RU2778660C2 - Sound generation for aerosol generating devices, performed using micro-electromechanical system, and corresponding user interfaces and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco industry.

SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to sound generation. In particular, the present invention relates to sound generation for an aerosol generating device, performed using a micro-electromechanical system (hereinafter – MEMS), and to corresponding user interfaces and methods. MEMS can be used for the generation of high-quality sound in the aerosol generating device. MEMS sound generator can compress air for sound generation, using a set of setters on a set of frequencies. Sound can imitate sound of one or more of usual options of using smoking materials, imitate masking noise or contain information. Generated sound can be modulated based on a puff performed by a user. For the configuration of the aerosol generating device, a user interface can be provided.

EFFECT: provision of improved imitation of sound generated by smoking material.

16 cl, 6 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to sound generation. In particular, the present invention relates to microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sound generation for an aerosol generating device and related user interfaces and methods.

Hand held aerosol generating devices such as cartomizer electronic cigarettes are known which use a vaporized liquid or heated tobacco material to generate an inhalable aerosol. These devices can provide alternative sensations to conventionally burned cigarettes. Some devices may look and feel similar to conventional cigarettes so that they may be familiar, comfortable to use, portable and easy to manufacture. Some devices have an internal breath-activated switch or button switch to activate the generation or release of an inhaled aerosol.

Although some smoking materials produce characteristic sounds during use, many electronic cigarettes do not generate sound. Some electronic cigarettes that generate sound do not properly and convincingly reproduce the sensation of using the smoking material, especially if the sound is complex and bizarre, such as the burning sound of Indonesian kretek cigarettes, which can be described as a "crackling" sound. These inappropriate sensations may be undesirable for users of such conventional cigarettes. In addition, electronic cigarettes may themselves generate sounds during use that may be undesirable to users. In addition, electronic cigarettes often function differently from conventional cigarettes and may have features that are unfamiliar to users.

It would be desirable to provide users with an improved experience with aerosol generating devices that adequately and convincingly mimic the sound generated by smoking material when used in a conventional manner. It would also be desirable for users to be able to attenuate unwanted sounds from aerosol generating devices. It would also be desirable to assist users in understanding how to use, configure and maintain aerosol generating devices.

The present invention provides a microelectromechanical system sound generator (MEMS sound generator) used to generate sound in an aerosol generating device. A MEMS sound generator can compress air to generate sound. The MEMS sound generator can provide sound using a plurality of drivers to generate sound at a plurality of frequencies. The sound can be described as "high quality". The sound may mimic the sound of one or more common uses of smoking materials, or mimic masking noise, or contain information. The generated sound may be modulated based on the puff performed by the user. A user interface may be provided for configuring the aerosol generating device.

In one or more aspects, the aerosol generating device may comprise an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating device may also include a MEMS sound generator. The aerosol generating device may also include a controller operatively coupled to the MEMS generator to cause it to generate sound.

In one or more aspects, a method for use with an aerosol generating device may include detecting a user action using the aerosol generating device. The method may also include generating a sound using a MEMS sound generator in response to a user action.

In one or more aspects, the MEMS sound generator may compress air to generate sound.

In one or more aspects, the MEMS sound generator may include a plurality of pressure generators arranged in a matrix to generate a plurality of different frequencies.

In one or more aspects, the sound may mimic the sound of normal use of the smoking material.

In one or more aspects, the sound may mimic the sound of kretek cigarettes burning.

In one or more aspects, the sound may mimic masking noise.

In one or more aspects, the sound may contain information for the user.

In one or more aspects, a control may be operatively coupled to the controller, and a MEMS sound generator may generate audio information in response to interaction with the control.

In one or more aspects, the information comprises a voice message.

In one or more aspects, the information may provide instructions for operating or maintaining the aerosol generating device and/or the status of the aerosol generating device.

In one or more aspects, the MEMS sound generator may generate sound in response to a puff being performed by a user.

In one or more aspects, the sound may be modulated in intensity and/or frequency in response to a puff being performed by the user.

In one or more aspects, a puff sensor may be operatively coupled to the controller to measure the puff being applied by the user.

In one or more aspects, the controller may also be configured to measure the performance of the aerosol generator to measure the puff being taken by the user.

In one or more aspects, the aerosol generating device may comprise an aerosol generating substrate, and the substrate may comprise nicotine material.

In one or more aspects, the user interface device may comprise a communication interface for communicating with the aerosol generating device. The user interface device may also include a display having a user interface for presenting one or more graphical elements for configuring the aerosol generating device. The user interface device may also include a controller operatively coupled to the display and communication interface. The controller may be configured to display one or more graphical elements on a display. The controller may also be configured to allow selection by the user using one or more graphical elements via a user interface for configuring the aerosol generating device. The controller may also be configured to communicate with the aerosol generating device using a communication interface to configure the aerosol generating device based on a selection made by a user.

In one or more aspects, the aerosol generating device may be configured based on a configuration defining one or more of the following: aerosol generating substrate type, specific puff sound mode, general puff sound mode, instruction mode, error message mode, operation report mode, substrate detection mode, substrate selection mode, data download mode, configuration mode, volume level and sound quality level.

In one or more aspects, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that stores a computer program that, when executed in a programmable circuitry, can cause said method to be implemented by the programmable circuitry.

The use of said aerosol-generating device makes it possible to provide the user with a believable sensation, including sound. The sound generated by a MEMS sound generator may be similar to, or even indistinguishable from, the sound of normal use of smoking material to the average person. For example, as in normal use, as the user inhales more intensely (eg, more rapidly inhaling air), the sound characteristic may also change. The generated sound can also mask unwanted sounds during operation of the aerosol generating device. The user may also have access to instructions or status messages to facilitate the use of the aerosol generating device.

The term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device capable of being connected to or activated by an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol. 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 that is inhaled by the user. Suitable aerosol-generating substrates may contain material of vegetable origin. 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. Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol generating substrate may comprise a tobacco-free material. The aerosol generating substrate may comprise a 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 flavorings. Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate is liquid at room temperature. For example, the aerosol generating substrate may be a liquid solution, suspension, dispersion, or the like. In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate comprises glycerin, propylene glycol, water, nicotine, and optionally one or more flavors. Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate comprises a nicotinic material.

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

The term "kretek" refers to a mixture of tobacco, cloves and other optional flavors. When burning, this mixture generates a characteristic crackling sound. The term "kretek" can also refer to the crackling sound of a burning clove.

The present invention relates to a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sound generator for an aerosol generating device. While reference is made herein to aerosol generating devices such as electronic cigarettes, a MEMS sound generator can be used in any portable device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate various other applications having the benefit of the present invention.

Any suitable MEMS sound generator can be used to generate the sound. The sound generator can generate sound that covers at least the human audible range. The sound may cover at least a frequency range up to about 20 kHz, or at least about 20 Hz to about 20 kHz. Sound can be made up of many frequencies. The loudness level in decibels that can be obtained at each of the frequencies may be sufficient to be heard by the user of the sound generator. Volume levels in decibels can be adjustable.

The generated sound can be simple or high quality. An example of a simple sound would be the sound of an audible alarm. Examples of high quality audio include crackling sound, voice, or white noise. Preferably, the sound generator can generate high quality sound.

A sound generator can generate sound by vibrating a membrane or compressing air to create sound. Preferably, the sound generator compresses air to generate sound.

The sound generator may contain a plurality of pressure generating setters, which may also be described as micro-speakers. The pressure generating devices may be arranged in a matrix. A plurality of pressure transmitters can generate a plurality of frequencies. Each of the masters can generate one or more of the specified set of frequencies. Preferably, each master generates one of the frequencies. In some embodiments, the sound generator may use digital sound reconstruction (DSR). With the help of DSR, it is possible to generate sound by a sound generator by summing discrete pulses received from a matrix of pressure generators. The use of DSR makes it possible to achieve more accurate reproduction and less distortion than a conventional analog speaker, which varies the timing of the membrane movement.

The matrix may be placed on one or more silicon chips or integrated circuits. Preferably, the drivers are located on a single silicon chip or integrated circuit. The sound generator can be described as an array of micro-speakers on a chip.

The sound generator may be a digital speaker. The sound generator can respond to digital signals. The digital audio data may be stored in memory and provided as one or more digital signals to a sound generator.

The sound generator may be small enough to fit within the body of the aerosol generating device. The sound generator may fit into a volume less than or equal to about 10 mm x about 10 mm x about 10 mm. In some preferred embodiments, the sound generator may fit into a volume less than or equal to about 5 mm x about 5 mm x about 5 mm. In additional preferred embodiments, the sound generator may fit into a volume less than or equal to about 5 mm x about 5 mm x about 1.5 mm.

The sound generated by the sound generator may include a range of sounds suitable for the aerosol generating device. The sound can imitate another sound. The simulation sound may be generated in accordance with the activation of the aerosol generator to generate the aerosol. Sound generation and aerosol generation may be simultaneous or at least overlapping in duration. Non-limiting examples of sounds to simulate include the sound of normal use of the smoking material and masking noise (eg, white noise). The sound may be initiated, generated, or triggered in response to a user action, such as a user puff or interaction with a control.

When used with an aerosol generating device, the sound generator can mimic the sound of normal use of smoking material. The smokable material may be a kretek cigarette. The sound generated can mimic the sound of a burning kretek cigarette.

The sound generator may generate or simulate masking noise. The masking noise may be "colored" noise, such as "white" noise. The aerosol generating device may generate a sound, such as the sound of an electronic cigarette liquid evaporating, which may be undesirable to the user or others around the user. By simulating masking noise, such as white noise, it is possible for the user or others in their vicinity to feel that unwanted sound has been suppressed.

White noise may have the same or substantially the same intensity at all frequencies in at least the human audible range. White noise can be simulated in practice by generating sound at random frequencies having an equal average intensity. Preferably, the audible sounds generated cover a range of at least about 2 kHz to about 16 kHz, or the entire human audible range.

In one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating device may allow the user to select whether a particular puff sound or a general puff sound will be generated in response to a puff performed by the user.

Additionally or alternatively, the sound may contain information for the user. Audio information may be provided in the form of a voice message. Non-limiting examples of audio information provided include instructions for the aerosol generating device (eg, an audio guide or instruction manual for the operation or maintenance of the device) and status information about the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device status information may comprise one or more of the following: an error message, an indication of puffs remaining, an indication of user interaction with the device (e.g., interactions with a control), and an indication of device functions (e.g., activation of the aerosol generator).

In one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating device may allow a user to select whether a particular puff sound is set or information is generated for the user in response to a user action, such as the user puffing.

In one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating device may allow the user to generate a puff sound in response to a puff being performed by the user and to generate information to the user in response to another user action.

In one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating device may allow the user to select whether a general puff sound is generated or information is generated for the user in response to a user action.

In one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating device may allow the user to select whether a particular puff sound is generated or whether a voice message is generated for the user in response to a user action.

In one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating device may allow the user to select whether a general puff sound is generated or a voice message is generated for the user in response to the user's actions.

The sound generator can be used with any suitable aerosol generating device. The sound generator may be located within, or at least partially within, the body of the aerosol generating device. The body of the aerosol generating device may include one or more channels to allow sound to pass from the sound generator to a region outside the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device may be a device that heats the smokable material. In addition to the MEMS sound generator, the aerosol generating device may comprise one or more of the following: a housing, a controller, an aerosol generator, a substrate sensor, a control, a battery, a puff sensor, an aerosol generating substrate configured to be placed in a cavity defined by the housing , and a heat-insulating element located between said cavity and the controller.

The aerosol generating device may include an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. The controller may be operatively connected to the aerosol generator to supply power from a power source, such as a battery, to aerosolize the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate may be releasably connected to the aerosol generator or the body of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol-generating substrate may be at least partially inserted, received, or placed in the body of the aerosol-generating device.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generator may be a heating blade that heats the smoking material substrate to generate an aerosol from the smoking material. The aerosol generating substrate may be enclosed 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 dispensing device to aerosolize the heated stick or the contents of the heated stick. In some embodiments, a heating blade may be inserted into a heated stick to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The heat supplied by the heating blade to the heated tobacco stick cannot ignite the smoking material. The smoking material may contain tobacco.

In some embodiments, the aerosol may comprise a heater, a heating 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 power or power to isolate or generate an aerosol from the liquid substrate. In some embodiments, the implementation of the aerosol may be a heater, the temperature of which varies depending on the received electrical energy. For example, the temperature of the heater may increase in response to a higher received voltage. The aerosol generator may be located adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate. For example, the aerosol generator may be attached adjacent to the liquid substrate.

In some embodiments, 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. The nicotine vapor can then react with the lactic acid vapor in the gas phase to form an aerosol.

In some embodiments, the aerosol may be compatible for use with an aerosol generating substrate having a capsule that encloses nicotine particles and is located in a cavity. As the user inhales, the air flow may rotate the capsule. Said rotation can suspend and aerosolize the nicotine particles.

A control element may be operatively connected to the controller. The control may include a button or other type of switch. Interaction with the control may initiate various functionalities of the aerosol generating substrate. In some embodiments, the sound generator generates sound information for the user in response to interaction with the control. In some embodiments, the implementation of the aerosol generator may be activated in response to interaction with the control.

A puff sensor can be functionally connected to the controller. A puff sensor may be positioned within the 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 triggered switch.

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. In some embodiments, the implementation of the controller contains one or more computing devices having hardware for storage, processing and communication. The functions of the controller may be performed by hardware or by computer instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

The controller processor may include any one or more of the following: a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a 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 using a computing device that may include one or more processors or memories. 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 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 controller may be operatively connected to the sound generator. The controller may be configured to initiate sound generation by the sound generator. The controller may include one or more of the following: a processor, a memory, a communication interface, and a circuit board. The circuit board may be connected to one or more of the following: a processor, a memory, and a communications interface. The processor may be operatively connected to a memory, a sound generator, a communication interface, an aerosol generator, and a substrate sensor.

The controller may execute a subroutine to collect addresses in the puff sound memory. The subroutine can read puff sound data at specified addresses. The subroutine can send the puff sound data to the sound generator to generate the sound.

The memory may store one or more sounds at one or more addresses as sound data, and it may also store other data. The memory can store many sounds. The sound data may be digital data used to generate high quality sound with a sound generator. Audio data can be stored to provide enough frequency and amplitude content to generate high quality audio. Preferably, in the uncompressed state, the frequency content may include audio with a quality of at least about 40,000 points per second. The amplitude content may be represented by a plurality of bits per point. For example, the amplitude content may be approximately 16 bits per point. Rough digitization of high quality audio can be characterized by a sampling rate of approximately 80 kilobytes per second (KB/s) for uncompressed audio data.

According to another way of describing the characteristics, high quality audio can be described as audio containing all frequencies from 20 Hz to 20 kHz and represented as 16-bit samples at a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz. This high-quality audio can be represented at 88.2Kb/s of uncompressed audio data or a puff audio volume of 264.2Kb for 3 seconds.

In some embodiments, MP3 compression or any other suitable compression technology may be used to reduce the amount of audio data stored in memory compared to uncompressed audio. MP3 compression provides the ability to reduce high quality audio data by approximately 90% or one tenth of the original sample rate. For example, uncompressed audio data at a sample rate of approximately 80 Kbytes/s may correspond to a sampling rate of only 8 Kbytes/s after it has been converted to compressed audio data. Any suitable compression quality may be used, as long as it provides high quality audio.

The memory may be large enough to store a plurality of puff sounds, which may be described as a library of sounds. Preferably, the memory stores two or more sounds that mimic the sound of normal use of the smoking material. The duration of each puff sound can range from about 1 second to about 5 seconds. In some embodiments, the duration of the puff sound is about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, or more seconds. Preferably, the duration of the puff sound is approximately 3 seconds. The memory can store any number of puff sounds according to the amount of memory available. In some embodiments, the memory device stores 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more puff sounds. Preferably, the memory stores 4 puff sounds. In some embodiments, each puff sound may be stored as approximately 48 kilobytes of compressed audio data. In some embodiments, a plurality of puff sounds may be stored as approximately 192 kilobytes of compressed audio data.

Additionally or alternatively, the memory may be of sufficient size to store information for the user. The user information may be instructions for operating or maintaining the aerosol generating device. Each of the instructions may have a duration ranging from about 1 second to about 120 seconds. The memory may store one or more instructions in accordance with the amount of memory available. Preferably, the instruction is approximately 1 minute long.

The storage device may be small enough to accommodate the aerosol generating substrate in the housing while storing one or more sounds. The memory may be large enough to store at least about 4 different puff sounds and about 1 minute of information. The memory may fit into an area less than or equal to about 5 mm x about 5 mm. Preferably, the memory fits in a volume of less than about 3 mm x about 2 mm.

The substrate sensor may be located adjacent to said cavity. The substrate sensor may be used by the controller to automatically determine the type of aerosol-forming substrate placed in said cavity.

The aerosol generating device may operate in one or more modes. Non-limiting examples of modes may include puff sound mode, information mode, substrate detection mode, data download mode, and configuration mode.

Each of the modes can be activated or deactivated individually or in combination with one or more other modes. A user action may be used to activate or deactivate one or more of the various modes, or to initiate functions in said one or more modes. For example, the user may interact with the control in various ways to select different modes or initiate different functions.

The user action may be an action that is detected by the controller. In some embodiments, the user action may include one or more puffs performed by the user. In some embodiments, the user action may include connecting an aerosol generating substrate to an aerosol generator. In some embodiments, a user action may include interaction with a control.

The same or different user actions may be used to initiate different functionality of each mode. For example, in the puff sound mode, the sound may be triggered in response to a puff performed by the user, while in the information mode, the sound may be triggered by interaction with the control.

One of the puff sound modes may be a particular puff sound mode. The controller may detect one or more puffs performed by the user. In response to the detection of one or more puffs, audio data representing the particular puff sound may be read from the memory. The sound generator can be activated by the controller to generate a particular puff sound based on sound data.

One of the puff sound modes may be a general puff sound mode. The overall sound generated may be white noise or other noise to mask other sounds. In response to detecting one or more puffs, audio data representative of the overall audio may be read from memory. The sound generator may be activated by the controller to generate a sound that simulates a general sound, such as white noise, based on the sound data.

One of the information modes may be an instruction mode. The controller can read sound data representing an instruction from memory. The sound generator can be activated by the controller to generate a sound based on sound data. In some embodiments, in response to powering up the aerosol generating device, the controller may initiate the generation of a sound representing an instruction. In some embodiments, in response to one or more user interactions with the control (eg, four consecutive presses), the controller may initiate the generation of a sound representing an instruction.

One of the information modes may be an error message mode for displaying an error condition in the aerosol generating device. The controller can monitor the user's action and detect an error affecting the aerosol generating device. In response to detecting an error, the controller may read and store audio data indicating the error. The sound generator may be activated by the controller to generate a sound representing the error message based on the sound data. The error message can be provided in the form of a voice message.

One of the information modes may be an operation report mode for informing the user of the status of the aerosol generating device. The message to the user may be provided in the form of one or more beeps, one or more tones, or preferably voice messages. The controller can detect user action. In response to a user action, the controller may read audio data associated with the user from the memory. In some embodiments, in response to a quick interaction with the control, the controller may initiate the generation of an audible message indicating a battery test (e.g., "Button pressed, initial battery test, device will not turn on"), while longer interaction with the control can initiate the generation of an aerosol and another voice message (for example: "The device is turned on, you can start using it within 30 seconds"). In some embodiments, the device status messages to the user may include an indication of the number of puffs remaining, an indication of the user's interaction with the device, and an indication of device operation.

One of the modes may be a substrate detection mode. The controller may determine the type of aerosol generating substrate automatically or upon user action. In some embodiments, in response to the attachment of an aerosol generating substrate to an aerosol generator, the controller automatically determines the type of substrate using a substrate sensor. In response to detecting one or more puffs, the controller may select a particular puff sound that is stored in memory and matches or is associated with the type of substrate detected.

One of the modes may be a substrate selection mode. The controller may receive information representing the type of aerosol-forming substrate. Substrate type information may be received via a communication interface and may be provided via a user interface device.

One of the modes may be a data download mode. The controller may use the communication interface to receive data, such as audio data, to be stored in memory, which may be provided by the user interface device.

One of the modes may be a configuration mode. The controller may receive configuration information using a communication interface, such as from a user interface device. In some embodiments, the configuration may define one or more of the following: aerosol generating substrate type, specific puff sound mode, general puff sound mode, instruction mode, error report mode, status report mode, substrate detection mode, substrate select mode, mode download data, configuration mode, volume level and sound quality level (eg based on bitrate and compression level). The configuration mode may be activated, for example, based on a pattern of interaction with a control or other suitable user input that may be detected by the controller.

The generated sound, which mimics the normal use of smoking material or white noise, can be modulated based on puffs taken by the user. User tightening can be characterized by a tightening profile. The puff profile may be determined based on one or more measurable puffs performed by a user using a puff sensor. The speed or duration of the puff or puffs may be represented by a puff profile. A puff profile can be used to change a sound characteristic such as frequency or intensity. For example, a higher puff speed or a higher inspiratory rate may be used to increase the intensity (eg, loudness) of the generated sound. The change in sound may mimic the change in normal uses of the smokable material.

The puff sensor may be integrated with the aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may have a characteristic that is measured by the controller and reflects the puffing characteristic of the user. The measured characteristic of the aerosol generator can be used to determine the puff profile. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator (eg, in the form of a heating blade) can change its resistance characteristic when a user puffs due to a drop in temperature of the aerosol generating substrate and the aerosol generator. A higher puff speed can reduce the temperature and resistance of the aerosol generator. The reduced resistance may cause a higher current to flow through the aerosol generator. The current characteristic can be measured to represent the puff profile.

The communication interface may be used to communicate with a user interface device. Any suitable communication interface may be used to communicate with the user interface device. The communication interface may be wireless and/or wired. An example of a wireless interface uses Bluetooth, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The wired interface example uses the universal serial bus/USB. In some embodiments, the communication interface may reside on the same silicon chip or integrated circuit as the processor.

The aerosol generating device can be used without a user interface device. However, the user interface device may provide various functionality and provide a user-friendly way to configure the aerosol generating device.

The user interface device may be any suitable device for receiving user selection data and communicating with the aerosol generating device. The user interface device may transmit configuration data to the aerosol generating device. In some embodiments, the user interface device may be a smartphone or tablet with an application to facilitate communication with the aerosol generating device.

The user interface device may include a communication interface, a display, and a controller. The communication interface may communicate with the communication interface of the aerosol generating device. The display may include a user interface with which a user can interact to configure the aerosol generating device, such as a touch screen, to receive data about a selection made by the user. The display may present one or more graphical elements for configuring the aerosol generating device. The controller may be operatively connected to a display and a communication interface.

The controller may display one or more graphical elements on the display. The controller may receive user selection data using one or more graphical elements to configure the aerosol generating device. The controller may communicate with the aerosol generating device using a communication interface to configure the aerosol generating device based on a selection made by the user.

The method of using a MEMS sound generator for an aerosol generating device may include equipping the aerosol generating device with a MEMS sound generator. The method may also include detecting user activity on the aerosol generating device. The method may also include generating a sound using a MEMS sound generator in response to a user action.

The non-transitory computer-readable medium may comprise a computer program stored thereon which, when executed on the programmable circuitry, causes the programmable circuitry to detect the user's action of the aerosol generating device and initiate sound generation using the MEMS sound generator in response to the user's action.

The system may include one or more of the following: aerosol generating devices and user interface devices described herein. However, the aerosol generating device can be used without a user interface.

The schematic drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and are for illustrative purposes and not limitation. The drawings depict one or more aspects described in the present invention. However, it is understood that other aspects not shown in the drawings are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Let us now turn to the drawings, which illustrate some aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a device 10 containing a MEMS sound generator 12. Device 10 can be described as an aerosol generating device. Sound generator 12 may be located within housing 14 of device 10. Device 10 may include a controller 16. Device 10 may include memory 18, which may be considered part of controller 16. Controller 16 may cause sound generator 12 to generate sound, such as high fidelity sound. The controller 16 may cause the aerosol generator 20 to aerosolize the aerosol generating substrate 22 connected to the aerosol generator. Sound initiation and aerosolization may be related. For example, the sound may be generated by the sound generator 12 while generating the aerosol simultaneously or at least overlapping. As shown in the figure, the aerosol generating substrate 22 can be removably connected to the aerosol generator 20. The aerosol-generating substrate 22 may be at least partially housed in the housing 14 of the device 10.

The device 10 may include a control 24. The control 24 may be a push button switch. Control 24 may be interacted with (eg, a pushbutton switch may be pressed by a user's finger) to initiate one or more functions of device 10. For example, control 24 may initiate one or both of sound generation and aerosolization. The generated sound may include information for the user of the device 10.

Device 10 may include a puff sensor 26 . Puff sensor 26 may detect a puff being performed by a user on device 10. Upon detecting a puff, controller 16 may initiate one or both of sound generation and aerosolization. The generated sound may include a puff sound, which may be substrate 22 specific or general (eg, white noise).

A power supply (not shown) may be included in the device 10. However, external power supplies are also possible. The power source may supply power to the aerosol generator 20 for the aerosolization process.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device 100 comprising a MEMS sound generator 112 and used with an aerosol generating substrate 122 in the form of a heated stick. The heated stick may include smokable material that may be heated, but not burned, to generate an aerosol. The device 100 includes an aerosol generator 120 in the form of a heating blade for aerosolizing the substrate 122. As shown in the figure, the substrate 122 may be removably connected to the aerosol generator 120.

The device 100 may include a housing 114, a controller 116, a memory 118 for storing one or more sounds, a control 124, a processor 125, a communication interface 126, a substrate sensor 128, and a power supply 130. Communication interface 126 may be located on the same silicon chip or integrated circuit as processor 125. Power supply 130 may be a battery.

Substrate sensor 128 may be operatively coupled to controller 116 to provide an indication of the type of substrate 122 that may be coupled to aerosol generator 120. Sensor 128 can read an identifier, such as a barcode or color, associated with substrate 122.

Communication interface 126 may receive data indicating the type of substrate 122 that may be connected to the aerosol generator 120.

In addition to aerosolization, aerosol generator 120 may be used to measure one or more user puff characteristics, which may be described as a puff profile. For example, the processor 125 of the controller 116 can be used to measure the change in resistance in the aerosol generator 120, which can correspond to the inspiratory rate during a puff performed by the user. The processor 125 of the controller 116 can be used to modulate the sound generated by the sound generator 112, for example, in frequency content or intensity. , based on the tightening profile. Additionally or alternatively, an independent puff sensor (not shown) may be included in the device 100.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic of an aerosol generating device 200 comprising a MEMS sound generator 212 and used with an aerosol generating substrate 222 in the form of a liquid substrate (eg contained in a cartridge 221). Substrate 222 may vaporize when heated to generate an aerosol. The device 100 includes an aerosol generator 220 in the form of a heater adjacent to the substrate 222. As shown in the figure, the cartridge 221 enclosing the substrate 222 can be removably connected to the aerosol generator 220.

The device 200 may include a mouthpiece 201, a housing 214, a controller 216, a memory 218 for storing one or more sounds, a control 224, a processor 225, a communication interface 126, and a power supply 230. Communication interface 226 may be located on the same silicon chip or integrated circuit as processor 225. Power supply 230 may be a battery.

The controller 216 may communicate with the substrate identifier 228 associated with the substrate 222 (eg, associated with the cartridge). For example, substrate identifier 228 may be a wireless tag (eg, an RFID tag). The controller 216 may receive or read identification information from the substrate identifier 228 to provide an indication of the type of substrate 222 that may be connected to the aerosol generator 220. The communication interface 226 may receive data indicating the type of substrate 222 that may be connected to the aerosol generator 220, for example, from a substrate identifier 228 or from a user interface device.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a MEMS sound generator 300. Sound generator 300 may include an array 302 of pressure transmitters 304. Each transmitter 304 may generate one or more frequencies. Each master 304 in matrix 302 may generate a different frequency. The sound generator 300 may receive a digital signal or data as input. The sound generator 300 may use digital sound reconstruction (DSR) to provide high quality sound. As shown in the figure, matrix 302 may be square and have an equal number of rows and columns. However, any suitable shape and number of rows and columns may be used to provide high quality sound.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a user interface device 400 in communication with an aerosol generating device 10, 100, 200. The device 400 may include a display 402 with a user interface for displaying one or more graphical elements 408. The user interface may include a touch screen. The device 400 may include a communication interface 404 operatively coupled to a controller 406 for communication with the aerosol generating device 10, 100, 200. As shown in the figure, the communication interface 404 may be wireless. However, a wired interface is also possible. The controller 406 may communicate with the aerosol generating device 10, 100, 200 using the communication interface 404, for example, to provide configuration or audio data to the aerosol generating device.

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of a method 700 for detecting a puff and generating a puff sound. According to method 702, puff detection is possible, which can be done with hardware (eg, a puff sensor or a hot blade) and a controller routine. The controller may comprise a microcontroller. According to the method 704, after detecting a puff, the address of the puff sound can be determined, and data about the puff sound at the specified address can be retrieved from the memory 701, which can be done in a subroutine of the controller. According to method 706, audio data may be transmitted to a sound generator 703 to generate a puff sound. The sound generator may be a micro speaker.

The specific embodiments described above are intended to illustrate the present invention. However, other embodiments may also be suggested without departing from the spirit and 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.

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 "connected" refers to elements attached to each other either directly (in direct contact with each other) or indirectly (by having one or more elements located between and holding two elements together).

The term "operably connected" refers to elements connected in a manner that enables the performance of functions in which these elements are involved.

In the context of this description, the singular forms are extended to embodiments of the invention having references to the plural, unless the content clearly implies otherwise.

As used herein, the conjunction "or" is generally used with the meaning inclusive of "and/or" unless the content clearly implies otherwise. The union "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", etc. are used in their broadest sense and generally mean "including but not limited to". It should be understood that the expressions "consisting essentially of", "consisting of", etc. are categorized as "comprising", etc.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the present invention that are capable of providing certain benefits under certain conditions. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different conditions. Furthermore, the disclosure of one or more preferred embodiments is not meant 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 (31)

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate; A MEMS sound generator comprising an array of pressure drivers configured to use Digital Sound Reconstruction (DSR) to use the summation of discrete pulses to generate sound; and a controller operably coupled to initiate sound generation by the MEMS sound generator. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the MEMS sound generator compresses air to generate sound. 3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the array of pressure drivers generates a plurality of different frequencies. 4. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control operably coupled to the controller, wherein the MEMS sound generator generates sound information in response to interaction with the control. 5. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a puff sensor operatively connected to the controller to measure the puff applied by the user. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the controller is further configured to measure a characteristic of the aerosol generator to measure puffs taken by the user. 7. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to change the sound characteristic based on a puff rate or inhalation rate determined based on measured puffs taken by the user. 8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an aerosol generating substrate containing nicotine material. 9. A method for use with an aerosol generating device, wherein: detecting user action using the aerosol generating device, and sound is generated using a MEMS sound generator in response to a user action, the MEMS sound generator comprising a matrix of pressure drivers configured to use digital sound reconstruction (DSR) to use summation of discrete pulses to generate sound. 10. The method of claim. 9, wherein when generating the sound, a sound is generated that contains information for the user, and preferably the information in the generated sound includes a voice message. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the information in the generated sound communicates the operating instructions or maintenance of the aerosol generating device and/or the status of the aerosol generating device. 12. The method of claim 9, wherein, when generating a sound using a MEMS sound generator, the sound characteristic is changed based on the puff rate or inhalation rate determined based on the measured puffs taken by the user. 13. A non-volatile computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed in a programmable circuitry, causes the programmable circuitry to perform a method in which: detecting user action using the aerosol generating device, and sound is generated using a MEMS sound generator in response to a user action, the MEMS sound generator comprising a matrix of pressure drivers configured to use digital sound reconstruction (DSR) to use summation of discrete pulses to generate sound. 14. The non-volatile computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein generating sound using the MEMS sound generator includes changing the sound characteristic based on puff rate or inhalation rate determined based on measured puffs taken by the user. 15. An aerosol generating system, comprising: an aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8 and a user interface device, comprising: a communication interface for communicating with the aerosol generating device; a display containing a user interface for presenting one or more graphical elements for configuring the aerosol generating device; and a controller operatively connected to the display and communication interface and configured to: - displaying one or more graphical elements on the display; - allowing the input of a user's choice using one or more graphical elements through a user interface for configuring the aerosol generating device; and - communicating with the aerosol generating device using a communication interface to configure the aerosol generating device based on the user's choice. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the user interface device controller is configured to communicate to the user interface device configuration data specifying one or more of: aerosol generating substrate type, specific puff sound mode, general puff sound mode, instruction mode, error message mode, operation message mode, substrate detection mode, substrate selection mode, data download mode, configuration mode, volume level and sound quality level.

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