Patent Description:
Smoking may be an activity with certain social implications. For example, social factors may influence the decision to start smoking or may be one reason for smoking in groups (from couples to people who go out to smoke together, to parties etc.). The social benefits of smoking without some of the downsides may be achieved with an electronic cigarette ("e-cigarette" or "e-Cig"), which is a device that emulates tobacco cigarette smoking, by producing smoke replacement that may be similar in its physical sensation, general appearance, and sometimes flavor (i.e., with tobacco fragrance, menthol taste, added nicotine etc.). The device may use heat, ultrasonic energy, or other means to atomize/vaporize a liquid (for example based on propylene glycol, or glycerin, for example including taste and fragrance ingredients) solution into an aerosol mist. The atomization may be similar to nebulizer or humidifier vaporizing solutions for inhalation. The generated mist may be sensed similar to cigarette smoke. Because it is electronic, an e-Cig may provide opportunities for increased options, communication, and control. Document <CIT> discloses an electronic smoking device comprising an interface for communication with a smart phone.

The present invention provides an electronic vaping device according to claims <NUM>-<NUM>.

The system and method may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the drawings, like referenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

The present invention is defined herein in accordance with the appended claims. The system and method described herein are for an electronic cigarette ("e- Cig") that may include functionality for targeted marketing. The marketing may be through communications with a computing device, such as a smartphone. For example, a smartphone application may be used for monitoring e-Cig usage and marketing based on that monitoring. Location information may also be used for targeted advertisements from a retailer.

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific example embodiments Example embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended Among other things, for example, subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. Accordingly, embodiments may, for example, take the form of hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof (other than software per se). The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meanings suggested or implied in context beyond an explicitly stated meaning. Likewise, the phrase "in one embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and the phrase "in another embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment. It is intended, for example, that claimed subject matter include combinations of example embodiments in whole or in part.

Although commonly referred to as a smoker throughout, a user of an e-Cig may also be referred to as a vapor and the act of "smoking" may be referred to as vaping. Likewise, a non-electronic cigarette may be referred to as a "regular" or "standard" cigarette, but should be understood to include non-electronic cigarettes. Although mist generation (or atomization) may be described interchangeably with vaporization, the concepts are distinct. The use of the term vaporization, vapor, or vaping should be understood to include the mist generation or atomization process.

For example, terms, such as "and", "or", or "and/or," as used herein may include a variety of meanings that may depend at least in part upon the context in which such terms are used. Typically, "or" if used to associate a list, such as A, B or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term "one or more" as used herein, depending at least in part upon context, may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense or may be used to describe combinations of features, structures or characteristics in a plural sense. In addition, the term "based on" may be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of factors and may, instead, allow for existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly described, again, depending at least in part of context.

By way of introduction, an electronic cigarette ("e-Cig") may include a controller for providing various operations within an e-Cig. Enhancements for the controller may provide for improved operations and control for the e-Cig. In one embodiment, there may be a communications capability which may be separate from or part of the controller. The communications may allow for the e-Cig to communicate with a consumer device, such as a computer, smartphone or tablet. The consumer may then control smoke properties, monitor operations, adjust settings, and/or receive product notifications or offers through the consumer device's communication with the e-Cig. Control may also be enabled for automatic services, such as messaging from commercial parties, by servers, by local area network ("LAN")-located entities, such as a smart phone application, and/or by other persons (e.g. friends, supporters or social networks) that may be located locally or over a wide area network ("WAN") such as the Internet. Other possible applications may include smoking cessation support, by professionals or peers (also my involve and incorporate other Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT), such as nicotine patches; competitions and challenges, for example of knowledge or taste recognition; related products marketing and sales, for example coffee or candy. The communications may enable connections to various websites on the Internet for usage tracking or social networking. Although commonly referred to as a smoker throughout, a user of an e-Cig may also be referred to as a vapor and the act of "smoking" may be referred to as vaping. Likewise, a non-electronic cigarette may be referred to as a "regular" or "standard" cigarette, but should be understood to include non-electronic cigarettes.

<FIG> is a diagram of an electronic cigarette. The "smoke" produced by an e-Cig is a created by turning a liquid (e-Liquid <NUM>) into mist and some vapor with an atomizer <NUM>. The e-liquid <NUM> may have a high viscosity at room temperature to enable longer shelf life and reduce leakages; however, this high viscosity may reduce the atomization rate. The atomizer <NUM> is further described below with respect to <FIG>. The e-Liquid <NUM> is atomized via air flow <NUM>, generated by the inhalation of the user (i.e., the smoker or consumer or vapor), which produces a pressure difference that removes e-Liquid droplets from the e-Liquid <NUM>. In one embodiment, the e-Liquid <NUM> may be soaked in a wick. In order to reduce the e-Liquid viscosity, to a level enabling atomization, external heat may be applied through a heating element <NUM> as further described below. In this embodiment, local viscosity reduction via heating, while inhalation occurs, enables e-Liquid atomization in the inhalation-generated flow of air <NUM>. The e-Liquid <NUM> may be heated via an electric current flowing through the heating element <NUM> and may then be atomized and evaporated through the e-Cig and may contain tastes and aromas that create a smoking sensation.

The controller <NUM> may be activated due to air flow <NUM> (from the inhaled air) passing a flow sensor <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be activated by the pressure drop across the sensor and may directly switch the battery <NUM> power on, or be used as an input for the controller <NUM> that then switches the battery <NUM> current on. Although illustrated as separate from the e-Cig, the controller <NUM> may be a part of the e-Cig (e.g. along with the battery <NUM>) The enhancements to the controller <NUM> are further described below with respect to <FIG>, and include external communications from a communications chip. The communications described below may allow for increased control of properties of the sensor <NUM>, battery <NUM>, air flow <NUM>, e-Liquid <NUM> or atomizer <NUM>. In particular, the controller <NUM> may be configured for external communication to other computing devices and/or networks.

In one alternative embodiment, the battery <NUM> may be a separate/removable assembly. The battery <NUM> may include one or more electronic chips controlling and communicating from it. It may receive cartomizers. Conversely, a disposable e-Cig may include the battery <NUM> as a single unit. In another alternative embodiment, the battery <NUM> keeps a trickle current on. The trickle current may keep the communication link alive, while main current for the heating element <NUM><NUM><NUM> is only activated by the flow sensor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram of the atomizer <NUM>. The inhaled air <NUM> is passed through the atomizer <NUM>. A heating element <NUM> (which may be separate from the atomizer <NUM> in alternate embodiments) supplies heat to the E-liquid <NUM>, which reduces viscosity <NUM>. Due to the heating clement <NUM>, the e-Liquid <NUM> viscosity over temperature profile may be designed in a way such that when heated its viscosity will be reduced to a level where atomization may be effective (with the pressure shear forces and velocities that can be created with inhalation activity). The heating clement <NUM> may be powered through a power supply <NUM>. The low viscosity e-liquid and the inhaled air <NUM> result in the smoke <NUM>. The smoke <NUM> is not a traditional smoke, but is instead a combination of aerosol, warmed air and vapors, and may be referred to as a vapor.

The atomization may be the process that makes an aerosol. When a gas is injected under a pressure difference through a tube with a narrowing cross-section, it speeds up, generating a pressure drop at the narrowest point due to Bernoulli's principle and creates a Venturi effect. The narrowing cross-section may enable a pressure reduction in the narrowing portion of the tube that results in a velocity increase and a pressure drop. The reduced pressure, due to the pressure difference between the two points, sucks up a liquid from a reservoir through a narrow tube or tubes into the moving gas flow, and projects it forward as a fine Spray of droplets. When liquid is moved through wick capillaries a pressure difference may be effective in creating shear forces. The generated microscopic droplets are then sucked into the mouth and upper respiratory tract. Droplet size can be influenced by the internal structure of the e-Cig, and its working conditions, including liquid properties, liquid temperature while atomized, heating energy, flow local macro and micro structure, inhalation force, etc. The e-Liquid <NUM> may be purchased and interchangeable within the e-Cig for adding flavor to the smoke <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flow diagram of the electronic cigarette smoking process. The inhaled air <NUM> passes through a flow sensor <NUM>. The e-Cig power source is a battery (or other power source, e.g. other electrical sources) which may be a part of the e-Cig that provides a current supply <NUM>. The current supply <NUM> may be triggered by the controller, which may be activated due to air flow <NUM> passing a flow sensitive switch or flow sensor <NUM>. This sensor can switch the battery power or may be an input for the controller. When controller is activated it enables power to a heating resistance element (e.g. heating element <NUM>). In one embodiment, the heating element <NUM> may be a heating coil. The power may be controlled using Pulse Width Modulation ("PWM") signaling. E-Liquid may be located in a container where a capillary device such as wick leads it to a place where inhaled air <NUM> has flow conditions that enable creation of a pressure drop and/or shear forces that will enable aerosol creation. Heating of the e-Liquid in the wick by a coil or heating element may reduce viscosity <NUM> of the e-Liquid and enable aerosol creation through evaporation <NUM>. The aerosol creation may result in a smoke feeling for a user. The resultant smoke/vapor <NUM> may include warm air, aerosol, and vapors <NUM>. In one embodiment, the e-Liquid may flow through the coil, which may be wrapped around a wick in the e-Cig. The inhaled air flows across the wick such that the inhaled air flow may induce turbulent flow. A local air vortex may enable high pressure drops and shear forces that create aerosol from at least part of the e-Liquid soaked in the wick.

<FIG> is a flow diagram of components for the electronic cigarette. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate exemplary e-Cig components and processes for smoke creation. <FIG> illustrates a simplified embodiment of certain components. Inhaled air <NUM> passes through a flow sensor <NUM>, which may notify a controller <NUM> of the presence of the inhaled air <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may signal a current supply <NUM> which begins the smoke creation mechanism <NUM>. As discussed above, the smoke creation mechanism <NUM> may include an atomizer and/or heating element for creating the aerosol. <FIG> illustrates how the e-Cig is activated upon sensing the inhaled air. This basically "turns on" the e-Cig for creating the aerosol for the user to engage in the smoking process. When the power supply is not enabled, atomization and vaping are prevented.

<FIG> is an alternative diagram of an electronic cigarette with multiple e- Liquid containers. The e-Cig in <FIG> may be similar to or the same as the e-Cig in <FIG> except it includes multiple e-Liquids. The e-Cig may include a first e-Liquid <NUM> as with <FIG>, but also includes a second e-Liquid <NUM>. The aerosol or smoke from the two e-Liquids may be combined to enhance or modify the flavor produced with just a single e-Liquid. In one embodiment, an e-Liquid with nicotine may be combined with an e-Liquid that is nicotine free. The controller may determine which e-Liquid is utilized for vaping. In one embodiment, the user may interact with the controller to switch between the e-Liquids. Alternatively, the controller may automatically select the e-Liquid based on usage patterns or may switch between the e-Liquids during inhalation.

The e-Liquids may be sensed by constant resistance measurement of the heating element when the cartomizer is removed or disconnection occurs. Likewise, when another cartomizer is assembled it may be sensed and restricted until it is confirmed with the controller (e.g. by a smartphone as discussed below).

<FIG> is an alternative diagram of components in an e-Cig. The e-Cig may be the e-Cig illustrated in <FIG> or <FIG>. <FIG> below includes a further description of additional components of an e-Cig. <FIG> illustrates the flow of different functions of the e-Cig. In this embodiment, the e-Cig power source is a battery <NUM> which is part of the e-Cig. The battery <NUM> may be lithium-ion in one example. The controller <NUM> may be activated due to air flow (from the inhaled air) passing a flow-sensitive switch or flow sensor <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be activated by a pressure drop across the sensor. This sensor <NUM> may directly switch the battery <NUM> power on, or be used as an input for the controller <NUM>, that then switches the battery <NUM> current on. This process is further described above with respect to <FIG>. The controller <NUM>, when activated, enables, in a specific embodiment, a Pulse Width Modulation ("PWM") control over the heating coil <NUM> power. Heating of the liquid by the heating coil <NUM> reduces viscosity of the e-Liquid which may enable atomization <NUM>.

In parallel, the controller <NUM> may power up a light emitting diode ("LED") <NUM> light source at the e-Cig tip. The LED <NUM> light may imitate the cigarette light. In one embodiment, the light color may be changed to distinguish it from regular (non-electronic) cigarettes. For example, the LED may be green. The light may mimic the brightness of the fire/burn of a non-electronic cigarette. In other words, the lighting is different, for example, when turned on while receiving inhaled air. Accordingly, there may be an analog or digital electrical circuit that enables the light to increase and/or decrease gradually. This setup may be translated to electrical circuits in more than a single way (for example the pressure switch can switch the power to the controller or only enable a signal to be transmitted to the controller). The e-Cig LED or light at its tip may be changed according to ambient illumination. For example, the light power may be reduced when driving at night or may be modified based on location. For example, the color may change when smoking indoors or in a restaurant. The change may be controlled by the smartphone, utilizing its various sensors.

<FIG> is a network diagram including an e-Cig <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a consumer device <NUM> and user device <NUM> that are coupled with a network <NUM>. The consumer device <NUM> may be directly (or locally) coupled with the e-Cig <NUM>. Through the network, an e-Cig server <NUM> may store (in database <NUM>) and communicate information to/from the e-Cig <NUM>. Herein, the phrase "coupled with" is defined to mean directly connected to or indirectly connected through one or more intermediate components. Such intermediate components may include both hardware and software based components.

The e-Cig <NUM> may be similar to or the same as the e-Cigs illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. As described below, the e-Cig <NUM> may communicate with a consumer device, such as a smartphone <NUM> A smartphone is merely one example of a device that may communicate directly/locally with the e-Cig <NUM> and connect with the network <NUM>. Other devices may include a desktop computer or a portable device, such as a cellular telephone, a display pager, a radio frequency (RF) device, an infrared (1R) device, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a handheld computer, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a set top box, a wearable computer (e.g. glasses or watch), an integrated device or any computing device combining various features, such as features of the forgoing devices, or the like. However, the device will be labeled throughout this disclosure as a smartphone for simplicity. The smartphone <NUM> may also be referred to as a host or host device, while the e-Cig is the client or client device.

The smartphone <NUM> may also be referred to as a client device and may include a computing device capable of sending or receiving signals, such as via a wired or a wireless network (e.g. the network <NUM>. which may be the Internet). The smartphone <NUM> communicates directly with the e-Cig <NUM> through local communication mechanisms, such as those illustrated in <FIG>. This communication with a smartphone <NUM> enables a user to have increased interaction and control of the e-Cig <NUM> Exemplary information communicated with the smartphone <NUM> is shown in <FIG>.

The smartphone <NUM> may include or may execute a variety of operating systems, including a personal computer operating system, such as a Windows, iOS or Linux, or a mobile operating system, such as iOS, Android, or Windows Mobile, or the like. The smartphone <NUM> may include or may execute a variety of possible applications, such as a client software application enabling communication with other devices, such as communicating one or more messages, such as via email, short message service (SMS), or multimedia message service (MMS), including via a network, such as a social network, including, for example, Facebook, Linkedln, Twitter, Flickr, WhatsApp, or Google+, to provide only a few possible examples. The smartphone <NUM> may also include or execute an application to communicate content, such as, for example, textual content, multimedia content, binary files, numerical data, or the like. The smartphone <NUM> may also include or execute an application to perform a variety of possible tasks, such as browsing, searching, playing various forms of content, including locally stored or streamed video, or games (such as fantasy sports leagues, or competitions such as e-Cig smokers competing on location-based assignments or any other games/activities involving community use). The foregoing is provided to illustrate that the claimed subject matter is intended to include a wide range of possible features or capabilities. As described below, the smartphone <NUM> communicates with the e-Cig <NUM> and communicates over the network <NUM>. Although not illustrated, the e-Cig <NUM> may communicate with other e-Cigs or multiple smartphones. In one embodiment, a couple may each have e-Cigs that can communicate with one another and that can communicate with each other's smartphones. This communication by the e-Cig may be through the network <NUM>, in one embodiment. As further discussed below, the smartphone <NUM> may augment Cig data with data from its own sensors, such as GPS, accelerometers, clocks, environmental parameters, microphone, and camera.

In one embodiment, the e-Cig <NUM> may include a controller <NUM>, memory <NUM>, software <NUM>, and/or a communications interface <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the memory <NUM>, software <NUM>, and/or a communications interface <NUM> may be considered to be part of the controller <NUM>. Alternatively, the memory <NUM> and/or software <NUM> may not be part of the e-Cig <NUM>, rather the smartphone <NUM> will utilize its memory <NUM> (e.g. internal memory or external memory such as memory cards) and/or software <NUM> for the functions described below. In other words, functions performed by the smartphone <NUM> may be performed by the e-Cig <NUM> in certain circumstances, and functions performed by the e-Cig <NUM> may be performed by the smartphone <NUM> in other circumstances.

The communications interface <NUM> may communicate with the smartphone <NUM>. In one embodiment, the communications interface <NUM> includes a communication chip, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The communications interface <NUM> may include local/direct communication with the smartphone <NUM> using any of the interface mechanisms illustrated in <FIG>.

The controller <NUM> in the e-Cig <NUM> may include a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP) or other type of processing device The controller <NUM> may be one or more general processors, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, servers, networks, digital circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other now known or later developed devices for analyzing and processing data. The controller <NUM> may operate in conjunction with software or firmware (e.g. software <NUM>), such as code generated manually (i.e. programmed). The controller <NUM> may be coupled with a memory <NUM>, or the memory <NUM> may be a separate component or embedded within the controller <NUM>. The software <NUM> may be stored in the memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may include, but is not limited to computer readable storage media such as various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media, including random access memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory, Hash memory, magnetic tape or disk, optical media and the like. The memory <NUM> may include a random access memory for the controller <NUM>. Alternatively, the memory <NUM> may be separate from the controller <NUM>, such as a cache memory of a processor, the system memory, or other memory. The memory <NUM> may be an external storage device or database for storing recorded ad or user data The memory <NUM> is operable to store instructions executable by the controller <NUM>.

The functions, acts or tasks illustrated in the Figures or described herein may be performed by the programmed processor executing the instructions stored in the memory <NUM> The functions, acts or tasks are independent of the particular type of instruction set, storage media, processor or processing strategy and may be performed by software, hardware, integrated circuits, firm-ware, micro-code and the like, operating alone or in combination. Likewise, processing strategies may include multiprocessing, multitasking, parallel processing and the like. The controller <NUM> is configured to execute the software <NUM>. The software <NUM> may include instructions for analyzing, monitoring, and tracking e-Cig <NUM> data and communicating with the smartphone <NUM>. The present disclosure contemplates a computer-readable medium that includes instructions or receives and executes instructions responsive to a propagated signal, so that a device connected to a network can communicate voice, video, audio, images, location, GPS information, accelerometer data, environmental sensors or any other data over a network.

The network (e.g. the network <NUM>) may couple devices so that communications may be exchanged, such as between a server and a client device or other types of devices, including between wireless devices coupled via a wireless network, for example. A network may also include mass storage, such as network attached storage (NAS), a storage area network (SAN), or other forms of computer or machine readable media, for example. A network may include the Internet, one or more local area networks (LANs), one or more wide area networks (WANs), wire-line type connections, wireless type connections, or any combination thereof. Likewise, sub-networks, such as may employ differing architectures or may be compliant or compatible with differing protocols, may interoperate within a larger network. Various types of devices may, for example, be made available to provide an interoperable capability for differing architectures or protocols. As one illustrative example, a router may provide a link between otherwise separate and independent LANs. A communication link or channel may include, for example, analog telephone lines, such as a twisted wire pair, a coaxial cable, full or fractional digital lines including T1, T2, T3, or T4 type lines. Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDNs), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs), wireless links including satellite links, or other communication links or channels, such as may be known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, a computing device or other related electronic devices may be remotely coupled to a network, such as via a telephone line or link, for example.

A wireless network may couple client devices (e.g. the smartphone <NUM> or user device <NUM>) with a network. A wireless network may employ stand-alone ad-hoc networks, mesh networks. Wireless LAN (WLAN) networks, cellular networks, or the like. A wireless network may further include a system of terminals, gateways, routers, or the like coupled by wireless radio links, or the like, which may move freely, randomly or organize themselves arbitrarily, such that network topology may change, at times even rapidly A wireless network may further employ a plurality of network access technologies, including Long Term Evolution (LTE), WLAN, Wireless Router (WR) mesh, or 2nd, 3rd, or 4th generation (<NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>) cellular technology, or the like. Network access technologies may enable wide area coverage for devices, such as client devices with varying degrees of mobility, for example. For example, a network may enable RF or wireless type communication via one or more network access technologies. such as Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Bluetooth, <NUM> b/g/n, or the like. A wireless network may include virtually any type of wireless communication mechanism by which signals may be communicated between devices, such as a client device or a computing device, between or within a network, or the like.

Signal packets communicated via a network, such as a network of participating digital communication networks, may be compatible with or compliant with one or more protocols. Signaling formats or protocols employed may include, for example. TCP/IP, L'DP, DECnet, NetBEUI, IPX, Appletalk, or the like. Versions of the Internet Protocol (IP) may include IPv4 or IPv6. The Internet refers to a decentralized global network of networks. The Internet includes local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless networks, or long haul public networks that, for example, allow signal packets to be communicated between LANs. Signal packets may be communicated between nodes of a network, such as, for example, to one or more sites employing a local network address. A signal packet may, for example, be communicated over the Internet from a user site via an access node coupled to the Internet. Likewise, a signal packet may be forwarded via network nodes to a target site coupled to the network via a network access node, for example. A signal packet communicated via the Internet may, for example, be routed via a path of gateways, servers, etc. that may route the signal packet in accordance with a target address and availability of a network path to the target address.

In one embodiment, the connection between the smartphone <NUM> and the e-Cig <NUM> is a direct/local connection (not through an external network such as the Internet), but alternative embodiments may allow for other connections between the smartphone <NUM> and the e-Cig <NUM>. For example, the e-Cig <NUM> may communicate through the network <NUM> with or without the smartphone <NUM>. Likewise, the e-Cig <NUM> may allow connections with more than one device (e.g. smartphone <NUM> and user device <NUM>) that may be direct/local connections or connections through the network <NUM>. Although not illustrated in <FIG>, the communications mechanisms for the network <NUM> may apply to the connection between the smartphone <NUM> and the c-Cig <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment, there may be a wireless or wired charger or charging device that connects the e-Cig <NUM> and provides power for charging the battery. The smartphone <NUM> may act as a charger for the e-Cig <NUM> in one embodiment. Alternatively, the charger for the e-Cig <NUM> may be a separate device from the smartphone <NUM>, For example, the charging device may be another computer (e.g., universal serial bus (USB)) that communicates with the e-Cig <NUM>. There may be mutual charging between the smartphone and the e-Cig. In particular, the smartphone may provide a charge for the e-Cig and/or the e-Cig may provide a charge to the smartphone. An external charging device may charge both the smartphone and e-Cig, simultaneously or separately. The charging may be wired or wireless.

The e-Cig server <NUM> may be a server (e.g., web server) that provides the smartphone <NUM> with pages or information (e.g., through an app) that arc requested over the network <NUM>, such as by a user of the smartphone <NUM>. In particular, the operator <NUM> may provide or collect information through the e-Cig server <NUM> when requested for or by the smartphone <NUM>. The e-Cig server <NUM> may be operated by an operator <NUM> that maintains and oversees the operation of the e-Cig server <NUM>. The e-Cig server <NUM> may be able to track information and provide offers stored in its database <NUM>. The e-Cig database <NUM> may be coupled with the e-Cig server <NUM> and may store the information/data that is provided by the e-Cig server <NUM> to the e-Cig <NUM>. Alternatively, tracking metrics and other properties/parameters of the e-Cig <NUM> may be communicated through the e-Cig server <NUM> for storage in the e-Cig database <NUM>. The e-Cig server <NUM> may allow for individual or group communication with e-Cig users. For example, the e-Cig server <NUM> may communicate with a subset of users (e.g., to notify of an event, such as a group smoking party) or may be used for remote deactivations (e.g., if a defective batch is found).

The application ("app") that is provided by the smartphone <NUM> for interacting with the e-Cig <NUM> may include a variety of interfaces. In one embodiment, the app may include a rendering of the e-Cig that may illustrate the components of the e-Cig. The status of those components may be displayed on the app interface (e.g., battery level, e-Liquid level, LED color etc.). Accordingly, the app may be used for checking on the functionality of the e-Cig. In an alternative embodiment, this may allow the user to also light the e-Cig for a simulated smoke. The simulated smoke may be achieved through augmented reality. For example, augmented reality glasses may be used for enabling creation of smoke from the e-Cig when it is held by hand or on camera of the glasses.

The operator <NUM> of the e-Cig server <NUM> may include the manufacturer of the e-Cig or may be another third party company may monitor and facilitate the communications between the smartphone <NUM> and the e-Cig <NUM><NUM>. In one embodiment, the e-Cig server <NUM> may provide an application (i.e. an "app") that is run on the smartphone <NUM> that implements the communication features discussed herein. In particular, the smartphone app may provide a user interface for all information stored in the e-Cig <NUM>, the smartphone <NUM>, and the database <NUM>. The UI of the app displays that information and allows a user to modify any parameters for the e-Cig <NUM>. Further, through the app, the enhanced controller of the e-Cig <NUM> may allow for the communication and interaction between the smartphone <NUM> and the e-Cig <NUM>.

The e-Cig server <NUM> may be one or more computing devices which may be capable of sending or receiving signals over the network <NUM>, or may be capable of processing or storing signals, such as in memory as physical memory states, and may, therefore, operate as a server. Thus, devices capable of operating as a server may include, as examples, dedicated rack-mounted servers, desktop computers, laptop computers, set top boxes, integrated devices combining various features, such as two or more features of the foregoing devices, or the like Servers may vary widely in configuration or capabilities, but generally a server may include one or more central processing units and memory. A server may also include one or more mass storage devices, one or more power supplies, one or more wired or wireless network interfaces, one or more input/output interfaces, or one or more operating systems, such as Windows Server, Mac OS X, Unix, Linux, FreeBSD, or the like.

In addition, the e-Cig server <NUM> may be or may be part of a content server. A content server may include a device that includes a configuration to provide content via a network to another device (e.g. smartphone <NUM>). A content server may, for example, host a site, such as a social networking site, examples of which may include, without limitation. Flicker, Twitter, Facebook, Linkedln, or a personal user site (such as a blog, vlog, online dating site, etc.). A content server may also host a variety of other sites, including, but not limited to business sites, educational sites, dictionary sites, encyclopedia sites, wikis, financial sites, government sites, etc. A content server may further provide a variety of services that include, but are not limited to web services, third-party services, audio services, video services, email services, instant messaging (IM) services, SMS services, MMS services, FTP services, voice over IP (VOIP) services, calendaring services, photo services, or the like. Examples of content may include text, images, audio, video, or the like, which may be processed in the form of physical signals, such as electrical signals, for example, or may be stored in memory, as physical states, for example. Examples of devices that may operate as a content server include desktop computers, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-type or programmable consumer electronics, etc. As described herein, the e-Cig server <NUM> may host information (e.g. a website) that is used for interfacing with the smartphone <NUM> and the e-Cig <NUM>. In one embodiment, the user device <NUM> may view a web page provided by the e-Cig server <NUM> to see information about the e-Cig <NUM> and to monitor/track/control the e-Cig <NUM> depending on the access settings for the e-Cig <NUM><NUM>.

The user device <NUM> (other than the smartphone <NUM>) may interact with the smartphone <NUM> and/or the e-Cig <NUM>. The other user device <NUM> may not have a direct/local connection with the e-Cig <NUM> as with the smartphone <NUM>, but it may be coupled with the smartphone <NUM> and/or e-Cig <NUM> through the network <NUM> in one embodiment. The examples and operation of the user device <NUM> may be the same as that discussed above with respect to the smartphone <NUM>. In one example, a user may modify settings of the e-Cig <NUM> from a laptop computer. For example, social networking may be used for a user who wishes to limit usage and another user (e.g. user device <NUM> from the user's social network) may be given remote control of the amount and/or frequency that the e-Cig <NUM> can be used for.

<FIG> is another network diagram with an electronic cigarette illustrating local communication <NUM>. The communications interface <NUM> in <FIG> may be used to provide instructions via a communication chip <NUM> or communications port (e.g. from the smartphone <NUM> or the user device <NUM>) that is part of the controller or the e-Cig S01. The communication chip or port may be created in software or may be a physical connection in hardware and may be configured to connect with the smartphone <NUM> and/or the network <NUM>. The connection with the smartphone <NUM> may be considered a local or direct communication <NUM> because the smartphone may need to be in proximity of the e-Cig <NUM> for the connection. The connection may be wired (e.g. USB cable) or wireless using a variety of wireless connection mechanisms as illustrated in <FIG>. In alternative embodiments, the connection between the communication chip <NUM> and the smartphone <NUM> may be through other mechanisms such as those discussed above with respect to the network <NUM>.

The local communication <NUM> may be two-way communication between the smartphone <NUM> and the communication chip <NUM>. The information that is transmitted is further described with respect to <FIG> is a diagram illustrating local communication <NUM> examples. The local communications <NUM> may include security information <NUM>. There may be a passcode, password, facial recognition, or other identifier that is required to establish a connection between the e-Cig S01 and the smartphone <NUM>. RFID or other communication mechanisms may also be used for the security information <NUM>. Alternatively, the e-Cig may detect a presence of the previously connected smartphone (or vice-versa) for re-establishing communications. In particular, the e-Cig <NUM> may be configured to only communicate with authorized smartphones. Each e-Cig may have its own password or security key that are required at the smartphone for establishing communication. The e-Cig may be locked to a specific user, thus helping to prevent misuse by unauthorized users such as minors. This locking may be through a connection with a particular smartphone. In other words, if the e-Cig is not near the smartphone, then it is disabled, inoperable or limited to a certain number or rate of puffs.

The local communication <NUM> may include usage patterns <NUM> or usage restrictions <NUM>. In one example, the smartphone can be used for tracking the usage patterns of the e-Cig. The time and duration of smoking may be recorded and tracked. The user may be able to establish self-imposed restrictions on their smoking. For example, a user may restrict usage to five times daily and no smoking allowed between certain times. In another example, the user may use different e-Liquids (e.g. by selection from <FIG>) to reduce a Nicotine level according to a certain plan by parting each inhalation between the e-Liquids. In another example, a user may puff slower in the mornings, so the temperature may be increased, leading to potentially smaller droplets. This pattern recognition may be utilized to tailor the e-Cig to the user and react to the user's patterns. Other parameters that may be adjusted automatically based on usage patterns or otherwise updated by the smartphone include current, voltage, temperature, power, e-Liquid selection/replacement, droplet size, viscosity, or airflow resistance The airflow resistance may be through a selectable orifice (e.g. a rotating disc with several holes of various sizes in it) that may be placed in the airflow track. The usage patterns that are recorded may also include the type of e-Liquids that are used. Accordingly, there may be offers <NUM> made to the smartphone for a refill of a popular e-Liquid or a recommendation based on the user's usage pattern. In one embodiment, the smartphone app may allow for the manual or automatic reordering of a particular taste when an e-Liquid is running out. The smartphone app may follow up the history of usage of each cartomizer, and prevent usage if for example it counts the number of puffs and, for example taking into account the length of puffs, it determines that the cartomizer is about to be depleted and thus avoiding the burnt taste. Exemplary methods of knowing that the cartomizer is depleted may include follow up of temperatures, knowing the time and puffs numbers that the specific user had before each replacement of cartomizers, and more. In many of these applications the identification of a specific cartomizer is utilized, for example via bar-code, QR code or RFID tag. When liquid is finished. it may result in a higher temperature that may create a burnt taste that can be avoided by monitoring the liquid level. Another example may limit a number of puffs according to the cartomizer, according to batch of production, or according to information received from the company through the e-Cig server about limiting the number of puffs.

The local communication <NUM> may include desired settings <NUM> or device status <NUM>. The desired settings <NUM> may be similar to usage restrictions, but may include default settings relating to the generation of the aerosol. For example, increased temperature of the heating coil results in a different vapor. Additional settings may include vapor, droplet size, nicotine content, taste, and/or degree of liquid depletion or aging of the e-Cig's cartomizer. The local communication may further include complementary information from a smartphone that may be retrieved from the smartphone sensors, GPS, accelerometers, microphone, or other features of the smartphone. This information may be used for supplementing the usage of the e-Cig (e.g. the location that a user prefers). Accelerometer measurements may also be used for monitoring the handling of an e-Cig. An e-Cig may be sensitive to handling (for example accelerations), so the e-Cig acceleration history may be monitored, recorded, and analyzed to sense if an acceleration threshold has been reached, or to sense e-Cig lifetime duration influence. This may also assist in error or defect identification. A malfunctioning e-Cig may be determined to be caused by poor handling. The smartphone microphone may also be used for defect or error detection to listen to the e-Cig for a potential problem. For example, a gurgle or other noise may indicate a current or future problem.

The user may be able to configure the generation of the smoke using the smartphone. The device status <NUM> may include information about the components of the e-Cig. For example, if there is a component that is malfunctioning (e.g. the battery needs recharging or the LED is out), the smartphone may be notified. Likewise, updates to the e-Cig (e.g. controller or firmware updates) may be transmitted from the smartphone. The smartphone may further be configured to both locate and identify a particular e-Cig. It may also recognize whether a particular e-Liquid is a match for the cartomizer and vice-versa.

Although not shown in <FIG>, the communications with the e-Cig may include social networking communications that may include accessing social connections over a network such as the Internet In one embodiment, the e-Cig server <NUM> may maintain (e.g. in its database <NUM>) a network of e-Cig users. Each user's smartphone allows for social interactions between that network of users. A user may receive notifications about the activity of others in that user's social network. The users in the social network may be selected by the user using the smartphone or may be automatically identified based e-Cig usage and/or geography. For example, a user that is smoking at a particular location may alert other users so that others can join. This notification may be automated through the smartphone application and the e-Cig server. Likewise, other users' interests/preferences/usage patterns may be shared within the social network If there is a user with a similar usage pattern or preferences (e.g. e-Liquid type), that user's preferences may be communicated to similar users for identifying new settings, locations for smoking, and/or products (e.g. e-Liquid).

As described, the enhanced communications of the e-Cig may include real-time social interaction In one embodiment, the communication by the e-Cig may be through emails, text messages, photos, videos, or social network websites (e.g. FACEBOOK, TWITTER, LINKEDIN, etc.). The e-Cig may communicate information to a user's social circle. The communications may be controlled by the user. Commercial utilization of the communications may include on-line social marketing, sales, lead-generation, location-based offerings, market research and other applications. For example, communication offering a particular H-liquid may be made to the user such as when the current e-Liquid is running low, or when a new product is being offered that may be appealing to the user. The user may allow for a social network to be notified of which e-liquid is being used and how often. This communication may be used along with global positioning system ("GPS") technologies to encourage social smoking. For example, two users (with GPS activated) may be in the same area and can be notified of their proximity There may also be a notification of smoking preferences (e.g. e-Liquid type/taste, smoking times/lengths) to help join the users. In addition, to social connections, the enhanced communications may also be through businesses that may be notified of local smokers and can then provide discounts/sales for those smokers to shop and/or smoke at that business. For example, a user may be notified when they are close to such a business and offered a discount or coupon. In other words, the e-Cig provides functionality for connecting to individuals (social networking) or businesses. Enabling technologies, such as wire-line and wireless (e.g. Wi-Fi or cellular) networking, photography (such as smartphone-embedded cameras with automated on-line capabilities), location-aware technologies (such as GPS) and many more may improve the online social interaction.

The social interaction provided through this enhanced communication may encourage social smoking, commercialize co-offerings to smokers, support smoking cessation, encourage grouping via brand, taste, habits and other possibly identity-related criteria, etc. For example, when an e-Cig smoker is smoking, her smartphone may be aware of the fact that she is smoking, and is posting this fact (with her prior approval) on a website enabling special offers, combined with her location (with her prior approval) and her speed (indicating she is walking). The smartphone application/app can present a special, targeted offer to the smoker, suggesting a discounted deal for coffee in a nearby coffee place, to go well with her e-Cig. A unique smoking-related offering can be made given to the fact that many smokers like to smoke while consuming coffee, as one example.

The application or app described herein may further be used for taste testing and combination exchanges. The e-Cig combined with the smartphone may test the response to tastes (either new or incumbent) or to taste combinations. The smartphone may transmit the data to the e-Cig server, where the aggregated data could be used for development, marketing, and product offerings. Accordingly, users would be providing feedback for future development.

When the user listens to music on the smartphone and smokes, the sound may be subtly changed based on the e-Cig usage. For example, during the puff the music may be subtly modified to compensate for the changes in the respiratory system in the head during the inhale. This change in sound may enhance the experience of smoking.

With smartphones and other devises that have input technologies that involve for example gestures, the LED at the e-Cig tip may be modulated to transfer data or commands to the device The lighted tip may be used as a remote pen, under the proper command from the e-Cig for input or signaling purposes. Likewise, the e-Cig may be used as standard for length for smartphone photography.

<FIG> is another network diagram with an electronic cigarette illustrating image acquisition. In particular, the e-Cig <NUM> may include an identifier code <NUM>. Such as a <NUM>-D or <NUM>-D bar code (e.g. QR code) that can be scanned by the smartphone. In particular, the identifier code <NUM> may be part of a removable portion <NUM> of the e-Cig <NUM>. In one example of an e-Cig's connection with a device's camera, a scanned QR code or other bar may be scanned that is used for communicating information about an e-Cig. For example, a product code could be scanned and the consumer device can notify the user whether the product is compatible with the e-Cig. Additional communication (other than the identifier code <NUM>) may also be used for identifying a cigarette. The e-Cig may include a passive form of communication, as shown in <FIG>. There may be a camera-readable label that can also be attached to other related devices such as Nicotine-Replacement-Therapy (NRT) devices like stickers. The communication chip functionality discussed above is an active form of communication.

The identifier code <NUM> may enable identification of the cartomizer(s) type and taste(s) (e.g. via a QR-code or bar-code on the cartomizer). The identifier code may be read and identified by a smartphone camera and specific application software. In alternative embodiments, the identifier code may communicate with a RFID tag in the cartomizer and/or an NFC chip in the e-Cig and/or in the smartphone, combined with the proper software/application. External software programs, such as smartphone applications, web-sites, data-bases etc. (for example the e-Cig database) may be aware of a specific user's usage patterns and tastes. The ability to be specific about the special flavor of the e-Cig enables personalized offers to be most effective To enable higher security the controller may not enable vaping until the identifier code is identified together with other communication and/or a password on the smartphone.

In one embodiment, the e-Cig <NUM> may include a removable portion <NUM> and an immoveable or permanent portion <NUM>. The immoveable or permanent (non-removable) portion <NUM> may include a battery and controller, while the removable portion <NUM> includes an e-Liquid and atomizer (e.g., cartomizer) that may be replaced. Different portions of the e-Cig <NUM> may be part of either of the portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The LED may be installed in the cartomizer to enable a higher level of security.

<FIG> is another exemplary e-Cig <NUM>. The e-Cig <NUM> illustrates an organization of the components that were previously discussed. The e-Cig <NUM> may include a controller <NUM>, a communications interface <NUM>, a heating element <NUM>, and an LED <NUM>. Functionality provided by the controller <NUM> is discussed with respect to <FIG>. Exemplary communication mechanisms used by the communications interface <NUM> are discussed with respect to <FIG>. In one embodiment, the e-Liquid container (not shown) may include the heating element and an atomizer and may be referred to as a cartomizer. The cartomizer may be replaceable and removal of the cartomizer may be detected by the e-Cig. The LED <NUM> may be ignited with inhaling and may be dimmed slowly after inhaling is finished to imitate the cooling tip of a non-electric cigarette when inhaling is ceased. The LED may further be modulated to send specific indications to the user, such as a blinking pattern to indicate low power or dwindling cartomizer e-Liquid.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating communications interface <NUM> examples. The e-Cig <NUM> may communicate through a communications interface <NUM> using near field communication ("NFC") <NUM>, radio frequency identification ("RFID") <NUM>, Wi-Fi <NUM> (e.g. Wi-Fi Direct), Bluetooth <NUM>, and/or ZigBee. The communications interface <NUM> may be implemented through a small-size communication chip embedded on the e-Cig Exemplary chips may include but are not limited to a Bluetooth chip, such as Parani BCD <NUM> or Texas Instruments (TI) CC2650 Bluetooth Single-Chip Solution. These Bluetooth chips can be activated as slaves to a server, with the Bluetooth chip in the smartphone acting as the master. Another exemplary chip is an NFC-enabled chip (such as Qualcomm's QCA1990), that allows for NFC communication, or even enhanced Wi-Fi or Bluetooth communication where NFC is used for link setup. NFC may also be used to read an e-Cig or cartomizer identifier (as RFID device). Another exemplary communication chip may include a Wi-Fi-enabled chip, such as Ti's SimpleLink family's CC3000, that can hook the e-Cig to Wi-Fi networks with full capability. An additional possibility may be a SIM card on board of the e-Cig, following the growing trend of cellular-enabled M2M (Machine to Machine) nano-SIM card, creating a cellular e-Cig that communicates directly to a network over <NUM>/<NUM> cellular networks. Alternatively, there may be a wired connection (e.g. universal serial bus ("USB")) rather than a wireless connection. Alternative forms of communication may be used to establish two-way communication between an e-Cig and a smartphone.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating exemplary controller <NUM> components. As discussed, the controller for the e-Cig is enhanced with additional capabilities including communication abilities. <FIG> illustrates exemplary components that may be a part of the controller <NUM> or may be separate components coupled with the controller <NUM> A clock <NUM> may be used for enhancing the controller of the e-Cig to be able to control parameters of any sub-unit. For example, an initial inhalation (starting a puff) may start the clock <NUM><NUM> which is then used for measuring puff length and other usage patterns. The clock <NUM> may enable a reliable report about the puffs made by the user which can then provide measurements of puff duration and intensity (rate per unit of time). This may be further usage pattern information that may enable more accurate social connections and targeted marketing. For example if the rate of puffs is increased there may be a situation where a nicotine craving is close and some parameters in the e-Cig have to be changed. The clock <NUM> may be synchronized with the smartphone when communication starts. The clock <NUM> may provide a "time stamp" for every puff. These "time stamps" will be kept in memory of the e-Cig or smartphone and may be sent to the e-Cig server and database for storage.

The controller <NUM> may include charging circuitry <NUM> and a pulse width modulation ("PWM") unit <NUM> for controlling the heating element and supplying a certain amount of controlled power. Alternatively, the PWM <NUM> may enable battery <NUM> activation. The charging of the battery <NUM> may occur through an external charger or the smartphone There may also be input/output ("I/O") <NUM> circuitry for connections to/from the controller <NUM>. The power supply may be constant over time when a pressure difference switch is activated (e.g. when inhalation creates a pressure difference that passes a certain level). This may be accomplished with the PWM <NUM> power supply.

In another embodiment, the controller may disable or reduce the power supplied to the heating element if an internal counter indicates that the user's smoke rate is higher than is allowed or when an allowed number of puffs has been reached, or when the number of puffs that indicates a spent cartomizer is reached. The user may utilize the app on the smartphone to set limits for frequency and duration that are communicated and enforced automatically by the e-Cig. It may include the ability to read from internal memory parameters and to change power supply mode or timing according to these parameters to the heating element. The controller CPU may be able to write to internal memory data about power supported by PWM power supply to heating elements. The controller may be able to analyze this data and to modify power supply to enable controlling for example voltage, amperage or any dependence between both.

The controller may further be configured to provide the ability to monitor and analyze any power consumption of any subunit. for example the power consumption of heating element. It may include the ability not to activate any unit at certain circumstances. For example, the heating element may warm the wick while disabling vaping.

The controller may be configured to idle with low power consumption when no inhalation or communication occurs. In one embodiment, the idle state may enable supply power to internal clock and an option to keep two-way communication in receive mode. The e-Cig may be in an idle state unless a particular action, such as vaping, cartridge replacement, movement, or a wake up call from the smartphone occurs. The smartphone app may be on receive mode unless it receives a wake up communication from the e-Cig. To enable idle state when the internal battery is finished the controller may have an internal rechargeable battery with proper circuitry to load and unload it from a main power supply.

<FIG> is a flow chart for an algorithm for cigarette operation. Although not shown in <FIG>, the e-Cig may include a memory, as in <FIG>. In particular, the controller may include or be coupled with a memory module. The memory module may have read only and read/write parts. The memory module may be implemented in a single module or in two or more different modules. The memory may be non-volatile in one embodiment. Volatile implementations of the memory may utilize the smartphone for memory storage and retrieval. The e-Cig controller may be able to read all memory parts and write in the part where read/write is allowed. For the use of subsystem parameters the read only parameters may include default value, allowable values, and allowable limits.

The memory may store usage parameters (e.g. smoking length, frequency, puff length, droplet size, airflow, temperature, etc.) that may be monitored and controlled. The memory may be large enough to hold all information about a single puff including time, duration and power consumption data. In addition it may include data about the temperature, power consumption and any other parameter from any sub-unit of the e-Cig. The user may use an app on the smartphone to set certain limits for certain parameters (i.e. input values). The input value <NUM> is provided and the algorithm may check whether value is within range <NUM> and look for other restrictions such as integer conformity. The memory stores the maximum/minimum values <NUM><NUM>. If the value is not restricted in <NUM>, a new input value is received <NUM>. If the input value is not within range <NUM> or is restricted <NUM>, the parameter will not be changed and an error message is transmitted <NUM>.

An example of this is the selection of an atomizer, when there are two atomizers (e.g. <FIG>). Values one and two (atomizers one, two) are both legal and limit the range of legal values. Another example is inputting the parameters <NUM>-<NUM> to the PWM of the first atomizer. The lower limit is <NUM>, the upper limit is <NUM> but only numbers and all values between are allowable. Therefor the value <NUM> is allowable and <NUM> is not allowable. The suggested algorithm may be in the e-Cig controller and/or in the smartphone application. Any change in parameters that are monitored by the e-Cig may result in a change in any sub-unit's behavior.

<FIG> is a flow chart for smoking control. In one embodiment, the user may interface with the e-Cig through the smartphone app to set limits on smoking <NUM>. The limit may be referred to as a violation that is detected <NUM> after detecting any smoking event <NUM>. When a violation occurs, the e-Cig and/or smartphone can respond to the violation <NUM>. In one embodiment, the response may include a notification sent to a social network <NUM>. The notification may be through an email, text message, instant message, or through the smartphone app that connects with the e-Cigs. In response to the violation <NUM>, the e-Cig may also: <NUM>) disable power; <NUM>) modify other parameters, <NUM>) reduce nicotine; <NUM>) activate delay after puff; and/or <NUM>) reduce power. This information may then be used to update the database <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an enhanced controller as part of a mount piece for regular cigarettes. In particular, the e-Cig features and the enhanced controller <NUM> may be part of a mount <NUM> structure that is utilized with a regular (non-electronic) cigarette <NUM>. The embodiments for the e-Cig described herein may be applied in a mouthpiece structure (a/k/a mount piece <NUM>) that holds regular cigarettes <NUM>. The mount piece <NUM> receives the cigarette <NUM> and the controller <NUM> may provide any of the features discussed herein with respect to an e-Cig. For example, the enhanced controller <NUM> that is a part of the e-Cig may provide the same or similar features for the standard cigarette <NUM> as for an electronic cigarette, as described. In particular, the control, tracking, social networking, and other features may be applied to the standard cigarette <NUM> and may include communications, such as the communication with a smartphone <NUM>. The mount piece <NUM> illustrates the air flow <NUM> from the standard cigarette <NUM> that can be monitored, measured, analyzed and communicated by the controller <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a flow diagram for the mount piece <NUM><NUM>. Inhaled air through the standard cigarette <NUM> provides inhaled air with smoke to the mount piece <NUM>. A flow sensor <NUM> may determine the presence of the air (e.g. to start up the device). The flow sensor <NUM> may signal the controller <NUM> to begin operations. The battery <NUM> provides power to the flow sensor <NUM> and/or the controller <NUM>. The mount piece <NUM> includes all the electronic components and a mount for receiving and coupling with the standard cigarette <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may include any of the functions of the controller(s) discussed for the e-Cig.

<FIG> is a network diagram of electronic cigarette communications. In particular, <FIG> is an alternate view of the communications network for communications to/from an electronic cigarette discussed herein. The network <NUM> may be provided by an e-Cig server (e.g. the e-Cig server <NUM> in <FIG>). A user <NUM> of an e-Cig <NUM><NUM> may have a mobile app that is part of the smartphone <NUM> for connecting with the network <NUM>. A social network <NUM> of friends, family, or other users may connect through the network <NUM> for communicating with one another and sharing e-Cig related information. Other devices <NUM> may access certain (non-private or authorized to be shared) information from the network <NUM>. There may be access to the network <NUM> from other custom or third-party services/applications <NUM> There may be an app for the smartphone <NUM> provided by the e-Cig server provider or e-Cig manufacturer, but other (third-party) applications may also receive (potentially limited) access to the network <NUM>. Data from the network <NUM> may be used for research and/or clinical trials <NUM>.

Healthcare professionals <NUM> may also be connected with the network <NUM>. For medical purposes, information may be collected through the network <NUM> (e.g. by the e-Cig server) for one or more users. The users may be grouped (e.g. by amount, frequency, or duration of usage). Puff data (e.g. inhalation duration, frequency) may be collected and used to monitor for changes. For example, a change in puff data may be used for notifying a user of a potential illness (e.g. having a cold, pulmonary diseases status, distress). The smartphone linkage may be then be used for identifying and retrieving appropriate medical information (websites) for the particular potential problem. In another embodiment, the e-Cig may be used for the transfer/inhalation of a medical material (medicine) with supervision or monitoring by the smartphone. For example, an e-Cig may be used as a replacement for current inhalators for various medical applications. Future smartphones may include scent sensing devices (e.g. nanotechnology-based). The scent detection may be used with the e-Cig for various uses including monitoring operation (based on scent) of the e-Cig Materials may be introduced that create some designed response in case of illness.

As described above, various applications and programs may be performed on a smart phone or other device. Those applications and programs may further relate to marketing of a product, with an e-Cig being one example of such a product. As described below, the marketing applications may provide for better user feedback and targeting. Although described in the context of a smartphone, a smartphone (and smartphone application) are merely one example of a platform for executing the marketing applications and programs described herein.

The smartphone may also include or execute an application to communicate content, such as, for example, textual content, multimedia content, binary files, numerical data, or the like. The smartphone may also include or execute an application to perform a variety of possible tasks, such as browsing, searching, playing various forms of content, including locally stored or streamed video, or games (such as fantasy sports leagues, or competitions, such as e-Cig smokers competing on location-based assignments or any other games/activities involving community use). In one embodiment, there may be an application for receiving/displaying targeted marketing materials that include upsell offers or cross-sell offers based on the user's current usage (e.g. type of liquid that is preferred). The marketing may also include coupons based on the user's usage or preferences. Alternatively, a location identification mechanism (e.g. GPS, tower location, IP, etc.) may be used for targeting based on geography Proximity to a retail location may be used for targeting that particular retailer.

The e-Cig may have the ability to determine the cartomizer's usage percentage, the ability to communicate with the smartphone, and the ability to develop applications to enable the implementation of digital marketing applications whose main objectives may include maximizing the average revenue per user and maximizing customer retention (churn prevention). The marketing application may be based on trigger events and actions taken as a result of the various trigger events. Exemplary trigger events include the cartomizer exceeding a usage threshold. For example, when the cartomizer is for example <NUM>/<NUM> full or lower, a message is transmitted the smartphone application and one or more of the following actions can be taken: <NUM>) an alert is issued to the smoker; <NUM>) one or more discount coupon(s) is (are) offered to the smoker toward the purchase of new cartomizers; <NUM>) a link to online purchase of new cartomizers is displayed for immediate purchase and payment; and/or <NUM>) additional offers can be proposed to the smoker based on his/her profile or usage (e.g. cross-sell similar liquid flavors).

Location information may be used to present to the user all retail locations in the immediate surroundings that sell cartomizers. The retailers may support online purchase pickups and the purchase/payment can be executed immediately so all the smoker has to do is pick-up the purchased item from the nearby retail outlet. Related products may be offered e.g. offering the smoker a different flavor at an introductory discount if he/she places the order for the replenishment cartomizers. Other products can be bundled to the offer based on the smoker's profile and the business relationship and integration between the marketing application vendor and the commercial outfit. For example, if the cartomizers are available for sale in a nearby drugstore chain outlet, a message can be sent to the drugstore chain's marketing server, the latter uses its own business intelligence capabilities to determine that the smoker for example is a heavy buyer of diapers, then sends back to the marketing application a coupon that includes a discount on diapers bundled to the purchase of new cartomizers. In other words, the offer may be unrelated to e-Cigs in one embodiment. Business agreements may be put in place so that for example the purchase of the new cartomizers can be charged to the smoker's cellular carrier's pre-paid balance. Moreover, this can be bundled with purchasing more minutes from the carrier.

Another exemplary trigger event may include inserting a new cartomizer to the cigarette. This event can trigger one or more of the following functions within the marketing system: <NUM>) determine the company who sold the cartomizer and/or other retailer information based on the cartomizer's internal tag; and <NUM>) determine based on the location information and the above-mentioned seller's information whether or not the smoker is still inside or nearby the retail outlet where the cartomizer was purchased. If the result is positive, new offers and coupons may be displayed as described in the previous trigger, for example new flavors, diapers etc. In case of a first-time user, special introductory promotions may be offered in order to convert the smoker from an "occasional buyer" to a "regular.

Other system-generated triggers may include the marketing system constantly analyzing the accumulated data, and enabling various triggers and responses. For example, patterns or trends in the smoker's e-Cig consumption may be detected that include increasing/decreasing, season-related, location-related (e.g. heavy smoking at work and no smoking at home), increasing/decreasing nicotine level, etc. These patterns may be used Tor triggering offers and promotions that are suited to the specific pattern detected. For example, if a pattern of gradually decreasing consumption is detected, actions can be taken to entice the smoker to buy more products. The detection may include identification of drastic changes. For example, a sudden drastic reduction in consumption or complete stoppage may be detected and drastic promotions can be used to prevent the user from switching to a competitor. Other changes may include location change or flavor change.

Data collection may be performed on a per user basis and may include analytics, data mining and the ability to message/coupon users not just from the e-Cig manufacturer, but targeted by retailers where the users bought the cartridges. A customer who bought carts from Chain X and Chain Y, can be pushed (through offers/coupons/promotions) back to the store of choice based upon variable algorithms. Also, stores can directly communicate coupons/offers to users with general offers as a function of anticipated need for cart replenishment.

As described, all the marketing offers (e.g. cross-sell, up-sell, etc.) may be utilized for any product and an e-Cig is merely one example. In particular, the marketing applications considered herein apply not only to e-Cigs, but may also apply to regular (smoke) cigarettes. The marketing systems and processes may apply to a wide variety of associated usage models and business models. In other embodiments, the marketing applications may apply to e-Cigs, regular tobacco cigarettes, smoking cessation products (e.g. nicotine patch or gum), related accessories (e.g. carrying cases, chargers, etc.), or other products. The other products may further include anything subject to the following areas: social networks of smokers, smoking cessation, shopping, couponing, ticketing, sweepstakes, lottery, gaming, travel, dating, and/or hobbies.

In the embodiment of an e-Cig product, certain events or actions may trigger a marketing offer. Exemplary events may include: connecting cartridge to e-Cig battery, disconnecting cartridge from the e-Cig battery, cartridge consumption events (e.g. consumption amounts/frequency), inhaling/taking in a puff, stopping the puff, and/or reading NFC/RFID tag from a product. Regarding the reading of a tag, a regular tobacco cigarette may be associated with a lot or box, and processing algorithms may determine that is the last cigarette in the box and others have been consumed based on previous events and associated timestamps, etc. Further, a tag may be used for nicotine reduction therapy (NRT) product, such as a path, lozenge, gum, etc. that may apply similar algorithms. The tagging (e.g. QR code or NFC sticker) may be read from any product, among which e-Cigs and regular cigarettes, are merely exemplary.

Other triggering events may include connecting/disconnecting a charger to/from any rechargeable product. Location-based events may also act as a trigger for a marketing opportunity. Exemplary location-based events may include arriving to a new city, driving, being stopped in traffic, being at work, being at home, or venues (e.g. sports events, concerts, etc.). Accordingly, a presence at a particular location may trigger an offer (cross-sell or up-sell) or may be a prompt for product notifications or usage.

As discussed, the marketing applications may include offers. In addition, the marketing may further include advertising. For example, different media (e.g. web, smartphone, email, etc.) may receive an advertisement depending on a particular trigger. The advertisement may be based on context (e.g. the trigger) For example, the context may include location-based, up-sell of known used products, cross-sell of related products, demographics, hobbies, etc. as derived from data-mining functions.

Exemplary data mining functions or other business intelligence may be information that is collected from the product. The collection may be based on profile information associated with a smartphone. Exemplary information may include demographics (e.g. age, gender, race/ethnicity, household income, education level, geography, etc.). Further data mining may include shopping patterns, usage patterns (e.g. how the e-Cig is used: frequency, time of day, length/strength of puffs, etc.), travel patterns, and/or inferential data.

The data collected may be stored on the product (e.g. e-Cig) in one embodiment. Alternatively, the data may be stored on the smartphone (e.g. associated with an app on the smartphone) or stored over the network in a remote storage area that collects data for a number of users. The data collected may be analyzed and utilized for improved marketing. In other words, the data collected on users may be monetized in one embodiment. For example, there may be additional revenue from advertising, revenue from couponing, revenue sharing with third-parties via bundling of referral, subscription fees for premium services or with a "freemium" model, pay-per-download of smartphone applications (one-time fee), or revenue through the selling of data.

In one exemplary use case, there may be a smoking cessation application using e-Cig and a nicotine-reduction therapy (NRT) product. The linking with a smoking cessation product (e.g. nicotine patch) may be either "tightly coupled" (e.g. bundling the e-Cig with the smoking cessation product in the same offer), or "loosely coupled" (e.g. an application associated with the e-Cig that allows the user to configure a separately purchased nicotine patch). The potential benefits may include a better chance to succeed in quitting smoking, an improved social experience, and a clear framework in the form of a smoking cessation plan. In another embodiment, there may be a mixed e-Cig and tobacco cigarette smoking application. This application may track usage of the e-Cig and tobacco cigarette. The application may track the character of any e-Cig/tobacco "blend. " The user may enter goals and the application can alert on deviations from the plan. In another example, location-based events or NFC tag events may indicate that user is stopped in traffic and has pulled out a cigarette. This data can be used to log a behavioral pattern, alert friends in social networks who can encourage him/her to wait for traffic jam to clear without smoking, etc. An exemplary upsell may include switching a user from being a casual user to a recurring user by offering a free or discounted rechargeable kit after consuming an e-Cig.

A "computer-readable medium," "machine readable medium," "propagated-signal" medium, and/or "signal-bearing medium" may comprise any device that includes, stores, communicates, propagates, or transports software for use by or in connection with an instruction executable system, apparatus, or device. The machine-readable medium may selectively be, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. A non-exhaustive list of examples of a machine-readable medium would include: an electrical connection "electronic" having one or more wires, a portable magnetic or optical disk, a volatile memory such as a Random Access Memory "RAM", a Read-Only Memory "ROM", an Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPRC)M or Flash memory), or an optical fiber A machine-read able medium may also include a tangible medium upon which software is printed, as the software may be electronically stored as an image or in another format (e.g., through an optical scan), then compiled, and/or interpreted or otherwise processed The processed medium may then be stored in a computer and/or machine memory.

Claim 1:
An electronic vaping device (<NUM>) comprising:
a cartomizer;
a communications interface (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to communicate with a mobile device (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to monitor usage of the electronic vaping device and coupled to the communications interface (<NUM>, <NUM>),
said electronic vaping device being characterised in that
the mobile device (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to identify a location of the mobile device (<NUM>, <NUM>), to track usage patterns associated with the electronic vaping device (<NUM>), and to provide targeted marketing communications, the targeted marketing communications based on trigger events, the trigger events including whether the cartomizer is added to the electronic vaping device (<NUM>) or removed from the electronic vaping device (<NUM>).