first login.

The first value 2, such as the daily number of regular cigarettes, for example, is detected and stored in the sensor device 109 and transmitted to the user interface device 201 to perform a transition degree calculation each time the user enters the application and performs synchronization between the sensor device 109 and the user interface. interface device 201. During synchronization, conventional cigarette consumption data is transmitted from the sensor device 109 to the user interface device 201. Therefore, different scenarios are possible, depending on the behavior of the user in terms of how often the user synchronizes his sensor device 100 with his user interface device 201. In addition, the sensor device 109 can automatically synchronize with the user interface device 201, for example, when consumption of the first aerosol generating product is detected. type, such as a regular cigarette, or intermittently, such as once a day.

The second value 4, such as the value of the daily number of heated sticks smoked, for example, is stored in the aerosol generating apparatus 100 and transmitted to the user interface device 201 to perform conversion rate calculation each time the user enters the application and performs synchronization between the aerosol generating apparatus 100 and user interface device 201. During this synchronization, hot stick consumption data is transmitted from the aerosol generating apparatus 100 to the user interface device 201. Therefore, different scenarios are possible, depending on the behavior of the user in terms of how often the user synchronizes his generating device. aerosol apparatus 100 with its user interface device 201.

On FIG. 7-8 are diagrams showing various scenarios including the presentation of data characterizing the consumption of a first type aerosol generating article and a second type aerosol generating article, the transition rates from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article, and intermediate data related to to the above, for many periods of time. In this first scenario, shown in FIG. 7, the user is very diligent and synchronizes his aerosol generating system on a daily basis.

In this example, at the first login, the user enters the initial data:

HSinit=0

CCinit=18

Therefore, the user is new to heated stick smoking and appears to be a fairly heavy regular cigarette smoker (ie 18 per day). The first day passes, and a certain amount of heated sticks and regular cigarettes are smoked. Data on the number of heated sticks is stored in the aerosol generating system, as explained in this document. During the second day, the user logs on to the system, and input data relating to the previous first day is provided. Specifically, heated stick consumption data (e.g., number of heated sticks smoked in the first day), HScur, is provided as a result of synchronization of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 and user interface device 201, while conventional cigarette consumption data, CCpred, is estimated. based on a given formula.

In particular, the formula for calculating the CCpred for the first day is based on the HScur for the first day, as well as a constant first CCinit value and a constant second HSinit value, initially provided at the first login.

CCpred=HSinit+CCinit - HScur

In other words, the number of heated sticks smoked instead of the same number of regular cigarettes is estimated. Therefore, the first and second input data collected during the first day will be as follows:

HScur=10

CCpred=8

Based on these inputs, the aerosol generating apparatus calculates the degree of transition, CS, from conventional cigarettes to heated sticks based on the following general formula:

CS=HS / (HS+CC)

Now, since there is a 24-hour delay between when the smoking articles (heated sticks and regular cigarettes) are actually consumed and when the associated data is passed to the application, it can be useful to distinguish between the output of CSraw and CSactual. In general, CSraw may be conversion rate data that is provided for a particular day, but which actually relates to previous day's consumption. Generally speaking, only in the next (n-th) day can the input data for the (n-1)-th day become complete and, therefore, subject to processing. On the first day, calculate CSraw based on HSinit as follows:

CSraw (first day) = HSinit/HSinit+CCinit=0 (in this case HSinit is zero)

On the second day, CSraw is calculated based on the input data related to the first day:

CSraw (second day) = HScur (first day) / HScur (first day) + CCpred (first day)

Whereas CSactual for the first day is the actual degree of transition based on the consumption for the first day:

CSactual (first day) = HScur (first day) / HScur (first day) + CCpred (first day)

Thus, it is now clear that in general:

CSraw (nth day) = CSactual ((n-1)th day)

Using the above logic, output values CSraw and CSactual are computed for each day based on the first and second inputs. However, this may not always be true for scenarios where the user is diligent and syncs their device on a daily basis. In addition, the daily number of conventional cigarettes smoked is not always predictable and is sometimes determined and entered automatically using one or more sensor devices (this number is referred to as CCcur when entered). These requests are made based on a specific predetermined time schedule. If CCcur is available, it is the input that is used for the calculation.

A flow diagram of an exemplary method 300 for generating transition metrics, CSraw, from consumption of a first type of aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type of aerosol generating article is shown in FIG. 6. As shown in the figure, the method first checks whether synchronization 302 between the aerosol generating apparatus 100 and the user interface device 201 has been performed, and thus determines whether the second value characterizing the consumption of the second type aerosol generating product, HScur, has been loaded from the aerosol generating aerosol of apparatus 100 to user interface device 201. If synchronization 302 is not performed on a particular day, then the changeover rate for a product type, CSraw, may be inaccurate in its calculation, and as a result, the changeover rate for a product type, CSraw, is set equal to the output value for the previous day or yesterday's output value 308. If the synchronization 302 was performed during a particular day, then according to the method 300, it is possible to check 304 whether the synchronization 302 was performed between the sensor device 109 and the user interface device 201 to provide consumption data for a first type aerosol generating article, CCcur. If the first value 304 was not provided by the sensor device to specific females, then the method 300 may use a predicted first value, CCpred, which may be estimated as described herein, to calculate a conversion rate, CSraw, to another product type consumption. . In this state, it is possible to calculate 310 a transition rate, CSraw, on the consumption of another type of product as a quotient of the second value, HScur, by the sum of said second value, HScur, and the first value, CCpred. If the first value 304 was automatically determined and entered by the sensor device 109 on a particular day, then the method 300 may use the entered first value, CCcur, so that the value CSraw may be calculated 306 as a value equal to the second value, HScur, divided by the sum the specified second value, HScur, and the first value, CCcur.

After CSraw is received, it is converted to CSorig as explained below. In general, CSorig is the data used to work with behavioral content. Preferably, CSorig is a "truncated average" of the CSraw value, and it can be calculated as follows: in the period from the first to the fifth day CSorig=CSraw; and starting from the sixth day, CSorig can be computed by taking a set of CSraw values over the last five days, eliminating the minimum and maximum values, and taking the average of the remaining three values.

In addition, the degree of change to the consumption of a product of another type can be classified by stage division and converted into code information as follows: < 33% = Low; 33 to 66% = Medium; 66 to 95% = High; and > 95% = Migration completed. Each of the classified/code information is listed in the tables in FIG. 7-8 next to the corresponding output.

The second scenario depicted in the diagram of FIG. 8 is different from the first scenario in FIG. 7 in that the user is not very diligent and does not synchronize the aerosol generating apparatus 100 with the user interface device 201 daily. smoked in the previous day). In this case, calculate CSraw so that it is equal to the value that occurred one day earlier. This is clearly shown in the second scenario in the diagram of FIG. 8. The reason why the transition rate, CSraw, is calculated and provided to the user even if the user has not synchronized his device (and thus has not provided input) is, for example, that the daily provision of the transition rate to the user can be useful even if the user does not provide input. As emphasized above, CSorig is the output value from which the behavioral content is provided and which is computed from CSraw. In the second scenario, it is possible to estimate CSraw fluctuations based on CSactual (in particular, the degree of transition can be presented to the user in the form of ordered / coded information, for example, in the form of "Low", "Medium", "High" and "Transition completed") for the user , which does not sync every day.

Various sensor devices 109 for automatically detecting consumption of a first type aerosol generating article such as conventional cigarettes are shown in FIG. 9-11. The sensor device 109 of FIG. 9 is designed to be worn around a user's finger and includes one or more sensors 111 that are configured to automatically detect consumption of a first type aerosol generating article. For example, the sensors 111 of the sensor device 109 of FIG. 9 include one or more infrared pyroelectric sensors for detecting thermal energy associated with consumption of a first type aerosol generating article. The sensor device 109 of FIG. 10 is designed to be worn around a wearer's neck and includes one or more sensors 111 that are configured to automatically detect consumption of a first type aerosol generating article. For example, the sensors 111 of the sensor device 109 of FIG. 10 include one or more microphones or other sound sensors for recording sound data for analyzing one or more sounds associated with consumption of a first type aerosol generating article. The sensor device 109 of FIG. 11 is designed to be worn around a wearer's wrist and includes one or more sensors 111 that are configured to automatically detect consumption of a first type aerosol generating article. For example, the sensors 111 of the sensor device 109 of FIG. 10 include one or more accelerometers for detecting movement of at least one part of the user's body that is indicative of consumption of a first type aerosol generating article.

Thus, apparatuses and methods for use in the transition from a first type aerosol generating article to a second type aerosol generating article are described. Various modifications and variations of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention, as stated, should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Of course, various modifications of the described embodiments of the present invention, which are obvious to experts in the fields of electrical and computer technology, as well as in the field of production of an aerosol generating product and related fields, are intended to be included in the scope of the following claims.

According to another aspect of the present invention, conversion rates from electronic cigarettes to heated sticks can be calculated. In this case, the basics of calculations are exactly the same as those described above. In this aspect of the present invention, it is important to understand what volume of liquid for electronic cigarettes (e-liquid) is equivalent to smoking one combustible cigarette. If EC (equivalent ) is the volume of e-liquid corresponding to one combustible cigarette, then we can define it as a unit volume that is used to calculate conversion rates to heated sticks as described above. In the same way as in the case of switching from combustible cigarettes to heated sticks, we can define EC(init) as the initial EC (equivalent), which initially (at the beginning) indicates the volume of liquid used, converted to the number of equivalent combustible cigarettes.

EC(cur) = next read EC(equi) values. The way to calculate EC(cur) is to allow the user to enter into the interface device how long a given volume of e-liquid has been used, and based on this, the average consumption per day and thus the number of equivalent combustible cigarettes is calculated. (as described above).

EC can also be determined as predictive EC(pred) using formulas similar to those of the other examples. In yet another example, conversion rates from using two different aerosol generating products, such as electronic cigarettes and combustible cigarettes (combined use of conventional cigarettes and electronic cigarettes) to heated sticks, can be calculated.

This can be done in the same way as described above for switching from a first type product to a second type product, with the only difference that the degree of transition will be calculated using the sum of the consumption of electronic cigarettes and combustible cigarettes.

Claims (76)

1. A method for tracking the transition from a first type aerosol generating article, such as a combustible type aerosol generating article, to a second type aerosol generating article, such as heated aerosol generating articles, comprising the steps of: the first computer automatically detects consumption of a first type aerosol generating article over at least one time period using a sensor device to provide at least one first value indicative of consumption of a first type aerosol generating article over said at least one time period, the sensor device comprising a communication interface for communicating with other devices and configured to be near a part of the user's body; the second computer provides at least one second value indicative of consumption of the second type aerosol generating article over said at least one period of time, wherein the first type aerosol generating article is different from the second type aerosol generating article; the second computer generates at least one indicator characterizing the transition from the consumption of the first type of aerosol generating article to the consumption of the second type of aerosol generating article, based on said at least one first value and at least one second value; And the graphical user interface displays a supportive text message to encourage the user to switch consumption from a first type aerosol generating product to a second type aerosol generating product and/or information content related to switching consumption from a first type aerosol generating product to a second type aerosol generating product. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the automatic detection of consumption of the first type aerosol-generating article includes analyzing the movement of at least one part of the user's body that is indicative of consumption of the first type aerosol-generating article. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the sensor device comprises at least one accelerometer for detecting movement of at least one part of the user's body that is indicative of consumption of a first type aerosol generating article. 4. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein the sensor device is capable of being attached to the user's wrist. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein automatically detecting consumption of the first type aerosol generating article comprises analyzing one or more sounds associated with consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the sensor device comprises at least one microphone for recording audio data for analyzing one or more sounds associated with consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. 7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the sensor device is adapted to be attached to the user's neck. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein automatically detecting consumption of the first type aerosol-generating article includes detecting thermal energy associated with consumption of the first type aerosol-generating article. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the sensor device comprises at least one infrared pyroelectric sensor for detecting thermal energy associated with consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. 10. The method of claim. 8 or 9, in which the sensor device is configured to attach to the finger, hand or wrist of the user. 11. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, wherein generating said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article comprises generating the degree of transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article. 12. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11, in which said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article contains the cumulative degree of transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article, based on on at least a moving average of the previous values of the degree of transition from the consumption of the first type aerosol generating article to the consumption of the second type aerosol generating article over the previous time periods. 13. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 1-12, in which said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol-generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol-generating article, contains a graphical indication showing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol-generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol-generating article. . 14. A computer readable medium for long-term storage of data for tracking the transition from a first type aerosol generating article, such as a combustible type aerosol generating article, to a second type aerosol generating article, such as heated aerosol generating articles, having a program code stored thereon, executed, when execution of the specified program code on a computer or network device, with the ability to: automatically detecting consumption of a first type aerosol generating article over at least one time period using a sensor device to provide at least one first value indicative of the consumption of a first type aerosol generating article over said at least one time period, the sensor device comprising a communication interface for communication with other devices and is configured to be near a part of the user's body; generating at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article, based on at least one first value characterizing the consumption of a first type aerosol generating article over at least one period of time, and at least one second value characterizing the consumption of a second type aerosol-generating article over said at least one period of time, wherein the first type aerosol-generating article is different from the second type aerosol-generating article; And displaying a supportive text message to encourage the user to switch consumption from a first type aerosol generating product to a second type aerosol generating product and/or information content related to switching consumption from a first type aerosol generating product to a second type aerosol generating product. 15. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the automatic detection of consumption of the first type aerosol-generating article includes analyzing the movement of at least one part of the user's body that is indicative of consumption of the first type aerosol-generating article. 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the sensor device comprises at least one accelerometer for detecting motion of at least one part of the user's body that is indicative of consumption of a first type aerosol generating article. 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 15 or 16, wherein the sensor device is capable of being attached to the user's wrist. 18. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the automatic detection of consumption of the first type aerosol generating article comprises analyzing one or more sounds associated with consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. 19. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the sensor device comprises at least one microphone for recording sound data for analyzing one or more sounds associated with consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 18 or 19, wherein the sensor device is affixable to the user's neck. 21. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the automatic detection of consumption of the first type aerosol generating article includes detecting thermal energy associated with consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. 22. The computer-readable medium of claim 21, wherein the sensor device comprises at least one infrared pyroelectric sensor for detecting thermal energy associated with consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. 23. The computer-readable medium of claim 21 or 22, wherein the sensor device is capable of being attached to a user's finger, hand, or wrist. 24. Machine-readable media according to any one of paragraphs. 14-23, wherein generating said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol-generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol-generating article comprises generating the degree of transition from consumption of a first type aerosol-generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol-generating article. 25. Machine-readable media according to any one of paragraphs. 14-24, in which said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating product to consumption of a second type aerosol generating product contains the cumulative degree of transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating product to consumption of a second type aerosol generating product based on on at least a moving average of the previous values of the degree of transition from the consumption of the first type aerosol generating article to the consumption of the second type aerosol generating article over the previous time periods. 26. Machine-readable media according to any one of paragraphs. 14-25, in which said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating product to consumption of a second type aerosol generating product, contains a graphical indication showing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating product to consumption of a second type aerosol generating product . 27. A user interface device for tracking the transition from a first type aerosol generating article, such as a combustible type aerosol generating article, to a second type aerosol generating article, such as a heated aerosol generating article, comprising: a display containing a graphical user interface configured to present at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating product to consumption of a second type aerosol generating product; And a controller containing one or more processors, operatively connected to the display and configured to: receiving at least one first value characterizing the consumption of a first type aerosol generating article over at least one time period from a sensor device configured to automatically detect consumption of a first type aerosol generating article, the sensor device comprising a communication interface for communicating with other devices and configured to be near a part of the user's body; generating at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article based on at least one first value characterizing the consumption of a first type aerosol generating article over at least one period of time, and at least at least one second value characterizing the consumption of the second type of aerosol generating product for the specified at least one period of time, and the first type of aerosol generating product is different from the second type of aerosol generating product; displaying on said graphical user interface said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article; And displaying on the graphical user interface a supporting text message to encourage the user regarding the switch of consumption from the first type aerosol generating product to the second type aerosol generating product and/or information content associated with the switch of consumption from the first type aerosol generating product to the second type aerosol generating product. 28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the automatic detection of consumption of the first type aerosol-generating article includes motion analysis of at least one part of the user's body that is indicative of consumption of the first type aerosol-generating article. 29. The device of claim 28, wherein the sensor device comprises at least one accelerometer for detecting motion of at least one part of the user's body that is indicative of consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. 30. The device of claim 28 or 29, wherein the sensor device is capable of being attached to the user's wrist. 31. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the automatic detection of consumption of the first type aerosol generating article comprises analyzing one or more sounds associated with consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. 32. The apparatus of claim. 31, wherein the sensor device comprises at least one microphone for recording audio data for analyzing one or more sounds associated with consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. 33. The device of claim 31 or 32, wherein the sensor device is capable of being attached to the user's neck. 34. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the automatic detection of consumption of the first type aerosol generating article includes detecting thermal energy associated with consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. 35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the sensor device comprises at least one infrared pyroelectric sensor for detecting thermal energy associated with consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. 36. The device of claim 34 or 35, wherein the sensor device is capable of being attached to a user's finger, hand, or wrist. 37. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 27-36, wherein generating said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol-generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol-generating article comprises generating the degree of transition from consumption of a first type aerosol-generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol-generating article. 38. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 27-37, in which said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating product to consumption of a second type aerosol generating product contains the cumulative degree of transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating product to consumption of a second type aerosol generating product based on on at least a moving average of the previous values of the degree of transition from the consumption of the first type aerosol generating article to the consumption of the second type aerosol generating article over the previous time periods. 39. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 27-38, in which said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating product to consumption of a second type aerosol generating product, contains a graphical indication showing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating product to consumption of a second type aerosol generating product . 40. A system for tracking the transition from a first type aerosol generating article, such as a combustible type aerosol generating article, to a second type aerosol generating article, such as heated aerosol generating articles, comprising: the user interface device of claim 27; a sensor device configured to automatically detect the consumption of a first type aerosol-generating article, and comprising: a first communication interface for communicating with a user interface device; And the first controller containing one or more processors and configured to: determining at least one first value characterizing the consumption of a first type aerosol generating article over said at least one period of time, and transmitting said at least one first value indicative of consumption of a first type aerosol generating article over said at least one period of time to the user interface device; And an aerosol generating apparatus configured to use a second type aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol, and comprising: a communication interface for exchanging data with a user interface device; And a controller containing one or more processors and configured to: determining at least one second value indicative of consumption of a second type aerosol generating article over at least one period of time using the aerosol generating apparatus; And transmitting said at least one second value indicative of the consumption of a second type aerosol-generating article over said at least one period of time to the user interface device. 41. The system of claim 40, wherein the automatic detection of consumption of the first type aerosol-generating article includes analyzing the motion of at least one part of the user's body that is indicative of consumption of the first type aerosol-generating article. 42. The system of claim 41, wherein the sensor device comprises at least one accelerometer for detecting movement of at least one part of the user's body that is indicative of consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. 43. The system of claim 41 or 42, wherein the sensor device is capable of being attached to the user's wrist. 44. The system of claim 40, wherein the automatic detection of consumption of the first type aerosol generating article includes analyzing one or more sounds associated with consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. 45. The system of claim 44, wherein the sensor device comprises at least one microphone for recording audio data for analyzing one or more sounds associated with consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. 46. The system of claim 44 or 45, wherein the sensor device is affixable to the user's neck. 47. The system of claim 40, wherein the automatic detection of consumption of the first type aerosol generating article includes detecting thermal energy associated with the consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. 48. The system of claim 47, wherein the sensor device comprises at least one infrared pyroelectric sensor for detecting thermal energy associated with consumption of the first type aerosol generating article. 49. The system of claim. 47 or 48, in which the sensor device is configured to be attached to the finger, hand or wrist of the user. 50. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 40-49, in which the generation of the at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating product to consumption of a second type aerosol generating product includes generating the degree of transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating product to consumption of a second type aerosol generating product. 51. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 40-50, in which said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article comprises the cumulative degree of transition from consumption of a first type aerosol generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol generating article, based on on at least a moving average of the previous values of the degree of transition from the consumption of the first type aerosol generating article to the consumption of the second type aerosol generating article over the previous time periods. 52. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 40-51, in which said at least one indicator characterizing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol-generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol-generating article, contains a graphical indication showing the transition from consumption of a first type aerosol-generating article to consumption of a second type aerosol-generating article. .

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