U.S. patent application number 17/745196 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-01 for body gesture control system for button-less vaping.
This patent application is currently assigned to Altria Client Services LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Altria Client Services LLC. Invention is credited to Terry BACHE, Niall GALLAGHER, Eric HAWES, Raymond LAU.
Application Number | 20220273043 17/745196 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006333306 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220273043 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HAWES; Eric ; et
al. |
September 1, 2022 |
BODY GESTURE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR BUTTON-LESS VAPING
Abstract
A method of detecting a hand-to-mouth (HMG) gesture with an
e-vaping device includes detecting movements of the e-vaping
device; generating quaternions based on the detected movements;
generating movement features based on the generated quaternions;
applying the generated movement features to a classifier; and
determining whether the detected movements correspond to an HMG
based on an output of the classifier.
Inventors: |
HAWES; Eric; (Midlothian,
VA) ; LAU; Raymond; (Richmond, VA) ; BACHE;
Terry; (Richmond, VA) ; GALLAGHER; Niall;
(Richmond, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Altria Client Services LLC |
Richmond |
VA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Altria Client Services LLC
Richmond
VA
|
Family ID: |
1000006333306 |
Appl. No.: |
17/745196 |
Filed: |
May 16, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16859348 |
Apr 27, 2020 |
11350671 |
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17745196 |
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15390810 |
Dec 27, 2016 |
10671031 |
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16859348 |
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|
15135932 |
Apr 22, 2016 |
10327474 |
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15390810 |
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62151160 |
Apr 22, 2015 |
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62151179 |
Apr 22, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2205/60 20130101;
G05B 15/02 20130101; A61M 15/0021 20140204; A61M 2205/8212
20130101; A61M 15/06 20130101; A24F 40/51 20200101; A61M 2205/6018
20130101; A61M 2205/332 20130101; A24F 40/50 20200101; A61M
2205/3317 20130101; A61M 2205/276 20130101; A61M 2205/3368
20130101; A24F 40/10 20200101; A61M 2205/52 20130101; A61M 11/042
20140204; A61M 2205/3334 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 40/51 20060101
A24F040/51; G05B 15/02 20060101 G05B015/02; A61M 15/06 20060101
A61M015/06; A61M 11/04 20060101 A61M011/04; A24F 40/50 20060101
A24F040/50 |
Claims
1. An e-vaping device, comprising: processing circuitry configured
to cause the device to, detect movements of the e-vaping device in
at least three dimensions using at least one positional sensor;
generate quaternions based on the detected movements; generate
movement features based on the generated quaternions; determine
whether the detected movements correspond to a hand-to-mouth
gesture (HMG) based on the generated movement features; and control
operation of a heater based on results of the determining.
2. The e-vaping device of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry
is further configured to cause the device to: determine whether the
e-vaping device was moved from a rest point location to a location
corresponding to an adult vaper's mouth based on the generated
movement features.
3. The e-vaping device of claim 1, wherein the rest point location
is a location where the e-vaping device was last stationary for a
desired period of time.
4. The e-vaping device of claim 1, wherein the generating the
quaternions is based on the detected movements of the e-vaping
device sampled at desired time intervals.
5. The e-vaping device of claim 4, wherein the processing circuitry
is further configured to cause the device to: transform the
generated quaternions into three-dimensional (3-D) Cartesian
coordinates.
6. The e-vaping device of claim 5, wherein the generating the
movement features includes filtering motion artifacts from the 3-D
Cartesian coordinates; and the determining determines the movement
features from the filtered 3-D Cartesian coordinates.
7. The e-vaping device of claim 6, wherein the motion artifacts are
artifacts corresponding to non-HMG motions.
8. The e-vaping device of claim 1, wherein the generating the
movement features includes: determining a linear speed of the
e-vaping device based on the generated quaternions; and determining
a distance from a rest point location to a current location of the
e-vaping device based on the generated quaternions.
9. The e-vaping device of claim 1, wherein the at least one
positional sensor includes at least one of a gyroscope, an
accelerometer, a magnetometer, an inertial measurement unit (IMU),
or any combinations thereof.
10. The e-vaping device of claim 1, further comprising: a pre-vapor
formulation compartment; and the processing circuitry is further
configured to cause the device to, authenticate a pod assembly
inserted into the pre-vapor formulation compartment based on an
electronic identity code stored in a memory included in the pod
assembly, the pod assembly containing a pre-vapor formulation.
11. The e-vaping device of claim 10, wherein the processing
circuitry is further configured to cause the device to: disable the
heater based on results of the authentication of the pod
assembly.
12. The e-vaping device of claim 10, wherein the processing
circuitry is further configured to cause the device to: receive an
expiration date of the pre-vapor formulation from the memory
included in the pod assembly; and wherein the authenticating
further authenticates the pod assembly based on the received
expiration date of the pre-vapor formulation.
13. The e-vaping device of claim 10, wherein the processing
circuitry is further configured to cause the device to: receive an
expiration date of the heater from the memory included in the pod
assembly; and authorize the heater based on the received expiration
date of the heater.
14. The e-vaping device of claim 10, wherein the processing
circuitry is further configured to cause the device to: receive
operating parameters specific to the pod assembly from the memory
included in the pod assembly; and wherein the controlling further
controls operation of the heater based on the received operating
parameters.
15. The e-vaping device of claim 14, wherein the operating
parameters includes at least one of: power supply operating
parameters, power duration operating parameters, air channel
control operating parameters, or any combinations thereof.
16. The e-vaping device of claim 10, wherein the processing
circuitry is further configured to cause the device to: determine a
remaining level of the pre-vapor formulation contained in the pod
assembly; and the controlling further controls operation of the
heater based on the determined remaining level of the pre-vapor
formulation and pre-vapor formulation calibration data.
17. The e-vaping device of claim 16, wherein the pre-vapor
formulation calibration data includes at least one of: flow rate
change data corresponding to pre-vapor formulation level,
volatility change data corresponding to an age of pre-vapor
formulation level, or any combinations thereof.
18. The e-vaping device of claim 14, wherein the processing
circuitry is further configured to cause the device to: write the
determined remaining level of the pre-vapor formulation into the
memory of the pod assembly.
19. The e-vaping device of claim 14, wherein the processing
circuitry is further configured to cause the device to: determine a
vapor drawing instance count associated with the pod assembly; and
write the vapor drawing instance count into the memory of the pod
assembly.
20. The e-vaping device of claim 14, wherein the memory included in
the pod assembly is a non-volatile memory.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 16/859,348, filed on Apr. 27, 2020 in the United States Patent
and Trademark Office, which is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/390,810 which was filed on Dec. 27, 2016 in
the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/135,932
which was filed on Apr. 22, 2016 in the United States Patent and
Trademark Office and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e)
to provisional U.S. application Nos. 62/151,160 filed on Apr. 22,
2015 and 62/151,179 filed on Apr. 22, 2015, both in the United
States Patent and Trademark Office, the entire contents of each of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to electronic vapor devices
including self-contained articles including pre-vapor
formulations.
Description of Related Art
[0003] Electronic vaping devices are used to vaporize a pre-vapor
formulation material into a vapor. These electronic vaping devices
may be referred to as e-vaping devices. E-vaping devices include a
heater which vaporizes the pre-vapor formulation material to
produce vapor. An e-vaping device may include several e-vaping
elements including a power source, a cartridge or e-vaping tank
including the heater and along with a reservoir capable of holding
the pre-vapor formulation material.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to at least some example embodiments, a method of
detecting a hand-to-mouth (HMG) gesture with an e-vaping device
includes detecting movements of the e-vaping device; generating
quaternions based on the detected movements; generating movement
features based on the generated quaternions; applying the generated
movement features to a classifier; and determining whether the
detected movements correspond to an HMG based on an output of the
classifier.
[0005] The HMG may be a gesture in which an adult vaper holding the
e-vaping device moves their hand towards their mouth, and the
classifier is trained to distinguish HMGs from other gestures.
[0006] The classifier may be a classifier that was generated
through training using linear discriminant analysis (LDA).
[0007] The method may further include transforming the quaternions
into three-dimensional (3-D) Cartesian coordinates.
[0008] The generating movement features based on the generated
quaternions may include extracting the movement features based on
the 3-D Cartesian coordinates.
[0009] The method may further include filtering the 3-D Cartesian
coordinates, and the extracting may further include extracting the
movement features from the filtered 3-D Cartesian coordinates.
[0010] The method may further include filtering the quaternions,
the transforming may further include transforming the filtered
quaternions into the three-dimensional (3-D) Cartesian coordinates,
and the extracting may further include extracting the movement
features from the 3-D Cartesian coordinates.
[0011] The generated movement features may include a linear speed
of the e-vaping device, and a distance from rest point location of
the e-vaping device.
[0012] The distance from rest point location of the e-vaping device
may be a distance between a current location of the e-vaping device
and a rest point of the e-vaping device, the rest point being a
point in three-dimensional (3-D) space at which the e-vaping device
was last stationary or substantially stationary.
[0013] The detecting movements may include detecting the movements
of the e-vaping device using device sensors included in the
e-vaping device, the device sensors including at least one of a
gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a magnetometer.
[0014] The detecting movements may include detecting the movements
of the e-vaping device using an inertial measurement unit (IMU)
included in the e-vaping device.
[0015] According to at least some example embodiments, a method of
controlling a heater of an e-vaping device, the heater having at
least a first operation mode in which a first amount of power is
supplied to the heater by the e-vaping device, and a second
operation mode in which a second amount of power greater than the
first amount is supplied to the heater by the e-vaping device,
includes detecting movements of the e-vaping device; determining
whether a hand-to-mouth gesture (HMG) occurred with respect to the
e-vaping device based on the detected movements; and transitioning
the operation mode of the heater from the first operation mode to
the second operation mode in response to determining that the HMG
occurred.
[0016] The first operation mode may be a mode in which no power is
supplied to the heater by the e-vaping device, and the second
operation mode may be a mode in which an amount of power supplied
to the heater by the e-vaping device is an amount that causes the
heater to heat a pre-vapor formulation stored in the e-vaping
device to a temperature below a boiling point of the pre-vapor
formulation.
[0017] The method may further include generating quaternions based
on the detected movements; generating movement features based on
the generated quaternions; and applying the generated movement
features to a classifier, and the determining may include
determining whether the HMG occurred based on an output of the
classifier.
[0018] The HMG is a gesture in which an adult vaper holding the
e-vaping device moves their hand towards their mouth, and the
classifier is trained to distinguish HMGs from other gestures.
[0019] The classifier may be a classifier that was generated
through training using linear discriminant analysis (LDA).
[0020] The method may further include transforming the quaternions
into three-dimensional (3-D) Cartesian coordinates.
[0021] The generating movement features based on the generated
quaternions may include extracting the movement features based on
the 3-D Cartesian coordinates.
[0022] The method may further include filtering the 3-D Cartesian
coordinates, and the extracting may include extracting the movement
features from the filtered 3-D Cartesian coordinates.
[0023] The method may further include filtering the quaternions,
the transforming may include transforming the filtered quaternions
into the three-dimensional (3-D) Cartesian coordinates, and the
extracting may include extracting the movement features from the
3-D Cartesian coordinates.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The various features and advantages of the non-limiting
embodiments herein may become more apparent upon review of the
detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The accompanying drawings are merely provided for illustrative
purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the
claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn
to scale unless explicitly noted. For purposes of clarity, various
dimensions of the drawings may have been exaggerated.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing body of an
e-vapor apparatus according to an example embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the dispensing body of FIG.
1.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mouthpiece of FIG.
2.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first frame of FIG.
2.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second frame of FIG.
2.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the body portion of FIG.
2.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the end piece of FIG. 2.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another dispensing body of
an e-vapor apparatus according to an example embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the dispensing body of FIG.
8.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first mouthpiece of
FIG. 9.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the second mouthpiece of
FIG. 9.
[0036] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the first frame of FIG.
9.
[0037] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the frame trim of FIG.
9.
[0038] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the second frame of FIG.
9.
[0039] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a pod assembly of an
e-vapor apparatus according to an example embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 16 is a top view of the pod assembly of FIG. 15.
[0041] FIG. 17 is a side view of the pod assembly of FIG. 15.
[0042] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the pod assembly of FIG.
15.
[0043] FIG. 19 a perspective view of several pod assemblies
according to an example embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 20 is a view of an e-vapor apparatus with a pod
assembly inserted in a dispensing body according to an example
embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 21 illustrates a device system diagram of a dispensing
body according to an example embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 22A illustrates a pod system diagram of a dispensing
body according to an example embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 22B illustrates an example of the pod system of FIG.
22A in which a cryptographic coprocessor is omitted, according to
an example embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 23 illustrates a pod system connected to a device
system according to an example embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 24 illustrates an example algorithm for performing hand
to mouth gesture (HMG) detection.
[0050] FIG. 25 illustrates a plot of a frequency response
corresponding to filtering performed in accordance with Equation
4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0051] It should be understood that when an element or layer is
referred to as being "on," "connected to," "coupled to," or
"covering" another element or layer, it may be directly on,
connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer or
intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an
element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected
to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are
no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to
like elements throughout the specification. As used herein, the
term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of
the associated listed items.
[0052] It should be understood that, although the terms first,
second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various
elements, elements, regions, layers and/or sections, these
elements, elements, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be
limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish
one element, element, region, layer, or section from another
region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, element, region,
layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element,
element, region, layer, or section without departing from the
teachings of example embodiments.
[0053] Spatially relative terms (e.g., "beneath," "below," "lower,"
"above," "upper," and the like) may be used herein for ease of
description to describe one element or feature's relationship to
another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It
should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended
to encompass different orientations of the device in use or
operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements
described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would
then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the
term "below" may encompass both an orientation of above and below.
The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at
other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used
herein interpreted accordingly.
[0054] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
various embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an,"
and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further
understood that the terms "includes," "including," "comprises,"
and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the
presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,
and/or elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of
one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,
elements, and/or groups thereof.
[0055] Example embodiments are described herein with reference to
cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of
idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of example
embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the
illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques
and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments
should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions
illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that
result, for example, from manufacturing. The regions illustrated in
the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not
intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and
are not intended to limit the scope of example embodiments.
[0056] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example
embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms,
including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be
interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly
so defined herein.
[0057] An "e-vapor device" as used herein may be referred to on
occasion using, and considered synonymous with, any of the terms:
e-vaping device, e-vapor apparatus, and e-vaping apparatus.
[0058] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing body of an
e-vapor apparatus according to an example embodiment. Referring to
FIG. 1, a dispensing body 104 of an e-vapor apparatus includes a
frame portion that is connected to a body portion 118. The frame
portion includes a first frame 110 and a second frame 112. The side
walls 116 (e.g., inner side surfaces) of the first frame 110 and
the second frame 112 define a through-hole 114. The through-hole
114 is configured to receive a pod assembly (which will be
subsequently discussed in detail).
[0059] Generally, an e-vapor apparatus may include the dispensing
body 104, a pod assembly inserted in the through-hole 114 of the
dispensing body 104, and a vaporizer disposed in at least one of
the pod assembly and the dispensing body 104. The pod assembly may
include a pre-vapor formulation compartment (e.g., pre-vapor
formulation compartment), a device compartment, and a vapor
channel. The vapor channel may extend from the device compartment
and traverse the pre-vapor formulation compartment. The pre-vapor
formulation compartment is configured to hold a pre-vapor
formulation (e.g., pre-vapor formulation) therein. A pre-vapor
formulation is a material or combination of materials that may be
transformed into a vapor. For example, the pre-vapor formulation
may be a liquid, solid, and/or gel formulation including, but not
limited to, water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol,
plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors, and/or vapor formers
such as glycerine and propylene glycol.
[0060] The dispensing body 104 includes a proximal portion and an
opposing distal portion. The mouthpiece 108 is disposed at the
proximal portion, while the end piece 120 is disposed at the distal
portion. The proximal portion includes a vapor passage 106 and the
through-hole 114. The vapor passage 106 extends from an end surface
of the proximal portion to the side wall 116 of the through-hole
114. The vapor passage 106 is in the form of one or more
passageways extending through the proximal portion of the
dispensing body 104. The through-hole 114 is between the vapor
passage 106 and the distal portion of the dispensing body 104
(e.g., between the mouthpiece 108 and the body portion 118).
[0061] A vaporizer (which will be subsequently discussed in more
detail) is disposed in at least one of the pod assembly and the
dispensing body 104. The pre-vapor formulation compartment of the
pod assembly is configured to be in fluidic communication with the
vaporizer during an operation of the e-vapor apparatus such that
the pre-vapor formulation from the pre-vapor formulation
compartment comes into thermal contact with the vaporizer. The
vaporizer is configured to heat the pre-vapor formulation to
produce a vapor that passes through the pod assembly via the vapor
channel. The through-hole 114 of the dispensing body 104 is
configured to receive the pod assembly such that the vapor channel
of the pod assembly is aligned with the vapor passage 106 of the
dispensing body 104 so as to facilitate a delivery of the vapor
through the vapor passage 106 of the dispensing body 104.
[0062] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the dispensing body of FIG. 1.
Referring to FIG. 2, the first frame 110 and the second frame 112
are configured to unite to form the frame portion of the dispensing
body 104. A number of options are available for uniting the first
frame 110 and the second frame 112. In an example embodiment, the
first frame 110 is a female member, while the second frame 112 is a
male member that is configured to engage therewith. Alternatively,
the first frame 110 may be a male member, while the second frame
112 may be a female member that is configured to engage therewith.
The engagement of the first frame 110 and the second frame 112 may
be via a snap-fit, friction-fit, or slide-lock type arrangement,
although example embodiments are not limited thereto.
[0063] The first frame 110 may be regarded as the front frame of
the dispensing body 104, and the second frame 112 may be regarded
as the rear frame (or vice versa). Additionally, the proximal ends
of the first frame 110 and the second frame 112, when united,
define the vapor passage 106 therebetween. The vapor passage 106
may be in the form of a single passageway that is in communication
with the through-hole 114 defined by the side wall 116.
Alternatively, the vapor passage 106 may be in the form of a
plurality of passageways that are in communication with the
through-hole 114 defined by the side wall 116. In such an example,
the plurality of passageways may include a central passageway
surrounded by peripheral passageways (or just several evenly spaced
passageways). Each of the plurality of passageways may
independently extend from the through-hole 114 to the proximal end
surface of the frame portion. Alternatively, a common passageway
may extend partly from the through-hole 114 and then branch into a
plurality of passageways that extend to the proximal end surface of
the frame portion.
[0064] The mouthpiece 108 is configured to slip onto the proximal
end of the frame portion that defines the vapor passage 106. As a
result, the outer surface of the proximal end formed by the first
frame 110 and the second frame 112 may correspond to an inner
surface of the mouthpiece 108. Alternatively, the proximal end
defining the vapor passage 106 may be integrally formed as part of
the mouthpiece 108 (instead of being a part of the frame portion).
The mouthpiece 108 may be secured via a snap-fit type or other
suitable arrangement. In an example embodiment, the mouthpiece 108
is a removable element that is intended to permit voluntary,
recommended, or required replacement by an adult vaper. For
instance, the mouthpiece 108 may, in addition to its intended
functionality, provide a visual or other sensory appeal. In
particular, the mouthpiece 108 may be formed of an ornamental
material (e.g., wood, metal, ceramic) and/or include designs (e.g.,
patterns, images, characters). Moreover, the length of the
mouthpiece 108 may be varied to adjust for the temperature at an
outlet of the mouthpiece. Thus, the mouthpiece 108 may be
customized so as to provide an expression of personality and
individuality. In other instances, the removable nature of the
mouthpiece 108 may facilitate a recommended replacement due to the
amount of usage or a required replacement due to wear over time or
damage (e.g., chipped mouthpiece 108 caused by accidental dropping
of e-vapor apparatus).
[0065] The lower ends of the first frame 110 and the second frame
112 opposite the proximal ends (that define the vapor passage 106)
are configured to insert into the body portion 118. To facilitate a
secure fit, the outer surface of the lower ends of the first frame
110 and the second frame 112 may correspond to a receiving inner
surface of the body portion 118. Additionally, the lower ends of
the first frame 110 and the second frame 112 may also define a
groove therebetween to accommodate one or more wires that connect
to one or more electrical contacts provided in the side wall 116
(e.g., lower surface of the side wall 16 opposite the vapor passage
106). A power source (e.g., battery) may also be provided in the
groove to supply the requisite current through the wire(s).
Alternatively, the power source may be provided in an available
space within the body portion 118 between the inserted lower end of
the frame portion and the end piece 120.
[0066] A first button 122 and a second button 124 may be provided
on the body portion 118 and connected to the corresponding
circuitry and electronics therein. In an example embodiment, the
first button 122 may be a power button, and the second button 124
may be a battery level indicator. The battery level indicator may
display a representation of the amount of power available (e.g., 3
out of 4 bars). In addition, the battery level indicator may also
blink and/or change colors. To stop the blinking, a second button
124 may be pressed. Thus, the button(s) of the e-vapor apparatus
may have a control and/or display function. It should be understood
that the examples with regard to the first button 122 and the
second button 124 are not intended to be limiting and can have
different implementations depending on the desired functionalities.
Accordingly, more than two buttons (and/or of different shapes) may
be provided in the same proximity or at a different location on the
e-vapor apparatus. Moreover, different implementations of the first
button 122 and the second button 124 may be controlled by a
controller 2105 based on inputs from an adult vaper.
[0067] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 2.
Referring to FIG. 3, the mouthpiece 108 may be an open-ended
cap-like structure that is configured to slip onto the proximal end
of the frame portion defining the vapor passage 106. The mouthpiece
108 may have a wider base that tapers to a narrower top. However,
it should be understood that example embodiments are not limited
thereto. In an example embodiment, one side of the mouthpiece 108
may be more linear, while the opposing side may be more curved.
[0068] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first frame of FIG. 2.
Referring to FIG. 4, the first frame 110 includes a side wall 116
that defines a through-hole 114. The first frame 110 is configured
to unite with the second frame 112, which also includes a side wall
116 defining a through-hole 114. Because the combined through-hole
114 is configured to receive a pod assembly, the side walls 116 of
the first frame 110 and the second frame 112 may form a relatively
smooth and continuous surface to facilitate the insertion of the
pod assembly.
[0069] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second frame of FIG. 2.
Referring to FIG. 5, the second frame 112 is configured to unite
with the first frame 110 such that the shape defined by the
combined side walls 116 corresponds to the shape of the side
surface of a pod assembly. In addition, an attachment structure
(e.g., mating member/recess, magnetic arrangement) may be provided
on at least one of the side walls 116 and the side surface of the
pod assembly.
[0070] For example, the attachment structure may include a mating
member that is formed on the side wall 116 (of the first frame 110
and/or second frame 112) and a corresponding recess that is formed
on the side surface of the pod assembly. Conversely, the mating
member may be formed on the side surface of the pod assembly, while
the corresponding recess may be formed on the side wall 116 (of the
first frame 110 and/or second frame 112). In a non-limiting
embodiment, the mating member may be a rounded structure to
facilitate the engagement/disengagement of the attachment
structure, while the recess may be a concave indentation that
corresponds to the curvature of the rounded structure. The mating
member may also be spring-loaded so as to retract (via spring
compression) when the pod assembly is being inserted into the
through-hole 114 and protract (via spring decompression) when
mating member becomes aligned with the corresponding recess. The
engagement of the mating member with the corresponding recess may
result in an audible click, which provides a notification that the
pod assembly is secured and properly positioned within the
through-hole 114 of the dispensing body 104.
[0071] In another example, the attachment structure may include a
magnetic arrangement. For instance, a first magnet may be arranged
in the side wall 116 (of the first frame 110 and/or second frame
112), and a second magnet may be arranged in the side surface of
the pod assembly. The first and/or second magnets may be exposed or
hidden from view behind a layer of material. The first and second
magnets are oriented so as to be attracted to each other, and a
plurality of pairs of the first and second magnets may be provided
to ensure that the pod assembly will be secure and properly aligned
within the through-hole 114 of the dispensing body 104. As a
result, when the pod assembly is inserted in the through-hole 114,
the pair(s) of magnets (e.g., first and second magnets) will be
attracted to each other and, thus, hold the pod assembly within the
through-hole 114 while properly aligning the channel outlet of the
pod assembly with the vapor passage 106 of the dispensing body
104.
[0072] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the body portion of FIG. 2.
Referring to FIG. 6, the body portion 118 may be a tube-like
structure that constitutes a substantial segment of the dispensing
body 104. The cross-section of the body portion 118 may be
oval-shaped, although other shapes are possible depending on the
structure of the frame portion. The e-vapor apparatus may be held
by the body portion 118. Accordingly, the body portion 118 may be
formed of (or covered with) a material that provides enhanced
gripping and/or texture appeal to the fingers.
[0073] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the end piece of FIG. 2.
Referring to FIG. 7, the end piece 120 is configured to be inserted
in the distal end of the body portion 118. The shape of the end
piece 120 may correspond to the shape of the distal end of the body
portion 118 so as to provide a relatively smooth and continuous
transition between the two surfaces.
[0074] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another dispensing body of
an e-vapor apparatus according to an example embodiment. Referring
to FIG. 8, the dispensing body 204 includes a side wall 216
defining a through-hole 214 that is configured to receive a pod
assembly. A substantial portion of the framework of the dispensing
body 204 is provided by the first frame 210, the frame trim 211,
and the second frame 212 (e.g., FIG. 9). A vapor passage 206 and a
first mouthpiece 208 are provided at a proximal portion of the
dispensing body 204.
[0075] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the dispensing body of FIG. 8.
Referring to FIG. 9, the frame trim 211 is sandwiched between the
first frame 210 and the second frame 212. However, it should be
understood that it is possible to modify and structure the first
frame 210 and the second frame 212 such that the frame trim 211 is
not needed. The vapor passage 206 may be defined by both the
proximal ends of the first frame 210 and the second frame 212 as
well as the second mouthpiece 209. As a result, the vapor passage
206 extends from the side wall 216 to the outlet end of the second
mouthpiece 209. The first mouthpiece 208 is configured to slip onto
the second mouthpiece 209. In an example embodiment, the first
mouthpiece 208 may be structured to be removable, while the second
mouthpiece 209 may be structured to be permanent. Alternatively,
the first mouthpiece 208 may be integrated with the second
mouthpiece 209 to form a single structure that is removable.
[0076] A first button 222, a second button 224, and a third button
226 may be provided on the second frame 212 of the dispensing body
204. In an example embodiment, the first button 222 may be a
display (e.g., battery level indicator), the second button 224 may
control an amount of pre-vapor formulation available to the heater,
and the third button 226 may be the power button. However, it
should be understood that example embodiments are not limited
thereto. For example, the third button 226 may be a capacitive
slider. Notably, the buttons can have different implementations
depending on the desired functionalities. Accordingly, a different
number of buttons (and/or of different shapes) may be provided in
the same proximity or at a different location on the e-vapor
apparatus. Furthermore, the features and considerations in
connection with the dispensing body 104 that are also applicable to
the dispensing body 204 may be as discussed supra in connection
with the dispensing body 104.
[0077] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first mouthpiece of
FIG. 9. Referring to FIG. 10, the first mouthpiece 208 is
configured to fit over the second mouthpiece 209. Thus, the inner
surface of the first mouthpiece 208 may correspond to an outer
surface of the second mouthpiece 209.
[0078] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the second mouthpiece of
FIG. 9. Referring to FIG. 11, the second mouthpiece 209 defines a
vapor passage 206 therein. The second mouthpiece 209 may resemble
the combined proximal ends of the first frame 110 and the second
frame 112 that define the vapor passage 106 of the dispensing body
104.
[0079] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the first frame of FIG. 9.
Referring to FIG. 12, the first frame 210 includes a side wall 216
that defines a through-hole 214. The top end of the first frame 210
may include a connection structure that facilitates the connection
of at least the second mouthpiece 209 thereto.
[0080] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the frame trim of FIG. 9.
Referring to FIG. 13, the frame trim 211 may be in the form of a
curved strip that is supported by a central plate. When arranged
between the first frame 210 and the second frame 212, the frame
trim 211 forms a side surface of the dispensing body 204, although
example embodiments are not limited thereto.
[0081] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the second frame of FIG. 9.
Referring to FIG. 14, the second frame 212 includes a side wall 216
that defines a through-hole 214. The top end of the second frame
212 may include a connection structure that facilitates the
connection of at least the second mouthpiece 209 thereto. In
addition, the surface of the second frame 212 may be provided with
a pattern or textured appearance. Such patterning and texturing may
be aesthetic (e.g., visually appealing) and/or functional (e.g.,
enhanced grip) in nature. Although not shown, the surface of the
first frame 210 may be similarly provided.
[0082] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a pod assembly of an
e-vapor apparatus according to an example embodiment. Referring to
FIG. 15, the pod assembly 302 includes a pod trim 310 that is
arranged between a first cap 304 and a second cap 314. The first
cap 304 may be regarded as a front cap, and the second cap 314 may
be regarded as a rear cap (or vice versa). The first cap 304 and
the second cap 314 may be formed of a transparent material to
permit a viewing of the contents (e.g., pre-vapor formulation) in
the pod assembly 302. The pod trim 310 defines a channel outlet 312
for the release of vapor generated within the pod assembly 302.
[0083] The pod assembly 302 is a self-contained article that can be
sealed with a protective film that wraps around the pod trim 310.
Additionally, because of the closed system nature of the pod
assembly 302, the risk of tampering and contamination can be
reduced. Also, the chance of unwanted physical exposure to the
pre-vapor formulation within the pod assembly 302 (e.g., via a
leak) can be reduced. Furthermore, the pod assembly 302 can be
structured so as to prevent refilling.
[0084] FIG. 16 is a top view of the pod assembly of FIG. 15.
Referring to FIG. 16, the second cap 314 is wider than the first
cap 304. As a result, the pod trim 310 may slant outwards from the
first cap 304 to the second cap 314. However, it should be
understood that other configurations are possible depending on the
design of the pod assembly 302.
[0085] FIG. 17 is a side view of the pod assembly of FIG. 15.
Referring to FIG. 17, the second cap 314 is longer than the first
cap 304. As a result, the pod trim 310 may slant outwards from the
first cap 304 to the second cap 314. As a result, the pod assembly
302 may be inserted in a dispensing body such that the side
corresponding to the first cap 304 is received in the through-hole
first. In an example embodiment, the pod assembly 302 may be
inserted in the through-hole 114 of the dispensing body 104 and/or
the through-hole 214 of the dispensing body 204.
[0086] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the pod assembly of FIG. 15.
Referring to FIG. 18, the internal space of the pod assembly 302
may be divided into a plurality of compartments by virtue of the
elements therein. For instance, the tapered outlet of the vapor
channel 308 may be aligned with the channel outlet 312, and the
space bounded by the first cap 304, the vapor channel 308, the pod
trim 310, and the second cap 314 may be regarded as the pre-vapor
formulation compartment. Additionally, the bounded space under the
vapor channel 308 may be regarded as the device compartment. For
instance, the device compartment may include the vaporizer 306. One
benefit of including the vaporizer 306 in the pod assembly 302 is
that the vaporizer 306 will only be used for the amount of
pre-vapor formulation contained within the pre-vapor formulation
compartment and, thus, will not be overused.
[0087] FIG. 19 a perspective view of several pod assemblies
according to an example embodiment. Referring to FIG. 19, each of
the pod assemblies 402 includes a pod trim 410 arranged between a
first cap 404 and a second cap 414. The vapor channel 408 is
aligned with the channel outlet 412 and arranged above the
vaporizer 406. The pod assembly 402 is sealed to hold a pre-vapor
formulation 418 therein and to preclude tampering therewith. The
pre-vapor formulation compartment of the pod assembly 402 is
configured to hold the pre-vapor formulation 418, and the device
compartment includes the vaporizer 406. The pod assembly 402
includes battery contacts 416 and a data connection 417 connected
to a non-volatile memory (NVM) or, alternatively, a cryptographic
coprocessor with non-volatile memory (CC-NVM) within the pod
assembly 402.
[0088] The term CC-NVM may refer to a hardware module(s) including
a processor for encryption and related processing.
[0089] In further detail, the pod assembly 402 for an e-vapor
apparatus may include a pre-vapor formulation compartment
configured to hold a pre-vapor formulation 418 therein. A device
compartment is in fluidic communication with the pre-vapor
formulation compartment. The device compartment includes a
vaporizer 406. A vapor channel 408 extends from the device
compartment and traverses the pre-vapor formulation
compartment.
[0090] The pod assembly 402 is configured for insertion into a
dispensing body. As a result, the dimensions of the pod assembly
402 may correspond to the dimensions of the through-hole (e.g.,
114) of the dispensing body (e.g., 104). The vapor channel 408 may
be between the mouthpiece (e.g., 108) and the device compartment
when the pod assembly 402 is inserted into the through-hole of the
dispensing body.
[0091] An attachment structure (e.g., male/female member
arrangement, magnetic arrangement) may be provided on at least one
of the side walls (e.g., 116) of the through-hole (e.g., 114) and a
side surface of the pod assembly 402. The attachment structure may
be configured to engage and hold the pod assembly 402 upon
insertion into the through-hole of the dispensing body. In
addition, the channel outlet 412 may be utilized to secure the pod
assembly 402 within the through-hole of the dispensing body. For
instance, the dispensing body may be provided with a retractable
vapor connector that is configured to insert into the channel
outlet 412 so as to secure the pod assembly 402 while also
supplementing the vapor path from the channel outlet 412 to the
vapor passage (e.g., 106) of the dispensing body (e.g., 104). The
vapor connector may also be a rounded structure and/or
spring-loaded to facilitate its retraction (e.g., via spring
compression) and protraction (e.g., via spring decompression).
[0092] In an example embodiment, the pre-vapor formulation
compartment of the pod assembly 402 may surround the vapor channel
408. For instance, the vapor channel 408 may pass through a center
of the pre-vapor formulation compartment, although example
embodiments are not limited thereto.
[0093] Alternatively, instead of the vapor channel 408 shown in
FIG. 19, a vapor channel may be in a form of a pathway that is
arranged along at least one sidewall of the pre-vapor formulation
compartment. For example, a vapor channel may be provided in a form
of a pathway that spans between the first cap 404 and the second
cap 14 while extending along one or both sides of an inner surface
of the pod trim 410. As a result, the pathway may have a thin,
rectangular cross-section, although example embodiments are not
limited thereto. When the pathway is arranged along two sidewalls
of the pre-vapor formulation compartment (e.g., both inner
sidewalls of the pod trim 410), the pathway along each sidewall may
be configured to converge at a position (e.g., channel outlet 412)
that is aligned with the vapor passage (e.g., 106) of the
dispensing body (e.g., 104) when the pod assembly 402 is received
in the through-hole 114.
[0094] In another instance, the vapor channel may be in a form of a
conduit that is arranged in at least one corner of the pre-vapor
formulation compartment. Such a corner may be at the interface of
the first cap 404 and/or the second cap 414 with the inner surface
of the pod trim 410. As a result, the conduit may have a triangular
cross-section, although example embodiments are not limited
thereto. When the conduit is arranged in at least two corners
(e.g., front corners, rear corners, diagonal corners, side corners)
of the pre-vapor formulation compartment, the conduit in each
corner may be configured to converge at a position (e.g., channel
outlet 412) that is aligned with the vapor passage (e.g., 106) of
the dispensing body (e.g., 104) when the pod assembly 402 is
received in the through-hole 114.
[0095] The pre-vapor formulation compartment and the device
compartment may be at opposite ends of the pod assembly 402. The
device compartment may include a memory device. The memory device
may be coded with an electronic identity to permit at least one of
an authentication of the pod assembly 402 and a pairing of
operating parameters specific to a type of the pod assembly 402
when the pod assembly 402 is inserted into the through-hole of the
dispensing body (e.g., smart calibration). The electronic identity
may help prevent counterfeiting. The operating parameters may help
improve a vaping experience. In an example embodiment, the level of
pre-vapor formulation in the pod assembly 402 may be tracked.
Additionally, the activation of the pod assembly 402 may be
restricted once its intended usage life has been exceeded. Thus,
the pod assembly 402 (and 302) may be regarded as a smart pod.
[0096] A side surface of the pod assembly 402 includes at least one
electrical contact 416 (e.g., two or three electrical contacts) and
at least one electrical contact 417 (data connection) for data. The
CC-NVM package or, alternatively, NVM is connected to the
electrical contact 717 and one of the contacts 716. The dispensing
body may be configured to perform at least one of supply power to
and communicate with the pod assembly 402 via the at least one
electrical contact 416. The at least one electrical contact 416 may
be provided at an end of the pod assembly 402 corresponding to the
device compartment. Because of its smart capability, the pod
assembly 402 may communicate with dispensing body and/or another
electronic device (e.g., smart phone). As a result, usage patterns
and other information may be generated, stored, transferred, and/or
displayed. Examples of the other information include, but are not
limited to, vapor volume and a duration and/or count of instances
of vapor drawing. As used in the present disclosure, the term
"vapor drawing" refers to vapor being drawn through an outlet
(e.g., vapor passage 106 or 206 and/or mouthpiece 108 or 208) of
the e-vapor device (e.g., the e-vapor device 500 and/or an e-vapor
device including dispensing body 104 or dispensing body 204).
According to at least some example embodiments, an instance of
vapor drawing begins when a negative pressure is applied to the
outlet of the e-vapor device and ends when the application of the
negative pressure ends. The smart capability, connecting features,
and other related aspects of the pod assembly, dispensing body, and
overall e-vapor apparatus are additionally discussed in U.S.
Application No. 62/151,148 (Atty. Dkt. No. 24000-000174-US-PS1
(ALCS2829)) and U.S. Application No. 62/151,248 (Atty. Dkt. No.
24000-000202-US-PS1 (ALCS2855)), the entire contents of each of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0097] FIG. 20 is a view of an e-vapor apparatus with a pod
assembly inserted in a dispensing body according to an example
embodiment. Referring to FIG. 20, an e-vapor apparatus 500 includes
a pod assembly 502 (e.g., smart pod) that is inserted within a
dispensing body 504. The pod assembly 502 may be as previously
described in connection with the pod assembly 302 and the pod
assembly 402. As a result, the pod assembly 502 may be a
hassle-free and leak-free element that can be replaced with
relative ease when the pre-vapor formulation therein runs low/out
or when another pod is desired.
[0098] FIG. 21 illustrates a device system of a dispensing body
according to an example embodiment. A device system 2100 may be the
system within the dispensing body 104 and the dispensing body
204.
[0099] The device system 2100 includes a controller 2105, a power
supply 2110, actuator controls 2115, a pod electrical/data
interface 2120, device sensors 2125, input/output (I/O) interfaces
2130, vaper indicators 2135, at least one antenna 2140 and a
storage medium 2145. The device system 2100 is not limited to the
features shown in FIG. 21. For example, the device system 2100 may
include additional elements. However, for the sake of brevity, the
additional elements are not described. In other example
embodiments, the device system 2100 may not include an antenna.
[0100] The controller 2105 may be hardware, firmware, hardware
executing software or any combination thereof. When the controller
2105 is hardware, such existing hardware may include one or more
Central Processing Units (CPUs), microprocessors, processor cores,
multiprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs),
application-specific-integrated-circuits (ASICs), field
programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) computers or the like configured
as special purpose machines to perform the functions of the
controller 2105. CPUs, microprocessors, processor cores,
multiprocessors, DSPs, ASICs and FPGAs may generally be referred to
as processing devices.
[0101] In the event where the controller 2105 is a processor
executing software, the controller 2105 is configured as a special
purpose machine (e.g., a processing device) to execute the
software, stored in the storage medium 2145, to perform the
functions of the controller 2105. The software may be embodied as
program code including instructions for performing and/or
controlling any or all operations described herein as being
performed by the controller 2105.
[0102] As disclosed herein, the term "storage medium", "computer
readable storage medium" or "non-transitory computer readable
storage medium" may represent one or more devices for storing data,
including read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM),
magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage mediums, optical
storage mediums, flash memory devices and/or other tangible machine
readable mediums for storing information. The term
"computer-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to,
portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, and
various other mediums capable of storing, containing or carrying
instruction(s) and/or data.
[0103] Referring to FIG. 21, the controller 2105 communicates with
the power supply 2110, the actuator control 2115, the pod
electrical/data interface 2120, the device sensors 2125, the
input/output (I/O) interfaces 2130, the vaper indicators 2135, the
at least one antenna 2140.
[0104] The controller 2105 communicates with the CC-NVM or NVM in
the pod through the pod electrical/data interface 2120. More
specifically, the controller 2105 may utilize encryption to
authenticate the pod. As will be described, the controller 2105
communicates with the CC-NVM package or NVM to authenticate the
pod. More specifically, the non-volatile memory is encoded during
manufacture with product and other information for
authentication.
[0105] The memory device may be coded with an electronic identity
to permit at least one of an authentication of the pod and a
pairing of operating parameters specific to a type of the pod (or
physical construction, such as a heating engine type) when the pod
assembly 402 is inserted into the through-hole of the dispensing
body. In addition to authenticating based on an electronic identity
of the pod, the controller 2105 may authorize use of the pod based
on an expiration date of the stored pre-vapor formulation and/or
heater encoded into the NVM or the non-volatile memory of the
CC-NVM. If the controller determines that the expiration date
encoded into the non-volatile memory has passed, the controller may
not authorize use of the pod and disable the e-vaping device.
[0106] The controller 2105 (or storage medium 2145) stores key
material and proprietary algorithm software for the encryption. For
example, encryption algorithms rely on the use of random numbers.
The security of these algorithms depends on how truly random these
numbers are. These numbers are usually pre-generated and coded into
the processor or memory devices. Example embodiments may increase
the randomness of the numbers used for the encryption by using the
vapor drawing parameters e.g., durations of instances of vapor
drawing, intervals between instances of vapor drawing, or
combinations of them, to generate numbers that are more random and
more varying from individual to individual than pre-generated
random numbers. All communications between the controller 2105 and
the pod may be encrypted.
[0107] Moreover, the pod can be used as a general pay-load carrier
for other information such as software patches for the e-vaping
device. Since encryption is used in all the communications between
the pod and the controller 2105, such information is more secure
and the e-vaping device is less prone to being installed with
malwares or viruses. Use of the CC-NVM as an information carrier
such as data and software updates allows the e-vaping device to be
updated with software without it being connected to the Internet
and for an adult vaper to go through a downloading process as with
most other consumer electronics devices requiring periodic software
updates.
[0108] The controller 2105 may also include a cryptographic
accelerator to allow resources of the controller 2105 to perform
functions other than the encoding and decoding involved with the
authentication. The controller 2105 may also include other security
features such as preventing unauthorized use of communication
channels and preventing unauthorized access to data if a pod or
adult vaper is not authenticated.
[0109] In addition to a cryptographic accelerator, the controller
2105 may include other hardware accelerators. For example, the
controller 2105 may include a floating point unit (FPU), a separate
DSP core, digital filters and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)
modules.
[0110] The controller 2105 is configured to operate a real time
operating system (RTOS), control the system 2100 and may be updated
through communicating with the NVM or CC-NVM or when the system
2100 is connected with other devices (e.g., a smart phone) through
the I/O interfaces 2130 and/or the antenna 2140. The I/O interfaces
2130 and the antenna 2140 allow the system 2100 to connect to
various external devices such as smart phones, tablets, and PCs.
For example, the I/O interfaces 2130 may include a micro-USB
connector. The micro-USB connector may be used by the system 2100
to charge the power source 2110b.
[0111] The controller 2105 may include on-board RAM and flash
memory to store and execute code including analytics, diagnostics
and software upgrades. As an alternative, the storage medium 2145
may store the code. Additionally, in another example embodiment,
the storage medium 2145 may be on-board the controller 2105.
[0112] The controller 2105 may further include on-board clock,
reset and power management modules to reduce an area covered by a
PCB in the dispensing body.
[0113] The device sensors 2125 may include a number of sensor
transducers that provide measurement information to the controller
2105. The device sensors 2125 may include a power supply
temperature sensor, an external pod temperature sensor, a current
sensor for the heater, power supply current sensor, air flow sensor
and an accelerometer to monitor movement and orientation. The power
supply temperature sensor and external pod temperature sensor may
be a thermistor or thermocouple and the current sensor for the
heater and power supply current sensor may be a resistive based
sensor or another type of sensor configured to measure current. The
air flow sensor may be a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) flow
sensor or another type of sensor configured to measure air flow
such as a hot-wire anemometer. As is noted above, the device
sensors 2125 may include sensors, like an accelerometer, for
monitoring movement and orientation as is shown in, for example,
FIG. 23.
[0114] FIG. 23 illustrates the pod system 2200 connected to the
device system 2100 according to an example embodiment. For example,
the device sensors 2125 may include one or more accelerometers
2127A, one or more gyroscopes 2127B, and/or one or more
magnetometers 2127C to monitor movement and orientation. For
example, the device sensors 2125 may include at least one inertial
measurement unit (IMU). The IMU may include, for example, 3-axis
accelerometers, 3-axis-gyroscopes and 3-axis magnetometers. For
example, the one or more accelerometers 2127A, one or more
gyroscopes 2127B, and/or one or more magnetometers 2127C of FIG. 23
may be included in an IMU. Examples of an IMU included in the
device sensors 2125 include, but are not limited to, the Invensense
10-axis MPU-9250 and the ST 9-axis STEVAL-MKI1119V1. As will be
discussed in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 24-25, the
controller 2105 may use movement and/or orientation information
detected by the device sensors 2125 to control a level of power
output by the power supply 2110 to the heater 2215 through the pod
electrical/data interface 2120 and the body electrical/data
interface 2210.
[0115] The data generated from the number of sensor transducers may
be sampled at a sample rate appropriate to the parameter being
measured using a discrete, multi-channel analog-to-digital
converter (ADC).
[0116] The controller 2105 may adapt heater profiles for a
pre-vapor formulation and other profiles based on the measurement
information received from the controller 2105. For the sake of
convenience, these are generally referred to as vaping or vapor
profiles.
[0117] The heater profile identifies the power profile to be
supplied to the heater during the few seconds when vapor drawing
takes place. For example, a heater profile can deliver maximum
power to the heater when an instance of vapor drawing is initiated,
but then after a second or so immediately reduce the power to half
way or a quarter way.
[0118] The modulation of electrical power is usually implemented
using pulse width modulation--instead of flipping an on/off switch
where the power is either full on or off.
[0119] In addition, a heater profile can also be modified based on
a negative pressure applied on the e-vaping device. The use of the
MEMS flow sensor allows vapor drawing strength to be measured and
used as feedback to the controller 2105 to adjust the power
delivered to the heater of the pod, which may be referred to as
heating or energy delivery.
[0120] When the controller 2105 recognizes the pod is currently
installed (e.g., via SKU), the controller 2105 matches an
associated heating profile that is designed for that particular
pod. The controller 2105 and the storage medium 2145 will store
data and algorithms that allow the generation of heating profiles
for all SKUs. In another example embodiment, the controller 2105
may read the heating profile from the pod. The adult vapers may
also adjust heating profiles to suit their preferences.
[0121] As shown in FIG. 21, the controller 2105 sends data to and
receives data from the power supply 2110. The power supply 2110
includes a power source 2110b and a power controller 2110a to
manage the power output by the power source 2110b.
[0122] The power source 2110b may be a Lithium-ion battery or one
of its variants, for example a Lithium-ion polymer battery.
Alternatively, the power source power source 2110b may be a
Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmium battery, a
Lithium-manganese battery, a Lithium-cobalt battery or a fuel cell.
Alternatively, the power source 2110b may be rechargeable and
include circuitry allowing the battery to be chargeable by an
external charging device. In that case, the circuitry, when
charged, provides power for a desired (or alternatively a
pre-determined) number of instances of vapor drawing, after which
the circuitry must be re-connected to an external charging
device.
[0123] The power controller 2110a provides commands to the power
source 2110b based on instructions from the controller 2105. For
example, the power supply 2110 may receive a command from the
controller 2105 to provide power to the pod (through the
electrical/data interface 2120) when the pod is authenticated and
the adult vaper activates the system 2100 (e.g., by activating a
switch such as a toggle button, capacitive sensor, IR sensor). When
the pod is not authenticated, the controller 2105 may either send
no command to the power supply 2110 or send an instruction to the
power supply 2110 to not provide power. In another example
embodiment, the controller 2105 may disable all operations of the
system 2100 if the pod is not authenticated.
[0124] In addition to supplying power to the pod, the power supply
2110 also supplies power to the controller 2105. Moreover, the
power controller 2110a may provide feedback to the controller 2105
indicating performance of the power source 2110b.
[0125] The controller 2105 sends data to and receives data from the
at least one antenna 2140. The at least one antenna 2140 may
include a Near Field Communication (NFC) modem and a Bluetooth Low
Energy (LE) modem and/or other modems for other wireless
technologies (e.g., Wi-Fi). In an example embodiment, the
communications stacks are in the modems, but the modems are
controlled by the controller 2105. The Bluetooth LE modem is used
for data and control communications with an application on an
external device (e.g., smart phone). The NFC modem may be used for
pairing of the e-vaping device to the application and retrieval of
diagnostic information. Moreover, the Bluetooth LE modem may be
used to provide location information (for an adult vaper to find
the e-vaping device) or authentication during a purchase.
[0126] As described above, the system 2100 may generate and adjust
various profiles for vaping. The controller 2105 uses the power
supply 2110 and the actuator controls 2115 to regulate the profile
for the adult vaper.
[0127] The actuator controls 2115 include passive and active
actuators to regulate a desired vapor profile. For example, the
dispensing body may include an inlet channel within a mouthpiece.
The actuator controls 2115 may control the inlet channel based on
commands from the controller 2105 associated with the desired vapor
profile.
[0128] Moreover, the actuator controls 2115 are used to energize
the heater in conjunction with the power supply 2110. More
specifically, the actuator controls 2115 are configured to generate
a drive waveform associated with the desired vaping profile. As
described above, each possible profile is associated with a drive
waveform. Upon receiving a command from the controller 2105
indicating the desired vaping profile, the actuator controls 2115
may produce the associated modulating waveform for the power supply
2110.
[0129] The controller 2105 supplies information to the vaper
indicators 2135 to indicate statuses and occurring operations to
the adult vaper. The vaper indicators 2135 include a power
indicator (e.g., LED) that may be activated when the controller
2105 senses a button pressed by the adult vaper. The vaper
indicators 2135 may also include a vibrator, speaker, an indicator
for current state of an adult vaper-controlled vaping parameter
(e.g., vapor volume) and other feedback mechanisms.
[0130] Furthermore, the system 2100 may include a number of
on-product controls 2150 that provide commands from an adult vaper
to the controller 2105. The on-product controls 2150 include an
on-off button which may be a toggle button, capacitive sensor or IR
sensor, for example. The on-product controls 2150 may further
include a vaping control button (if the adult vaper desires to
override the buttonless vaping feature to energize the heater), a
hard reset button, a touch based slider control (for controlling
setting of a vaping parameter such as vapor drawing volume), a
vaping control button to activate the slider control and a
mechanical adjustment for an air inlet. Hand to mouth gesture (HMG)
detection is another example of buttonless vaping and will be
discussed in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 24.
[0131] Once a pod is authenticated, the controller 2105 operates
the power supply 2110, the actuator controls 2115, vaper indicators
2135 and antenna 2140 in accordance with the adult vaper using the
e-vaping device and the information stored by the NVM or CC-NVM on
the pod. Moreover, the controller 2105 may include logging
functions and be able to implement algorithms to calibrate the
e-vaping device. The logging functions are executed by the
controller 2105 to record usage data as well any unexpected events
or faults. The recorded usage data may be used for diagnostics and
analytics. The controller 2105 may calibrate the e-vaping device
using buttonless vaping (i.e., vaping without pressing a button
such as generating a vapor when a negative pressure is applied on
the mouthpiece), an adult vaper configuration and the stored
information on the CC-NVM or NVM including vapor drawing sensing,
pre-vapor formulation level and pre-vapor formulation composition.
For example, the controller 2105 may command the power supply 2110
to supply power to the heater in the pod based on a vaping profile
associated with the pre-vapor formulation composition in the pod.
Alternatively, a vaping profile may be encoded in the CC-NVM or NVM
and utilized by the controller 2105.
[0132] FIG. 22A illustrates a pod system diagram of a dispensing
body according to an example embodiment. A pod system 2200 may be
within the pod assembly 502, the pod assembly 302 and the pod
assembly 402.
[0133] As shown in FIG. 22A, the pod system 2200 includes a CC-NVM
2205, a body electrical/data interface 2210, a heater 2215 and pod
sensors 2220. The pod system 2200 communicates with the device
system 2100 through the body electrical/data interface 2210 and the
pod electrical/data interface 2120. The body electrical/data
interface 2210 may correspond to the battery contacts 416 and data
connection 417 connected within the pod assembly 402, shown in FIG.
19, for example. Thus, the CC-NVM 2205 is coupled to the data
connection 417 and the battery contacts 416.
[0134] The CC-NVM 2205 includes a cryptographic coprocessor 2205a
and a non-volatile memory 2205b. The controller 2105 may access the
information stored on the non-volatile memory 2205b for the
purposes of authentication and operating the pod by communicating
with the cryptographic coprocessor 2205a.
[0135] In another example embodiment, the pod may not have a
crytopgraphic coprocessor. For example, FIG. 22B illustrates an
example of the pod system of FIG. 22A in which the cryptographic
coprocessor 2205a is omitted, according to an example embodiment.
As is shown in FIG. 22B, the pod system 2200 may include the
non-volatile memory 2205b in place of the CC-NVM 2205, and the
cryptographic coprocessor 2205a is omitted. When no cryptographic
coprocessor exists in the pod system 2200, the controller 2105 may
read data from the non-volatile memory 2205b without use of the
cryptographic coprocessor to control/define the heating
profile.
[0136] The non-volatile memory 2205b may be coded with an
electronic identity to permit at least one of an authentication of
the pod and a pairing of operating parameters specific to a type of
the pod when the pod assembly is inserted into the through-hole of
the dispensing body. In addition to authenticating based on an
electronic identity of the pod, the controller 2105 may authorize
use of the pod based on an expiration date of the stored pre-vapor
formulation and/or heater encoded into the non-volatile memory
2205b. If the controller determines that the expiration date
encoded into the non-volatile memory non-volatile memory 2205b has
passed, the controller may not authorize use of the pod and disable
the e-vaping device.
[0137] Moreover, the non-volatile memory 2205b may store
information such as a stock keeping unit (SKU) of the pre-vapor
formulation in the pre-vapor formulation compartment (including
pre-vapor formulation composition), software patches for the system
2100, product usage information such as vapor drawing instance
count, vapor drawing instance duration, and pre-vapor formulation
level. The non-volatile memory 2205b may store operating parameters
specific to the type of the pod and the pre-vapor formulation
composition. For example, the non-volatile memory 2205b may store
the electrical and mechanical design of the pod for use by the
controller 2105 to determine commands corresponding to a desired
vaping profile.
[0138] The pre-vapor formulation level in the pod may be determined
in one of two ways, for example. In one example embodiment, one of
the pod sensors 2220 directly measures the pre-vapor formulation
level in the pod.
[0139] In another example embodiment, the non-volatile memory 2205b
stores the vapor drawing instance count from the pod and the
controller 2105 uses the vapor drawing instance count as a proxy to
the amount of pre-vapor formulation vaporized.
[0140] The controller 2105 and/or the storage medium 2145 may store
pre-vapor formulation calibration data that identifies an operating
point for the pre-vapor formulation composition. The pre-vapor
formulation calibration data include data describing how flow rate
changes with a remaining pre-vapor formulation level or how
volatility changes with an age of the pre-vapor formulation and may
be used for calibration by the controller 2105. The pre-vapor
formulation calibration data may be stored by the controller 2105
and/or the storage medium 2145 in a table format. The pre-vapor
formulation calibration data allows the controller 2105 to equate
the vapor drawing instance count to the amount of pre-vapor
formulation vaporized.
[0141] The controller 2105 writes the pre-vapor formulation level
and vapor drawing instance count back to the non-volatile memory
2205b in the pod so if the pod is removed from the dispensing body
and later on re-installed, an accurate pre-vapor formulation level
of the pod will still be known by the controller 2105.
[0142] The operating parameters (e.g., power supply, power
duration, air channel control) are referred to as a vaping profile.
Moreover, the non-volatile memory 2205b may record information
communicated by the controller 2105. The non-volatile memory 2205b
may retain the recorded information even when the dispensing body
becomes disconnected from the pod.
[0143] In an example embodiment, the non-volatile memory 2205b may
be a programmable read only memory.
[0144] The heater 2215 is actuated by the controller 2105 and
transfers heat to at least a portion of the pre-vapor formulation
in accordance with the commanded profile (volume, temperature
(based on power profile) and flavor) from the controller 2105.
[0145] The heater 2215 may be a planar body, a ceramic body, a
single wire, a cage of resistive wire, a wire coil surrounding a
wick, a mesh, a surface or any other suitable form for example.
Examples of suitable electrically resistive materials include
titanium, zirconium, tantalum and metals from the platinum group.
Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-,
cobalt-, chromium-, aluminium- titanium- zirconium-, hafnium-,
niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-,
manganese- and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on
nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel. For example, the heater may
be formed of nickel aluminides, a material with a layer of alumina
on the surface, iron aluminides and other composite materials, the
electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in,
encapsulated or coated with an insulating material or vice-versa,
depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the external
physicochemical properties required. In one embodiment, the heater
14 comprises at least one material selected from the group
consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys,
nickel-chromium alloys, superalloys and combinations thereof. In an
embodiment, the heater 2215 is formed of nickel-chromium alloys or
iron-chromium alloys. In one embodiment, the heater 2215 can be a
ceramic heater having an electrically resistive layer on an outside
surface thereof.
[0146] In another embodiment, the heater 2215 may be constructed of
an iron-aluminide (e.g., FeA1 or Fe.sub.3A1), such as those
described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,706 to Sikka et al.
filed Dec. 29, 1994, or nickel aluminides (e.g., Ni.sub.3A1), the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporate by reference.
[0147] The heater 2215 may determine an amount of pre-vapor
formulation to heat based on feedback from the pod sensors or the
controller 2105. The flow of pre-vapor formulation may be regulated
by a micro-capillary or wicking action. Moreover, the controller
2105 may send commands to the heater 2215 to adjust an air inlet to
the heater 2215.
[0148] The pod sensor 2220 may include a heater temperature sensor,
pre-vapor formulation flow rate monitor and air flow monitor. The
heater temperature sensor may be a thermistor or thermocouple and
the flow rate sensing may be performed by the system 2200 using
electrostatic interference or an in-pre-vapor formulation rotator.
The air flow sensor may be a microelectromechanical system (MEMS)
flow sensor or another type of sensor configured to measure air
flow.
[0149] The data generated from the pod sensors 2220 may be sampled
at a sample rate appropriate to the parameter being measured using
a discrete, multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC).
[0150] According to at least some example embodiments, the
controller 2105 may also control the heater 2215 in response to
detecting a hand to mouth gesture (HMG). As is noted above, with
reference to FIG. 21, an e-vapor device according to at least some
example embodiments may implement a buttonless vaping feature. As
an example of a buttonless vaping feature, the controller 2105 may
determine when an adult vaper makes a hand to mouth gesture (HMG)
based on measurements from device sensors 2125. An HMG is a gesture
in which an adult vaper's hand moves towards the adult vaper's
mouth. An HMG made with respect to an e-vapor device (e.g., the
e-vapor device 500 and/or an e-vapor device including dispensing
body 104 or dispensing body 204) may indicate that vapor drawing
will begin soon. According to at least some example embodiments,
the controller 2105 may control a state and/or operation mode of
the e-vapor device or one or more elements thereof based on the
detection of an HMG. For example, as is discussed in greater detail
below with reference to Equations 8 and 9, the controller 2105 may
control a state and/or operation mode of the heater 2215 by
detecting an HMG based on the output of a classifier. The heater
2215 may also be referred to herein as the heating engine 2215 or
heater engine 2215.
[0151] FIG. 24 illustrates an example algorithm for performing hand
to mouth gesture HMG detection. According to at least some example
embodiments, the HMG detection algorithm of FIG. 24 is performed by
the controller 2105 of system 2100, which may be included in an
e-vapor device (e.g., the e-vapor device 500 and/or an e-vapor
device including dispensing body 104 or dispensing body 204).
Referring to FIG. 24, the HMG detection algorithm may use movement
and/or orientation measurements detected by device sensors
2125.
[0152] In operation S2305, quaternions are determined based on
movements of an e-vapor device. For example, as is noted above with
reference FIG. 21, the device sensors 2125 may include at least one
IMU. As an example, the IMU may output movement and/or orientation
measurements to the controller 2105 in the form of quaternions. As
another example, the IMU may output movement and/or orientation
measurements to the controller 2105 in the form of accelerometer
measurements, gyroscope measurements, and/or magnetometer
measurements, and quaternions may be determined by the controller
2105 based on the accelerometer measurements, gyroscope
measurements, and/or magnetometer measurements. According to at
least some example embodiments, the quaternions received by, or
determined by, the controller 2105 may be unit quaternions. The
quaternions may be received by, or determined by, the controller
2105, for example, every 20 ms thus resulting in an update rate (or
frequency) of 50 Hz. According to at least some example
embodiments, the quaternions received by, or determined by, the
controller 2105 may be stored by the controller 2105 in memory
(e.g., storage medium 2145) such that historical quaternions are
available for use by the HMG detection algorithm as will be
discussed in greater detail below.
[0153] The generation of quaternions in operation S2305 will now be
discussed in greater detail. For example, according to at least
some example embodiments, at a resting position, an E-vapor device
is assumed to be located at a reference point r.sub.0=1j. The
reference point r.sub.0 is a unit vector representing the tip of a
forearm (elbow to hand) of unit length. This reference point
r.sub.0 can also be regarded as point (0,1,0) in a 3D Cartesian
(x,y,z) space.
[0154] According to at least some example embodiments, a positional
sensor of the E-vapor device (e.g., one or more of the device
sensors 2125) sends out 4 real numbers (q.sub.0, q.sub.1, q.sub.2,
q.sub.3) every 20 ms as the e-vapor device moves in space. At any
time t, data from the positional sensor can be denoted by a
quaternion q(t) defined by Equation 1 or Equation 2, which is an
alternate expression of Equation 1:
q[t]=q.sub.0[t]+q.sub.1[t]i+q.sub.2[t]j+q.sub.3[t]k; Equation 1
q=q.sub.0+q.sub.1i+q.sub.2j+q.sub.3k or
q=q.sub.0(scalar)+q(vector). Equation 2
[0155] As is known with respect to quaternions, in Equations 1 and
2, i, j and k are related such that i.sup.2=j.sup.2=k.sup.2=-1, and
ij=k=-ji.
[0156] In operation S2310, the quaternions are transformed into
Cartesian coordinates. For example, in operation S2310, the
controller 2105 may transform the quaternions into 3-dimensional
Cartesian coordinates. For example, the stream of quaternions
generated in operation S2305 indicates the successive rotations
(i.e., changes of positions), relative to the reference point
r.sub.0, of the e-vapor device as the e-vapor device moves in
space. Starting with the reference point (resting position), each
quaternion allows a new position of the e-vapor device r to be
computed in accordance with Equation 3:
r=qr.sub.0q*=(q.sub.0.sup.2-.parallel.q.parallel..sup.2)r.sub.0+2(qr.sub-
.0)q+2q.sub.0(q.times.r.sub.0), Equation 3
where q* is the complex conjugate of q, defined as
q*=q.sub.0-q.sub.1i-q.sub.2j-q.sub.3k, and reference point
r.sub.0=1j, as is noted above. Like Equation 2, the time reference
(i.e., [t]) is dropped from Equation 3 for ease of description.
[0157] Since r.sub.0 is a vector, the above quaternion mathematical
operation described by Equation 3 will yield r as a vector also. As
a vector, r describes the new position of the e-vapor device in a
3D Cartesian space. Accordingly, in operation S2310 a
transformation from reference point vector r.sub.0 to vector r, is
repeated over time t to generate new values for vector r (i.e.,
r[t]), thus defining corresponding x, y, z Cartesian coordinates of
new positions of the e-vapor device at times t (i.e., vectors r and
r[t] are each three-element vectors that include, as elements,
coordinates x, y, and z).
[0158] Thus, in accordance with Equations 1-3, the controller 2105
may transform quaternions (e.g., q or q[t]) generated based on
measurements of the device sensors 2125 into 3-D Cartesian
coordinates (e.g., r or r[t]). After operation S2310, the HMG
detection algorithm proceeds to operation S2320.
[0159] In operation S2320, the 3-D Cartesian coordinates determined
in operation S2310 are filtered by the controller 2105 to generate
filtered 3-D Cartesian coordinates. The filtering performed in
operation S2320 may improve the accuracy of the features extracted
in operation S2330, for example, by improving the signal-to-noise
ratio of the features extracted in operation S2330. A filter used
in operation S2320 may be, for example, a low-pass filter. A filter
used in operation S2320 may be, for example, a finite impulse
response filter (FIR) or an infinite impulse response (IIR) filter.
Examples of a type of filter that may be used in operation S2320
include, but are not limited to, a 20.sup.th order FIR filter, a
10.sup.th order FIR filter, a 10.sup.th order IIR filter, and a
5.sup.th order IIR filter. According to at least some example
embodiments, the filtering performed in operation S2320 may be
configured to reduce or remove high frequency noise that, if not
removed, may introduce noise to linear speed v[t] calculations,
which will be discussed in greater detail below with respect to the
feature extraction operation S2330. According to at least some
example embodiments, the filtering performed in operation S2320 may
be configured to remove motion artifacts corresponding to motion
data representing non-HMG motions like, for example, walking (i.e.,
walking when no HMG is being performed).
[0160] For example, a 3-D Cartesian coordinate determined in
operation S2310 may be filtered by applying Equation 4,
f [ t ] = n = 1 N b [ n ] .times. r [ t - n ] , Equation .times. 4
##EQU00001##
to each dimension of the 3-D Cartesian coordinate. FIG. 25
illustrates a plot of a frequency response corresponding to
filtering performed in accordance with Equation 4. Referring to
Equation 4, r[t-n] is a three element vector that includes, as the
three elements, the unfiltered values of an x, y and z coordinate
at time t-n. Further, f[t] is a three element vector that includes,
as the three elements, the filtered values of the x, y and z
coordinates at time t. Additionally, b[n] is a constant coefficient
pertaining to the filter chosen. For the purpose of clarity,
operation S2320 will be described with reference to an example in
which the controller 2105 performs filtering of the 3-D Cartesian
coordinates determined in operation S2310 using an order 20 FIR
filter. With respect to the above referenced example, the value of
N in Equation 4 may be equal to 20, and constant coefficient b[n]
may be defined by Table 1 below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Coefficient Value b[1] 0.044563075892158709
b[2] 0.031036021853680543 b[3] 0.031409596396058503 b[4]
0.037277883907421094 b[5] 0.04193728641405934 b[6]
0.046982842619960649 b[7] 0.050974200999071843 b[8]
0.054610952216487221 b[9] 0.056998917285984399 b[10]
0.058730364996784766 b[11] 0.059173996065795362 b[21]
0.044563075892158709 b[20] 0.031036021853680543 b[19]
0.031409596396058503 b[18] 0.037277883907421094 b[17]
0.04193728641405934 b[16] 0.046982842619960649 b[15]
0.050974200999071843 b[14] 0.054610952216487221 b[13]
0.056998917285984399 b[12] 0.058730364996784766
[0161] FIG. 25 illustrates a plot of a frequency response
corresponding to filtering performed in accordance with Equation 4.
According to at least some example embodiments, the order 20 FIR
filter used in operation S2320 may have the following attributes:
[0162] 2 Hz passband frequency, [0163] 2.5 Hz stopband frequency,
and [0164] Stopband decay of 5 dBm/decade.
[0165] While, for the purpose of clarity, the HMG detection
algorithm of FIG. 24 is described primarily with respect to a
scenario in which the controller 2105 performs the filtering
operation S2320 on 3-D Cartesian coordinates after performing the
transformation operation S2310, at least some example embodiments
are not limited to this scenario. For example, as an alternative,
according to at least some example embodiments, the controller 2105
may perform the HMG detection algorithm illustrated in FIG. 24 by
omitting the filtering operation S2320 such that the 3-D Cartesian
coordinates used by the controller 2105 in the feature detection
operation S2330 are the unfiltered 3-D Cartesian coordinates
determined in the transformation operation S2310. As another
alternative, according to at least some example embodiments, the
controller 2105 may perform the filtering operation S2320 before
performing the transformation operation S2310. For example, the
controller 2105 may perform a filtering operation directly on the
quaternions received by, or determined by, the controller 2105 to
generate filtered quaternions. After performing the filtering
operation, the controller 2105 may transform the filtered
quaternions into 3-D Cartesian coordinates using, for example,
Equations 1-3 discussed above, such that the 3-D Cartesian
coordinates used by the controller 2105 in the feature detection
operation S2330 are the 3-D Cartesian coordinates that were
transformed from the filtered quaternions.
[0166] Returning to FIG. 24, in operation S2330, features are
extracted from the 3-D Cartesian coordinates. The features
extracted from the 3-D Cartesian coordinates (which may also be
referred to herein as "movement features") are features related to
the movement and/or orientation of the e-vapor device, where the
3-D Cartesian coordinates are provided as the 3-element vector r as
defined above with reference to Equations 1-3. For example, in
operation S2330, the controller 2105 may extract the following
movement features from the 3-D Cartesian coordinates determined
from operations S2310 or operations S2310 and S2320: distance from
rest point location d[t] and linear speed v[t]. The distance from
rest point location feature d[t] refers to a distance between a
point r[t] and a rest point r.sub.rest at time t, where the point
r[t] is a location (i.e., a point in 3-D space) of the e-vapor
device at time t, and the rest point r.sub.rest is a location
(i.e., a point in 3-D space) at which the e-vapor device last
rested, where resting refers to a movement state of the e-vapor
device in which the e-vapor device is stationary or substantially
stationary as will be discussed in greater detail below with
reference to Expression 6.
[0167] As is noted above, the quaternions (i.e., q[t]) may be
sampled by (i.e., received by, or determined by) the controller
2105, for example, every 20 ms. Accordingly, point r[t] may be
updated every 20 ms, thus resulting in an update rate (or
frequency) of 50 Hz. Consequently, according to at least some
example embodiments, the controller 2105 may determine 3-D
Cartesian coordinates corresponding to the quaternions at or near a
rate (or frequency) of 50 Hz. Thus, a linear speed of the e-vapor
device at time t, v[t], may be determined based on locations of the
e-vapor device at time times t and t-1 in accordance with Equation
5:
v[t]=.parallel.r[t]-r[t-1].parallel.meters per sample. Equation
5
[0168] In Equation 5, linear speed v[t] is expressed in units of
meters per sample. Linear speed v[t] may also be expressed as
v[t]=.parallel.r[t]-r[t-1].parallel./.DELTA.t meters per second
(m/s), where .DELTA.t may be expressed as [1/sample frequency]. For
example, the linear speed v[t] of the e-vapor device at time t in
units of m/s may be expressed as
v[t]=.parallel.r[t]-r[t-1].parallel./[1/50], when a quaternion
sample rate is 50 Hz.
[0169] Further, the rest point r.sub.rest may be defined as a
latest location for which the e-vapor device is determined (e.g.,
by the controller 2105) to be stationary or substantially
stationary by satisfying the requirements expressed in Expression
6:
r[t]=r.sub.rest if v[t]<V.sub.threshold{circumflex over (
)}v[t-1]<V.sub.threshold{circumflex over (
)}v[t-2]<V.sub.threshold, Expression 6
where V.sub.threshold is a speed threshold value. Example values
for V.sub.threshold with respect to a sample rate (or frequency) of
50 Hz include, but are not limited to, 0.025 m per sample and 0.5 m
per sample.
[0170] Further, the distance from rest point at time t, d[t], may
be defined based on point r[t] and rest point r.sub.rest in
accordance with Equation 7:
d[t]=.parallel.r[t]-r.sub.rest.parallel.. Equation 7
[0171] Thus, in operation S2330, the controller 2105 may extract
movement features with respect to a time t including the distance
from rest point location d[t] and the linear speed v[t] using, for
example, Equations 5 and 7 and Expression 6. After operation S2330,
the HMG determination algorithm proceeds to operation S2340.
[0172] In operation S2340, the controller 2105 determines whether
or not an HMG has occurred with respect to the e-vapor device based
on the movement features extracted in operation S2330.
[0173] For example, the controller 2105 may use one or more machine
learning-based techniques for determining whether or not an HMG has
occurred with respect to the e-vapor device. For example, the
controller 2105 may utilize a neural network to determine, based on
the movement features extracted in operation S2330, whether or not
an HMG has occurred with respect to the e-vapor device. As another
example, the controller 2105 may use linear discriminant analysis
(LDA) for determining whether or not an HMG has occurred using.
LDA-based techniques for determining whether or not an HMG has
occurred will be discussed in greater detail below.
[0174] According to at least some example embodiments, in operation
S2340, the controller 2105 uses a classifier to determine whether
or not an HMG has occurred. According to at least some example
embodiments, the controller 2105 may use, as inputs to the
classifier, the distance from rest point location feature d[t], and
the linear speed feature v[t], in order to determine, based on an
output of the classifier, whether or not an HMG occurred at or near
time t. Consequently, through use of the classifier, the controller
2105 is configured to distinguish between HMG movements and non-HMG
movements.
[0175] The classifier used by the controller 2105 in operation
S2340 may be referred to an HMG classifier. According to at least
some example embodiments, the HMG classifier may be a classifier
generated based on training data using linear discriminant analysis
(LDA). A classifier generated based on training data using LDA may
also be referred to herein as a "LDA classifier." According to at
least some example embodiments, the training data used to generate
the HMG classifier may be collected during a training process by
observing a plurality of known motion states including known HMGs
(i.e., motions states that are known to be HMGs) and known non-HMGs
(i.e., motions states that are not to be HMGs), and recording
movement features (e.g., the distance from rest point location
feature, d[t], and the linear speed feature, v[t]) associated with
the observed known motion states. LDA may then be applied to the
collected data to generate the HMG classifier. According to at
least some example embodiments, the HMG classifier used by the
controller 2105 in operation S2340 may be initially generated
during the above-reference training process, and the
above-reference training process may be performed by, for example,
a computer system outside the e-vapor device. After initial
generation, the HMG classifier may be embodied in the e-vapor
device in the form of circuitry, for example circuitry included in
the controller 2105 that is structurally designed to embody the
behavior of the HMG classifier by detecting HMG based on input
movement features in the manner defined by the generated HMG
classifier. Alternatively, the HMG classifier may be embodied in
the e-vapor device in the form of a program and/or program
instructions that may be stored in the storage medium 2145 and
executed by a processor included in the e-vapor device such that
the processor (e.g., the controller 2105) detects HMG based on
input movement features in the manner defined by the generated HMG
classifier. As another alternative, the HMG classifier may be
embodied in the e-vapor device in the form of a combination of the
above-referenced circuitry and processor executing program
instructions. An example of the above-referenced HMG classifier
will now be discussed in greater detail below.
[0176] An example of the HMG classifier which the controller 2105
may use to detect the occurrence of a HMG is provided by the LDA
model defined below with reference to Equation 8:
.eta. = m = 1 M c [ m ] .times. .PHI. [ m ] , Equation .times. 8
##EQU00002##
where .phi.[m] is a feature .phi. corresponding index m, c[m] is a
coefficient c corresponding to index m, M=3, and n is a classifier
output. Example values for feature .phi.[m] and model coefficients
c[m] are defined by Table 2 below. As is shown below, feature
.phi.[1] and model coefficients c[1], c[2] and c[3] may each be
constants.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Model Coefficient, Feature, .PHI.[m] Value
c[m] Value .PHI.[1] Constant offset c[1] 5.2523 .PHI.[2] distance
from rest c[2] -129.4848 point location d[t] in meters (m) .PHI.[3]
linear speed v[t] in c[3] -13.160 meters per second (m/s)
[0177] According to at least some example embodiments, the constant
offset feature for all times t is 1 (i.e., .phi.[1]=1, for all
times t), and Equation 8 may be simplified in the manner shown
below with respect to Equation 9:
.eta. = [ c ] + 1 .times. m = 2 M c [ m ] .times. .PHI. [ m ] .
Equation .times. 9 ##EQU00003##
[0178] Referring to Equations 8 and 9, the summation of the product
of operands c[m] and .phi.[m] over indexes m=1, 2, 3 is calculated
as classifier output .eta.. Thus, in operation S2340, the
controller 2105 may perform a classification operation by
generating classifier output .eta. in the manner discussed above
with reference to Equations 8 and 9.
[0179] In operation S2345, the controller 2105 may determine
whether or not an HMG has occurred based on the result of the
classification operation performed in operation S2340. According to
at least some example embodiments, for a time t, the controller
2015 determines that HMG has occurred when classifier output .eta.
is greater than 0 and determines that HMG has not occurred (i.e.,
no movement occurred or movement other than HMG occurred) when
classifier output .eta. is less than or equal to 0, as is shown
below in Table 3.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Model Output Classification .eta. > 0 HMG
.eta. .ltoreq. 0 Other
[0180] Thus, in operation S2345, the controller 2105 may determine
whether or not a HMG occurred with respect to a time t based on a
result of Equations 8 or Equation 9. Further, in operation S2345
the controller 2015 may output a state decision based on the
determination of whether or not an HMG occurred.
[0181] For example, the controller 2105 may control an operation
mode of the heater engine 2215 to change between a plurality of
states, in response to detecting an HMG. For example, the
controller 2105 may implement a preheating operation as is
described in greater detail below.
[0182] According to at least one example embodiment, an operation
mode of the heater engine 2215 may have one of three states: OFF,
PREHEAT and ON. According to at least some example embodiments, the
OFF state is a state in which a relatively low amount of power or,
alternatively, no power is supplied to the heater engine 2215 by
the e-vapor device; the PREHEAT state is a state in which an amount
of power supplied to the heater engine 2215 by the e-vapor device
is higher than the amount of power supplied in the OFF state; and
the ON state is a state in which an amount of power supplied to the
heater engine 2215 by the e-vapor device is higher than the amount
of power supplied in the PREHEAT state. According to at least one
example embodiment, in operation S2345, the controller 2105 may
perform a preheating operation by controlling the heater engine
2215 to transition from the OFF state to the PREHEAT state in
response to detecting an HMG by outputting, as the state decision,
the PREHEAT state, for example, when the controller 2105 detects
the HMG while a current state of the heater engine is OFF.
According to at least one example embodiment, the controller 2105
may control the heater engine 2215 to transition from the PREHEAT
state to the ON state in response to detecting vaping (e.g., in
response to detecting vapor drawing) while a current state of the
heater engine is PREHEAT or OFF. According to at least some example
embodiments, the amount of power supplied by the e-vapor device to
the heater engine 2215 in the PREHEAT state is an amount that
causes a temperature of the heater engine 2215 to be below a
boiling point of a pre-vapor formulation material held in the a
pre-vapor formulation compartment of the e-vapor device, and the
amount of power supplied by the e-vapor device to the heater engine
2215 in the ON state is an amount that causes a temperature of the
heater engine 2215 to be at or above the boiling point of the
pre-vapor formulation material held in the a pre-vapor formulation
compartment of the e-vapor device. The boiling point of the
pre-vapor formulation material is a temperature of the heater
engine 2215 at which the pre-vapor formulation material changes to
a vapor.
[0183] Some period of time exists between a point when power is
first supplied to a heater of an e-vapor device and a point when
the heater has reached a temperature sufficient for the production
of vapor. In at least some e-vapor devices, power is supplied to a
heater of the e-vapor device only after vapor drawing is detected.
Consequently, in such e-vapor device, there may be a substantial
vapor latency. The term "vapor latency" refers a period of time
between a point in time when an initial vapor drawing instance
occurs and a point in time when an e-vapor device produces
vapor.
[0184] According to at least some embodiments, the above-referenced
vapor latency may be reduced or, alternatively, eliminated. For
example, according to at least some example embodiments, the
above-referenced vapor latency may be eliminated by being reduced
to the point where the vapor latency is imperceptible or,
alternatively, unnoticed. For example, the HMG is a gesture that
may be expected to occur a relatively short time before vaping
begins (i.e., before an initial vapor drawing instance occurs).
Thus, according to at least some example embodiments, as a result
of the above-referenced preheating operation in which power is
supplied by the e-vapor device to the heater engine 2215 in
response to detecting an HMG (i.e., before the initial vapor
drawing instance occurs), the heater engine 2215 may achieve a
temperature sufficient to generate vapor at or, alternatively, near
the time when the initial vapor drawing instance occurs.
[0185] For example, when the controller 2105 controls the heater
engine 2215 to transition from the PREHEAT state to the ON state in
response to the detection of vapor drawing, an amount of time
necessary to raise a temperature of the heater engine 2215 to the
boiling point of the pre-vapor formulation material held in the a
pre-vapor formulation compartment of the e-vapor device may be
relatively small because a temperature of the heater engine 2215
will have already been raised as a result of the preheating
operation that took place when the when the controller 2105
controlled the heater engine 2215 to transition to the PREHEAT
state. Thus, when the heater engine 2215 transitions from the
PREHEAT state to the ON state in response to the detection of a
vapor drawing instance, the vapor latency may be effectively
eliminated as a result of being reduced to an imperceptible or,
alternatively, unnoticed level. Consequently, the preheating
operation, according to at least some example embodiments, which
occurs without the need for an adult vaper to activate any switches
or buttons, may have a significant impact on the sensory experience
of an adult vaper by reducing or, alternatively, eliminating the
above-referenced vapor latency exhibited in some e-vapor device
that lack such a preheating operation.
[0186] While a number of example embodiments have been disclosed
herein, it should be understood that other variations may be
possible. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure
from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such
modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are
intended to be included within the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *