Patent Description:
Aerosol-generating devices configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco containing substrate, are known in the art. Typically, an inhalable aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-forming substrate or material, which may be located within, around or downstream of the heat source. An aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid substrate contained in a reservoir. An aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid substrate. An aerosol-forming substrate may be a component part of a separate aerosol-generating article configured to engage with an aerosol-generating device to form an aerosol. During consumption, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and entrained in air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the consumer.

Some aerosol-generating devices are configured to provide user experiences that have a finite duration. For example, an aerosol-generating device may be configured to operate for a predetermined period of time in any single usage session. Aerosol-generating devices configured to be used with separate aerosol-generating articles may be configured to operate in discrete usage sessions lasting no longer than the time taken to deplete the aerosol-forming substrate within an individual aerosol-generating article.

A traditional combustible cigarette has a combustion line that moves along the cigarette as it is consumed and thereby provides a user with a constant visual indication of the progress through a user experience. A user is thus able to judge at any point in time how much of the cigarette is available to be consumed. In many aerosol-generating devices, such judgement is more difficult. Some devices provide an indication that a usage session will end shortly before the end of such a session, but this does not provide a user with information regarding progress of the usage session during the usage session. Information regarding progress may be particularly useful to a user where duration of a usage session is controlled by more than one parameter.

<CIT> relates to a device comprising a battery configured to supply power; a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating material by receiving power from the battery; a sensor; at least one output unit; and a controller, wherein the controller detects a user's puff by using the sensor and controls at least one output unit based on puff characteristic data based on a result of the detection.

According to the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device according to claim <NUM>.

The haptic output unit may be configured to emit a haptic output representative of current usage session phase in response to a user input. For example, a user may initiate a status query by, for example, pressing a button on the aerosol-generating device. The haptic output representative of the current usage session may then be emitted in response to the status query.

The haptic output unit may comprise a haptic actuator or haptic motor, for example an eccentric rotating mass actuator. A haptic output may be in the form of one or more vibrations or buzzes that are detectable by a user holding the device.

The haptic output unit may be configured to emit a haptic output representative of current usage session phase in response to a transition from one of the plurality of sequential phases to a subsequent one of the plurality of sequential phases. Thus, a haptic signal may be automatically emitted on transition from one phase to a subsequent phase. This may provide a user with an ongoing haptic indication of progress of the usage session.

The usage session is a finite usage session, that is a usage session having a start and an end. The duration of the usage session as measured by time may be influenced by use during the usage session. The duration of the usage session may have a maximum duration determined by a maximum time from start of the usage session. The duration of the usage session may be less than the maximum duration if one or more monitored parameters reaches a predetermined threshold before the maximum time from the start of the usage session.

An aerosol-generating device is typically a hand-held device. An aerosol-generating device may, for example, have dimensions similar to a traditional cigar, or a traditional cigarette. A hand-held aerosol-generating device has limited surface area on which to mount or otherwise locate information displays, such as indicators. Thus, displays that comprise a large number of display units, such as a large number of light emitting units, take up a significant area on the surface of a typical aerosol-generating device. Furthermore, displays that comprise a large number of display units also consume a large amount of energy. A typical aerosol-generating device has limited space for a power supply such as a battery and, thus, features that require high energy consumption require larger capacity, and therefore physically larger, power supplies. More complicated displays, such as screens, may be configurable to display a wide range of information, but also consume large amounts of energy and present other associated design complexities due to the need for a complicated electronic architecture and requirements to provide adequate power to the display and dissipate heat generated by the display.

A user may be engaged in other activities, for example a conversation, while using the aerosol-generating device. In such circumstances it may not be appropriate for a user to constantly check their device to monitor progress of a usage session. It may be advantageous, therefore, if a user can monitor progress of a usage session in a discrete and non-intrusive manner. For example, it may be beneficial if a user can determine progress of a usage session without need to check for a visual indication.

Where a user does not have appropriate feedback, there may be an inclination for the user to consume interact with the aerosol-generating device at a greater frequency. For example, if a user is unsure how much of their usage session remains, they may take more frequent puffs than they otherwise would, resulting in a more rapid depletion of the aerosol-forming substrate and, potentially, an earlier termination of their usage session than they would otherwise desire. The ability to monitor progress of a usage session may make a user more relaxed during the usage session and, therefore, make the user experience more enjoyable.

An aerosol-generating device capable of providing haptic feedback indicative of progress of a usage session may allow a user to monitor progress of a usage session while continuing other activities, such as conversing with others.

A usage session may be determined as a period of finite duration within which a user can obtain a user experience. The usage session may, for example extend between a start of the usage session, which may be termed, for example, a session start, and an end of the usage session, which may be termed, for example, a session stop. The session start may be determined to be the moment that the aerosol-generating device is actuated. For example, a user may manually initiate a usage session by actuating the aerosol-generating device, for example by pressing a button that actuates the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to automatically initiate a usage session, for example in response to an aerosol-generating article being engaged with the aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured such that the usage session has a maximum duration determined by a timer. A maximum duration may ensure that a usage session is ended without further input from a user. An aerosol-generating device configured to provide a usage session having a maximum duration helps to maintain quality of the user experience by preventing a user from attempting to generate aerosol when an aerosol-forming substrate has been depleted. A usage session having a maximum duration also helps ensure safety, as an actuation system, typically involving a heater, is not left in an activated state in the event that a user forgets that a usage session has started. A usage session having a maximum duration also requires a user to make a conscious decision to start a further usage session, which may help the user to control aerosol intake.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating device may be configured to receive a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate, for example a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to receive a heated aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured to detect the presence of the aerosol-generating article. Sensors or detectors in the device may detect the presence of the article and may be able to discriminate one article configured to be used with the device and another article configured to be used with the device. The device may be able to discriminate articles configured for use with the device and other articles not configured for use with the device. The device may be able to prevent initiation of a usage session if the aerosol-generating article is not an article configured for use with the device.

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

The aerosol-generating device may be configured to monitor a user interaction parameter indicative of use of the aerosol-generating device during the usage session. The usage session may be configured to be terminated if the user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold. Thus, in such a configuration, a usage session may be ended before a maximum duration in the event that a monitored user interaction parameter reaches a threshold before a maximum duration of the usage session is reached. In the event that a user has been using the device heavily during the usage session the aerosol-forming substrate may be depleted more quickly than would be the case if the user had not been using the device heavily. Thus, the ability to monitor and terminate the usage session when a user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold may improve the user experience by preventing aerosol generation from a depleted aerosol-generating article. To continue use, a user may need to replace the article and start a further usage session.

As an example, the user interaction parameter may be indicative of user puffs taken during the usage session. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a puff counting mechanism to determine number of user puffs taken during the usage session. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to terminate the usage session when the number of user puffs taken during the usage session reaches a predetermined threshold. Thus, a usage session may comprise a limited number of puffs that can be taken by a user. A usage session may be terminated before a maximum duration determined by a timer if the number of puffs taken during the usage session reaches the predetermined threshold before a maximum duration determined by a timer. Thus, in the event that a user depletes an aerosol-forming substrate by taking a large number of puffs in a short space of time, the user experience is maintained by preventing puffs being taken after the aerosol-forming substrate has been depleted.

Where the length of a usage session is determined by more than one threshold, for example a maximum duration determined by a time threshold and a threshold determined by one or more user interaction parameter, a representative indication of progress through the usage session becomes more complicated.

The usage session is determined to comprise a plurality of sequential phases. Progress of the usage session as a whole may be determined relative to progress through the plurality of sequential phases. The plurality of sequential phases may be at least three sequential phases, or at least four sequential phases. For example, the plurality of sequential phases may comprise at least five sequential phases, or at least six sequential phases. The greater the number of phases a usage session is divided into, the greater the accuracy of a progress indication during the session. However, if the number of phases is too great, the indication of progress may become confusing and of little practical benefit to a user.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured such that any, or each, of the plurality of sequential phases has a phase duration defined by a phase start and a phase end. The aerosol-generating device may be configured such that any, or each, of the plurality of sequential phases has a maximum phase duration determined by a timer. Thus, any, or each, of the plurality of sequential phases may end when a monitored period of time reaches a predetermined threshold for the phase, if the phase has not ended sooner.

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

Where the aerosol-generating device comprises a heater, the first phase may include a heating period in which a heating element increases in temperature from an ambient temperature to an operational temperature for generating an aerosol.

A first phase of the plurality of sequential phases may have a first phase duration, for example defined by a first phase start and a first phase end, in which the first phase may be deemed to start at the end of a pre-phase heating period, the pre-phase heating period starting at the session start. The pre-phase heating period may be a heating period in which a heating element increases in temperature from an ambient temperature to an operational temperature for generating an aerosol.

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

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

The usage session may be divided into more than three phases.

A fourth phase of the plurality of sequential phases may have a fourth phase duration defined by a fourth phase start and a fourth phase end. The fourth phase may start at the end of the third phase.

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

The usage session may be divided into more than four phases. A fifth phase of the plurality of sequential phases has a fifth phase duration may be defined by a fifth phase start and a fifth phase end. The fifth phase may start at the end of the fourth phase. The usage session may end at the end of the fifth phase.

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

The aerosol-generating device may be configured to monitor a user interaction parameter indicative of use of the aerosol-generating device during the usage session. A duration of any, or each, of the plurality of sequential phases may be controlled with reference to the monitored user interaction parameter. Preferably, a duration of any, or each, of the plurality of sequential phases is controlled with reference to the user interaction parameter and at least one further parameter. The at least one further parameter is preferably passage of time determined by a timer.

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

The user interaction parameter may be indicative of user puffs taken during the usage session.

The user interaction parameter may be indicative of aerosol amount or aerosol volume released by the aerosol-forming substrate. The user interaction parameter may be indicative of aerosol amount or aerosol volume delivered to the user. The user interaction parameter may be a cumulative volume of aerosol delivered to a user.

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

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a puff counting mechanism to determine number of user puffs taken during the usage session. Puffs taken by a user may be determined, for example, by monitoring power supplied by the power supply during the usage session, or by monitoring temperature of a heating element during a usage session. Puffs taken by a user may be determined by monitoring air flow through the device during a usage session. Duration of any, or each, of the plurality of sequential phases may, therefore, be controlled with reference to the number of user puffs taken during the usage session.

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

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

The second phase may end, and the third phase may therefore start, after a monitored time starting at the time monitoring start reaches a predetermined second phase time threshold, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches a second predetermined value if the second predetermined value is reached at a time preceding the predetermined second phase time threshold.

The third phase may end, and the fourth phase may therefore start, after a monitored time starting at the time monitoring start reaches a predetermined third phase time threshold, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches a third predetermined value if the third predetermined value is reached at a time preceding the predetermined third phase time threshold.

The fourth phase may end after a monitored time starting at the time monitoring start reaches a predetermined fourth phase time threshold, or after the recorded user interaction parameter reaches a fourth predetermined value if the fourth predetermined value is reached at a time preceding the predetermined fourth phase time threshold.

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

The first phase time threshold may be a value of between <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds from the session start of the usage session. The first predetermined value may be <NUM> puffs or <NUM> puffs.

The second phase time threshold may be a value of between <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds from the session start of the usage session. The second predetermined value may be <NUM> puffs or <NUM> puffs.

The third phase time threshold may be a value of between <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds from the session start of the usage session. The third predetermined value may be <NUM> puffs or <NUM> puffs.

The fourth phase time threshold may be a value of between <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds from the session start of the usage session. The fourth predetermined value may be <NUM> puffs or <NUM> puffs.

In another example, the recorded user interaction parameter may be representative of volume of aerosol delivered to a user during the usage session. This parameter may be calculated, for example, by monitoring a power signal, detecting the start point and end point of user puffs, and integrating to determine total power provided during user puffs. From this total power provided, it may be possible to calculate volume of aerosol delivered.

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

The first phase time threshold may be a value of between <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds from the session start of the usage session. The first predetermined value may be between <NUM> and <NUM> of aerosol.

The second phase time threshold may be a value of between <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds from the session start of the usage session. The second predetermined value may be <NUM> and <NUM> of aerosol.

The third phase time threshold may be a value of between <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds from the session start of the usage session. The third predetermined value may be between <NUM> and <NUM> of aerosol.

The fourth phase time threshold may be a value of between <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds from the session start of the usage session. The fourth predetermined value may be between <NUM> and <NUM> of aerosol.

The usage session may comprise a final phase, which may be the fourth phase or a subsequent phase, and the final phase may end after a monitored period of time, for example after a time starting at the session start of the usage session reaches a predetermined final phase time threshold, or after a recorded user interaction parameter reaches a final predetermined value if the final predetermined value is reached before the predetermined final phase time threshold.

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

The aerosol-generating device may be configured such that the usage session comprises at least four sequential phases and the haptic output unit is configured to emit a different haptic output during each of the at least four sequential phases. A haptic output may be in the form of one or more vibrations or buzzes that are perceptible to a user holding the device.

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

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

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

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

Thus, an aerosol-generating device may be configured to generate an aerosol during a finite usage session. The usage session may be divided into a plurality of sequential phases. A controller may be configured to determine and control the duration of the usage session with reference to monitored parameters. The controller may also determine and control the duration of each of the plurality of phases with reference to monitored parameters. The length of the usage session and of any phase within the usage session may have a maximum duration or a latest end point determined by a timing threshold. The length of the usage session and of any phase during the usage session may have a duration less than the maximum duration allowed by the timing threshold if one or more monitored parameters reach a threshold. The controller may be able to determine which phase of the usage session the device is in and control a haptic output unit to emit an indication representative of that phase. Thus, by dividing a usage session into a plurality of sequential phases, a user can determine the phase that the usage session is in at any time during the usage session. The user may thereby have an indication of how much time remains in the usage session or how much further interaction they can have with the device before the usage session ends. This may be a particular advantage where the duration of a usage session is dependent to an extent on a level of user interaction with the device.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol. The heater may be an induction heater. An induction heater may comprise an inductor configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field designed to heat a susceptor. The heater may be a resistance heater.

The heater may comprise a heating element for heating a consumable aerosol-generating article. The heating element may be an internal heater designed to be inserted into a consumable aerosol-generating article, for example a resistive heating element or a susceptor in the form of a pin or blade that can be inserted into an aerosol-forming substrate located within a consumable aerosol-generating article. The heating element may be an external heater designed to heat an external surface of a consumable aerosol-generating article, for example a resistive heating element or a susceptor located at the periphery of, or surrounding, a substrate receiving cavity for receiving the consumable aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a replaceable substrate section containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The replaceable substrate section may form a portion of body of the aerosol-generating device and may itself locate or contain a portion of aerosol-forming substrate for consumption in the device. The replaceable substrate section may be located distal to the proximal end of the device, for example distal to a mouthpiece. The replaceable substrate section may be located proximal to the distal end of the device. The replaceable substrate section may be coupled to one or more other sections forming the body of the aerosol-generating device by coupling means such as screw threads, or bayonet fitting, or magnetic connection, or mechanical latching means such as snap fits or interference fit.

A replaceable substrate section may comprise a reservoir of liquid aerosol-forming substrate. For example, a replaceable substrate section may comprise a reservoir of a liquid comprising nicotine and an aerosol former such as propylene glycol or glycerine. Alternatively, a replaceable substrate section may comprise a container of solid aerosol-forming substrate, or a container of colloidal aerosol-forming substrate such as a gel substrate.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a replaceable substrate section containing two or more components which form an aerosol when combined.

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

In an example, the atomizer may be a resistance heater such as a resistive wire, or a resistive track on a substrate. In other examples, the atomizer may be an inductive susceptor capable of heating when within a fluctuating magnetic field generated by an inductive coil.

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

A consumable aerosol-generating article may comprise an atomizer, such as a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate, or for heating at least one of the two or more components which form an aerosol when combined. Thus, a consumable aerosol-generating article may be a form of cartomizer and include both an aerosol-forming substrate and an atomizing component. The consumable aerosol-generating article would, in such embodiments, preferably include electrical contacts configured to contact corresponding electrical contacts on a battery portion of the aerosol-generating device to provide power for actuation of the atomizer.

In examples, the atomizer may be a resistance heater such as a resistive wire, or a resistive track on a substrate. In other embodiments, the atomizer may be an inductive susceptor capable of heating when within a fluctuating magnetic field generated by an inductive coil.

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

Power may be supplied to the heater to increase the temperature of a heater element to an operating temperature range for generating an aerosol, the heater element remaining within the operating temperature range until the end of the usage session. Power may be supplied to the heater during the usage session both when a user is taking a puff and when a user is not taking a puff. In such a configuration, the power supplied during a user puff is likely to be greater than that supplied when a user is not talking a puff, as less power with be required to maintain the temperature of the heater between puffs.

A preferred consumable aerosol-generating article may be in the form of a cigarette or cigarette-like article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate contained within a wrapper. Preferably such an article includes a mouth end intended to be inserted into a user's mouth for consumption of the article. Preferably, the mouth end includes a filter to emulate a conventional tailored cigarette. Preferably, the consumable aerosol-generating article is configured to interact with an atomizer, preferably a heater, located in the body of the aerosol-generating device. Thus, a heating means such as a resistance heating element may be located in or around the substrate receiving cavity for receiving the consumable aerosol-generating article. The substrate receiving cavity may be located at a proximal end of the device. For example, an opening to the substrate receiving cavity may be located at the proximal end of the device.

An aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating as described above and an aerosol-generating article configured to be received by the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-forming substrate.

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

There is provided a method of indicating progress of a usage session in an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device comprises a haptic output unit and a controller. The method comprises steps of determining a session start point of the usage session, monitoring timing signals generated by a timer, monitoring a user interaction parameter, determining progress of the usage session based on the timing signals and the monitored user interaction parameter, and controlling the haptic output unit to emit different haptic outputs to indicate progress of the usage session.

By dividing a usage session into plurality of sequential phases, the device is capable of determining and indicating progress of the usage session to a user. A user can determine the phase that the usage session is in by receiving the haptic indication. The user may thereby have an indication of how much time remains in the usage session or how much further interaction they can have with the device before the usage session ends. This may be a particular advantage where the duration of a usage session is dependent to an extent on a level of user interaction with the device.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured to generate the aerosol during the usage session and the usage session progresses through a plurality of sequential phases between a usage session start and a usage session stop. The method may comprise the step of controlling the haptic output unit to emit a different haptic output during each of the plurality of sequential phases to indicate progress of the usage session.

The method may comprise steps of determining the session start point of a usage session, determining progress of the usage session, and controlling the haptic output unit to emit haptic outputs to indicate progress of the usage session.

The method may comprise the further steps of defining at least four sequential phases between the session start and the session stop, and controlling the haptic output unit to emit a different haptic output during each of the sequential phases.

The method may comprise the further steps of; recording a user interaction parameter during the usage session, and determining the duration of the usage session and/or each of the plurality of sequential phases based on timing information and a value of the user interaction parameter.

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

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

There is provided an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating device being configured to generate the aerosol during a usage session progressing through a plurality of sequential phases between a usage session start and a usage session stop. The aerosol-generating device comprises, a timer, a haptic output unit, and a controller. The aerosol-generating device comprises a computer readable medium containing instructions to carry out a method of determining a session start point of the usage session, monitoring timing signals generated by a timer, monitoring a user interaction parameter, determining progress of the usage session based on the timing signals and the monitored user interaction parameter, and controlling the haptic output unit to emit different haptic outputs to indicate progress of the usage session.

As used herein, the term 'aerosol-generating device' refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user's lungs thorough the user's mouth. In certain embodiments, an aerosol-generating device may heat an aerosol-forming substrate to facilitate the release of the volatile compounds. An aerosol-generating device may interact with an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate or a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. An electrically operated aerosol-generating device may comprise an atomiser, such as an electric heater, to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol.

As used herein, the term 'aerosol-generating article' refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds, which can form an aerosol. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing upon heating volatile compounds, which can form an aerosol.

As used herein, the term 'usage session' refers to an operational period of the aerosol-generating device having a finite duration. A usage session may be initiated by the action of a user. A usage session may be terminated after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the initiation of the usage session. A usage session may be terminated after a monitored parameter has reached a threshold during the usage session. Typically, a usage session has a duration that allows a user to enjoy a single user experience. For example, in certain aerosol-generating devices, a usage session may have a duration that allows the user to consume a single disposable aerosol-generating article. After a usage session has been terminated, further action is required by a user to initiate a subsequent usage session.

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

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

The aerosol-generating device <NUM> is a hand-held aerosol generating device, and has an elongate shape defined by a housing <NUM> that is substantially circularly cylindrical in form. The aerosol-generating device <NUM> comprises an open cavity <NUM> located at a proximal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> for receiving an aerosol-generating article <NUM> comprising an aerosol-forming substrate <NUM>. The aerosol-generating device <NUM> further comprises a battery (not shown) located within the housing <NUM> of the device, and an electrically operated heater <NUM> arranged to heat at least an aerosol-forming substrate portion <NUM> of an aerosol-generating article <NUM> when the aerosol-generating article <NUM> is received in the cavity <NUM>.

The aerosol-generating device is configured to receive a consumable aerosol-generating article <NUM>. The aerosol-generating article <NUM> is in the form of a cylindrical rod and comprises an aerosol-forming substrate <NUM>. The aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate comprising tobacco. The aerosol-generating article <NUM> further comprises a mouthpiece such as a filter <NUM> arranged in coaxial alignment with the aerosol-forming substrate within the cylindrical rod. The aerosol-generating article <NUM> has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the cavity <NUM> of the device <NUM> and a length longer than a depth of the cavity <NUM>, such that when the article <NUM> is received in the cavity <NUM> of the device <NUM>, the mouthpiece <NUM> extends out of the cavity <NUM> and may be drawn on by a user, similarly to a conventional cigarette.

In use, a user inserts the article <NUM> into the cavity <NUM> of the aerosol-generating device <NUM> and turns on the device <NUM> by pressing a user button <NUM> to activate the heater <NUM> to start a usage session. The heater <NUM> heats the aerosol-forming substrate of the article <NUM> such that volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate <NUM> are released and atomised to form an aerosol. The user draws on the mouthpiece of the article <NUM> and inhales the aerosol generated from the heated aerosol-forming substrate. After activation, the temperature of the heater <NUM> increases from an ambient temperature to a predetermined temperature for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Control electronics of the device <NUM> supply power to the heater from the battery to maintain the temperature of the heater at an approximately constant level as a user puffs on the aerosol-generating article <NUM>. The heater continues to heat the aerosol-generating article until an end of the usage session, when the heater is deactivated and cools.

At the end of the usage session, the article <NUM> is removed from the device <NUM> for disposal, and the device <NUM> may be coupled to an external power source for charging of the battery of the device <NUM>.

The aerosol-generating device <NUM> further comprises a light emitting indicator <NUM> having a first light emitting unit <NUM> and a second light emitting unit <NUM>. Light emitted from the first light emitting unit <NUM> and the second light emitting unit <NUM> is visible through the housing <NUM> of the aerosol-generating device <NUM>. The first light emitting unit <NUM> and the second light emitting unit <NUM> are both light emitting diode (LED) devices capable of emitting light in four colours; white, green, red, and amber. The LEDs may be visible through the housing <NUM>, or light emitted from the LEDs may be visible from outside the housing <NUM> through a light transmission channel (for instance, via a waveguide or similar structure). In addition to each being able to emit light in different colours, the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit are both capable of being independently controlled to be fully off, fully on, or blinking on and off.

<FIG> provides a schematic illustration of various electronic components of the aerosol-generating device and their interactions.

A controller <NUM>, located within the housing <NUM>, is connected to a battery <NUM>, a heater <NUM>, a timer <NUM>, an accelerometer <NUM>, a haptic motor <NUM>, and a light emitting indicator <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> supplies energy to heat the heater <NUM> and operate other electrical components. The battery <NUM> has, when fully charged, sufficient energy to power two complete usage session of the aerosol-generating device. The battery <NUM> is a rechargeable battery and can be connected to an external power supply to be recharged.

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

The timer <NUM> provides timing signals to the controller.

The accelerometer <NUM> is configured for detecting movement of the device. When movement is detected a signal is sent to the controller and the controller determines whether the detected movement conforms to a predetermined pattern or gesture. Thus, a user can interact with the device by causing it to move in specific patterns and gestures.

The haptic motor <NUM> generates a haptic output to a user of the device. The haptic motor is configured to emit a haptic output in response to a control signal from the controller <NUM>.

The light emitting indicator <NUM> generates a visual indication to a user. The light emitting indicator is configured to emit a visual indication in response to a control signal from the controller <NUM>.

The aerosol-generating device <NUM> of this specific embodiment is configured to accept user queries in the form of specific gestures made by the user with the device <NUM>. In response to user queries, the device <NUM> is configured to output signals indicative of number of usage sessions remaining before the battery of the device needs to be recharged, and, during a usage session, signals indicative of progress of the usage session.

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

<FIG> is a flow diagram illustrating method steps involved in providing a user with an indication of number of usage sessions remaining.

Step <NUM>: When the aerosol-generating device is not engaged in a usage session, the user picks up the device and moves the device in a predetermined gesture.

Step <NUM>: The movement of the device associated with the predetermined gesture is detected by the accelerometer, which sends a signal to the controller. The predetermined gesture may be, for example, to lift the device and orient the device in a vertical position.

Step <NUM>: The signal provided by the accelerometer is analysed to determine if the gesture detected is a gesture indicating a battery status query.

Step <NUM>: If the detected signal is determined to be a battery status query, the controller communicates with the battery to determine the level of charge of the battery.

Step <NUM>: The controller sends a signal to the light emitting indicator <NUM> to emit an indication of the number of usage sessions remaining.

Step <NUM>: The light emitting indicator <NUM> emits a visual signal indicative of the number of usage sessions remaining.

<FIG> provide a schematic illustration of exemplary indications that may be provided by the light emitting indicator <NUM> to indicate number of usage sessions remaining. If the controller determines that the battery has sufficient charge for <NUM> usage sessions, the light emitting indicator emits an indication that two usage sessions remain; for example the first light emitting unit <NUM> and the second light emitting unit <NUM> may both be illuminated with a white light.

If the controller determines that the battery has sufficient charge for <NUM> usage session, the light emitting indicator <NUM> emits an indication that one usage session remains; for example the first light emitting unit <NUM> may both be illuminated with a white light and the second light emitting unit <NUM> may be unlit.

If the controller determines that the battery has insufficient charge for a usage session, the light emitting indicator emits an indication that no usage sessions are available and the battery needs recharging; for example the first light emitting unit <NUM> may both be illuminated with a yellow light and the second light emitting unit <NUM> may be unlit.

An aerosol-generating article for use with the device has a finite quantity of aerosol-forming substrate and, thus, a usage session needs to have a finite duration to prevent a user trying to produce aerosol when the aerosol-forming substrate has been depleted. A usage session is configured to have a maximum duration determined by a period of time from the start of the usage session. A usage session is also configured to have a duration of less than the maximum duration if a user interaction parameter recorded during the usage session reaches a threshold before the maximum duration as determined by the timer.

In a specific embodiment the user interaction parameter is number of puffs taken by the user during the usage session. Thus, the aerosol-generating device is configured such that each usage session has a duration of <NUM> minutes from initiation of the usage session, or <NUM> puffs taken by the user if <NUM> puffs are taken within <NUM> minutes from initiation of the usage session.

During a usage session, a user may wish to have an indication of progress through the usage session. For example, the user may wish to know approximately how many puffs he has remaining, or approximately how much time there remains in the usage session.

The controller comprises a puff counter to monitor number of puffs taken during a usage session. Number of puffs taken by the user is determined by monitoring power supplied to the heater during the usage session. When a user takes a puff, the flow of air cools the heater and, therefore, a greater amount of energy is supplied by the battery to maintain the temperature of the heater at its operational temperature. Thus, by monitoring power supplied by the heater, the controller is able to determine the number of puffs taken during a usage session.

In order to monitor progress, a usage session is split into a number of sequential phases starting with a first phase starting when the usage session starts and ending with a final phase when the usage session ends, passage from one phase to a next phase being determined by time and puff number in the same way as the usage session. As the usage session progresses through its sequential phases, the controller instructs the light emitting indicator and the haptic motor to emit signals indicative of each successive phase. Thus, a user knows approximately the progress of the usage session.

In a specific example a usage session may be broken into five sequential phases for indication purposes. <FIG> illustrates the method steps involved in indicating progress of a usage session to a user.

Step <NUM>: The user inserts an aerosol-generating article <NUM> into the cavity <NUM> of the device <NUM> and initiates a usage session by pressing the user button <NUM>.

Step <NUM>: The timer is initiated to record time elapsed during the usage session and the puff counter is initiated to record number of puffs taken during the usage session.

Step <NUM>: A first phase of the usage session is deemed to have started when the usage session started.

While in the first phase the controller instructs the light emitting indicator <NUM> to emit a signal indicative of the usage session being in the first phase. An example of such a signal is the first light emitting unit <NUM> and the second light emitting unit <NUM> both emitting a continuous white light, as illustrated in <FIG>.

While in the first phase the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicative of the usage session being in the first phase. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting <NUM> consecutive buzzes.

Step <NUM>: The first phase ends and the second phase begins after <NUM> minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a user has taken <NUM> puffs since the start of the usage session, if those <NUM> puffs are taken before <NUM> minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session.

Step <NUM>: The second phase of the usage session is deemed to have started when the first phase has ended.

While in the second phase the controller instructs the light emitting indicator <NUM> to emit a signal indicative of the usage session being in the second phase. An example of such a signal is the first light emitting unit <NUM> emitting a continuous white light and the second light emitting unit <NUM> emitting a blinking white light, as illustrated in <FIG>.

While in the second phase the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicative of the usage session being in the second phase. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting <NUM> consecutive buzzes.

Step <NUM>: The second phase ends and the third phase begins after <NUM> minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a user has taken <NUM> puffs since the start of the usage session, if those <NUM> puffs are taken before <NUM> minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session.

Step <NUM>: The third phase of the usage session is deemed to have started when the second phase has ended.

While in the third phase the controller instructs the light emitting indicator <NUM> to emit a signal indicative of the usage session being in the third phase. An example of such a signal is the first light emitting unit <NUM> emitting a continuous white light and the second light emitting unit <NUM> being unlit, as illustrated in <FIG>.

While in the third phase the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicative of the usage session being in the third phase. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting <NUM> consecutive buzzes.

Step <NUM>: The third phase ends and the fourth phase begins after <NUM> minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a user has taken <NUM> puffs since the start of the usage session, if those <NUM> puffs are taken before <NUM> minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session.

Step <NUM>: The fourth phase of the usage session is deemed to have started when the third phase has ended.

While in the fourth phase the controller instructs the light emitting indicator <NUM> to emit a signal indicative of the usage session being in the fourth phase. An example of such a signal is the first light emitting unit <NUM> emitting a blinking white light and the second light emitting unit <NUM> being unlit, as illustrated in <FIG>.

While in the fourth phase the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicative of the usage session being in the fourth phase. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting a single buzz.

Step <NUM>: The fourth phase ends and the fifth phase begins after <NUM> minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a user has taken <NUM> puffs since the start of the usage session, if those <NUM> puffs are taken before <NUM> minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session.

Step <NUM>: The fifth phase of the usage session is deemed to have started when the fourth phase has ended.

While in the fifth phase the controller instructs the light emitting indicator <NUM> to emit a signal indicative of the usage session being in the fifth phase. An example of such a signal is the first light emitting unit <NUM> emitting a blinking yellow light and the second light emitting unit <NUM> being unlit, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Step <NUM>: The fifth phase ends after <NUM> minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a user has taken <NUM> puffs since the start of the usage session, if those <NUM> puffs are taken before <NUM> minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session.

Step <NUM>: At the end of the fifth phase the usage session ends. The heater is deactivated and no more aerosol is generated. The user can now remove the aerosol generating article from the device and, if necessary, recharge the device.

In a further specific embodiment the user interaction parameter is calculated volume of aerosol delivered to the user during the usage session. Thus, the aerosol-generating device is configured such that each usage session has a duration of <NUM> minutes from initiation of the usage session, or delivery of a predetermined maximum volume of aerosol, if that predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered to the user within <NUM> minutes from initiation of the usage session. The predetermined maximum volume of aerosol may be, for example, <NUM> of aerosol.

During a usage session, a user may wish to have an indication of progress through the usage session. For example, the user may wish to know approximately how much potentially deliverable aerosol he has remaining, or approximately how much time there remains in the usage session.

The controller is configured to detect puffs taken during a usage session. A puff start point and a puff end point for each detected puff is determined by monitoring power supplied to the heater during the usage session. When a user takes a puff, the flow of air cools the heater and, therefore, a greater amount of energy is supplied by the battery to maintain the temperature of the heater at its operational temperature. Thus, by monitoring power supplied by the heater, the controller is able to determine the start point and the end point of puffs taken during a usage session. By integrating the monitored power between the detected puff start point and the detected puff end point, a calculated value for aerosol delivered may be obtained. By summing the calculated values of aerosol delivered during the usage session, a cumulative value of aerosol delivered during the usage session may be obtained.

In order to monitor progress, a usage session is split into a number of sequential phases starting with a first phase starting when the usage session starts and ending with a final phase when the usage session ends, passage from one phase to a next phase being determined by time and cumulative volume of aerosol delivered. As the usage session progresses through its sequential phases, the controller instructs the light emitting indicator and the haptic motor to emit signals indicative of each successive phase. Thus, a user knows approximately the progress of the usage session.

Step <NUM>: The timer is initiated to record time elapsed during the usage session and the controller is initiated to identify puffs taken during the usage session and calculate volume of aerosol delivered during each of the puffs.

Step <NUM>: The first phase ends and the second phase begins after <NUM> minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a first predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered since the start of the usage session, if the first predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered before <NUM> minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session. The first predetermined volume of aerosol may be, for example, <NUM>.

Step <NUM>: The second phase ends and the third phase begins after <NUM> minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a second predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered since the start of the usage session, if the second predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered before <NUM> minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session. The first predetermined volume of aerosol may be, for example, <NUM>.

Step <NUM>: The third phase ends and the fourth phase begins after <NUM> minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a third predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered since the start of the usage session, if the third predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered before <NUM> minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session. The third predetermined volume of aerosol may be, for example, <NUM>.

Step <NUM>: The fourth phase ends and the fifth phase begins after <NUM> minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a fourth predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered since the start of the usage session, if the fourth predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered before <NUM> minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session. The fourth predetermined volume of aerosol may be, for example, <NUM>.

Step <NUM>: The fifth phase ends after <NUM> minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a fifth predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered since the start of the usage session, if the fifth predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered before <NUM> minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session. The fifth predetermined volume of aerosol may be, for example, <NUM>.

Indication of the different phases may be continuously provided. For example, indication from the light emitting indicator may remain continuously on during the usage session. As an alternative, indication of different phases may only be provided intermittently, for example at the transition from one phase to another. As a further alternative, indication of the different phases may be provided in response to a status query from a user during the usage session.

<FIG> is a flow diagram illustrating method steps involved in providing a user with an indication of progress of a usage session in response to a status query.

Step <NUM>: When the aerosol-generating device is engaged in a usage session, the user moves the device in a predetermined gesture.

Step <NUM>: The movement of the device associated with the predetermined gesture is detected by the accelerometer, which sends a signal to the controller. The predetermined gesture may be, for example, to sharply tap the device twice.

Step <NUM>: The signal provided by the accelerometer is analysed to determine if the gesture detected is a gesture indicating a usage session progress query.

Step <NUM>: If the detected signal is determined to be a usage session progress query, the controller determines the current phase of the usage session.

Step <NUM>: The controller sends a signal to the light emitting unit to emit an indication of the progress of the usage session.

Step <NUM>: The controller sends a signal to the haptic motor to emit an indication of the progress of the usage session.

Claim 1:
An aerosol-generating device (<NUM>) for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate (<NUM>), the aerosol-generating device being configured to generate the aerosol during a usage session progressing through a plurality of sequential phases between a usage session start and a usage session stop, the aerosol-generating device comprising:
a timer (<NUM>),
a haptic output unit (<NUM>),
a controller (<NUM>), and
an accelerometer (<NUM>),
in which progress of the usage session through the plurality of sequential phases is controlled by the controller in response to timing signals from the timer and in response to signals representative of a monitored user interaction parameter,
in which the accelerometer is configured to detect movement of the aerosol-generating device associated with a predetermined gesture and send a signal to the controller,
in which the signal provided by the accelerometer is analysed to determine if the gesture detected is a gesture indicating a usage session progress query and, if the detected signal is determined to be a usage session progress query, the controller is configured to determine the current phase of the usage session and send a signal to the haptic output unit to emit an indication of the progress of the usage session,
and in which the controller is configured to control the haptic output unit to emit a different haptic output during each of the plurality of sequential phases to indicate progress of the usage session.