AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE PROVIDING VISUAL FEEDBACK OF PROGRESS THROUGH A USAGE SESSION

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is provided for generating an aerosol from an aerosol- forming substrate during a usage session including at least four sequential phases, the device including: a light emitting indicator being configured to display any one of at least four different indication modes during the usage session; and a controller to control the indicator to display any one of the modes to indicate progress of the usage session, in which any or each of the phases has a maximum phase duration determined by a timer, in which the device is configured such that the usage session has a maximum usage session duration determined by the timer, and to record at least one user interaction parameter during the usage session, a phase duration of any, or each, of the phases having a duration less than the maximum phase duration if a value of the parameter reaches a predetermined threshold.

Claims

1.-15. (canceled)

16. An aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating device being configured to generate the aerosol during a usage session, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a light emitting indicator having two light emitting units, the light emitting indicator being configured to display any one of at least four different indication modes during the usage session; and a controller configured to control the light emitting indicator to display any one of the at least four different indication modes to indicate progress of the usage session, wherein the usage session comprises at least four sequential phases, wherein any, or each, of the at least four sequential phases has a maximum phase duration determined by a timer, wherein the aerosol-generating device is further configured such that the usage session has a maximum usage session duration determined by the timer, and wherein the aerosol-generating device is further configured to record at least one user interaction parameter during the usage session, a phase duration of any, or each, of the at least four sequential phases having a duration less than the maximum phase duration if a value of the user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold.

17. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 16, wherein the aerosol-generating device is further configured such that the usage session has a maximum duration determined by the timer.

18. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 16, wherein the aerosol-generating device is further configured to monitor a user interaction parameter indicative of use of the aerosol-generating device during the usage session.

19. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 18, wherein the usage session is configured to be terminated if the user interaction parameter reaches a predetermined threshold.

20. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 18, wherein the user interaction parameter is indicative of user puffs taken during the usage session.

21. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 16, wherein the controller is further configured to control the light emitting indicator to display a different one of the at least four indication modes during each of the at least four sequential phases.

22. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 16, wherein the at least four sequential phases comprises at least five sequential phases.

23. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 16, wherein any, or each, of the at least four sequential phases has phase duration determined by a phase start and a phase end.

24. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 16, wherein any, or each, of the at least four sequential phases ends when a monitored period of time reaches a predetermined threshold for the phase, if the phase has not ended sooner.

25. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 16, wherein the aerosol-generating device is further configured to monitor a user interaction parameter indicative of use of the aerosol-generating device during the usage session.

26. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 25, wherein a duration of any, or each, of the at least four sequential phases is controlled with reference to the user interaction parameter.

27. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 25, wherein the user interaction parameter is indicative of user puffs taken during the usage session.

Description

[0222] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to figures, in which:

[0223] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic side view of an aerosol-generating device;

[0224] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic upper end view of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 1;

[0225] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 1 and an aerosol-generating article for use with the device;

[0226] FIG. 4 is a block diagram providing a schematic illustration of various electronic components of an aerosol-generating device and their interactions;

[0227] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating method steps involved in providing a user with an indication of number of usage sessions remaining;

[0228] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating method steps involved in indicating progress of a usage session to a user, where progress is determined by time and puff count;

[0229] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating method steps involved in indicating progress of a usage session to a user, where progress is determined by time and aerosol volume generated;

[0230] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating method steps involved in providing a user with an indication of progress of a usage session in response to a status query;

[0231] FIGS. 9 to 11 provide a schematic illustration of exemplary indications that may be provided by a light emitting indicator to indicate number of usage sessions remaining; and

[0232] FIGS. 12 to 16 provide schematic illustration of exemplary indications that may be provided by a light emitting indicator to progress of a usage session.

[0233] The aerosol-generating device 10 is a hand-held aerosol generating device, and has an elongate shape defined by a housing 20 that is substantially circularly cylindrical in form. The aerosol-generating device 10 comprises an open cavity 25 located at a proximal end 21 of the housing 20 for receiving an aerosol-generating article 30 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate 31. The aerosol-generating device 10 further comprises a battery (not shown) located within the housing 20 of the device, and an electrically operated heater 40 arranged to heat at least an aerosol-forming substrate portion 31 of an aerosol-generating article 30 when the aerosol-generating article 30 is received in the cavity 25.

[0234] The aerosol-generating device is configured to receive a consumable aerosol-generating article 30. The aerosol-generating article 30 is in the form of a cylindrical rod and comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 31. The aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate comprising tobacco. The aerosol-generating article 30 further comprises a mouthpiece such as a filter 32 arranged in coaxial alignment with the aerosol-forming substrate within the cylindrical rod. The aerosol-generating article 30 has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the cavity 25 of the device 10 and a length longer than a depth of the cavity 25, such that when the article 30 is received in the cavity 25 of the device 10, the mouthpiece 32 extends out of the cavity 25 and may be drawn on by a user, similarly to a conventional cigarette.

[0235] In use, a user inserts the article 30 into the cavity 25 of the aerosol-generating device 10 and turns on the device 10 by pressing a user button 50 to activate the heater 40 to start a usage session. The heater 40 heats the aerosol-forming substrate of the article 30 such that volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate 31 are released and atomised to form an aerosol. The user draws on the mouthpiece of the article 30 and inhales the aerosol generated from the heated aerosol-forming substrate. After activation, the temperature of the heater 40 increases from an ambient temperature to a predetermined temperature for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Control electronics of the device 10 supply power to the heater from the battery to maintain the temperature of the heater at an approximately constant level as a user puffs on the aerosol-generating article 30. The heater continues to heat the aerosol-generating article until an end of the usage session, when the heater is deactivated and cools.

[0236] At the end of the usage session, the article 30 is removed from the device 10 for disposal, and the device 10 may be coupled to an external power source for charging of the battery of the device 10.

[0237] The aerosol-generating device 10 further comprises a light emitting indicator 60 having a first light emitting unit 61 and a second light emitting unit 62. Light emitted from the first light emitting unit 61 and the second light emitting unit 62 is visible through the housing 20 of the aerosol-generating device 10. The first light emitting unit 61 and the second light emitting unit 62 are both light emitting diode (LED) devices capable of emitting light in four colours; white, green, red, and amber. The LEDs may be visible through the housing 20, or light emitted from the LEDs may be visible from outside the housing 20 through a light transmission channel (for instance, via a waveguide or similar structure). In addition to each being able to emit light in different colours, the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit are both capable of being independently controlled to be fully off, fully on, or blinking on and off.

[0238] FIG. 4 provides a schematic illustration of various electronic components of the aerosol-generating device and their interactions.

[0239] A controller 420, located within the housing 20, is connected to a battery 410, a heater 40, a timer 430, an accelerometer 440, a haptic motor 450, and a light emitting indicator 60.

[0240] The battery 410 supplies energy to heat the heater 40 and operate other electrical components. The battery 410 has, when fully charged, sufficient energy to power two complete usage session of the aerosol-generating device. The battery 410 is a rechargeable battery and can be connected to an external power supply to be recharged.

[0241] The heater 40 converts energy supplied by the battery into heat to heat the aerosol-generating device sufficiently to form an aerosol. During operation, the controller controls supply of energy from the battery to maintain the heater at a substantially constant aerosol-generating temperature.

[0242] The timer 430 provides timing signals to the controller.

[0243] The accelerometer 440 is configured for detecting movement of the device. When movement is detected a signal is sent to the controller and the controller determines whether the detected movement conforms to a predetermined pattern or gesture. Thus, a user can interact with the device by causing it to move in specific patterns and gestures.

[0244] The haptic motor 450 generates a haptic output to a user of the device. The haptic motor is configured to emit a haptic output in response to a control signal from the controller 420.

[0245] The light emitting indicator 60 generates a visual indication to a user. The light emitting indicator is configured to emit a visual indication in response to a control signal from the controller 420.

[0246] The aerosol-generating device 10 of this specific embodiment is configured to accept user queries in the form of specific gestures made by the user with the device 10. In response to user queries, the device 10 is configured to output signals indicative of number of usage sessions remaining before the battery of the device needs to be recharged, and, during a usage session, signals indicative of progress of the usage session.

[0247] When fully charged, the battery can provide sufficient energy for at least one full usage sessions. The battery may provide sufficient energy for two or more usage session (for instance, twenty usage sessions). A user may wish to know how many usage sessions are available before attempting to start a usage session.

[0248] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating method steps involved in providing a user with an indication of number of usage sessions remaining.

[0249] Step 500: When the aerosol-generating device is not engaged in a usage session, the user picks up the device and moves the device in a predetermined gesture.

[0250] Step 510: The movement of the device associated with the predetermined gesture is detected by the accelerometer, which sends a signal to the controller. The predetermined gesture may be, for example, to lift the device and orient the device in a vertical position.

[0251] Step 520: The signal provided by the accelerometer is analysed to determine if the gesture detected is a gesture indicating a battery status query.

[0252] Step 530: If the detected signal is determined to be a battery status query, the controller communicates with the battery to determine the level of charge of the battery.

[0253] Step 540: The controller sends a signal to the light emitting indicator 60 to emit an indication of the number of usage sessions remaining.

[0254] Step 550: The light emitting indicator 60 emits a visual signal indicative of the number of usage sessions remaining.

[0255] FIGS. 9 to 11 provide a schematic illustration of exemplary indications that may be provided by the light emitting indicator 60 to indicate number of usage sessions remaining. If the controller determines that the battery has sufficient charge for 2 usage sessions, the light emitting indicator emits an indication that two usage sessions remain; for example the first light emitting unit 61 and the second light emitting unit 62 may both be illuminated with a white light.

[0256] If the controller determines that the battery has sufficient charge for 1 usage session, the light emitting indicator 60 emits an indication that one usage session remains; for example the first light emitting unit 61 may both be illuminated with a white light and the second light emitting unit 62 may be unlit.

[0257] If the controller determines that the battery has insufficient charge for a usage session, the light emitting indicator emits an indication that no usage sessions are available and the battery needs recharging; for example the first light emitting unit 61 may both be illuminated with a yellow light and the second light emitting unit 62 may be unlit.

[0258] An aerosol-generating article for use with the device has a finite quantity of aerosol-forming substrate and, thus, a usage session needs to have a finite duration to prevent a user trying to produce aerosol when the aerosol-forming substrate has been depleted. A usage session is configured to have a maximum duration determined by a period of time from the start of the usage session. A usage session is also configured to have a duration of less than the maximum duration if a user interaction parameter recorded during the usage session reaches a threshold before the maximum duration as determined by the timer.

[0259] In a specific embodiment the user interaction parameter is number of puffs taken by the user during the usage session. Thus, the aerosol-generating device is configured such that each usage session has a duration of 6 minutes from initiation of the usage session, or 14 puffs taken by the user if 14 puffs are taken within 6 minutes from initiation of the usage session.

[0260] During a usage session, a user may wish to have an indication of progress through the usage session. For example, the user may wish to know approximately how many puffs he has remaining, or approximately how much time there remains in the usage session.

[0261] The controller comprises a puff counter to monitor number of puffs taken during a usage session. Number of puffs taken by the user is determined by monitoring power supplied to the heater during the usage session. When a user takes a puff, the flow of air cools the heater and, therefore, a greater amount of energy is supplied by the battery to maintain the temperature of the heater at its operational temperature. Thus, by monitoring power supplied by the heater, the controller is able to determine the number of puffs taken during a usage session.

[0262] In order to monitor progress, a usage session is split into a number of sequential phases starting with a first phase starting when the usage session starts and ending with a final phase when the usage session ends, passage from one phase to a next phase being determined by time and puff number in the same way as the usage session. As the usage session progresses through its sequential phases, the controller instructs the light emitting indicator and the haptic motor to emit signals indicative of each successive phase. Thus, a user knows approximately the progress of the usage session.

[0263] In a specific example a usage session may be broken into five sequential phases for indication purposes. FIG. 6 illustrates the method steps involved in indicating progress of a usage session to a user.

[0264] Step 600: The user inserts an aerosol-generating article 30 into the cavity 25 of the device 10 and initiates a usage session by pressing the user button 50.

[0265] Step 605: The timer is initiated to record time elapsed during the usage session and the puff counter is initiated to record number of puffs taken during the usage session.

[0266] Step 610: A first phase of the usage session is deemed to have started when the usage session started.

[0267] While in the first phase the controller instructs the light emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicative of the usage session being in the first phase. An example of such a signal is the first light emitting unit 61 and the second light emitting unit 62 both emitting a continuous white light, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0268] While in the first phase the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicative of the usage session being in the first phase. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting 4 consecutive buzzes.

[0269] Step 615: The first phase ends and the second phase begins after 1.5 minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a user has taken 3 puffs since the start of the usage session, if those 3 puffs are taken before 1.5 minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session.

[0270] Step 620: The second phase of the usage session is deemed to have started when the first phase has ended.

[0271] While in the second phase the controller instructs the light emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicative of the usage session being in the second phase. An example of such a signal is the first light emitting unit 61 emitting a continuous white light and the second light emitting unit 62 emitting a blinking white light, as illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0272] While in the second phase the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicative of the usage session being in the second phase. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting 3 consecutive buzzes.

[0273] Step 625: The second phase ends and the third phase begins after 3 minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a user has taken 6 puffs since the start of the usage session, if those 6 puffs are taken before 3 minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session.

[0274] Step 630: The third phase of the usage session is deemed to have started when the second phase has ended.

[0275] While in the third phase the controller instructs the light emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicative of the usage session being in the third phase. An example of such a signal is the first light emitting unit 61 emitting a continuous white light and the second light emitting unit 62 being unlit, as illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0276] While in the third phase the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicative of the usage session being in the third phase. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting 2 consecutive buzzes.

[0277] Step 635: The third phase ends and the fourth phase begins after 4.5 minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a user has taken 8 puffs since the start of the usage session, if those 8 puffs are taken before 4.5 minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session.

[0278] Step 640: The fourth phase of the usage session is deemed to have started when the third phase has ended.

[0279] While in the fourth phase the controller instructs the light emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicative of the usage session being in the fourth phase. An example of such a signal is the first light emitting unit 61 emitting a blinking white light and the second light emitting unit 62 being unlit, as illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0280] While in the fourth phase the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicative of the usage session being in the fourth phase. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting a single buzz.

[0281] Step 645: The fourth phase ends and the fifth phase begins after 5.5 minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a user has taken 11 puffs since the start of the usage session, if those 11 puffs are taken before 5.5 minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session.

[0282] Step 650: The fifth phase of the usage session is deemed to have started when the fourth phase has ended.

[0283] While in the fifth phase the controller instructs the light emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicative of the usage session being in the fifth phase. An example of such a signal is the first light emitting unit 61 emitting a blinking yellow light and the second light emitting unit 62 being unlit, as illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0284] Step 655: The fifth phase ends after 6 minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a user has taken 14 puffs since the start of the usage session, if those 14 puffs are taken before 6 minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session.

[0285] Step 660: At the end of the fifth phase the usage session ends. The heater is deactivated and no more aerosol is generated. The user can now remove the aerosol generating article from the device and, if necessary, recharge the device.

[0286] In a further specific embodiment the user interaction parameter is calculated volume of aerosol delivered to the user during the usage session. Thus, the aerosol-generating device is configured such that each usage session has a duration of 6 minutes from initiation of the usage session, or delivery of a predetermined maximum volume of aerosol, if that predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered to the user within 6 minutes from initiation of the usage session. The predetermined maximum volume of aerosol may be, for example, 660 ml of aerosol.

[0287] During a usage session, a user may wish to have an indication of progress through the usage session. For example, the user may wish to know approximately how much potentially deliverable aerosol he has remaining, or approximately how much time there remains in the usage session.

[0288] The controller is configured to detect puffs taken during a usage session. A puff start point and a puff end point for each detected puff is determined by monitoring power supplied to the heater during the usage session. When a user takes a puff, the flow of air cools the heater and, therefore, a greater amount of energy is supplied by the battery to maintain the temperature of the heater at its operational temperature. Thus, by monitoring power supplied by the heater, the controller is able to determine the start point and the end point of puffs taken during a usage session. By integrating the monitored power between the detected puff start point and the detected puff end point, a calculated value for aerosol delivered may be obtained. By summing the calculated values of aerosol delivered during the usage session, a cumulative value of aerosol delivered during the usage session may be obtained.

[0289] In order to monitor progress, a usage session is split into a number of sequential phases starting with a first phase starting when the usage session starts and ending with a final phase when the usage session ends, passage from one phase to a next phase being determined by time and cumulative volume of aerosol delivered. As the usage session progresses through its sequential phases, the controller instructs the light emitting indicator and the haptic motor to emit signals indicative of each successive phase. Thus, a user knows approximately the progress of the usage session.

[0290] In a specific example a usage session may be broken into five sequential phases for indication purposes. FIG. 7 illustrates the method steps involved in indicating progress of a usage session to a user.

[0291] Step 700: The user inserts an aerosol-generating article 30 into the cavity 25 of the device 10 and initiates a usage session by pressing the user button 50.

[0292] Step 705: The timer is initiated to record time elapsed during the usage session and the controller is initiated to identify puffs taken during the usage session and calculate volume of aerosol delivered during each of the puffs.

[0293] Step 710: A first phase of the usage session is deemed to have started when the usage session started.

[0294] While in the first phase the controller instructs the light emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicative of the usage session being in the first phase. An example of such a signal is the first light emitting unit 61 and the second light emitting unit 62 both emitting a continuous white light, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0295] While in the first phase the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicative of the usage session being in the first phase. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting 4 consecutive buzzes.

[0296] Step 715: The first phase ends and the second phase begins after 1.5 minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a first predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered since the start of the usage session, if the first predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered before 1.5 minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session. The first predetermined volume of aerosol may be, for example, 150 ml.

[0297] Step 720: The second phase of the usage session is deemed to have started when the first phase has ended.

[0298] While in the second phase the controller instructs the light emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicative of the usage session being in the second phase. An example of such a signal is the first light emitting unit 61 emitting a continuous white light and the second light emitting unit 62 emitting a blinking white light, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0299] While in the second phase the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicative of the usage session being in the second phase. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting 3 consecutive buzzes.

[0300] Step 725: The second phase ends and the third phase begins after 3 minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a second predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered since the start of the usage session, if the second predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered before 3 minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session. The first predetermined volume of aerosol may be, for example, 300 ml.

[0301] Step 730: The third phase of the usage session is deemed to have started when the second phase has ended.

[0302] While in the third phase the controller instructs the light emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicative of the usage session being in the third phase. An example of such a signal is the first light emitting unit 61 emitting a continuous white light and the second light emitting unit 62 being unlit, as illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0303] While in the third phase the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicative of the usage session being in the third phase. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting 2 consecutive buzzes.

[0304] Step 735: The third phase ends and the fourth phase begins after 4.5 minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a third predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered since the start of the usage session, if the third predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered before 4.5 minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session. The third predetermined volume of aerosol may be, for example, 450 ml.

[0305] Step 740: The fourth phase of the usage session is deemed to have started when the third phase has ended.

[0306] While in the fourth phase the controller instructs the light emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicative of the usage session being in the fourth phase. An example of such a signal is the first light emitting unit 61 emitting a blinking white light and the second light emitting unit 62 being unlit, as illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0307] While in the fourth phase the controller instructs the haptic motor to emit a haptic signal indicative of the usage session being in the fourth phase. An example of such a signal is the haptic motor emitting a single buzz.

[0308] Step 745: The fourth phase ends and the fifth phase begins after 5.5 minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a fourth predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered since the start of the usage session, if the fourth predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered before 5.5 minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session. The fourth predetermined volume of aerosol may be, for example, 600 ml.

[0309] Step 750: The fifth phase of the usage session is deemed to have started when the fourth phase has ended.

[0310] While in the fifth phase the controller instructs the light emitting indicator 60 to emit a signal indicative of the usage session being in the fifth phase. An example of such a signal is the first light emitting unit 61 emitting a blinking yellow light and the second light emitting unit 62 being unlit, as illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0311] Step 755: The fifth phase ends after 6 minutes have elapsed from the start of the usage session, or after a fifth predetermined volume of aerosol has been delivered since the start of the usage session, if the fifth predetermined volume of aerosol is delivered before 6 minutes has elapsed from the start of the usage session. The fifth predetermined volume of aerosol may be, for example, 660 ml.

[0312] Step 760: At the end of the fifth phase the usage session ends. The heater is deactivated and no more aerosol is generated. The user can now remove the aerosol generating article from the device and, if necessary, recharge the device.

[0313] Indication of the different phases may be continuously provided. For example, indication from the light emitting indicator may remain continuously on during the usage session. As an alternative, indication of different phases may only be provided intermittently, for example at the transition from one phase to another. As a further alternative, indication of the different phases may be provided in response to a status query from a user during the usage session.

[0314] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating method steps involved in providing a user with an indication of progress of a usage session in response to a status query.

[0315] Step 800: When the aerosol-generating device is engaged in a usage session, the user moves the device in a predetermined gesture.

[0316] Step 810: The movement of the device associated with the predetermined gesture is detected by the accelerometer, which sends a signal to the controller. The predetermined gesture may be, for example, to sharply tap the device twice.

[0317] Step 820: The signal provided by the accelerometer is analysed to determine if the gesture detected is a gesture indicating a usage session progress query.

[0318] Step 830: If the detected signal is determined to be a usage session progress query, the controller determines the current phase of the usage session.

[0319] Step 840: The controller sends a signal to the light emitting unit to emit an indication of the progress of the usage session.

[0320] Step 850: The controller sends a signal to the haptic motor to emit an indication of the progress of the usage session.

[0321] The device may be configured such that both visual and haptic indication signals are automatically emitted as an indication of progress. As an alternative, the device may be configured such that visual indication signals are provided continuously during a usage session while haptic signals are only provided in response to a query from a user. For example, haptic signals indicative of usage progression may only be emitted after a user has initiated a status query by moving the device in a predetermined gesture. As a further alternative, the device may be configured such that signals relating to progression of a usage session are not continuously emitted during usage, but only emitted in response to a query from a user. For example, visual signals and/or haptic signals indicative of usage progression may only be emitted after a user has initiated a status query by moving the device in a predetermined gesture.