System, Method, and Apparatus for Reducing Nicotine Consumption

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Countless studies relate smoking to many illnesses including lung cancer, heart attack, and stroke. It is hard to find an individual that will doubt any of these findings, yet it is estimated that there are over 30 million smokers in the United States alone and over 16 million Americans that have a smoking-related disease. According to the World Health Organization, smoking is the world's leading preventable cause of death. More than 1.1 billion people smoke worldwide.

The tobacco industry makes billions of dollars each year selling tobacco, nicotine containing liquids, and many tobacco-related products. At the same time, there is a whole secondary industry targeted at helping users of tobacco reduce their intake of nicotine or quit altogether. This industry markets self-help guides, nicotine patches, nicotine gum, etc.

Nonetheless, more people start smoking every year, often to fit in with their peer group or because they grow up in a smoking household. These youths often start before they can appreciate the real dangers of smoking or they believe they will be able to quit before any damage is done. In short, these people underestimate the addictiveness of using nicotine-based products.

Unfortunately, once started, it is very difficult to stop smoking. Nicotine is the main byproduct of cigarettes and vaping devices. Nicotine is an addictive substance as once in your brain, the nicotine triggers the release of dopamine that makes the smoker feel good. When a smoker quits, the lack of dopamine causes a state of dysphoria, making the ex-smoker feel anxious or depressed.

Some studies show that it is just as hard to quit smoking as breaking a cocaine or heroin habit.

In more recent years, there has been a transition from traditional cigarettes (including pipes and cigars) to e-cigarettes (vaping). These e-cigarettes are marketed as a healthier alternative since there is no actual burning of tobacco and, therefore, the smoke or mist produced by the e-cigarettes doesn't contain as many toxic chemicals. Still, e-cigarettes deliver nicotine to the user's lungs and the emissions from e-cigarettes contain other potentially dangerous chemicals such as formaldehyde. It is also believed that e-cigarettes will deliver less second-hand smoke to those around the user.

Recently, smokers are finding it more difficult to smoke anywhere except in their vehicles and homes. Local or state ordinances are being passed to prohibit smoking in restaurants, bars, public buildings, even on beaches. Many hospitals used to have dedicated smoking areas, but now they are smoke-free zones, not allowing smoking in parking lots, sidewalks, or anywhere near the hospital.

Even with full knowledge of the risks of smoking, difficulty finding places to smoke, and, in some circles, the lessening of social acceptance, smokers of cigarettes and e-cigarettes find it very difficult or impossible to quit on their own. This situation has risen to a number of aids to quitting such as nicotine gum, nicotine patches, medications to help quitting, etc. The idea is that the brain will receive the nicotine needed to continue releasing dopamine from the supplement as the smoker stops using the cigarette. Furthermore, support groups (similar to Alcoholics Anonymous-AA or Narcotics Anonymous-NA) and quit lines have been implemented to help the smoker quit. Therefore, the smoker might need a supplemental supply of nicotine as well as tools to help make behavioral changes. For example, many smokers get into specific contextual habits such as using a cigarette when talking on the phone or when in a bar.

Further, other psychosocial methods of cessation have been introduced, including hypnotism.

Still, many smokers have limited success in ceasing smoking or vaping, even when they have the desire to do wo.

What is needed to help users reduce nicotine consumption including a system that will monitor vaping and provide insights and cessation help.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The system for monitoring vaping includes a vape monitoring device that attaches to an existing vaping device. The vape monitoring device detects when a hit is taken from the existing vaping device and transmits a packet of hit data regarding the hit (e.g., time of hit and duration) to a local device such as a smartphone. Upon receiving the packet of hit data, in some embodiments, the local device appends a location. The packet of hit data (hit data) with or without the location is transmitted from the local device to a server. Software running on the server analyzes the hit data and if the software determines that an action should be taken, the software communicates with the local device to affect the action. Sample actions include displaying an inspirational message, making a suggestion, invoking a challenge, etc.

In one embodiment, a system for monitoring vaping is disclosed including a vape monitoring device. The vape monitoring device has logic (or a processor), a hit detector, and a wireless transmitter. The vape monitoring device is configured to connect to an existing vaping device such that as a hit is drawn from a mouthpiece of the existing vaping device, air flows through the vape monitoring device through a channel. The hit detector is in fluid communications with the channel such that, when the hit is drawn, the air flowing through the channel is detected by the hit detector and the logic (or processor) causes the transmitter to transmit hit data. The hit data includes the time of the hit and a duration of the hit. The system for monitoring vaping includes a device that has a processor, a non-transitory memory, a transceiver, a way to communicate with a server (e.g., by cellular data or Wi-Fi), a way to determine a location of the device (e.g., GPS), and software running on the processor from the non-transitory memory. Responsive to the device receiving the hit data, the device reading the location and the device sends the hit data with location data to the server. Server software runs on a server processor of the server. Upon receiving the hit data with location data, the server software processes the hit data with location data to determine when an action is required and when an action is required, the server software sends a transaction to the device, the transaction indicating the action. Responsive to receiving the transaction at the device, the software running on the processor performs an action such as displaying an inspirational message, making a suggestion, invoking a challenge, etc.

In another embodiment, a system for monitoring vaping is disclosed including a vape monitoring device that has an enclosure. Within the enclosure is logic with memory, a hit detector, and a wireless transmitter. The enclosure configured to connect to an existing vaping device (e.g., seal to one end of the existing vaping device) such that as a hit is drawn from a mouthpiece of the existing vaping device, air flows through the vape monitoring device through an internal cavity of the enclosure, the hit detector is in fluid communications with the internal cavity such that, when a hit is drawn, the air flowing through the internal cavity is detected by the hit detector and the logic records a hit record in the memory. The system includes a way to transmit the hit record to a user device (e.g., smartphone) using the wireless transmitter where the hit record is processed.

In another embodiment, a method of monitoring vaping is disclosed including determining when a hit is taken from a vape device and recording details of the hit (e.g., recording when the hit was taken, where the hit was taken, and/or a duration of the hit in a hit record) and transmitting the details of the hit to a device such as a smartphone where details of the hit are stored. After receiving multiple of the details (e.g., multiple hit records) at the device, statistics are generated from the multiple of the details and/or reported.

In another embodiment, a vape monitoring device is disclosed including an enclosure that is configured to connect to an existing vaping device. In such, when a hit is drawn from a mouthpiece of the existing vaping device, air flows into an internal cavity of the enclosure from an intake port of the enclosure and into an air intake orifice of the existing vaping device. The vape monitoring device includes logic located within the enclosure. The logic includes memory, a hit detector, and a wireless transmitter. The hit detector is in fluid communications with the internal cavity such that, when a hit is drawn from a mouthpiece of the existing vaping device, air is drawn into the air intake orifice of the existing vaping device from the internal cavity, reducing air pressure within the internal cavity, the hit is detected by the hit detector and the logic records a hit record in the memory. There is a power source within or attached to the vape monitoring device (e.g., a battery or capacitor) for powering the logic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a data connection diagram of the system for monitoring vaping.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a typical cell phone used in the system for monitoring vaping.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of a typical computer system such as a server as used in the system for monitoring vaping.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of a vape monitoring device of the system for monitoring vaping.

FIG. 5 illustrates a user interface for setup of the system for monitoring vaping.

FIG. 6 illustrates a user interface for daily status and feedback of the system for monitoring vaping.

FIGS. 7 and 7A illustrate an embodiment of an exemplary enclosure of the vape monitoring device of the system for monitoring vaping.

FIGS. 8 and 8A illustrate a second embodiment of an exemplary enclosure of the vape monitoring device of the system for monitoring vaping.

FIG. 9 illustrates a second schematic view of a vape monitoring device of the system for monitoring vaping.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary learning implementation of the vape monitoring system.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary cessation implementation of the vape monitoring system.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary learning flowchart of the vape monitoring system.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary cessation flowchart of the vape monitoring system.

FIG. 14 illustrates another user interface for providing competition between friends of the user of the system for monitoring vaping.

FIG. 15 illustrates another user interface for providing inspiration to the user of the system for monitoring vaping.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

In general, the system for monitoring vaping provides capabilities to measure usage of an existing vaping device by interfacing with the existing vaping device and storing/forwarding vaping data/activities to a local device such as a smartphone, then to a server where the data/activities are analyzed and fed back to the user to improve chances of the user reducing their intake of nicotine or, ultimately, quitting.

Referring to FIG. 1 illustrates a data connection diagram of the system for monitoring vaping. In this example, a vape monitoring device 300 is affixed to an existing vaping device 100. As will be shown, the vape monitoring device 300 collects hit data 315 when the existing vaping device 100 is used to vape, called taking a hit. The hit data 315 includes the time and duration of each hit or the start time and end time of each hit.

Whenever a connection (either wireless or wired) is made between the vape monitoring device 300 and the smartphone 108 of the user, the hit data 315 regarding one or more hits is transferred from the vape monitoring device 300 to a local device, shown here as a smartphone 108. Note that the system for monitoring vaping utilizes a local device for feedback and reporting, so it is anticipated that the local device is a smartphone 108 or other similar user device such as a tablet, notebook computer, desktop computer, smartwatch, etc. There is no restriction on the local device, only that the local device be in communication with the vape monitoring device 300, at least occasionally. For the remainder of this document, the local device will be shown as a smartphone 108.

In some embodiments, the vape monitoring device 300 periodically connects to the smartphone 108 (or other device) of the user and uploads the hit data 315 regarding one or more hits to the smartphone 108. It is fully anticipated that the vape monitoring device 300 has storage such as persistent memory 674 (see FIG. 4) for storing the hit data 315 during times that the vape monitoring device 300 is unable to connect to the smartphone 108 (or other local device), such that when eventually the vape monitoring device 300 is able to connect to the smartphone 108, the hit data 315 that was stored is uploaded to the smartphone 108 (or other local device).

In embodiments using the smartphone 108, the smartphone communicates with a server computer 102 (dedicated server or cloud-based server) by way of any network topology, either known or future. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the smartphone 108 communicates through the cellular network 103 and/or through a data network 107 (e.g., the Internet) to the server computer 102.

In embodiments in which the vape monitoring device 300 connects to the smartphone 108 by way of a wireless connection, it is assumed that the vape monitoring device 300 is local to the smartphone 108. Therefore, when the smart phone 108 receives the hit data 315 that includes either the time and duration of each hit or the start time and end time of each hit, software running on the smartphone 108 reads the Global Positioning Subsystem 91 (see FIG. 2) or any positioning system and the software appends the location of the smartphone 108 to the hit data 315 before transferring the hit data 315 to the server computer 102 in embodiments having a server computer 102. It is anticipated that the location is used by the server computer 102 to determine where the user is when the user takes each hit. For example, if the server computer 102 has information regarding the home location and work location of the user and several records of hit data 315 indicate hits taken while moving between the user's home location and work location, then the server computer 102 derives that the hits were taken during the commute to/from work.

In embodiments having a server computer 102, the server computer 102 has access to persistent memory 574 for storing various data, including hit data 315 as received from the smartphone 108 of the user. Although one path between the smartphone 108 and the server computer 102 is through the cellular network 103 and the data network 107 as shown, any known data path is anticipated. For example, the Wi-Fi transceiver 96 (see FIG. 2) of the smartphone 108 is used to communicate directly with the data network 107, which includes the Internet, and, consequently, with the server computer 102.

The server computer 102 transacts with the smartphone 108 through the network(s) 103/107 to present user interfaces on the display 86 (see FIG. 2) of the smartphone 108, to exchange hit data 315 that is received from the vape monitoring device 300, and to communicate information such as status and cessation tips.

The server computer 102 transacts with an application running on the smartphone 108 and/or with standardized applications (e.g., browsers) running on the smartphone 108.

Note that although a single vape monitoring device 300 and a single smartphone 108 are shown in the drawings, there is no limitation as to the number of vape monitoring devices 300 and smartphones 108 (or other local devices). Further, as a user is capable of having several existing vaping devices 100, it is also anticipated that two or more vape monitoring devices 300 be configured to communicate with the smartphone 108 of the user. Likewise, although the server computer 102 is shown as a single computer, it is fully anticipated that multiple computers operate in cooperation to provide the server functionality.

Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic view of a smartphone 108 is shown. The example smartphone 108 represents a typical phone device used for accessing user interfaces (e.g., see FIGS. 5 and 6) of the system for monitoring vaping. This exemplary smartphone 108 is shown in a typical form. Different architectures are known that accomplish similar results in a similar fashion and the present invention is not limited in any way to any particular smartphone 108 system architecture or implementation. In this exemplary smartphone 108, a processor 70 executes or runs programs in a random-access memory 75. The programs are generally stored within a persistent memory 74 and loaded into the random-access memory 75 when needed. Also accessible by the processor 70 is a SIM card 88 (subscriber information module) having a subscriber identification. The processor 70 is any processor, typically a processor designed for phones. The persistent memory 74, random access memory 75, and SIM card are connected to the processor, for example, by a memory bus 72. The random-access memory 75 is any memory suitable for connection and operation with the selected processor 70, such as SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, RDRAM, DDR, DDR-2, etc. The persistent memory 74 is any type, configuration, capacity of memory suitable for persistently storing data, for example, flash memory, read only memory, battery-backed memory, etc. In some smartphones 108, the persistent memory 74 is removable, in the form of a memory card of appropriate format such as SD (secure digital) cards, micro-SD cards, etc.

Also connected to the processor 70 is a system bus 82 for connecting to peripheral subsystems such as a cellular network interface 80, a graphics adapter 84 and a touch screen interface 92. The graphics adapter 84 receives commands from the processor 70 and controls what is depicted on a display image on the display 86. The touch screen interface 92 provides navigation and selection features.

In general, some portions of the persistent memory 74 and/or the SIM card 88 is used to store programs, executable code, phone numbers, contacts, and data, etc. In some embodiments, other data is stored in the persistent memory 74 such as audio files, video files, text messages, etc.

The peripherals are examples and other devices are known in the industry such as Global Positioning Subsystem 91, speakers, microphones, USB interfaces, Bluetooth transceiver 94, Wi-Fi transceiver 96, camera 93, microphone 95, image sensors, etc., the details of which are not shown for brevity and clarity reasons.

The cellular network interface 80 connects the smartphone 108 to the cellular network 103 through any cellular band and cellular protocol such as GSM, TDMA, LTE, etc., through a wireless medium 78. There is no limitation on the type of cellular connection used. The cellular network interface 80 provides voice call, data, and messaging services to the smartphone 108 through the cellular network.

For local communications, many smartphones 108 include a Bluetooth transceiver 94, a Wi-Fi transceiver 96, or both. Such features of the smartphone 108 provides data communications between the smartphone 108, the vape monitoring device 300, and the server computer 102.

Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic view of a typical computer (e.g., server computer 102) is shown. The example computer system represents a typical computer system used for back-end processing, generating reports, displaying data, etc. This server computer 102 is shown in its simplest form as different architectures are known that accomplish similar results in a similar or different fashion and the present invention is not limited in any way to any particular computer system architecture or implementation. In some embodiments, the server computer 102 is part of an array of server computers, in some embodiments, a cloud computing resource.

In this exemplary computer system, a processor 570 executes or runs programs in a random-access memory 575. The programs are generally stored within a persistent memory 574 and loaded into the random-access memory 575 when needed. The processor 570 is any processor, typically a processor designed for computer systems with any number of core processing elements, etc. The random-access memory 575 is connected to the processor by, for example, a memory bus 572. The random-access memory 575 is any memory suitable for connection and operation with the selected processor 570, such as SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, RDRAM, DDR, DDR-2, etc. The persistent memory 574 is any type, configuration, capacity of memory suitable for persistently storing data, for example, magnetic storage, flash memory, read only memory, battery-backed memory, magnetic memory, etc. The persistent memory 574 is typically interfaced to the processor 570 through a system bus 582, or any other interface as known in the industry.

Also shown connected to the processor 570 through the system bus 582 is a network interface 580 (e.g., for connecting to a data network 107), an optional graphics adapter 584 and a keyboard interface 592 (e.g., Universal Serial Bus-USB). The graphics adapter 584 receives commands from the processor 570 and controls what is depicted on a display image on the display 586. The keyboard interface 592 provides navigation, data entry, and selection features.

In general, some portion of the persistent memory 574 is used to store programs, executable code, hit data 315 from the vape monitoring devices 300, and other data, etc.

The peripherals are examples and other devices are known in the industry such as speakers, microphones, USB interfaces, Bluetooth transceivers, Wi-Fi transceivers, image sensors, temperature measuring devices, etc., the details of which are not shown for brevity and clarity reasons.

Referring to FIG. 4, a schematic view of a vape monitoring circuit 301 is shown. Although it is known to implement similar functionality using logic or gate arrays, the example shown in FIG. 4 uses a processor 670 to execute or run programs in a random-access memory 675. Either implementation is fully anticipated and included here within.

The programs are generally stored within a persistent memory 674 and loaded into the random-access memory 675 when needed, though in some embodiments, the programs run from the persistent memory 674. The processor 670 is any processor, typically a processor designed for embedded systems. The random-access memory 675 is connected to the processor as is known in the industry. In some embodiments, the random-access memory 675 is integrated or fabricated into/with the processor 670. The random-access memory 675 is any memory suitable for connection and operation with the selected processor 670, such as SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, RDRAM, DDR, DDR-2, etc. The persistent memory 674 is any type, configuration, capacity of memory suitable for persistently storing data, for example, flash memory, read only memory, battery-backed memory, etc. The persistent memory 674 is typically interfaced to the processor 670 through a system bus 682, or any other interface as known in the industry and in some embodiments, the persistent memory 674 is included in the processor 670.

Also shown connected to the processor 670 through the system bus 682 is a wireless transceiver 676 (e.g., for connecting to a smartphone 108 or other local device—in some embodiment a transmitter only).

In some embodiments, a time function circuit 680 is either connected to the system bus 682 or integrated into the processor 670. The time function circuit 680 provides the processor with a time-of-day value for appending to hit records.

A hit detector 690 detects when a user is using the existing vaping device 100 to draw in air (and vape). In some embodiments, the hit detector 690 determines when the hit starts and when the hit stops. As such, the processor records the start time of the hit (using the time function circuit 680) and the stop time of the hit (also using the time function circuit 680). Therefore, each time the user takes a hit on the existing vaping device 100, the processor records, in the persistent memory, a hit data record that includes the start time of the hit and either a duration of the hit (e.g., 7 seconds) or the end time of the hit. Note that in some embodiments, when the processor 670 is connected to the smartphone 108 through the wireless transceiver 676, the hit data record is immediately transmitted to the smartphone 108 through the wireless transceiver 676. In some embodiments, when the processor 670 lacks a connection to the smartphone 108, one or more hit data records are recorded in the persistent memory and then transmitted to the smartphone 108 through the wireless transceiver 676 (or transmitter) when a connection becomes available.

In some embodiments, the wireless transceiver 676 is a wireless transceiver using any transmission protocol and frequency band, for example Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It is also anticipated that in some embodiments, the wireless transceiver 676 is a wireless transceiver using a proprietary protocol. In some embodiments, the wireless transceiver 676 is wired and data is stored in the persistent memory and then transferred from the vape monitoring device 300 to the smartphone 108 when the wired connection is made, for example, when charging the vape monitoring device 300.

In some embodiments, the vape monitoring circuit 301 further includes a positioning circuit such as a global positioning circuit 679 (e.g., GPS receiver) that reports the location of the vape monitoring circuit 301 to the processor 670. In such embodiments, as there will be times when the vape monitoring circuit 301 caches hit records, the location of the vape monitoring circuit 301 when each hit was taken is appended to each hit record.

In general, some portion of the persistent memory 574 is used to store programs, executable code, and vape monitoring data, etc.

As shown in FIG. 4, there is a hit detector 690 that is interfaced to the processor, for example, through the system bus 682. The hit detector 690 is a sensor that detects when a user is taking a hit (e.g., inhaling nicotine) from the existing vaping device 100. The vape monitoring device 300 is interfaced to the existing vaping device 100 such that any flow of air through orifices in the existing vaping device 100 also flows through the housing of the vape monitoring device 300. For example, if the existing vaping device 100 has a mouthpiece at one end and a vent orifice at the other, inhaling from the mouthpiece draws external air into the orifice. In such, the vape monitoring device 300 is attached to the existing vaping device 100 such that air flowing into the orifice must come from the housing of the vape monitoring device 300. Therefore, the hit detector 690 is in fluid communications with the flow of air that goes into the orifice of the existing vaping device 100 to monitor when the user is taking a hit from the existing vaping device 100. For example, one anticipated hit detector is a pressure sensor. When the vape monitoring circuit 301 is initialized, a base pressure reading is made from the pressure sensor. When the user takes a hit from the existing vaping device 100, air is pulled into the existing vaping device 100 through the orifice that is located within the vape monitoring device 300. During the hit, the pressure within the vape monitoring device 300, as measured by the pressure sensor (hit detector 690), drops below the base pressure reading. Of course, it is anticipated that such pressure drops or changes will occur due to travel (e.g., when in a train that enters/exits a tunnel) or weather (e.g., when a front comes in), but such pressure deviations are ignored as the duration of such pressure deviations is often much sorter or longer than the typical hit taken by the user. Any hit detector is anticipated, including, but not limited to a pressure switch, a pressure sensor, a turbine or fan that turns during inhalation (e.g., coupled to an optical interrupter, magnetic detector, or other means to detect rotation), etc.

Another example of a hit detector 690 is a diaphragm interfaced to either a force sensor or a switch (e.g., a magnet interfaced to the diaphragm and a reed switch or similar). The diaphragm has external air pressure on one side and air pressure internal to the vape monitoring device 300 on an opposing side. As air is pulled in from the orifice during a hit, air pressure inside the vape monitoring device 300 drops, while air pressure outside of the vape monitoring device 300 remains relatively constant.

Another example of a hit detector 690 is a turbine or fan blade positioned such that the flow of air from outside of the vape monitoring device 300 and into the orifice of the existing vaping device 100 flows through the turbine or fan blade, causing the turbine or fan blade to rotate while the user takes the hit. Any know means of detecting when the turbine or fan blade rotates is anticipated, including, but not limited to, breaking a light beam that is aimed at a light sensor, detecting eddy currents caused by the turbine or fan blades passing a coil of wire, detecting magnetic changes from a tiny magnet on the turbine or fan blade, etc.

There is no limitation placed upon the hit detector 690 as the art has many ways to detect air flow or pressure drops, all of which are included here within. For example, there are MEMS flow sensors that detect 0-1 LPM. Some air flow sensors use a micro-heating element and several temperature transduces located near the micro-heating element. In absence of air flow, heat from the heating element evenly heats the temperature transduces, but when air flows, one or more temperature transduces are cooled by the air flow and detected by the hit detector 690. Another air flow sensor is a deflection plate or similar that moves when air flows and movement of the deflection plate is measured by light detectors, eddy detectors, magnet detectors, cameras, etc. Many newer types of flow detectors are invented every day, for example, for use in an instant-on hot water heater, and any such device is included here within as the hit detector 690.

As will be discussed, software running on the processor 670 monitors the hit detector 690, When a hit is discovered, the software reads the time function circuit 680 and records the start time of the hit. When that hit abates, the software records the end time of the hit. The software then creates the hit data 315 for this hit. Note that the hit data includes a time stamp (either start or end time) of the hit and either a duration of the hit (e.g., 7 seconds) or both the start time and end time of the hit. The software then stores the hit data 315 in the persistent memory 674 and/or transmits the hit data 315 by way of the wireless transceiver 676 (or transmitter) if the software is able to connect to the smartphone 108.

Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary smartphone user interface 400 of the system for monitoring vaping is shown. Although many user interfaces are anticipated, one example user interface is a text input interface that is used to gather data from a user when they first start using the system for monitoring vaping.

Demographic information 401 is gathered from the user, for example, the name of the user, age, years smoking, and any other data that is useful in helping the user reduce nicotine input and, hopefully, quitting vaping altogether.

Intention information 402 is gathered from the user, for example, how bad the user desires to quit, how fast the user desires to quit, how much vaping product does the user consume per time period (e.g., per day, per week), etc.

Once the user finishes entering the information, the user invokes the “Done” function 406 and the information is saved and/or forwarded to the server computer 102 for remote storage.

Note that it is fully anticipated that the user interface 400 also gathers other information such as addresses of users in a group (e.g., to help generate competition between users), etc.

Referring to FIG. 6, a second exemplary smartphone user interface 410 of the system for monitoring vaping is shown. Although many user interfaces are anticipated, one example user interface is a display interface that is used to provide the user of the system for monitoring vaping with information and encouragement.

For identification, the name of the user 411 is displayed.

In some embodiments, statistics of vaping 412 are displayed to show the user how many minutes of vaping were performed in prior day(s) and currently (only two days are shown for brevity and clarity reasons).

In some embodiments, an inspirational message 413 is displayed. In this example, the system for monitoring vaping has determined that the user is approaching a time when they often vape, for example, the user is driving to work or entering a bar. This inspirational message 413 is somewhat of a challenge to the user, asking the user to not vape for 10 minutes and, if they can go the 10 minutes without vaping, the user will be awarded three points. Note that in some embodiments, the system for monitoring vaping uses a reward system to encourage reduction of vaping such as a points system, as per FIG. 6. As the user accumulates points, the points are redeemable for various items such as gift cards, products, etc.

The user has a directive to exit 416 the user interface 410.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 7A, 8, and 8A, embodiments of exemplary enclosures 360/370 of the vape monitoring device 300 of the system for monitoring vaping is shown. Although in FIGS. 7 and 8, two exemplary physical embodiments of the vape monitoring device 300 are shown, there is no limit to the shape, size, or way the physical vape monitoring device 360 attaches to the existing vape devices 100A/100B/100C. Not that FIGS. 7A and 8A are cutaway views showing the respective existing vape devices 100A/100B/100C installed into the respective enclosures 360/370 that contain the vape monitoring device 300 circuitry.

The physical enclosures 360/370 attach to a variety of known existing vaping devices 100A/100B/100C and the existing vaping devices 100A/100B/100C that are shown are meant to be examples of such and are not exhaustive. As manufacturers of existing vape devices 100A/100B/100C are free to create variations in the size and shape of the existing vape devices 100A/100B/100C, in some embodiments, the physical enclosures 360/370 are made from a resilient material such as silicone. In such, a receiving channel 362/372 of the physical enclosures 360/370 will stretch over a portion of the existing vape devices 100A/100B/100C and not only retain the existing vape devices 100A/100B/100C, but provide a seal against a surface of the existing vape devices 100A/100B/100C, reducing air noise and leakage.

As the existing vape devices 100A/100B/100C have air intake orifices 112A/112B/112C, the physical enclosures 360/370 cover the air intake orifices 112A/112B/112C. When a user inhales through the mouthpiece 110A/110B/110C of the existing vape devices 100A/100B/100C, air will flow into the physical enclosures 360/370 through the intake ports 364, through an internal cavity within the physical enclosures 360/370 and into the air intake orifices 112A/112B/112C of the existing vape devices 100A/100B/100C. The hit detector 690 is interfaced to the internal cavity such that, as the user inhales through the mouthpiece 110A/110B/110C, air flow is detected by the hit detector 690 to register that a hit is being taken. In some embodiments, the size of the intake port 364 is adjusted to a size that will produce a certain pressure drop within the internal cavity during inhalation.

As an example, using FIG. 8A, when the hit detector 690 is a pressure sensor, as the user of the existing vape device 100C draws through the mouthpiece 110C, air is pulled in through the air intake orifice 112C creating a drop in pressure within the internal cavity of the physical enclosure 370 that is measured by the hit detector 690 as this hit detector 690 is a pressure sensor. Eventually, air flows into the internal cavity through the intake port 364 and the pressure within the internal cavity returns to the previous pressure until another hit is taken. The vape monitoring circuit 301 monitors these pressure changes and recognizes the pressure drop to record a hit in a hit record.

In some embodiments, the hit record is transmitted to the user device (e.g., smartphone 108) in real time (e.g., when the hit is taken). In such, after receiving the hit record, in some embodiments, the user device (or software running on the user device) appends the time of day and/or location of the hit to the hit record and then stores the hit record for future processing and/or reporting. In some embodiments in which there is no connection or sporadic connection between the vape monitoring device and the user device (e.g., smartphone), the hit record is recorded in a memory of the user device and when a connection is made between the vape monitoring device and the user device, multiple hit records are transmitted from the vape monitoring device to the user device. In such and in some embodiments, the vape monitoring device has a clock and/or positioning service and the monitoring device appends the time of day and/or location of the hit to the hit record.

Referring to FIG. 9, a second schematic view of a vape monitoring circuit 301 of the system for monitoring vaping. The programs are generally stored within a persistent memory 674 which is shown as flash memory in this example. The processor 670 is any processor, typically a processor designed for embedded systems and often having embedded random-access memory 675.

A 8 is shown integrated into the processor 670. The time function circuit 680 provides the processor with a time-of-day value.

An optional identification 302 is shown integrated into the processor 670, though in some embodiments, it is equally anticipated that when the optional identification 302 is present, the optional identification 302 is external to the processor 670, for example, programmed into the persistent memory 674 (e.g., flash) or in a separate device (not shown). In embodiments having the optional identification 302, it is anticipated that the vape monitoring circuit 301 includes an identification value read from the optional identification 302 in the hit data 315 to further identify the origin of the hit data.

In this embodiment, the hit detector 690 is interfaced to the processor 670, for example, through an input port. Note that there are many ways known to interface the hit detector 690 to the processor 670, all of which are included here within.

In this embodiment, power is provided to the processor 670 and wireless wireless transceiver 676 by a power storage device 320 which is any known or future power storage device such as a battery, a battery pack, one or more capacitors, and one or more super capacitors. The power storage device 320 is charged from a charge/data circuit 322 that obtains power from a connector 324 that receives power from an external source such as a USB charging brick. Note that in some embodiments, the connector 324 is a wireless charging interface as known in the industry.

In this embodiment, the wireless transceiver 676 is a wireless transceiver or radio that uses any transmission protocol and frequency band, for example Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or a proprietary protocol and has an antenna 676A. In some embodiments, the functionality of the wireless transceiver 676 is replaced or supplemented by a wired data connection and data is stored in the persistent memory 674 and then transferred from the vape monitoring circuit 301 to the smartphone 108 (or other device such as a personal computer, tablet, etc.) when the wired connection is made, for example, when charging the vape monitoring device 300. In such, the data is transferred through the charge/data circuit 322 and connector 324 to the smartphone 108 or other device.

Referring to FIG. 10, an exemplary learning implementation of the vape monitoring system that uses a mathematical process 810 (e.g., a neural network) represented by a simplified multilayer feed-forward neural network is shown. Although the algorithms of the vape monitoring system are anticipated to be implemented using finite state machines, heuristics, or any programing paradigm, in the embodiment shown, artificial intelligence is utilized to learn the user's habits and generate inspirations, suggestions, distractions, etc., when the software determines it is the correct time. In some embodiments, there is a learning process as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12. In the learning process, the vape monitoring device 300 transmits hit data 315 to the smartphone 108. The smartphone 108 appends location data and transmits the hit data with location data 315A to the server computer 102. When the hit data with location data 315A is received at the server computer 102, the hit data with location data 315A is processed, optionally including external data 804 and user data 802 and the knowledge base 800 is updated accordingly. An example of the external data 804 is weather data, traffic data, and sunrise/sunset times. In some embodiments, the external data 804 is received from data sources that are local to the location data in the hit data with location data 315A. For example, if the location data indicates that the user is driving on a specific highway, then the external data source is queried for external data 804 pertaining to traffic congestion on that specific highway to capture data that is indicative of the user's stress level when the user takes the hit.

In some embodiments, the knowledge base 800 is taught independently of any given user (e.g., generic) while in some embodiments, the knowledge base 800 is specific to each user.

Referring to FIG. 11, an exemplary cessation implementation of the vape monitoring system that uses a mathematical process represented by a simplified multilayer feed-forward neural network, hereafter referred to as the mathematical process 810 (e.g., a neural network), is shown. Although the algorithms of the vape monitoring system are anticipated to be implemented using finite state machines, heuristics, or any programing paradigm, in the embodiment shown, artificial intelligence is utilized to learn the user's habits and generate inspirations, suggestions, distractions, etc., when the software determines it is the correct time. In some embodiments, there is a cessation process as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13. In the cessation process, the vape monitoring device 300 transmits hit data 315 to the smartphone 108. The smartphone 108 appends location data and transmits the hit data with location data 315A to the server computer 102. When the hit data with location data 315A is received at the server computer 102, the hit data with location data 315A is processed by the mathematical process 810 (e.g., a neural network), optionally including external data 804 and user data 802 and the knowledge base 800 is updated accordingly. An example of the external data 804 is weather data, traffic data, and sunrise/sunset times. In some embodiments, the external data 804 is received from data sources that are local to the location data in the hit data with location data 315A. For example, if the location data indicates that the user is driving on a specific highway, then the external data source is queried for external data 804 pertaining to traffic congestion on that specific highway to capture data that is indicative of the user's stress level when the user takes the hit. The user data 802 includes parameters set by the user such as how aggressively they want to cease vaping, the strength of their vaping liquid, etc.

Each hit data with location data 315A is analyzed by the mathematical process 810 (e.g., a neural network) based upon the time, duration, and/or location of the hit and the knowledge base 800 is updated accordingly. The mathematical process 810 (e.g., a neural network) determines what steps to take to help the user cease or reduce vaping and when to initiate those steps. In one embodiment, the steps include communicating an action 317 to the smartphone 108 of the user. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the steps that are available based upon the analysis include an inspiration (e.g., a message, a melody, a display color change), a distraction (e.g., a message, a request to answer a question, request that the user play a game), a suggestion (e.g., a message suggesting that the user perform an alternate task such as drink water), a challenge (e.g., provide the user an incentive for not vaping for a specific time interval), or receiving of points (e.g., receiving a number of points for not vaping for the specific time interval).

In some embodiments, the smartphone 108 periodically transmits user update data 315B to the server computer 102. The user update data includes, for example, the time and location of the user and user responses to queries such as “how are you feeling” or “are you under stress.” These periodic transmissions provide information of the user's locations and status independent of whether the user is actively vaping. As such, the learning system is configurable to learn more about what the user is doing and how they feel when the user is not vaping. Further, in absence of a vaping activity, the vape monitoring system, having location information and/or user status information, the mathematical process 810 (e.g., a neural network) is configured to determine what steps to take to help the user based upon the user location information and/or user status information. For example, if the knowledge base 800 has data indicative that when the user gets to work, the user stands outside the building for two minutes and vapes, when the user gets to work as determined by the user location, the server will send an action 317 to the smartphone 108 of the user. As an example, the action 317 is a suggestion to the user that they should go right to their office or a challenge to the user that if they forgo vaping for 4 minutes, they will receive an incentive such as 4 points.

Although any incentive is anticipated, points are shown as an example. As the user accumulated points, the user is able to redeem the points for various goods or services or the user is able to compete with other users that have jointly challenged each other. In such, when each of these cooperating users are added to the vape monitoring system, the cooperating users are added as friends and, as friends, the cooperating users share information about each other such as points earned, achievement of goals, achievement of milestones, cross-user needs (e.g., a suggestion that user1 call user2 to encourage them), etc.

Further, it is anticipated that when joining the vape monitoring system, there are options to buy the vape monitoring device 300 and use the software for free (e.g., with or without advertising) or to subscribe to the vape monitoring system in which a vape monitoring device is provided (for free or at a cost) and the user pays monthly for the vape monitoring service. In the subscription model, in some embodiments, points are redeemable for reduction in monthly fees.

Referring to FIG. 12, an exemplary learning flowchart of the vape monitoring system. After initialization 900, user data is read 902 to determine parameters about the user such as how aggressively the user wishes to reduce or quit vaping, current vaping rates and vaping fluid strength, etc. Now a loop starts. Each time through the loop, the server receiving 904 hit data with location data 315A, optionally retrieving 906 external data 804, and updating 908 the knowledge base 800. For example, during learning, the vaping patterns of the user are captured and, when used, mapped to external influences as retrieved 906 from the external data 804 and the knowledge base 800 is updated accordingly. As a concrete example, hit data with location data 315A for 5 hits are received on one day between 5:00 PM and 5:05 PM and location is outside; the external data indicating that it is sunny where the user is; no hit data 315 is received on another day between 5:00 PM and 5:05 PM and location is outside; the external data indicating that it is raining where the user is. In this, the knowledge base makes an inference that the user does not like to vape when it is raining.

The loop repeats until it is determined that sufficient learning has occurred 910.

Referring to FIG. 13, an exemplary cessation flowchart of the vape monitoring system. Note that even though the knowledge base 800 is used in this process to determine when and what actions need to be taken, it is also fully assumed that the knowledge base 800 be updated as further vaping patterns of the user are monitored or as existing vaping patterns of the user change with feedback. After initialization 950, user data is read 952 to determine parameters about the user such as how aggressively the user wishes to reduce or quit vaping, current vaping rates and vaping fluid strength, etc. Now a loop starts. Each time through the loop, the server receives 954 hit data with location data 315A, optionally retrieving 956 external data 804, and processing 958 the hit data with location data 315A and optionally the external data 804 to determine what, if any, action needs to be taken. If an action 960 needs to be taken, the action is taken 962 such as sending an inspiration (e.g., a message, a melody, a display color change), sending a distraction (e.g., a message, a request to answer a question, request that the user play a game), sending a suggestion (e.g., a message suggesting that the user perform an alternate task such as drink water), sending a challenge (e.g., provide the user an incentive for not vaping for a specific time interval), or sending points (e.g., for an accomplishment). For example, if the processing 958 determines that the user has a pattern at the current time, location, or activity (e.g., the user typically vapes before entering their parent's home), one action is to challenge the user to not vape for five minutes to earn 5 points. Then, the vaping monitoring system counts for the five minutes and if not hit data 315 is received in the five minutes, the vape monitoring system awards the user 5 points and sends a transaction to the smartphone 108 congratulating the user and informing the user that they earned 5 points.

Referring to FIG. 14, another exemplary smartphone user interface 420 of the system for monitoring vaping is shown. Although many user interfaces are anticipated, one example user interface is a display interface that is used to provide incentive to the user of the system for monitoring vaping with information and encouragement by way of competition between friends.

For identification, the name of the user 411 is displayed.

In some embodiments, statistics of vaping 412 are displayed to show the user how many minutes of vaping were performed in prior day(s) and currently.

In some embodiments in which the system for monitoring vaping uses a reward system to encourage reduction of vaping such as a points system, the user accumulates points (or other tokens) which are reported 421 in this exemplary smartphone user interface 420. In this embodiment, the user has indicated three other users are friends and, in such, there is a display of friend's activities 422 so that the user can compare the user's points with the points accumulated by friends in a sort of competition.

As above, the user has a directive to exit 416 the user interface 420.

FIG. 15 illustrates another user interface 430 for providing inspiration to the user of the system for monitoring vaping. When the system for monitoring vaping determines that the user may be stressed or in a situation where they may vape excessively, often an inspirational message 431 is displayed, for example as a message within an application or a pop-up message.

As above, the user has a directive to exit 416 the user interface 430.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.

It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.

System, Method, and Apparatus for Reducing Nicotine Consumption

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