RU2801815C2 - Diagnostic system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking devices.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to diagnostic means for an electronic vapour providing system (EVPS). Data is received from a remote electronic vapour providing system (EVPS). The result of at least the first diagnostic test performed for the EVPS system is displayed in response to detecting a corresponding set misuse event based on the data received from the EVPS system. At least the first diagnostic test is performed for the EVPS system in response to detecting a corresponding set misuse event based on the data received from the EVPS system.

EFFECT: increase in the reliability of the electronic vapour providing system.

25 cl, 9 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a diagnostic system and method.

Electronic Vapor Delivery Systems (EVPS), such as electronic cigarettes and other aerosol delivery systems, are complex devices containing an energy source sufficient to vaporize a volatile material, along with a control circuit, a heating element, and typically a liquid payload. Some EVPS also contain communication systems and/or computing capabilities.

In this case, the device is used intermittently, but frequently, throughout the day and every day in close proximity to the user.

This level of use can lead to accidents that could result in breakdown or malfunction. Likewise, incorrect use to a certain extent can lead to breakage or malfunction.

It is desirable to limit such breakdown or malfunction.

The present invention aims to alleviate or mitigate this problem.

In a first aspect, a diagnostic system for an electronic steam supply system according to claim 1 is provided.

In another aspect, a mobile communication device according to claim 10 is provided.

In yet another aspect, a method for diagnosing an electronic steam supply system according to claim 14 is provided.

In another aspect, a diagnostic method for use with a mobile communication device according to claim 23 is provided.

Additional relevant aspects and features of the invention are defined in the appended claims.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic cigarette, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

- Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an electronic cigarette control unit, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

- Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of an electronic cigarette processor, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

- Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of an electronic cigarette during communication with a mobile terminal, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

- Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of an electronic cigarette cartomizer.

- Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of an electronic cigarette vaporizer or heater.

- Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a mobile terminal, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

- Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a method for diagnosing an electronic steam system, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

- Fig. 9 is a flowchart of a diagnostic method for use with a mobile communication device, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

The diagnostic system and method are disclosed. In the following description, a certain number of specific details are provided in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. However, for a person skilled in the art it will be obvious that these specific details do not need to be used for the practical implementation of the present invention. Conversely, specific details known to those skilled in the art are omitted for clarity where appropriate.

As an explanation of the prior art, electronic vapor delivery systems such as electronic cigarettes and other aerosol delivery systems typically contain a reservoir of liquid to be vaporized, usually nicotine (sometimes referred to as "e-liquid", e-liquid). When the user inhales through the device, an electrical (eg, resistive) heater is activated to vaporize a small amount of liquid, resulting in an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. The liquid may contain nicotine in a solvent such as ethanol or water, together with glycerin or propylene glycol to promote aerosol formation, and may also include one or more additional flavors. One of skill in the art is aware of many different liquid formulations that can be used in electronic cigarettes and other similar devices.

This practice of inhaling vaporized liquid is commonly known as 'vaping'.

The electronic cigarette may have an interface to support the exchange of external data. This interface can be used, for example, to download control parameters and/or updated software to an electronic cigarette from an external source. Alternatively or additionally, the interface may be used to download data from the electronic cigarette to an external system. The downloaded data may, for example, represent e-cigarette usage parameters, fault conditions, and so on. As one of skill in the art would know, many other forms of data can be exchanged between an electronic cigarette and one or more external systems (this could be yet another electronic cigarette).

In some cases, the interface of an electronic cigarette to communicate with an external system is based on a wired connection, such as a USB connection using a micro, mini or conventional USB connection with an electronic cigarette. The electronic cigarette interface for communication with an external system may also be based on a wireless connection. Such a wireless connection has certain advantages over a wired connection. For example, the user does not need additional cables to create such a connection. In addition, the user has more options for moving around, setting up a connection and choosing a range of paired devices.

In the present description, the term "electronic cigarette" is used; however, the term may be used interchangeably with electronic vapor delivery system, aerosol delivery device, and other similar terminology.

In FIG. 1 is a schematic (exploded) diagram of an electronic cigarette 10, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention (not to scale). An electronic cigarette consists of a body or control unit 20 and a cartomizer 30. The cartomizer 30 includes a reservoir 38 of liquid, typically containing nicotine, a heater 36, and a mouthpiece 35. The electronic cigarette 10 has a longitudinal or cylindrical axis that extends along the center line of the electronic cigarette from mouthpiece 35 at one end of the cartomizer 30 to the opposite end of the control unit 20 (commonly referred to as the tip end). This longitudinal axis is indicated in Fig. 1 dotted line LA.

The liquid reservoir 38 in the cartomizer may contain liquid for electronic cigarettes, i. (e-) liquid, directly in liquid form, or may use some absorbent structure such as a foam matrix or cotton material, etc., as a liquid holding member. Liquid is then supplied from delivery reservoir 38 to a vaporizer containing heater 36. For example, liquid may flow by capillary action from reservoir 38 to heater 36 through a wick (not shown in FIG. 1).

In other devices, the fluid may be provided in the form of plant material or some other (appearing solid) derived plant material. In this case, the liquid can be considered as being the volatiles in the material, which evaporate when the material is heated. It should be appreciated that devices containing this type of material generally do not require a wick to transport fluid to the heater, but rather provide the heater in a suitable position in relation to the material to provide suitable heating.

It should also be appreciated that payload delivery forms other than liquid form may be considered equally, such as heating a solid material (such as a processed tobacco leaf) or a gel, for example. In such cases, the vaporized volatiles provide the active ingredient of the vapor/aerosol for inhalation. It should be understood that references herein to "liquid", "e-liquid" and similar terms equally cover other payload delivery methods, and likewise references to "reservoir" or similar terms equally cover other storage media. , such as a container for solid materials.

The control unit 20 includes a rechargeable cell or battery 54 for powering the electronic cigarette 10 (hereinafter referred to as a battery) and a printed circuit board (PCB) 28 and/or other electronics for general control of the electronic cigarette.

The control unit 20 and the cartomizer 30 are detachable from each other as shown in FIG. 1 but are connected together when the device 10 is in use, for example by means of a screw or a bayonet connection. The connectors on the cartomizer 30 and the control unit 20 are shown schematically in FIG. 1 as 31B and 21A respectively. This connection between the control unit and the cartomizer provides the mechanical and electrical connection between them.

When the control box is disconnected from the cartomizer, the electrical connection 21A on the control box, which is used to connect to the cartomizer, can also serve as a charger connector (not shown). The other end of this charger can be connected to the USB charging port 54 in the electronic cigarette control box. In other embodiments, the electronic cigarette may be provided with (for example) a cable for a direct connection between the electrical connection 21A and the USB connector.

The control box is provided with one or more air inlets near the printed circuit board 28. These holes are connected by an air passage through the control box with an air duct provided through connector 21A. It then connects to the air path through the cartomizer 30 to the mouthpiece 35. It should be noted that the heater 36 and the liquid reservoir 38 are configured to provide an air passage between the connector 31B and the mouthpiece 35. This air passage may pass through the center of the cartomizer 30, wherein the reservoir 38 for liquid is limited by an annular region around this central path. Alternatively (or additionally), the airflow channel may be located between the liquid reservoir 38 and the outer casing of the cartomizer 30.

When the user inhales through the mouthpiece 35, air is drawn into the control unit 20 through one or more air inlets. This airflow (or associated pressure change) is detected by a sensor, such as a pressure sensor, which in turn activates the heater 36 to vaporize the nicotine liquid supplied from reservoir 38. The airflow passes from the control unit to the vaporizer where the airflow combines with nicotine vapor. This combination of airflow and nicotine vapor (essentially an aerosol) then passes through the cartomizer 30 and exits the mouthpiece 35 where it is inhaled by the user. The cartomizer 30 can be detached from the control unit and disposed of when the supply of nicotine liquid is depleted (and can then be replaced with another cartomizer).

It should be appreciated that the electronic cigarette 10 shown in FIG. 1 is provided by way of example only, and many other implementations may be adopted. For example, in some embodiments, the cartomizer 30 is divided into a cartridge containing a liquid reservoir 38 and a separate evaporative portion containing a heater 36. In this configuration, the cartridge may be disposed of after the liquid in the reservoir 38 has been depleted, but the separate evaporative portion containing heater 36 is retained. Alternatively, the electronic cigarette may be provided with a cartomizer 30 as shown in FIG. 1, or may be constructed as a one-piece device, but the fluid reservoir 38 is in the form of a (user) replaceable cartridge. Additional options are that the heater 36 may be located at the opposite end of the cartomizer 30 from that shown in FIG. 1, that is, between the liquid reservoir 38 and the mouthpiece 35, or the heater 36 may be located along the central axis LA of the cartomizer, and the liquid reservoir has the form of an annular structure which is located radially outward from the heater 35.

A person skilled in the art will also be aware of a number of possible options for the control unit 20. For example, airflow may enter the control box at the end of the handpiece, i.e., the opposite end from connector 21A, in addition to or instead of the airflow adjacent to circuit board 28. In this case, airflow will typically be drawn towards the cartomizer along the passage between the battery 54 and the outer wall of the control box. Similarly, the control unit may include a printed circuit board located at or near the end of the handpiece, for example, between the battery and the end of the handpiece. Such a printed circuit board may be provided in addition to or instead of the printed circuit board 28.

In addition, the electronic cigarette may support charging at the end of the tip, or through a connector elsewhere on the device, in addition to or instead of charging at the connection point between the cartomizer and the control unit. (It should be appreciated that some electronic cigarettes are provided as essentially integrated units, in which case the user cannot remove the cartomizer from the control unit). Other e-cigarettes may also support wireless (inductive) charging in addition to (or instead of) wired charging.

The above discussion of the possible embodiments of the electronic cigarette shown in FIG. 1 is given as an example. Those skilled in the art will be aware of additional options (and combinations of options) for electronic cigarette 10.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the main functional components of the electronic cigarette 10 of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that FIG. 2 is primarily related to electrical connections and functionality, and is not intended to indicate the physical dimensions of the various components or details of their physical placement in the control unit 20 or cartomizer 30. In addition, it should be appreciated that at least some from the components shown in Fig. 2 located within the control box 20 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 28. Alternatively, one or more of these components may instead be placed on the control box to work with the printed circuit board 28, but not physically mounted on the printed circuit board itself. For example, these components may be located on one or more additional printed circuit boards, or they may be located separately (eg, battery 54).

As shown in FIG. 2, the cartomizer includes a heater 310 which is powered through connector 31B. The control unit 20 includes an electrical connector or connector 21A for connection to a corresponding connector 31B of the cartomizer 30 (or potentially a USB charger). This enables the electrical connection between the control unit 20 and the cartomizer 30.

The control unit 20 further includes a sensor unit 61 which is located within or adjacent to the air path through the control unit 20 from the air inlets to the outlets (to the cartomizer 30 via connector 21A). The sensor unit includes a pressure sensor 62 and a temperature sensor 63 (also on or near this airway). The control unit further includes a capacitor 220, a processor 50, a field effect transistor (FET) switch 210, a battery 54, and input and output devices 59, 58.

The operations of processor 50 and other electronic components, such as pressure sensor 62, are typically controlled at least in part by programs running on the processor (or other components). Such software may be stored in non-volatile memory such as ROM, which may be integrated with the processor 50 itself or provided as a separate component. The processor 50 may access the ROM to download and execute individual software programs as needed. The processor 50 also contains appropriate communication means, such as pins or pads (plus appropriate control software) for communication, as the case may be, with other devices in the control unit 20, such as the pressure sensor 62.

Output device(s) 58 may provide visible, audible, and/or tactile output. For example, the output device(s) may include a speaker 58, a vibrator, and/or one or more light sources. The light sources are usually in the form of one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), which can be of one or different colors (or multi-color). In the case of multi-color LEDs, different colors are obtained by switching different colors, eg red, green or blue, the LEDs are on, optionally with different relative brightness to give corresponding relative color variations. When red, green, and blue LEDs are provided together, a full range of colors is possible, while if only two of the three red, green, and blue LEDs are used, only the corresponding sub-range of colors can be obtained.

The output of the output device may be used to signal various conditions or conditions in the electronic cigarette to the user, such as a low battery warning. Different output signals can be used to signal different states or conditions. For example, if output device 58 is an audio speaker, different states or conditions may be represented by tones or tone modulated signals of different pitches and/or durations, and/or providing a plurality of such tone modulated signals or tones. Alternatively, if the output device 58 includes one or more light sources, different states or conditions can be represented using different colors, light pulses or continuous illumination, different pulse durations, and so on. For example, one indicator light may be used to display a low battery warning and another indicator light may be used to indicate that the fluid reservoir 38 is almost empty. It should be appreciated that a given electronic cigarette may include output devices to support a variety of different output modes (audio, video), etc.

The input device(s) 59 may take various forms. For example, the input device (or devices) may be implemented as buttons on the outside of an electronic cigarette, such as mechanical, electrical, or capacitive (touch) sensors. Some devices may support insufflation into an electronic cigarette as an input mechanism (such inhalation may be detected by pressure sensor 62, which in this case may also act as a form of input device 59), and/or connection/disconnection of cartomizer 30 and control unit 20 as another input mechanism. Again, it should be appreciated that a given electronic cigarette may include input devices 59 to support a variety of different input modes.

As noted above, the electronic cigarette 10 provides an air path from the air inlet through the electronic cigarette, past the pressure sensor 62 and the heater 310 in the cartomizer 30 to the mouthpiece 35. Thus, when the user inhales through the mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette, the processor 50 detects such inhalation based on information from the pressure sensor 62. In response to such detection, the central processing unit (CPU) supplies power from the battery 54 to the heater, which thereby heats and vaporizes the nicotine from the inhalation liquid reservoir 38 by the user.

In the specific implementation shown in FIG. 2, a field effect transistor (FET) 210 is connected between the battery 54 and the connector 21A. This FET 210 acts as a switch. The processor 50 is connected to the gate of the FET to actuate a switch, thereby allowing the processor to turn on and off the power flow from the battery 54 to the heater 310 according to the detected airflow condition. It should be appreciated that the heater current can be relatively large, such as in the 1-5 amp range, and therefore the FET 210 must be implemented to support this current control (similarly for any other form of switch that can be used in place of the FET). transistor 210).

To provide more precise control over the amount of power flowing from battery 54 to heater 310, a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme may be adopted. The PWM scheme can be based on a repetition period of, say, 1 ms. During each such period, switch 210 is turned on for a proportional portion of the period and turned off for the remainder of the proportional portion of the period. This is parameterized with a duty cycle, with duty cycle 0 indicating that the switch is off for the entire period of each period (i.e. effectively permanently off), duty cycle 0.33 indicating that the switch is on for a third of each period, duty cycle 0.66 indicates that the switch is on for two-thirds of each period, and a duty cycle of 1 indicates that the FET is on for the full period of each period (i.e., effectively, permanently on). Please note that these values are provided as an example of duty cycle settings only and intermediate values may be used depending on the circumstances.

The use of PWM provides effective heater power, which is determined by the rated available power (based on battery output voltage and heater resistance) times the duty cycle. Processor 50 may, for example, use Duty Cycle 1 (ie full power) at the start of inhalation to initially raise heater 310 to the desired operating temperature as quickly as possible. Once this desired operating temperature has been reached, processor 50 may then reduce the duty cycle to some suitable value to provide heater 310 with the desired operating power.

As shown in FIG. 2, processor 50 includes a communications interface 55 for wireless communications, in particular to support Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) communications.

Alternatively, heater 310 may be used as an antenna for use by communication interface 55 to transmit and receive data wirelessly. One motivation for this is that the control unit 20 may have a metal case 202 while the cartomizer part 30 may have a plastic case 302 (reflecting the fact that the cartomizer 30 is disposable, while the control unit 20 is retained and therefore can be benefit from being more durable). The metal housing acts as a screen or barrier that may interfere with the operation of the antenna located within the control unit 20 itself. However, using the heater 310 as a wireless antenna can help avoid this metal shield due to the plastic housing of the cartomizer, but without adding additional components or increasing the complexity (or cost) of the cartomizer. Alternatively, a separate antenna (not shown) may be provided, or a portion of a metal housing may be used.

If the heater is used as an antenna, then as shown in FIG. 2, the processor 50, more specifically the communication interface 55, may be connected to the power line from the battery 54 to the heater 310 (via connector 31B) via a capacitor 220. This capacitive coupling is made to a point in the circuit downstream of the switch 210 because the wireless the link may operate when the heater is not energized for heating (as discussed in more detail below). It should be appreciated that capacitor 220 helps prevent power from battery 54 from being redirected to heater 310 back to processor 50.

It should be noted that capacitive coupling can be implemented using a more complex LC (induction coil-capacitor) circuit that can also provide impedance matching to the output of the communication interface 55 (as those skilled in the art will know, such impedance matching can help maintain correct transmission of signals between the communication interface 55 and the heater 310 acting as an antenna, instead of such signals being reflected back along the connection).

In some embodiments, the processor 50 and communication interface are implemented using a Dialog DA14580 chip from Dialog Semiconductor PLC based in Reading, UK. Additional information (and datasheet) for this IC is available at: http://www.dialog-semiconductor.com/products/bluetooth-smart/smartbond-da14580.

In FIG. 3 is a generalized and simplified overview of this chip 50, including the communication interface 55 for Bluetooth® Low Energy support. This interface includes specifically a radio transceiver 520 for performing signal modulation and demodulation, etc., a link layer hardware 512, and an advanced encryption facility 511 (128 bits). The output of the radio transceiver 520 is connected to an antenna (eg, to a heater 310 acting as an antenna via capacitive coupling 220 and connectors 21A and 31B).

The rest of the processor 50 includes a general processing core 530, a RAM (RAM) 531, a ROM (ROM) 532, a one-time programming (OTP) unit 533, a general purpose I/O system 560 (for communication with other components on the printed circuit board 28) , a power management unit 540, and a bridge 570 for connecting two buses. Program instructions stored in ROM 532 and/or One Time Programming (OTP) unit 533 may be loaded into RAM 531 (and/or memory provided as part of core 530) for execution by one or more processors in core 530. These program instructions cause the processor 50 to perform various functionality described here, such as interacting with the sensor unit 61 and, accordingly, controlling the heater. It should be noted that although the device shown in FIG. 3 acts as a communication interface 55 as well as a common controller for the electronic steam supply system 10, in other embodiments of the invention these two functions can be shared between two or more different devices (chips) - for example, one chip can serve as a communication interface 55 , and the other chip is a common controller for the electronic steam supply system 10 .

In some embodiments, processor 50 may be configured to prevent wireless communications when the heater is used to vaporize liquid from reservoir 38. For example, wireless communications may be paused, terminated, or prevented from starting when switch 210 is turned on. Conversely, if wireless communications continues, turning on the heater can be prevented—for example, by ignoring airflow detection from sensor unit 61, and/or by not using switch 210 to turn on power to heater 310 during wireless communication.

One reason for preventing heater 310 from operating for both heating and wireless at the same time in some implementations is to help avoid potential interference from PWM control of the heater. This PWM control has its own frequency (based on the pulse repetition rate), and although it is usually much lower than the frequency used for wireless communication, they can potentially interfere with each other. In some situations, such interference in practice may not cause any problems, and the heater 310 may be allowed to operate simultaneously for both heating and wireless communication (if desired). This can be facilitated, for example, by means such as appropriate selection of signal levels and/or PWM frequency, provision of suitable filtering, etc.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing Bluetooth® Low Energy communication between an electronic cigarette 10 and an app running on a smartphone 400 or other suitable mobile communication device (tablet, laptop, smart watch, etc.). Such communication can be used for a wide range of purposes, for example, to update the firmware of the electronic cigarette 10, to retrieve usage and/or diagnostic data from the electronic cigarette 10, to reset or unlock the electronic cigarette 10, to manage the settings of the electronic cigarette, and etc.

In general terms, when the electronic cigarette 10 is turned on, for example by the input device 59 or possibly by attaching the cartomizer 30 to the control unit 20, it starts to communicate via Bluetooth® Low Energy. If this outgoing message is received by the smartphone 400, then the smartphone 400 requests a connection to the electronic cigarette 10. The electronic cigarette may notify the user of this request via the output device 58 and wait for the user to accept or reject the request via the input device 59. Assuming the request is accepted, the electronic cigarette 10 may then communicate with the smartphone 400. It should be noted that the electronic cigarette may remember the identifier of the smartphone 400 and be able to automatically accept future connection requests from that smartphone. Once the connection has been established, smartphone 400 and electronic cigarette 10 operate in client-server mode, with the smartphone acting as a client that initiates and sends requests to the electronic cigarette, which therefore acts as a server (and responds to requests depending on from circumstances).

The Bluetooth® Low Energy Low Energy Channel (also known as Bluetooth Smart®) implements the IEEE 802.15.1 standard and operates at a frequency of 2.4 - 2.5 GHz, corresponding to a wavelength of about 12 cm, with a data rate of up to 1 Mbps. With. The connection setup time is less than 6 ms, and the average power consumption can be very low, on the order of 1 mW or less. The Bluetooth Low Energy link can extend up to approximately 50 meters. However, for the situation shown in Fig. 4, electronic cigarette 10 and smartphone 400 typically belong to the same person and will therefore be much closer to each other, such as 1m. More information about Bluetooth Low Energy can be found at: http://www.bluetooth.com/Pages/Bluetooth-Smart.aspx

It should be appreciated that electronic cigarette 10 may support other communication protocols for communicating with smartphone 400 (or any other suitable device). Such other communication protocols may be used instead of or in addition to Bluetooth Low Energy. Examples of such other communication protocols include Bluetooth® (which is not a low energy option), see eg www.bluetooth.com, Near Field Communication (NFC) according to ISO 13157, and WiFi®. NFC communication operates at much lower wavelengths than Bluetooth (13.56MHz) and typically has a much shorter range - say <0.2m. However, this short range is still compatible with most use cases , such as those shown in Fig. 4. At the same time, low power WiFi® connections such as IEEE802.11ah, IEEE802.11v or the like, and a remote device can be used between the electronic cigarette 10. In each case, a suitable communications chipset may be included on circuit board 28, either as part of processor 50 or as a separate component. Those skilled in the art are aware of other wireless communication protocols that may be used in the electronic cigarette 10.

Fig. 5 is an exploded schematic view of an exemplary cartomizer 30, in accordance with some embodiments. The cartomizer has an outer plastic body 302, a mouthpiece 35 (which may be formed as part of the body), a vaporizer 620, a hollow inner tube 612, and a connector 31B for connection to the control box. The airflow path through the cartomizer 30 begins with the air inlet through the connector 31B, then through the interior of the vaporizer 625 and hollow tube 612, and finally through the mouthpiece 35. The cartomizer 30 holds liquid in the annular region between (i) the plastic housing 302, and (ii) evaporator 620 and inner tube 612. Connector 31B is provided with a seal 635 to help maintain fluid in the area and prevent leakage.

Fig. 6 is an exploded schematic view of the evaporator 620 of the exemplary cartomizer 30 shown in FIG. 5. Evaporator 620 has a substantially cylindrical body (support) formed from two components 627A, 627B, each of which has a substantially semicircular cross section. When assembling the housing, the edges of the components 627A, 627B do not fully abut each other (at least not along their entire length), but rather a small gap 625 remains (as shown in Fig. 5). This gap allows liquid from the outer reservoir around the evaporator and tube 612 to enter the interior of the evaporator 620.

One of the evaporator components 627B shown in FIG. 6 supports heater 310. Two connectors 631A, 631B are shown for supplying power (and a wireless signal) to heater 310. More specifically, these connectors 631A, 631B connect the heater to connector 31B, and the connector is connected to control box 20. (Note: that connector 631A is connected to pad 632A at the far end of evaporator 620, which is powered by connector 31B, via an electrical connection that extends under heater 310 and is not visible in Figure 6).

The heater 310 includes a heating element formed from a material composed of sintered metal fibers and typically in the form of a sheet or a porous electrically conductive material (such as steel). However, it should be appreciated that other porous electrically conductive materials can be used. The total resistance of the heating element in the example of FIG. 6 is about 1 ohm. However, it should be appreciated that other resistances may be selected, for example related to the available battery voltage and the desired temperature/power dissipation characteristics of the heating element. In this regard, appropriate characteristics can be selected in accordance with the desired aerosol (vapour) generating properties for the device, depending on the source liquid of interest.

The main body of the heating element is typically rectangular in shape with a length (ie, in the direction passing between connector 31B and contact 632A) of about 20 mm and a width of about 8 mm. The thickness of the sheet containing the heating element in this example is about 0.15 mm.

As seen in FIG. 6, the generally rectangular body of the heating element has slots 311 extending inwardly from each of the longer sides. These slots 311 engage pins 312 provided by the evaporator body component 627B, thereby helping to maintain the position of the heating element with respect to the body components 627A, 627B.

The slots extend inwardly for a distance of about 4.8 mm and have a width of about 0.6 mm. The inwardly extending slots 311 are separated from each other by a distance of about 5.4 mm on each side of the heating element, while the inwardly extending slots from opposite sides are offset from each other by about half this distance. A consequence of this arrangement of the slots is that the current flowing along the heating element is effectively forced to follow a tortuous path, resulting in a concentration of current and electricity around the ends of the slots. Different current densities/energies at different locations on the heating element means that there are regions of relatively high current density that get hotter than regions of relatively low current density. In effect, this provides a heating element with a range of different temperatures and temperature gradients, which may be desirable in the context of aerosol delivery systems. This is because different components of the source liquid can aerosolize/evaporate at different temperatures, and therefore providing the heating element with a range of temperatures can help to aerosolize a number of different components in the source liquid at the same time.

Heater 310 shown in FIG. 6, having a substantially flat shape elongated in one direction, is well suited for use as an antenna. In association with the metal housing 202 of the control unit, the heater 310 forms an approximate dipole configuration that typically has a physical size of the same order of magnitude as the wavelength of the Bluetooth Low Energy communication, that is, a size of a few centimeters (provided for both heater 310 and metal housing 202) at a wavelength of about 12 cm.

Although FIG. 6 illustrates one shape and configuration of heater 310 (heating element), various other possibilities will be known to those skilled in the art. For example, the heater may be in the form of a coil or some other configuration of resistive wire. Another possibility is that the heater is made in the form of a tube containing a liquid for evaporation (for example, tobacco products in any form). In this case, the tube may be used primarily to transfer heat from the place of generation (for example, from a coil or other heating element) to the liquid to be evaporated. In such a case, the tube still acts as a heater with respect to the liquid being heated. Such configurations can optionally again be used as an antenna to support wireless configurations.

As noted earlier in this document, a suitable electronic cigarette 10 can communicate with the device 400 mobile communication, for example, by pairing devices using the Bluetooth® low energy protocol.

Therefore, it is possible to provide additional functionality to an electronic cigarette and/or a system comprising an electronic cigarette and a smartphone by providing suitable software instructions (eg, in the form of an application) to be run on the smartphone.

As shown in FIG. 7, a typical smartphone 400 includes a central processing unit (CPU) (410). The CPU may communicate with smartphone components either through direct connections or via I/O bridge 414 and/or bus 430, as the case may be.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the CPU is directly coupled to memory 412, which may include read-only memory such as, for example, flash memory (Flash® memory) for storing the operating system and applications (apps), as well as volatile memory, such as RAM (RAM) for storage of data that is currently being used by the CPU. Typically, persistent and volatile memories are formed using physically separate units (not shown). In addition, the memory may separately contain removable memory such as a microSD card as well as subscriber information data on a subscriber information module (SIM) (not shown).

The smartphone may also contain a graphics processing unit (GPU) 416. The GPU may communicate directly with the CPU or via an I/O bridge, or may be part of the CPU. The GPU may share RAM with the CPU or may have its own dedicated RAM (not shown) and may be connected to the mobile phone display 418. The display is typically a liquid crystal display (LCD) or organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, but may be any suitable display technology such as electronic ink. Alternatively, the GPU may also be used to control one or more of the smartphone's speakers 420.

Alternatively, the loudspeaker can be connected to the CPU via an I/O bridge and a bus. Other smartphone components may be connected in a similar manner via the bus, including a touch surface 432 such as a capacitive touch surface overlaid on the screen to provide touch input to the device, a microphone 434 for receiving speech from the user, one or more cameras 436 for capturing images, a global positioning system (GPS) unit 438 for obtaining an estimate of the geographic location of smartphones; and a wireless communication means 440.

The wireless communication means 440, in turn, may comprise several separate wireless communication systems conforming to different standards and/or protocols, such as Bluetooth® (standard or power saving options), near field communications, and Wi-Fi®, as previously described, as well as telephone communications such as 2G, 3G and/or 4G communications.

Systems are typically powered by a rechargeable battery (not shown), which can be charged via a power input (not shown), which in turn can be part of a data link such as USB (not shown).

Please note that different smartphones may include different features (eg compass or buzzer) and may not have some of the features listed above (eg touch surface).

Thus, more generally, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, a suitable remote device, such as a smartphone 400, would include a CPU and memory for storing and running an application, as well as wireless communications capable of initiating and maintaining wireless communication with an electronic cigarette. 10. However, it should be appreciated that the remote device may be a device that has these capabilities, such as a tablet, laptop, smart TV, or similar device.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a diagnostic system for an electronic steam supply system (EVPS) comprises a detection processor (50, 410) adapted (eg, by an appropriate program instruction) to detect one or more of a plurality of predefined misuse events. The diagnostic system also includes a diagnostic processor (50, 410) configured (for example, by means of an appropriate program instruction) to execute, in response to detection of a predefined misuse event, at least one corresponding system diagnostic; and similarly, the diagnostic system includes an output processor (50, 410, 416) configured to indicate to the user the result of the diagnostic or each diagnostic performed.

The discovery processor receives a signal from one or more sensors (not shown) embedded in the EVPS system, for example, within the sensor unit 61, but alternatively elsewhere, if applicable. The sensors may include one or more of an accelerometer, an electronic thermometer, an input voltage sensor, an input current sensor, a payload termination sensor, and a humidity sensor.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the EVPS system includes an accelerometer sensor for misuse detection. The sensor is designed to output a signal indicative of acceleration (or a signal from which acceleration can be derived). In this case, an absolute acceleration threshold is set, eg based on testing the EVPS system, to determine what level of acceleration would cause damage to the EVPS. This acceleration is usually caused by the EVPS falling onto a hard surface, resulting in a rapid deceleration (i.e. negative acceleration).

Alternatively, acceleration along more than one axis can be detected, for example, using a multi-axis accelerometer. For example, an EVPS may be more susceptible to damage if it lands on one end than if it lands flat along its entire length (or vice versa). Therefore, different respective threshold values may be used for different respective acceleration axes.

In this case, the detection processor can compare the signal from the accelerometer (usually after analog-to-digital conversion) with one or each threshold value to determine if the signal exceeds the threshold value, and if so, this result is passed to the diagnostic processor to indicate the specific form . misuse, namely the fall of the EVPS system.

In response to a particular form of misuse, the diagnostic processor performs appropriate system diagnostics. System diagnostics may include one or more of a continuity test, a cell (battery) integrity test, and a moisture test. Other checks may also be provided, such as checking the integrity of the seal on a component of the EVPS system.

In an embodiment of the present invention, in the event that the accelerometer signal exceeds a threshold indicating an EVPS drop misuse, the diagnostic processor performs the appropriate system diagnostics to check the continuity of the circuit.

Continuity testing typically includes a systematic test of each circuit controlled and/or measured by the diagnostic processor (or, equally, the EVPS system processor receiving instruction from the diagnostic processor, either for each circuit or to perform a predefined circuit test).

The continuity test, or each of these tests, if applicable, may check that the circuit closes and/or opens as instructed, and/or that one or more of the voltage, current, and resistance values in the circuit are within a predetermined operating range. In addition, multiple circuit tests can be implemented in parallel to simulate power loads in normal use.

To the extent that the voltage, current, or resistance in the circuit may in turn depend on the power output of the EVPS battery/cell 54, an initial cell integrity test may also be performed or partially performed. This may include measuring the voltage and/or current from an element in a predetermined circuit (either a dedicated test circuit or a circuit that is likely to be reliable, such as a circuit supplying power to a processor or an LED) to check whether that they are within a predetermined operating range, as well as to check the continuity of the circuit, and these parameters should provide basic values. Checking the integrity of the element may also include checking any sensor used to determine the correct fit (placement) of the element, and/or that the element is within the operating temperature range.

Alternatively, a moisture test may be carried out to detect the presence of a leak, for example due to collapse or loosening of the payload reservoir. One or more moisture sensors may be built into the EVPS system, for example, near the point of connection of the tank to the EVPS and/or near any components that can be damaged by liquid, such as a processor or battery. When moisture is detected, the detection processor receives a corresponding signal.

In the event that the diagnostic processor is removed from the EVPS, initial checks may be that the wireless communication is working and that any processor performing diagnostic process functions in the EVPS is operational.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the EVPS system comprises at least a first electronic thermometer sensor for misuse detection. The thermometer may be configured to output a signal proportional to the temperature. One thermometer may be the thermometer 63 used to measure the heater/steam temperature, but may be separate.

In this case, an absolute temperature threshold is set, for example based on testing the EVPS system, to determine what temperature level may cause damage to the EVPS. It should be appreciated that certain elements of the EVPS system are expected to become hot during normal use in order to generate steam. However, the thermometer or each thermometer may be placed in a location where a different operating temperature range is expected, such as in close proximity to the battery and/or processor of the EVPS system. Different thermometers/EVPS zones can have different thresholds (or equivalently range limits).

In this case, the detection processor can compare the signal from one or each thermometer (usually after analog-to-digital conversion) with one or each threshold value to determine if the signal exceeds the threshold value, and if so, this result is transmitted to the diagnostic processor to indicate the specific form of misuse, namely excessive heating of the EVPS system. This can happen, for example, if the device is left in the sun in a car or placed near a heat source such as a stove.

It should be appreciated that a suitably placed temperature sensor can similarly detect if a battery change or other custom modification to the EVPS system causes the operating temperatures of any aspect of the EVPS to fall outside a predetermined range and thus constitutes an incorrect use by adapting the device to function outside the recommended operating range. This may include determining the temperature of the battery, or any processor in the EVPS system, or the heater itself, or the steam generated by it.

It should also be taken into account that, equally, the temperature can become too low, which, in turn, can adversely affect the performance of the battery, while at the same time requiring more power to raise the temperature of the heater to the evaporation temperature.

In an embodiment of the present invention, in the event that the thermometer signal exceeds a threshold value (or equally out of a predetermined range), indicating misuse due to modification or overheating of the EVPS system, the diagnostic processor performs the appropriate system diagnostics to check the integrity element.

As noted above, this test may include a voltage and/or current test and (separate from a misuse temperature test) a cell temperature test. It should be appreciated that in this case the same electronic thermometer can be used first to detect potential misuse and secondly to detect any potential battery problems. In this case, there may be different corresponding thresholds or ranges associated with potential misuse and battery failure.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the EVPS system includes at least one of an input voltage sensor and an input current sensor for misuse detection. The voltage and current sensors are configured to output a signal proportional to voltage and current, respectively.

In this case, an absolute voltage and/or current threshold is set, for example, based on a test of what level of voltage and/or current can cause damage to the EVPS system during charging (or alternatively discharging) of the cell, or based on the rating the manufacturer of the item, or based on the approved value for using the charger.

Such damage can occur when using a non-standard charger, non-standard battery, or both.

As noted above, voltage and/or current sensors may be used during charging. Alternatively, they can also be used during battery discharge, such as during a cell continuity test or a continuity test, and therefore have a dual role. Alternatively, separate voltage and/or current probes can be used to test charge and discharge. Different thresholds for charging and discharging may be used, and these values may be interdependent, such thresholds or range for current being set for a given voltage and/or vice versa.

In this case, the detection processor can compare the signal from the voltage and/or current sensor (usually after analog-to-digital conversion) with one or each threshold value to determine if the signal exceeds the threshold value, and if so, then this result is transmitted to the diagnostic processor to indicate a specific form of misuse, namely in this case, the use of an unauthorized power source and/or battery.

In an embodiment of the present invention, in the event of a voltage and/or current signal threshold being exceeded indicative of such misuse, the diagnostic processor performs appropriate system diagnostics to verify cell integrity as described earlier herein.

As noted earlier in this document, checking the integrity of the element may include detecting the fit/position of the element, for example, using a suitably positioned button or electrical contact. Similarly, checking the integrity of an element may include detecting the authenticity of the element, for example, by using a secure handshake with an ID chip within the element. This can be done with an EVPS system, or (via wireless communication) with a mobile communications device running a suitable application. Alternatively, the element may comprise an RFID or NFC (Near Field Communication) RFID chip enabling direct wireless communication with a suitable mobile communication device running a suitable application. This will enable authentication by placing the mobile communication device on the EVPS. It can also ensure that replacement batteries are authenticated before they are inserted into the EVPS, such as at the point of sale, or when borrowed or exchanged between devices.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the EVPS system includes a payload termination sensor for detecting misuse. The termination sensor is configured to output a signal indicating that the payload is suitably installed in the EVPS system, typically by detecting the physical presence of a payload container portion at a predetermined position and/or alternatively by indicating seal integrity between the payload container. load and EVPS.

The sensor is typically one or more electrical contacts and/or circuit(s) that are completed by appropriate interaction between the payload container and the EVPS. The position of such contacts is selected in accordance with the design of the EVPS system and the payload container. Typically, the payload container may have either an asymmetric feature that provides a specific positioning, or a connecting mechanism (eg, screw thread) that has a specific end position (ie, when fully screwed in). Therefore, the contact can be positioned on an asymmetrical feature or on a screw thread terminal lug. Other strategies will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In the case of a seal, the resistivity, capacitance, or other electrical properties of the seal are likely to change if it is broken or worn. Therefore, if this property is outside the predetermined range, it can be assumed that the integrity of the seal is broken.

In this case, the detection processor may detect the presence or absence of the payload termination sensor signal and/or compare the signal from the electrical seal integrity sensor (typically after A/D conversion) with a predetermined operating range to determine if the signal is out of range, and if so, or if there is no payload termination sensor signal, this result is passed to the diagnostic processor to indicate a specific form of misuse, namely, improper installation of the payload container.

In an embodiment of the present invention, in the event that a payload abort signal or a seal integrity signal indicates such misuse in the case of a liquid payload, then the diagnostic processor performs one or more appropriate system diagnostics, including a moisture test, a circuit integrity test, and a element integrity, as described earlier. This is because the fluid inside the EVPS system can damage many aspects of the device, as previously described.

In an embodiment of the invention, the EVPS system includes one or more moisture content sensors to detect misuse. The moisture content sensor is configured to output a signal indicating that moisture is locally present in the EVPS. Please note that some parts of the EVPS will contain moisture (steam and possibly condensation) during normal use. However, other parts of the EVPS system are expected to remain dry. Unwanted moisture (i.e., in the part of the EVPS that should not contain moisture) can be found inside the EVPS if the liquid payload has been incorrectly installed as described above, but it can also occur, for example, because the system The EVPS has been dropped into water, or if the integrity of the EVPS shell (or inner compartment) has been compromised, such as in a humid climate.

In this case, the detection processor may detect the presence or absence of one or more moisture sensor signals to detect if unwanted moisture is found inside the EVPS system, and if so, this result is passed to the diagnostic processor to indicate a form of misuse, namely wetting. EVPS system (e.g. tank misuse, EVPS falling into water, etc.).

In an embodiment of the present invention, in the event that a moisture content sensor signal indicates such misuse, the diagnostic processor performs one or more appropriate system diagnostics, including a circuit continuity test and a cell integrity test, as previously described, respectively. This is because the fluid inside the EVPS system can damage many aspects of the device, as previously described.

It should be appreciated that the EVPS system may include one or more of the aforementioned sensors.

Accordingly, the diagnostic system may perform one or more of the aforementioned respective detections and, in response to the detection indicative of a particular misuse, perform at least one appropriate system diagnostic.

In response to any of the above diagnostic messages indicating a malfunction of the EVPS system (for example, if a cell continuity test or a continuity test fails, or the temperature of an EVPS system component is above a preset threshold, or if a preset component is detected to be close to moisture), then the output processor is configured to indicate to the user the result of one or each diagnostic performed.

The EVPS system may be designed to include a display that can provide alphanumeric information to the user, or a simpler user interface such as an LED that can be activated in the event of a fault, or change color in the event of a fault, may be implemented.

Alternatively or in addition, a diagnostic result indicative of a malfunction may be transmitted to a remote mobile communication device which provides information to the user via a user interface such as an app.

More generally, although the diagnostic system may be contained entirely within an Electronic Steam System (EPS*), optionally components of the diagnostic system may be shared between the EVPS and a remote mobile device (eg, smartphone).

Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention, as noted above, the EVPS system comprises a wireless communication circuit for communicating with a remote mobile communication device, and the remote mobile communication device comprises at least a discovery processor. Further, signals from one or more sensors of the EVPS system are transmitted to a remote mobile communication device.

The mobile communication device may perform discovery, and typically will also perform diagnostic and output processes using the CPU of the mobile communication device acting as a discovery processor and optionally diagnostic and output processors, in accordance with a suitable program instruction.

At the same time, in an embodiment of the present invention, the EVPS system comprises a discovery processor rather than a mobile communication device.

As before, the EVPS system includes a wireless communication circuit for communicating with a remote mobile device, and the remote mobile device includes at least a diagnostic processor.

This time, the corresponding discovery is transmitted by the discovery processor in the EVP system to the remote mobile communication device.

The mobile communication device may then perform diagnostics and will typically also perform an output process, with the mobile communication device CPU operating as a diagnostic processor and optionally as output processors according to the appropriate software instruction.

Similarly, and as previously described, in another embodiment of the present invention, the EVPS system comprises a diagnostic processor and the aforementioned wireless communication circuitry for communicating with a remote mobile device, the remote mobile device comprising an output processor.

In this case, as previously described, the result of one or each diagnostic performed is transmitted to the remote mobile communication device.

In this case, as previously described, the mobile communication device may provide information to the user through a user interface, such as in an application.

In order to facilitate the sharing of some or all of the detection, diagnostic and output data between the EVPS and the mobile communication device in response to one or more sensor signals in the EVPS, the mobile communication device requires suitable and appropriate adaptation.

Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the mobile communication device 400 comprises a wireless communication circuit 440 for communicating with a remote EVPS system 10, a display 418; an output processor (e.g., a CPU 410 operating in accordance with a suitable program instruction) capable of displaying the result of at least the first diagnostic check performed on the EVPS system in response to the detection of a corresponding predefined misuse event, to based on data received from the EVPS system.

In this case, the data received from the EPVS system is likely to be diagnostic output, optionally along with corresponding values from one or more sensors.

Meanwhile, in an embodiment of the present invention, the mobile communication device further comprises a diagnostic processor (e.g., a CPU 410 operating in accordance with a suitable program instruction) capable of performing at least a first diagnostic test for the EVPS system in response to detect a corresponding predefined misuse event based on the data received from the EVPS.

In this case, the data received from the EVPS system is likely to be detection data indicative of a particular misuse, optionally along with corresponding values from one or more sensors.

Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the mobile communication device further comprises a detection processor (eg, a CPU 410 operating in accordance with a suitable program instruction) capable of detecting a predefined misuse event based on data received from the EVPS.

In this case, the data received from the EVPS system is likely to be data from one or more sensors.

Therefore, more generally, as described herein, a diagnostic system may include both an electronic vapor delivery system (EVPS) and a mobile communication device, wherein the EVPS comprises at least a first sensor and a wireless transmitter, and the mobile communication device includes a wireless receiver and at least an output processor. In each case, for the EVPS and the mobile communication device, the balance of the components of the diagnostic system is in the other device.

Turning now to FIG. 8, it should be appreciated that the EVPS system or combination of EVPS and mobile communication device thus implements the following diagnostic method for the electronic steam supply system, comprising the following steps.

In the first step s810, one or more of a plurality of predefined misuse events is detected. As described herein, several different misuse events can be expected, which are detected by comparing the signals of one or more sensors of the EVPS system with predefined thresholds/ranges, or by detecting their presence or absence.

In the second step s820, at least one corresponding system diagnostic is executed in response to detection of a predefined misuse event. As described herein, specific misuse events have one or more associated diagnostics.

In a third step s830, the result of one or each of the diagnostics performed is indicated to the user. As described herein, this can be done through the user interface of the EVPS system or the mobile communications device, or both.

For a person skilled in the art it will be obvious that variations of the above method, corresponding to the operation of various embodiments of the invention of the device, as described and claimed in this document, are contemplated within the scope of the present invention, including, but not limited to the following:

an electronic steam supply system (EVPS) comprising an accelerometer sensor and a detection step comprising detecting whether the signal from the accelerometer exceeds a threshold value; and if so, the diagnostic step comprises performing a continuity test;

an EVPS system comprising an electronic thermometer sensor and a detection step comprising detecting whether the electronic thermometer signal exceeds a threshold value; and if yes, then the diagnostic step comprises performing an element integrity check;

- an EVPS system comprising at least one sensor of an input voltage sensor and an input current sensor, and a detection step comprising detecting whether the signal from at least one sensor of the input voltage sensor and the input current sensor is outside a predetermined range , and if yes, then a diagnostic step is performed, comprising performing an element integrity check;

- an EVPS system comprising a payload termination sensor and a detection step comprising detecting a signal from the payload termination sensor indicative of improper payload termination; and if a signal is detected, then a diagnostic step is performed, comprising performing one or more options selected from a list consisting of a moisture test, a circuit continuity test, and a cell integrity test;

- an EVPS system comprising a humidity sensor and a detection step comprising detecting a signal from the humidity sensor indicative of increased moisture content; and if a signal is detected, then a diagnostic step comprising performing one or more options selected from a list consisting of a continuity test and an element integrity test;

- transmission of signals from one or more sensors of the EVPS system to a remote mobile communication device;

- an EVPS system performing a discovery step, an EVPS system comprising a wireless communication scheme for communicating with a remote mobile communication device, wherein the remote mobile communication device performs at least a diagnostic step, and a method comprising a transmission step for transmitting to the remote device a mobile communication signal output of the respective detection from the detection step; and

- an EVPS system performing a diagnostic step, an EVPS system comprising a wireless communication circuit for communicating with a remote mobile communication device, wherein the remote mobile communication device performs an output step, and a method comprising a transmission step of transmitting the result to the remote mobile communication device one or each of the diagnostic tests performed during the diagnostic phase.

Similarly, referring now to FIG. 8, it should be appreciated that the mobile communication device may implement the following diagnostic method for use with the mobile communication device, comprising the following steps.

In the first step s910, data is received from a remote electronic steam supply system (EVPS); and

In the second step s920, displaying the result of at least the first diagnostic test performed on the EVPS in response to the detection of the corresponding predefined misuse event based on the data received from the EVPS.

Here again, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications to the above method consistent with the operation of various embodiments of the device invention as described and claimed herein are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, including but not limited to the following :

- performing at least a first diagnostic test for the EVPS system in response to the detection of a corresponding predefined misuse event based on data received from the EVPS system; and

- detection of a predefined misuse event based on data received from the EVPS system.

It will be appreciated that the aforementioned methods may be performed on conventional hardware, suitably adapted as the case may be by software instruction or by incorporating or replacing specialized hardware.

Thus, the necessary adaptation to the existing parts of a traditional equivalent device (electronic vapor delivery system (EVPS) such as an electronic cigarette, and alternatively a mobile communication device such as a smartphone) can be implemented in the form of a computer program product containing instructions , implemented by a processor, stored in a non-volatile computer-readable medium such as a floppy disk, optical disk, hard disk, PROM, RAM, flash memory, or any combination of these or other storage media, or implemented in hardware such as an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) or FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or other configurable circuit suitable for use in adapting a traditional equivalent device. Individually, such a computer program may be transmitted via data signals on a network such as Ethernet, a wireless network, the Internet, or any combination of these or other networks.

Claims (99)

1. Diagnostic system for electronic steam supply system (EVPS), comprising: a detection processor configured to detect one or more of a plurality of predefined misuse events; a diagnostic processor configured to execute, in response to detecting a predetermined misuse event, at least one corresponding system diagnostic; and an output processor configured to indicate to the user the result of one or each of the performed diagnostics. 2. The diagnostic system according to claim 1, in which the EVPS system contains an accelerometer sensor; wherein the detection processor is configured to detect if the signal from the accelerometer exceeds a threshold value; and if yes, then the diagnostic processor is configured to perform a continuity test. 3. The diagnostic system according to claim 1 or 2, in which the EVPS system contains an electronic thermometer sensor; wherein the detection processor is configured to detect whether the signal from the electronic thermometer exceeds a threshold value; and if yes, then the diagnostic processor is configured to perform an element integrity check. 4. Diagnostic system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, in which the EVPS system includes at least one sensor of an input voltage sensor and an input current sensor; wherein the detection processor is configured to detect whether the signal from at least one of the input voltage detector and the input current detector is outside a predetermined range, and if so, then the diagnostic processor is configured to perform an element integrity check. 5. The diagnostic system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, in which the EVPS system contains a payload termination sensor; wherein the detection processor is configured to detect a signal from the payload termination sensor indicative of an improper payload termination; and if so, then the diagnostic processor is configured to perform one or more options selected from a list consisting of: i. humidity checks; ii. continuity checks and iii. checking the integrity of the element. 6. Diagnostic system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, in which the EVPS system contains a humidity sensor; wherein the detection processor is configured to detect a signal from the moisture sensor indicative of increased moisture content; and if so, then the diagnostic processor is configured to perform one or more options selected from a list consisting of: i. continuity checks and ii. checking the integrity of the element. 7. Diagnostic system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6, in which the EVPS system comprises a wireless communication circuit for communicating with a remote mobile communication device, the remote mobile communication device comprising at least a discovery processor; wherein signals from one or more sensors of the EVPS system are transmitted to a remote mobile communication device. 8. Diagnostic system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6, in which the EVPS system includes a discovery processor; the EVPS system comprises a wireless communication circuit for communicating with a remote mobile communication device, the remote mobile communication device comprising at least a diagnostic processor; wherein the corresponding discovery is transmitted by the discovery processor to the remote mobile communication device. 9. The diagnostic system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6, in which the EVPS system contains a diagnostic processor; the EVPS system comprises a wireless communication circuit for communicating with a remote mobile communication device, the remote mobile communication device comprising an output processor; wherein the result of one or each of the performed diagnostics is transmitted to the remote mobile communication device. 10. A mobile communication device, comprising: a wireless communication circuit for communicating with a remote electronic steam supply system (EVPS); display; an output processor configured to display a result of at least a first diagnostic test performed on the EVPS system in response to detection of a corresponding predetermined misuse event based on data received from the EVPS system; And a diagnostic processor configured to perform at least a first diagnostic test for the EVPS system in response to detection of a corresponding predetermined misuse event based on data received from the EVPS system. 11. The mobile communication device according to claim 10, containing: a discovery processor configured to detect a predetermined misuse event based on data received from the EVPS. 12. The diagnostic system according to claim. 1, containing electronic steam supply system (EVPS); and mobile communication device; wherein the EVPS system includes at least a first sensor and a wireless transmitter, and the mobile communication device includes a wireless receiver and at least an output processor. 13. A method for diagnosing an electronic steam supply system (EVPS), comprising the steps of: detecting one or more of a plurality of predefined misuse events; performing, in response to detection of a predetermined misuse event, at least one appropriate system diagnostic; wherein indicate the result of one or each diagnostic performed to the user. 14. The diagnostic method according to claim 13, in which the EVPS system contains an accelerometer sensor; wherein the detection step comprises a sub-step of detecting whether the signal from the accelerometer exceeds a threshold value; and if yes, then the diagnostic step comprises a sub-step in which a continuity test is performed. 15. The diagnostic method according to claim 13 or 14, in which the EVPS system contains an electronic thermometer sensor; wherein a detecting step comprising detecting whether the electronic thermometer signal exceeds a threshold value; and if yes, then the diagnostic step comprises a sub-step that performs an element integrity check. 16. The diagnostic method according to any one of paragraphs. 13-15, in which the EVPS system includes at least one sensor of an input voltage sensor and an input current sensor; wherein the detecting step comprises detecting whether the signal from at least one of the input voltage detector and the input current detector is outside a predetermined range, and if so, then the diagnostic step comprises a sub-step that performs an element integrity check. 17. The diagnostic method according to any one of paragraphs. 13-16, in which the EVPS system contains a payload termination sensor; wherein a detecting step comprising detecting a signal from the payload termination sensor indicative of an improper payload termination; and if yes, then the diagnostic step contains a sub-step in which one or more options are performed, selected from a list consisting of: i. moisture content checks; ii. continuity checks and iii. checking the integrity of the element. 18. The diagnostic method according to any one of paragraphs. 13-17, in which the EVPS system contains a humidity sensor; wherein the detecting step comprises a sub-step of detecting a signal from the humidity sensor indicative of moisture content; and if so, then the diagnostic step contains a sub-step in which one or more options are performed, selected from a list consisting of: i. continuity checks and ii. checking the integrity of the element. 19. The diagnostic method according to any one of paragraphs. 13-18, containing the step in which transmitting signals from one or more sensors of the EVPS system to a remote mobile communication device. 20. The diagnostic method according to any one of paragraphs. 13-18, in which the EVPS performs the discovery phase; the EVPS system comprises a wireless communication circuit for communicating with a remote mobile communication device, wherein the remote mobile communication device performs at least a diagnostic step; wherein the diagnostic method comprises a transmission step of transmitting, to the remote mobile communication device, the output of the corresponding detection in the discovery step. 21. The diagnostic method according to any one of paragraphs. 13-18, in which the EVPS system performs the diagnostic phase; the EVPS system comprises a wireless communication circuit for communicating with a remote mobile communication device, wherein the remote mobile communication device performs an output step; wherein the diagnostic method comprises a transmission step of transmitting, to the remote mobile communication device, the result of one or each of the diagnostic tests performed in the diagnostic step. 22. A diagnostic method for use with a mobile communication device, comprising the steps of: receive data from a remote electronic steam supply system (EVPS); displaying a result of at least a first diagnostic test performed for the EVPS system in response to detection of a corresponding predetermined misuse event based on data received from the EVPS system; And performing at least a first diagnostic test for the EVPS in response to detection of a corresponding predetermined misuse event based on data received from the EVPS. 23. The diagnostic method according to claim 22, comprising the step of: detecting a predetermined misuse event based on data received from the EVPS. 24. A computer-readable medium that stores computer-executable instructions that cause, when executed, the computer system to execute the method according to any one of paragraphs. 13-21. 25. A computer-readable medium that stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the computer system to execute the method of claim 22 or 23.