RU2838574C1 - Aerosol generating device providing tactile progress feedback during session of use - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to an aerosol generating device. Aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol during a use session passing through a plurality of successive phases between the beginning of the use session and the termination of the use session. Aerosol-generating device comprises: a timer, an output tactile signal unit, a controller and an accelerometer in which the progress of the use session through a plurality of successive phases is controlled by the controller in response to timing signals from the timer and in response to signals representing the monitored user interaction parameter. Accelerometer is configured to detect the movement of the aerosol generating device associated with a given gesture and send a signal to the controller, in which the signal supplied by the accelerometer is analyzed to determine whether the detected gesture is a gesture indicating a request for progress of a usage session, and if the detected signal is determined as a request for progress of the usage session, the controller is configured to determine the current phase of the usage session and sending the signal to the tactile signal output unit to output an indication of the progress of the usage session. Controller is configured to control the output tactile signal unit to emit a different output tactile signal during each of the plurality of successive phases to indicate the progress of the usage session.

EFFECT: aerosol-generating device provides tactile feedback indicating the progress of the usage session and enables the user to track the progress of the usage session while continuing other activities, such as communicating with others.

15 cl, 16 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to aerosol generating devices capable of generating an aerosol during a usage session, and to methods of using such devices.

In the technical field to which the present invention pertains, aerosol generating devices are known that are capable of generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate. Typically, an inhalable aerosol is generated as a result of heat transfer from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol-generating substrate or material that may be located within, around, or downstream of the heat source. The aerosol-generating substrate may be a liquid substrate contained in a reservoir. The aerosol-generating substrate may be a solid substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may be a component of a separate aerosol-generating article that is capable of engaging with the aerosol-generating device to form an aerosol. During consumption, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are released into the air drawn through the aerosol-generating product. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the consumer.

Some aerosol generating devices are configured to provide user use sessions that have a limited duration. For example, an aerosol generating device may be configured to operate for a predetermined period of time in any single use session. Aerosol generating devices configured to be used with separate aerosol generating articles may be configured to operate in intermittent use sessions that do not exceed the time required to exhaust the aerosol forming substrate in the separate aerosol generating article.

A traditional combustible cigarette has a burn line that moves along the cigarette as it is consumed, thus providing the user with a continuous visual indication of the progress of the user's usage session. The user can thus estimate at any given time how much of the cigarette is available for consumption. In many aerosol-generating devices, this assessment is more difficult. Some devices provide an indication that the usage session will end shortly before the end of such a session, but this does not provide the user with information about the progress of the usage session during the usage session. Progress information can be particularly useful to the user when the duration of the usage session is controlled by more than one parameter.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is proposed for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol during a usage session that passes through a plurality of successive phases between the start of the usage session and the end of the usage session. The aerosol generating device comprises a timer, a haptic output unit and a controller. The progress of the usage session through a plurality of successive phases is controlled by the controller in response to timing signals from the timer and in response to signals representing the monitored user interaction parameter. The controller is configured to control the haptic output unit to emit another haptic output signal during each of the plurality of successive phases to indicate the progress of the usage session.

The haptic output unit may be configured to emit an output haptic signal representing the current phase of the usage session in response to user input. For example, the user may initiate a status request, such as by pressing a button on the aerosol generating device. The output haptic signal representing the current usage session may then be emitted in response to the status request.

The haptic output unit may comprise a haptic actuator or a haptic motor, such as an eccentric rotating mass actuator. The haptic output signal may be in the form of one or more vibrations or sound signals that can be detected by a user holding the device.

The haptic output unit may be configured to emit an output haptic signal representing the current phase of the usage session in response to a transition from one of the plurality of successive phases to a subsequent one of the plurality of successive phases. In this way, the haptic signal may be automatically emitted when transitioning from one phase to a subsequent phase. This may provide the user with a continuous haptic indication of the progress of the usage session.

A usage session is a limited usage session, i.e. a usage session with a beginning and an end. The duration of a usage session, measured in time, may depend on the usage during the usage session. The duration of a usage session may have a maximum duration, determined by the maximum time from the start of the usage session. The duration of a usage session may be shorter than the maximum duration if one or more monitored parameters reach a specified threshold before the maximum time from the start of the usage session has elapsed.

The aerosol generating device is typically a hand-held device. The aerosol generating device may, for example, have dimensions similar to a traditional cigar or a traditional cigarette. The hand-held aerosol generating device has a limited surface area on which information display devices, such as indicators, can be mounted or otherwise placed. Thus, displays that contain a large number of display units, such as a large number of light-emitting units, occupy a significant area on the surface of a conventional aerosol generating device. In addition, displays consisting of a large number of display units also consume a large amount of power. A conventional aerosol generating device has limited space for a power supply unit, such as a battery, and thus functions that require high power consumption require larger capacity and, therefore, physically larger power supplies. More complex displays, such as screens, can be designed to display a wide range of information, but also consume large amounts of power and present other associated design complexities due to the need for complex electronic architecture and the requirements for providing sufficient display power and dissipating the heat generated by the display.

The user may be engaged in other activities, such as conversation, while using the aerosol generating device. In such circumstances, it may not be practical for the user to constantly check their device to monitor the progress of the usage session. Therefore, it may be advantageous if the user can monitor the progress of the usage session in an intermittent and unobtrusive manner. For example, it may be advantageous if the user can determine the progress of the usage session without having to check a visual indication.

If the user does not have adequate feedback, the user may be inclined to consume the interaction with the aerosol-generating device more frequently. For example, if the user is unsure of how much time is left in the usage session, they may puff more frequently than they otherwise would, which will result in the aerosol-generating substrate being exhausted more quickly and possibly ending the usage session earlier than they would otherwise want. The ability to track the progress of a usage session may make the user more relaxed during the usage session and therefore make the user experience more enjoyable.

An aerosol generating device that can provide haptic feedback indicating the progress of a usage session may allow a user to track the progress of a usage session while continuing other activities, such as communicating with others.

A usage session may be defined as a period of limited duration during which a user may obtain a user experience. A usage session may, for example, last between the start of a usage session, which may be referred to, for example, as a session start, and the end of a usage session, which may be referred to, for example, as a session termination. The start of a session may be defined as the moment of actuation of an aerosol-generating device. For example, a user may manually initiate a usage session by actuating an aerosol-generating device, for example, by pressing a button that actuates the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to initiate a usage session automatically, for example, in response to the aerosol-generating article interacting with the aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol generating device may be configured such that the usage session has a maximum duration determined by a timer. The maximum duration may ensure that the usage session ends without additional input from the user. An aerosol generating device configured to provide a usage session having a maximum duration helps maintain the quality of the user experience by preventing the user from attempting to generate an aerosol when the aerosol-forming substrate is exhausted. A usage session having a maximum duration also helps ensure safety, since the actuation system, typically including a heater, does not remain in an activated state if the user forgets that the usage session has begun. A usage session having a maximum duration also requires the user to make a conscious decision about starting the next usage session, which may help the user control the consumption of the aerosol.

The aerosol generating device may be configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article that contains an aerosol generating substrate. For example, the aerosol generating device may be configured to accommodate a cartridge that contains an aerosol generating substrate, such as a liquid aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating device may be configured to accommodate a heated aerosol generating article that contains a solid aerosol generating substrate.

The aerosol generating device may be configured to detect the presence of an aerosol generating article. Sensors or detectors in the device may detect the presence of the article and may be capable of distinguishing between one article configured to be used with the device and another article configured to be used with the device. The device may be capable of distinguishing between articles configured to be used with the device and other articles not configured to be used with the device. The device may be capable of preventing the initiation of a usage session if the aerosol generating article is not an article configured to be used with the device.

The aerosol generating device may be configured such that the usage session is terminated if the aerosol generating article is removed from the aerosol generating device. Thus, in such a configuration, the usage session may be terminated before the maximum duration is reached if the user removes the article from the device during the usage session. This may improve both security and user experience.

The aerosol generating device may be configured to track a user interaction parameter indicating the use of the aerosol generating device during a usage session. The usage session may be configured to terminate if the user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold. Thus, in such a configuration, the usage session may be terminated before reaching the maximum duration in the event that the tracked user interaction parameter reaches the threshold before reaching the maximum duration of the usage session. In the event that the user actively used the device during the usage session, the aerosol generating substrate may be consumed faster than it would be in the event that the user did not actively use the device. Thus, the ability to track and terminate a usage session when the user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold may improve the user experience by preventing aerosol generation from a spent aerosol generating article. In order to continue usage, the user may need to replace the article and begin a further usage session.

As an example, the user interaction parameter may indicate the puffs of the user made during the usage session. The aerosol generating device may comprise a puff counting mechanism for determining the number of puffs of the user made during the usage session. The aerosol generating device may be configured to terminate the usage session when the number of puffs of the user made during the usage session reaches a predetermined threshold. Thus, the usage session may comprise a limited number of puffs that the user can make. The usage session may be terminated before the maximum duration determined by the timer if the number of puffs made during the usage session reaches a predetermined threshold before the maximum duration determined by the timer. Thus, in the event that the user uses up the aerosol-forming substrate by making a large number of puffs in a short period of time, the usage session of the user is preserved by preventing puffs after the aerosol-forming substrate is used up.

When the length of a usage session is defined by more than one threshold, such as a maximum duration defined by a time threshold and a threshold defined by one or more user interaction parameters, representative indication of progress during a usage session becomes more complex.

A usage session is defined as consisting of a plurality of successive phases. The progress of the usage session as a whole can be determined relative to the progress through the plurality of successive phases. The plurality of successive phases can be at least three successive phases or at least four successive phases. For example, the plurality of successive phases can contain at least five successive phases or at least six successive phases. The more phases a usage session is divided into, the more accurate the progress indication during the session. However, if the number of stages is too large, the progress indication can be misleading and of little practical use to the user.

The aerosol generating device may be configured such that any or each of the plurality of successive phases has a phase duration defined by a phase start and a phase end. The aerosol generating device may be configured such that any or each of the plurality of successive phases has a maximum phase duration defined by a timer. Thus, any or each of the plurality of successive phases may end when the monitored time period reaches a predetermined threshold for the phase, unless the phase has ended earlier.

The first phase of a plurality of successive phases may have a first phase duration, for example defined by the start of the first phase and the end of the first phase. The first phase may be considered to begin at the start of the usage session.

If the aerosol generating device comprises a heater, the first phase may comprise a heating period during which the temperature of the heating element is increased from the ambient temperature to an operating temperature to generate the aerosol.

The first phase of the plurality of successive phases may have a first phase duration, for example defined by the beginning of the first phase and the end of the first phase, in which the first phase may be considered to begin at the end of the pre-phase heating period, wherein the pre-phase heating period begins at the beginning of the session. The pre-phase heating period may be a heating period during which the temperature of the heating element increases from the ambient temperature to the operating temperature for generating an aerosol.

The second phase of a plurality of successive phases may have a second phase duration defined by the start of the second phase and the end of the second phase. The second phase may begin at the end of the first phase.

The third phase of a plurality of successive phases may have a third phase duration defined by a start of the third phase and an end of the third phase. The third phase may begin at the end of the second phase. The usage session may end at the end of the third phase. Thus, the usage session may be divided into three phases, each phase having its own duration, with the usage session ending at the end of the third phase. The progress of the usage session may then be determined by determining the phase the usage session is in at any time during the usage session.

A usage session can be divided into more than three phases.

The fourth phase of a plurality of successive phases may have a fourth phase duration defined by the beginning of the fourth phase and the end of the fourth phase. The fourth phase may begin at the end of the third phase.

The usage session may end at the end of the fourth phase. Thus, the usage session may be divided into four phases, each phase having its own duration, with the usage session ending at the end of the fourth phase. The progress of the usage session may then be determined by determining the phase the usage session is in at any time during the usage session.

A usage session may be divided into more than four phases. The fifth phase of a plurality of consecutive phases has a fifth phase duration, which may be defined by the beginning of the fifth phase and the end of the fifth phase. The fifth phase may begin at the end of the fourth phase. A usage session may end at the end of the fifth phase.

A usage session may be divided into more than five phases. A sixth phase of a plurality of consecutive phases may have a sixth phase duration defined by the start of the sixth phase and the end of the sixth phase. The sixth phase may begin at the end of the fifth phase. A usage session may end at the end of the sixth phase.

The aerosol generating device may be configured to track a user interaction parameter indicating the use of the aerosol generating device during a usage session. The duration of any or each of a plurality of successive phases may be controlled with reference to the tracked user interaction parameter. Preferably, the duration of any or each of a plurality of successive phases is controlled with reference to the user interaction parameter and at least one additional parameter. Preferably, the at least one additional parameter is a passage of time determined by a timer.

Thus, the progression of a usage session through each of a plurality of successive phases may be determined by reference to both a timer that provides a maximum duration for each phase, and a monitored user interaction parameter that may terminate a phase earlier than the maximum possible duration for that phase if the monitored user interaction parameter reaches a specified threshold.

The user interaction parameter may indicate the puffs the user made during the usage session.

The user interaction parameter may indicate the amount of aerosol or the volume of aerosol emitted by the aerosol-forming substrate. The user interaction parameter may indicate the amount of aerosol or the volume of aerosol delivered to the user. The user interaction parameter may be the total volume of aerosol delivered to the user.

The user interaction parameter may indicate the power supplied to the heating element during a usage session.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a puff counting mechanism for determining the number of puffs taken by the user during a usage session. The puffs taken by the user may be determined, for example, by monitoring the power supplied by the power supply during the usage session, or by monitoring the temperature of the heating element during the usage session. The puffs taken by the user may be determined by monitoring the air flow through the device during the usage session. The duration of any or each of the plurality of successive phases may therefore be controlled depending on the number of puffs taken by the user during the usage session.

The aerosol generating device may be configured such that the usage session has a maximum usage session duration determined by a timer, and in which the aerosol generating device is configured to record at least one user interaction parameter during the usage session. The duration of a phase of any or each of a plurality of successive phases may have a duration shorter than the maximum phase duration if the value of the user interaction parameter reaches a specified threshold before the end of this phase.

A usage session may, for example, comprise a first phase, a second phase, a third phase and a fourth phase. The first phase may begin with the start of the usage session. The first phase may end, and therefore the second phase may begin, after the monitored time period starting with the start of the monitoring reaches a given time threshold of the first phase, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches a first given value, if the first given value is reached at a time preceding the given time threshold of the first phase. The second phase may end, and therefore the third phase may begin, after the monitored time starting with the start of the monitoring reaches a given time threshold of the second phase, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches a second given value, if the second given value is reached at a time preceding the given time threshold of the second phase. The third phase may end, and therefore the fourth phase may begin, after the monitored time, starting from the moment of the start of the monitoring, reaches the specified time threshold of the third phase, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches the third specified value, if the third specified value is reached at the moment preceding the specified time threshold of the third phase. The fourth phase may end, and after the monitored time, starting from the moment of the start of the monitoring, reaches the specified time threshold of the fourth phase, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches the fourth specified value, if the fourth specified value is reached at the moment preceding the specified time threshold of the fourth phase.

For convenience, the start of time tracking may be the start of a usage session. The recorded user interaction parameter may be representative of the number of puffs taken by the user during the usage session.

The first phase time threshold can be set to a value between 75 seconds and 105 seconds from the start of the use session. The first set value can be 3 puffs or 4 puffs.

The second phase time threshold can be a value between 150 seconds and 210 seconds from the start of the use session. The second set value can be 6 puffs or 7 puffs.

The third phase time threshold can be a value between 225 seconds and 315 seconds from the start of the use session. The third set value can be 9 puffs or 10 puffs.

The fourth phase time threshold can be a value between 300 seconds and 420 seconds from the start of the use session. The fourth set value can be 12 puffs or 13 puffs.

In another example, the recorded user interaction parameter may represent the volume of aerosol delivered to the user during a usage session. This parameter may be calculated, for example, by monitoring the power signal, determining the start point and end point of the user's puffs, and integrating to determine the total power delivered during the user's puffs. Based on this total delivered power, the volume of aerosol delivered may be calculated.

For example, the device may be configured to monitor a parameter indicative of aerosol generation, such as power supplied to a heater, during operation of the aerosol generating device, analyze the monitored parameter to identify a user puff, the user puff defined by the start of the puff and the end of the puff, analyze the monitored parameter during the user puff to calculate a puff volume, wherein the puff volume is the volume of aerosol generated during the user puff, and use the puff volume as a user interaction parameter.

The first phase time threshold can be a value from 75 seconds to 105 seconds from the start of the use session. The first set value can be from 50 ml to 200 ml of aerosol.

The second phase time threshold can be a value from 150 seconds to 210 seconds from the start of the use session. The second set value can be from 100 ml to 400 ml of aerosol.

The third phase time threshold can be a value from 225 seconds to 315 seconds from the start of the use session. The third set value can be from 150 ml to 600 ml of aerosol.

The fourth phase time threshold may be a value from 300 seconds to 420 seconds from the start of the use session. The fourth set value may be from 200 ml to 800 ml of aerosol.

A usage session may contain a final phase, which may be a fourth phase or a subsequent phase, and the final phase may end after a tracked period of time, such as after the time starting from the start of the usage session reaches a specified final phase time threshold, or after a recorded user interaction parameter reaches a final specified value, if the final specified value is reached before a specified final phase time threshold.

A usage session entering a final phase may therefore be an indication to the user that the usage session is about to end. The final phase may have a maximum duration that is shorter than the maximum duration of the previous phases.

The aerosol generating device can be designed so that the usage session includes at least four successive phases, and the output tactile signal unit is designed to emit another output tactile signal during each of the at least four successive phases. The output tactile signal can be in the form of one or more vibrations or sound signals that are perceived by the user holding the device.

During the first phase, the haptic output unit may emit an output signal comprising a first number of vibrations, such as a first number of vibrations selected from a list comprising a single vibration, a double vibration, a triple vibration, and a quadruple vibration.

During the second phase, the haptic output unit may emit an output signal comprising a second number of vibrations, for example, a second number of vibrations selected from a list comprising a single vibration, a double vibration, a triple vibration, and a quadruple vibration, the haptic output signal emitted during the second phase being different from the haptic output signal emitted during the first phase.

During the third phase, the haptic output unit may emit an output signal comprising a third number of vibrations, for example, a third number of vibrations selected from a list comprising single vibration, double vibration, triple vibration and quadruple vibration, the haptic output signal emitted during the third phase is different from the haptic output signal emitted during both the first phase and the second phase.

During the fourth phase, the haptic output unit may emit an output signal comprising a fourth number of vibrations, for example, a fourth number of vibrations selected from a list comprising a single vibration, a double vibration, a triple vibration, and a quadruple vibration, the haptic output signal emitted during the fourth phase is different from the haptic output signal emitted during any of the first phase, the second phase, and the third phase.

Thus, the aerosol generating device may be configured to generate the aerosol during a limited usage session. The usage session may be divided into a plurality of successive phases. The controller may be configured to determine and control the duration of the usage session with reference to the monitored parameters. The controller may also determine and control the duration of each of the plurality of phases with reference to the monitored parameters. The length of the usage session and any phase in the usage session may have a maximum duration or a last end point determined by a synchronization threshold. The length of the usage session and any phase during the usage session may be less than the maximum duration allowed by the synchronization threshold if one or more monitored parameters reach the threshold. The controller may be able to determine which phase of the usage session the device is in and control the haptic output unit to output an indication representing this phase. Thus, by dividing the usage session into a plurality of successive phases, the user can determine the phase in which the usage session is at any time during the usage session. In this way, the user can have an indication of how much time remains in the usage session or how much additional interaction he can have with the device before the usage session ends. This can be a particular advantage when the duration of the usage session depends to some extent on the user's level of interaction with the device.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a heater for heating the aerosol forming substrate to form the aerosol. The heater may be an induction heater. The induction heater may comprise an inductor configured to generate a changing magnetic field intended to heat the current collector. The heater may be a resistive heater.

The heater may comprise a heating element for heating the aerosol-generating consumable article. The heating element may be an internal heater intended for insertion into the aerosol-generating consumable article, for example, a resistive heating element or a current collector in the form of a pin or plate that can be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate located in the aerosol-generating consumable article. The heating element may be an external heater intended for heating the outer surface of the aerosol-generating consumable article, for example, a resistive heating element or a current collector located on the periphery of the substrate receiving cavity or surrounding it, for accommodating the aerosol-generating consumable article.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a section for a replaceable substrate comprising an aerosol forming substrate. The section for the replaceable substrate may form a portion of the main part of the aerosol generating device and may itself accommodate or contain a portion of the aerosol forming substrate for dispensing in the device. The section for the replaceable substrate may be located remotely from the proximal end of the device, for example remotely from the mouthpiece. The section for the replaceable substrate may be located close to the distal end of the device. The section for the replaceable substrate may be connected to one or more other sections forming the main part of the aerosol generating device by means of connecting means such as screw threads or a bayonet connection, or a magnetic connection, or mechanical latching means such as snap connections or an interference fit.

The replaceable substrate section may comprise a reservoir for a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the replaceable substrate section may comprise a reservoir for a liquid containing nicotine and an aerosol-forming substance such as propylene glycol or glycerin. Alternatively, the replaceable substrate section may comprise a container for a solid aerosol-forming substrate or a container for a colloidal aerosol-forming substrate such as a gel substrate.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a replaceable substrate section comprising two or more components that form an aerosol when combined.

The section for the replaceable substrate may comprise an atomizer, such as a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate or for heating at least one of two or more components that form an aerosol when combined. Thus, the section for the replaceable substrate may be in the form of a cartomizer and comprise both the aerosol-forming substrate and the atomizer component. In such embodiments, the section for the replaceable substrate will preferably comprise electrical contacts configured to contact corresponding electrical contacts on the battery-like portion of the aerosol-generating device to supply power for driving the atomizer.

In one example, the atomizer may be a resistive heater, such as a resistive wire or a resistive track on a substrate. In other examples, the atomizer may be an inductive current collector capable of heating while within a pulsating magnetic field generated by an induction coil.

An aerosol generating device may be configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article that contains an aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol forming substrate may be a solid aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating device may, for example, comprise a substrate receiving cavity for accommodating a consumable aerosol generating article that contains the aerosol forming substrate. Examples of aerosol generating articles include sachets filled with solid aerosol forming substrates, cigarettes and cigarette-like articles that contain an aerosol forming substrate located inside a wrapper such as cigarette paper, capsules or containers for a liquid aerosol forming substrate or a colloidal aerosol forming substrate. The consumable aerosol generating article may comprise a section for a replaceable substrate that contains two or more components that form an aerosol when combined.

The aerosol-generating consumable article may comprise a nebulizer, such as a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate or for heating at least one of two or more components that form the aerosol when combined. Thus, the aerosol-generating consumable article may be a form of a cartomizer and comprise both the aerosol-forming substrate and the nebulizer component. In such embodiments, the aerosol-generating consumable article will preferably comprise electrical contacts configured to contact corresponding electrical contacts on the battery-like portion of the aerosol-generating device to supply power for driving the nebulizer.

In examples, the atomizer may be a resistive heater, such as a resistive wire or a resistive track on a substrate. In other embodiments, the atomizer may be an inductive current collector capable of heating while inside a pulsating magnetic field generated by an induction coil.

The aerosol generating device may be configured such that power is supplied to the heater to maintain the heater at a predetermined temperature during a use session.

Power may be supplied to the heater to raise the temperature of the heating element to an operating temperature range to generate an aerosol, while the heating element remains within the operating temperature range until the end of the use session. Power may be supplied to the heater during a use session both when the user is puffing and when the user is not puffing. In such a configuration, the power supplied during a puff by the user is likely to be greater than the power supplied when the user is not puffing, since less power will be required to maintain the temperature of the heater between puffs.

A preferred aerosol-generating consumable article may have the form of a cigarette or a cigarette-like article containing a solid aerosol-forming substrate located inside a wrapper. Preferably, such an article comprises a mouthpiece end intended for insertion into the user's mouth for using the article. Preferably, the mouthpiece end comprises a filter for simulating a conventional cigarette with specified properties. Preferably, the aerosol-generating consumable article is configured to interact with an atomizer, preferably a heater, located in the main part of the aerosol-generating device. Thus, a heating means, such as a resistive heating element, can be located in or around the substrate receiving cavity for accommodating the aerosol-generating consumable article. The substrate receiving cavity can be located at the proximal end of the device. For example, an opening relative to the substrate receiving cavity can be located at the proximal end of the device.

The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device as described above and an aerosol generating article configured to be received by the aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol forming substrate.

The aerosol generating system may further comprise a charging device for charging the aerosol generating device. The charging device may comprise a primary power source and may have a docking arrangement configured to engage with the elongated aerosol generating device.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is proposed for indicating the progress of a usage session in an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating device comprises an output haptic signal unit and a controller. The method includes the steps of determining the starting point of a usage session, monitoring synchronization signals generated by a timer, monitoring a user interaction parameter, determining the progress of a usage session based on the synchronization signals and the received user interaction parameter, and controlling the output haptic signal unit to emit different output haptic signals to indicate the progress of a usage session.

By dividing a usage session into multiple successive phases, the device can determine and indicate to the user the progress of the usage session. The user can determine the phase the usage session is in by receiving a tactile indication. In this way, the user can have an indication of how much time remains in the usage session or how much additional interaction he or she can have with the device before the usage session ends. This can be of particular benefit when the duration of the usage session is somewhat dependent on the user's level of interaction with the device.

The aerosol generating device may be configured to generate the aerosol during a usage session, and the usage session passes through a plurality of successive phases between the start of the usage session and the end of the usage session. The method may include a step of controlling the output haptic signal unit to emit another output haptic signal during each of the plurality of successive phases to indicate the progress of the usage session.

The method may include the steps of determining the starting point of the usage session, determining the progress of the usage session, and controlling the output tactile signal unit to emit output tactile signals to indicate the progress of the usage session.

The method may include the additional steps of determining at least four successive phases between the start of the session and the end of the session and controlling the output tactile signal unit to emit a different output tactile signal during each of the successive phases.

The method may include additional steps of recording the user interaction parameter during the usage session and determining the duration of the usage session and/or each of a plurality of successive phases based on information about the time and the value of the user interaction parameter.

The user interaction parameter may represent the number of puffs of the user, and the total duration of the usage session may be defined as the maximum duration determined by the timer, or a duration lower than the maximum duration if the number of puffs during the usage session exceeds the maximum number of puffs allowed during the user session.

The user interaction parameter may represent the number of puffs by the user, and the total duration of each phase may be defined as the maximum duration of the phase, as determined by the timer, or a duration lower than the maximum duration of the phase if the number of puffs during the phase exceeds the maximum number of puffs allowed during the phase.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate the aerosol during a usage session that passes through a plurality of successive phases between the start of the usage session and the end of the usage session. The aerosol generating device comprises a timer, an output haptic signal unit, and a controller. The aerosol generating device comprises a machine-readable medium containing instructions for performing a method for determining a starting point of a usage session, monitoring synchronization signals generated by the timer, monitoring a user interaction parameter, determining the progress of the usage session based on the synchronization signals and the received user interaction parameter, and controlling the output haptic signal unit for emitting different output haptic signals for indicating the progress of the usage session.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that is directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. In certain embodiments, the aerosol generating device may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to facilitate the release of volatile compounds. The aerosol generating device may interact with an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate or a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. An electrical aerosol generating device may comprise a nebulizer, such as an electrical heater, for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. In certain embodiments, an aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol when heated.

As used herein, the term "use session" refers to a period of operation of an aerosol-generating device that has a limited duration. A use session may be initiated by an action by the user. A use session may be terminated after a specified period of time has passed since the use session was initiated. A use session may be terminated after a monitored parameter has reached a threshold during the use session. Typically, a use session has a duration that allows the user to enjoy a single use session by the user. For example, in certain aerosol-generating devices, a use session may have a duration that allows the user to consume a single disposable aerosol-generating product. After a use session has been terminated, further action by the user is required to initiate a subsequent use session.

As used herein, the term "haptic output unit" refers to an element of an aerosol generating device capable of providing an indication in tactile form to a user of the device. The haptic output unit may, for example, comprise a vibration motor or a haptic motor such as an eccentric rotating mass actuator.

The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment or aspect described herein.

Example i. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol forming substrate, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate the aerosol during a usage session, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises: a controller configured to track the progress of the usage session and control an indicator for indicating the progress of the usage session.

Example ii. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol forming substrate, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate the aerosol during a usage session, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises: a tactile signal output unit and a controller configured to control the tactile signal output unit to indicate the progress of the usage session.

Example iii. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate the aerosol during a usage session that passes through a plurality of successive phases between the start of the usage session and the end of the usage session, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises:

tactile output unit and

controller,

in which the progress of a usage session through a plurality of successive phases is controlled by a controller in response to a monitored parameter,

and wherein the controller is configured to control the haptic output unit to emit a different haptic output signal during each of a plurality of successive phases to indicate progress in the usage session.

Example iv. An aerosol generating device according to example iii, wherein the monitored parameter is the time or the user interaction parameter.

Example Ex1. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate the aerosol during a usage session passing through a plurality of successive phases between the start of the usage session and the end of the usage session, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises:

timer,

tactile output unit and

controller,

wherein the progress of a usage session through a plurality of successive phases is controlled by a controller in response to timing signals from a timer and in response to signals representing a monitored user interaction parameter,

and wherein the controller is configured to control the haptic output unit to emit a different haptic output signal during each of a plurality of successive phases to indicate progress of the usage session.

Example Ex2. An aerosol generating device according to any previous example, wherein the haptic output unit is configured to emit an haptic output signal representing the current phase of the usage session in response to user input.

Example Ex3. An aerosol generating device according to any previous example, wherein the haptic output unit is configured to emit an haptic output signal representing the current phase of the usage session in response to a transition from one of a plurality of successive phases to a subsequent one of the plurality of successive phases.

Example Ex4. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of successive phases comprises at least three successive phases.

Example Ex5. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of successive phases comprises at least four successive phases or at least five successive phases.

Example Ex6. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured such that the usage session has a maximum duration determined by a timer.

Example Ex7. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol forming substrate.

Example Ex8. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex7, in which the aerosol generating device is configured to detect the presence of an aerosol generating article.

Example Ex9. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex7 or Ex8, in which the usage session is terminated if the aerosol generating article is removed from the aerosol generating device.

Example Ex10. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the user interaction parameter specifies the use of the aerosol generating device during the usage session.

Example Ex11. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex10, in which the usage session is configured to be terminated if the user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold.

Example Ex12. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex10 or Ex11, wherein the user interaction parameter indicates the puffs of the user taken during the usage session, or wherein the user interaction parameter indicates the volume of aerosol released by the aerosol-forming substrate or delivered to the user during the usage session.

Example Ex13. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a puff counting mechanism for determining the number of puffs taken by the user during a usage session.

Example Ex14. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex13, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to terminate a usage session when the number of puffs taken by the user during the usage session reaches a predetermined threshold.

Example 14A. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, configured to monitor a parameter indicative of aerosol generation during operation of the aerosol generating device, analyze the monitored parameter to identify a user puff, the user puff defined by a start of a puff and an end of a puff, analyze the monitored parameter during the user puff to calculate a puff volume, wherein the puff volume is a volume of aerosol generated during the user puff, and use the puff volume as a user interaction parameter.

Example Ex15. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured such that any or each of the plurality of successive phases has a phase duration defined by a phase start and a phase end.

Example Ex16. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured such that any or each of the plurality of successive phases has a maximum phase duration determined by a timer.

Example Ex17. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein any or each of the plurality of successive phases has a phase duration defined by a phase start and a phase end.

Example Ex18. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex17, wherein and wherein any or each of the plurality of successive phases has a maximum phase duration determined by a timer.

Example Ex19. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex17 or Ex18, wherein any or each of the plurality of successive phases ends when the monitored period of time reaches a predetermined threshold for the phase, unless the phase has ended earlier.

Example Ex20. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, in which

the first phase of the plurality of successive phases has a first phase duration defined by a first phase start and a first phase end, wherein the first phase begins at the start of the usage session.

Example Ex21. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex20, wherein the first phase comprises a heating period during which the temperature of the heating element increases from the ambient temperature to the operating temperature to generate the aerosol.

Example Ex22. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, in which

the first phase of the plurality of successive phases has a first phase duration defined by a first phase start and a first phase end, wherein the first phase starts at the end of the pre-phase heating period, wherein the pre-phase heating period starts at the beginning of the session.

Example Ex23. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex22, wherein the pre-phase heating period is a heating period during which the temperature of the heating element increases from the ambient temperature to the operating temperature for generating the aerosol.

Example Ex24. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, in which

the second phase of the plurality of successive phases has a second phase duration defined by a second phase start and a second phase end, in which the second phase begins at the end of the first phase.

Example Ex25. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, in which

the third phase of a plurality of successive phases has a third phase duration defined by the beginning of the third phase and the end of the first phase, in which the third phase begins at the end of the second phase.

Example Ex26. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, in which

the fourth phase of a plurality of successive phases has a fourth phase duration defined by a fourth phase start and a fourth phase end, in which the fourth phase begins at the end of the third phase.

Example Ex27. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the usage session ends at the end of the fourth phase.

Example Ex28. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex1 to Ex26, in which

the fifth phase of a plurality of successive phases has a fifth phase duration defined by a fifth phase start and a fifth phase end, in which the fifth phase begins at the end of the fourth phase.

Example Ex29. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex28, wherein the usage session ends at the end of the fifth phase.

Example Ex30. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex1-Ex26 and Ex28, in which

the sixth phase of the plurality of successive phases has a sixth phase duration defined by the sixth phase start and the sixth phase end, in which the sixth phase begins at the end of the fifth phase.

Example Ex31. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex30, in which the usage session ends at the end of the sixth phase.

Example Ex32. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises monitoring and surveillance equipment configured to track a user interaction parameter indicating the use of the aerosol generating device during a usage session.

Example Ex33. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the duration of any or each of the plurality of successive phases is controlled with reference to a user interaction parameter.

Example Ex34. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the duration of any or each of the plurality of successive phases is controlled with reference to a user interaction parameter and at least one additional parameter.

Example Ex35. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex34, wherein at least one additional parameter is a period of time determined by a timer.

Example Ex36. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the user interaction parameter indicates puffs taken by the user during the usage session.

Example Ex37. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the user interaction parameter specifies power supplied to the heating element during a usage session.

Example Ex38. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a puff counting mechanism for determining the number of puffs taken by the user during a usage session, and wherein the duration of any or each of the plurality of successive phases is adjusted with reference to the number of puffs taken by the user during a usage session.

Example Ex39. An aerosol generating device according to any previous example, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured such that the usage session has a maximum usage session duration determined by a timer, and wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to record at least one user interaction parameter during the usage session, wherein the duration of a phase of any or each of a plurality of successive phases has a shorter duration than the maximum phase duration if the value of the user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold.

Example Ex40. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the usage session comprises a first phase, a second phase, a third phase and a fourth phase.

Example Ex41. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex40, wherein the first phase begins at the start of the use session.

Example Ex42. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex40 or Ex41, where the first phase ends and the second phase begins after the monitored time period, starting from the start of time monitoring, reaches a predetermined time threshold of the first phase, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches a first predetermined value, if the first predetermined value is reached at a time preceding the predetermined time threshold of the first phase.

Example Ex43. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex40-Ex42, wherein the second phase ends and the third phase begins after the monitored time, starting from the start of the time monitoring, reaches a predetermined time threshold of the second phase, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches a second predetermined value, if the second predetermined value is reached at a time preceding the predetermined time threshold of the second phase.

Example Ex44. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex40-Ex43, wherein the third phase ends and the fourth phase begins after the monitored time, starting from the start of the time monitoring, reaches a predetermined time threshold of the third phase, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches a third predetermined value, if the third predetermined value is reached at a time preceding the predetermined time threshold of the third phase.

Example Ex45. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex40-Ex44, wherein the fourth phase ends after the monitored time, starting from the start of the time monitoring, reaches a predetermined time threshold of the fourth phase, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches a fourth predetermined value, if the fourth predetermined value is reached at a time preceding the predetermined time threshold of the fourth phase.

Example Ex46. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex42-Ex45, wherein the start of time tracking is the moment of the start of the usage session.

Example Ex47. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex42-Ex46, wherein the first phase time threshold is a value from 75 seconds to 105 seconds from the start of the use session.

Example Ex48. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex42-Ex47, wherein the recorded user interaction parameter represents the number of puffs taken by the user during the usage session,

where the first set value is 3 puffs or 4 puffs.

Example Ex49. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex42-Ex48, wherein the second phase time threshold is a value from 150 seconds to 210 seconds from the start of the use session.

Example Ex50. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex42-Ex49, wherein the recorded user interaction parameter represents the number of puffs taken by the user during the usage session,

where the second set value is 6 puffs or 7 puffs.

Example Ex51. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex42-Ex50, wherein the time threshold of the third phase is a value from 225 seconds to 315 seconds from the start of the use session.

Example Ex52. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex42-Ex51, wherein the recorded user interaction parameter represents the number of puffs taken by the user during the usage session,

where the third set value is 9 puffs or 10 puffs.

Example Ex53. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex42-Ex52, wherein the fourth phase time threshold is a value from 300 seconds to 420 seconds from the start of the use session.

Example Ex54. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex42-Ex52, wherein the recorded user interaction parameter represents the number of puffs taken by the user during the usage session,

where the first set value is 12 puffs or 13 puffs.

Example Ex55. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex42-Ex54, in which

the usage session contains a terminal phase, which may be the fourth phase or a subsequent phase, and the terminal phase ends after the tracked time, starting from the start of the usage session, reaches the specified terminal phase time threshold, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches the final specified value, if the final specified value is reached before the specified terminal phase time threshold.

Example Ex56. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex55, in which the final phase has a maximum duration that is shorter than the maximum duration of the previous phases.

Example Ex57. An aerosol generating device according to any previous example, wherein the usage session comprises at least four successive phases, and the tactile output signal unit is configured to emit a different tactile output signal during each of the at least four successive phases.

Example Ex58. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex57, in which

during the first phase, the tactile output unit emits an output signal that provides a first number of vibrations, for example, a first number of vibrations or sound signals selected from a list containing single vibration, double vibration, triple vibration and quadruple vibration.

Example Ex59. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex58, in which

during the second phase, the haptic output unit emits an output signal that provides a second number of vibrations, for example a second number of vibrations selected from a list containing single vibration, double vibration, triple vibration and quadruple vibration, wherein the haptic output signal emitted during the second phase is different from the haptic output signal emitted during the first phase.

Example Ex60. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex59, in which

during the third phase, the haptic output unit emits an output signal that provides a third number of vibrations, for example a third number of vibrations selected from a list containing single vibration, double vibration, triple vibration and quadruple vibration, wherein the haptic output signal emitted during the third phase is different from the haptic output signal emitted during both the first phase and the second phase.

Example Ex61. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex60, in which

during the fourth phase, the haptic output unit emits an output signal that provides a fourth number of vibrations, such as a fourth number of vibrations selected from a list containing single vibration, double vibration, triple vibration and quadruple vibration, wherein the haptic output signal emitted during the fourth phase is different from the haptic output signal emitted during any of the first phase, the second phase and the third phase.

Example Ex62. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the device comprises a heater.

Example Ex63. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex62, wherein the heater is an induction heater.

Example Ex64. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex62, wherein the heater is a resistive heater.

Example Ex64i. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex22-Ex64, in which power is supplied to the heater to maintain a predetermined temperature of the heater during a use session.

Example 64ii. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex62-Ex64i, wherein power is supplied to the heater to increase the temperature of the heating element to an operating temperature range for generating the aerosol, wherein the heating element remains within the operating temperature range until the end of the use session.

Example 64iii. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex62-Ex64ii, wherein power is supplied to the heater during a usage session both when the user is puffing and when the user is not puffing.

Example Ex65. An aerosol generating device according to any previous example is configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol forming substrate.

Example Ex66. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex65, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex67. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any preceding example and an aerosol generating article adapted to be received by the aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol forming substrate.

Example Ex68. A method for indicating the progress of a usage session in an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol forming substrate, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a tactile output signal unit and a controller,

wherein the method includes the following steps:

defining the starting point of a usage session,

tracking synchronization signals generated by the timer,

tracking user interaction parameter,

determining the progress of a usage session based on synchronization signals and the received user interaction parameter and

control the haptic output unit to emit different haptic output signals to indicate the progress of a usage session.

Example Ex69. The method according to example Ex68, in which the aerosol generating device is configured to generate the aerosol during a usage session, and the usage session goes through a plurality of successive phases between the start of the usage session and the end of the usage session, wherein the method includes the step of controlling the haptic output unit to emit a different haptic output signal during each of the plurality of successive phases to indicate the progress of the usage session.

Example Ex70. A method for indicating the progress of a usage session according to example Ex68 or Ex69 in an aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex1-Ex66, wherein the method comprises the steps of;

defining the starting point of a usage session,

determining the progress of a usage session and

control the haptic output unit to emit haptic output signals to indicate the progress of a usage session.

Example Ex71. The method according to any of the examples Ex68-Ex70, comprising additional steps

defining at least four consecutive phases between the start of a session and the end of a session and

control the tactile output unit to emit a different tactile output signal during each of the successive phases.

Example Ex72. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate the aerosol during a usage session passing through a plurality of successive phases between the start of the usage session and the end of the usage session, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises:

timer,

tactile output unit and

controller,

wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a machine-readable medium containing instructions for performing the method:

defining the starting point of a usage session,

tracking synchronization signals generated by the timer,

tracking user interaction parameter,

determining the progress of a usage session based on synchronization signals and the received user interaction parameter and

control the haptic output unit to emit different haptic output signals to indicate the progress of a usage session.

Example Ex73. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate the aerosol during a usage session passing through a plurality of successive phases between the start of the usage session and the end of the usage session, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises:

timer,

tactile output unit and

controller,

wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a machine-readable medium containing instructions for performing the steps of the method according to any of the examples Ex68-Ex72.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the figures, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an aerosol generating device;

Fig. 2 is a schematic view from the upper end of the aerosol generating device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a schematic side sectional view of the aerosol generating device of Fig. 1 and an aerosol generating article for use with the device;

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic representation of the various electronic components of the aerosol generating device and their interactions;

Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the steps of the method associated with providing the user with an indication of the number of remaining usage sessions;

Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the steps of the method associated with an indication indicating to the user the progress of a usage session, where the progress is determined by the time and number of puffs;

Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the steps of the method associated with an indication indicating to the user the progress of a usage session, where the progress is determined by time and the generated volume of aerosol;

Fig. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the steps of the method associated with providing the user with an indication of the progress of a usage session in response to a status request;

Fig. 9-11 shows a schematic representation of illustrative indications that may be provided by a light emitting indicator to indicate the number of remaining usage sessions; and

Fig. 12-16 shows a schematic representation of illustrative indications that may be provided by the light emitting indicator to indicate the progress of a usage session.

The aerosol generating device 10 is a hand-held aerosol generating device and has an elongated shape formed by a housing 20, which has a substantially circular cylindrical shape. The aerosol generating device 10 comprises an open cavity 25, located at the near end 21 of the housing 20 for accommodating an aerosol generating article 30, containing an aerosol generating substrate 31. The aerosol generating device 10 further comprises a battery (not shown), located in the housing 20 of the device, and an electrically operated heater 40, located with the possibility of heating at least a part 31 in the form of an aerosol generating substrate, of the aerosol generating article 30, when the aerosol generating article 30 is placed in the cavity 25.

The aerosol generating device is configured to accommodate a consumable aerosol generating article 30. The aerosol generating article 30 has the shape of a cylindrical rod and contains an aerosol forming substrate 31. The aerosol forming substrate is a solid aerosol forming substrate containing tobacco. The aerosol generating article 30 further contains a mouthpiece, such as a filter 32, located in coaxial alignment with the aerosol forming substrate in the cylindrical rod. The aerosol generating article 30 has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the cavity 25 of the device 10 and a length greater than the depth of the cavity 25, so that when the article 30 is placed in the cavity 25 of the device 10, the mouthpiece 32 extends beyond the cavity 25 and the user can puff on it in analogy with a conventional cigarette.

During use, the user inserts the article 30 into the cavity 25 of the aerosol-generating device 10 and switches on the device 10 by pressing the user button 50 in order to activate the heater 40 to begin the use session. The heater 40 heats the aerosol-forming substrate of the article 30 so that the volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate 31 are released and sprayed to form an aerosol. The user puffs on the mouthpiece of the article 30 and inhales the aerosol generated from the heated aerosol-forming substrate. After activation, the temperature of the heater 40 increases from the ambient temperature to a predetermined temperature to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The control electronics of the device 10 supplies power to the heater from the battery to maintain the temperature of the heater at an approximately constant level when the user puffs on the aerosol-generating article 30. The heater continues to heat the aerosol generating product until the end of the use session, when the heater is deactivated and cooled.

At the end of the use session, the article 30 is removed from the device 10 for disposal, and the device 10 may be connected to an external power source to charge the battery of the device 10.

The aerosol generating device 10 further comprises a light emitting indicator 60 having a first light emitting unit 61 and a second light emitting unit 62. The light emitted by the first light emitting unit 61 and the second light emitting unit 62 is visible through the housing 20 of the aerosol generating device 10. The first light emitting unit 61 and the second light emitting unit 62 are both light emitting diode (LED) devices capable of emitting light in four colours; white, green, red and amber. The LEDs may be visible through the housing 20, or the light emitted by the LEDs may be visible outside the housing 20 through a light transmission channel (e.g. through a waveguide or a similar structure). In addition to each being capable of emitting light of different colors, the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit can both be independently controlled to be completely off, completely on, or flashing on and off.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the various electronic components of the aerosol generating device and their interactions.

The controller 420, located inside the housing 20, is connected to the battery 410, the heater 40, the timer 430, the accelerometer 440, the tactile motor 450 and the light emitting indicator 60.

Battery 410 supplies electrical energy to heat heater 40 and operate other electrical components. Battery 410, when fully charged, has sufficient electrical energy to power two full sessions of use of the aerosol generating device. Battery 410 is a rechargeable battery and can be connected to an external power source for recharging.

The heater 40 converts electrical energy supplied by the battery into heat to heat the aerosol generating device sufficiently to form an aerosol. During operation, the controller controls the supply of electrical energy from the battery to maintain the heater at a substantially constant aerosol generating temperature.

The 430 timer provides timing signals to the controller.

The accelerometer 440 is configured to detect movement of the device. When movement is detected, a signal is sent to the controller, and the controller determines whether the detected movement corresponds to a given pattern or gesture. In this way, the user can interact with the device, causing it to move in certain patterns and gestures.

The haptic engine 450 generates an output haptic signal to the user of the device. The haptic engine is configured to emit an output haptic signal in response to a control signal from the controller 420.

The light-emitting indicator 60 generates a visual indication for the user. The light-emitting indicator is configured to issue a visual indication in response to a control signal from the controller 420.

The aerosol generating device 10 in this particular embodiment is configured to receive user requests in the form of specific gestures performed by the user using the device 10. In response to the user requests, the device 10 is configured to output signals indicating the number of usage sessions remaining before the battery of the device must be recharged and, during a usage session, signals indicating the progress of the usage session.

When fully charged, the battery can provide sufficient electrical energy for at least one full usage session. The battery can provide sufficient electrical energy for two or more usage sessions (e.g., twenty usage sessions). The user may want to know how many usage sessions are available before attempting to start a usage session.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the steps of the method associated with providing the user with an indication of the number of remaining usage sessions.

Step 500: When the aerosol generating device is not engaged in a usage session, the user lifts the device and moves the device with a predetermined gesture.

Step 510: The movement of the device associated with the specified gesture is detected by the accelerometer, which sends a signal to the controller. The specified gesture may consist, for example, of lifting the device and orienting the device in a vertical position.

Step 520: The signal supplied by the accelerometer is analyzed to determine whether the detected gesture is a gesture indicating a battery status request.

Step 530: If the detected signal is determined to be a battery status request, the controller communicates with the battery to determine the battery charge level.

Step 540: The controller sends a signal to the light emitting indicator 60 to provide an indication of the number of remaining usage sessions.

Step 550: The light emitting indicator 60 emits a visual signal indicating the number of remaining usage sessions.

Fig. 9-11 shows a schematic representation of exemplary indications that can be provided by the light emitting indicator 60 to indicate the number of remaining usage sessions. If the controller determines that the battery charge is sufficient for 2 usage sessions, then the light emitting indicator provides an indication indicating that two usage sessions remain; for example, the first light emitting unit 61 and the second light emitting unit 62 can both be illuminated with white light.

If the controller determines that the battery charge is sufficient for 1 usage session, then the light emitting indicator 60 gives an indication indicating that one usage session remains; for example, the first light emitting unit 61 may be illuminated with white light, and the second light emitting unit 62 may not be illuminated.

If the controller determines that the battery charge is insufficient for a usage session, the light emitting indicator provides an indication indicating that usage sessions are not available and the battery needs to be recharged; for example, the first light emitting unit 61 may be illuminated with yellow light, and the second light emitting unit 62 may not be illuminated.

An aerosol generating article for use with a device has a limited amount of aerosol forming substrate, and thus the usage session must have a limited duration to prevent the user from attempting to generate an aerosol when the aerosol forming substrate has been used up. The usage session is configured to have a maximum duration determined by a period of time from the start of the usage session. The usage session is also configured to have a duration shorter than the maximum duration if the user interaction parameter recorded during the usage session reaches a threshold of up to the maximum duration determined by a timer.

In a particular embodiment, the user interaction parameter is the number of puffs made by the user during the usage session. Thus, the aerosol generating device is designed such that each usage session has a duration of 6 minutes from the initiation of the usage session, or 14 puffs made by the user if the 14 puffs are made within 6 minutes from the initiation of the usage session.

During a usage session, the user may wish to have an indication of progress during the usage session. For example, the user may wish to know approximately how many puffs they have left, or approximately how much time is left in the usage session.

The controller contains a puff counter to track the number of puffs taken during a usage session. The number of puffs taken by the user is determined by monitoring the power supplied to the heater during a usage session. When the user takes a puff, the air flow cools the heater and therefore the battery supplies more power to maintain the heater at its operating temperature. Thus, by monitoring the power supplied to the heater, the controller is able to determine the number of puffs taken during a usage session.

In order to track the progress of the usage session, the usage session is divided into a number of successive phases, starting with the first phase, which begins when the usage session begins, and ending with the final phase, when the usage session ends, the transition from one phase to the next phase is determined by the time and number of puffs in the same way as the usage session. As the usage session progresses through its successive phases, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator and the haptic motor to emit signals indicating each subsequent phase. In this way, the user knows approximately the progress of the usage session.

In a specific example, a usage session may be divided into five successive phases for indication purposes. Fig. 6 shows the steps of the method associated with the indication indicating to the user the progress of the usage session.

Step 600: The user inserts the aerosol generating article 30 into the cavity 25 of the device 10 and initiates a usage session by pressing the user button 50.

Step 605: A timer is initiated to record the time elapsed during the usage session, and a puff counter is initiated to record the number of puffs taken during the usage session.

Step 610: The first phase of the usage session is considered to have begun when the usage session began.

When in the first phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the first phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 and the second light-emitting unit 62, both emitting a continuous white light, as shown in Fig. 12.

When in phase one, the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in phase one. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting 4 consecutive beeps.

Step 615: The first phase ends and the second phase begins after 1.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session or after the user has taken 3 puffs since the start of the usage session, if these 3 puffs are taken before 1.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session.

Step 620: The second phase of the usage session is considered to have started when the first phase has ended.

When in the second phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the second phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 emitting a continuous white light and the second light-emitting unit 62 emitting a flashing white light, as shown in Fig. 13.

While in phase 2, the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in phase 2. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting 3 beeps in a row.

Step 625: The second phase ends and the third phase begins after 3 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session or after the user has taken 6 puffs since the start of the usage session, if these 6 puffs are taken before 3 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session.

Step 630: The third phase of the usage session is considered to have begun when the second phase has ended.

When in the third phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the third phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 emitting a continuous white light, and the second light-emitting unit 62 is not illuminated, as shown in Fig. 14.

While in phase 3, the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in phase 3. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting 2 beeps in succession.

Step 635: The third phase ends and the fourth phase begins after 4.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session or after the user has taken 8 puffs since the start of the usage session, if these 8 puffs are taken before 4.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session.

Step 640: The fourth phase of the usage session is considered to have begun when the third phase has ended.

When in the fourth phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the fourth phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 emitting a flashing white light, and the second light-emitting unit 62 is not illuminated, as shown in Fig. 15.

While in phase 4, the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in phase 4. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting a single beep.

Step 645: The fourth phase ends and the fifth phase begins after 5.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session or after the user has taken 11 puffs since the start of the usage session, if these 11 puffs are taken before 5.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session.

Stage 650: The fifth phase of the usage session is considered to have begun when the fourth phase has ended.

When in the fifth phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the fifth phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 emitting a flashing yellow light, and the second light-emitting unit 62 is not illuminated, as shown in Fig. 16.

Step 655: The fifth phase ends after 6 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session, or after the user has taken 14 puffs since the start of the usage session, if these 14 puffs are taken before 6 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session.

Step 660: At the end of the fifth phase, the usage session ends. The heater is switched off and the aerosol is no longer generated. The user can now remove the aerosol-generating article from the device and, if necessary, charge the device.

In a further specific embodiment, the user interaction parameter is a calculated volume of aerosol delivered to the user during a usage session. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device is designed such that each usage session has a duration of 6 minutes from the initiation of the usage session, or from the delivery of a predetermined maximum volume of aerosol, if this predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered to the user within 6 minutes from the initiation of the usage session. The predetermined maximum volume of aerosol may be, for example, 660 ml of aerosol.

During a usage session, the user may wish to have an indication of progress during the usage session. For example, the user may wish to know approximately how much potentially deliverable aerosol is left, or approximately how much time is left in the usage session.

The controller is configured to detect puffs made during a usage session. The starting point of a puff and the ending point of a puff for each detected puff are determined by monitoring the power supplied to the heater during the usage session. When the user puffs, the air flow cools the heater, and therefore the battery supplies more power to maintain the temperature of the heater at its operating temperature. Thus, by monitoring the power supplied by the heater, the controller is able to determine the starting point and the ending point of the puffs made during the usage session. By integrating the monitored power between the detected starting point of a puff and the detected ending point of a puff, a calculated value for the delivered aerosol can be obtained. By summing the calculated values of the aerosol delivered during the usage session, a total value of the aerosol delivered during the usage session can be obtained.

In order to track the progress of the usage session, it is divided into a number of successive phases, starting with a first phase, which begins when the usage session begins, and ending with a final phase, when the usage session ends, the transition from one phase to the next phase is determined by time and the total value of the delivered aerosol. As the usage session progresses through its successive phases, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator and the haptic motor to emit signals indicating each subsequent phase. In this way, the user knows approximately the progress of the usage session.

In a specific example, a usage session may be divided into five successive phases for indication purposes. Fig. 7 shows the steps of the method associated with the indication indicating to the user the progress of the usage session.

Step 700: The user inserts the aerosol generating article 30 into the cavity 25 of the device 10 and initiates a usage session by pressing the user button 50.

Step 705: a timer is initiated to record the time elapsed during the usage session, and a controller is initiated to identify the puffs taken during the usage session and calculate the volume of aerosol delivered during each of the puffs.

Step 710: The first phase of the usage session is considered to have begun when the usage session began.

When in the first phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the first phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 and the second light-emitting unit 62, both emitting a continuous white light, as shown in Fig. 11.

When in phase one, the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in phase one. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting 4 consecutive beeps.

Step 715: The first phase ends and the second phase begins after 1.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session or after the first predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered since the start of the usage session, if the first predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered before 1.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session. The first predetermined volume of aerosol may be, for example, 150 ml.

Step 720: The second phase of the usage session is considered to have started when the first phase has ended.

When in the second phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the second phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 emitting a continuous white light and the second light-emitting unit 62 emitting a flashing white light, as shown in Fig. 12.

While in phase 2, the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in phase 2. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting 3 beeps in a row.

Step 725: The second phase ends and the third phase begins after 3 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session or after the second predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered since the start of the usage session, if the second predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered before 3 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session. The first predetermined volume of aerosol may be, for example, 300 ml.

Step 730: The third phase of the usage session is considered to have begun when the second phase has ended.

When in the third phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the third phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 emitting a continuous white light, and the second light-emitting unit 62 is not illuminated, as shown in Fig. 13.

While in phase 3, the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in phase 3. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting 2 beeps in succession.

Step 735: The third phase ends and the fourth phase begins after 4.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session or after the third predetermined aerosol volume has been delivered since the start of the usage session, if the third predetermined aerosol volume is delivered before 4.5 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session. The third predetermined aerosol volume may be, for example, 450 ml.

Step 740: The fourth phase of the usage session is considered to have begun when the third phase has ended.

When in the fourth phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the fourth phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 emitting a flashing white light, and the second light-emitting unit 62 is not illuminated, as shown in Fig. 14.

While in phase 4, the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicating that the usage session is in phase 4. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting a single beep.

Step 745: the fourth phase ends and the fifth phase begins after 5.5 minutes have passed since the start of the use session or after the fourth predetermined aerosol volume has been delivered since the start of the use session, if the fourth predetermined aerosol volume is delivered before 5.5 minutes have passed since the start of the use session. The fourth predetermined aerosol volume may be, for example, 600 ml.

Stage 750: The fifth phase of the usage session is considered to have begun when the fourth phase has ended.

When in the fifth phase, the controller commands the light-emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicating that the usage session is in the fifth phase. An example of such a signal is the first light-emitting unit 61 emitting a flashing yellow light, and the second light-emitting unit 62 is not illuminated, as shown in Fig. 15.

Step 755: The fifth phase ends after 6 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session or after the fifth predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered since the start of the usage session, if the fifth predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered before 6 minutes have passed since the start of the usage session. The fifth predetermined volume of aerosol may be, for example, 660 ml.

Step 760: At the end of the fifth phase, the usage session ends. The heater is switched off and the aerosol is no longer generated. The user can now remove the aerosol-generating article from the device and, if necessary, charge the device.

The indication of the different phases can be provided continuously. For example, the indication from the light-emitting indicator can remain permanently on during the usage session. As an alternative, the indication of the different phases can be provided only intermittently, for example when changing from one phase to another. As a further alternative, the indication of the different phases can be provided in response to a status request from the user during the usage session.

Fig. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of the method associated with providing the user with an indication of the progress of a usage session in response to a status request.

Step 800: When the aerosol generating device is engaged in a usage session, the user moves the device with a predetermined gesture.

Step 810: The movement of the device associated with the specified gesture is detected by the accelerometer, which sends a signal to the controller. The specified gesture may consist, for example, of a double sharp press on the device.

Step 820: The signal supplied by the accelerometer is analyzed to determine whether the detected gesture is a gesture indicating a request for progress of a usage session.

Step 830: If the detected signal is determined to be a request for progress of a usage session, the controller determines the current phase of the usage session.

Step 840: The controller sends a signal to the light emitting unit to indicate the progress of the usage session.

Step 850: The controller sends a signal to the haptic motor to provide an indication of the progress of the usage session.

The device may be configured such that both visual and tactile indication signals are automatically emitted as an indication of progress. Alternatively, the device may be configured such that visual indication signals are provided continuously during a usage session, while tactile signals are provided only in response to a request from the user. For example, tactile signals indicating progress of usage may be emitted only after the user has initiated a status request by moving the device with a given gesture. As a further alternative, the device may be configured such that signals related to the progress of a usage session are not emitted continuously during usage, but are emitted only in response to a request from the user. For example, visual signals and/or tactile signals indicating progress of usage may be emitted only after the user has initiated a status request by moving the device with a given gesture.

Claims (15)

1. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate the aerosol during a usage session that passes through a plurality of successive phases between the start of the usage session and the end of the usage session, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises: a timer, a haptic signal output unit, a controller and an accelerometer, wherein the progress of the usage session through the plurality of successive phases is controlled by the controller in response to timing signals from the timer and in response to signals representative of a monitored user interaction parameter, wherein the accelerometer is configured to detect a movement of the aerosol generating device associated with a given gesture and send a signal to the controller, wherein the signal supplied by the accelerometer is analyzed to determine whether the detected gesture is a gesture indicating a request for progress of the usage session, and if the detected signal is determined to be a request for progress of the usage session, the controller is configured to determine the current phase of the session using and sending a signal to a haptic output unit to indicate progress of the usage session, and wherein the controller is configured to control the haptic output unit to emit a different haptic output signal during each of a plurality of successive phases to indicate progress of the usage session. 2. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the output tactile signal unit is configured to emit an output tactile signal representing the current phase of the usage session, in response to user input. 3. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tactile output signal unit is configured to emit an output tactile signal representing the current phase of the usage session in response to a transition from one of a plurality of successive phases to the next of a plurality of successive phases. 4. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of successive phases therein are at least four successive phases or at least five successive phases. 5. An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aerosol generating device is configured such that the usage session has a maximum duration determined by a timer. 6. An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the user interaction parameter indicates the use of the aerosol generating device during a usage session. 7. An aerosol generating device according to claim 6, characterized in that the usage session is implemented with the possibility of termination if the user interaction parameter reaches a specified threshold. 8. An aerosol generating device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the user interaction parameter indicates the user's puffs taken during the usage session. 9. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that any or each of the plurality of successive phases has a phase duration defined by a phase start and a phase end. 10. An aerosol generating device according to claim 9, characterized in that any or each of the plurality of successive phases has a maximum phase duration determined by a timer. 11. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aerosol generating device is configured such that the usage session has a maximum usage session duration determined by a timer, and wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to record at least one user interaction parameter during the usage session, wherein the duration of a phase of any or each of a plurality of successive phases has a shorter duration than the maximum phase duration if the value of the user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold. 12. An aerosol generating device according to claim 11, characterized in that during the first phase the tactile signal output unit emits an output signal containing a first number of vibrations. 13. An aerosol generating device according to claim 12, characterized in that during the second phase the tactile output signal unit emits an output signal comprising a second number of vibrations, wherein the tactile output signal emitted during the second phase differs from the tactile output signal emitted during the first phase. 14. An aerosol generating device according to claim 13, characterized in that during the third phase, the tactile output signal unit emits an output signal containing a third number of vibrations, wherein the tactile output signal emitted during the third phase is different from the tactile output signal emitted during both the first phase and the second phase. 15. An aerosol generating device according to claim 14, characterized in that during the fourth phase, the tactile output signal unit emits an output signal containing a fourth number of vibrations, and the tactile output signal emitted during the fourth phase is different from the tactile output signal emitted during any of the first phase, the second phase, and the third phase.