EP4649844A1

EP4649844A1 - Aerosol-generating apparatus and methods relating to the same

Info

Publication number: EP4649844A1
Application number: EP24176540.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: designation of the inventor has not yet been filed The
Original assignee: Imperial Tobacco Ltd Great Britain
Current assignee: Imperial Tobacco Group Ltd
Priority date: 2024-05-17
Filing date: 2024-05-17
Publication date: 2025-11-19
Also published as: WO2025237630A1

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating apparatus (1) configured to generate an aerosol from a consumable (30, 70), comprising an illumination unit (100) configured to generate a plurality of light signals visible to a user of the aerosol-generating apparatus (1), an input device (55) configured for an actuation by the user from a rest position to an active position, and an electrical circuitry (12) configured to control the illumination unit (100) to generate a predetermined sequence of light signals, each light signal of the sequence differing from any other light signal of the sequence. The electrical circuitry (12) is configured to switch the aerosol-generating apparatus (1) between a locked state, in which the electrical circuitry (12) prevents a functionality of the aerosol-generating apparatus (1) from being activated, and an unlocked state, in which the electrical circuitry (12) allows activation of said functionality. The electrical circuitry (12) is configured to store an unlocking pattern which links each light signal of the sequence with an actuation requirement or a non-actuation requirement. The electrical circuitry (12) is configured to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state if the electrical circuitry (12) detects actuation of the input device (55) during the generation of each light signal of the sequence for which the actuation requirement is stored, and the electrical circuitry (12) detects no actuation of the of the input device (55) during the generation of each light signal of the sequence for which the non-actuation requirement is stored.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating apparatus for generating an aerosol from a consumable. The present disclose also relates to a method for unlocking a functionality of the aerosol-generating apparatus and to a method for adding an unlocking functionality to an existing aerosol-generating apparatus.

BACKGROUND

A typical aerosol-generating apparatus may comprise a power supply, an aerosol-generating unit that is driven by the power supply, an aerosol precursor, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol-generating unit to generate an aerosol, and a delivery system for delivery of the aerosol to a user.
Known aerosol-generating apparatuses sometimes include a locking functionality to restrict other users from using the aerosol-generating apparatus and/or prevent unintended operation of the aerosol-generating apparatus.
In spite of the effort already invested in the development of aerosol-generating apparatuses/systems further improvements are desirable.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect the present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating apparatus configured to generate an aerosol from a consumable. The aerosol-generating apparatus comprises an illumination unit configured to generate a plurality of light signals visible to a user of the aerosol-generating apparatus, an input device configured for an actuation by the user from a rest position to an active position, and electrical circuitry configured to control the illumination unit.
In some examples, the electrical circuitry is configured to control the illumination unit to generate a predetermined sequence of light signals, each successive light signal of the sequence differing from the previous light signal of the sequence (optionally each light signal of the sequence differing from any other light signal of the sequence). Optionally, the electrical circuitry is configured to switch the aerosol-generating apparatus between a locked state, in which the electrical circuitry prevents (or blocks) a functionality of the aerosol-generating apparatus from being activated, and an unlocked state, in which the electrical circuitry allows (or unblocks) activation of said functionality. Further optionally, the electrical circuitry is configured to store an unlocking pattern which links each light signal of the sequence with an actuation requirement or a non-actuation requirement.
In exemplary embodiments, the electrical circuitry is configured to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state if the electrical circuitry detects actuation of the input device during the generation of each light signal of the sequence for which the actuation requirement is stored, and if the electrical circuitry detects no actuation of the of the input device during the generation of each light signal of the sequence for which the non-actuation requirement is stored.
In a second aspect the present disclosure provides a method for unlocking a functionality of an aerosol-generating apparatus configured to generate an aerosol from a consumable. Optionally, the method is employed for unlocking the aerosol-generating apparatus as described herein.
In some examples, the method comprises the steps of: controlling an illumination unit of the aerosol-generating apparatus so that a sequence of illumination signals is displayed to a user, each successive light signal of the sequence differing from the previous light signal of the sequence; and/or detecting during the generation of each light signal whether the user executes an actuation of an input device of the aerosol-generating apparatus from a rest position to an active position. Optionally, the method comprises the step of unlocking the functionality if actuation of the input device is detected during the generation of each light signal of the sequence, the actuation corresponding to a pre-stored actuation requirement, and if no actuation of the of the input device is detected during the generation of each light signal of the sequence for which the non-actuation requirement is stored.
In a third aspect the present disclosure provides a method for adding an unlocking functionality to an existing aerosol-generating apparatus. The aerosol-generating apparatus includes an illumination unit configured to generate a plurality of light signals visible to a user of the aerosol-generating apparatus, an input device actuatable by the user from a rest position to an active position, and an electrical circuitry configured to control the illumination unit.
In some examples, the electrical circuitry is configured to store a new program to be executed by the electrical circuitry. Optionally, the method includes updating a program stored with the electrical circuitry, the updated program comprises instructions which, when the updated program is executed by the electrical circuitry, cause the electrical circuitry to carry out the method as outlined herein.
In this way, it is possible to combine a high level of security for unlocking the aerosol-generating apparatus with the requirement for providing a limited number of components, for example only the illumination unit and the input device. The illumination unit and the binary input device are often present with existing aerosol-generating apparatuses so that the method described herein can be retrofitted to existing aerosol-generating apparatuses.
The illumination unit may be arranged in or on the aerosol-generating apparatus so that the light that is generated by the illumination unit is visible to the user of the aerosol-generating apparatus. For example, the illumination unit is arranged within a housing of the aerosol-generating apparatus and below an opening in the housing so that light generated by the illuminations unit is visible to the user. The illumination unit may be covered by a transparent or translucent window which may be flush with the housing.
The illumination unit may be in data-communication with the electrical circuitry and may be powered by a power source (e.g. a battery) of the aerosol-generating apparatus. The illumination unit may have further purposes in addition to those for unlocking the aerosol-generating apparatus. For example, the illumination unit may be used for displaying a power level of the power source, a locked state of the aerosol-generating apparatus, and/or operation of an aerosol-generating unit of the aerosol-generating apparatus.
The illumination unit may include one or more light sources, such as LEDs (light emitting diodes). The light sources may be configured to generate monochromatic light (e.g. red, blue, or green light), white light, and/or coloured light (e.g. a RGB (red, green, blue) LED).
The input device may be binary in that it can only be activated from the rest position to the position. The input device may be in the rest position without user operation and is configured to be moved from the rest position to the active position upon user operation. For example, the input device may be biased (e.g. using a spring element) towards the rest position and can be moved towards the active position by actuation of the user. The input device may be arranged on or in the aerosol-generating apparatus in such a position that is actuatable by the user.
The input device may be in data communication with the electrical circuitry. The input device may be configured to generate no signal in the rest position or may disrupt an electrical circuit in the rest position. The input device may be connected to the electrical circuitry. The input device may be configured to generate a signal in the active position (i.e. when actuated by the user) or close the electric circuit. In other words, the electrical circuitry may be configured to detect whether the input device is in the rest position or the active position. The detection of the active position indicates an actuation of the input device by the user.
Optionally, the electrical circuitry is configured to detect how long the user actuates the input device, i.e. how long the user maintains or holds the input device in the rest position. For example, the signal generated by the input device is generated as long as the input device is in the active position. Alternatively, the electrical circuit is closed as long as the input device is in the active position. Thus, in this embodiment, the electrical circuitry is not only configured to detect if and/or when the input device is actuated but also how long the input device is actuated.
The electric circuitry may be considered to implement the function of a controller, processing resource, or processor which can control various electrical components of the aerosol-generating apparatus. The electrical circuitry may include a computer readable medium/media and/or a memory which store software or firmware programs that are executed by the controller/electrical circuitry. In particular, the electrical circuitry is configured to control the illumination unit and receive information from the input device whether the user activates the input device or not.
The electrical circuitry may have the function of putting one or more electrical components of the aerosol-generating apparatus in either the locked state or the unlocked state. In the locked state, the one or more electrical components cannot be activated, i.e. even if the user actuates the aerosol-generating apparatus for starting the one or more electrical components, the electrical circuitry prevents the one or more electrical components from being activated. The locked state may be used for preventing other users from using the aerosol-generating apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, the locked state may be a safety function so that the aerosol-generating apparatus is not unintentionally activated, for example by unintentionally actuating the aerosol-generating apparatus, e.g. by activating the input device. Thus, the locked state may correspond to a child-lock.
In some examples, the aerosol-generating apparatus comprises an aerosol-generating unit configured to generate an aerosol from a consumable. Optionally, in the locked state, the electrical circuitry prevents (or blocks) the aerosol-generating unit from generating the aerosol. In this way, the aerosol-generating unit can be prevented from being activated in the locked state. Other functionalities and/or other electrical components of the aerosol-generating apparatus may still be activated in the locked state.
In the unlocked state, the functionalities and/or electrical components that are prevented from being activated in the locked state are activated by the control of the electrical circuitry if the user actuates the aerosol-generating apparatus accordingly. For example, the user actuates the input device for starting the operation of the aerosol-generating unit and/or draws on the aerosol-generating apparatus (makes a puff) based on which the electrical circuitry activates the aerosol-generating unit. This is in contrast to the locked state in which the aerosol-generating unit may not be activated even if the user draws on aerosol-generating apparatus.
The light signals that can be generated by the illumination unit may differ in such a way that this is visible to the user. This means that the user can identify each light signal from its previous and its successive light signals, optionally from all other light signals of the sequence. A light signal of the sequence and the successive or next light signal in the sequence may form a pair of light signals. These two light signals of the pair differ from each other so that the user can distinguish the two successive light signals from each other. In other words, each pair of successive light signals in the sequence includes two light signals that differ from each other. Optionally, all light signals of the sequence differ from each other so that each light signal is unique in the sequence.
For example, the light signals differ in their frequency of blinking/flashing or the colour of the light signal. Each light signal may be generated for a predetermined period of time. For example, the duration of generation of each light signal is the same for all light signals of the sequence.
The individual light signals may be sequentially displayed to the user thereby forming a sequence. The sequence may be prestored on the electrical circuitry and/or is fixed, i.e. cannot be changed by the user. In other words, for unlocking the aerosol-generating apparatus, the same sequence of light signals is displayed to the user.
The unlocking pattern may be stored in the memory of the electrical circuitry. The unlocking pattern may include a table or matrix which links each light signal of the sequence with an actual requirement or a non-actual requirement. Thus, the unlocking pattern can include an array of pieces of information or data that is readable by the electrical circuitry. Each light signal of the sequence is associated with information or data whether the user should actuate the input device (or not) when the corresponding light signal is generated.
The actuation requirement may include a single actuation, the number of actuations to be detected during the generation of a light sequence, and/or the duration of actuation. The number of actuations may correspond to how often the user needs to actuate the input device during generation of the corresponding light signal. The duration of the actuation may refer how long the input device needs to be activated. For example, a "short actuation" is an actuation whose the duration is below a predetermined time threshold and a "long actuation" is an actuation whose the duration is above a set time threshold or another predetermined time threshold. Of course, further time ranges for the actuation of the input device may be defined with the actuation requirement. The actuation requirement may combine the number of actuations and the duration of actuation for a particular light signal, for example a short actuation and a long actuation.
The non-actuation requirement defines that the user is not expected to actuate the input device during the generation of the corresponding light signal.
For switching the aerosol-generating apparatus from the locked state to the unlocked state, the electrical circuitry is configured to sequentially generate the light signals of the sequence and detect if and how the input device is actuated by the user during the generation of each light signal. The electrical circuitry is then configured to compare the detected actuation of the input device for a respective light signal with the unlocking pattern, i.e. whether the detected actuation corresponds to the actuation requirement or the non-actuation requirement.
For example, the sequence has three light signals. The first light signal is associated with an actuation requirement that requires two short presses. The second light signal is associated with a non-actuation requirement. The third light signal is associated with an actuation requirement that requires a single long press.
The electric circuitry controls the illumination unit to generate a first light signal for a (predetermined) period of time and detects the actuation of the input device. If the electric circuitry detects two short actuations during generation of the first light signal, the first hurdle of unlocking the aerosol-generating apparatus is passed.
The electrical circuitry then controls the illumination unit to generate the second light signal for a (predetermined or the same) period of time and detects the actuation of the input device. If the electric circuitry detects no actuation during generation of the second light signal, the second hurdle of unlocking the aerosol-generating apparatus is passed.
The electric circuitry controls the illumination unit to generate a third light signal for a (predetermined or the same) period of time and detects the actuation of the input device. If the electric circuitry detects a single long actuation during generation of the third light signal, the third hurdle of unlocking the aerosol-generating apparatus is passed. The electrical circuitry only unlocks the aerosol-generating apparatus when all third hurdles are passed. More generally, the electrical circuitry only unlocks the aerosol-generating apparatus if for each light signal the corresponding action requirement or non-actual requirement are detected.
The aerosol-generating apparatus may include a communication interface which provide wireless and/or wired data communication with an external device (e.g. a mobile device) and/or a network (e.g. a WiFi-network). The communication interface may be configured to receive data from the external device and/or an application server (e.g. via the network. The communication interface may include a transceiver and/or is in data communication with the electrical circuitry. Programs stored on the electrical circuitry may be updated using the communication interface.
In some examples, the electrical circuitry is configured to control the illumination unit such that the light signals differ in their periodicity of illumination, duration of illumination, a duration from zero illumination to maximum illumination, a duration from maximum illumination to zero illumination, and/or timing of illumination. In this way, only a single light source may be required because the different light signals can be generated by turning the light source on and off in a different way.
The periodicity of illumination and the duration of illumination may include the time period during which the illumination unit is turned off and/or the time period during which the illumination unit is turned on. The periodicity of illumination may be considered as referring to the blinking/flashing of the illumination unit.
The duration from zero illumination to maximum illumination and a duration from maximum illumination to zero illumination may be considered corresponding to the fading of the illumination source. In this case, the illumination source unit is not instantly turned on or off but exhibits a gradual increase/decrease of the intensity of the illumination. This may be combined with the periodicity of illumination and/or the duration of illumination.
The timing of the illumination may refer to the point of time at which the illumination unit is turned on or off. This timing may be chosen to be different in the allocated time period during which the illumination signal is to be generated. In other words, the timing of the illumination may indicate that the illumination unit is turned on/off early or late in the time window allocated for this light signal.
In some examples, the illumination unit is configured to generate light of different wavelengths. Optionally, the electrical circuitry is configured to control the illumination unit such that the light signals differ in the wavelength of the generated light. In this way, the various light signals may differ in their colour which is easily recognisable by the user.
For example, one or more RGB LEDs are used for the illumination unit. A single RGB LED may require little space on the aerosol-generating apparatus while a plurality of sequences of light signals can be generated, for example by the various orderings of displaying red, green, and blue colour.
In some examples, the illumination unit includes a plurality of light sources spaced from each other. Optionally, the electrical circuitry is configured to control the illumination unit such that the light signals differ in the light source(s) that is/are illuminated. In this way, a plurality of simple light sources such as monochromatic LEDs can be used for providing various light signals.
For example, each light signal differs in the number and/or the position of light sources that are illuminated for a respective light signal. Each light signal may differ in which one(s) of the light sources are illuminated. As an example, the illumination unit includes three light sources in a line. The first light signal may correspond to the illumination of the first light source, the second light signal may correspond to illumination of the second light source, and the third light signal may correspond to illumination of the third light source. Alternatively, the first light signal may correspond to the illumination of the first light source, the second light signal may correspond to illumination of the first and second light sources, and the third light signal may correspond to illumination of all three light sources.
It is also possible to combine the various aspects for generating different light signals described above. For example, the light signals differ in their periodicity of flashing and their colour. Combining these various aspects for generating different light signals increases the number of different sequences of light signals. A high number of sequences of light signals increases the security level because each light signal of the sequence needs to be associated with an actuation requirement or non-actuation requirement and, therefore, increases the number of combinations.
In some examples, the electrical circuitry is configured to store an actuation pattern which includes one or more actuations of the input device. Optionally, for unlocking the aerosol-generating apparatus, the electrical circuitry is configured to start the sequence of light signals after detecting actuation of the input device according to the actuation pattern.
In some examples, the actuation pattern and/or the storing pattern (described later) define the number of actuations and/or the duration of the actuations of the input device. In this way, it is possible to prevent that the sequence of light signals is not unintentionally started.
For example, the actuation pattern may correspond to commonly known child lock actuation patterns. The actuation pattern may correspond to two short actuations or a single long actuation. Thus, the sequence of light signals is only started if the input device is actuated in line with the actuation pattern. However, it is also possible that the sequence of light signals is started by other means of actuations.
In some examples, the electrical circuitry is configured to store a storing pattern which includes one or more actuations of the input device. Optionally, for storing a new unlocking pattern, the electrical circuitry is configured to start the sequence of light signals after detecting actuation of the input device according to the storing pattern, detect the actuation or non-actuation of the input device during the generation of each light signal of the sequence, store a non-actuation requirement of the new unlocking pattern for each light signal of the sequence for which no actuation of the input device was detected, and store an actuation requirement of the new unlocking pattern for each light signal of the sequence for which an actuation of the input device was detected.
In this way, the actuation requirement and non-actuation requirement for each light signal of the sequence can be customised. In other words, the unlocking of the aerosol-generating apparatus can be customised.
For example, a new aerosol-generating apparatus can include a predetermined unlocking pattern that is either specific to the aerosol-generating apparatus or may be applicable for all aerosol-generating apparatuses of the same type. The predetermined unlocking pattern may be obtained from a leaflet or packaging of the aerosol-generating apparatus. Then, the user can customise the unlocking pattern by storing a new unlocking pattern.
The process of storing the new unlocking pattern may be started by actuating the input device in line with the storing pattern. The storing pattern may be a pattern that is different to the actuation pattern however analogue as arguments, optional embodiments and features equally apply. After the user successfully activated the input device according to the unlocking pattern, the electrical circuitry is configured to illuminate the first light signal of the sequence and store the detected actuation of the input device. The actuation of the input device may include no actuation (i.e. a non-actuation requirement) or one or more actuations of the input device (i.e. an actuation requirement). This process is then repeated for the second, third, et cetera light signal of the sequence until the last light signal of the sequence is reached. In this way, a new unlocking pattern (i.e. new association of each light signal of the sequence with an actuation requirement/non-actuation requirement) can be stored with the electrical circuitry.
In some examples, the actuation requirement includes a number of actuations and/or duration of actuations of the input device. In this way, the security of the unlocking process can be increased because the combinations of actuation requirements with each light signal can be increased.
The actuation requirement may include an actuation sequence (or sequence of actuations) that includes the number of actuations and/or duration of actuations of the input device. The actuation requirement may refer to long and short actuations and/or number of actuations as outlined above.
In some examples, the input device includes a pushbutton. This is a simple but reliable implementation of a binary input device which is commonly used with existing aerosol-generating apparatuses so that the process of unlocking the aerosol generator apparatus as described herein can be updated or uploaded with existing aerosol-generating apparatuses.
In some examples, a duration of the generation of the light signal is the same for each light signal. In this way, the user has a predictable timeframe for actuating the input device for each light signal.
In some examples, the electrical circuitry is configured to control the illumination unit to generate a predetermined light signal different from any light signal in the sequence of light signals when switching the aerosol-generating apparatus from the locked state to the unlocked state. In this way, the illumination unit can be used for displaying to the user that the aerosol-generating apparatus is in the unlocked state.
The predetermined light signal may be generated as described above. For example the light signals of the sequence may differ in their colour and/or which one of the light sources is illuminated and the predetermined light signals for indicating the aerosol-generating apparatus is in a locked state includes flashing or blinking. In this way, the predetermined light signal can be easily distinguished from the light signals of the sequence. However it is also possible that the switch from the locked state to the unlocked state is indicated to the user by different means, for example by a buzzing.
Of course, the above-mentioned optional embodiments, features, and/or characteristics for switching the aerosol-generating apparatus from the locked state to the unlocked state may equally be applied for switching aerosol-generating apparatus from the unlocked state to the unlocked state. A locking pattern which links each light signal of the sequence with an actuation requirement or a non-actuation requirement may be different to the unlocking pattern or may be is the same as the unlocking pattern. In the latter case, the same pattern may be used for locking or unlocking the aerosol-generating apparatus. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating apparatus can be automatically switched from the unlocked state to the locked state after a predetermined period of time after the last operation of the aerosol-generating apparatus.
The present disclosure may provide electrical circuitry and/or a computer program configured to cause an aerosol-generating apparatus to perform any method or method step disclosed herein. A computer readable medium comprising the computer program is also disclosed.
The preceding summary is provided for purposes of summarizing some examples to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-described features should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and/or proceeding examples may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further examples, except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following text and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of examples in reference to the appended drawings in which like numerals denote like elements.

Fig. 1 is a block system diagram showing an example aerosol-generating apparatus.
Fig. 2 is a block system diagram showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 1, where the aerosol-generating apparatus is configured to generate aerosol from a liquid precursor.
Figs. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a block system diagram showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 1, where the aerosol-generating apparatus is configured to generate aerosol from a solid precursor.
Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example implementation of the apparatus of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 is a block system diagram showing an example system for managing an aerosol-generating apparatus.
Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing exemplary steps of a method for unlocking the aerosol-generating apparatus.
Fig. 8a is a block diagrams showing a sequence of light signals employed in the method of Fig. 7.
Fig. 8b is a block diagrams showing five exemplary patterns for actuation of an input device for unlocking the aerosol-generating apparatus employed in the method of Fig. 7.
Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing exemplary steps of a method for storing a new unlocking pattern.
Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing exemplary steps of a method for adding an unlocking functionality with an existing aerosol-generating apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Before describing several examples implementing the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited by specific construction details or process steps set forth in the following description and accompanying drawings. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the systems, apparatuses and/or methods described herein could be embodied differently and/or be practiced or carried out in various alternative ways.
Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and known techniques and procedures may be performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that may be cited and discussed in the present specification.
Any patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in the specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
All examples implementing the present disclosure can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While particular examples have been described, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the systems, apparatus, and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the inventive concept(s). All such similar substitutions and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the inventive concept(s) as defined by the appended claims.
The use of the term "a" or "an" in the claims and/or the specification may mean "one," as well as "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one." As such, the terms "a," "an," and "the," as well as all singular terms, include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Likewise, plural terms shall include the singular unless otherwise required by context.
The use of the term "or" in the present disclosure (including the claims) is used to mean an inclusive "and/or" unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or unless the alternatives are mutually exclusive. For example, a condition "A or B" is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
As used in this specification and claim(s), the words "comprising, "having," "including," or "containing" (and any forms thereof, such as "comprise" and "comprises," "have" and "has," "includes" and "include," or "contains" and "contain," respectively) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.
Unless otherwise explicitly stated as incompatible, or the physics or otherwise of the embodiments, examples, or claims prevent such a combination, the features of examples disclosed herein, and of the claims, may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially ones where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to only any specified benefit, and instead may arise from an "ex post facto" benefit. This is to say that the combination of features is not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of claim(s). Moreover, this also applies to the phrase "in one embodiment," "according to an embodiment," and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording and are not to be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment to all other instances of the same or similar wording. This is to say, a reference to 'an,' 'one,' or 'some' embodiment(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and/or all embodiments, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, the reference to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment. Further, all references to one or more embodiments or examples are to be construed as non-limiting to the claims.
The present disclosure may be better understood in view of the following explanations, wherein the terms used that are separated by "or" may be used interchangeably:
As used herein, an "aerosol-generating apparatus" (or "electronic(e)-cigarette") may be an apparatus configured to deliver an aerosol to a user for inhalation by the user. The apparatus may additionally/alternatively be referred to as a "smoking substitute apparatus", if it is intended to be used instead of a conventional combustible smoking article. As used herein a combustible "smoking article" may refer to a cigarette, cigar, pipe or other article, that produces smoke (an aerosol comprising solid particulates and gas) via heating above the thermal decomposition temperature (typically by combustion and/or pyrolysis). An aerosol generated by the apparatus may comprise an aerosol with particle sizes of 0.2 - 7 microns, or less than 10 microns, or less than 7 microns. This particle size may be achieved by control of one or more of: heater temperature; cooling rate as the vapour condenses to an aerosol; flow properties including turbulence and velocity. The generation of aerosol by the aerosol-generating apparatus may be controlled by an input device. The input device may be configured to be user-activated, and may for example include or take the form of an actuator (e.g. actuation button) and/or an airflow sensor.
Each occurrence of the aerosol-generating apparatus being caused to generate aerosol for a period of time (which may be variable) may be referred to as an "activation" of the aerosol-generating apparatus. The aerosol-generating apparatus may be arranged to allow an amount of aerosol delivered to a user to be varied per activation (as opposed to delivering a fixed dose of aerosol), e.g. by activating an aerosol-generating unit of the apparatus for a variable amount of time, e.g. based on the strength/duration of a draw of a user through a flow path of the apparatus (to replicate an effect of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article).
The aerosol-generating apparatus may be portable. As used herein, the term "portable" may refer to the apparatus being for use when held by a user.
As used herein, an "aerosol-generating system" may be a system that includes an aerosol-generating apparatus and optionally other circuitry/components associated with the function of the apparatus, e.g. one or more external devices and/or one or more external components (here "external" is intended to mean external to the aerosol-generating apparatus).
As used herein, an "external device" and "external component" may include one or more of a: a charging device, a mobile device (which may be connected to the aerosol-generating apparatus, e.g. via a wireless or wired connection); a networked-based computer (e.g. a remote server); a cloud-based computer; any other server system.
An example aerosol-generating system may be a system for managing an aerosol-generating apparatus. Such a system may include, for example, a mobile device, a network server, as well as the aerosol-generating apparatus.
As used herein, an "aerosol" may include a suspension of precursor, including as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. An aerosol herein may generally refer to/include a vapour. An aerosol may include one or more components of the precursor. As used herein, a "precursor" may include one or more of a: liquid; solid; gel; loose leaf material; other substance. The precursor may be processed by an aerosol-generating unit of an aerosol-generating apparatus to generate an aerosol. The precursor may include one or more of: an active component; a carrier; a flavouring. The active component may include one or more of nicotine; caffeine; a cannabidiol oil; a non-pharmaceutical formulation, e.g. a formulation which is not for treatment of a disease or physiological malfunction of the human body. The active component may be carried by the carrier, which may be a liquid, including propylene glycol and/or glycerine. The term "flavouring" may refer to a component that provides a taste and/or a smell to the user. The flavouring may include one or more of: Ethylvanillin (vanilla); menthol, Isoamyl acetate (banana oil); or other. The precursor may include a substrate, e.g. reconstituted tobacco to carry one or more of the active component; a carrier; a flavouring.
As used herein, a "storage portion" may be a portion of the apparatus adapted to store the precursor. It may be implemented as fluid-holding reservoir or carrier for solid material depending on the implementation of the precursor as defined above. The storage portion may include a tank filled with a liquid precursor.
As used herein, a "flow path" may refer to a path or enclosed passageway through an aerosol-generating apparatus, e.g. for delivery of an aerosol to a user. The flow path may be arranged to receive aerosol from an aerosol-generating unit. When referring to the flow path, upstream and downstream may be defined in respect of a direction of flow in the flow path, e.g. with an outlet being downstream of an inlet.
As used herein, a "delivery system" may be a system operative to deliver an aerosol to a user. The delivery system may include a mouthpiece and a flow path.
As used herein, a "flow" may refer to a flow in a flow path. A flow may include aerosol generated from the precursor. The flow may include air, which may be induced into the flow path via a puff by a user. As used herein, a "puff" (or "inhale" or "draw") by a user may refer to expansion of lungs and/or oral cavity of a user to create a pressure reduction that induces flow through the flow path.
As used herein, an "aerosol-generating unit" may refer to a device configured to generate an aerosol from a precursor. The aerosol-generating unit may include a unit to generate a vapour directly from the precursor (e.g. a heating system or other system) or an aerosol directly from the precursor (e.g. an atomiser including an ultrasonic system, a flow expansion system operative to carry droplets of the precursor in the flow without using electrical energy or other system). A plurality of aerosol-generating units to generate a plurality of aerosols (for example, from a plurality of different aerosol precursors) may be present in an aerosol-generating apparatus.
As used herein, a "heating system" may refer to an arrangement of at least one heating element, which is operable to aerosolise a precursor once heated. The at least one heating element may be electrically resistive to produce heat from the flow of electrical current therethrough. The at least one heating element may be arranged as a susceptor to produce heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. The heating system may be configured to heat a precursor to below 300 or 350 degrees C, including without combustion.
As used herein, a "consumable" may refer to a unit that includes a precursor. The consumable may include an aerosol-generating unit, e.g. it may be arranged as a cartomizer. The consumable may include a mouthpiece. The consumable may include an information carrying medium. With liquid or gel implementations of the precursor, e.g. an e-liquid, the consumable may be referred to as a "capsule" or a "pod" or an "e-liquid consumable". The capsule/pod may include a storage portion, e.g. a reservoir or tank, for storage of the precursor. With solid material implementations of the precursor, e.g. tobacco or reconstituted tobacco formulation, the consumable may be referred to as a "stick" or "package" or "heat-not-burn consumable". In a heat-not-burn consumable, the mouthpiece may be implemented as a filter and the consumable may be arranged to carry the precursor. The consumable may be implemented as a dosage or pre-portioned amount of material, including a loose-leaf product.
As used herein, an "information carrying medium" may include one or more arrangements for storage of information on any suitable medium. Examples include: a computer readable medium; a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transponder; codes encoding information, such as optical (e.g. a bar code or QR code) or mechanically read codes (e.g. a configuration of the absence or presents of cutouts to encode a bit, through which pins or a reader may be inserted).
As used herein "heat-not-burn" (or "HNB" or "heated precursor") may refer to the heating of a precursor, typically tobacco, without combustion, or without substantial combustion (i.e. localised combustion may be experienced of limited portions of the precursor, including of less than 5% of the total volume).
As used herein, "electrical circuitry" may refer to one or more electrical components, examples of which may include: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); electronic/electrical componentry (which may include combinations of transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors etc); one or more processors; a non-transitory memory (e.g. implemented by one or more memory devices), that may store one or more software or firmware programs; a combinational logic circuit; interconnection of the aforesaid. The electrical circuitry may be located entirely at the apparatus, or distributed between the apparatus and/or on one or more external devices in communication with the apparatus, e.g. as part of a system
As used herein, a "processing resource" (or "processor" or "controller") may refer to one or more units for processing data, examples of which may include an ASIC, microcontroller, FPGA, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP) capability, state machine or other suitable component. A processing resource may be configured to execute a computer program, e.g. which may take the form of machine-readable instructions, which may be stored on a non-transitory memory and/or programmable logic. The processing resource may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuitry, e.g. on-board and/or off board the apparatus as part of the system. As used herein, any machine executable instructions, or computer readable media, may be configured to cause a disclosed method to be carried out, e.g. by an aerosol-generating apparatus or system as disclosed herein, and may therefore be used synonymously with the term method.
As used herein, an "external device" (or "peripheral device") may include one or more electronic components external to an aerosol-generating apparatus. Those components may be arranged at the same location as the aerosol-generating apparatus or remote from the apparatus. An external device may comprise electronic computer devices including: a smartphone; a PDA; a video game controller; a tablet; a laptop; or other like device.
As used herein, a "computer readable medium/media" (or "memory" or "data storage") may include any medium capable of storing a computer program, and may take the form of any conventional non-transitory memory, for example one or more of: random access memory (RAM); a CD; a hard drive; a solid state drive; a memory card; a DVD. The memory may have various arrangements corresponding to those discussed for the circuitry /processor. The present disclosure includes a computer readable medium configured to cause an apparatus or system disclosed herein to perform a method as disclosed herein.
As used herein, a "communication resource" (or "communication interface") may refer to hardware and/or firmware for electronic information/data transfer. The communication resource may be configured for wired communication ("wired communication resources") or wireless communication ("wireless communication resource"). Wireless communication resources may include hardware to transmit and receive signals by radio and may include various protocol implementations e.g. the 802.11 standard described in the Institute of Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and Bluetooth^™ from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group of Kirkland Wash. Wired communication resources may include; Universal Serial Bus (USB); High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) or other protocol implementations. The apparatus may include communication resources for wired or wireless communication with an external device.
As used herein, a "network" (or "computer network") may refer to a system for electronic information/data transfer between a plurality of apparatuses/devices. The network may, for example, include one or more networks of any type, which may include: a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN); a telephone network (e.g. a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and/or a wireless network); a local area network (LAN); a metropolitan area network (MAN); a wide area network (WAN); an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network; a private network; the Internet; an intranet.
It will be appreciated that any of the disclosed methods (or corresponding apparatuses, programs, data carriers, etc.) may be carried out by either a host or client, depending on the specific implementation (i.e. the disclosed methods/apparatuses are a form of communication(s), and as such, may be carried out from either 'point of view', i.e. in corresponding to each other fashion). Furthermore, it will be understood that the terms "receiving" and "transmitting" encompass "inputting" and "outputting" and are not limited to an RF context of transmitting and receiving electromagnetic (e.g. radio) waves. Therefore, for example, a chip or other device or component for realizing embodiments could generate data for output to another chip, device or component, or have as an input data from another chip, device, or component, and such an output or input could be referred to as "transmit" and "receive" including gerund forms, that is, "transmitting" and "receiving," as well as such "transmitting" and "receiving" within an RF context.
Referring to Fig. 1, an example aerosol-generating apparatus 1 includes a power supply 2, for supply of electrical energy. The apparatus 1 includes an aerosol-generating unit 4 that is driven by the power supply 2. The power supply 2 may include an electric power supply in the form of a battery and/or an electrical connection to an external power source. The apparatus 1 includes a precursor 6, which in use is aerosolised by the aerosol-generating unit 4 to generate an aerosol. The apparatus 2 includes a delivery system 8 for delivery of the aerosol to a user.
Electrical circuitry (not shown in figure 1) may be implemented to control the interoperability of the power supply 2 and aerosol-generating unit 4.
In variant examples, which are not illustrated, the power supply 2 may be omitted since, e.g. an aerosol-generating unit implemented as an atomiser with flow expansion may not require a power supply.
Fig. 2 shows an implementation of the apparatus 1 of Fig. 1, where the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 is configured to generate aerosol from a liquid precursor.
In this example, the apparatus 1 includes a device body 10 and a consumable 30.
In this example, the device body 10 includes the power supply 2. The body may additionally include any one or more of electrical circuitry 12, a memory 14, a wireless interface 16, one or more other components 18.
The electrical circuitry 12 may include a processing resource for controlling one or more operations of the device body 10 and consumable 30, e.g. based on instructions stored in the memory 14.
The wireless interface 16 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external (e.g. mobile) device, e.g. via Bluetooth.
The other component(s) 18 may include one or more user interface devices configured to convey information to a user and/or a charging port, for example (see e.g. Fig. 3).
The consumable 30 includes a storage portion implemented here as a tank 32 which stores the liquid precursor 6 (e.g. e-liquid). The consumable 30 also includes a heating system 34, one or more air inlets 36, and a mouthpiece 38. The consumable 30 may include one or more other components 40.
The device body 10 and consumable 30 may each include a respective electrical interface (not shown) to provide an electrical connection between one or more components of the device body 10 with one or more components of the consumable 30. In this way, electrical power can be supplied to components (e.g. the heating system 34) of the consumable 30, without the consumable 30 needing to have its own power supply.
In use, a user may activate the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 when inhaling through the mouthpiece 38, i.e. when performing a puff. The puff, performed by the user, may initiate a flow through a flow path in the consumable 30 which extends from the air inlet(s) 34 to the mouthpiece 38 via a region in proximity to the heating system 34.
Activation of the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 may be initiated, for example, by an airflow sensor in the device body 10 which detects airflow in the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 (e.g. caused by a user inhaling through the mouthpiece), or by actuation of an actuator included in the device body 10. Upon activation, the electrical circuitry 12 (e.g. under control of the processing resource) may supply electrical energy from the power supply 2 to the heating system 34 which may cause the heating system 32 to heat liquid precursor 6 drawn from the tank to produce an aerosol which is carried by the flow out of the mouthpiece 38.
In some examples, the heating system 34 may include a heating filament and a wick, wherein a first portion of the wick extends into the tank 32 in order to draw liquid precursor 6 out from the tank 32, wherein the heating filament coils around a second portion of the wick located outside the tank 32. The heating filament may be configured to heat up liquid precursor 6 drawn out of the tank 32 by the wick to produce the aerosol.
In this example, the aerosol-generating unit 4 is provided by the above-described heating system 34 and the delivery system 8 is provided by the above-described flow path and mouthpiece 38.
In variant embodiments (not shown), any one or more of the precursor 6, heating system 34, air inlet(s) 36 and mouthpiece 38, may be included in the device body 10. For example, the mouthpiece 36 may be included in the device body 10 with the precursor 6 and heating system 32 arranged as a separable cartomizer.
Figs. 3A and 3B show an example implementation of the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 of Fig. 2. In this example, the consumable 30 is implemented as a capsule/pod, which is shown in Fig. 3A as being physically coupled to the device body 10, and is shown in Fig. 3B as being decoupled from the device body 10.
In this example, the body 10 and the consumable 30 are configured to be physically coupled together by pushing the consumable 30 into an aperture in a top end 11 the device body 10, with the consumable 30 being retained in the aperture via an interference fit.
In other examples (not shown), the device body 10 and the consumable 30 could be physically coupled together in other ways, e.g. by screwing one onto the other, through a bayonet fitting, or through a snap engagement mechanism, for example.
The device body 10 also includes a charging port (not shown) at a bottom end 13 of the device body 10.
The device body 10 also includes a user interface device configured to convey information to a user. Here, the user interface device is implemented as a light source 57, which may e.g. be configured to illuminate when the apparatus 1 is activated. The light source 57 is an example of an illumination unit 100. Other user interface devices are possible, e.g. to convey information haptically or audibly to a user.
The light source 57 may include a LED that is configured to generate monochromatic light or light of different wavelengths/colours.
The device body 10 also includes an input device 55 which in the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 3a and 3b is a push button. The input device 55 can be pressed for actuation. The input device 55 is in a rest position when it is not pressed. The input device 55 is in an active position when the input device 55 is pressed by a user. The electrical circuity 12 is in data communication with or is electrically connected to the input device 55. The electrical circuity 12 is configured to detect whether the input device 55 is in the rest position or the active position, i.e. is configured to detect a user actuation of the input device 55.
In this example, the consumable 30 has an opaque cap 31, a translucent tank 32 and a translucent window 33. When the consumable 30 is physically coupled to the device body 10 as shown in Fig. 3A, only the cap 31 and window 33 can be seen, with the tank 32 being obscured from view by the device body 10. The device body 10 includes a slot 15 to accommodate the window 33. The window 33 is configured to allow the amount of liquid precursor 6 in the tank 32 to be visually assessed, even when the consumable 30 is physically coupled to the device body 10.
Fig. 4 shows an implementation of the apparatus 1 of Fig. 1, where the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 is configured to generate aerosol by a-heat not-burn process.
In this example, the apparatus 1 includes a device body 50 and a consumable 70.
In this example, the body 50 includes the power supply 2 and a heating system 52. The heating system 54 includes at least one heating element 54. The body may additionally include any one or more of electrical circuitry 12, a memory 14, a wireless interface 16, one or more other components 18.
The electrical circuitry 12 may include a processing resource for controlling one or more operations of the body 50, e.g. based on instructions stored in the memory 14.
The wireless interface 16 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external (e.g. mobile) device, e.g. via Bluetooth.
The other component(s) 62 may include an actuator, one or more user interface devices configured to convey information to a user and/or a charging port, for example (see e.g. Fig. 5).
The body 50 is configured to engage with the consumable 70 such that the at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 penetrates into the solid precursor 6 of the consumable. In use, a user may activate the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 to cause the heating system 52 of the body 50 to cause the at least one heating element 54 to heat the solid precursor 6 of the consumable 70 (without combusting it) by conductive heat transfer, to generate an aerosol which is inhaled by the user.
Fig. 5 shows an example implementation of the aerosol-generating device 1 of Fig. 4.
As depicted in Fig. 5, the consumable 70 is implemented as a stick, which is engaged with the body 50 by inserting the stick into an aperture at a top end 53 of the body 50, which causes the at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 to penetrate into the solid precursor 6.
The consumable 70 includes the solid precursor 6 proximal to the body 50, and a filter distal to the body 50. The filter serves as the mouthpiece of the consumable 70 and thus the apparatus 1 as a whole. The solid precursor 6 may be a reconstituted tobacco formulation.
In this example, the at least one heating element 54 is a rod-shaped element with a circular transverse profile. Other heating element shapes are possible, e.g. the at least one heating element may be blade-shaped (with a rectangular transverse profile) or tube-shaped (e.g. with a hollow transverse profile). In this example, the body 50 includes a cap 51. In use the cap 51 is engaged at a top end 53 of the body 50. Although not apparent from Fig. 5, the cap 51 is moveable relative to the body 50. In particular, the cap 51 is slidable and can slide along a longitudinal axis of the body 50.
The body 50 also includes input device 55 on an outer surface of the body 50. In this example, the input device 55 has the form of a push button.
The body 50 also includes a user interface device configured to convey information to a user. Here, the user interface device is implemented as a plurality of lights 57, which may e.g. be configured to illuminate when the apparatus 1 is activated and/or to indicate a charging state of the power supply 2. Other user interface devices are possible, e.g. to convey information haptically or audibly to a user.
The body may also include an airflow sensor which detects airflow in the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 (e.g. caused by a user inhaling through the consumable 70). This may be used to count puffs, for example.
In this example, the consumable 70 includes a flow path which transmits aerosol generated by the at least one heating element 54 to the mouthpiece of the consumable 70.
In this example, the aerosol-generating unit 4 is provided by the above-described heating system 52 and the delivery system 8 is provided by the above-described flow path and mouthpiece of the consumable 70.
Fig. 6 shows an example system 80 for managing an aerosol-generating apparatus 1, such as those described above with reference to any of Figs. 1-5.
The system 80 as shown in Fig. 1 includes a mobile device 82, an application server 84, an optional charging station 86, as well as the aerosol-generating apparatus 1.
In this example, aerosol-generating apparatus 1 is configured to communicate wirelessly, e.g. via Bluetooth^™, with an application (or "app") installed on the mobile device 2, via a wireless interface included in the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 and via a wireless interface included in the mobile device 82. The mobile device 82 may be a mobile phone, for example. The application on the mobile phone is configured to communicate with the application server 84, via a network 88. The application server 84 may utilise cloud storage, for example.
The network 88 may include a cellular network and/or the internet.
In other examples, the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 may be configured to communicate with the application server 84 via a connection that does not involve the mobile device 82, e.g. via a narrowband internet of things ("NB-loT") or satellite connection. In some examples, the mobile device 82 may be omitted from the system 80.
A skilled person would readily appreciate that the mobile device 82 may be configured to communicate via the network 88 according to various communication channels, preferably a wireless communication channel such as via a cellular network (e.g. according to a standard protocol, such as 3G or 4G) or via a WiFi network.
The app installed on the mobile device 82 and the application server 84 may be configured to assist a user with managing their aerosol-generating apparatus 1, based on information communicated between the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 and the app, information communicated directly between the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 and the application server 84, and/or information communicated between the app and the application server 84. The app installed on the mobile device 82 and the application server 84 may be configured to upload new programs and/or updates on the aerosol-generating apparatus 1.
The charging station 86 (if present) may be configured to charge (and optionally communicate with) the aerosol-generating apparatus 1, via a charging port on the aerosol-generating apparatus 1. The charging port on the device body 10 may be a USB port, for example, which may allow the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 to be charged by any USB-compatible device capable of delivering power to the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 via a suitable USB cable (in this case the USB-compatible device would be acting as the charging station 86). Alternatively, the charging station could be a docking station specifically configured to dock with the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 and charge the aerosol-generating apparatus 1via the charging port on the aerosol-generating apparatus 1.
The aerosol-generating apparatus of the exemplary embodiments of Figs. 1 to 5 can include a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, one or more electrical components of the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 are prevented by the electrical circuitry 12 from being activated. For example, the aerosol-generating unit 4 may be prevented from being activated despite user activation such as drawing on the aerosol-generating apparatus 1. In the unlocked state, the electrical circuitry 12 allows activation of one or more electrical components of the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 upon user activation. The aerosol-generating apparatus 1 may be switched from the locked state to the unlocked state upon appropriate actuation of the input device 55.
An exemplary method for switching in the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 from the locked state to the unlocked state will be described in connection with Fig. 7.
In step S1, it is detected where the user actuates the input device 55 according to an actuation pattern. This may be implemented in that the electrical circuitry 12 detects if and/or how long the input device 55 is operated, for example if and/or how long the user presses the pushbutton. The actuation pattern may define a sequence of actuations of the input device 55, for example one or more short or long presses of the pushbutton. If the user actuates the input device 55 according to the actuation pattern, the method proceeds with step S2.
In step S2, the electrical circuitry 12 controls the illumination unit 100 to generate a first light signal of a sequence of light signals. Each light signal of the sequence of light signals differs from any other light signal of the sequence. The light signals may differ in the periodicity of blinking/flashing, the duration of illumination, and/or the colour/wavelength of illumination. Another possible implementation of different light signals is shown in Fig. 8a. In the example of Fig. 8a, each different light signal corresponds to the illumination of a different light source 57 of the illumination unit 100 (in the embodiment of Figs. 8a and 8b, five light sources 57 unlike the embodiment of Fig. 5 where four light sources 57 are provided). In the example of Fig. 8a, five different light signals are generated or, in other words, the sequence includes five light signals. Each light source 57 may generate light of the same colour. Further, each light signal is generated for the same period of time.
In step S3, the actuation of the input device 55 is detected during the generation of the first light signal. This may include detecting the number and/or the duration of the actuation of the input device 55, e.g. the number and/or duration of presses of the pushbutton. The electrical circuitry 12 may detect the actuation of the input device 55.
In step S4, the detected actuation of the input device 55 is compared to an unlocking pattern which includes an actuation requirement or a non-actuation requirement for each light signal of the sequence. The unlocking pattern may be stored in the memory 14. For each light signal, the actuation requirement defines the number and/or duration of the actuation of the input device 55, e.g. the number and duration of presses of the pushbutton. The non-actuation requirement defines that no actuation of the input device 55 is expected for the respective light signal. In Step 4, the actuation detected in step S3 is compared to the stored actuation/non-actuation requirement. For example, for the first light signal, the unlocking pattern includes an actuation requirement which includes two presses pushbutton.
If the detected actuation does not correspond to the respective actuation/non-actuation requirement, the method proceeds with step S5 in which the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 is maintained in the locked state.
On the other hand, if the detected actuation corresponds to the respective actuation/non-actuation requirement during the comparison step S4, the method proceeds to step S6 in which it is decided whether the light signal was the last light signal of the sequence. If the light signal was not the last light signal of the sequence, the method returns to step S2 and proceeds with the next light signal of the sequence (e.g. the generation of the second light signal). The actuation/non-actuation requirement for the second light signal may differ from the actuation/non-actuation requirement of the first light signal. For example, for the second light signal, a non-actuation requirement is stored in the locking pattern. This means that the user should not actuates the input device 55 as long as the second light signal is generated. Alternatively, for the second light signal, a second actuation requirement is stored in the locking pattern which may require a single actuation of the input device 55.
Fig. 8b shows five examples of actuation patterns. In the example of Fig. 8b, the actuation requirement includes a single operation of the input device 55 and is indicated by a crossed circle. The non-actuation requirement corresponds to no actuation of the input device during the generation of the respective light signal and is indicated by an un-crossed circle (free circle). Each example of the five examples depicts whether the input device 55 should be activated during the generation of the corresponding light signal. For example, in the first example (first row), the input device 55 needs to be activated during the first, third, and fourth light signals. In the third example, the input device 55 needs to be only activated during the third light signal.
If the light signal of step S6 is the last light signal of the sequence, the method proceeds with step S7 in which the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state.
An exemplary method for storing a new unlocking pattern will be described in connection with Fig. 9.
In step S10, it is detected where the user actuates the input device 55 according to a storing pattern. This may be implemented in that the electrical circuitry 12 detects if and/or how long the input device 55 is activated, for example if and/or how long the user presses the pushbutton. The storing pattern may define a sequence of actuations of the input device 55, for example one or more short or long presses of the pushbutton. If the user actuates the input device 55 according to the storing pattern, the method proceeds with step S11. Optionally, the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 needs to be in the unlocked state for starting the process of Fig. 9.
In step S11, the electrical circuitry 12 controls the illumination unit 100 to generate the first light signal of the sequence of light signals. The sequence of light signals is the same a used for the method for switching the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 from the locked state to unlocked state described in connection with Fig. 7.
In step S12, the actuation of the input device 55 is detected during the generation of the first light signal. This may include detecting the number and/or the duration of the actuation of the input device 55, e.g. the number and duration of presses of the pushbutton. If one or more actuations are detected during the generation of the first light signal, this is stored as a first actuation requirement of the new locking pattern. If no actuation is detected during the generation of the first light signal, this is stored as a first non-actuation requirement of the new locking pattern.
The method proceeds to step S13 in which it is determined whether the light signal was the last light signal of the sequence. If the light signal was not the last light signal of the sequence, the method returns to step S11 and proceeds with the next light signal of the sequence (e.g. the generation of the second light signal). The actuation/non-actuation requirement for the second light signal is stored in step S12.
If the light signal of step S13 is the last light signal of the sequence, the method proceeds with step S14 in which the process ends. The new unlocking pattern needs then to be used for unlocking the aerosol-generating apparatus 1. For example, after completion of the method of Fig. 9, the method for unlocking the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 of Fig. 7 is executed with the new locking pattern.
An exemplary method for adding an unlocking functionality with an existing aerosol-generating apparatus 1 will be described in connection with Fig. 10.
In step 20, it is checked whether the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 includes an illumination unit 100 configured to generate a plurality of light signals and an input device 55 that is configured to at least be moved from a rest position to an active position. Further, it is checked whether electrical circuitry 12 is configured to upload a new software or program. If all checks are positive, the method proceeds with step S21.
In step S21, the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 is set in data communication with a device on which the programme to be uploaded to the aerosol generator apparatus 1 is stored, e.g. the application server 84 or the mobile device 82. Once the data communication is established, the method proceeds with step S22.
In step S22, the software including instructions which allow unlocking as of the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 in a way described in connection with Fig. 7 are uploaded to the aerosol-generating apparatus 1. After a successful upload, the aerosol-generating apparatus 1 will execute the method of Fig. 7 when a user wants to unlock the aerosol-generating apparatus 1.

Claims

An aerosol-generating apparatus configured to generate an aerosol from a consumable (30, 70), comprising
an illumination unit (100) configured to generate a plurality of light signals visible to a user of the aerosol-generating apparatus (1),

an input device (55) configured for an actuation by the user from a rest position to an active position, and

electrical circuitry (12) configured to control the illumination unit (100) to generate a predetermined temporal sequence of light signals, each successive light signal of the sequence differing from previous light signal of the sequence,

wherein the electrical circuitry (12) is configured to switch the aerosol-generating apparatus (1) between a locked state, in which the electrical circuitry (12) prevents a functionality of the aerosol-generating apparatus (1) from being activated, and an unlocked state, in which the electrical circuitry (12) allows activation of said functionality,

wherein the electrical circuitry (12) is configured to store an unlocking pattern which links each light signal of the sequence with an actuation requirement or a non-actuation requirement,

wherein the electrical circuitry (12) is configured to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state if
the electrical circuitry (12) detects actuation of the input device (55) during the generation of each light signal of the sequence for which the actuation requirement is stored, and

the electrical circuitry (12) detects no actuation of the of the input device (55) during the generation of each light signal of the sequence for which the non-actuation requirement is stored.
The aerosol-generating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrical circuitry (12) is configured to control the illumination unit (100) such that each light signal of the sequence differs from any other light signal of the sequence..
The aerosol-generating apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the illumination unit (100) is configured to generate light of different wavelengths,
wherein the electrical circuitry (12) is configured to control the illumination unit (100) such that the light signals differ in the wavelength of the generated light.
The aerosol-generating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the illumination unit (100) includes a plurality of light sources (57) spaced from each other,
wherein the electrical circuitry (12) is configured to control the illumination unit (100) such that the light signals differ in the light source (57) that is illuminated.
The aerosol-generating apparatus of claim 4, wherein the light sources (57) are LEDs.
The aerosol-generating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the electrical circuitry (12) is configured to store an actuation pattern which includes one or more actuations of the input device (55),
wherein, for unlocking the aerosol-generating apparatus (1), the electrical circuitry (12) is configured to start the sequence of light signals after detecting actuation of the input device (55) according to the actuation pattern.
The aerosol-generating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the electrical circuitry (12) is configured to store a storing pattern which includes one or more actuations of the input device (55),
wherein, for storing a new unlocking pattern, the electrical circuitry (12) is configured to
start the sequence of light signals after detecting actuation of the input device (55) according to the storing pattern,

detect the actuation or non-actuation of the input device (55) during the generation of each light signal of the sequence,

store a non-actuation requirement of the new unlocking pattern for each light signal of the sequence for which no actuation of the input device (55) was detected, and

store an actuation requirement of the new unlocking pattern for each light signal of the sequence for which an actuation of the input device (55) was detected.
The aerosol-generating apparatus of claim 7 or 8, wherein the actuation pattern and/or the storing pattern define the number of actuations and/or the duration of the actuations of the input device (55).
The aerosol-generating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the actuation requirement includes a number of actuations and/or duration of actuations of the input device (55).
The aerosol-generating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the input device (55) is a push button.
The aerosol-generating apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising an aerosol-generating unit (4) configured to generate an aerosol from a consumable (30, 70),
wherein, in the locked state, the controller prevents the aerosol-generating unit (4) from generating the aerosol.
The aerosol-generating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein a duration of the generation of the light signal is the same for each light signal.
The aerosol-generating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the electrical circuitry (12) is configured to control the illumination unit (100) to generate a predetermined light signal different from any light signal in the sequence of light signals when switching the aerosol-generating apparatus (1) from the locked state to the unlocked state.
A method for unlocking a functionality of an aerosol-generating apparatus (1) configured to generate an aerosol from a consumable (30, 70), comprising the steps of
controlling an illumination unit (100) of the aerosol-generating apparatus (1) so that a sequence of illumination signals is displayed to a user, each successive light signal of the sequence differing from the previous light signal of the sequence,

detecting during the generation of each light signal whether the user actuates an input device (55) of the aerosol-generating apparatus (1) from a rest position to an active position,

unlocking the functionality if
actuation of the input device (55) is detected during the generation of each light signal of the sequence, the actuation corresponding to a pre-stored actuation requirement, and

no actuation of the of the input device (55) is detected during the generation of each light signal of the sequence for which a non-actuation requirement is stored.
A method for adding an unlocking functionality to an existing aerosol-generating apparatus (1),
wherein the aerosol-generating apparatus (1) includes
an illumination unit (100) configured to generate a plurality of light signals visible to a user of the aerosol-generating apparatus (1),

an input device (55) actuatable by the user from a rest position to an active position, and

an electrical circuitry (12) configured to control the illumination unit (100) and configured to store a new program to be executed by the electrical circuitry (12),

wherein the method includes updating a program stored with the electrical circuitry (12), the updated program comprises instructions which, when the updated program is executed by the electrical circuitry (12), cause the electrical circuitry (12) to carry out the method of claim 14.