EP4066107A1

EP4066107A1 - Aerosol generation device and associated computing device, method of enabling such an aerosol generation device and method of distant controlling such an aerosol generation device

Info

Publication number: EP4066107A1
Application number: EP20808464.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stephane Hedarchet; Claude Zominy
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2019-11-26
Filing date: 2020-11-25
Publication date: 2022-10-05
Also published as: CN114730268A; JP2023502446A; WO2021105185A1

Abstract

The present invention concerns an aerosol generation device (2) comprising a memory (40), a microcontroller (44) and a communication module (42). The memory (40) is configured to store an execution parameter variable between an on state and an off state. The communication module (42) is configured to establish a connection with an external computing device (52). The microcontroller (44) is configured to execute an optional functionality of the aerosol generation device (2) when the execution parameter is in the on state. The aerosol generation device (2) further comprises a modifying unit (46) configured to modify the state of the execution parameter upon receiving by the communication module (42) an option setting command from the external computing device (52).

Description

Aerosol generation device and associated computing device, method of enabling such an aerosol generation device and method of distant controlling such an aerosol generation device

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns an aerosol generation device able to provide at least one optional functionality.

The present invention also concerns an associated computing device, a method of enabling such an aerosol generation device and a method of distant controlling such an aerosol generation device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Different types of aerosol generation systems are already known in the art. Generally, such systems comprise a storage portion for storing an aerosol forming precursor, which can comprise for example a liquid. A heating system is formed of one or more electrically activated resistive heating elements arranged to heat said precursor to generate the aerosol. The aerosol is released into a flow path extending between an inlet and outlet of the system. The outlet may be arranged as a mouthpiece, which a user inhales through for delivery of the aerosol.

Some aerosol generation systems may further provide additional functionalities. These additional functionalities can for example provide to a user data relative to inhalations such for example the quantity of one or more aerosol components delivered to the user, the frequency of the user inhalations, a start and/or end of an inhalation, a duration of an inhalation, etc.

To communicate this data relative to inhalations, some aerosol generation systems can be connected to an external computing device such a smartphone or a computer. The connection may be done with a wire using for example USB connectors or wirelessly using for example a known protocol of wireless communication. The external commuting device can be thus configured to display the data to the user and/or to stock this data to generate statistic data relative to the user inhalations. The external computing device can be also connected to a distant server via for example a global network such as Internet. This makes is possible for example to store the user’s data distantly or to share this data with other users.

However, in spite of numerous features already available for aerosol generation systems and associated external computing devices, further improvements are still possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the aims of the invention is to improve at least some features of the aerosol generation systems by using communication capabilities of these systems and associated external computing devices. Indeed, it has been observed that these communication capabilities are not fully explored according to the state of the art.

For this purpose, the invention relates to an aerosol generation device comprising a memory, a microcontroller and a communication module. The memory is configured to store an execution parameter variable between an on state and an off state. The execution parameter is associated to an optional functionality of the aerosol generation device. The communication module is configured to establish a connection with an external computing device. The microcontroller is configured to execute a software resource implementing an optional functionality of the aerosol generation device when the execution parameter is in the on state. The aerosol generation device further comprises a modifying unit configured to modify the state of the execution parameter upon receiving by the communication module an option setting command from the external computing device.

By implementing these features, the aerosol generation device can activate or deactivate an optional functionality of the device, which is not necessary for a normal operation of the device. Indeed, it has been found that most of the users prefer to manage the optional functionalities according to their own needs and thus, to customize using of their devices. The optional functionalities can be easily activated or deactivated using an external computing device such as a smartphone for example. This is performed using an execution parameter which can be modified by the computing device and which determines whether the corresponding optional feature is to be executed or not. According to some embodiments, the option setting command is generated by the external computing device further to a triggering event, preferably the triggering event being purchasing the optional functionality by a user.

Using this feature, a triggering event can be communicated to the external computing device for example by a distant server. Thus, the user can activate or deactivate the optional feature by a distant server via an appropriate web interface or application. Advantageously, the optional feature can be purchased before the distant server. This can reduce the cost of the aerosol generation device with basic functionalities and gives a possibility for users wishing more functionalities, to purchase these functionalities separately, according to their own needs.

According to some embodiments, the memory is further configured to store a software parameter variable between an installed state and a non-installed state; the software parameter being in the installed state when said software resource is available to be executed by the microcontroller and in the non-installed state when said software resource is not available to be executed by the microcontroller.

By implementing this feature, the aerosol generation device makes it possible to verify if the software resource implementing the optional functionality is already installed to be executed by the microcontroller.

According to some embodiments, the communication module is further configured to download said software resource from the external computing device upon receiving the option setting command when the software parameter is in the not-installed state and preferably, when the aerosol generation device is not operated to heat an aerosol.

By implementing this feature, the aerosol generation device makes it possible to download the software resource from the external computing device if it is not installed on the device.

According to some embodiments, the memory is an Electronic Erasable Programmable Memory (EEPROM), preferably the execution parameter corresponding to at least one option bit of this memory. By implementing this feature, the aerosol generation device makes it possible to use a memory easily accessible by the microcontroller. The corresponding option bit can be “true” if the optional functionality is activated and “false” if not.

According to some embodiments, the software parameter corresponds to at least one option bit of the memory.

By implementing this feature, the aerosol generation device makes it possible to use a memory easily accessible by the microcontroller. The corresponding option bit can be “true” if the software resource is already installed and “false” if not.

According to some embodiments, the modifying unit is configured to modify the state of the execution parameter to the off state after the microcontroller executes said software resource a predetermined number of times.

By implementing this feature, the optional functionality can be provided a predetermined number of times. This can be determined by the triggering event, which can provide for example only a single execution of the optional functionality. This can be also determined by the device itself according for example the health status of its battery, a service period, etc.

According to some embodiments, the optional functionality is a fast charging option.

By implementing this feature, a fast charging can be implemented by the aerosol generation device as an optional functionality. It has been found that a fast charging option is not essential for at least some users. So, including this feature as a basic feature of all aerosol generation devices would increase uselessly the cost of the device. On the contrary, users who wish to have this feature can purchase it separately at any moment.

According to some embodiments, the aerosol generation device further comprises at least one battery cell and a voltage regulator able to charge the battery cell from an external current, preferably the voltage regulator being a low-dropout regulator; the microcontroller being able to drive the voltage regulator to deliver, from the external current, a power of specific voltage and/or density value to charge the battery cell. By implementing this feature, the aerosol generation device makes it possible to drive or to control the charging of its battery cell.

According to some embodiments, said software resource is configured, when executed by the microcontroller, to drive the voltage regulator for implementing the optional functionality, preferably the optional functionality being a fast charging option.

By implementing this feature, the aerosol generation device makes it possible to implement a fast charging option by driving the voltage regulator.

According to some embodiments, said software resource is configured, when executed by the microcontroller, to measure voltage and density values of the battery cell, to obtain a distribution of amplitudes in a frequency domain from the measured values, and to determine voltage and density values to be delivered from the voltage regulator using said distribution of amplitudes.

By implementing this feature, the aerosol generation device makes it possible to implement a fast charging option using software instructions that the microcontroller is able to perform.

According to some embodiments, the microcontroller is a Digital Signal Processor (DSP).

By implementing this feature, the microcontroller is able to perform software instructions needed to implement an optional functionality, such as a fast charging option.

The invention also relates to a computing device comprising a first communication module configured to establish a connection with a distant server and a second communication module configured to establish a connection with an aerosol generation device.

The computing device further comprises an computing module configured to generate a request to the distant server to perform a triggering event and upon receiving from the distant server a positive response through the first communication module, to generate an option setting command; the second communication module being further configured to transmit the option setting command to the aerosol generation device to activate an optional functionality of this device.

By implementing these features, the computing device is able to activate or deactivate an optional functionality of an aerosol generation device as previously disclosed, by establishing a connection with this device.

The invention also relates to a method of enabling an aerosol generation device to execute an optional functionality, comprising the following steps:

- establish a connection with an external computing device;

- modify a state of an execution parameter upon receiving an option setting command from the external computing device, the execution parameter being variable between an on state and an off state;

- execute a software resource implementing an optional functionality of the aerosol generation device when the execution parameter is in the on state.

The invention also relates to a method of distant controlling an aerosol generation device, comprising the following steps:

- establish a connection with a distant server;

- generate a request to the distant server to perform a triggering event;

- in case of receiving from the distant server a positive response to the request:

+ generate an option setting command;

+ establish a connection with the aerosol generation device;

+ transmit the option setting command to the aerosol generation device to activate an optional functionality of this device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following description, which is given solely by way of non-limiting example and which is made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an aerosol generation device according to one embodiment of the invention; - Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a computing device according to one embodiment the invention, the computing device being able to establish a connection with the aerosol generation device of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 3 shows on its left side a flowchart of a method of enabling the aerosol generation device of Figure 1 to execute an optional functionality, according to one embodiment of the invention; and on its right side a flowchart of a method of distant controlling the aerosol generation device of Figure 1 , according to one embodiment of the invention, said method being performed by the computing device of Figure 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the invention, it is to be understood that it is not limited to the details of construction or process steps set forth in the following description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.

As used herein, the term “aerosol generation device” or “device” may include a smoking device to deliver an aerosol to a user, including an aerosol for smoking, by means of aerosol generating unit (e.g. a heater or atomizer which generates vapor which condenses into an aerosol before delivery to an outlet of the device at, for example, a mouthpiece, for inhalation by a user. The device may be portable. “Portable” may refer to the device being for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, e.g. by activating an atomizer for a variable amount of time (as opposed to a metered dose of aerosol), which can be controlled by a trigger. The trigger may be user activated, such as a vaping button and/or inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor may be sensitive to the strength of inhalation as well as the duration of inhalation so as to enable more or less vapor to be provided based on the strength of inhalation (so as to mimic the effect of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article such as a cigarette, cigar or pipe, etc.). The device may include a temperature regulation control to drive the temperature of the heater and/or the heated aerosol generating substance (aerosol pre-cursor) to a specified target temperature and thereafter to maintain the temperature at the target temperature regardless of the amount of substrate (pre-cursor) available at the aerosol generating unit and regardless of the strength with which a user inhales.

As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of precursor as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to/include a vapor. Aerosol may include one or more components of the precursor.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming precursor” or “precursor” or “aerosolforming substance” or “substance” may refer to one or more of a: liquid; solid; gel; mousse; other substance. The precursor may be processable by an atomizer of the device to form an aerosol as defined herein. The precursor may comprise one or more of: nicotine; caffeine or other active component. The active component may be carried with a carrier, which may be a liquid. The carrier may include propylene glycol or glycerine. A flavoring may also be present. The flavoring may include Ethylvanillin (vanilla), menthol, Isoamyl acetate (banana oil) or similar. A solid aerosol forming substance may be in the form of a rod, which contains processed tobacco material, a crimped sheet or oriented strips of reconstituted tobacco (RTB).

As used herein, the term “atomizer” may refer to a device to form the aerosol from the precursor. The atomizer may include a heating system, ultrasonic or other suitable system.

As used herein, the term “optional functionality” may refer to a functionality of the aerosol generation device, which can be activated or deactivated without affecting the principal operating mode of the device consisting in generating aerosol from a precursor. Therefore, it will be understood by the skilled person that vaping and the directly associated functionalities as aerosol heating and directing the flow of generated aerosol to the mouthpiece are considered as non-optional functionalities. For example, an optional functionality is not activated by default when the user purchases the device. According to the invention, an optional functionality can be performed by a software resource, which can be a part of the firmware of the device or can be downloaded and installed separately. According to the invention, an optional functionality can customize using of the device. For example, an optional functionality may concern taste and/or flavor of aerosol, aerosol temperature, amount of aerosol, consumption statistics, etc. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, an optional functionality concerns the battery charging and notably, a fast charging option. At least some optional functionalities may concern the same object as for example the aerosol flavor or the battery charging but differ one from the other by some parameters. For example, the fast charging option may be available as a full speed fast charging option and a half-speed fast charging option. Advantageously, an optional functionality can be activated by a user via a distant server. The activation includes notably purchasing the optional functionality for a limited or unlimited number of times to execute. Advantageously according to the invention, an optional functionality modifies the operation of at least one mechanical or electronic component of the device, other than the memory and/or the microcontroller and preferably, other than a display and/or sound output means. For example, an optional functionality can modify the operation of the voltage regulator, connector, communication module, transmission unit or heater, explained in detail below. Advantageously, an optional functionality can directly or indirectly affect the generation of aerosol by managing operation of a mechanical or electronic component of the device without requiring user’s intervention.

As used herein, the term “computing device” or “external computing device” may refer to a device, which is able to establish a data connection with the aerosol generation device. Advantageously, the computing device is also able to establish a connection with a distant server via for example a global computer network as Internet. By user instructions, the computing device is able to perform a triggering event before the distant server and further to this triggering event, to generate an option setting command. The computing device is also able to transmit the option setting command to the aerosol generation device. The computing device include human-computer interaction means such a touch screen or a screen associated with control means, to allow the user to communicate with the distant server and with the aerosol generation device. Thus, the computing device may be a smartphone, a laptop, a personal computer, a tablet, a smartwatch or all other connected device.

As used herein, the term “distant server” may refer to one or several computers able to provide a distant service such for example a triggering event. The distant service can be required by a user via the computing device as defined above notably to perform an optional functionality of the aerosol generation device. The owner of the distant server can be the supplier of the aerosol generation device or any other third party that is authorized to provide an optional functionality to the aerosol generation device. As used herein, the term “triggering event” may refer to any event that is performed by the distant server to activate or deactivate distantly an optional functionality of the aerosol generation device. A triggering event may refer to purchasing the optional functionality by the user. This triggering event is generated by the distant server when the user pays an additional cost for the corresponding optional functionality. Depending of the optional functionality, a triggering event may also refer to free of charge activating of the optional functionality. The triggering event can also be generated automatically by the distant server. For example, the supplier can provide an optional functionality to all aerosol generation devices automatically after a predetermined period of exploitation. In this case, a triggering event is generated automatically by the server for each device at the end of such a period. The triggering events can also be generated periodically, for example monthly, when for example the optional functionality is rented or purchased temporary for the corresponding period.

Referring to figure 1 , the aerosol generation device 2 according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a power supply 4 for supply of electrical energy, an atomizer 6 for formation of aerosol from a precursor, an electrical circuitry 8 for regulate electrical energy from the power supply 4, a transmission system 10 to transmit a precursor to the atomizer 6 and a delivery system 12 to transmit aerosol from the atomizer 6 to a user.

The power supply 4 comprises a connector 21 for charging, at least one battery cell 23 and a voltage regulator 25 for charging the battery cell 23 via the connector 21 .

The connector 21 presents a receptacle able to receive and cooperate with an external plug. For example, the connector 21 presents a USB-type receptacle adapted to receive and cooperate with a USB plug of type C, B, A Micro-B, Mini-B, UC-E6, etc. According to other embodiments the invention, the connector 21 presents a customized receptacle adapted to receive and cooperate with a customized plug. According to other embodiments of the invention, the connector 21 presents at least a pair of contacts able to cooperate with an external charger. Each of these contacts presents for example a plate or a pin.

The connector 21 is able to receive an external power supply signal adapted to charge the battery cell 23. The external power supply can present a direct current or a pulsed current. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the connector 21 is also able to receive via an external plug a data signal. In this case, the connector 21 is designed to separate the data signal from the power supply signal and to transmit this data signal to the electrical circuitry 8.

In a particular embodiment of the invention (not illustrated), the connector 21 may be replaced by a wireless charging unit. In this case, this unit is able to generate a current for charging the battery cell 22 by interacting with an external magnetic field formed by an appropriate charger.

The battery cell 23 is for example a known battery cell designed to be charged using the power supply furnished by the external charger and to provide a direct current of a predetermined voltage. Particularly, the battery cell 23 is designed to provide necessary power supply for operation of the device 2 and notably for operation of the atomizer 6 and the electrical circuitry 8.

The voltage regulator 25 is connected between the connector 21 and the battery cell 23. The voltage regulator 25 is a DC/DC regulator and is able to adapt the external current issued from the connector 21 for charging the battery cell 23. Particularly, the voltage regulator 25 is able to deliver from the external current a current of specific voltage and/or density value to charge the battery cell 23. The specific voltage and/or density values are determined by the electrical circuitry 8. Thus, the voltage regulator 25 is configured to be driven by the electrical circuitry 8 in order to deliver at each instant a current of specified voltage and/or density values. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the voltage regulator 8 a low-dropout regulator, known also as a LDO regulator.

The transmission system 10 comprises a storage portion 27 configured to store the precursor and a transmission unit 28 configured to transmit the precursor from the storage portion 27 to the atomizer 6. The storage portion 27 may be arranged as a reservoir (not shown) or other suitable arrangement portion depending on the physical state of the precursor. The transmission unit 28 may include one or more of: an absorbent member (e.g. cotton) arranged for transmission by capillary action; a conduit; a valve; a pumping system, which may include an electrically operated pump.

In a particular embodiment of the invention (not illustrated) the precursor transmission system 10 may be omitted. In such an embodiment the precursor may be arranged as a consumable pod (e.g. as a liquid or gel), wherein an atomizer includes a heated receptacle for the pod. In another embodiment where the transmission unit is omitted, the precursor is in form of a stick containing processed tobacco material, which is received in a tubular heater to generate aerosol.

The delivery system 6 comprises a flow path 29 to transmit aerosol from the atomizer 6 to a user.

The atomizer 6 comprises a heater 30 to heat the precursor, a precursor inlet 32 to deliver the precursor to the heater 30 and an aerosol outlet 34 to deliverer aerosol formed by the heater 30 from the precursor to the delivery system 8.

The heater 30 may be arranged as one or more electrically resistive heating elements (not shown). A heating element may be arranged as a wire or filament. A heating element may be operatively connected to the precursor transmission unit 28 to heat precursor of the transmission unit 28. The one or more heating elements may be arranged within and/or in fluid communication with the precursor inlet 32.

The electrical circuitry 8 is configured to regulate electrical energy from the power supply 4 to the atomizer 6 and notably, to the heater 30. The electrical energy supplied to the heater 30 may be controlled with the circuitry 8 by one of the following or other like circuitry: pulse width modulation (PWM) via an electrically operated switch, or by other suitable means, e.g. by chopping of an alternating current waveform; a direct current (DC): DC converter, such as a Buck converter; a linear regulator.

The circuitry 8 is configured to implement some form of control of the temperature of the heater 30, e.g. by closed loop control. Depending on the embodiment, the control may comprise regulating one of the: electrical potential; current; power; temperature; other related quantity to remain at a target value through (or over) the heater 30.

The electrical circuitry 8 may comprise a trigger (not shown) to detect when aerosol formation is required. The circuity 8 may effect the supply of electrical energy to the heater 30 upon the determination of triggering of the trigger. The trigger may detect when a user action suggests aerosol formation is required. Such a request may be implicit, such as via inhalation, or explicit, such as via a button press. The trigger may comprise an actuator being actioned by physical contact (e.g. a vaping button), including by a digit of a hand of the user. Examples include a button or a dial. The trigger may comprise an inhalation sensor operable to detect user inhalation through the flow path 29. The inhalation sensor may comprise a flow meter or a pressure sensor operable to determine flow pressure, including by capacitive sensing of a pressure respondent displaceable diaphragm.

Additionally, according to the invention, the electrical circuitry 8 is configured to implement at least one optional functionality of the device 2. The electrical circuitry 8 is also configured to implement a method of enabling the aerosol generation device 2 to execute an optional functionality, explained in detail below.

For this purpose, the electrical circuitry 8 comprises a memory 40, a communication module 42 and a microcontroller 44.

The memory 40 is a non-volatile memory able to store at least some parameters relative to the operation of the device. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the memory 40 is an Electronic Erasable Programmable Memory (EEPROM) comprising a plurality of option bits. Each option bit is associated to a particular option of the device 2, which is activated then the value of the bit is “true” and deactivated when the value of the bit is “false”.

According to the invention, the memory 40 is able to store an execution parameter, which is variable between an on state and an off state. As it will be explained later, the execution parameter indicates whether an optional functionality of the device is activated or deactivated. Advantageously, the memory 40 is able to store a plurality of execution parameters, each execution parameter corresponding to a predetermined optional functionality of the device 2.

According to some embodiments, the memory 40 is also able to store a software parameter, which is associated to a software resource and indicates whether this software resource is already installed or not. Advantageously, according to the invention, this software resource is able to implement at least one optional functionality.

According to some embodiments, the memory 40 is able to store at least one software resource. This software resource can be in an installed state, which means that it can be executed by the microcontroller 44 as it, or in a non-installed state, which means that it needs to be installed by the microcontroller 44 before its execution. The communication module 42 is able to establish a connection, notably a data connection, with an external computing device. According to one embodiment of the invention, the communication module 42 is able to establish a wireless connection with such an external computing device. In this case, the module 42 comprises an antenna for radio-commination and is configured to establish a connection according to one of the known wireless communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRaWAN, NFC, etc. When the connection is established, the communication module 42 is able to receive data from the external computing device. According to other embodiments of the invention, the communication module 42 is able to establish a wire connection with the external computing device. In this case, the communication module 42 may use the connector 21 of the power supply 4 or define a separate connector adapted to receive a data signal. In both cases, the communication module 42 is able to transmit the received data to the microcontroller 44. At least at some cases, the received data comprises an option setting command activating or deactivation the execution of an optional functionality as it will be explained later.

In some embodiments, the communication module 42 comprises protection means, which are able to perform authentication of the external computing device. Thus, the protection means are able to authorize the connection and especially reception data, only if the connection is established with an authorized computing device. By “authorized computing device”, it may be understood a computing device having a device application authorized or produced by the aerosol generation device’s supplier.

The microcontroller 44 is configured to drive the operation of the aerosol generation device 2. Particularly, the microcontroller 44 is able to drive the power supply 4 to supply with electrical energy the heater 30. The microcontroller 44 is also able to execute a software resource implementing an optional functionality of the device 2 when the corresponding execution parameter is in the on state.

The software resource may comprise software instructions, each instruction is to be executed by the microcontroller 44. Depending on the optional functionality, a software instruction may comprise a mathematical function such an arithmetic operator or more complex operation such for example Fast Fourier Transform. To perform such an instruction, the microcontroller 44 can be a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). According to other software instructions, the microcontroller 44 is able to measure voltage and density values of the battery cell 23. These measuring capabilities are for example performed using measuring means (not illustrated) arranged between the voltage regulator 25 and the battery cell 23 or connected directly to the battery cell 23 without being connected to the voltage regulator 25.

The microcontroller 44 is also able to drive the voltage regulator 25. Particularly, from the measurements of the voltage and density values of the battery cell 23, the microcontroller 44 is able to determine voltage and density values to be delivered by the voltage regulator 25.

For example, when a software resource implements a fast charging option, the microcontroller 44 is able to execute software instructions comprising:

- measuring voltage and density values of the battery cell 23;

- obtain a distribution of amplitudes in a frequency domain from the measured values;

- determining voltage and density values to be delivered from the voltage regulator using said distribution of amplitudes.

Finally, according to the invention, the electrical circuitry 8 further comprises a modifying unit 46, which is configured to modify the state of the or each execution parameter upon receiving by the communication module 42 the corresponding option setting command. In the embodiment of figure 1 , the modifying unit 46 is integrated into the microcontroller 44. In this case, the microcontroller 44 comprises appropriate software or firmware instructions making it possible to modify the state of the corresponding option bits in the memory 40. According to other embodiments, the modifying unit 46 can be an independent module or integrated into one the modules of the electrical circuitry 8 like for example the communication module 42.

Therefore, thanks to the invention, the user may activate or deactivate an optional functionality of the device 2, which is not necessary for a normal operation of the device 2 and so to manage the optional functionalities according to its own needs. This enable a more simple use of the device 2 by deactivating all the functions that the user does not intend to use. The parametrization of the different optional functions enables also to deactivate some optional functions according for example to the different national legislations. Moreover, the parametrization of an optional functionality enables to activate this option according to the condition of the device 2.

Contrary to some known devices in the prior art which only enable to lock the whole device 2 for security reasons for example, and therefore to lock all of the functionalities of the device 2, managing the optional functionalities according to the invention does not prevent the user from vaping.

In some embodiments, the modifying unit 46 is also able to count the number of executions of the or each optional functionality and when this number reaches a predetermined number, change the state of the corresponding execution parameter to the off state. Said predetermined number is for example transmitted by the communication module 42.

Referring to Figure 2, a computing device 52 according to one embodiment of the invention will now be explained.

Particularly, in view of Figure 2, the computing device 52 comprises a first communication module 61 for communicate with a distant server, a second communication module 62 for communicate with the aerosol generation device 2, human- computer interaction means 64 for interaction with a user, a memory 66 for store at least one application and a computing module 68 to execute at least one application stored in the memory 66. As mentioned before, the computing device 52 may be a smartphone, a personal computer, a laptop, a tablet, a smartwatch or all other connected device.

The first communication module 61 is able to establish a connection with a distant server via for example a global computer network 70 as Internet. This connection is a wire connection using for example a WLAN protocol or a wireless connection using for example Wi-Fi or a mobile data protocol such as 3G, 4G, 5G, etc. According to some embodiments of the invention, the connection with the distant server is a secured connection configured to transmit user data such for example user name, password, credit card data, etc. The second communication module 62 is able to establish a connection with the aerosol generation device 2 and notably with the communication module 42 of this device. The second communication module 62 is for example similar to the communication module 42 of the aerosol generation device 2. Thus, when a wireless connection is used, the second communication module 42 is able to perform a protocol of wireless communication such for example Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRaWAN, NFC, etc. When a wire connection is used, the second communication module 42 is able to transmit data using for example a known USB protocol.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the second and the first communication modules 61 , 62 form a unique communication module able to communicate with the distant server and the aerosol generation device using for example a wireless communication protocol such as Wi-Fi.

The human-computer interaction means 64 make it possible to a user to interact with the computing device 52 and, using the corresponding communication module, with the distant server and/or with the aerosol generation device 2. For this purpose, the human-computer interaction means 64 comprise a screen and an input mean. According to the embodiment of Figure 2, the screen and the input means are combined to form a touch screen. According to other embodiments, the screen is separated from the input means, which can represent a keyboard and/or a trackball or a mouse.

The memory 66 is for example a flash memory able to store necessary applications to perform the operation of the computing device 52. Particularly, the memory 66 is able to store a device application able to communicate with the aerosol generation device 2 through the second communication module 62 and with the distant server through the first communication module 61 , further to user interactions acquired by the human-computer interaction means 64. Particularly, the device application is able to perform a method of distant controlling the aerosol generation device 2 explained in detail below.

In some embodiments, the device application is also configured to communicate with the aerosol generation device 2 to acquire data generated by the electrical circuitry 8. This data may include for example data relative to the user consumption (amount of distributed aerosol, number of puffs, duration of puffs, etc.) as well as service data relative to the operational state of the device 2. The service data may notably include an identifier of the device 2, a status of the battery health, service period, a list of activated or deactivated optional functionalities, etc. Once connected to the device, the device application can store the data transmitted from the device 2 locally in the memory 66 and/or distantly by the distant server.

The computing module 68 is for example a processor able to perform the operation of the computing device 2. Particularly, the computing module 68 is able to execute the applications stored in the memory and notably the device application.

The method of enabling the aerosol generation device to execute an optional functionality, called hereinafter enabling method 100, and the method of distant controlling the aerosol generation device, called hereinafter distant controlling method 200, will now be explained in reference to Figure 3. Particularly, this Figure 3 illustrates on its left side a flowchart of the enabling method 100 and on its right side a flowchart of the distant controlling method 200.

Initially, it is considered that the aerosol generation device 2 as explained above and the computing device 52 as explained above, are provided to a user. It is also considered that the aerosol generation device 2 has been connected at least once to the computing device 52 using the corresponding device application. Thus, the aerosol generation device 2 is registered in the device application, which means that the application may access to at least some service data relative to this device 2, as for example its identifier, service period or status of the battery health. This service data is stored locally or distantly. It is also considered that an optional functionality like for example a fast charging option is not activated in the aerosol generation device 2 and the user wishes to activate it. For this purposes, the user launches the device application and gives corresponding instructions via the human-computer interaction means 64.

During the initial step 210 of the distant controlling method 200, the device application establishes a connection with the distant server using notably the first communication module 61. When the connection is established, the distant server may for example identify the aerosol generation device 2 using the identifier transmitted by the device application. In some embodiments, if the service data is not available in the distant server, the device application may transmit this data to the distant server,

Then, the distant server may for example communicate to the device application the optional functionality available for the aerosol generation device 2. These functionalities as well as the state (activated or deactivated) of each of the functionalities are for example displayed by the application to the user on the touch screen 64. According to some embodiments, the optional functionalities determined as available by the distant server are determined using the service data relative to the aerosol generation device 2. For example, if the status of the battery health is bad, a fast charging option for the device 2 may not be available.

When the user chooses an optional functionality, like for example a fast charging option to be activated, during step 220, the application generates a request to the distant server to perform a triggering event making it possible to activate the chosen optional functionality. If the chosen optional functionality is needed to be purchased, the request sent to the distant server may comprise payment data as for example credit card data for purchase this option. The request may also comprise a number of execution of the optional functionality requested by the user. Thus, the user can request only a single execution of the optional functionality or an unlimited execution. The distant server receives the request and generates a response to this request. The response may be positive if the request is accepted by the distant server or negative if the request is rejected. If the response is positive, it may also comprise an activation code generated by the distant server and needed to activate the optional functionality.

If the response is positive, during step 230, the device application generates an option setting command to modify the execution parameter of the aerosol generation device 2 corresponding to the optional functionality needed to be activated. In some embodiments, the option setting command also includes the number of execution of the optional functionality. As explained above, this number can be transmitted by the distant server according to the user’s request. In some other embodiments, this number is determined by the device application using for example the service data issued from the aerosol generation device 2. For example, in case of the fast charging option, if the status of the battery health is bad, the application device can determine the number of executions that can be performed.

During next step 240, the device application establishes a connection with the aerosol generation device 2 using notably the second communication module 62. According to the used connection mode, this connection can be performed by activating for example a wireless connection with the device 2 or by plugging the corresponding cable between the computing device 52 and the aerosol generation system 2. At the same moment, the electrical circuitry 8 of the aerosol generation device 2 launches the enabling method 100. Particularly, the communication module 42 of this circuitry 8 executes the initial step 110 to establish a connection with the computing device 52. According to one embodiment of the invention, when the connection is established, the electrical circuitry deactivates the power supplying of the heater 30 if the device 2 was using before to generate aerosol.

During next step 245, the device application transmits to the communication module 42 of the electrical circuitry 8 the generated option setting command.

Upon receiving this option setting command, the communication module 42 of the electrical circuitry 8 transmits it to the modifying unit 46, which during step 120, modifies the state of the execution parameter corresponding to the chosen optional functionality according to this command. Particularly, if the optional functionality is to be activated, the modifying unit 46 passes the execution parameter in the on state. If the optional functionality is to be deactivated, the modifying unit 46 passes the execution parameter in the off state.

During next step 130, the microcontroller 44 or the communication module 42 checks if the software resource implementing the optional functionality is already installed. For this purpose, the microcontroller 44 or the communication module 42 checks the state of the software parameter corresponding to the software resource in the memory 40. If this parameter is in the installed state, the microcontroller 44 executes step 140.

If the software parameter is in the not-installed state, the microcontroller 44 or the communication module 42 proceeds, during step 150, to its installation. If the software source is available in a non-installed state in the memory 40 of the electronic circuitry 8, the microcontroller 44 or the communication module 42 can install it directly. Otherwise, it requests downloading the software resource from the computing device 52. In this case, the device application performs transmitting the software resource to the communication module 42 of the electric circuitry 8, during step 250 of the distant controlling method 200. According to one embodiment of the invention, the transmitting is performed only when the aerosol generation device 2 is not operated to generate aerosol, i.e. when the heater 30 is deactivated. If the software resource is available on the computing device 52, the device application transmits it directly to the electrical circuitry 8. Otherwise, the device application may download the software resource from for example the distant server. Upon receiving the software resource form the computing device 52, the microcontroller 44 or the communication module 42 installs this resource and the modifying unit 46 modifies the state of the corresponding software parameter to the installed state. The following step 140 can be thus executed by the microcontroller 44.

During step 140, the microcontroller 140 executes the software resource implementing the optional functionality if the corresponding execution parameter is in the on state. According to one embodiment of the invention, step 140 is executed immediately after step 130 or 150. According to another embodiment, step 140 is executed after a first predetermined event. The first predetermined event can be for example: deactivating the heater 30 and/or disconnecting from the computing device and/or manual activating the option by the user via for example a button and/or plugging the connector 21 to an external current source and/or connecting to the computing device and/or activating the heater and/or detecting user puff, etc.

In the case when the optional functionality is a fast charging option, the predetermined event may be for example plugging the connector 21 to an external current source and deactivating the heater 30. In this case, during step 140 and according to the software instructions of the corresponding software resource, the microcontroller 44 control the voltage regulator 25, which is for example an LDO regulator in this case, to output a power in form of constant current and voltage pulses so as to accelerate the charging of the battery cell 23. So, a pulse charging of the battery cell 23 can be performed.

For this purpose, the microcontroller 23 measures voltage and density values of the battery cell 23.

Then, it performs a frequency domain analysis from the measured values to obtain a distribution of amplitudes in this domain. This analysis uses complex mathematical functions that can be performed for example on complex and/or floating-point numbers. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the microcontroller 44 performs a Fast Fourier Transform from the measured values to obtain a distribution of amplitudes in a frequency domain. Then, based on this distribution of amplitudes, the microcontroller 44 determines a power in form of constant current and voltage pulses to be delivered from the voltage regulator.

For this purpose, the microcontroller 44 performs for example a mathematical model, which is able to predict voltage and density values to be delivered from the voltage regulator so as to charge the battery cell as fast as possible. In other words, such a model predicts how much power can be fed to the battery according to said distribution of amplitudes, in order to charge the battery as fast as possible. According to another embodiment, instead of the mathematical model, a database can be used. Such a database associates for example to each particular distribution of amplitudes, particular voltage and/or density values to be used by the voltage regulator de perform the fast charging.

The operation of the voltage regulator 25 is thus driven by the microcontroller 44, which makes it possible to control the battery charging process. This optional functionality modifies the operation of the voltage regulator 25. Additionally, this optional functionality affects indirectly the generation of aerosol since the battery provided power necessary for the operation of the heater 30.

After finalization of step 140, the modifying unit 46 may modify the state of the execution parameter to the off state if the number of executions of this step 140 reaches a predetermined number of times. As mentioned before, this predetermined number of times can be transmitted by the computing device 52. According to other embodiments, this number is determined by the electrical circuitry 8 itself. For example, if the microcontroller 44 determines that the battery health is bad, it can limit the number of fast charging option executions.

Otherwise, step 140 can be repeated each time when a second predetermined event occurs.

The second predetermined event may be the same as the first predetermined event or may be different from this first predetermined event. In this last case, the second predetermined event can be also chosen as: deactivating the heater 30 and/or disconnecting from the computing device and/or manual activating by the user via for example a button and/or plugging the connector 21 to an external current source, and/or connecting to the computing device and/or activating the heater and/or detecting user puff etc.

In the case of the fast charging option, the second predetermined event is for example the same as the first predetermined event, which is plugging the connector 21 to an external current source and deactivating the heater 30. Thus, the fast charging will be performed each time when the device 2 is plugged to an external current and is not operated to generate aerosol.

Claims

1 . An aerosol generation device (2) comprising a memory (40), a microcontroller (44) and a communication module (42), and characterized in that: the memory (40) is configured to store an execution parameter variable between an on state and an off state, the execution parameter being associated to an optional functionality of the aerosol generation device (2); the communication module (42) is configured to establish a connection with an external computing device (52); the microcontroller (44) is configured to execute a software resource implementing the optional functionality of the aerosol generation device (2) when the associated execution parameter is in the on state; and the aerosol generation device (2) further comprises a modifying unit (46) configured to modify the state of the execution parameter upon receiving by the communication module (42) an option setting command from the external computing device (52).

2. The aerosol generation device (2) according to claim 1 , wherein the memory (40) is further configured to store a software parameter variable between an installed state and a non-installed state; the software parameter being in the installed state when said software resource is available to be executed by the microcontroller (44) and in the non-installed state when said software resource is not available to be executed by the microcontroller (44).

3. The aerosol generation device (2) according to claim 2, wherein the communication module (42) is further configured to download said software resource from the external computing device (52) upon receiving the option setting command when the software parameter is in the not-installed state and preferably, when the aerosol generation device (2) is not operated to generate aerosol.

4. The aerosol generation device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the memory (40) is an Electronic Erasable Programmable Memory (EEPROM), preferably the execution parameter corresponding to at least one option bit of this memory.

5. The aerosol generation device (2) according to claim 4 combining with claim 2 or 3, wherein the software parameter corresponds to at least one option bit of the memory (40).

6. The aerosol generation device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the modifying unit (46) is configured to modify the state of the execution parameter to the off state after the microcontroller (44) executes said software resource a predetermined number of times.

7. The aerosol generation device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the optional functionality is a fast charging option.

8. The aerosol generation device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one battery cell (23) and a voltage regulator (25) able to charge the battery cell (23) from an external current; the microcontroller (44) being able to drive the voltage regulator to deliver, from the external current, a power of specific voltage and/or density value to charge the battery cell (23).

9. The aerosol generation device (2) according to claim 8, wherein said software resource is configured, when executed by the microcontroller (44), to drive the voltage regulator (25) for implementing the optional functionality, preferably the optional functionality being a fast charging option.

10. The aerosol generation device (2) according to claim 9, wherein said software resource is configured, when executed by the microcontroller (44), to:

- measure voltage and density values of the battery cell (23);

- determine voltage and density values to be delivered from the voltage regulator

(25) using said distribution of amplitudes.

11. The aerosol generation device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the microcontroller (44) is a Digital Signal Processor (DSP).

12. A computing device (52) comprising: - a first communication module (61) configured to establish a connection with a distant server;

- a second communication module (62) configured to establish a connection with an aerosol generation device (2); the computing device (52) being characterized in that it further comprises a computing module (68) configured to generate a request to the distant server to perform a triggering event and upon receiving from the distant server a positive response through the first communication module (61), to generate an option setting command; the second communication module (62) being further configured to transmit the option setting command to the aerosol generation device (2) to activate an optional functionality of this device.

13. The computing device (52) according to claim 12, wherein the option setting command is generated further to a triggering event, preferably the triggering event being purchasing the optional functionality by a user.

14. A method (100) of enabling an aerosol generation device (2) to execute an optional functionality, comprising the following steps:

- establish (110) a connection with an external computing device (52);

- modify (120) a state of an execution parameter upon receiving an option setting command from the external computing device (52), the execution parameter being variable between an on state and an off state;

- execute (140) a software resource implementing an optional functionality of the aerosol generation device (2) when the execution parameter is in the on state.

15. A method (200) of distant controlling an aerosol generation device (2), comprising the following steps:

- establish (210) a connection with a distant server;

- generate (220) a request to the distant server to perform a triggering event;

+ generate (230) an option setting command;

+ establish (240) a connection with the aerosol generation device (2);

+ transmit (245) the option setting command to the aerosol generation device (2) to activate an optional functionality of this device.