FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating inhaler having a sensor for monitoring the heart rate of a user during use.

BACKGROUND

Inhalers such as electronic cigarettes or vaping devices are becoming increasingly popular. They are used to deliver a flavor or a stimulant to a user in the form of aerosol without combustion. Users of such inhalers may wish to control the amount of flavor or stimulant released based on their preferences or other factors.

The vaping devices available in the market are often standardized and may not cater to the needs of an individual.

Therefore, there exists a need for a device that can adapt to its user and control the delivery of aerosol in a safe and reliable manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating inhaler comprising a body having an air flow path defined between an air inlet and an air outlet of the body, wherein the air outlet allows generated aerosol to exit; a sensor disposed on the body of the inhaler, wherein the sensor is configured to measure a heart rate of a user of the inhaler; and a controller configured to control the release of aerosol based on the measured heart rate.

Advantageously, the inhaler is adaptable to a user and delivers the aerosol based on the heart rate of the user, which indicates the user’s physical state and fitness level at any given time.

Preferably, the sensor is an optical sensor that uses light to penetrate the user’s skin to measure the heart rate. Advantageously, the heart rate can be conveniently measured using the process of photoplethysmography.

Preferably, the sensor is integrated in an activation switch of the inhaler such that the user’s skin comes in contact with the sensor when the user interacts with the activation switch to activate the inhaler.

Advantageously, heart rate of the user can be measured as soon as the user starts using the device.

Preferably, the sensor is disposed at a side surface of the inhaler such that the user’s skin comes in contact with the sensor when the user holds the inhaler during use. Advantageously, heart rate of the user can be measured continuously while the device is in use.

Preferably, the inhaler further comprises an accelerometer to detect movements of the user when using the inhaler so as to determine the impact of the movements on the measured heart rate. Advantageously, movements of the user can be tracked which may impact the heart rate readings.

Preferably, the controller is configured to modify the heart rate measured by the sensor based on the movements detected by the accelerometer.

Advantageously, the measured heart rate readings can be corrected based on the movement data from the accelerometer.

Preferably, the controller is configured to determine a baseline heart rate for the user using heart rate measurements from the sensor over a predetermined period of time.

Advantageously, an optimal level of heart rate for the user can be determined for comparison with the measured or modified heart rate. Preferably, the controller is configured to increase or decrease an amount of substance in the aerosol when the measured heart rate is respectively lower or higher than the baseline heart rate.

Advantageously, the quantity of aerosol delivered to the user can be regulated based on the comparison of the measured or modified heart rate and the baseline heart rate.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol-generating inhaler comprising activating the inhaler to release aerosol from the inhaler; measuring a heart rate of a user with a sensor disposed on the body of the inhaler; and controlling the release of aerosol based on the measured heart rate. Preferably, the method further comprises inhibiting the release of aerosol when the measured heart rate is over a predefined threshold, greater than the baseline.

Advantageously, the user is restricted from overindulging in aerosol intake over a safe limit for his or her well-being.

Preferably, the method further comprises increasing or decreasing an amount of substance in the aerosol based on the number of puffs taken by the user in a predetermined period of time.

Advantageously, the user may be delivered the right amount of substance based on the puff data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1A shows an inhaler with a heart rate sensor according to one aspect of the invention;

Fig. 1B shows an inhaler with a heart rate sensor according to another aspect of the invention; Fig. 2 is a block diagram of various components in the inhaler of Figs 1 A and 1 B;

Fig. 3 is a flow diagram of the operation of the inhaler of Figs. 1 A and 1 B; Fig. 4 is a graph showing a default baseline heart rate plotted against an updated baseline heart rate at different time periods; and

Fig. 5 is a graph showing the heart rate of a user measured by the inhaler of Figs. 1A and 1 B at different time periods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Next, various aspects of the invention will be described. Note that the same or similar portions are denoted with the same or similar reference signs in the descriptions of the drawings below. Note that, the drawings are schematic and a ratio of each size is different from a real one. Therefore, specific sizes and the like should be judged in consideration of the following descriptions. Needless to say, portions of which relationship and ratios of mutual sizes are different between the mutual drawings are included.

Fig. 1A shows a non-combustion-type flavor inhaler 100, which is an instrument for inhaling a flavor without combustion. The inhaler 100 has a rod-like shape with a main body 101 extending from a non-mouthpiece end 102 to a mouthpiece end 103. An air channel or path is defined in the main body 100 between the opposite ends 102, 103. The inhaler 100 in the present example is an electronic cigarette or a vaping device. The inhaler 100 works by vaporizing or heating an aerosol source contained inside the inhaler 100 to release a flavor or a stimulant for a user to inhale through the mouthpiece end

103. The construction and operation of such an inhaler is well-known in the art and will be understood by a skilled person.

The inhaler 100 also includes an activation switch 104 that may be configured to perform at least one of a turn-on and a turn-off of a power source of the inhaler 100. The activation switch 104 may be a push button or a touch button disposed at any convenient location on the surface of the main body 101 of the inhaler 101.

People nowadays like to monitor their activity level, body stats, sleep quality, etc. for various reasons. There are several devices or gadgets available in the market that could do that. However, such devices are either wearable devices which may be considered as too intrusive by some users or other non-wearable devices that may not be convenient to use or carry around.

Heart rate monitoring is the one of most common functions that such devices perform. Users often rely on heart rate readings obtained from these devices for determining their level of fitness and to adjust their diet or exercise regime accordingly. However, these readings are susceptible to errors due to factors such as user movements during use and therefore may not always be reliable. For the users of e-cigarettes or similar devices, it may also be desirable to control the intake of aerosol based on their real-time body stats such as heart rate.

According to one aspect of the invention, a heart rate sensor 204 is integrated in the switch 104 such that when the user touches or presses the switch 104 to turn on the inhaler 100, the sensor 204 measures the heart rate of the user by skin contact as described in detail later.

Fig. 1 B shows an inhaler 200 similar to the inhaler 100 shown in Fig. 1A, with only one difference. That is, in the inhaler 200, the heart rate sensor 204 is not disposed on the activation switch 104 but on a side surface 105 of the main body. The sensor 204 may be provided in the form of a strip or a tag and be placed at a location such that when the user holds the inhaler 200 during use, his or her skin comes in contact with the sensor 204 allowing it to determine the user’s heart rate.

It is to be understood that the inhaler 100, 200 may be of any suitable shape and size and could have different functioning mechanisms. Also, the activation switch 104 may be disposed at either side or bottom of the inhaler. Preferably, the heart rate sensor 204 is disposed such that it comes in contact with the user’s skin during normal use, without requiring the user to specifically locate the sensor and make contact with it.

Fig. 2 shows various components of the inhaler 100, 200. The inhaler 100, 200 comprises an aerosol source 201 and a vaporizer 202 that vaporizes the aerosol source 201 to release aerosol containing the flavor and/or stimulant for the user to inhale. In the present example, the aerosol source 201 is a substance containing nicotine. The aerosol source 201 may be in the form of solid or liquid and is heated by the vaporizer (including a heat source) to release the aerosol without combustion. The vaporizer 202 may be powered by a power source 203. The power source 203 is, for example, a lithium ion battery. The power source 203 supplies an electric power necessary for an action of the inhaler 100, 200. For example, the power source 203 supplies the electric power to all other components or modules included in the inhaler 100, 200.

The aerosol source 201 may include an additional flavor source (not shown) provided on the side of the mouthpiece end 103 beyond a holder holding the aerosol source 201 , and generates a flavor to be inhaled by the user together with the aerosol generated from the aerosol source 201. Examples of the flavor source that can be used include shredded tobacco, a formed body including a tobacco raw material formed granular, a formed body including the tobacco raw material formed to have a sheet in shape. The flavor source may include a plant, such as mint or a herb, except tobacco. A flavor, such as menthol, may be added to the flavor source.

The inhaler 100, 200 further includes the heart rate sensor 204. Preferably, the heart rate sensor 204 is an optical sensor that measures heart rate using photoplethysmography (PPG), which is a process of using light to measure blood flow. The inhaler 100, 200 has a light-emitting element 205 which preferably comprises a plurality of small LEDs that shine green light onto the skin of the user when the inhaler 100, 200 is held. However, it may be possible to use red or infrared light for this purpose. When the light is scattered by flowing blood, the heart rate sensor 204, which maybe a photodiode detects the intensity of the light scattered back. This information is then processed to produce understandable pulse or heart rate readings.

The inhaler 100, 200 also includes a controller 206 that is configured to control various modules or components in the inhaler. The controller 206 also processes the data captured by the heart rate sensor 204 as explained above.

The inhaler 100, 200 further includes an accelerometer 207. The accelerometer 207 is configured to measure the movements of the user when using the inhaler. As optical heart rate monitoring described above is very sensitive to motion, movement can interfere with the LED light's route to the sensor. To minimize distortions caused by movement, it is preferred that the user is at rest to get accurate readings. Therefore, movements detected by the accelerometer 207 can be used to modify the readings taken by the heart rate sensor 204. For example, the controller 206 processes the readings from the heart rate sensor 204 and the accelerometer 207 using an algorithm to determine the heart rate of the user more accurately.

The inhaler 100, 200 also includes a puff detector 208. In one example, the puff detector 208 is connected to a pressure sensor (not shown) that detects air pressure caused by the inhaling action of the user. The puff detector 208 detects a puff state based on a detection result of the sensor (for example, negative pressure in the inhaler 100, 200). Accordingly, the puff detector 208 can determine the number of times of puff actions of inhaling the aerosol. The puff detector 208 can also detect a time period required for one puff action of inhaling the aerosol.

The inhaler 100, 200 may include a memory 209 and other modules 210 such as a visual light emitting element, a display, and a sound emitter. The visual light-emitting element such as an LED may be disposed at the tip of the non-mouthpiece end 102. Such an LED may exhibit a first light-emitting mode in a puff state where the aerosol has been being inhaled and a second light-emitting mode different from the first light-emitting mode, in a non-puff state where the aerosol has not been inhaled. Here, the light- emitting mode is defined by a combination of parameters, such as the amount of light of the light-emitting element, the number of light-emitting elements in a lighting state, a color of the light-emitting element, and a cycle in which lighting of the light-emitting element and non-lighting of the light-emitting element repeat. The different light-emitting mode means that at least any one of the above parameters is different.

Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram 300 of operation of the inhaler 100, 200. It is to be noted that the steps shown in the flow diagram 300 may or may not be performed in the same order. The steps in the dotted boxes are optional and although preferable, they are not necessary for the working of the invention.

At step 301 , the device is activated. In the present example, the inhaler 100, 200 is powered on when the user presses the activation switch 104. A predetermined operation of the switch 104, such as continuously pressing over the predetermined number of times, turns the power source 203 of the inhaler 100, 200 on. When the operation of the switch 104 turns the power source 203 on, the power source 203 supplies the electric power to the vaporizer 202, heart rate sensor 204, controller 206 and other components in the inhaler 100, 200.

At step 302, the heart rate of a user is measured. In the present example, the heart rate sensor 204 measures the heart rate of the user when the user presses the activation switch 104 in the inhaler 100 and/or holds the inhaler 200 from the side. As explained above, the sensor 204 measures the user’s heart rate using the light-emitting element 205.

At step 303, optionally, movements of the user are detected. In the present example, the accelerometer 207 detects any movements of the user during the heart rate monitoring and measures the amount of movement detected. The accelerometer 207 may record zero movement if the user is at rest. Alternatively, the accelerometer 207 may only be activated when there is any user movement.

At step 304, optionally, the number of puffs inhaled by the user per unit of time is determined. In the present invention, the puff detector 208 detects the number of puffs inhaled by the user as explained above. Taking one minute as a unit of time for instance, it is determined how many times the user inhales the aerosol in one minute. The puff detector 208 may also measure the time or length of each puff. Frequency and length of puffs could also be taken into account for determining the stress level of the user. By continually monitoring the user’s vaping pattern, a baseline for puff frequency and length can be determined. Deviations from the baseline could help to determine the emotional state. For example, longer and more frequent puffs may indicate a more stressed state.

At step 305, optionally, the measured heart rate of the user is modified at least based on the detected movements. In the present example, the controller 206 processes the measured heart rate obtained from the heart rate sensor 204 and the movement data obtained from the accelerometer 207 to compute a modified heart rate of the user. The accelerometer 207 may capture three-axis motion data of the user which is indicative of user movements in all three dimensions. The controller 206 is preferably configured to input the captured motion data to a compensation algorithm to cancel out the effect of user movements from the heart rate measured by the heart rate sensor 204. Techniques for compensating user movements to obtain more accurate heart rate are well-known in art. At step 306, a baseline heart rate of the user is obtained. In the present example, the controller 206 calculates a baseline heart rate for the user based on the readings obtained from the heart rate sensor 204 and the accelerometer 207 over time. The baseline heart rate maybe the user’s optimal heart rate when the user is in normal state. The baseline heart rate may be set to a default value such as 72 bpm (beats per minute) at the start. This may then be modified over time when sufficient user data is available. This is described further with reference to Fig. 5. It is to be understood that the baseline heart rate may be stored in the memory 209 of the device and simply fetched by the controller 206 in step 306. At step 307, it is determined if the user heart rate is more than the baseline heart rate. In the present invention, the controller 206 compares the measured heart rate (or the modified heart rate obtained in step 305) with the baseline heart rate obtained in step 306. In comparing, the controller 206 determines if the measured or the modified heart rate exceeds the baseline heart rate. If it does, then the controller 206 proceeds to step 308 or else proceeds to step 309.

At step 308, an amount of substance in the aerosol supplied to the user is decreased. In the present example, upon determining that the user heart rate is exceeding the baseline, the controller 206 decreases the amount of substance, such as nicotine, contained in the aerosol released from the aerosol source 201. This may be done in a number of ways. In one example, the amount of aerosol released from the source 201 may be decreased, thereby reducing the amount of substance to be delivered to the user. In another example, a multi-tank vaping device may be used which includes two or more liquid reservoirs each containing a liquid with different concentration of substance. By switching supply to the reservoir containing a lower concentration liquid, it is possible to reduce the substance intake while maintaining the same aerosol amount. In yet another example, substance delivery can be reduced by controlling the heating operation (e.g., by controlling the energy supplied to a heater) in heat-not-burn and vapor-based devices, or controlling a pressurized liquid source in vapor-based devices.

When the amount of aerosol inhaled by the user is decreased, it is anticipated that the heart rate of the user is more likely to decrease and reach the baseline value. A small margin of error may be introduced to baseline value. For example, if the baseline value is 72 bpm, then the heart rate in the range of 70-74 bpm may be considered as within the baseline limit.

At step 309, an amount of substance in the aerosol supplied to the user is either maintained or increased. In the present example, upon determining that the user heart rate is below the baseline, the controller 206 increases the amount of substance in the aerosol released from the aerosol source 201 . This may be done in a number of ways, as described above.

When the amount of aerosol inhaled by the user is increased, it is anticipated that the heart rate of the user is more likely to increase and reach the baseline value. It is to be understood that regular operation of the device is maintained under normal circumstances so as to avoid any impact on the heart rate of the user. Therefore, the user can enjoy vaping without any concerns related to heart rate abnormality.

Fig. 4 shows a graph 400 of a default baseline heart rate versus an updated baseline heart rate according to an aspect of the invention. In the graph 400, X-axis has time periods at which the heart rate is measured and Y-axis has heart rate values (in bpm). As the heart rate of the user may naturally fluctuate throughout the day, the controller 206 learns from the heart rate sensor 204 over time to update the baseline heart rate of the user. In this example, the default heart rate of the user is set to 72 bpm. However, as shown in the graph 400, the heart rate of the user may be lower than 72 bpm in the morning and the night, and higher than 72 bpm during the daytime. The controller 206 may observe the heart rate pattern of the user for a few days before updating the baseline heart rate. By updating the baseline heart rate in this way, it is possible to monitor the heart rate and control the substance intake more effectively.

Fig. 5 shows a graph 500 of user heart rate data at different time periods. In the graph 500, X-axis has time periods at which the heart rate is measured and Y-axis has heart rate values (in bpm). The heart rate sensor 204 measures the heart rate of the user and the controller 206 records it at each time period. As shown, in the first period, the user’s heart rate is measured to be 80 bpm and at the fourth time period it is 65 bpm. Next, based on the data received from the accelerometer 204, the controller 206 generates modified heart rate readings. For example, the measured reading in the first period is corrected to 75 bpm and in the fourth period to 60 bpm. As can be seen, the baseline heart rate is set at the default value of 72 bpm at all time periods. However, as explained above, the baseline value is preferably updated as the controller 206 learns the user heart rate pattern overtime. As explained above, the controller 206 compares the modified heart rate with the baseline heart rate and regulates the release of aerosol. For example, in the third period the modified heart rate is 80 bpm which is greater than the baseline value of 72 bpm, therefore the controller 206 preferably decreases the amount of substance in the aerosol until the user’s heart rate is at the baseline or within the baseline limit as described above.

According to another aspect of the invention, it may be possible to prohibit the user from vaping if his or her heart rate is over a certain defined limit. For example, by pressing the activation button 104 before actually releasing the aerosol for vaping, the sensor 204 could measure the user’s heart rate, and if the measured heart rate exceeds the baseline by a predetermined threshold (defining a safe zone to vape), the controller 206 may automatically disable the inhaler 100 to prohibit vaping. In addition, before initiating vaping, the measured heart rate of the user may be mapped to a substance (such as nicotine) level based on a relationship table previously stored in the memory 209 of the inhaler 100 and updated based on the user’s vaping habits. Lower heart rate can stand a higher nicotine level whilst higher heart rate is restricted to a lower nicotine level. In this way, it is ensured that the user is provided the right amount of nicotine in the aerosol to start with based on his measured heart rate.

Moreover, as during a vaping session, the sensor 204 and the controller 206 continuously monitors the user’s heart rate, it is possible to customize the substance delivery based on other factors. For example, if the measured heart rate of the user is higher than the baseline but below a dangerous threshold (e.g., the high heart rate can be caused by stress or physical exercise which may not be not harmful to the user’s heart), the user may be allowed to vape with a lower level of nicotine for a relatively short predetermined time period. The controller 206 keeps on monitoring the heart rate, and if the heart rate slows down, it keeps the device working, otherwise disables the device or inhibits the aerosol delivery. In addition, as explained above, the data from the accelerometer 207 and the puff detector 208 can be used to adjust the allowable nicotine delivery. For example, determining high stress from the puff detector 208 may indicate a higher desire of nicotine by the user, and in that case, detection of high heart rate should preferably not prohibit vaping but increase the allowable nicotine delivery level. On the other hand, if the user is not stressed but the detected heart rate is higher than normal, vaping should preferably be prohibited or the nicotine delivery level should be decreased.

Using the invention described above, it is possible to monitor the heart rate of the user without employing any additional device or requiring the user to perform any additional step. Moreover, by controlling the delivery of aerosol based on the measured heart rate it is possible to keep the user’s heart rate at a baseline or optimal level at most times. This allows the user to enjoy vaping without having to consciously monitor the intake of aerosol.

In the above-described invention, the heart rate readings may be presented to the user though a small display on the inhaler. In addition, it may be possible to alert the user of high or low heart rate by flashing a different-colored LED or by emitting an alert sound. In addition, or alternatively, it is possible to connect the inhaler to a user’s personal device such as a mobile phone which may run an application (such as iOS/Android App) to display current heart rate reading, heart rate trend, stress level, movement data, puff data, amount of aerosol intake, etc. in a user-friendly format to the user of the inhaler.

The foregoing description of illustrative embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and of description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting with respect to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosed embodiments.