WIRELESSLY CONNECTED VAPORIZER BATTERY DEVICE

Various embodiments of a wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device are provided. In one example, a vaporizer battery device includes a battery configured to selectively provide electrical power to an external cartridge when the external cartridge is mechanically coupled to the vaporizer battery device, a housing encasing the battery, an output device embedded in the housing, and a processor positioned within the housing and coupled to the battery. The processor controls the output device responsive to wirelessly receiving commands from an external computing device, such as a smartphone. The output device includes a speaker and/or light configured to generate sound and/or light, thereby assisting users in locating the vaporizer battery device. The output device also wirelessly transmits signals so that external computing devices can detect the presence and location of the vaporizer battery device.

FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to vaporizer battery devices, and to systems and methods for locating vaporizer battery devices.

BACKGROUND

Vaporizers are devices that vaporize a substance, such as an oil, liquid, or herbs, to allow consumers to inhale the vaporized substance. One vaporizer system includes a battery and a cartridge that are configured to couple together interchangeably, where the battery provides electrical power to the cartridge to power the heating element in the cartridge and thus vaporize liquid in the cartridge. This interchangeability allows consumers to use different cartridges with the same battery, or different batteries with the same cartridge.

SUMMARY

While the interchangeability of vaporizer batteries and cartridges has improved consumer choice, consumers typically focus on the cartridges rather than the battery. Further, in light of the interchangeability, batteries are often treated as replaceable despite their rechargeability and reusability, and so consumers may accumulate a number of batteries over time as they temporarily misplace a battery, for example due to their small size. As a result, batteries may be underutilized and wasted, discarded, and forgotten far before the end of their useful life.

In order to increase the utility of vaporizer batteries, various embodiments of a wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device are provided herein. In one example, a vaporizer battery device comprises a battery configured to selectively provide electrical power to an external cartridge when the external cartridge is mechanically coupled to the vaporizer battery device, a housing encasing the battery, an output device embedded in the housing, and a processor positioned within the housing and coupled to the battery. The processor is configured to control the output device responsive to wirelessly receiving commands from an external computing device. The external computing device may comprise a smartphone or another computing system, for example. Meanwhile, the output device of the vaporizer battery device may comprise a speaker or a light, and the processor controls the output device to generate sound, vibrations, or light, thereby assisting users in locating the vaporizer battery device. In this way, vaporizer users who have misplaced their vaporizers or at least the vaporizer battery device, for example due to their small size, may easily locate their battery devices, thereby providing utility to the users. Further, such users are more likely to reuse rather than replace the batteries, thereby reducing battery waste and redundancy.

In some examples, the wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device wirelessly communicates with nearby computing systems, such as smartphones, to indicate its presence and location. In this way, users can easily determine whether their vaporizer battery is nearby, in addition to or as an alternative to wirelessly controlling the battery device to generate light and/or sound for the purposes of device location.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A vaporizer battery device can be wirelessly connected to an external computing device, such as a smartphone, configured with an application that allows wireless control of the vaporizer battery device for the purpose of aiding in relocation of the device. The vaporizer battery device features a microspeaker, which the user, via the smartphone application, can cause to emit sound(s) to assist in relocation of the item. The vaporizer battery device features an LED light, which the user, via the smartphone application, can cause to illuminate and/or flash to assist in relocation of the item. In some examples, the vaporizer battery device is also able to vibrate, which the user, via the smartphone app, can cause to occur to assist in relocation of the item. Additionally, in some examples, the vaporizer battery device wirelessly transmits a signal to the external computing device, which the user can use to see the location of the item to assist in relocation of the item.

FIG.1shows a block diagram illustrating an example wirelessly connected vaporizer battery system100. The system100comprises a battery102configured to provide electrical power to a cartridge (not shown) via a contact106to heat and vaporize oil or other material in the cartridge. The battery102may comprise a lithium-ion battery, as an illustrative and non-limiting example, or another rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Further, the battery102may comprise at least one battery, but in some examples may comprise two or more batteries. The battery102may provide electrical power to the cartridge via the contact106when the cartridge is coupled to the system100. In some examples, the system100may include a battery control device108such as an airflow sensor and/or a button configured to control the flow of electricity from the battery102to the cartridge via the contact106, for example via a user inhaling on the cartridge or pressing the button, respectively. The system100may further comprise a connection element, such as a male or female threaded element as an illustrative and non-limiting example, to enable secure coupling of the cartridge to the battery system100, for example where the cartridge includes a complementary connection element such as a female or male threaded element.

The system100further comprises one or more output devices110configured to indicate a location of the system100and thus assist a user in locating the system100. Output devices110may comprise a first light112, such as a light emitting diode (LED) light, configured to generate light. For example, the first light112may selectively generate light, for example by flashing in a pattern, to assist a user in locating the system100. As another example, the first light112may selectively generate light by persistently illuminating until a user has located the device. In such an example, the first light112may illuminate until the user interacts with the control device108(e.g., a button). Output devices110may further comprise a speaker114configured to generate sound(s). The speaker114may comprise a microspeaker, as an illustrative example. As an illustrative example, the speaker114may emit sound(s) to enable a user to locate the system100. In some examples, the speaker114may vibrate the system100by selectively outputting sound waves at certain frequencies. Alternatively, in some examples, the output devices110may further comprise a motor configured to vibrate the system100so that a user may sense the vibrations and thus locate the device.

The system100further comprises one or more output devices115configured to indicate use of the system100. For example, output devices115may comprise a second light117, such as an LED light, configured to generate light during use of the system100. To that end, the output device115, such as the second light117, may generate output (e.g., light) responsive to the control device(s)108. For example, the second light117may generate light as a user draws on the device, such that the second light117indicates that the system100is providing electricity from the battery102to the cartridge. Similarly, the second light117may generate light as a user presses a button, such that the second light117indicates that the system100is providing electricity from the battery102to the atomizer/heater in the cartridge. The brightness of the light generated by the second light117may correspond to the strength of the user draw on the device, in some examples. In other examples, the light may simply toggle on and off responsive to whether any draw is detected.

The system100may therefore include at least two lights, which may each selectively generate light responsive to different inputs. The first light112, for example, comprises a locating light that generates light to assist in locating the system100, while the second light117comprises an indicator light that generates light to indicate use of the system100. The arrangement and brightness of the first light112and second light117may therefore be different. For example, the first light112may be configured to generate a brighter light compared to the second light117. In some examples, the first light112is positioned at an end of the system100, such as an end of the system opposite the cartridge as discussed further herein, while a housing of the system100may be adapted to direct light from the first light112in a first plurality of directions away from the system100. In such examples, the second light117may be positioned away from the end of the system100, while the housing may be adapted to direct light from the second light117in a second plurality of directions away from the system100, wherein the first plurality of directions and the second plurality of directions are not identical. For example, the first plurality of directions may be broader than the second plurality of directions, and in this way the first light112provides more assistance with locating the system100compared to the second light117.

The system100further comprises a communication module120that enables communication over a communication medium to another device or system. For example, the communication module120may comprise a wireless transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit and receive modulated data signals encoding information in such signals. As one illustrative and non-limiting example, the communication module120may comprise a radio transceiver or similar device configured to wirelessly communicate via a specified protocol, such as Bluetooth (BLE), Zigbee, ultra-wideband, WiFi, cellular, near-field communications, GPS, high frequency audio, or other technologies. The communication module120may be positioned within the system100near an end of the system100, for example, to enable increased signal strength compared to other locations within the system100. The system100thus allows a user to control the system100via wireless communications to the system100. For example, a user computing device (not shown) such as a smartphone may include an application providing a user interface. A user may interact with the user interface, for example, to control the user computing device to wirelessly communicate with the system100. For example, the user may command, via the application on the user computing device, the system100to control one or more of the output devices110, such that the light112generates light and/or the speaker114generates sound to alert the user to the location of the system100.

The system100further comprises a processor130and a memory135. The memory135may comprise volatile memory (e.g., registers, cache, RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, and so on), or some combination of the two, accessible by the processor130. The memory135stores software in the form of computer-executable instructions suitable for execution by the processor130. Such software when executed by the processor130causes the processor130to control the system100, according to a method such as the method described further herein with regard toFIG.7. For example, the processor130may control the communication module120to wirelessly transmit and receive communications from external computing systems. The processor130may control the output devices110to selectively generate light and/or sound(s) to alert a user to the location of the system100. As depicted, the battery102is coupled to the output devices110, the communication module120, the processor130, and the memory135to provide electrical power to the components of the system100.

The components of the system100are integrated into a single wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device. Various embodiments of such a wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device are provided herein.

As a first example,FIG.2shows a top view200of an example wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device202according to a first example. The wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device202comprises a housing210forming a partial cylinder of a given length and radius. As depicted in the bottom view300of the wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device202inFIG.3, the otherwise cylindrical shape of the housing210includes a flat plane315on a bottom side of the wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device202. In this way, the wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device202may stay at rest when the device202is positioned on a flat surface (e.g., a table) and the flat plane315is in face-sharing contact with the flat surface. As depicted, the flat plane315does not intersect a longitudinal axis of the device202.

The wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device202comprises a connection element220at a first end of the partial cylinder housing210and thus at a first end of the device202, wherein the connection element220is adapted to mechanically couple to a cartridge (not shown).

The wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device202further comprises a light240, such as the light112at a second end of the partial cylinder housing210and thus at a second end of the device202. As depicted, the light240may extend around the end of the partial cylinder housing210so that light generated by the light240is emitted in all directions from the second end of the device202.

The wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device202further comprises a speaker230, such as the speaker114, positioned on the cylindrical portion of the housing210opposite the flat plane315. As depicted, the speaker230is positioned along the cylindrical portion of the housing210at a longitudinal distance from the first end that is greater than a longitudinal distance of the speaker230from the second end.

In addition to the depicted components, the wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device202comprises a battery, communication module, and processing system comprising a processor and memory, such as the battery102, the communication module120, the processor130, and the memory135, housed and thus encased within the housing210.

FIGS.4and5show a top view400and a bottom view500respectively of a second example of a wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device402. The wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device402similarly includes a partially cylindrical housing410including a flat plane515, a connection element420for connecting the device402to a cartridge (not shown) positioned at a first end of the housing410and thus at a first end of the device402, a speaker430embedded in the housing410opposite the flat longitudinal plane515, and a light440positioned at a second end of the housing410and thus at a second end of the device402. The connection element420comprises a collar that the cartridge sits in to prevent breakage at the connection point between the cartridge and the device402.

In addition to the depicted components, the wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device402comprises a battery, communication module, and processing system comprising a processor and memory, such as the battery102, the communication module120, the processor130, and the memory135, housed and thus encased within the housing410.

FIG.6shows a front perspective view600of a third example of a wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device602.FIG.7shows a rear view700of the third example of the wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device602. The wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device602includes an elliptic cylindrical housing610including a front face605, a back face655, and a cartridge connection element620(e.g., collar) adapted to receive a cartridge622inserted to the device602. The cartridge connection element620is positioned at a first end606of the housing610and thus at a first end of the device602. A light-diffusing end cap641is positioned at a second end607of the housing610and thus at a second end of the device602. Light generated from a light within the device, such as the first light112, may thus be emitted from the second end607of the device through the light-diffusing end cap641. A connector port635, such as a USB-C connector port, may be provided at the back face605of the device602and configured to receive a cable (e.g., a USB-C cable) to at least provide power for charging the battery of the device602and/or operating the device602. The housing610may include a sound hole660provided at the front face655of the device602to direct sound from a speaker within the device602. An indicator light670, such as the second light117, may be provided at the front face655of the device602to indicate use of the device602.

FIG.8shows an exploded view800of the wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device602. As depicted, the device602includes a first battery802and a second battery803, which together comprise the battery102. In addition to the housing610, the device602further includes an inner housing811adapted to receive the cartridge when inserted to the cartridge connection element620. In some examples, the inner housing811secures other components of the device602within the housing610. The device602further includes a connection assembly822into which the cartridge622is connected, and which provides the contact106to provide power to the cartridge622. The connection assembly822may be adjustable180degrees such that the cartridge622may be screwed into the connection assembly822without rotating other elements of the device602, to align the mouthpiece to the vaporizer device according to the user's preference. The device602further comprises a speaker830, a processor850, an LED light ring840, and a communication module852(e.g., a Bluetooth antenna). The LED light ring840may comprise, for example, the first light112described hereinabove for assisting a user in locating the device602.

FIG.9shows a diagram illustrating an example system900for controlling a wirelessly connected vaporizer device902. The system900comprises the wirelessly connected vaporizer device902, which may comprise the devices202,402, or602implementing the system100, and a user computing device910, which may comprise any consumer computing device including but not limited to a smartphone, smartwatch, laptop computer, desktop computer, and so on. An example computing system for the user computing device910is described further herein with regard toFIG.12. The device902wirelessly connects to the computing device910via a wireless connection920. The computing device910includes a user interface915for an application that enables the computing device910to wirelessly communicate with the device902. For example, a user may interact with the user interface915via the user computing device910to control the device902. Specifically, the user may command the device902, via inputs to the user interface915at the user computing device910, to generate output in order to locate the device902. For example, the user may command the device902to generate sound(s) via a microspeaker, generate light via an LED light, or generate a combination of sound(s) and light. Further, the device902may transmit location signals via the wireless connection920to the user computing device910. The user computing device910may thus detect the presence of the device902upon receiving such location signals.

In some examples, the user computing device910may belong to a user other than the owner of the device902. The owner of the device902may permit the user of the user computing device910to interact with the device902for the purposes of locating the device902. For example, the owner of the device902may use a user computing device similar to the user computing device910and may transmit credentials or permissions for the device902to the user computing device910. The credentials or permissions may include an encryption key, as one example, to enable the user computing device910to establish a connection with the device902, detect and interpret the location signals emitted by the device902, or a combination thereof. For example, without the credentials, the user computing device910may not be able to determine the content of the location signals transmitted by the device902. Further, without the credentials, the user computing device910may not be able to control the device902via the wireless connection920.

FIG.10shows a high-level flow chart illustrating an example method1000for a wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device, such as the wirelessly connected vaporizer battery system100implemented as the wirelessly connected battery device202,402, or602. Method1000is described with regard to the systems and components ofFIGS.1-9, though it should be appreciated that the method1000may be implemented with other systems and components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Method1000may be implemented as executable instructions stored in the memory135of a wirelessly connected vaporizer battery system100, which when executed by the processor130of the wirelessly connected vaporizer battery system100cause the processor130to perform the actions described herein.

Method1000begins at1005. At1005, method1000determines whether the device is on. The device may be considered on if the battery of the device is charged and providing electrical power to the processor. In contrast, the device may be considered off if the battery of the device is not charged and thus not providing electrical power to the processor. Alternatively, the device may be considered off if the battery of the device is charged but is not providing electrical power to the processor. If the device is not on (“NO”), method1000returns. Thus, method1000first determines whether the device is in a state to proceed.

If the device is on for the purposes of method1000(“YES”), method1000continues to1010. At1010, method1000evaluates operating conditions of the device. Operating conditions may include, but are not limited to, whether a cartridge is coupled to the device, whether a computing device is communicatively coupled to the device, whether the device is receiving data signals from external computing systems, current control commands of the device, and so on. Evaluating operating conditions may therefore include evaluating internal circuitry of the device, evaluating status(es) in memory135, and so on.

Continuing at1015, method1000determines whether the device is connected to an external computing system, such as a user computing device. If the device is not connected to an external computing system (“NO”), method1000continues to1020. At1020, method1000emits a location signal, for example by transmitting a location signal via the communication module120. The location signal may comprise a data signal comprising information identifying the device, for example. Such a data signal may be encrypted. Method1000may transmit the location signal via the communication module120according to a protocol such as Bluetooth, as an illustrative and non-limiting example.

Continuing at1025, method1000then determines whether there is a connection request to connect with an external computing system. If there is no request (“NO”), method1000then returns. Thus, when the device is on but not connected to an external computing system, the device may transmit a location signal to indicate its presence and location. Method1000may execute at selected intervals, and in this way an external computing system may intermittently receive location signals from the device identifying itself and thus indicating its presence and location. If a user cannot locate the device, the user may therefore reference such a user computing system or device which may include an application that logs the receipt of such location signals, including timestamps of receipt. By reviewing the logs of the location signals in the application on the user computing device, the user may therefore determine when the device was last within transmit range of the user computing device.

Referring again to1025, if there is a connection request from an external computing system (“YES”), method1000continues to1030, where method1000receives the connection request. Method1000may receive the connection request via the communication module120, for example. At1035, method1000evaluates the connection request to determine whether to allow connection of the device with the external computing system. For example, method1000may evaluate the connection request to determine whether the connection request indicates appropriate permissions for the connection.

At1040, method1000determines whether to allow connection with the external computing system. Method1000may determine whether to allow connection with the external computing system based on the evaluation of the connection request at1035. Method1000may determine not to allow connection if the connection request did not indicate appropriate permissions for the connection. In contrast, method1000may allow connection if the connection request did indicate appropriate permissions for the connection. If method1000determines to not allow the connection (“NO”), method1000proceeds to1045, where method1000declines the connection with the external computing system. Method1000then returns.

However, referring again to1040, if method1000determines to allow the connection (“YES”), method1000proceeds to1050, wherein method1000connects to the second device (i.e., the external computing system).

After establishing connection with the second device, for example via a wireless connection, method1000continues to1055. Alternatively, referring again to1015, if method1000determined at1015that the device is already connected to a second device such as an external computing system (“YES”), method1000may proceed from1015to1055. Thus, at1055, method1000is connected to a second device. At1055, method900determines whether a command is received from the second device. If no command is received (“NO”), method1000returns.

However, if a command is received (“YES”), method1000continues to1060. At1060, method1000controls one or more output devices according to the command For example, method1000may control a microspeaker such as the speaker114to generate audible sound(s) such that a person in the vicinity of the device is able to hear the sound(s) and locate the device. As another example, method1000may control the microspeaker or a haptic output device to generate vibrations such that the device rattles against its surrounding environment, thereby alerting a person to its location. As yet another example, method1000may control the LED light112to generate light, either persistently or in a pattern (e.g., intermittently flashing), such that a person in the vicinity of the device is able to see the generated light and thus locate the device. As another example, method1000may control the output devices to generate sound(s), vibrations, light, or combinations thereof.

In some examples, the connection request may only permit the second device to control the device in this way to assist a person in locating the device. For example, while the application may allow an owner of the device to perform additional controls of the device, such as adjusting the voltage output of the battery to a cartridge to control temperature settings, the connection request may indicate only limited permissions to control the device, and therefore may not allow the user of the external computing system to perform voltage control or other functions of the device. For example, as mentioned above, an owner of the device may permit another person to connect with the device for the purposes of locating the device. The owner may thus transmit credentials to the other person, for example from the owner's user computing system to the other person's user computing system, which allow limited access to the device. The transmission of such credentials may be via a wired and/or wireless communication (e.g., via the Internet) that is not the wireless communication920(e.g., a low-powered and short-range wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth). In this way, the owner of the device may permit friends or other users to search for the device.

Referring again toFIG.10, after controlling the output device(s) at1060, method1000continues to1065. At1065, method1000ends control of the output device(s). For example, the control of the output device(s) for the purposes of device location may be limited to a predetermined amount of time. For example, the output device(s) may only generate sound(s), vibrations, or light for the predetermined amount of time. Method1000thus ends control of the output device(s), and thus ends the generation of sound(s), vibrations, or light, thereby conserving battery power. Method1000then returns.

FIG.11shows a high-level flow chart illustrating an example method1100for a wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device, such as the wirelessly connected vaporizer battery system100implemented as the wirelessly connected battery device202,402, or602. Method1100is described with regard to the systems and components ofFIGS.1-9, though it should be appreciated that the method1100may be implemented with other systems and components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Method1100may be implemented as executable instructions stored in the memory135of a wirelessly connected vaporizer battery system100, which when executed by the processor130of the wirelessly connected vaporizer battery system100cause the processor130to perform the actions described herein.

Method1100begins at1105. At1105, method1100determines whether the device is on. The device may be considered on if the battery of the device is charged and providing electrical power at least to the processor. In contrast, the device may be considered off if the battery of the device is not charged and thus not providing electrical power to the processor. Alternatively, the device may be considered off if the battery of the device is charged but is not providing electrical power to the processor. The device therefore has a “hard on” state and a “hard off” state. If the device is not on (“NO”), method1100returns. Thus, method1100first determines whether the device is in a powered state to proceed.

If the device is on for the purposes of method1100(“YES”), method1100continues to1110. At1110, method1100evaluates operating conditions of the device. Operating conditions may include, but are not limited to, whether a cartridge is coupled to the device, whether a computing device is communicatively coupled to the device, whether the device is receiving data signals from external computing systems, current control commands of the device, an amount of time elapsed since last use, and so on. Evaluating operating conditions may therefore include evaluating internal circuitry of the device, evaluating status(es) in memory135, and so on.

At1115, method1100determines whether the device is in an active state or a sleep state. When the device is in an active state, the device may provide power from the battery to the cartridge as well as device components, such as output devices. When the device is in a sleep state, the device may not provide power from the battery to the cartridge, but may provide power to the device components.

If the device is in an active state (“YES”), method1100continues to1120. At1120, method1100determines whether a sleep duration has elapsed since last use. The sleep duration comprises an amount of time the device may remain in the active state without use. The length of a sleep duration may comprise a predetermined amount of time or an amount of time specified by the user (e.g., via the user computing device910). The sleep duration may comprise five minutes, as an illustrative example, though it should be appreciated that the sleep duration may comprise less than five minutes or more than five minutes in other examples. If the sleep duration has elapsed (“YES”), method1100proceeds to1122. At1122, method1100puts the device into the sleep state, wherein power is not provided to the cartridge but may be provided to the device components. In this way, the device may conserve battery power. Method1100then returns.

Referring again to1120, if a sleep duration has not elapsed (“NO”), method1100proceeds to1125. At1125, method1100determines whether the device is in a vaporizer mode. The device is in a vaporizer mode when the user engages a control device108of the device to vaporize contents of the cartridge. If the device is in a vaporizer mode (“YES”), method1100proceeds to1130, wherein method1100powers the heating element of the cartridge. At1135, method1100activates an indicator light, such as the second light117or the indicator light670, to indicate that the device is vaporizing. Although1130and1135are depicted separately, it should be appreciated that1130and1135may concurrently occur. At1140, method1100determines whether to end the vaporizer mode. Method1100may determine to end the vaporizer mode when control of the control device108ceases, as an illustrative example. If the vaporizer mode is not ending (“NO”), method1100returns to1130to continue powering the heating element. Once method1100determines at1140to end the vaporizer mode (“YES”), method1100continues to1145. At1145, method1100deactivates the indicator light and the power to the heating element, and then returns. Thus, the device may vaporize contents of a cartridge when the device is on, in an active state, and in a vaporizer mode.

Referring again to1115, if method1100determines that the device is not in an active state (“NO”), then the device is in a sleep state, and method1100continues to1150to determine whether the device is in a location mode. Similarly, referring again to1125, if method1100determines that the device is active but not in the vaporizer mode (“NO”), then method1100continues to1150to determine whether the device is in the location mode. The device is in a location mode if the device wirelessly receives a command from an external computing device, such as the user computing device910, instructing the device to enter the location mode. If the device is not in the location mode (“NO”), method1100continues to1152. At1152, method1100maintains the operating conditions of the device, and then returns.

However, if method1100determines that the device is in a location mode at1150(“YES”), method proceeds to1155. At1155, method1100activates one or more locating output devices. For example, method1100may activate one or more of the output devices110. Method1100may illuminate the locating light, generate sounds with the speaker, or both illuminate the locating light and generate sounds with the speaker. At1160, method1100determines whether to end the location mode. Method1100may determine to end the location mode responsive to the user engaging a control device108of the device, thereby indicating that the user has located the device. Similarly, method1100may determine to end the location mode responsive to wirelessly receiving a command from the user computing device instructing the device to end the location mode. If method1100determines to not end the location mode (“NO”), method1100continues activating the locating output devices at1155. Once method1100determines at1160to end the location mode (“YES”), method1100continues to1165. At1165, method1100deactivates the locating output device(s). Method1100then returns.

Thus, the device may have a hard on/off state where power is available or not available. While in an on state, the device may be in an active state or a sleep state. When in the active state, the device may be operated in a vaporizer mode or a location mode. While in the sleep state, the device may only be operated in the location mode.

As mentioned above, user computing devices may interact with the wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device provided herein to locate the battery device.FIG.12depicts a generalized example of a suitable computing environment1200in which the described innovations may be implemented. The computing environment1200is not intended to suggest any limitation as to scope of use or functionality, as the innovations may be implemented in diverse general-purpose or special-purpose computing systems. For example, the computing environment1200can be any of a variety of computing devices (e.g., desktop computer, laptop computer, server computer, tablet computer, smartphone, etc.).

With reference toFIG.12, the computing environment1200includes one or more processing units1210,1215and memory1220,1225. InFIG.12, this basic configuration1230is included within a dashed line. The processing units1210,1215execute computer-executable instructions. A processing unit can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), processor in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or any other type of processor. In a multi-processing system, multiple processing units execute computer-executable instructions to increase processing power. For example,FIG.12shows a central processing unit1210as well as a graphics processing unit or co-processing unit1215. The tangible memory1220,1225may be volatile memory (e.g., registers, cache, RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two, accessible by the processing unit(s). The memory1220,1225stores software1280implementing one or more innovations described herein, in the form of computer-executable instructions suitable for execution by the processing unit(s).

A computing system may have additional features. For example, the computing environment1200includes storage1240, one or more input devices1250, one or more output devices1260, and one or more communication connections1270. An interconnection mechanism (not shown) such as a bus, controller, or network interconnects the components of the computing environment1200. Typically, operating system software (not shown) provides an operating environment for other software executing in the computing environment1200, and coordinates activities of the components of the computing environment1200.

The tangible storage1240may be removable or non-removable, and includes magnetic disks, magnetic tapes or cassettes, CD-ROMs, DVDs, or any other medium which can be used to store information in a non-transitory way and which can be accessed within the computing environment1200. The storage1240stores instructions for the software1280implementing one or more innovations described herein.

The input device(s)1250may be a touch input device such as a keyboard, mouse, pen, or trackball, a voice input device, a scanning device, a camera device, a touch screen, or another device that provides input to the computing environment1200. The output device(s)1260may be a display, printer, speaker, CD-writer, or another device that provides output from the computing environment1200.

Various embodiments of a wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device are provided herein. Further, various systems, methods, and devices are provided for a wirelessly connected vaporizer battery device. In one example, a vaporizer battery device includes a microspeaker embedded in the body of the device and a microprocessor wirelessly connected to a smartphone app, which the user can use to send a signal from the smartphone app to the vape battery device which causes the vape battery device to emit audible sound(s) from the microspeaker to assist the user in relocating the device. In another example, a vaporizer battery device includes an LED light embedded in the body of the device and a microprocessor wirelessly connected to a smartphone app, which the user can use to send a signal from the smartphone app to the vape battery device which causes the vape battery device to emit a light to assist the user in relocating the device. In another example, a vaporizer battery device is designed to be able to vibrate and includes a microprocessor wirelessly connected to a smartphone app, which the user can use to send a signal from the smartphone app to the vape battery device which causes the vape battery device to vibrate to assist the user in relocating the device. In yet another example, a vaporizer battery device includes a microprocessor wirelessly connected to a smartphone app wherein the user can send a signal from the smartphone app to the vape battery device which causes the vape battery device to send a signal to the smartphone app which, in turn, shows the user the location of the device in the app to assist the user in relocating the device. In another example, a vaporizer battery device includes a microprocessor wirelessly connected to a smartphone app wherein the user can send a signal from the smartphone app to the vape battery device which causes the vape battery device to send a signal to the smartphone app which, in turn, indicates the location of the device relative to the user's location. In other examples, a vaporizer battery device includes a microprocessor wirelessly connected to a smartphone app wherein the user can send a signal from the smartphone app to the vape battery device which causes the vape battery device to do any combination of the above.

In one embodiment, a vaporizer battery device comprises a battery configured to selectively provide electrical power to an external cartridge when the external cartridge is mechanically coupled to the vaporizer battery device, a housing encasing the battery, an output device positioned within the housing, and a processor positioned within the housing and coupled to the battery and the output device, the processor configured with executable instructions stored in memory that when executed cause the processor to control the output device responsive to wirelessly receiving commands from an external computing device. In a first example of the vaporizer battery device, the output device comprises a light device, and the processor is further configured with executable instructions stored in the memory that when executed cause the processor to control the light device to selectively emit light responsive to wirelessly receiving the commands from the external computing device. In a second example of the vaporizer battery device optionally including the first example, the vaporizer battery device further comprises a second light device, wherein the second light device is configured to illuminate when the battery selectively provides the electrical power to the external cartridge. In a third example of the vaporizer battery device optionally including one or more of the first and second examples, a brightness of the light device is greater than a brightness of the second light device. In a fourth example of the vaporizer battery device optionally including one or more of the first through third examples, the housing comprises an elliptic cylindrical shape, the light device is positioned at a bottom end of the housing, and the second light device is positioned within a face of the housing away from the bottom end of the housing. In a fifth example of the vaporizer battery device optionally including one or more of the first through fourth examples, the output device comprises a speaker device, and the processor is further configured with executable instructions stored in the memory that when executed cause the processor to control the speaker device to selectively emit audible sound responsive to wirelessly receiving the commands from the external computing device. In a sixth example of the vaporizer battery device optionally including one or more of the first through fifth examples, the processor is further configured with executable instructions stored in the memory that when executed cause the processor to control the output device to vibrate the vaporizer battery device responsive to wirelessly receiving the commands from the external computing device. In a seventh example of the vaporizer battery device optionally including one or more of the first through sixth examples, the processor is further configured with executable instructions stored in the memory that when executed cause the processor to wirelessly transmit a location signal, wherein the location signal comprises information identifying the vaporizer battery device. In an eighth example of the vaporizer battery device optionally including one or more of the first through seventh examples, the vaporizer battery device further comprises a communication antenna, wherein the processor wirelessly transmits the location signal via the communication antenna according to a short-range wireless communication protocol. In a ninth example of the vaporizer battery device optionally including one or more of the first through eighth examples, the vaporizer battery device further comprises a cartridge connection element positioned at a first end of the housing, wherein the cartridge connection element is configured to receive the external cartridge, and wherein the output device is embedded in the housing at a second end of the housing opposite the first end.

In another embodiment, a system comprises a vaporizer battery device, wherein the vaporizer battery device comprises: a battery configured to selectively provide electrical power to an external cartridge when the external cartridge is mechanically coupled to the vaporizer battery device; a housing encasing the battery; an output device embedded in the housing; a communication module positioned within the housing and configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data signals; and a processing system comprising a processor and a memory positioned within the housing and coupled to the battery, the communication module, and the output device. The system further comprises a computing system external to the vaporizer battery device, the computing system comprising a second processor and a second memory storing executable instructions that when executed by the second processor cause the second processor to wirelessly transmit a command signal to the vaporizer battery device responsive to user input at the computing system. The communication module wirelessly receives the command signal from the computing system, and the processing system is configured with executable instructions stored in the memory that when executed cause the processor to control the output device responsive to the command signal. In a first example of the system, the output device comprises a light device, and controlling the output device responsive to the command signal comprises controlling the light device to selectively emit light. In a second example of the system optionally including the first example, the output device comprises a speaker device, and controlling the output device responsive to the command signal comprises controlling the speaker device to selectively emit audible sound. In a third example of the system optionally including one or more of the first and second examples, controlling the output device responsive to the command signal comprises controlling the output device to selectively vibrate the vaporizer battery device responsive to wirelessly receiving the commands from the external computing device. In a fourth example of the system optionally including one or more of the first through third examples, the processor is further configured with executable instructions stored in the memory that when executed cause the processor to wirelessly transmit, via the communication module, a location signal to the computing system, wherein the location signal comprises information identifying the vaporizer battery device. In a fifth example of the system optionally including one or more of the first through fourth examples, the processor wirelessly transmits the location signal according to a short-range wireless communication protocol. In a sixth example of the system optionally including one or more of the first through fifth examples, the second memory further stores executable instructions that when executed by the second processor cause the second processor to receive the location signal and display a presence of the vaporizer battery device via a user interface based on the location signal. In a seventh example of the system optionally including one or more of the first through sixth examples, the second memory further stores executable instructions that when executed by the second processor cause the second processor to receive the location signal and decrypt the location signal based on stored credentials for the vaporizer battery device. In an eighth example of the system optionally including one or more of the first through seventh examples, the vaporizer battery device further comprises a second output device embedded in the housing and configured to generate output responsive to the battery selectively providing the electrical power to the external cartridge.

In yet another embodiment, a method for a vaporizer battery device comprises receiving a command signal from an external computing system via a short-range wireless communication, controlling a speaker to generate audible sound responsive to the command signal, wherein the speaker is embedded in a first curved face of an elliptically cylindrical housing of the vaporizer battery device, and controlling a light device to emit light responsive to the command signal, wherein the light device is embedded in the elliptically cylindrical housing at an end of the vaporizer battery device.