WO2022200113A1 - Aerosol generation device with connectivity capacity, and associated method - Google Patents
Aerosol generation device with connectivity capacity, and associated method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2022200113A1 WO2022200113A1 PCT/EP2022/056612 EP2022056612W WO2022200113A1 WO 2022200113 A1 WO2022200113 A1 WO 2022200113A1 EP 2022056612 W EP2022056612 W EP 2022056612W WO 2022200113 A1 WO2022200113 A1 WO 2022200113A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- aerosol generation
- wireless communication
- generation device
- user interface
- interface
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 143
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 17
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 146
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 230000001131 transforming effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000003571 electronic cigarette Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 12
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 4
- RYYVLZVUVIJVGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N caffeine Chemical compound CN1C(=O)N(C)C(=O)C2=C1N=CN2C RYYVLZVUVIJVGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 4
- DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propylene glycol Chemical compound CC(O)CO DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N (-)-Nicotine Chemical compound CN1CCC[C@H]1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N 0.000 description 2
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- LPHGQDQBBGAPDZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Isocaffeine Natural products CN1C(=O)N(C)C(=O)C2=C1N(C)C=N2 LPHGQDQBBGAPDZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229960001948 caffeine Drugs 0.000 description 2
- VJEONQKOZGKCAK-UHFFFAOYSA-N caffeine Natural products CN1C(=O)N(C)C(=O)C2=C1C=CN2C VJEONQKOZGKCAK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- CBOQJANXLMLOSS-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethyl vanillin Chemical compound CCOC1=CC(C=O)=CC=C1O CBOQJANXLMLOSS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- MLFHJEHSLIIPHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N isoamyl acetate Chemical compound CC(C)CCOC(C)=O MLFHJEHSLIIPHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229960002715 nicotine Drugs 0.000 description 2
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N nicotine Natural products CN1CCCC1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920005862 polyol Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 150000003077 polyols Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000006200 vaporizer Substances 0.000 description 2
- NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UTLUCORTSA-N (+)-Neomenthol Chemical compound CC(C)[C@@H]1CC[C@@H](C)C[C@@H]1O NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UTLUCORTSA-N 0.000 description 1
- NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N DL-menthol Natural products CC(C)C1CCC(C)CC1O NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 240000008790 Musa x paradisiaca Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000018290 Musa x paradisiaca Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000061176 Nicotiana tabacum Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000002637 Nicotiana tabacum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000290333 Vanilla fragrans Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000009499 Vanilla fragrans Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000012036 Vanilla tahitensis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000012937 correction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009849 deactivation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229940073505 ethyl vanillin Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 235000011187 glycerol Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229940117955 isoamyl acetate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940041616 menthol Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009466 transformation Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/65—Devices with integrated communication means, e.g. Wi-Fi
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/60—Devices with integrated user interfaces
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
- H04W4/50—Service provisioning or reconfiguring
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
- H04W4/80—Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
Definitions
- the present invention relates to aerosol generation devices, and more precisely to the connectivity of such devices.
- aerosol-forming material is used to designate any material that is aerosolizable in air to form an aerosol. It may, for instance, be in liquid form, in solid form, or in a semi liquid form. So, it may be a liquid, gel, paste or wax or the like, or any combination of these.
- the aerosol-forming material may comprise one or more of nicotine, polyol, caffeine or other active components.
- An active component may be carried by a carrier which may include propylene glycol or glycerin, for instance.
- a flavoring may also be present in the aerosol-forming material and may include Ethylvanillin (vanilla), menthol, Isoamyl acetate (banana oil) or similar, for instance.
- the present invention aims at improving the situation.
- This method is characterized in that it comprises:
- FIG.1 schematically and functionally illustrates an example of embodiment of an aerosol generation device according to the invention, coupled to a communication equipment, itself coupled to a communication network,
- the wireless communication interface 6 is arranged for having wireless communications with a neighboring communication equipment 2.
- this wireless communication interface 6 is arranged for having Bluetooth communications when its aerosol generation device 1 has been paired to a neighboring communication equipment 2.
- NFC Near Field Communication
- RFID Radio Frequency Identification
- ZigBee ZigBee
- WiFi Direct WiFi Direct
- the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation unit 5 reaches a mouthpiece 14 comprising an outlet 15 through which the user of the aerosol generation device 1 inhales it.
- This mouthpiece 14 may be integral with the possible second body 11 (as illustrated) or may be an interchangeable part of the possible second body 11 .
- the controller (or control device) 8 comprises at least a processor 16 and a memory 17 arranged for performing operations for controlling the digital user interface 7, the aerosol generation unit 5, and the wireless communication interface 6.
- the establishment of the wireless communication may be automatic (i.e. without user’s action) when the neighboring communication equipment 2 is found in the short communication range of the aerosol generation device 1, and has been previously paired to the latter (1). But this establishment could be also triggered by an action of the user on a dedicated button of the aerosol generation device 1 .
- the digital user interface 7 is also arranged for receiving user inputs for controlling the aerosol generation unit 5, and possibly for allowing the user to switch on and switch off the aerosol generation device 1 , notably when there is no communication equipment 2 in its short communication range. It is also coupled to the controller 8.
- the digital user interface 7 may be switchable (by the controllers) between an inactive mode and an active mode, and reciprocally.
- the inactive mode forbids the use of the digital user interface 7 by the user when the wireless communication interface 6 has a first status.
- the active mode allows the digital user interface 7 to receive user input(s) when the wireless communication interface 6 has a second status.
- the digital user interface 7 may be arranged for displaying a keyboard for receiving user input(s) in the active mode, for instance. This means that when the digital user interface 7 is in the inactive mode it does not display the keyboard and therefore the user cannot carry out any input.
- the controller (or control device) 8 may also comprise, in addition to its processor 16 and memory 17, an input interface 18, notably for receiving the current status of the wireless communication interface 6, any information provided by the digital user interface 7 and concerning the processor 16, and possibly electronic messages to be displayed and originating from the communication equipment 2, for using them in calculus and processing, possibly after having processed and/or demodulated and/or amplified them, in a manner known by those skilled in the art, by means of an additional digital signal processor 19.
- the controller (or control device) 8 may also comprise a mass memory 20, notably for storing the electronic messages to be displayed and originating from the communication equipment 2 and possibly the electronic messages to be transmitted (or having been recently transmitted) to the communication equipment 2, and also intermediate data produced during its calculus and processing.
- this method comprises a sub-step 100 in which one (the controllers) determines whether a wireless communication has been established between the wireless communication interface 6 and the communication equipment 2, and, if so, a sub-step 110 in which one (the controller 8) switches the digital user interface 7 into an active mode to receive user input(s).
- the method may also comprise a sub-step 120 in which one (the controller 8) unlocks the aerosol generation device 1 to enable aerosol generation by the aerosol generation unit 5 if a wireless communication has been established between the aerosol generation device 1 and the communication equipment 2. It is important to note that sub-step 120 may possibly occur before sub-step 110.
Abstract
An aerosol generation device (1) comprises an aerosol generation unit (5) transforming an aerosol-forming material into an aerosol that may be inhaled by a user, a wireless communication interface (6) having wireless communications with a communication equipment (2), a digital user interface (7) receiving user inputs for controlling the aerosol generation unit (5), and a controller (8) controlling the digital user interface (7) according to a current status of the wireless communication interface (6) depending on the establishment, or not, of a wireless communication with the communication equipment (2).
Description
AEROSOL GENERATION DEVICE WITH CONNECTIVITY CAPACITY, AND ASSOCIATED METHOD
Field of the invention
[01] The present invention relates to aerosol generation devices, and more precisely to the connectivity of such devices.
Background
[02] In the following description the term “connectivity” refers to the capacity to be connected to at least one communication network, possibly for accessing to the Internet. So, connectivity may allow receiving and sending emails and/or electronic messages (such as SMS (“Short Message Service”) or MMS (“Multimedia Messaging Service”)).
[03] Some aerosol generation devices comprise a container for storing an aerosol-forming material, an aerosol generation unit arranged for transforming the aerosol-forming material into an aerosol that may be inhaled by a user, a communication interface arranged for having wireless communications with a communication equipment, and a digital user interface arranged for receiving user inputs for controlling this aerosol generation unit.
[04] When this type of aerosol generation device is portable, i.e. usable when held by a user, it further comprises a battery (or power source) possibly rechargeable and storing electrical energy that is used by the aerosol generation unit for generating the aerosol. In this case the aerosol generation device may be a vaporizer or an electronic cigarette.
[05] In the following description the term “aerosol-forming material” is used to designate any material that is aerosolizable in air to form an aerosol. It may, for instance, be in liquid form, in solid form, or in a semi liquid form. So, it may be a liquid, gel, paste or wax or the like, or any combination of these. [06] The aerosol-forming material may comprise one or more of nicotine, polyol, caffeine or other active components. An active component may be
carried by a carrier which may include propylene glycol or glycerin, for instance. A flavoring may also be present in the aerosol-forming material and may include Ethylvanillin (vanilla), menthol, Isoamyl acetate (banana oil) or similar, for instance.
[07] Moreover, in the following description the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of substance as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets and gas. Such a suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to, or include, a vapor, and may include one or more components of the aerosol-forming material.
[08] It has been proposed in the patent document WO-A1 2021/023533 an aerosol generation device waiting for an operational enablement from a communication equipment located in its communication range and used by its user, after having been paired with this communication equipment. When it has been received this operational enablement triggers unlocking of the aerosol generation device which authorizes the latter to generate aerosol for its user. In such an aerosol generation device the digital user interface allows only receiving user inputs for controlling the aerosol generation unit during a vaping session or a possible charging session, once the aerosol generation device has been unlocked. So, during vaping sessions or charging sessions this aerosol generation device has no real connectivity and therefore it cannot be used by its user for transmitting text information to the neighboring communication equipment or receiving text information from this neighboring communication equipment.
[09] Some electronic devices (such as earphones, headphones or keyboards) have their own specific Bluetooth profiles that allows them to have a connectivity capacity via a neighboring communication equipment without disturbing features of the latter or of any other electronic device paired with this neighboring communication equipment. In the case of an audio electronic device the Bluetooth profile is named A2DP (“Advanced Audio Distribution Profile”), while in the case of an electronic keyboard the Bluetooth profile is named HIDP (“Human Interface Device Profile”).
Unfortunately, there is no specific Bluetooth profile dedicated to aerosol generation devices. So, if an aerosol generation device uses the A2DP of a neighboring communication equipment or electronic device, the latter will be no more able to provide music (and more generally audio information) when its profile is temporarily associated to this aerosol generation device (e.g., during a vaping session or charging session when the aerosol generation device is connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth). In the same way, if an aerosol generation device uses the HIDP of a neighboring communication equipment or electronic device, the keyboard of the latter will be no more usable to type text because its profile is temporarily associated to this aerosol generation device. In other words, there is actually no way to provide connectivity to an aerosol generation device through a neighboring communication equipment without sacrificing features of this neighboring communication equipment (e.g., a smartphone) and this technical difficulty causes inconvenience for the user to connect his aerosol generation device to a communication equipment (such as a smartphone) wirelessly.
[10] So, the present invention aims at improving the situation.
Summary
[11] The proposed invention provides an embodiment of an aerosol generation device comprising an aerosol generation unit arranged for transforming an aerosol-forming material into an aerosol that may be inhaled by a user, a communication interface arranged for having wireless communications with a communication equipment, and a digital user interface arranged for receiving user inputs at least for controlling this aerosol generation unit.
[12] This aerosol generation device is characterized in that it further comprises a controller (or control device) arranged for controlling the digital user interface according to a current status of the wireless communication interface depending on the establishment, or not, of a wireless communication with the communication equipment.
[13] The use of the digital user interface by the user depending now on the current status of the wireless communication interface, a direct and smooth connection can be established between the aerosol generation device and the neighboring communication equipment without sacrificing any features of the latter.
[14] The embodiment of aerosol generation device may comprise other features, considered separately or combined, and notably :
• the digital user interface may be switchable between an inactive mode, forbidding its use by the user when the wireless communication interface has a first status, and an active mode, allowing receiving user input(s) when the wireless communication interface has a second status;
• the digital user interface may be arranged for displaying a keyboard for receiving user input(s) in the active mode;
• the digital user interface may comprise a multi-touch digital screen displaying the keyboard;
• the controller may be arranged for switching automatically the digital user interface from the inactive mode to the active mode when the current status goes from the first status to the second status;
• the wireless communication interface may have the first status when there is no wireless communication established between the wireless communication interface and the communication equipment, and the second status when a wireless communication has been established between the wireless communication interface and the communication equipment; « the digital user interface may be arranged for receiving text information input by the user and defining user inputs. In this case, the controller may be further arranged for controlling the wireless communication interface to transmit the text information received by the digital user interface to the communication equipment;
• the controller may be further arranged for unlocking or locking the aerosol generation device depending on the current status of the wireless communication interface;
• the controller may be further arranged for unlocking the aerosol generation device to enable aerosol generation by the aerosol generation unit when the current status is the second status;
• the controller may be further arranged for locking the aerosol generation device to prohibit aerosol generation by the aerosol generation unit when the current status is the first status
• it may further comprise at least one container for storing the aerosol forming material, and a battery storing electrical energy that is used by the aerosol generation unit for generating the aerosol;
• the battery may be rechargeable;
• it may constitute an electronic cigarette.
[15] The proposed invention also provides an embodiment of a method intended for being performed in an aerosol generation device comprising an aerosol generation unit arranged for transforming an aerosol-forming material into an aerosol that may be inhaled by a user, a wireless communication interface arranged for having wireless communications with a communication equipment, and a digital user interface arranged for receiving user inputs at least for controlling the aerosol generation unit.
[16] This method is characterized in that it comprises:
- determining whether a wireless communication has been established between the wireless communication interface and the communication equipment, and if so
- switching the digital user interface into an active mode to receive user input(s).
[17] For instance, the switching may induce displaying a keyboard with the digital user interface to receive text information input by the user and defining user inputs, when the digital user interface is in the active mode. In this case, the method may further comprise: transmitting the text information received
by the digital user interface from the wireless communication interface to the communication equipment.
[18] Also for instance, this method may further comprise: unlocking the aerosol generation device to enable aerosol generation by the aerosol generation unit if a wireless communication has been established between the aerosol generation device and the communication equipment.
Brief description of the figures
[19] The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description, which is given solely by way of non-limiting examples and which is made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
- the figure 1 (FIG.1 ) schematically and functionally illustrates an example of embodiment of an aerosol generation device according to the invention, coupled to a communication equipment, itself coupled to a communication network,
- the figure 2 (FIG.2) schematically and functionally illustrates an example of embodiment of a controller belonging to an aerosol generation device according to the invention, and
- the figure 3 (FIG.3) schematically and functionally illustrates an example of an algorithm implementing a method according to the invention.
Detailed description of embodiments
[20] The invention aims notably at offering an aerosol generation device 1 with connectivity capacity when it is paired to a communication equipment 2 able to be connected to a communication network 3 (possibly offering an access to the Internet).
[21] In the following description it will be considered that the aerosol generation device 1 is (or constitutes) an electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette or else personal vaporizer). But an aerosol generation device according to the invention could be of another type, as soon as it allows to transform an
aerosol-forming material into an aerosol (possibly close to room temperature). More generally, the invention concerns any type of aerosol generation device, and notably the so-called Έ-vapor devices” comprising a coil heater for heating a liquid and “T-vapor (or heat-not-burn (or “HnB”)) devices” comprising a heater for heating a “solid” substance (for instance a tobacco stick) and similar to a traditional cigarette.
[22] It is recalled that an “aerosol-forming material” is used to designate any material that is aerosolizable in air to form an aerosol. It may, for instance, be in liquid form, in solid form, or in a semi liquid form. So, it may be a liquid, gel, paste or wax or the like, or any combination of these, and may comprise one or more of nicotine, polyol, caffeine or other active components, or else flavoring.
[23] In the following description, the aerosol generation device 1 is considered to be an electronic cigarette and it will be considered that the aerosol-forming material is in a liquid form (or state). But if the aerosol forming material is not already provided by a container (or tank) 4 as a liquid, the transformation of the aerosol-forming material into a liquid state can be obtained by heating. But, as mentioned above the invention concerns any type of aerosol generation device.
[24] It is also recalled that the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of substance as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets and gas, and that such a suspension may be in a gas including air.
[25] As illustrated in figure 1 an aerosol generation device 1 according to the invention comprises at least an aerosol generation unit 5, a wireless communication interface 6, a digital user interface 7, and a controller (or control device) 8. At least when the aerosol generation device 1 is portable, it comprises also, preferably, a battery (or power source) 9 and at least one container (or tank) 4.
[26] For instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting example of figure 1 , the controller 8, the wireless communication interface 6, the digital user interface 7, and the possible battery 9 may belong to a first body 10 to which
a second body 11 is coupled (for instance by magnets, clipping, or screwing by means of two corresponding threaded portions, as non-limiting examples). Also for instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting example of figure 1 , the controller 8 may be fixed onto a printed circuit board 12 (here housed in the first body 10). The digital user interface 7 may be also fixed, at least partly, onto this printed circuit board 12. Also for instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting example of figure 1 , the container(s) 4 and aerosol generation unit 5 may belong to the second body 11. But in a variant the aerosol generation device 1 could comprise a single body comprising all its elements (or components).
[27] The possible battery 9 is arranged for storing electrical energy that is necessary to the working of the aerosol generation unit 5, controller 8, wireless communication interface 6 and digital user interface 7. For instance, the battery 9 may be rechargeable, and in this case, and as illustrated in the non-limiting example of figure 1 , the first body 10 may comprise an electrical connector 13 to which a charger cable may be connected during a charging session of the battery 9. Such a charger cable may be coupled to an (AC) adapter or to a wall socket. The charger cable and/or the (AC) adapter may belong to the aerosol generation device 1.
[28] The wireless communication interface 6 is arranged for having wireless communications with a neighboring communication equipment 2. For instance, this wireless communication interface 6 is arranged for having Bluetooth communications when its aerosol generation device 1 has been paired to a neighboring communication equipment 2. But this is a non limiting example, and other types of short-range wireless communications are possible, and notably NFC (“Near Field Communication”), RFID (“Radio Frequency Identification”), ZigBee, and WiFi Direct.
[29] The aerosol generation unit 5 is arranged for transforming an aerosol forming material into an aerosol that may be inhaled by a user. For instance, and as a non-limiting example, the aerosol generation unit 5 may comprise at least one micro electro-mechanical system (or MEMS) die arranged for
transforming the aerosol-forming material (initially stored in the container 4) into an aerosol. For instance, each MEMS die may comprise small chambers each containing a heater therein, arranged for heating the aerosol-forming material until the water it contains vaporizes and a gas bubble is created.
[30] The aerosol generated by the aerosol generation unit 5 reaches a mouthpiece 14 comprising an outlet 15 through which the user of the aerosol generation device 1 inhales it. This mouthpiece 14 may be integral with the possible second body 11 (as illustrated) or may be an interchangeable part of the possible second body 11 .
[31] As illustrated in figure 2, the controller (or control device) 8 comprises at least a processor 16 and a memory 17 arranged for performing operations for controlling the digital user interface 7, the aerosol generation unit 5, and the wireless communication interface 6.
[32] For instance, the processor 16 may be a digital signal processor (or DSP), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or else a field programmable gate array (FPGA). More generally, the processor 16 may comprise integrated (or printed) circuits, or several integrated (or printed) circuits connected therebetween through wired or wireless connections. The term “integrated (or printed) circuits” refers here to any type of device capable of carrying out at least one electric or electronic operation.
[33] Also for instance, the memory 17 may be a random access memory (or RAM). But it may be any type of device arranged for storing program instructions for the processor 16.
[34] According to the invention, the controller (or control device) 8 is arranged for controlling the digital user interface 7 according to a current status of the wireless communication interface 6 that depends on the establishment, or not, of a wireless communication with a neighboring communication equipment 2 (e.g., a smartphone).
[35] So, as the use of the digital user interface 7 by the user of the aerosol generation device 1 depends on the current status of the wireless communication interface 6 a direct and smooth connection can be
established between the aerosol generation device 1 and the neighboring communication equipment 2 without sacrificing any features of the latter (2).
[36] When Bluetooth is used, the wireless connection between the aerosol generation device 1 and the neighboring communication equipment 2 uses the HID Profile of the latter (2).
[37] The establishment of the wireless communication may be automatic (i.e. without user’s action) when the neighboring communication equipment 2 is found in the short communication range of the aerosol generation device 1, and has been previously paired to the latter (1). But this establishment could be also triggered by an action of the user on a dedicated button of the aerosol generation device 1 .
[38] The digital user interface 7 is also arranged for receiving user inputs for controlling the aerosol generation unit 5, and possibly for allowing the user to switch on and switch off the aerosol generation device 1 , notably when there is no communication equipment 2 in its short communication range. It is also coupled to the controller 8.
[39] For instance, the digital user interface 7 may be switchable (by the controllers) between an inactive mode and an active mode, and reciprocally. The inactive mode forbids the use of the digital user interface 7 by the user when the wireless communication interface 6 has a first status. The active mode allows the digital user interface 7 to receive user input(s) when the wireless communication interface 6 has a second status.
[40] As illustrated in the non-limiting example of figure 1 , the digital user interface 7 may be arranged for displaying a keyboard for receiving user input(s) in the active mode, for instance. This means that when the digital user interface 7 is in the inactive mode it does not display the keyboard and therefore the user cannot carry out any input.
[41] If the last option is present, the digital user interface 7 may comprise a multi-touch digital screen (or touchscreen) displaying the keyboard in the active mode. To this effect the multi-touch digital screen (or touchscreen) may comprise a matrix of LCD (“Liquid Crystal System”) elements, for
instance. In a variant it could comprise a matrix of OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode”), for instance.
[42] Also for instance, the controller 8 may be arranged for switching automatically the digital user interface 7 from the inactive mode to the active mode when the current status of the wireless communication interface 6 goes from the first status to the second status. Reciprocally, the controller 8 may be arranged for switching automatically the digital user interface 7 from the active mode to the inactive mode when the current status of the wireless communication interface 6 goes from the second status to the first status.
[43] Preferably, the wireless communication interface 6 has the first status when there is no wireless communication established between the wireless communication interface 6 and the communication equipment 2. Also preferably, the wireless communication interface 6 has the second status when a wireless communication has been established between the wireless communication interface 6 and the communication equipment 2.
[44] Also preferably, the digital user interface 7 may be arranged for receiving text information input (manually) by the user and defining user inputs. In this case, the controller 8 is also preferably arranged for controlling the wireless communication interface 6 in order that it transmits this text information received by the digital user interface 7 to the communication equipment 2. This text information input by the user may be displayed on a dedicated part of the touchscreen of the digital user interface 7, for instance to allow correction and/or modification by the user before transmission to the communication equipment 2.
[45] The received text information may be at least a part of an electronic message that the user wants to transmit to at least one addressee during a vaping session, through the communication equipment 2 (and more precisely by means of an application controlled by the latter (2), such as SMS or email). This electronic message may be, for instance, a response to another electronic message previously received by the communication equipment 2 and possibly previously transmitted to the aerosol generation
device 1 and displayed on the dedicated part of the touchscreen of its digital user interface 7 (possibly automatically when the latter (7) is in active mode). So, the digital user interface 7 may allow the user to select the application that must manage his electronic message and then each addressee of this electronic message. Everything can be done through the direct and smooth connection established between the aerosol generation device 1 and the neighboring communication equipment 2.
[46] Also for instance, the controller 8 may be arranged for unlocking or locking the aerosol generation device 1 depending on the current status of the wireless communication interface 6. This means that the controller 8 does not only control activation/deactivation of the digital user interface 7, but also unlocking/locking of the aerosol generation device 1.
[47] So, the controller 8 may be arranged for unlocking the aerosol generation device 1 to enable aerosol generation by its aerosol generation unit 5 when the current status is the second status. This allows to avoid a user’s action on a dedicated button for switching on his aerosol generation device 1 , because unlocking is automatically triggered by the controller 8 when the wireless communication has been established.
[48] The controller 8 may be also arranged for locking the aerosol generation device 1 to prohibit aerosol generation by its aerosol generation unit 5 when the current status is the first status. This allows to avoid a user’s action on a dedicated button for switching off his aerosol generation device 1 after a vaping or charging session, because locking is automatically triggered by the controllers when there is no more wireless communication.
[49] As illustrated in figure 2, the controller (or control device) 8 may also comprise, in addition to its processor 16 and memory 17, an input interface 18, notably for receiving the current status of the wireless communication interface 6, any information provided by the digital user interface 7 and concerning the processor 16, and possibly electronic messages to be displayed and originating from the communication equipment 2, for using them in calculus and processing, possibly after having processed and/or
demodulated and/or amplified them, in a manner known by those skilled in the art, by means of an additional digital signal processor 19. The controller (or control device) 8 may also comprise a mass memory 20, notably for storing the electronic messages to be displayed and originating from the communication equipment 2 and possibly the electronic messages to be transmitted (or having been recently transmitted) to the communication equipment 2, and also intermediate data produced during its calculus and processing. The controller (or control device) 8 may also comprise an output interface 21 for delivering messages and instructions at least for controlling the digital user interface 7 and the electronic component(s) (such as switch(es)) supplying the electrical power (stored in the battery 9) to the aerosol generation unit 5, and also transmission of electronic messages to the communication equipment 2 by the wireless communication interface 6.
[50] The invention can be also considered as a method intended for controlling working of the aerosol generation device 1.
[51] As illustrated in the non-limiting example of figure 3, this method comprises a sub-step 100 in which one (the controllers) determines whether a wireless communication has been established between the wireless communication interface 6 and the communication equipment 2, and, if so, a sub-step 110 in which one (the controller 8) switches the digital user interface 7 into an active mode to receive user input(s).
[52] During this sub-step 110 the switching preferably induces displaying a keyboard with the digital user interface 7 to receive text information input by the user and defining user inputs, when the digital user interface 7 is in the active mode.
[53] The method may also comprise a sub-step 130 in which one transmits the text information received by the digital user interface 7 from the wireless communication interface 6 to the communication equipment 2.
[54] The method may also comprise a sub-step 120 in which one (the controller 8) unlocks the aerosol generation device 1 to enable aerosol generation by the aerosol generation unit 5 if a wireless communication has
been established between the aerosol generation device 1 and the communication equipment 2. It is important to note that sub-step 120 may possibly occur before sub-step 110.
[55] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that some block diagrams of figures 1 and 2 herein represent conceptual views of illustrative circuitry embodying the principles of the invention.
[56] The description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[56]
Claims
1. Aerosol generation device (1) comprising: an aerosol generation unit (5) arranged for transforming an aerosol-forming material into an aerosol that may be inhaled by a user, a wireless communication interface (6) arranged for having wireless communications with a communication equipment (2), and a digital user interface (7) arranged for receiving user inputs at least for controlling said aerosol generation unit (5), wherein the aerosol generation device further comprises: a controller (8) arranged for controlling said digital user interface (7) according to a current status of said wireless communication interface (6) depending on the establishment, or not, of a wireless communication with said communication equipment (2), and wherein said digital user interface (7) is arranged for receiving text information input by said user and defining user inputs, and said controller (8) is further arranged for controlling said wireless communication interface (6) to transmit said text information received by said digital user interface (7) to said communication equipment (2).
2. Aerosol generation device according to claim 1 , wherein said controller is operable to switch said digital user interface (7) between an inactive mode, forbidding its use by said user when said wireless communication interface (6) has a first status, and an active mode, allowing receiving user input(s) when said wireless communication interface (6) has a second status.
3. Aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein said digital user interface (7) is arranged for displaying a keyboard for receiving user input(s) in said active mode.
4. Aerosol generation device according to claim 3, wherein said digital user interface (7) comprises a multi-touch digital screen displaying said keyboard.
5. Aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 2 to
4, wherein said controller (8) is arranged for switching automatically said digital user interface (7) from said inactive mode to said active mode when said current status goes from said first status to said second status.
6. Aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 2 to
5, wherein said wireless communication interface (6) has said first status when there is no wireless communication established between said wireless communication interface (6) and said communication equipment (2), and has said second status when a wireless communication has been established between said wireless communication interface (6) and said communication equipment (2).
7. Aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said wireless communication interface (6) is arranged to communicate with said communication equipment (2) using a Bluetooth Human Interface Device HID Profile.
8. Aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said controller (8) is further arranged for unlocking or locking said aerosol generation device (1) depending on said current status of said wireless communication interface (6).
9. Aerosol generation device according to claim 8 taken in combination with any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said controller (8) is arranged for unlocking said aerosol generation device (1) to enable
aerosol generation by said aerosol generation unit (5) when said current status is said second status.
10. Aerosol generation device according to claim 8 or 9 taken in combination with any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said controller (8) is arranged for locking said aerosol generation device (1) to prohibit aerosol generation by said aerosol generation unit (5) when said current status is said first status.
11. Aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generation device constitutes an electronic cigarette.
12. Method intended for being performed in an aerosol generation device (1) comprising an aerosol generation unit (5) arranged for transforming an aerosol-forming material into an aerosol that may be inhaled by a user, a wireless communication interface (6) arranged for having wireless communications with a communication equipment (2), a digital user interface (7) arranged for receiving user inputs at least for controlling said aerosol generation unit (5), and a controller (8) arranged for controlling said digital user interface (7), wherein the method comprises:
- controlling said digital user interface (7) according to a current status of said wireless communication interface (6) depending on the establishment, or not, of a wireless communication with said communication equipment (2),
- receiving text information input by said user using said digital user interface, and
- transmitting said text information received by said digital user interface (7) to said communication equipment (2).
13. Method according to claim 12, wherein controlling said digital user interface (7) according to a current status of said wireless communication interface (6) comprises:
- determining whether a wireless communication has been established between said wireless communication interface (6) and said communication equipment (2), and if so
- switching said digital user interface (7) into an active mode to receive user input(s).
14. Method according to claim 13, wherein said switching induces displaying a keyboard with said digital user interface (7) to receive text information input by said user and defining user inputs, when said digital user interface (7) is in said active mode.
15. Method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the method further comprises: unlocking said aerosol generation device (1) to enable aerosol generation by said aerosol generation unit (5) if a wireless communication has been established between said aerosol generation device (1) and said communication equipment (2).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP21163928.1 | 2021-03-22 | ||
| EP21163928 | 2021-03-22 |
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| WO2022200113A1 true WO2022200113A1 (en) | 2022-09-29 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/056612 WO2022200113A1 (en) | 2021-03-22 | 2022-03-15 | Aerosol generation device with connectivity capacity, and associated method |
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| Country | Link |
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| WO (1) | WO2022200113A1 (en) |
Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20210011446A1 (en) * | 2017-12-21 | 2021-01-14 | Juul Labs, Inc. | Vaporizer controls |
| WO2021023533A1 (en) | 2019-08-02 | 2021-02-11 | Jt International S.A. | Method, apparatuses and computer program product for enabling operation of an aerosol generation device |
-
2022
- 2022-03-15 WO PCT/EP2022/056612 patent/WO2022200113A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20210011446A1 (en) * | 2017-12-21 | 2021-01-14 | Juul Labs, Inc. | Vaporizer controls |
| WO2021023533A1 (en) | 2019-08-02 | 2021-02-11 | Jt International S.A. | Method, apparatuses and computer program product for enabling operation of an aerosol generation device |
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