RU2775531C2 - Aerosol generating device providing visual user interface, method for individual setting of perceived sensations provided by such a device, and constant machine-readable data carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco industry.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to an aerosol generating device, a method for individual setting of such a device, and a constant machine-readable data carrier. The aerosol generating device providing a visual user interface contains a case containing a curved outer surface surrounding a longitudinal axis, a flexible screen containing a curved viewing surface at least partially surrounding the longitudinal axis, located adjacently to the curved outer surface, an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from aerosol generating substrate, and a control circuit functionally connected to the flexible screen and containing a storage device for storing an image in motion. The control circuit is made with the possibility of display of the image in motion on the curved viewing surface in response to the activation of the aerosol generator. The control circuit is made with the possibility of modulation of the display of the image in motion in response to a user puff profile used for the activation of the aerosol generator. The integration of the visual user interface around the device provides the device with a shape similar to a shape of usual cigarettes.

EFFECT: convenient method for individual setting of perceived sensations provided by an aerosol generating device is provided due to the possibility of implementation of loaded visual and artistic effects, selection and configurations.

13 cl, 8 dwg

Description

The present description relates to user interfaces, such as a visual user interface, configured to display static images or images in motion around an aerosol generating device.

Hand held aerosol generating devices such as electronic cigarettes with cartomizers are known which use a liquid to be vaporized or a solid material (which may contain tobacco) to be heated to generate an inhalable aerosol (see, for example, US 2017/0251724). A1). Such devices can provide alternative sensations to conventionally burned cigarettes. Some devices may look and feel similar to conventional cigarettes, which may be familiar, easy to handle, portable and easy to manufacture. In particular, some devices are in the form of an axisymmetric cylindrical body and have an internal breath-activated switch to activate the generation or release of an inhaled aerosol.

Conventional cigarettes provide a range of perceived sensations. These perceived sensations may include one or more of the senses, such as taste, smell, touch, hearing, and sight. Some examples of visual sensations from a conventional cigarette include the appearance of fire when burned and the reduction in length. On the other hand, alternative aerosol generating devices often do not provide all the perceived sensations of a conventional cigarette. For example, the heater coil may be insulated from user interaction, or may provide no visible light to the user, and consumption of a supply of fluid does not visually shorten the overall length of the device.

It would be desirable to provide users with aerosol generating devices with an improved feel of use, aerosol generating devices that provide the user with more perceived sensations, especially visual sensations, in response to user interaction while retaining the familiar shape of a conventional cigarette. It would also be desirable to provide users with this visual experience without complicating the use of the device. It would also be desirable to allow consumers to customize their viewing experience in a convenient manner.

Various aspects of the present invention relate to an aerosol generating device providing a visual user interface. The device includes a housing having a curved outer surface surrounding the longitudinal axis. The device also includes a flexible display having a curved viewing surface at least partially surrounding a longitudinal axis adjacent to the curved outer surface. The device further comprises an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate. In addition, the device includes a control circuit operatively connected to the flexible display and containing a storage device for storing an image in motion. The control circuit is configured to display an image in motion on a curved viewing surface in response to activation of the aerosol generator.

In one or more aspects, the flexible display is an AMOLED display.

In one or more aspects, the flexible display is touch sensitive.

In one or more aspects, the flexible display is configured to display one or more selectable items.

In one or more aspects, the flexible display extends about 90 degrees or more about the longitudinal axis.

In one or more aspects, the flexible display is in the form of a partial cylinder.

In one or more aspects, the flexible display is located further away from the mouthpiece, the actuator, or both, and the actuator is configured to activate the aerosol generator in response to a user press.

In one or more aspects, the control circuitry is further configured to modulate the motion picture display in response to the user's puff profile used to activate the aerosol generator.

In one or more aspects, the image in motion includes changing the color of at least one portion of the curved viewing surface.

In one or more aspects, the control circuitry is further configured to display a static image or an image in motion when the user is not puffing on the mouthpiece of the device.

In one or more aspects, the storage device is configured to store an image in motion using at least about 500 kilobytes.

In one or more aspects, the storage device is configured to store a plurality of images containing an image in motion.

In one or more aspects, the control circuitry comprises a communication interface configured to download one or more images from a user's remote access device.

Various aspects of the present invention relate to a remote user access device for use with an aerosol generating device. The user's remote access device is configured to provide the aerosol generating device with one or more of an image, a user selection, and a configuration of the aerosol generating device over a communication interface.

Various aspects of the present invention relate to a method for use with an aerosol generating device. The method includes detecting activation of an aerosol generator in an aerosol generating device and displaying an image in motion on a curved surface to view the flexible display.

Various aspects of the present invention relate to a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program stored thereon which, when executed on a programmable electrical circuit, causes that programmable electrical circuit to carry out this method.

By using an aerosol generating device with a visual user interface, there is the advantage of being able to provide a visual artistic effect that contributes to the range of perceived sensations and interactions available to the user when puffing, without puffing, or both, which contributes to the aesthetic attractiveness both in personal perception and in the social environment. At the same time, integrating a visual user interface around the device may allow the device to have a shape similar to that of conventional cigarettes, which is familiar. The aerosol generating device may also provide a convenient way to customize the perceived experience provided by the aerosol generating device by allowing downloadable visual and artistic effects, selections and configurations. Having a touch-sensitive display in the aerosol generating device can further enhance the interaction, reconfigurability, and customization of the perceived sensation offered by the aerosol generating device. Other advantages will be apparent to a person skilled in the art when using the present invention. The present invention describes an aerosol generating device in more detail.

All scientific and technical terms used in this document have the meanings commonly used in the art, unless otherwise indicated. The definitions provided in this document are intended to facilitate understanding of certain terms commonly used in this document.

The term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device containing an aerosol generating substrate. Preferably, the aerosol generating device also includes an aerosol generator such as a nebulizer or heater.

The term "aerosol-generating substrate" refers to a device or substrate that, when heated, releases volatile compounds capable of producing an aerosol to be inhaled by the user. Suitable aerosol generating substrates may contain plant material. For example, the aerosol generating substrate may comprise tobacco or a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol generating substrate upon heating. In addition or alternatively, the aerosol generating substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol generating substrate may contain homogenized plant material. The aerosol generating substrate may contain at least one aerosol generating agent. The aerosol generating substrate may contain other additives and ingredients such as flavors. Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate is liquid at room temperature. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid solution, suspension, dispersion, or the like. Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate may contain glycerin, propylene glycol, water, nicotine, and optionally one or more flavors. Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate contains nicotine.

The term "tobacco material" refers to a substance containing tobacco, including, for example, tobacco blends or flavored tobacco.

The present description relates to visual user interfaces, such as a visual user interface for an aerosol generating device. The term "cartomizer" refers to the combination of cartridge and atomizer that is part of an electronic cigarette.

The visual user interface may be at least partially provided by the display. The display may be located at any suitable location along the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include a mouthpiece (which may include a mouthpiece) and a controller portion (which may include a control circuit). A thermal brake may be located between the mouthpiece and the controller. The display may be further away from the mouthpiece and/or the actuator. In particular, the display may be connected to the housing of the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device may comprise an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate may be formed in the form of a cartridge or a heated stick or may be contained in them, while they may be connected to the body of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating substrate may be associated with a substrate identifier or other substrate related parameters such as ideal heating temperature or capacity. The identifier may be located on the container with the substrate (for example, the cartridge or the body of the heated stick).

The aerosol generator may be operably connected to an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol upon activation. In particular, the aerosol generator may be thermally coupled to the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generator may also be connected to the body of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generator may be at least partially or completely located in the mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generator may be at least partially located in the controller part.

The aerosol generator may use any suitable technology to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generator may use heat to generate the aerosol and may include a heating plate or heater. Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol generator may include a vibrating element that may not need to be heated to generate the aerosol. A heating plate may be useful for inserting into a solid substrate and heating to form an aerosol. The heater may include a heating element located adjacent to the liquid substrate, which is heated to form an aerosol. The heater may be a mesh heater. The grid heater may allow liquid substrate stored in the storage compartment to pass through voids in the grid heater from one surface of the grid to the opposite surface of the grid.

The aerosol generator may be a heating plate that heats the substrate of the smokable material to generate an aerosol from the smokable material. The aerosol generating substrate may be located in the substrate housing. The substrate can be described as a heated stick or as its contents. The aerosol generator may be connected to a disposable device for aerosolizing the heated stick or the contents of the heated stick. The heating plate may be inserted into the heated stick to heat the aerosol generating substrate. The heat supplied by the heating plate to the heated stick cannot ignite the smoking material. The smoking material may contain tobacco.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generator may include a heater, a heater coil, a chemical heat source such as a carbon heat source, or any suitable means that heats the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol from the liquid substrate. The aerosol generator may receive electrical energy or power to isolate or generate an aerosol from the liquid substrate. The aerosol generator may be a heater whose temperature varies depending on the electrical energy received. For example, the heater temperature may increase in response to a higher received voltage. The aerosol generator may be located adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate. For example, an aerosol generator may be attached adjacent to the liquid substrate.

The aerosol generator may be compatible for use with an aerosol generating substrate having a nicotine source and a lactic acid source. The nicotine source may comprise a sorption element, such as a PTFE wick, with nicotine adsorbed thereon, which may be inserted into the chamber forming the first compartment. The source of lactic acid may comprise a sorption element, such as a PTFE wick, with lactic acid adsorbed thereon, which may be inserted into the chamber forming the second compartment. The aerosol generator may include a heater for heating both the nicotine source and the lactic acid source. In this case, the nicotine vapor can react with the lactic acid vapor in the gas phase to form an aerosol.

The aerosol generator may be compatible for use with an aerosol generating substrate having a capsule that contains nicotine particles and is located in the cavity. When inhaled by the user, the air flow can rotate the capsule. Said rotation can suspend and aerosolize nicotine particles.

The aerosol generating device may comprise an actuating element. The actuating element may contain a button or another type of switch. The actuator may be actuated in response to a press, switch, or other manipulation by the user. Activation of the actuating element may initiate various functionalities of the aerosol generating substrate. The visual user interface may be activated in response to activation of the actuator. The aerosol generator may be activated in response to actuation of the actuating element.

The actuating element may be connected to the housing of the aerosol generating device. For example, the actuating element may be located in or on the body of the aerosol generating device for user access. In particular, the actuating element can be located on the control part of the aerosol generating device. An actuating element may be associated with one or more functions. An actuator may be used to turn on (eg, activate) and turn off (eg, deactivate) the aerosol generator or other components of the aerosol generating device. The actuator may use any suitable mechanism to receive input from the user, such as a mechanical button that can be pressed by the user.

The power supply may be used to supply power to the aerosol generator or other components of the aerosol generating device. The power source may be operatively connected to at least the aerosol generator. The power supply may also be operatively connected to a display or control circuit. The power source may be located in the controller portion of the aerosol generating device. The power source may be a battery. The battery can be disposable or rechargeable. The power supply may include a charging interface configured to be operably connected to an external power supply to charge the battery.

In addition to or as an alternative to the actuating element, a puff sensor may be operatively connected to the aerosol generator to activate the aerosol generator. The puff sensor may be operatively connected to the controller of the aerosol generating device. The puff sensor may detect inhalation by the user at the mouthpiece portion of the aerosol generating device. A puff sensor may be positioned within an airflow channel in the aerosol generating device to detect when a user inhales or puffs on the device. Puff can be detected by the controller using a puff sensor. Non-limiting types of puff sensors may include one or more of the following: a vibrating membrane, a piezoelectric sensor, a mesh membrane, a pressure sensor (eg, a capacitive pressure sensor), and an airflow switch.

In response to puff detection, the puff sensor may provide a puff profile that may describe the amount or intensity (eg, rate) of inhalation. Any suitable puff detection mechanism may be used. The puff sensor may include at least a portion of a control circuit for receiving a signal from the puff sensor.

The housing of the aerosol generating device may form an outer surface. The outer surface may be bent around the longitudinal axis. In particular, the outer surface may at least partially or completely surround the longitudinal axis. The display may have a viewing surface that is also curved around a longitudinal axis. The curved viewing surface may at least partially or completely surround the longitudinal axis. The curved viewing surface and the curved outer surface of the housing together can contribute to an overall shape of the aerosol generating device that is familiar to users of conventional cigarettes. The curved viewing surface may also provide an increased viewing angle, which may improve aesthetic appeal to others in the social setting.

The viewing surface may be located adjacent to the curved outer surface of the housing. The viewing surface may be located at the same level, a level above (eg, protrude) or below (eg, be recessed) relative to the outer surface of the housing. The display may have the same shape as the outer surface of the housing. The display may be in the form of a partial cylinder or be cylindrical. The display may extend at least partially or completely around the outer surface of the housing.

The display may be a flexible display to facilitate the formation of a curved viewing surface. In particular, the flexible display may be curved to provide a curved viewing surface. When the display is attached or otherwise connected to the housing, the display may no longer be able to flex, such as when the display is at least partially or completely attached.

The curved viewing surface may extend at least partially around the longitudinal axis. For example, the curved viewing surface may extend at least about 90 degrees, about 180 degrees, about 270 degrees, or more. The viewing surface may extend completely around the longitudinal axis and the outer surface of the housing. For example, the viewing surface may extend approximately 360 degrees around the longitudinal axis. The viewing surface may extend about a longitudinal axis in a range of about 90 degrees to about 360 degrees, about 180 degrees to about 360 degrees, or about 270 degrees to about 360 degrees.

The display may contain a plurality of pixels, for example arranged in a matrix, which are capable of forming images. The display can be used to display different images at different times. The pictures may be still pictures or pictures in motion, which may be a sequence of still pictures or a coded picture in motion. The display may show one or more viewable items, selectable items, and colors. The display may be a color display. The color display may be an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display such as an AMOLED display manufactured by TIANMA.

The display may have sufficient pixel density to provide visual fidelity that is pleasing to the eye. The display may have a minimum resolution that is greater than or equal to approximately 50 dots per inch (dpi), approximately 72 dpi, approximately 100 dpi, approximately 150 dpi, approximately 300 dpi, approximately 600 dpi, approximately 800 dpi, approximately 1000 dpi, approximately 1500 dpi , approximately 2000 dpi, approximately 2500 dpi, or approximately 3000 dpi. Preferably, the display may have a minimum resolution of about 800 dpi, about 802 dpi, about 804 dpi, about 806 dpi, or about 808 dpi. The display may have a maximum resolution equal to or less than about 3000 dpi, about 2700 dpi, about 2600 dpi, about 2500 dpi, about 2000 dpi, about 1500, about 1000 dpi, about 800 dpi, about 600 dpi, about 300 dpi, approximately 150 dpi, approximately 100 dpi, or approximately 72 dpi. The display may have a resolution in the range of about 50 dpi to about 3500 dpi, about 72 dpi to about 3000 dpi, about 200 dpi to about 2000 dpi, or about 400 dpi to about 1000 dpi. Preferably, the display may have a minimum resolution of approximately 401 dpi, a maximum resolution of approximately 806 dpi, or a resolution in the range of approximately 401 dpi to approximately 806 dpi.

The minimum resolution may depend on the characters to be shown on the display. For example, the minimum resolution may be at least 806 dpi for Chinese characters.

The display may be of a suitable size for use in a hand held aerosol generating device. In particular, the display may be limited by the size of the aerosol generating device, being large enough to display visually appealing images. The display may have a viewable surface area greater than or equal to about 0.5 mm by 0.5 mm, about 1 mm by about 1 mm, or about 2 mm by 2 mm. The screen surface area viewed may be less than or equal to the surface area of the aerosol generating device.

The flexible display may include a touch sensitive component that can be used to receive user input and to facilitate touch interaction with the aerosol generating device. The touch-sensitive component may be a transparent touch screen located on the display viewing surface, at least partially or completely covering the viewing surface. The touch-sensitive component may include a selectable element located near or adjacent to the viewing surface (eg, a touch button not located above the viewing surface). The touch-sensitive component may be made using any suitable technique such as capacitive touch-sensing or resistive touch-sensing.

A viewing surface may be used to display one or more selectable elements, such as "virtual" touch buttons or graphical elements corresponding to touch-sensitive areas of a touch-sensitive component. For example, the viewing surface may show a single selectable item, and the touch-sensitive component may define a touch button over the selectable item. One selectable item can be used for one function, such as a power button to turn the aerosol generating device on and off, or a display. Alternatively, a single selectable element may be used for multiple functions. For example, one selectable element may function as a power button when the first image is displayed on the viewing surface, and may function as a battery test button when the second image is displayed on the viewing surface. Any other suitable functions may also be associated with a single selectable element.

The viewing surface may be used to display a plurality of selectable items, each of which may be associated with a different function, and each of which may be associated with different functions depending on the image currently displayed on the viewing surface. For example, the first selectable item may be used as a power button and the second selectable item may be used as a battery test button.

One or more selectable items may be stored as data locally on the aerosol generating device, such as in a local storage device. The aerosol generating device may have limited storage capacity available for data storage. The capacity may be limited, for example, by the physical size of the aerosol generating device. One or more selectable elements may be loaded into the aerosol generating device to provide a wider range of visual artistic effects available to the user. The downloaded selectable items may be associated with the same, similar or different functionality as the selected items already stored on the aerosol generating device.

The control circuit of the aerosol generating device may include one or more of a display driver, a communication interface, a controller (eg, a microprocessor or microcontroller), and a storage device. The control circuitry may be operatively connected to one or more of a display, an actuator, an aerosol generator, and a puff sensor to provide various functionality of the aerosol generating device.

One or more of the controllers described herein may include a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), computer, logic array, or other device capable of directing data to or from an aerosol generating device. The controller contains one or more computing devices having hardware for storage, processing and communication. The functions of the controller may be implemented in hardware and/or as computer instructions on a permanent, computer-readable medium.

The controller processor may include any one or more of the following: microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuit. In some examples, a processor may comprise multiple components, such as any combination of one or more microprocessors, one or more controllers, one or more digital signal processors, one or more ASICs, or one or more field programmable gate arrays, as well as other discrete or integrated logic circuits. Functions referred to in this document as a controller or processor may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. Although the controller is described herein as a processor-based system, an alternative controller may use other components such as relays and timers to achieve the desired results, either alone or in combination with a microprocessor-based system.

In one or more embodiments, exemplary systems, methods, and interfaces may be implemented by one or more computer programs on a computing device, which may include one or more processors and/or storage devices. Program codes and/or logic described herein may be applied to input data/information to implement the functionality described herein and to generate the desired output data/information. The output/information may be applied as input to one or more other devices and/or methods as described herein, or they may be applied in a known manner. From the foregoing, it clearly follows that the functionality of the controller described in this document can be implemented in any way known to specialists in this field of technology.

The control circuit may be used to provide different modes of the aerosol generating device. One example includes a visual art effect in relation to an activation mode in which an image in motion can be displayed on a viewing surface in response to activation of an aerosol generator, such as by an actuator or a puff sensor. Upon detecting a puff and optionally receiving a puff exercise profile, the controller may obtain a memory location address associated with the visual art effect to be displayed. The data associated with the visual artistic effect can be retrieved from the storage device at the address of the memory location of the storage device. The data can be used to display or show a visual artistic effect on a display review surface. The visual art effect may be a static image, or preferably an image in motion to enhance visual appeal.

Other image data, such as user manuals or user messages, may be output in a similar manner, for example, in response to user actions other than a puff. A user's remote access device (eg, smartphone or tablet) may be used to detect one or more types of user actions, such as touchscreen input.

The visual artistic effect may be displayed simultaneously with the activation of the aerosol generator, which may contribute to an effect similar to burning a conventional cigarette in response to a puff taken by the user. The control circuit may be used to activate the aerosol generator in response to a puff detection or activation of an actuator. The visual artistic effect may have a duration that lasts for at least part or all of the duration of the puff. The visual artistic effect may last longer than the duration of the puff. For example, the visual art effect may last up to about 5 seconds after the user has completed a puff. For example, the visual art may be a motion picture that ends the animation when the user completes a puff or within about 5 seconds after the user completes a puff.

Another example of an aerosol generating device mode includes a visual artistic effect as a continuous screensaver mode. This mode can display a splash screen when the user is not puffing on the mouthpiece of the device. The splash screen may contain a static image or an image in motion, which can be retrieved from the storage device. The splash screen may or may not be associated with the image displayed in response to activation. For example, the control circuitry may transition from a continuous splash mode to an activation mode in response to a puff being taken by the user, and may transition back to a continuous splash mode when the user stops puffing. Having an associated image can contribute to a more consistent visual experience as you transition between modes. A visual artistic effect in the form of a continuous screensaver mode can display a static image as a screensaver, for example, to save power compared to displaying an image in motion as a screensaver.

Another example includes a user interface mode configuration. This mode can display a user interface image that can be stored in a storage device. The user interface image may contain one or more selectable elements or viewable elements. User selection of selectable items using touch screen buttons or other buttons can be detected.

Another example of an aerosol generating device mode includes a user's remote access device mode configuration. In this mode, an image, user selection, or device configuration can be provided to the aerosol generating device from the user's remote access device using a communication interface. The user's remote access device may be a smartphone or tablet. The communication interface may use any suitable communication protocol such as Bluetooth. The image may be a static image or an image in motion, which may represent a new visual artistic effect not yet present in memory, or a new visual image of the user interface (eg, a new location of selectable or viewable elements). The selection made by the user may be the selection of a visual artistic effect by the user using a touch screen or a user's remote access device. The device configuration may include automatic selection of a visual art effect based on the detection of an aerosol generating substrate, such as by detecting an identifier.

Another example of a mode includes a modulated visual art effect mode. This mode can use the detected puff profile to enhance the visual appeal associated with the puff. In particular, the visual artistic effect can be modulated based on the puff profile. When the user takes a more intense puff, the visual art effect may be modulated in relation to one or more of brightness, contrast, color or hue, animation speed, size, and visual quality, respectively, for example. For example, a moderate puff can cause a visual artistic effect to be displayed at nominal speed. Coarse or fast puffs can result in a visual art effect modulated to display at a higher speed, such as approximately 1.5 times the nominal speed. A shallow or slow puff can result in visual art being modulated to display at a slower speed, such as approximately 0.5 times the nominal speed.

The control circuit may comprise any suitable type of storage device. Said storage device may have a physical size that is conveniently placed in the housing of the aerosol generating device. The memory device may have a length and a width that is less than or equal to about 3 mm by about 2 mm and a thickness dimension that is less than both the length and the width. The length and width may be less than or equal to about 2.92 mm by about 1.52 mm. The storage device may be a serial flash memory having a capacity suitable for storing at least static image data or image data in motion. One example of a storage device having a convenient size and capacity is the LES25S161 storage device in the WLCSP8 package manufactured by ONSemiconductor.

The storage device may store data representing one or more still images or images in motion (eg, as part of the factory settings, or as downloaded by the user using the user's remote access device). The storage device may store one, two or more images. The storage device can store a plurality of images. One or more stored images may use a total of at least about 500, about 700, about 900, about 1000 kilobytes of storage capacity. Other data may also be stored in the storage device in addition to the image data. The storage device may have a total storage capacity that is less than or equal to about 4096 kilobytes or about 2048 kilobytes.

The control circuit communication interface may be used for functional communication with the user's remote access device, for example, for data transmission. One or more images may be downloaded to the aerosol generating device from a user's remote access device using a communication interface. Application or "app." can be installed on the user's remote access device such as a smartphone or tablet. The application can be used to accept user input and to configure which visual art effects should be shown on the viewing surface under various conditions. The functional connection may be wired or, preferably, wireless. The communication interface may comprise one or more of an antenna (for wireless communications) or a mini universal serial bus (USB) (for wired communications). The communication interface may use a Bluetooth protocol, such as Bluetooth Low Energy, to provide wireless communication.

Any suitable static image may be an image displayed on the flexible display viewing surface. A static image may include a cartoon-like image or a realistic image. The static image can be displayed in color on a part of the entire surface for viewing.

Any suitable image in motion may be an image displayed on the viewing surface of the flexible display. An image in motion can be displayed as continuous movement or changes on the flexible display. For example, the brightness or color of different pixels may vary. The motion image may include a cartoon-like image, a live action image, or a realistic action image (eg, using computer graphics). Non-limiting examples of images in motion include: an animated flame, an animated object or creature (such as a fire-breathing dragon or a firework), changing the color of at least one portion of the viewing surface, emulating normal burning and decreasing length, and time modulating a static image or movement in movement (for example, changing speed or color tone).

An image in motion may be stored as data in the memory of the aerosol generating device, which may use a larger storage capacity than for a static image. The motion picture may be stored using an average compression rate greater than or equal to about 1, about 1.5, or about 2 megabits per second. Preferably, the motion picture can be stored using an average compression rate of about 1.5 megabits per second (about 188 kilobytes per second). The data or image file in motion associated with the puff may have a nominal animation duration of about 0.5 to about 10 seconds, about 1 to about 7.5 seconds, about 2 to about 5 seconds. Preferably, the nominal duration of an image-in-motion animation may be from about 2 to about 5 seconds. Each motion picture file or data associated with one motion picture may use a storage capacity of less than or equal to about 2, about 1.5, about 1, or about 0.9 megabytes. Preferably, each motion picture file may use approximately 1 megabyte of storage capacity.

The remote user access device may be any suitable remote user access device configured to communicate with the aerosol generating device. For example, the user's remote access device may be a smartphone, tablet, or other device remote from the aerosol generating device. The user's remote access device may include its own communication interface for operative connection to the aerosol generating device. The functional connection may be wired or, preferably, wireless. The communication interface may comprise one or more of an antenna (for wireless communications) or a mini universal serial bus (USB) (for wired communications). The communication interface may use a Bluetooth protocol, such as Bluetooth Low Energy, to provide wireless communication. The communication interface may also be configured to connect the user's remote access device to the Internet.

The user's remote access device may be used for various functionality related to the aerosol generating device. Non-limiting examples of using a user's remote access device include managing images, obtaining a user's choice, and configuring an aerosol generating device. Non-limiting examples of configuring an aerosol generating device include selecting a particular visual art effect to display on a viewing surface, loading one or more visual art effects, and selecting a color of the visual art effect (especially in the case of a puff color change effect).

Although the user's remote access device may facilitate certain functions of the aerosol generating device, such as the configuration of the aerosol generating device, the user's remote access device may not be necessary for daily use of the aerosol generating device. For example, at least one image may be stored in the aerosol generating device for display in response to a puff performed by the user, without the need to be operatively connected to the user's remote access device or connected to the user's remote access device.

The user's remote access device, or more specifically, the application installed on the user's remote access device, may be configured with various modes. The user can make selections regarding the various modes using, for example, the touch screen of the user's remote access device.

One example of an application mode includes selecting a visual art effect mode. The user can open an application installed on the user's remote access device to access the main menu. The user may wish to load one or more visual art effects, such as via a selectable item to enter a submenu. Once selected, a sub-menu may be displayed with a selection of visual art effects. The user can select one or more visual art effects to download. Selected visual art effects can be downloaded to the aerosol generating device from the user's remote access device using communication interfaces. At any time in any of the submenus described herein, the user may wish to return to the main menu and may be able to select a "no" or "cancel" item (eg, a touch button).

Another example of an application mode includes setting the aerosol generating device mode functionality, which can be used to change the aerosol generating device functionality from its factory programming. The user may want to customize the functionality, for example, with a selectable main menu item to enter a submenu. The submenu may display one or more options for configuring the aerosol generating device, which may be selected by the user. Non-limiting examples of options include providing a visual art effect configuration, manually providing a video configuration, and providing a video message configuration. The user may choose to continue configuring the selected options or "register" the selected options, for example by using a selectable item to enter one or more additional submenus. Each submenu can be linked to another of the selected options. The submenus may be shown in any suitable manner, such as simultaneously, sequentially, or a combination of both.

If a visual art effect configuration has been selected, a sub-menu may be displayed showing a choice to provide a default visual art effect or to provide an automatic visual art effect. If a default visual art effect is selected, another sub-menu may be displayed that allows the user to select a visual art effect from the visual art effects stored in the memory of the aerosol generating device. If an automatic visual art effect is selected, the aerosol generating device may automatically select a visual art effect based on the detected aerosol generating substrate associated with the aerosol generating device. For example, a visual artistic effect may be selected by the aerosol generating device based on the ID of the cartridge or wand connected to the aerosol generator. A visual artistic effect may be displayed on the screen for review in response to the detection of a puff or puff profile.

If Manual Video Tutorial Configuration is selected, a sub-menu may be displayed that shows the choice to start the Video Tutorial on power-up or to start the Video Tutorial when a user template is found. If starting the video guide on power-up is selected, when the aerosol generating device is turned on, a video guide for the user can be displayed on the viewing surface, for example, by pressing the power button of the aerosol generating device by the user, for example. If you choose to launch a video guide when a user template is found, the browsing surface can display a video guide for the user when a particular user template is found. For example, the aerosol generating device may detect that the power button is pressed four consecutive times over a period of time, and then a video guide may be played on the viewing surface.

If a video message configuration is selected, a submenu may be displayed to show two or more choices for displaying the video message to the user. Any suitable type of video message may be displayed to the user. One video message can display, for example, “Battery check activated; device will not start." The aerosol-generating device may enter the battery test mode when the power button is pressed and released too quickly, which may suppress unintentional start-up of the device. Another video message may display, such as "starting up the device, you can start vaping in 30 seconds." The device may turn on when you press the power button, but vaping may not start immediately.

After configuring each of the selected options, the user may choose to continue downloading data or "registering" the configurations for the aerosol generating device using, for example, a selectable item. Any device configuration and visual art effects can be downloaded to the aerosol generating device using the communication interfaces.

Another example of an application mode includes setting the visual user interface mode. The user may wish to customize the visual user interface of the aerosol generating device, for example with a selectable item to enter a submenu. The user may select one or more options for configuring the visual user interface of the aerosol generating device related to one or more of items viewed, items selectable, item placement, colors, sizes, and visual quality.

The aerosol generating device can be used according to various methods. The aerosol generating device can detect a puff being performed by a user on the aerosol generating device. The moving image can then be displayed on the curved viewing surface of the flexible display of the aerosol generating device. The non-volatile computer-readable storage medium may comprise a stored computer program that, when run on a programmable electrical circuit of the aerosol generating device, may cause the programmable electrical circuit to execute various methods for use with the aerosol generating device, in particular for interacting with a user using one or more feelings.

A visual user interface for an aerosol generating device may be understood with reference to one or more graphics. The schematic drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and are for purposes of illustration and not limitation. The drawings depict one or more aspects described in the present invention. However, it should be understood that other aspects not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an aerosol generating device 10 providing a visual user interface 12 to the user. The device 10 may include a housing 14 with an outer surface 16 that may be curved to surround a longitudinal axis 18. In general, the aerosol generating device 10 , may be elongated and extend along axis 18.

The device 10 may also include a flexible display 20 with a viewing surface 22 that may be curved to at least partially surround the axis 18. The display 20 may extend about 90 degrees or more about the axis 18.

The outer surface 16 may be cylindrical. The display 20 may be located adjacent to the outer surface 16. The display 20 may be in the form of a partial cylinder. In particular, the display 20 may be flush with the outer surface 16.

Any suitable display 20 may be used, such as an AMOLED display. The display 20 may be touch sensitive. For example, viewing surface 22 may be covered with a transparent touch screen.

The device 10 may include a mouthpiece 24 and a controller portion 28. The controller portion 28 may be further away from the mouthpiece 24 along axis 18. The actuator 26 may be located on the mouthpiece 24 or on the controller portion 28. The actuator 26 may be used to activate the aerosol generator in device 10 in response to a user pressing an actuating element. The display 20 may be located on the mouthpiece 24 or on the controller portion 28. The display 20 may be located further from the mouthpiece 24 and/or actuator 26.

Fig. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C are schematic illustrations showing the progression over time of the motion image 30 on the aerosol generating device 10. In particular, various frames 31, 32, 33 of the motion image 30 are shown on the surface 22 to view the display 20. Although only three frames are shown, the motion image 30 may be an animation that includes a plurality of images sufficient to provide the user with a continuous experience. movement. As can be seen, the image 30 in motion can zoom from frame 31, which covers one third of the viewing surface 22 at an early point in the animation, to frame 32, which covers approximately half of the viewing surface at the midpoint of the animation. The motion image 30 may then zoom in to a frame 32 that covers the entire surface 22 for review at the end of the animation. Although the size of the motion picture 30 in this illustration changes, the motion picture 30 may change in various ways over time. For example, the image 30 in motion may include changing one or more of color, brightness, contrast, color or hue, animation speed, size, and visual quality. Said change may be shown on at least one portion of the viewing surface 22.

The change in motion image 30 may be modulated in response to a user's puff profile, which may also activate the aerosol generator of device 10. Viewing surface 22 may also be used to display a static image, such as when the user is not puffing on the mouthpiece of the device.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing the aerosol generating device 100 in a cross-sectional view, which may be one example of the aerosol generating device 10 (FIG. 1). Device 100 may include a housing 14, a mouthpiece 24, and a controller portion 28. Power supply 60 may thus be operatively coupled to one or more components to provide power. The actuator 26 and the display 20 may be located on the controller portion 28. The mouthpiece portion 24 may include an aerosol generator 35 in the form of a heating plate. The aerosol generating substrate 37 in the form of a heated stick can be inserted inside the mouthpiece 24 and onto the aerosol generator. The aerosol generating substrate container 37 may include or be attached to a mouthpiece 40 and identifier 42. The user may inhale on the mouthpiece 40 to register the user's puff. The identifier 42 may include an identifier associated with the type of aerosol generating substrate 37 or other characteristics.

A thermal limiter 62 may be located between at least a portion of the aerosol generator 35 and the control circuit 54. The aerosol generator 35 may pass through a thermal limiter 62. The control circuit 54 may include components to provide various functionality to the device 100, which may be sensitive to the heat generated by the aerosol generator 35.

The control circuit 54 may include a controller 50, which may be a microcontroller or microprocessor, and a communication interface 52. Controller 50 may be operatively connected to aerosol generator 35 and communication interface 52 . Communication interface 52 may be built into controller 50. Communication interface 52 may be configured to communicate using a Bluetooth protocol such as BLE. Communication interface 52 may be used to download one or more images from a user's remote access device. A puff sensor 51 may be operatively connected to the control circuit 54 and located to detect the user's inhalation on the mouthpiece 24.

The control circuit 54 may include a memory 56 operatively connected to the controller 50. The memory 56 may be used to store data such as one or more of images, user selections, and device configurations. The control circuit 54 may include a display driver 58 operatively coupled to the controller 50. Although not shown, the display driver 58 may be integrated into the controller 50.

Display 20, which may be wrapped at least partially around housing 14, may be operatively coupled to control circuitry 54, such as a display driver 58 or controller 50. An image may be retrieved from memory 56 and provided to display driver 58 for display on display 20. One or more motion pictures may be stored in memory 56 using at least about 500 kilobytes. The storage device 56 may be used to store a plurality of images, including one or more images in motion.

Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing the aerosol generating device 200 in a cross-sectional view, which may be one example of the aerosol generating device 10 (FIG. 1). Many of the details and components depicted in Figs. 3 are the same or similar to those shown in FIG. 2 and described in relation to it. Reference is made to the description relating to the above FIG. 2 for those numbered elements depicted but not specifically described in connection with FIG. 3.

The device 200 may differ from the device 100 in that the aerosol generator 36 may be in the form of a heater, which may contain a heating element, and the aerosol generating substrate 38 may contain a liquid. The mouthpiece 40 may be located on the mouthpiece 24. The device 200 may not include a thermal brake 62 (FIG. 3).

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an aerosol generating device 10 that may be in operative communication for data transmission by a user's remote access device 70. Each of the user's remote access device 70 and the device 10 may comprise an appropriate communication interface for enabling functional communication between devices, such as using the Bluetooth protocol. The remote user access device 70 may include user input and output components such as a touch screen display 72 . Application 74 may be shown on display 72 when opened by the user. Application 74 can show one or more items on display 72 such as the element being viewed76 or a selectable element 78 (eg, a button).

Fig. 6 is a flow diagram showing a method 300 for using a user's remote access device, such as the user's remote access device 70 (FIG. 5). Method 300 may relate to setting up an aerosol generating device. However, the user's remote access device 70 may be used for other functionality, such as downloading visual art effects to the aerosol generating device.

The method 300 may begin with a process 302 in which, when the application is opened by the user, a main menu is displayed that relates to interaction with the aerosol generating device. Method 300 may continue with process 304, in which the user's remote access device determines if the user has chosen to configure the aerosol generating device. If yes, then method 300 may proceed to process 306. If not, then method 300 may continue checking to determine if the user has made a selection.

At process 306, a submenu may be displayed to allow the user to select one or more functions to configure on the aerosol generating device, such as visual arts configuration, video guide configuration, or video messaging configuration. At process 308, the user's remote access device may determine if the user has chosen to continue configuring one or more of the selected options. If yes, then method 300 may proceed to one or more processes 310, 312, 314. If not, then method 300 may continue checking to determine if the user has made a selection.

The process may branch to one or more of the processes 310, 312, 314, which may display one or more sub-menus on the user's remote access device simultaneously, sequentially, or a combination of both. For example, at process 310, a visual art effect configuration may be selected, a submenu may be displayed showing a choice to provide a default visual art effect or to provide an automatic visual art effect. At process 312, a sub-menu may be displayed showing a choice to launch the video guide on power-up or to launch the video guide when a user template is found. At process 314, a submenu may be displayed to show two or more options for selecting a video message to display to the user.

After one or more processes 310, 312, 314, the user may choose to download or register the selected configurations to the aerosol generating device in process 316. If the user's remote access device detects that the user has chosen to register the configurations, method 300 may continue with process 318. If not , then method 300 may continue checking to determine if the user has made a selection. In progress 318 the user's remote access device may download the selected configurations using the respective communication interfaces of the user's remote access device and the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may then store the configurations in a storage device.

The specific embodiments described above are intended to illustrate the present invention. However, other embodiments may also be suggested without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, and it should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are not intended to be limiting.

As used herein, the singular forms cover embodiments with reference to the plural, unless the content clearly implies otherwise.

In the context of this document, the conjunction "or" is usually used in its meaning, including "and/or", unless the content clearly implies otherwise. The term "and/or" means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

As used herein, the words "have", "having", "include", "including", "comprise", "comprising", or the like, are used in their broad sense and generally mean "including without limitation". It will be understood that the expressions "consisting essentially of", "consisting of", etc., fall into the category of "comprising", etc.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the present invention that may provide certain advantages under certain conditions. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different conditions. Furthermore, the inclusion of one or more preferred embodiments is not intended to imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present invention, including the claims.

Claims (19)

1. A device that generates an aerosol and provides a visual user interface, while the device contains: a housing containing a curved outer surface surrounding the longitudinal axis; a flexible display comprising a curved viewing surface at least partially surrounding a longitudinal axis adjacent the curved outer surface; an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating substrate; and a control circuit operatively coupled to the flexible display and comprising a storage device for storing an image in motion, the control circuit being configured to display the image in motion on a curved viewing surface in response to activation of the aerosol generator, the control circuit being configured to modulate the display of the image in motion in response to the user's puff profile used to activate the aerosol generator. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flexible display is an AMOLED display. 3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flexible display is touch sensitive, wherein preferably the flexible display is configured to display one or more selectable items. 4. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible display extends 90 degrees or more about the longitudinal axis. 5. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible display is cylindrical in shape. 6. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible display is disposed further from the mouthpiece and/or the actuator, the actuator being configured to activate the aerosol generator in response to a press by the user. 7. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image in motion comprises a color change of at least one portion of the curved viewing surface. 8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control circuit is further configured to display a static image or an image in motion when the user is not puffing on the mouthpiece of the device. 9. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage device is configured to store an image in motion using at least 500 kilobytes. 10. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage device is configured to store a plurality of images containing an image in motion. 11. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control circuitry comprises a communication interface configured to download one or more images from a user's remote access device. 12. A method for customizing the perceived sensations provided by an aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: detecting activation of the aerosol generator in the aerosol generating device; and displaying an image in motion on a curved surface to view the flexible display. 13. A permanent computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed in a programmable electrical circuit, causes the programmable electrical circuit to implement the method of claim 12.

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