Method of controlling a vaping device and vaping device for carrying out the method

Abstract

The method of controlling a vaping device including a power source, a reservoir for a liquid, an atomizer for vaporizing the liquid into an aerosol, an aspiration sensor, and a control unit, has the following steps: (a) testing to detect activation of the vaping device, and proceeding to step (b) when the vaping device is activated; (b) testing to detect the presence of aspiration of a puff, and proceeding to step (c) as soon as aspiration of a puff has been detected; (c) monitoring a first control event during each puff, and returning to step (b) if the first control event has not occurred, or continuing to step (d) if it has occurred; and (d) placing the vaping device on standby as soon as the first control event has occurred. An aerosol can be generated for an aspiration when the device is activated, but not when it is on standby.

Claims

1. Method of controlling an inhalation device of a vaping type adapted to generate an aerosol by vaporization of a liquid by an atomizer, wherein the method comprises: (a) testing to detect activation of the inhalation device, and proceeding to step (b) as soon as the activation of the inhalation device is detected, (b) testing to detect a presence of an aspiration of a puff, and proceeding to step (c) as soon as the aspiration of the puff is detected, (c) monitoring a first control event during each puff, and returning to step (b) if the first control event has not occurred, or continuing to step (d) if the first control event has occurred, (d) placing the inhalation device on standby, wherein an aerosol can be generated in an event of an aspiration when the device is activated, but not when the device is on standby, wherein step (c) comprises the following sub-steps performed at each passage of step (c); (c1) determining a generated volume of aerosol (Vfum(i)) during the present passage (i) of step (c), (c2) calculating a cumulative volume of aerosol (Vcum(i)) by adding, to the cumulative volume (Vcum(i1)) of the preceding passage of step (i1), the generated volume of aerosol (Vfum(i)) during the present passage of step (c), wherein the cumulative volume (Vcum(0)) at the time of activation of the inhalation device has the value 0, and (c3) comparing the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) to a predefined threshold volume (Vcig), the method then continuing at the beginning of step (b) if the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) is less than the threshold volume (Vcig), the method continuing at step (d) if the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) is greater than or equal to the threshold volume (Vcig).

2. Control method according to claim 1, wherein, in step (d), a signal is emitted when the inhalation device is placed on standby.

3. Control method according to claim 1, wherein, in step (b), after each test that has concluded to an absence of aspiration, a second control event, identical to or different from the first control event, is monitored, and the method continues directly at step (d) if the second control event has occurred.

4. Control method according to claim 1, wherein the inhalation device can be activated in step (a) only after a time interval, called blocking interval, has elapsed since the preceding placement on standby in step (d) or since the preceding activation in step (a), or since a predefined action was performed.

5. Control method according to claim 4, wherein, after expiry of the blocking interval, a signal is emitted at regular intervals, called reminder intervals, as long as the inhalation device has not been activated in step (a).

6. Control method according to claim 1, wherein step (b) comprises the following sub-steps performed at each passage of step (b) after each test of step (b) that has determined the absence of an aspiration: (b1) determining a fictitious volume of aerosol (Vcn(i)) corresponding to the present passage (i) of step (b), (b2) calculating the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) of the volumes of aerosol generated previously during aspirations and of the fictitious volumes previously generated between two successive aspirations by adding, to the cumulative volume (Vcum(i1)) of the preceding step passage (i1), the fictitious volume of aerosol (Vcn(i)) of the present passage (i) of step (b), wherein the cumulative volume (Vcum(0)) at the time of activation of the inhalation device has the value 0, (b3) comparing the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) to the predefined threshold volume (Vcig), the method continuing at the beginning of step (b) if the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) is less than the threshold volume, or the method continuing at step (d) if the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) is greater than or equal to the threshold volume (Vcig).

7. Control method according to claim 6, wherein the fictitious volume of aerosol (Vcn(i)) by the passage of step (b) during the pauses is constant (Vcn) and/or wherein the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) is calculated and compared to the threshold volume (Vcig) a plurality of times per aspiration and/or per pause between two successive aspirations.

8. Control method according to claim 1, wherein step (b) comprises the following sub-steps performed at each passage of step (b) after each test of step (b) that has determined an absence of an aspiration: (b1) determining a duration (t(i)) of the present passage (i) of step (b), (b2) calculating a cumulative duration (tcum.sub.b(i)) of all the passages of step (b) during which the method determines the absence of an aspiration by adding, to the cumulative duration (tcum.sub.b(i1)) of the preceding passage (i1) of step (b), the duration (t(i)) of the present passage of step (b), wherein the cumulative duration (tcum.sub.b(0)) at the time of activation of the inhalation device has the value 0, (b3) comparing the cumulative duration (tcum.sub.b(i)) to a predefined threshold control duration (tlim.sub.b), the method continuing at the beginning of step (b) if the cumulative duration (tcum.sub.b(i)) is less than the threshold duration (tlim.sub.b), or the method continuing at step (d) if the cumulative duration (tcum.sub.b(i)) is greater than or equal to the threshold duration (tlim.sub.b).

9. Control method according to claim 8, wherein the cumulative duration (tcum.sub.b(i)) is calculated and compared to the threshold duration (tlim.sub.b) a plurality of times per pause, and/or wherein, in step (b3), when the method proceeds to step (d), a signal is emitted.

10. Method according to claim 1, wherein step (b) comprises the following sub-steps performed at each passage of step (b) after each test of step (b) that has determined an absence of an aspiration: (b1) determining a duration (t(i)) of the present passage (i) of step (b), (b2) calculating a cumulative duration (tcum.sub.b(i)) of all the passages of step (b) during which the method determines the absence of an aspiration by adding, to the cumulative duration (tcum.sub.b(i1)) of the preceding passage (i1) of step (b), the duration (t(i)) of the present passage of step (b), wherein the cumulative duration (tcum.sub.b(0)) at the time of activation of the inhalation device has the value 0, (b3) comparing the cumulative duration (tcum.sub.b(i)) to a predefined threshold control duration (tlim.sub.b), the method continuing at the beginning of step (b) if the cumulative duration (tcum.sub.b(i)) is less than the threshold duration (tlim.sub.b), or the method continuing at step (d) if the cumulative duration (tcum.sub.b(i)) is greater than or equal to the threshold duration (tlim.sub.b), and wherein a first blocking time delay (Delay1) is provided after the placement on standby in step (d) when the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) is greater than or equal to the threshold volume (Vcig), and a second blocking time delay (Delay2) is provided after the placement on standby in step (d) after expiry of the threshold control duration (tlim.sub.b).

11. Control method according to claim 1, wherein in step (c1), an aspiration power (Pasp(i)) of the present passage (i) of step (c) is determined, and/or a temperature of the atomizer (Tres(i)) of the present passage (i) of step (c) is determined, the generated volume of aerosol (Vfum(i)) during the present passage (i) of step (c) is calculated based on the power of the aspiration (Pasp(i)) and/or of the temperature of the atomizer (Tres(i)).

12. Control method according to claim 1, wherein, at each passage (i) of step (c), a temperature of the atomizer (Tres(i)) is determined and compared to a threshold value (Tmax), wherein heating of the atomizer is limited if the temperature of the atomizer (Tres(i)) is greater than the threshold value (Tmax) and a volume of generated aerosol (Vfum(i)) during the present passage (i) of step (c) is calculated based on an aspiration power (Pasp (i)) and/or of the threshold temperature (Tmax).

13. Control method according to claim 1, wherein before a first activation of the inhalation device, a temperature of the atomizer (Tres) is set to an initial value (Tini); during each aspiration, at each passage (i) of step (c), an aspiration power (Pasp(i)) is determined, a voltage (Ubat(i)) at terminals of an electric power source is measured, the temperature of the atomizer (Tres(i)) is determined (i) as a function of the temperature of the atomizer (Tres(i1)) at a preceding step passage (i1) and (ii) as a function of the aspiration power (Pasp(i)) and of the voltage at the terminals of the power source (Ubat(i)); during each pause between two aspirations and during the standby period, at each passage (i) of step (a) or (b), the temperature of the atomizer (Tres(i)) is determined as a function of the temperature of the atomizer (Tres(i1)) at the preceding step passage (i1).

14. Control method according to claim 1, wherein the inhalation device is equipped with a light source, the method comprising lighting up the light source during each aspiration.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein a light intensity of the light source at each passage (i) of step (c) depends on an aspiration power (Pasp(i)) and/or the light source goes out gradually at an end of each aspiration and/or the light source is supplied with a signal whose pulse width is modulated (PWM).

16. Control method according to claim 1, wherein the activation of the inhalation device in step (a) is triggered by pressing a switch and/or automatically by taking the inhalation device out of a casing and/or at the first aspiration and/or after a heat source, has been approached to a detector present in the inhalation device.

17. Control method according to claim 1, wherein heating of the aerosol is controlled by a signal whose pulse width is modulated (PWM).

18. Control method according to claim 1, wherein the activation of the inhalation device in step (a) is triggered by taking the inhalation device out of a casing and a counter is provided which is incremented each time the inhalation device is put back into the casing after at least one aspiration has been detected.

19. Control method according to claim 1, wherein a counter is provided which is incremented each time the method passes in step (d).

20. Inhalation device comprising a source of electrical power, a reservoir for a liquid to be vaporized, an atomizer for vaporizing the liquid in order to generate an aerosol, an aspiration sensor and a control unit, wherein the reservoir and the atomizer can be combined into a single component, wherein the control unit is provided with means for implementing a method comprising: (a) testing to detect the activation of the inhalation device, and proceeding to step (b) as soon as the activation of the inhalation device is detected, (b) testing to detect a presence of an aspiration of a puff, and proceeding to step (c) as soon as the aspiration of the puff is detected, (c) monitoring a first control event during each puff, and returning to step (b) if the first control event has not occurred, or continuing to step (d) if the first control event has occurred, (d) placing the inhalation device on standby, wherein an aerosol can be generated in an event of an aspiration when the device is activated, but not when the device is on standby, wherein step (c) comprises the following sub-steps performed at each passage of step (c); (c1) determining a generated volume of aerosol (Vfum(i)) during the present passage (i) of step (c), (c2) calculating a cumulative volume of aerosol (Vcum(i)) by adding, to the cumulative volume (Vcum(i1)) of the preceding passage of step (i1), the generated volume of aerosol (Vfum(i)) during the present passage of step (c), wherein the cumulative volume (Vcum(0)) at the time of activation of the inhalation device has the value 0, and (c3) comparing the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) to a predefined threshold volume (Vcig), the method then continuing at the beginning of step (b) if the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) is less than the threshold volume (Vcig), or the method continuing at step (d) if the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) is greater than or equal to the threshold volume (Vcig).

21. Inhalation device according to claim 20, wherein the device is provided with a screen adapted to display statistical information about an amount of generated volumes of aerosol (Vfum) during a predefined unit of time or a number of times the method has passed in step (d) per a unit of time.

22. Inhalation device according to claim 20, wherein the device is provided with a casing in which it can be stored, a screen being provided on the inhalation device and/or on the casing.

23. Device according to claim 22, wherein the screen is adapted to display statistical information about an amount of generated volumes of aerosol (Vfum) during a predefined unit of time or a number of times the method has passed in step (d) per a unit of time.

24. Device according to claim 23, wherein is equipped with a counter which is incremented each time the method passes in step (d).

25. Method according to claim 10, wherein the duration of the second time delay (Delay2) is equal to a duration of the first time delay (Delay1) minus the threshold control duration (tlim.sub.b).

26. Method of controlling an inhalation device of the vaping type adapted to generate an aerosol by vaporization of a liquid by an atomizer, wherein the method comprises: (a) testing to detect activation of the inhalation device, and proceeding to step (b) as soon as the activation of the inhalation device is detected, (b) testing to detect a presence of an aspiration of a puff, and proceeding to step (c) as soon as the aspiration of the puff is detected, (c) monitoring a first control event during each puff, and returning to step (b) if the first control event has not occurred, or continuing to step (d) if the first control event has occurred, (d) placing the inhalation device on standby, wherein an aerosol can be generated in an event of an aspiration when the device is activated, but not when the device is on standby, wherein before a first activation of the inhalation device, a temperature of the atomizer (Tres) is set to an initial value (Tini); during each aspiration, at each passage (i) of step (c), an aspiration power (Pasp(i)) is determined, a voltage (Ubat(i)) at terminals of an electric power source is measured, the temperature of the atomizer (Tres(i)) is determined (i) as a function of the temperature of the atomizer (Tres(i1)) at a preceding step passage (i1) and (ii) as a function of the aspiration power (Pasp(i)) and of the voltage at the terminals of the power source (Ubat(i)); during each pause between two aspirations and during the standby period, at each passage (i) of step (a) or (b), the temperature of the atomizer (Tres(i)) is determined as a function of the temperature of the atomizer (Tres(i1)) at the preceding step passage (i1).

27. Inhalation device comprising a source of electrical power, a reservoir for a liquid to be vaporized, an atomizer for vaporizing the liquid in order to generate an aerosol, an aspiration sensor and a control unit, wherein the reservoir and the atomizer can be combined into a single component, wherein the control unit is provided with means for implementing a method comprising: (a) testing to detect activation of the inhalation device, and proceeding to step (b) as soon as the activation of the inhalation device is detected, (b) testing to detect a presence of an aspiration of a puff, and proceeding to step (c) as soon as the aspiration of the puff is detected, (c) monitoring a first control event during each puff, and returning to step (b) if the first control event has not occurred, or continuing to step (d) if the first control event has occurred, (d) placing the inhalation device on standby, wherein an aerosol can be generated in an event of an aspiration when the device is activated, but not when the device is on standby, wherein an aerosol can be generated in the event of an aspiration when the device is activated, but not when it is on standby, wherein before a first activation of the inhalation device, a temperature of the atomizer (Tres) is set to an initial value (Tini); during each aspiration, at each passage (i) of step (c), an aspiration power (Pasp(i)) is determined, a voltage (Ubat(i)) at terminals of an electric power source is measured, the temperature of the atomizer (Tres(i)) is determined (i) as a function of the temperature of the atomizer (Tres(i1)) at a preceding step passage (i1) and (ii) as a function of the aspiration power (Pasp(i)) and of the voltage at the terminals of the power source (Ubat(i)); during each pause between two aspirations and during the standby period, at each passage (i) of step (a) or (b), the temperature of the atomizer (Tres(i)) is determined as a function of the temperature of the atomizer (Tres(i1)) at the preceding step passage (i1).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) An embodiment of the method according to the invention is described below using the following figures:

(2) FIG. 1: schematic diagram of an e-cigarette;

(3) FIG. 2: basic flowchart of the control method according to the invention;

(4) FIG. 3: improved basic flowchart;

(5) FIG. 4: detailed flowchart for an activation by removal from a casing;

(6) FIG. 5: detailed flowchart for activation by a first aspiration;

(7) FIG. 6: detailed flowchart for administering a medicament with activation by a first aspiration; and

(8) FIG. 7: detailed flowchart for activation by another positive act (turning on the device using a flame, pressing a button, etc.).

MANNERS OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(9) The invention relates to an electronic inhalation device of the vaping type. A vaping device is understood as an aerosol generator serving as a substitute for a tobacco product, such as a cigarette, cigar, cigarillo, a pipe or a shisha. These vaping devices include in particular electronic cigarettes (or e-cigarettes), electronic cigarillos, electronic cigars, electronic pipes and electronic shishas. The method also applies to the administration of medicaments in the form of an aerosol generated by evaporation of a liquid. For simplicity, the inhalation device will be referred to as vaping device or e-cigarette, without this term being limitative.

(10) All these vaping devices (1) have essentially the same elements and differ from each other mainly in their outer shape. They include in particular: a source of electrical power (2), a reservoir for a liquid to be vaporized (commonly called e-liquid), an atomizer for vaporizing the liquid in order to generate an aerosol, an aspiration sensor (3) and a control unit (4) provided with a microprocessor and a clock.

(11) It is common that the reservoir and the atomizer are combined into a single component commonly called cartomizer or clearomizer (5). These elements serve to transform the liquid into an aerosol. For this purpose, they are equipped with a heat source, such as a heating resistance (51). This heat source is switched on during aspiration. The longer the aspiration lasts, the more the heat source heats up and the larger the generated volume of aerosol. Particularly in the case of devices serving as tobacco substitutes, the cartomizer is a removable part that is screwed into the body of the e-cigarette. Indeed, e-liquids are often flavored, so it is preferable, in order to avoid mixing them, to have one cartomizer per flavor, or even per nicotine concentration.

(12) Generally, the electrical power source is a rechargeable accumulator (2). But it can also be constituted by a battery, or even an external source, such as utility power. In order to show the vaper that the vaping device is warming up, the vaping device is often provided with a light source such as a LED (6), which lights up when the vaper draws a puff and the atomizer or cartomizer is supplied by the power source. This LED can be placed at the end opposite to the mouthpiece and simulate embers of tobacco in the process of smoldering.

(13) FIG. 1 shows, as an example, an electronic cigarette or e-cigarette, with its various components. The following description is based on the example of such an e-cigarette. However, the method could also be transposed to any other type of vaping device or more generally to any type of electronic inhalation device adapted to generate an aerosol by vaporization of a liquid.

(14) After being lighted by a flame, a traditional cigarette burns until tobacco exhaustion. The consummation occurs, either in an accelerated manner, when the smoker draws a puff, or more slowly, between two puffs. Thus, volumes of smoke due to the aspiration and volumes of smoke due to the slow consummation are produced. The volume of smoke due to aspiration depends on the duration and power of the aspiration. Furthermore, the more powerful the aspiration, the higher the temperature of the embers, and the greater the volume of smoke generated. The amount of remaining tobacco decreases accordingly. The slow consummation, meanwhile, is regular and depends only on the duration of the pause.

(15) The objective of the invention is to provide a method of controlling an e-cigarette which approximates this consummation process of a traditional cigarette. A decision is made on a first event to be monitored, and as soon as this first event has occurred, the microprocessor causes the e-cigarette to go into standby. The control of this first event can be performed during aspirations (FIG. 2).

(16) This basic method is thus characterized by the following steps:

(17) (a) testing to detect the activation of the inhalation device, and proceeding to step (b) as soon as the activation of the inhalation device is detected,

(18) (b) testing to detect the presence of the aspiration of a puff, and proceeding to step (c) as soon as the aspiration of a puff is detected,

(19) (c) monitoring a first control event during each puff, and returning to step (b) if the first control event has not occurred, or continuing to step (d) if the first event control has occurred,

(20) (d) placing the inhalation device on standby,

(21) wherein an aerosol can be generated in the event of an aspiration when the device is activated, but not when it is on standby.

(22) A decision can also be made on a second event to be controlled, identical to or different from the first event, and as soon as this second event has occurred, the microprocessor causes the e-cigarette to go into standby. The control of this second event can take place during pauses between two successive aspirations (FIG. 3). In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the first control of the basic method (monitoring of a first event in step (c)) is completed by a second control during the pauses between each puff. For this purpose, in step (b), after each test that has concluded to the absence of aspiration, that is to say, during each pause between two successive puffs or between activation and the first puff, a second control event, identical to or different from the first control event, is monitored, and the method continues directly to step (d) if the second control event has occurred.

(23) A first objective of the invention is that the e-cigarette goes into standby after the equivalent of the consummation of a traditional cigarette has been reached. It is thus provided to determine an event that reflects the total consummation of tobacco in a traditional cigarette. Here, the same event is controlled during the aspirations and during pauses.

(24) Another objective of the invention is to provide a method of controlling an electronic inhaler serving to administer precise doses of medicaments. A decision is made on an event to be controlled (administration of the fixed dose) and as soon as this dose is reached, the microprocessor causes the inhalation device to go into standby (FIG. 2). Here, the control of the amount administered is performed only during aspirations. However, automatic placement on standby can be provided after a pause that is too long or a duration of administration that is too long (FIG. 3). In this case, the first controlled event (dose to be administered) is different from the second controlled event (duration of the pause is too long).

(25) Depending on the intended applications, or on the desired complexity, various parameters can be taken into account by the method.

(26) A first variant intended for inhalation devices serving as tobacco substitutes can provide that the step (c) comprises the following substeps:

(27) (c1) determining the generated volume of aerosol (Vfum(i)) during the present step (c),

(28) (c2) calculating the cumulative volume of aerosol (Vcum(i)) by adding, to the cumulative volume (Vcum(i1)) during the preceding step (c), the generated volume of aerosol (Vfum(i)) during the present step (c), wherein the cumulative volume (Vcum(0)) at the time of activation of the inhalation device has the value 0, and

(29) (c3) comparing the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) to a predefined threshold volume (Vcig), the method then continuing at the beginning of step (b) if the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) is less than the threshold volume (Vcig), or the method continuing at step (d) if the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) is greater than or equal to the threshold volume (Vcig).

(30) This simple method takes into consideration only the aerosol volume actually generated.

(31) In a first, simple embodiment, the first event to be monitored in step (c) and the second event to be monitored in step (b) can be a predetermined duration of use. When the duration of use has been reached, the e-cigarette goes into standby. The duration of use can match the average time needed to smoke a traditional cigarette. Thus, a decision is made on a given number of units of time. When all these units of time have been used up, the e-cigarette goes into standby. In an alternative embodiment, it can be provided that an aspiration consumes more units of time than a pause.

(32) Other examples of such methods are disclosed in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 7. These more complex methods determine, not only the volume of aerosol generated during each aspiration, but also (i) the volume of aerosol fictitiously generated during each pause, (ii) the duration of the pause, and/or (iii) the time between two successive activations, or between the placement on standby and the next activation.

(33) Between two aspirations, an e-cigarette does not use e-liquid and does not generate any aerosol, whereas a traditional cigarette burns slowly, which reduces the amount of tobacco available for smoking. Similarly, in a variant embodiment, fictitious volumes of aerosol can be calculated in addition to the volumes of aerosol actually generated during aspirations. Throughout the method, the volumes of aerosol generated and the fictitious volumes are added, and then this cumulative volume is compared to a threshold volume corresponding to the total volume of smoke that a traditional cigarette is likely to provide. As soon as the accumulated volume reaches or exceeds this threshold volume, the e-cigarette is placed on standby.

(34) The method could calculate the generated volumes of aerosol and the fictitious volume at the end of each aspiration or of each pause, and then calculate the cumulative volume but compare it to the threshold value only at the end of each aspiration and of each pause. The drawback of this solution lies notably in the fact that, if the vaper forgot his e-cigarette, the e-cigarette is at the stage of a pause and will not go into standby, since it will not pass the test of the cumulative volume. So it is better to do the calculations and the tests continuously.

(35) For this purpose, the microprocessor is clocked by the clock. The number of clock cycles depends on the frequency of the clock. For a frequency of 25 Hz, there are 25 clock cycles per second. In other words, the clock gives a pulse every 1/25th of a second. The microprocessor will use one or more clock cycles to perform a calculation, carry out a test, or measure a physical quantity. Therefore, each cell of a flowchart will require a given number of clock cycles. The microprocessor thus requires a certain time (time period) to pass from a particular point to another particular point of the flowchart, and to go through a series of instructions corresponding to a certain step of the method. The duration of these time periods depends on each step. The method will constantly go through the flowchart, even when it is on standby awaiting activation. Thus, at each aspiration, the method will go X times through the succession of steps (b) Aspiration=yes and (c) calculation of the aspirated volume+calculation of the cumulative volume and return to the test to detect aspiration, then it will go X times through the test of step (b) Aspiration during a pause. For clarity reasons, the passage at each actual step is given the value (i) whether it is a step (a), (b) or (c), the preceding step (a), (b) or (c) being the step (i1). A step (a) can follow a step (a) or a step (d), a step (b) can follow a step (a), a step (b) or a step (c), and a step (c) can follow a step (b) or a step (c) or even a step (a) when steps (a) and (b) are combined. Therefore the step (i1) above or the step (i+1) following the current step (i) is not necessarily the same step. In the following, the general term step passage . . . will be used to discuss the passage in one of the steps.

(36) After activation of the e-cigarette, the processor will test the presence of an aspiration until it detects one.

(37) The fictitious volume (Vcn(i)) generated at each passage (i) in step (b) when the absence of an aspiration has been determined (thus, during a pause) is substantially constant. It is set at a reference value (Vcn). The volume of aerosol generated at each passage (i) in step (c) during an aspiration depends on the aspiration power (Pasp(i)) and on the temperature of the resistance (Tres(i)), both measured for this passage (i) of step (c). During pauses or in standby mode, the longer the pause lasts, the more the resistance cools down. Thus, at the beginning of aspiration, the resistance does not always have the same temperature, depending on whether it is a first aspiration (starting temperature=room temperature), an aspiration following a pause of average duration (low residual temperature), or an aspiration following the previous aspiration very closely (high residual temperature). Furthermore, the longer the duration of the aspiration, the more the resistance heats up. It is thus preferable to take into account the temperature of the resistance in the determination of the generated volume of aerosol. This temperature (Tres(i)) can be measured directly using a sensor or it can be estimated using other, more easily measurable parameters. For example, the temperature (Tres(i)) during aspiration can be estimated using the temperature estimated at the preceding step passage (i1) (Tpreres=Tres(i1)), to which is added a factor dependent on the aspiration power (Pasp(i)) and on the voltage at the terminals of the battery (Ubat(i)) during the present passage (i) of step (c). The temperature (Tres(i)) during a pause is estimated as a function of the temperature estimated at the preceding step passage (i1) (Tpreres=Tres(i1)) to which is subtracted a factor dependent on the temperature estimated at the preceding step passage (i1) (Tpreres=Tres(i1)). It is understood that the preceding step passage (i1) can be a passage of step (a), a passage of step (b) or a passage of step (c).

(38) For these calculations and estimations, tables or charts are prepared, which indicate, for each step passage (i), the estimated value as a function of the variable parameters selected. For example, for estimating the temperature of the resistance (Tres(i)) during aspiration, to the initial temperature (Tpreres=Tres(i1)) estimated at the preceding step passage (i) is added a temperature delta read in the table as a function of the voltage at the terminals of the battery and of the aspiration power (Pasp(i)). A new estimated temperature (Tres(i)) for the present step passage (i) is obtained, which in turn serves as the estimated initial temperature (Tpreres(i+1)=Tres(i)) for the next step passage (i+1). During a pause, from the initial temperature (Tpreres=Tres(i1)) estimated at the preceding step passage is subtracted a temperature delta read in a table as a function of the initial temperature (Tpreres=Tres(i1)). Thus, a new estimated temperature (Tres(i)) for this step passage (i) is obtained, which in turn serves as the initial temperature (Tpreres(i+1)=Tres (i)) for the next step passage (i+1). The initial temperature at the activation of the e-cigarette is set to a predetermined value (Tini). Starting there, the temperature remains at this value until the first aspiration. It then increases at each of the passages of step (c) by a variable delta read in the table of aspirations, until the end of the aspiration. After the end of the aspiration, the temperature of the end of aspiration is decreased at each of the passages of step (b) without aspiration by a variable delta read in the table of pauses, until the beginning of the next aspiration. The same happens during the standby mode until a threshold value is reached, for example, the initial temperature (Tini). This control during the standby mode allows, if a vaper reactivates the e-cigarette very soon after it went into standby, to take into account the residual temperature of the resistance which has not had time to cool completely. The control resumes at the residual temperature and not to at the original temperature, so that overheating can be avoided.

(39) The procedure to calculate the volumes of aerosol is similar. Upon activation of the e-cigarette, the generated volume of aerosol (Vfum(0)) and the cumulative volume (Vcum(0)) are set to zero. At each passage (i) of step (c) during the aspiration, the generated volume (Vfum(i)) is calculated on the basis of a value read in a table of generated volumes as a function of the aspiration power (Pasp(i)) and of the temperature of the resistance (Tres(i)). This generated volume (Vfum(i)) is added to the cumulative volume (Vcum(i1)) calculated during the preceding passage (i1) of step (b) or (c). For pauses, the fictitious volume (Vcn) is constant for each passage of step (b) that has determined the absence of an aspiration if the time periods required for the passage of these steps (b) have identical durations. The cumulated volume at the end of each passage of a step (b) without aspiration is thus increased by (Vcn).

(40) The temperature of the resistance can also be used to limit heating of the atomizer in order to prevent overheating of the e-liquid, which could lead to the generation of harmful products. Thus, among the controls during the aspirations, it can be provided to compare the temperature of the resistance (Tres(i)) to a threshold value (Tmax). If the temperature (Tres(i)) is greater than the threshold value (Tmax), then heating of the atomizer is limited so that this threshold temperature (Tmax) is not exceeded.

(41) In practice, heating of the resistance is performed by pulse width modulation (PWM) as a function of the aspiration power. The more powerful the aspiration, the larger the pulse width and the more the resistance will heat up. A frequency will be used that is much higher than for carrying out the method. For example, a frequency of 1,000 Hz can be chosen for the modulation.

(42) If the vaping device is equipped with a light source such as a LED, the LED lights up during each aspiration. It can also be provided that the stronger the aspiration, the higher the light intensity of the LED. For this purpose, the power supply to the LED can be done, like to the resistance, by PWM as a function of the aspiration power. Here also, the more powerful the aspiration, the larger the pulse width and the more the LED will light up. This function simulates the embers of a cigarette which are more or less luminous depending on the aspiration power. By choosing a modulation frequency of 1,000 Hz, it is ensured that the eye does not perceive the very rapid succession of lit stages and off stages. It can also be provided that the LED is not switched off directly at the end of aspiration, but goes out progressively.

(43) The vaping device can be activated in different ways. A switch can be provided. Also, it can be provided that the e-cigarette is activated only after it has been taken out of a casing designed for this purpose. This requires that the e-cigarette is stored again in its casing between two uses. For this purpose, it is expected that the e-cigarette communicates in full-duplex mode with the casing when it is inserted in it. The e-cigarette can, for example, receive data from the casing via the charging voltage, by amplitude modulation while the e-cigarette transmits its data to the casing, for example, by light pulses using the diode. In this case, the casing is provided with an optical sensor. It goes without saying that any other mode of communication may be considered, such as radio communication or communication by induction. When the e-cigarette is stored in the casing, it sends all its data to a memory located in the casing. A screen can be provided on the casing to show some data, such as the number of e-cigarettes vaped during the day, for example. Such a display can also be provided directly on the e-cigarette. The casing itself can communicate with a central unit, such as a smartphone or a computer, to allow further exploitation of the data. The screen makes it possible to display statistical data, such as, for example, the number of e-cigarettes smoked in the day, or the amount of medication or nicotine absorbed in the day. The unit of time can be the day, the week, the month, or any other unit significant for the vaper or the patient.

(44) Another solution is to activate the e-cigarette at the first aspiration, or alternatively, when a heat source, for example the flame of a lighter, is approached to a heat detector located in the e-cigarette. This way, the gesture of lighting a cigarette is maintained. In all cases, a voluntary act of the vaper is required, which make him conscious that he is starting a new e-cigarette.

(45) It is also possible to provide that the e-cigarette cannot be reactivated until a certain time has elapsed since the last standby or since the last activation. This prevents bypassing the objective of the method.

(46) Thus, it is seen that the steps follow one another and are repeated several times.

(47) The flowchart of FIG. 4 will now be explained in more detail. In this flowchart, it is provided as a positive act to take the cigarette out of its casing. This also means that it must be put back in its casing when it has gone into standby mode.

(48) Preliminary Step

(49) At first, either when purchasing it or following the end of a previous cycle, the e-cigarette is in standby mode. It is not possible to generate the aerosol, even by drawing a puff.

(50) The positive act in this embodiment consists in taking the e-cigarette out of its casing. This means that it must have been placed in the casing in advance, either at the time of purchase or at the end of the previous cycle. Thus, there is a first loop consisting in testing the presence of the e-cigarette in its casing. As long as the micro-processor (control unit) determines that the e-cigarette is not in its casing, it continues to calculate the temperature of the resistance, which may be cooling down if its passage into standby mode is recent, or which may have reached the lower threshold value (Tini).

(51) Step (a)

(52) The first step consists in activating the e-cigarette, which for the moment is in standby mode, if a predetermined positive act has been detected. At regular intervals dependent on the frequency of the microprocessor, the performance of this positive act is tested until it has occurred. In the present example, the positive act consists in taking the e-cigarette out of its casing.

(53) As long as the microprocessor determines that the e-cigarette is not out of its casing, it continues to calculate the temperature of the resistance.

(54) When it determines that the e-cigarette has been taken out of the casing, the e-cigarette is activated and the cumulative volume (Vcum(0)) is reset to 0.

(55) Step (a) of the method is completed.

(56) 1st Passage Through Step (b)

(57) The method then monitors whether an aspiration is underway. This test is repeated until an aspiration is detected. As long as the microprocessor determines the absence of an aspiration, it continues to calculate the temperature of the resistance. As soon as an aspiration is detected, the first passage through step (b) of the method is completed and the first passage of step (c) begins. Thus, it usually takes several passages of step (b) without aspiration before passing through this step (b) and reaching step (c) for the first time.

(58) 1st Passage of Step (c)

(59) To simplify the explanation of the flowchart, the setting is fixed at i=1 for the first passage of step (c) following the first aspiration, which ignores (for this explanation) all the passages of steps (a) and (b) before the first passage in step (c).

(60) During the first passage of step (c) (i=1) of this first aspiration, the aspiration power (Pasp(1)) and the voltage at the terminals of the battery (Ubat(1)) are measured. Heating of the resistance of the atomizer is started and the LED is lit. For this purpose, these two components are supplied by a signal whose pulse width is modulated as a function of the aspiration power (PWM(Pasp)). The more powerful the aspiration, the larger the impulsion and the more the resistance will heat up and the LED will shine. By choosing a modulation frequency of 1,000 Hz, for example, the rapid succession (every 1/1,000 second) of switching the LED on and off will remain unnoticed to the human eye.

(61) The temperature of the resistance is determined on the basis of the value of the temperature (Tpreres(1)=Tres(0)) at the preceding step passage (i=0), that is to say, the last temperature determined before detection of the aspiration, and on the basis of the voltage at the terminals of the battery (Ubat(1)) and of the aspiration power (Pasp(1)). This value Tres(1) is assigned to the value of the initial temperature (Tpreres(2)) for the next step passage (i=2).

(62) To avoid overheating the atomizer, it is preferable to control its temperature and to limit its heating when this temperature exceeds a threshold value (Tmax). The method thus compares the temperature of the resistance (Tres(1)) to the threshold value (Tmax). If this value is exceeded, heating of the atomizer is limited.

(63) The volume of aerosol generated during the first passage of this first aspiration (Vfum(1)) is determined in step (c1) as a function of the aspiration power (Pasp(1)) and of the estimated temperature (Tres(1)) or the threshold temperature (Tmax) if the temperature has exceeded this threshold.

(64) In step (c2), the cumulative volume of aerosol (Vcum(1)) is calculated by adding, to the cumulative volume reset in step (a), and therefore equal to zero, the generated volume (Vfum(1)) calculated for this first passage of step (c) (i=1).

(65) In step (c3), the cumulative volume (Vcum(1)) is compared to the threshold volume (Vcig) corresponding to the total volume of smoke likely to be provided by a corresponding traditional cigarette.

(66) If the threshold volume (Vcig) is not reached (which should be the case here because it is the first passage of step (c) after the first aspiration after activation), the method returns to the beginning of step (b), namely, the test to determine whether there is still an aspiration.

(67) If the cumulative volume (Vcum(1)) is greater than the threshold volume (Vcig), which in principle should not be the case at this stage of the vaping, the method proceeds to step (d).

(68) The first passage of step (c) is completed this way.

(69) Subsequent Passages of Step (b)

(70) Due to the very short time period between two successive tests (time period imposed by the frequency of the clock and by the number of actions performed during each step (c)), the method should detect that an aspiration is still on-going, and return to a second passage of step (c). The method therefore proceeds to the step labeled Subsequent passages of step (c). This is also the case in the following passages of step (b) as long as an aspiration is detected during the test of step (b), or else in the subsequent steps (c) following a test that has determined that a new aspiration is taking place.

(71) If the method detects, during a passage of step (b), that there is no longer an aspiration, for example, after X positive passages of the test, the vaper has now ceased to aspirate. In this case, the method provides the following steps for the present passage (i) of step (b): determining the temperature of the resistance (Tres(i)) as a function of the initial temperature (Tpreres(i)=Tres(i1)) determined during the preceding step passage (i1) and assigning the current temperature (Tres(i)) to the initial value (Tpreres(i+1)) for the next step passage (i+1); during a step (b1), determining a fictitious volume of aerosol (Vcn(i)). In practice, if the periods of time required to pass through step (b) have constant or substantially constant durations, this volume can also be considered constant (Vcn) for each passage of step (b); during a step (b2), calculating the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) of the generated volumes of aerosol (Vfum(i)) during the previous aspirations (calculated in the previous steps (c1)) and of the fictitious volumes (Vcn(i)) generated during pauses (calculated in the previous steps (b1)). Concretely, to the cumulative volume (Vcum(i1)) of the preceding step passage is added the fictitious volume (Vcn(i)) determined in the present passage of step (b); then during a step (b3), comparing the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) of the present passage of step (b) to the predetermined threshold volume (Vcig). If the cumulative volume reaches or exceeds the threshold volume (Vcig), the method continues to step (d), otherwise it returns to the beginning of step (b), namely, the test to determine the presence of an aspiration.

(72) The subsequent step b is completed

(73) Subsequent Passages of Step (c)

(74) The method has detected during one of the passages of step (b) that the aspiration was continuing, or that a new aspiration was beginning.

(75) The aspiration power (Pasp(i)) and the voltage at the terminals of the battery (Ubat(i)) are measured. Heating of the resistance of the atomizer is started and the LED is lit, both still being fed by a signal whose pulse width is modulated as a function of the aspiration power (PWM(Pasp(i)).

(76) The temperature of the resistance is determined by adding, to the preceding temperature (Tpreres (i)=Tres(i1)), a delta calculated as a function of the voltage at the terminals of the battery and of the power of the aspiration (Pasp(i)). The value of the current temperature (Tres(i)) is assigned to the initial temperature (Tpreres(i+1)) for the next step passage.

(77) In order to avoid overheating of the atomizer, its temperature can be controlled and its heating limited when the temperature exceeds a threshold value. Thus, the method compares the temperature of the resistance (Tres(i)) to a threshold value (Tmax). If this value is exceeded, heating of the atomizer is limited.

(78) During another passage of step (c1), the generated volume of aerosol (Vfum(i)) is determined as a function of the aspiration power (Pasp(i)) and of the temperature of the resistance (Tres(i)) or the threshold temperature (Tmax) if the temperature has exceeded this threshold.

(79) During a new passage of step (c2), the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) is calculated by adding, to the preceding cumulative volume (Vcum(i1)), the generated volume of aerosol (Vfum(i)) during the present passage of step (c). During a new passage of step (c3), the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) is compared to the threshold value (Vcig). If the threshold value is not reached, the method returns to the beginning of step (b), namely, the test to determine the presence of an aspiration, otherwise it proceeds to step (d).

(80) Step (d)

(81) Step (d) is reached as soon as the cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) reaches or exceeds the threshold volume (Vcig) for this type of cigarette. The method is completed and the e-cigarette goes into standby mode. It will not work again until after it will have been stored in its casing and then taken out (see preliminary step). This gesture of taking out the e-cigarette from its casing is designed to make the vaper conscious of the number of cigarettes that he smokes.

(82) It is also possible to put the e-cigarette back in the casing before it has gone into standby mode. This is not dangerous, because the resistance heats up only when the method detects an aspiration. Because of the calculation of the fictitious volume, it will automatically go into standby mode after a certain time.

(83) The method described in this flowchart provides various possible options. However, it would be possible to calculate the generated volume of aerosol (Vfum(i)) without taking into account the aspiration power (Pasp(i)) and/or the temperature of the resistance (Tres(i)). In a very simple variant, it could be considered that the e-cigarette generates, for each passage of step (c), a volume of aerosol (Vfum) that is constant when there is aspiration, and, for each passage of step (b), a fictitious volume (Vcn) that is constant and less than (Vfum). It would even be possible to renounce determining a fictitious volume during pauses. Instead of the test of the cumulative volume during pauses, a test of the duration of aspiration or duration of the pause, at the end of which the e-cigarette is placed on standby, could be introduced. If the vaping device is equipped with a temperature detector, it is no longer necessary to evaluate the temperature.

(84) The methods of FIGS. 5-7 operate in substantially the same manner. They are distinguished from the first example in particular by the positive act and by the introduction of one or more time delays.

(85) The method of FIGS. 5 and 6 is triggered when the microprocessor detects a first aspiration after entry into the standby mode. The steps are essentially identical to those of the method of FIG. 4. Thus, they are only mentioned, without going into details.

(86) Step (a)/First Passage of Step (b)

(87) Here, the positive act is constituted by the first aspiration after entry into the standby mode. As long as no aspiration is detected, the microprocessor continues to calculate the temperature of the resistance.

(88) As soon as the first aspiration is detected, the e-cigarette goes into the activated mode and the cumulative volume (Vcum(0)) is reset to 0. Step (a) and the first passage of step (b) are completed, and the method passes directly to step (c) since an aspiration has been detected.

(89) Subsequent Passages of Step (b)

(90) In the rest of the method, as long as no aspiration is detected, the microprocessor continues to calculate, for each passage (i) of step (b), the temperature of the resistance (Tres(i)). It also calculates the fictitious volume (Vcn(i)) that it adds to the preceding total, and it compares the current total to the threshold value (Vcig). If this threshold value is reached, the method proceeds to step (d), otherwise it returns to the beginning of step (b) and tests for the presence of an aspiration.

(91) When an aspiration is detected, the method proceeds to step (c).

(92) Step (c)

(93) The aspiration power (Pasp(i)) and the voltage at the terminals of the battery (Ubat(i)) are measured. The resistance and the LED are switched on using a signal whose pulse width is modulated as a function of the aspiration power (Pasp(i)). The temperature of the resistance (Tres(i)) is calculated as a function of the preceding temperature (Tprsres(i)=Tres(i1)), of the voltage at the terminals of the battery (Ubat(i)), and of the aspiration power (Pasp(i)). This value (Tres(i)) is assigned to the initial temperature (Tpreres(i+1)) for the next step passage. The temperature is compared to the threshold value (Tmax) and heating of the resistance is limited if this temperature is reached or exceeded. The generated volume of smoke (Vfum(i)) is calculated as a function of the aspirated power (Pasp(i)) and of the temperature of the resistance (Tres(i)) or the threshold temperature (Tmax) if this threshold is reached or exceeded. The cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) is calculated by adding, to the preceding cumulative volume (Vcum(i1)), the generated volume of smoke (Vfum(i)) calculated for the present passage of step (c). This cumulative volume (Vcum(i)) is compared to the threshold value (Vcig). If this value is reached or exceeded, the method continues to step (d), otherwise it returns to step (b) consisting in detecting the presence of an aspiration.

(94) Step (d)

(95) In order to prevent a vaper from bypassing the objective of the method which is to make him conscious that he is lighting a new cigarette, it can be provided that the first aspiration that makes the e-cigarette go from the standby state to the activated state cannot take place until a certain time has elapsed. It has therefore been provided, in step (d), to trigger a time delay before switching to the standby mode. As long as the cumulative time between the passage in standby mode has not reached a threshold value (Delay1), it is not possible to pass the test of step (a), i.e., to detect the positive act, here, the first aspiration. It is also provided to emit a signal at the beginning of the time delay to inform the user or a third party, or even a process for managing this time delay. The decrease in temperature of the resistance continues to be calculated during the entire time delay (Delay1).

(96) The method of FIG. 6 is a variant of that of FIG. 5. This method is applied to an inhalation device for administration of a medicament. The method does not calculate a fictitious volume (Vcn) any more. In contrast, two time delays (Delay1, Delay2) for preventing the reactivation of the inhalation device before the scheduled time, a regular reminder (tcum.sub.a) to the patient after completion of the time delays (Delay1, Delay2) so that he takes his medicament, and a control of the cumulative duration of the pauses between two aspirations (tcum.sub.b) are provided. The control of the cumulative duration of the pauses (tcum.sub.b) is used to limit the time available to administer the drug. Past the authorized time (tlim.sub.b), the inhalation device goes into standby mode automatically, even though the full dose has not been administered. The time delays (Delay1, Delay2) serve to prevent the reactivation of the device as long as a minimum time interval has not elapsed since the last activation or the last standby. This allows controlling the time interval between two intakes. These time delays can be triggered at the end of the preceding cycle as in the method of FIG. 5, or at the beginning of the preceding cycle. A first time delay (Delay1) is triggered when the drug intake is completed (Vcum(i)Vcig), while a second time delay (Delay2) is triggered when the cumulative duration of pauses has exceeded the threshold time (tcum.sub.btlim.sub.b). It can be provided that a signal is emitted, not only when the device goes into standby mode, but also when the interval between two intakes is completed. The signal (Warning1) emitted at the passage into standby mode following the complete intake of the drug (Vcum(i)Vcig) can be different from the signal (Warning2) emitted when the time allowed for taking the medication is completed without the totality of the dose having been taken (tcum.sub.btlim.sub.b). When both time delays (Delay1, Delay2) are used, the method provides that during the placement on standby of the inhalation device following the expiration of the authorized time for taking a dose, the second time delay (Delay2) then takes into account the times of pauses (tcum.sub.b(i)), and notably that the duration of the second time delay (Delay2) is equal to the duration of the first time delay (Delay1) minus the cumulative duration of the pauses (tcum.sub.b(i)).

(97) In step (a) and in the first step (b), the method controls whether a first aspiration is detected. As long as no aspiration is detected, the microprocessor continues to calculate the temperature of the resistance and it monitors the time spent in this loop. As long as a first aspiration is not detected, the duration (t(i)) of each passage (i) is determined and the cumulated total (tcum.sub.a(i)) is calculated. Each time this total reaches or exceeds a threshold duration (tlim.sub.a), a signal is emitted (Warning a) and the total is reset to 0 (tcum.sub.a(i)=0). In practice, all the passages of this step have the same duration. Thus, the patient is regularly reminded that he must take his medication dose if he has not already done so.

(98) As soon as the first aspiration is detected, the e-cigarette goes into activated mode and the cumulative volume (Vcum(0)), the total of the waiting time (tcum.sub.a(i)) and of the intake duration control (tcum.sub.b(i)) are reset to 0, as well as the blocking time delays (Delay1, Delay2). Step (a) and the first passage of step (b) are completed.

(99) At each passage of step (b), that is to say, each time the method determines that there is no aspiration, the temperature of the resistance (Tres(i)) is calculated as a function of the preceding temperature (Tpreres(i)=Tres(i1)). Similarly, during a step (b1), the duration (t(i)) of the present passage of step (b) is determined. In practice, all the passages in step (b) have the same duration. Then, in a step (b2), the cumulative duration of the pauses (tcum.sub.b(i)) in the present passage (i) of step (b) is calculated by adding, to the previous total (tcum.sub.b(i1)), the duration of the present step passage (t(i)). In a step (b3), the cumulative duration of the pauses (tcum(i)) is compared to a threshold duration (tlim.sub.b). If the time authorized to take the medication has not expired, the method returns to the beginning of step (b), that is to say, to the test to detect the aspiration, otherwise it continues to step (d).

(100) At each passage of step (c), the total of the durations of the pauses (tcum.sub.b(i)), which controls the time authorized to take a dose, is kept and remains unchanged.

(101) It can be provided that a signal is emitted when the device goes into standby mode after intake of the totality of the dose (Vcum(i)Vcig) and/or when the device goes into standby mode at the end of the time authorized to take the dose without the dose having been taken in its totality (tcum.sub.b(i)tlim.sub.b) and/or at the end of the interval between two intakes (Delay1, Delay2). These signals can be identical or different.

(102) The method of FIG. 7 is triggered when the vaper presses a button or lights up his e-cigarette with the flame of a lighter. The method is almost the same as in the case where the e-cigarette must be stored in its casing before it is possible to reactivate the e-cigarette. The difference lies mainly in the absence of a control of the presence of the e-cigarette in the casing. When the e-cigarette must be lighted with a flame, it is preferable to equip the electronic cigarette with a heat detector, in particular an infrared sensor.

(103) Other variants of the method are possible by combining differently some of the various following options: time delay between two reactivations; time delay between the placement on standby and the next reactivation; emission of a signal each time an event has occurred; calculation of the fictitious volumes; calculation of the temperature of the resistance; etc.

(104) The signals emitted during the method can be sensory signals, such as light or acoustic signals, or they can be messages of the text or email type sent to the user or to a third party, or signals intended for a management or control process.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY POSSIBILITIES

(105) The method of the invention, applied to a substitute for a tobacco product, such as an electronic cigarette, allows the vaper to encounter signs similar to those he was familiar with during the consumption of traditional tobacco products. Because of the extinction of the vaping device when it goes into standby mode, he becomes aware of having finished a cigarette. He does not risk to overdose unconsciously on nicotine, for instance.

(106) Applied to the administration of a medicament, the device can control the interval between two intakes, as well as limit the time authorized to take the drug. It facilitates the management of the drug's administration.

LIST OF REFERENCES

(107) 1 Vaping device (e-cigarette) 2 Electrical power source (battery) 3 Aspiration power sensor 4 Control unit (microprocessor) 5 Cartomizer (combination of an atomizer and a reservoir) 51 Heating resistance of the atomizer or cartomizer 6 LED Pasp(i) Power of the aspiration during the present passage (i) of step (c) Tres(i) Temperature of the resistance during the present step passage (i) Tpreres(i) Temperature of the resistance during the preceding step passage (i1) Tini Initial temperature Tmax Limit temperature t(i) Duration of the present passage (i) of step (b) tcum.sub.a(i) Total of the durations of the passages of step (a) elapsed while waiting for a positive act tlim.sub.a Duration of the interval between two reminders in the event of non-activation tcum.sub.b(i) Total of the durations of the passages of step (b) during the pauses tlim.sub.b Time authorized to take a dose Delay1 Time interval between two successive activations, or between a placement on standby and the next activation in the case of having reached the threshold volume Delay2 Time interval between two successive activations, or between a placement on standby and the next activation in case of a pause being too long Ubat(i) Voltage at the terminals of the power source during the present passage (i) of step (c) Vfum(i) Volume of aerosol generated during the present passage (i) of step (c), i.e., in the case of an aspiration Vcn(i) Fictitious volume generated during the present passage (i) of step (b), i.e., in the case of a pause Vcum(i) Cumulative volume of the volumes of aerosol actually generated and fictitiously generated Vcig Threshold volume