Detection of contamination of fluids

Abstract

A method for detecting contamination of a fluid in a fluid container includes providing a reference data set related to a reference composition of the fluid, generating a measured data set related to an actual composition of the fluid in the fluid container, a processing unit comparing the reference data set with the measured data set, and determining whether the fluid is contaminated based on the comparison.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A method for detecting contamination of a fluid in a fluid container, the method comprising: providing a reference data set related to a reference composition of the fluid; generating a measured data set related to an actual composition of the fluid in the fluid container; a processing unit comparing the reference data set with the measured data set; and determining whether the fluid is contaminated based on the comparison.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the method comprises generating the reference data set by measuring at least one of: a physical property depending on the composition of a fluid composed according to the reference composition, the physical property comprising a thermal property, an electrical property, an acoustical property, a magnetic property, or an optical property; a chemical property depending on the composition of the fluid composed according to the reference composition, the chemical property comprising composition, acidity, or alkalinity; or any combination thereof.

18. The method according claim 16, wherein generating a measured data set comprises a measuring device measuting at least one of: a physical property depending on the actual composition of the fluid, the physical property comprising a thermal property, an electrical property, an acoustical property, a magnetic property, or an optical property; a chemical property depending on the actual composition of the fluid, the chemical property comprising composition, acidity, or alkalinity; or any combination thereof.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein a heating element is provided internal to the fluid container heating the fluid in the fluid container by generating heat.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: providing a reference data set comprises providing a reference electrical resistance data set related to the heating element; the reference electrical resistance data set comprises a plurality of reference electrical resistance values indicating the expected electrical resistance of the heating element if heating a fluid composed according to the reference composition; generating a measured data set comprises generating a measured electrical resistance data set related to the heating element; and the measured electrical resistance data set comprises a plurality of electrical resistance values indicating he electrical resistance of the heating element while heating the fluid in the fluid container,

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein: generating a measured data set comprises a measuring device measuring at least one of: a physical property depending on the actual composition of the fluid, the physical property comprising a thermal property, an electrical property, an acoustical property, a magnetic property, or an optical property; a chemical property depending on the actual composition of the fluid, the chemical property comprising composition, acidity, or alkalinity; or any combination thereof; and generating a measured electrical resistance data set related to the heating element comprises the measuring device measuring the electrical resistance of the heating element while heating the fluid in the fluid container.

2. The method according to claim 19, wherein: providing a reference data set comprises providing a reference temperature data set related to the heating element; the reference temperature data set comprises a plurality of reference temperature values indicating the expected temperature of the heating element if heating a fluid composed according to the reference composition; generating a measured data set comprises generating a measured temperature data set related to the heating element; and the measured temperature data set comprises a plurality of temperature values indicating the temperature of the heating element while heating the fluid in the fluid container.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein: generating a measured data set comprises a measuring device measuring at least one of: a physical property depending on the actual composition of the fluid, the physical property comprising a thermal property, an electrical property, an acoustical property, a magnetic property, or an optical property; a chemical property depending on the actual composition of the fluid, the chemical property comprising composition, acidity, or alkalinity; or any combination thereof; and generating a measured temperature data set related to the heating element comprises at least one of: the measuring device measuring the temperature of the heating element while heating the fluid in the fluid container; and the measuring device measuring the electrical resistance of the heating element while heating the fluid in the fluid container and calculating a temperature of the heating element based on the measured resistance of the heating element.

24. The method according to claim 16, further comprising providing a first component and a second component at a distance from each other and internally to the fluid container.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein: the first component and the second component respectively comprise at least one electrode; providing a reference data set comprises providing a reference fluid electrical resistance data set related to a fluid composed according to the reference composition; the reference fluid electrical resistance data set comprises a plurality of reference fluid electrical resistance values indicating the expected electrical resistance of the fluid in the fluid container if composed according to the reference composition; generating a measured data set comprises generating a measured fluid electrical resistance data set related to the fluid in the fluid container; and the measured fluid electrical resistance data set comprises a plurality of fluid electrical resistance values corresponding to the electrical resistance of the fluid in the fluid container.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein: the first component emits a measuring signal and the second component receives the measuring signal after the measuring signal propagates through the fluid in the fluid container and at least one other medium; the method further comprises providing a reference refractive index data set related to a fluid composed according to the reference composition, wherein the measured refractive index data set comprises at least one refractive index value each indicating an expected refractive index of the fluid in the fluid container if composed according to the reference composition; and generating the measured data set comprises generating a measured refractive index data set related to the fluid in the fluid container, wherein the measured refractive index data set comprises at least one refractive index value indicating the refractive index of the fluid in the fluid container.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the measuring signal comprises an electromagnetic wave with a narrow beam-width.

28. The method according to claim 16, wherein: the fluid container is part of a. mobile inhaler; and the fluid comprises a liquid, a liquid solution, a gas, an aerosol, or a vapor used in a mobile inhaler.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the mobile inhaler comprises an e-cigarette.

30. The method according to claim 16, wherein the method is used to detect contamination of a fluid in at least one fluid container of a mobile inhaler.

31. A system configured to detect contamination of a fluid in a fluid container, comprising: a fluid container configured to be at least partly filled with a fluid; a memory component configured to store a reference data set related to a reference composition of the fluid; a measuring device configured to generate a measured data set related to the composition of the fluid; and a processing unit configured to: compare the measured data set with the reference data set; and determine based on the comparison whether the fluid is contaminated, wherein the system is configured to carry out the method according to claim 16.

32. A mobile inhaler comprising: at least one fluid container configured to he at least partly filled with a fluid; a memory component configured to store a reference data set related to a reference composition of the fluid; a measuring device configured to generate a measured data set related to the composition of the fluid; and a processing unit configured to: compare the measured data set with the reference data set; and determine based on the comparison whether the fluid is contaminated, wherein the mobile inhaler is configured to carry out the method according claim 16.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0523] FIG. 1 depicts a method for detecting contamination of a fluid in a fluid container;

[0524] FIG. 2 illustrates a system configured to detect contamination of a fluid in a fluid container;

[0525] FIGS. 3a to 3d illustrate a mobile inhaler and a fluid container configured to detect contamination of a fluid in a fluid container;

[0526] FIGS. 4a and 4b depict a schematic of a measuring device and fluid container configured to detect contamination of a fluid in a fluid container;

[0527] FIGS. 4c and 4d illustrate an embodiment of the method for detecting contamination of a fluid in a fluid container;

[0528] FIGS. 4e to 4f illustrate another embodiment of the method for detecting contamination of a fluid in a fluid container;

[0529] FIGS. 5a to 5d illustrate further embodiments of a measuring device and fluid container configured to detect contamination of a fluid in a fluid container;

[0530] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment wherein a fluid sensor can be provided internal to the fluid container;

[0531] FIG. 7a illustrates an exemplary reference data set;

[0532] FIG. 7b illustrates two exemplary temperature data sets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0533] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described, referring to the figures. These examples are provided to give further understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope.

[0534] In the following description, a series of features and/or steps are described. The skilled person will appreciate that unless required by the context, the order of features and steps is not critical for the resulting configuration and its effect. Further, it will be apparent to the skilled person that irrespective of the order of features and steps, the presence or absence of time delay between steps can be present between some or all of the described steps.

[0535] The present invention generally relates to the detection of contamination of a fluid in a fluid container.

[0536] The term fluid, as used throughout the text, may refer to liquids and gases. More particularly, the term fluid may refer to a liquid, liquid solution, gas, aerosol, vapor, the liquid used in an e-cigarette, also referred to as an e-liquid or e-juice, the vapor produced after heating the e-liquid or any combination thereof. For example, the fluid can refer to a mixture comprising propylene glycol, glycerin, water, flavorings and nicotine.

[0537] In addition, the fluid may comprise one or more contaminants. A contaminant can refer to a substance, which can be a chemical element or compound, which is not intended, expected and/or required to be in the fluid. A contaminant can also refer to a microbiological contaminant, i.e., microorganisms. That is, a fluid can be contaminated if it comprises substances and/or microorganisms not intended to be in the fluid. Additionally or alternatively, a fluid can be contaminated if it comprises a substance or microorganism that is intended to be in the fluid but it is in an excess amount, i.e., more than intended. In such cases, the excess amount of the substance or microorganism can be referred to as a contaminant.

[0538] Contamination in a fluid can refer to the presence of at least one contaminant on a fluid. As such, detecting contamination in a fluid can refer to detecting the presence of at least one contaminant in a fluid.

[0539] In other words, a fluid is contaminated if its composition is different (i.e. differentiates, deviates) from a reference composition of the fluid. The reference composition of a fluid may refer to the intended, expected and/or required composition of the fluid. The reference composition of a fluid may refer to a list of substances and/or microorganisms intended to be in a fluid. All other substances and/or microorganisms may be referred to as contaminants. In addition, the reference composition of a fluid may also refer to amounts or portions of substances and/or microorganisms intended to be in a fluid. In this case, also the excess amount of the substances and/or microorganisms intended to be in the fluid, in addition to other substances and/or microorganisms not intended to be in the fluid, may be referred to as contaminants.

[0540] Embodiments of the present invention, are particularly advantageous for improving mobile inhalers, such as, e-cigarettes. That is, the fluid container can be part of or attached to a mobile inhaler. In such embodiments, the container may also be referred to as e-cigarette cartridge, e-cigarette refill or simply as cartridge.

[0541] In FIG. 1, an embodiment of a method for detecting contamination in a fluid is depicted.

[0542] In a step S1, the method comprises providing a reference data set related to or indicating a reference composition of the fluid. The reference composition of a fluid may refer to the intended, expected and/or required composition of the fluid. The reference composition of a fluid may refer to a list of substances and/or microorganisms intended to be in the fluid. All other substances and/or microorganisms may be referred to as contaminants. In addition, the reference composition of a fluid may also refer to amounts or portions of substances and/or microorganisms intended to be in the fluid. In this case, also the excess amount of the substances and/or microorganisms intended to be in the fluid, in addition to other substances and/or microorganisms not intended to be in the fluid, may be referred to as contaminants.

[0543] The reference data set that can correspond to a fluid can be generated by measuring a property of the fluid composed according to the reference composition. For example, the reference data set can be generated by measuring a property of a fluid comprising or composed according to the reference composition that is not contaminated. That is, a reference fluid can be produced, said reference fluid being composed according to the reference composition. To decrease the likelihood and/or amount of contamination the reference fluid may be produced and handled in a more specialized way, such as, in a specialized laboratory. By measuring one or more properties of the reference fluid, the reference data set can be generated.

[0544] In some embodiments, the reference data set can be inferred (e.g. through calculations) based on the reference composition of the fluid. That is, based on known properties of the constituents (e.g. atoms, molecules) composing the fluid, the reference data set can be inferred.

[0545] In addition, the reference data set may further comprise data generated by performing a measurement without the presence of the fluid, e.g., by performing the same type of measurement performed to the reference fluid, without the presence of the reference fluid. As such, the reference data set may comprise a range between the data generated by performing a measurement without the presence of the fluid (also referred to as a dry measurement) and the data generated by performing a measurement of the reference fluid (also referred to as a wet measurement).

[0546] In a step S2, the method can comprise generating a measured data set related to or indicating the composition of the fluid in the container, also referred to as an actual composition of the fluid. The actual composition of the fluid may refer to the substances and/or microorganisms that are present in the fluid during the generation of the measured data set in step S2.

[0547] The measured data set may relate to or indicate a property of the fluid in the fluid container. Moreover, the measured data set and the reference data set can correspond to each other. That is, the measured data set and the reference data set can refer to same or similar properties of the fluid. In some embodiments, the measured data set may not directly relate to the same property of the fluid that the reference data set relates to. However, the measured data set may relate to a measurable property of the fluid based on which the property of the fluid that the reference data set relates to can be determined. In other words, step S2 may comprise a sub-step wherein a measurable property of the fluid can be used to determine a property of the fluid such that the reference data set also relates to the said property. In other words, measuring a property of the fluid may comprise measuring a measurable property of the fluid and based thereon determining the property of the fluid.

[0548] For example, in some embodiments, the reference data set can comprise raw reference data (e.g. as output by a sensor with no or little processing). Correspondingly, the measured data set can comprise raw measured data (e.g. as output by a sensor with no or little processing). In such embodiments, the reference data set and the measured data set directly correspond to each other. Hence, they can be directly compared to each other without further processing.

[0549] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the reference data set can comprise reference data, which can refer to data obtained after processing of raw reference data. Said reference data can describe or related to a property of the reference fluid more directly than the raw reference data. For example, the raw reference data may comprise a plurality of electrical resistance values of a heating element submerged in the reference fluid and the reference data can comprise thermal capacity values of the reference fluid calculated based on the resistance values. In such embodiments, the measured data set can correspondingly comprise measured data set obtained after processing raw measured data. That is, after obtaining raw measured data they can be processed to obtain measured data, which can then be compared with the reference data.

[0550] Put simply, the reference data set and the measured data set can comprise data that can be compared with each other. For example, the reference data set and the measured data set may comprise same units (or units that can be converted to each other) and/or same dimensions. That is, the reference data set and the measured data set may be represented with identical or similar data structures (e.g. integers, strings, lists, arrays, 2D-arrays, multi-dimensional arrays, matrices). In some embodiments, the reference data set and the measured data set may comprise time series, such as, time series of the same quantity.

[0551] It will be understood, that the fluid in the fluid container, which property can be measured in step S2, is intended to comprise the same composition as the reference composition. That is, ideally the fluid in the fluid container can be composed according to the reference composition. In other words, the reference composition of the fluid in step S1 corresponds to the composition of the fluid in the fluid container. Put simply, the fluid in the fluid container in step S2 is intended to be composed according to the reference composition in step S1. However, due to contamination the fluid in the fluid container may comprise contaminants.

[0552] For example, the fluid in the fluid container may comprise substances and/or microorganisms not intended to be in the fluid. Similarly, the fluid in the fluid container may comprise substances and/or microorganisms intended to be in the fluid but in a different amount than intended to. That is, the fluid in the fluid container can be contaminated.

[0553] In a step S3, the method can comprise providing a processing unit and the processing unit comparing the reference data set with the measured data set. As discussed, above the reference data set and the measured data set can be configured to be comparable with each other. As such, the processing unit can compare the measured data set with the reference data set.

[0554] During step S3, the similarity (or dissimilarity) between the reference data set and the measure data set can be determined. That is, one or more distance metrics can be calculated, which can take larger values with increasing difference between the reference data set and the measured data set. In this regard, different similarity measures can be utilized.

[0555] In some embodiments, in step S3 individual elements in the reference data set can be compared with respective individual elements in the measured data set. For example, a norm between the reference data set and the measured data set (e.g. L1 norm, L2 norm, Huber norm) can be calculated. The norm can then be used to assess the similarity of the measured data set with the reference data set. Alternatively or additionally, a correlation between the reference data set and the measured data set can be calculated during step S3.

[0556] In some embodiments, in step S3 a metric (e.g. mean, standard deviation, variance, distribution or the like) corresponding to the reference data set can be calculated and a respective metric corresponding to the measured data set can be calculated. Then the comparison can be performed by comparing the two calculated measures.

[0557] In some embodiments, in step S3 a distribution of the reference data set can be calculated (or comprised therein) and a corresponding distribution of the measured data set can be calculated. The comparison in step S3 can be performed by comparing the two distributions, e.g., using a goodness of fit test, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Z-test.

[0558] It will be understood, that the above are only some examples of algorithms to compare the reference data set and a measured data set. In general, during step S3 a comparison function can be defined. The comparison function can receive as an input the reference data set and the measured data set and can output a distance metric which can indicate the similarity between the reference data set and the measured data set. The distance metric may be a binary metric, discrete metric or continuous metric. The distance metric may take values within an interval, wherein one value in that interval can indicate that the measured data set and the reference data set are identical and at least one other value can indicate that the measured data set and the reference data set are different. In addition, the distance metric calculated during step S3 may quantitively indicate the dissimilarity between the measured data set and the reference data set.

[0559] In a step S4, the method can comprise determining whether the fluid is contaminated based on the comparison, e.g. based on the distance metric calculated in step S3. More particularly, if based on the comparison of step S3 it can be determined that the measured data set and the reference data set are different, then in step S4 it can be determined that the fluid is contaminated. Otherwise, it can be determined that the fluid is not contaminated. In addition, particularly if in step S3 the dissimilarity between the measured data set and the reference data set can be indicated quantitively (e.g. a value of the distance metric can be calculated), a level of contamination of the fluid can be determined based thereon.

[0560] In a step S5, an indication of the determination performed in step S4 can be provided. This can particularly be the case if in step S4 it is determined that the fluid is contaminated. Providing an indication may comprise raising an alarm, activating a speaker, a screen, an LED, deactivating a device (e.g. the mobile inhaler discussed further below), preventing the fluid from escaping the fluid container, activating a vibrating device for a haptic feedback or any combination thereof. Preferably, step S5 may comprise providing a feedback to a user or operator (e.g. the user of the mobile inhaler discussed further below) regarding the contamination state of the fluid in the fluid container and particularly when the fluid is contaminated. Step S5 may further comprise displaying a warning and/or a level of contamination which can be a number on a scale or a qualitative word (e.g. not contaminated, contaminated, heavily contaminated). This can be particularly advantageous for informing a user of a mobile inhaler when the fluid contained in the mobile inhaler that the user intends to inhale is contaminated. Thus, the method of the present invention prevents or at least reduces the risk of a user of a mobile inhaler inhaling contaminated fluids which can be hazardous to the health of the user of the mobile inhaler.

[0561] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a system configured to detect contamination of a fluid in a fluid container. For example, the system can be configured for carrying out the method for detecting contamination of a fluid in a fluid container, as discussed with reference to FIG. 1. It will be understood that the system described in the following and the method discussed with reference to FIG. 1 share similar features. As such, all features of the method can correspond to the system and vice versa.

[0562] The system may comprise a fluid container 10. The fluid container 10 can be configured to contain a fluid. That is, the fluid container 10 may comprise a reservoir which can be filled with a fluid.

[0563] The system may further comprise a measuring device 50. The measuring device 50 can be configured to measure a property of the fluid in the fluid container 10. More particularly, the measuring device 50 can be configured to generate a measured data set 55 related to or indicating the composition of the fluid in the fluid container 10. The measured data set 55 can be measured directly by the measuring device 50 performing a measurement. Alternatively, the measuring device 50 may obtain raw measured data 15 by performing a measurement and based on the raw measured data 15 the measured data 55 can be generated. For example, the raw measured data 15 may comprise a plurality of electrical resistance values 15 of a heating element submerged in the fluid of the fluid container 10 and the measured data 55 can comprise thermal capacity values 55 of the fluid calculated based on the electrical resistance values. Exemplary embodiments of the measuring device 50 are discussed further below.

[0564] Further the system can comprise a processing unit 40. The processing unit 40 may be comprise one or more processors or processing cores, and may be, but not limited to, a CPU (central processing unit), GPU (graphical processing unit), DSP (digital signal processor), APU (accelerator processing unit), ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), ASIP (application-specific instruction-set processor) or FPGA (field programable gate array).

[0565] The measured data set 55 can be provided to the processing unit 40. In some embodiments, the measuring device 50 can provide the measured data set 55 to the processing unit 40. Alternatively, the measuring device 50 can provide raw measure data 15 to the processing unit 40 and the processing unit 40 can process the raw measured data 15 and generate based on the raw measured data 15 the measured data set 55.

[0566] Further the system can comprise a memory component 30. The memory component 30 may be singular or plural, and may be, but not limited to, a volatile or non-volatile memory, such as a random access memory (RAM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), Flash Memory, Magneto-resistive RAM (MRAM), Ferroelectric RAM (F-RAM), or Parameter RAM (P-RAM). The memory component 30 can be configured to store the reference data set 35.

[0567] The reference data set 35 can be provided from the memory component 30 to the processing unit 40.

[0568] The processing unit 40 can compare the measured data set 55 and the reference data set 35. Based on the comparison, the processing unit 40 can generate and/or output a determination for contamination 45 of the fluid in the fluid container 10.

[0569] The system may further comprise an indication unit 60 configured to output an indication of the determination for contamination 45 of the fluid in the fluid container 10.

[0570] The processing unit 40 can further be configured to control the measuring device 50 and/or the memory 30 and/or the indication unit 60. For example, the processing unit 40 may trigger the measuring device 50 to perform a measurement. The processing unit 40 can trigger the measuring device 50 to provide the raw measured data 15 and/or the measured data set 55. The processing unit 40 can further trigger the indication unit 60 to output at least one indication of whether the fluid is contaminated. The memory 30 can comprise at least one computer program product that can comprise machine-readable instructions which can be provided to and executed by the processing unit 40 for at least one of the following: comparing the reference data set with the measured data set, triggering the measuring device 50 to perform a measurement, triggering the measuring device 50 to provide the raw measured data 15 and/or the measured data set 55, receiving raw measure data 35 from the memory 30, receiving the next or following machine-readable instruction(s) from the memory 30, sending and storing data to the memory 30, triggering the indication unit 60 to output at least one indication of whether the fluid is contaminated, performing the method discussed above with reference to FIG. 1, performing at least some of the steps of the method discussed above with reference to FIG. 1 or any combination thereof. As it will be understood, the method discussed above with reference to FIG. 1 can in the form of a computer implemented method and/or a computer program product and/or multiple computer program products.

[0571] Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 1 and 2, the method illustrated in FIG. 1 carried out by the system of FIG. 2 will be described.

[0572] In a step S1, the method may comprise providing to a memory component 30 a reference data set 35 related to a reference composition of the fluid. Further, in step S1 the method can comprise storing the reference data set 35 in the memory component 30. In addition, in step 51 the method can comprise providing the reference data set 35 from the memory component 30 to the processing unit 40. That is, in general, step S1 may comprise providing the reference data set 35 to the processing unit 40.

[0573] In some embodiments, a plurality of reference data sets 35 can be stored in the memory component 30. Each of the plurality of reference data sets 35 can preferably be labeled, i.e. associated with metadata. This can facilitate differentiating the reference data sets 35 from each other and/or identifying the reference data sets 35. In such embodiments, the method can comprise selecting one of the reference data sets 35 (e.g. based on the metadata) and provide the selected reference data set 35 to the processing unit 40.

[0574] In a step S2 the method can comprise the measuring device 50 generating the measured data set 55 and providing the measured data set 55 to the processing unit 40. Alternatively, in step S2, the method can comprise the measuring device 50 obtaining the raw measured data 15 and providing the raw measured data 15 to the processing unit 40. Further, in step S2 the processing unit can process the raw measured data 15 to generate the measured data set 55. Step S2 can further comprise the processing unit 40 triggering and/or controlling the measuring device 50 to perform the measurement for generating the raw measured data 15 and/or the measured data set 55.

[0575] In step S3, the processing unit 40 can compare the measured data set 55 with the reference data set 35. For example, the processing unit 40 can process the measured data set 55 and the reference data set 35 and can calculate a distance metric indicating the similarity (or dissimilarity) between the two data sets.

[0576] In step S4, based on the comparison the processing unit 40 can generate the determination for contamination 45 of the fluid in the fluid container 10.

[0577] In step S5, the method can comprise the indication unit 60 providing an indication of the determination for contamination. Step S5 may further comprise the processing unit 40 triggering and/or controlling the indication unit 60 to provide an indication of the determination for contamination of the fluid in the fluid container 10.

[0578] The method and system for detecting contamination of a fluid in a fluid container can be particularly advantageous for use in a mobile inhaler, such as, an e-cigarette. They can be particularly advantageous for informing a user of the mobile inhaler when the fluid contained in the mobile inhaler that the user intends to inhale is contaminated. Thus, the method and the system of the present invention prevents or at least reduces the risk of a user of a mobile inhaler inhaling contaminated fluids which can be hazardous to the health of the user of the mobile inhaler.

[0579] In FIGS. 3a to 3d, different embodiments of a mobile inhaler 20 and a respective fluid container 10 are illustrated.

[0580] The mobile inhaler 20 can comprise a mouth piece 254 and a canal 255. The mouth piece 254 can be configured to be brought into contact with a user of the mobile inhaler 20. The canal 255 is connected in one of its endpoints to the mouth piece 254 and on the other endpoint with a container receiving component 260 of the mobile inhaler 20. The canal 255 can be configured to guide a fluid (e.g. vapor) the canal the fluid container 10 positioned in the container receiving component 260 to the mouthpiece 254. Although the mobile inhaler 20 is illustrated with one canal 255, it will be noted that the mobile inhaler 20 can comprise a plurality of canals 255. This is particularly advantageous when multiple fluid container 10 can be attached to the mobile inhaler 20 and/or when the fluid container 10 can comprise a plurality of separate reservoirs which can be filled with fluid, potentially different fluids.

[0581] In addition, the mobile inhaler 20 can comprise an energy storage component 270, such as, a battery 270. The energy storage component 270 may be single or plural. The energy storage component 270 can particularly be advantageous for energizing a vaporizing component, typically comprised by mobile inhalers.

[0582] The above is a general illustration of a mobile inhaler 20. It will be noted that the mobile inhaler may comprise further components.

[0583] Furthermore, it will be noted that the fluid container 10 can be a replaceable component of the mobile inhaler 20. That is, the mobile inhaler 20 and the fluid container 10 can be configured to be attached to each other in a releasable manner. That is, the fluid container 10 can be in a fastened state and in unfastened state relative to the mobile inhaler 20. In the fastened state, the mobile inhaler 20 and the fluid container 10 can maintain their relative position. In the unfastened state, the fluid container 10 can be removed from the mobile inhaler 20. The fluid container 10 can be brought from the unfastened state to the fastened state with a fastening action, such as, clipping and/or screwing. Further, the fluid container 10 can be brought from the fastened state to the unfastened state with an unfastening action, such as, unclipping and/or unscrewing. If the fluid container 10 and the mobile inhaler 20 are configured to be releasably connected with each other, then during the fastening and unfastening actions the mobile inhaler 20 or the fluid container 10, particularly the mobile inhaler 20, cannot be damaged.

[0584] Alternatively, the fluid container 10 and the mobile inhaler 20 can be attached in a non-releasable (i.e. non-detachable) manner. That is, the mobile inhaler 20 and the fluid container 10 may not be separated, without a forcing action which can damage the mobile inhaler 20 and the fluid container 10.

[0585] The features discussed below, can be applied to both of these embodiments, that is, when the fluid container 10 can be a replaceable component of the mobile inhaler 20 and when the fluid container 10 and the mobile inhaler 20 can be attached in a non-releasable (i.e. non-detachable) manner.

[0586] In some embodiments, the memory component 30, the measuring device 50 and the processing unit 40 (discussed with reference to FIG. 2) can be provided internal to the mobile inhaler 20 and/or fluid container 10, as depicted by the different embodiments of FIGS. 3a to 3d. More particularly, in some embodiments the mobile inhaler 20 can further comprise the memory component 30, the measuring device 50 and the processing unit 40. An example of such embodiments is illustrated in FIG. 3a, wherein the memory component 30, the measuring device 50 and the processing unit 40 are disposed in a mobile inhaler 20.

[0587] In such embodiments, the mobile inhaler 20 and/or the fluid container 10 and/or the measuring device 50 can be configured to allow the measuring device 50 to perform a measurement for generating raw measured data 35 and/or measured data set 55, as discussed with reference to FIG. 2. For example, the mobile inhaler 20 and/or the fluid container 10 and/or the measuring device 50 can be configured to allow the measuring device 50 to send and/or receive a measuring signal to/from the fluid container 10. In a particular embodiment, the fluid container 10 may comprise one or more connectors (not shown) wherein the measuring device 50 can be connected with the fluid container 10 or a component of the fluid container 10.

[0588] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 3b, the memory component 30, the measuring device 50 and the processing unit 40 can be provided internal to the fluid container 10. That is, the memory component 30, the measuring device 50 and the processing unit 40 can be disposed in the fluid container 10.

[0589] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 3c, the memory component 30 and the measuring device 50 can be provided internal to the fluid container 10 and the processing unit 40 can be provided external to the fluid container 10 and internal to the mobile inhaler 20. In such embodiments, the measuring device 50 and the processing unit 40 can be configured such that the measuring device 50 can provide data to the processing unit 40. Additionally, the mobile inhaler 10 and/or the fluid container 40 can be configured to facilitate the measuring device 50 providing data to the processing unit 40. Such embodiments, can be particularly advantageous in embodiments wherein the mobile inhaler 20 requires a processing unit 40 for other functionalities.

[0590] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the measuring device 50 can comprise a fluid container measuring device portion 50A and a mobile inhaler measuring device portion 50B. The fluid container measuring device portion 50A can be provided internal to the fluid container 10. The mobile inhaler measuring device portion 50B can be provided external to the fluid container 10 and internal to the mobile inhaler 20. That is, the measuring device 50 can be provided in part to the fluid container 10 and to the mobile inhaler 20. For example, the fluid container measuring device portion 50A can comprise at least one sensor (not shown) of the measuring device 50. Further, the mobile inhaler measuring device portion 50B can comprise processing or pre-processing means (not shown) for processing or pre-processing the sensor data (e.g.

[0591] a micro-controller, processor). The mobile inhaler measuring device portion 50B may comprise data transmission components (not shown) for facilitating the provision of raw measurement data 35 (see FIG. 2) or measurement data set (see FIG. 2) to the processing unit 40. The mobile inhaler measuring device portion 50B, may also comprise signal generators and receivers that can facilitate sending and/or receiving a measuring and/or power signal to/from the fluid container measuring device 50A.

[0592] On the other hand, in embodiments wherein the measuring device 50 can comprise a fluid container measuring device portion 50A and a mobile inhaler measuring device portion 50B, the memory component 30 and the processing unit 40 can be provided either internal to the mobile inhaler 20 and external to the fluid container 10, as depicted in FIG. 3d, or internal to the fluid container 10.

[0593] In addition, the indication unit 60 (shown in FIG. 2) can be provided in the fluid container 10 and/or the mobile inhaler 20. Preferably, the indication unit 60 can be provided on an outer surface of the fluid container 10 and/or mobile inhaler 20, such that, the indication unit 60 can be visible from outside the fluid container 10 and mobile inhaler 20. For example, a user of the mobile inhaler 20 can see the indication unit 20. This is particularly required and advantageous when the indication unit 20 provides a visual indication (e.g. the indication unit 20 comprises a LED or display).

[0594] In some embodiments, it can be advantageous to provide the memory component 30 to the fluid container 10. This can be particularly advantageous if the fluid container 10 is configured to be replaceable. Thus, depending on the fluid that can be contained on the fluid container 10, the memory component 30 comprised by the fluid container 10 can store a reference data set related to the reference composition corresponding to the fluid in the fluid container. As different fluid container 10 provide may contain different fluids, providing the memory component 30 to the fluid container 10 facilitates providing a reference data set corresponding to the fluid in the fluid container 10.

[0595] Put simply, in embodiments wherein different fluids can be comprised by a fluid container 10 and for each fluid a corresponding reference data set is relevant a matching between the respective fluid comprised in the fluid container 10 and the reference data set corresponding to the fluid in the fluid container 10, may be required. In some embodiments, said matching can be facilitate or provided by providing the memory component 30 on the fluid container 10, wherein the memory component 30 stores therein the reference data set that corresponds to the fluid in the fluid container 10.

[0596] Alternatively, and as discussed, the memory component 30 can be provided external to the fluid container 10 and internal to the mobile inhaler 20. In such embodiments, the memory component 30 may store one or more reference data sets. The one or more reference data sets stored in the memory component 30 may relate to one or more fluids that are allowed to be contained in the fluid container 10. In such embodiments, the measurement data set can be compared with each of the reference data sets stored in the memory component 30. If it can be determined that the measurement data set is similar or identical to at least one of the reference data sets, then it can be determined that the fluid in the fluid container 10 is not contaminated. Otherwise, it can be determined that the fluid in the fluid container 10 is contaminated.

[0597] In some embodiments, the reference data sets can be stored in the memory component 30 with a respective unique ID. This is particularly advantageous if multiple reference data sets are stored in the memory component 30. The unique ID can further be provided to the fluid container 10 and can be used to uniquely identify the fluid that is contained in the fluid container 10 and the corresponding reference data set. The unique ID can for example be provided in a machine-readable format, which the mobile inhaler 20 can obtain (i.e. “read”) with a scanning device (not shown). Thus, by obtaining the unique ID from the fluid container 10, the mobile inhaler 10 can match the fluid in the fluid container 10 with the corresponding reference data set. This is particularly advantageous in embodiments wherein the fluid container 10 is replaceable and cannot be refilled.

[0598] In the above the memory component 30 was described as comprising an electronic storage device 30. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the memory component 30 may comprise an optical label, preferably a machine-readable optical label, such as, a barcode and/or a QR code. The optical label may comprise information that can be related to the reference data set, such as, a unique ID assigned to the reference data set or to the fluid that the reference data set may relate to. Additionally or alternatively, the optical label may comprise the reference data set. Furthermore, in such embodiments, an optical reader (not shown) may be provided. The optical reader, which can also be referred to as a barcode reader, barcode detector, scanner, QR code reader, QR code detector, can be configured to extract information from the optical label, such as, by identifying a code in the optical label and decoding it to obtain the information. Thus, information related to the measurement data set and/or the measurement data can be obtained from the optical label utilizing the optical reader. The obtained data from the optical label can further be stored in the memory component 30 and/or provided to the processing unit 40. The optical label can preferably be provided to the fluid container 10 and preferably on the outer surface of the fluid container 10. This can be advantageous as the reference data set can be provided for the respective fluid contained in the fluid container 10.

[0599] In FIG. 4a, an embodiment of a measuring device 50 and a fluid container 10 are illustrated. The measuring device 50 and the fluid container 10 can be part of the system illustrated in and discussed with reference to FIG. 2. However, the other components of the system, such as, the memory component 30 and the processing unit 40, are omitted not to overload the figure.

[0600] In the depicted embodiment, the fluid container 10 can further comprise a heating element 130. The heating element 130, which can also be referred to as a vaporizer 130 can be configured to generate heat and deliver the heat to the fluid contained in the fluid container 10. The heating element 130 may be configured to provide electrical resistance to an electric current that can pass through the heating element 130. For example, the heating element 130 may comprise a two-terminal electrical component that can provide electrical resistance to an electric current that can pass between the two terminals. The heating element 130 may typically comprise a resistor and/or inductor with a non-zero resistance.

[0601] At least two connectors 150 or ports 150 can be provided on the fluid container 10. The connectors 150 can facilitate the connection of an external device with the heating element 130. In embodiments wherein the heating element 130 comprises at least one two-terminal electrical component, such as, a resistor or an inductor, then two respective connectors 150 can be provided for each two-terminal electrical component or two connectors 150 can be provided for all the two-terminal electrical components comprised by the heating element 130.

[0602] Further, the signal guiders 510 can be provided. The signal guiders 510 can be connected in one end to a connector 150 (i.e. to the heating element 130) and on the other end to the measuring device 50. For each connector 150 a respective signal guider 510 can be provided connecting each connector 150 to the measuring device 50.

[0603] Although not shown in the figures, the heating element 130 can further be connected with an energy storage component, such as, the energy storage component 270 illustrated in FIGS. 3a to 3d. The energy storage component can be used to provide energy to the heating element 130 for generating heat. The energy storage component can also be used by the measuring device 50 for generating the measuring signal.

[0604] That is, the heating element 130 can be provided with two electrical currents. A first current, referred to as a power current, can be provided to the heating element 130 such that heat can be generated on the heating element 130. A second current, referred to as a measuring current or measuring signal, can be provided to the heating element 130 while the measuring device 50 performs a measurement (i.e. during step S2, see page 1). Both, the power current and the measuring signal can generate from the energy storage component. However, typically the power current can comprise a higher power compared to the measuring signal. Moreover, the two currents can undergo different circuits before being provided to the heating element 130.

[0605] In some embodiments, the power current can be provided directly from the battery storage component to the heating element 130, i.e. respective signal guiders (not shown) can connect the heating element 130 to the battery storage component directly. Alternatively, a power regulating circuit (not shown) can be provided between the battery storage component and the heating element 130. The power regulating circuit can be configured to adjust the power current that is provided to the heating element 130. For example, the power regulating circuit may be configured to provide an alternating power current to the heating element 130, such as, a pulse-width-modulated power current. A pulse-width-modulated power current can be particularly advantageous as, by adjusting the width of the pulse, also the power provided to the heating element 130 can be adjusted and thus, the amount of heat generated by the heating element 130.

[0606] The measuring signal can be provided to the heating element 130 through the measuring device 50. This can allow the measuring device 50 to “know” the properties of the measuring signal provided to the heating element 130. Furthermore, the measuring device 50 can be configured to provide to the heating element 50 a measuring signal which properties (e.g. amplitude as a function of time) have a low deviation from what they are intended to be (i.e. from what the measuring device “knows”). This can increase the accuracy of the measurement performed by the measurement device.

[0607] In some embodiments, the measuring signal and the power signal can be provided during the same period of time and out of phase each other to the heating component 130. For example, the measuring signal can be provided during the of cycles of a pulse-width-modulated power current. More generally, the power current can be provided to the heating element 130 in on and off cycles, e.g. as a square wave. During the on cycles the power current has a non-zero amplitude and as such the heating element 130 is heated during the on cycles. During the off cycles, the power current has a zero amplitude, i.e. no power current passes through the heating element 130. During the off cycles, the measuring signal can be provided to the heating element 130. Thus, only the measuring signal current can pass through the heating element 130 during the off cycles of the power current. Thus, an accurate measurement can be performed as the measuring signal is not interfered by the power current.

[0608] Alternatively, the power current can be used as a measuring signal as well. That is, the measuring device 50 can use the power current for performing the measurement. However, this may not provide accurate measurements, as typically the power current is not generated in an accurate way. The measuring signal, which can comprise a smaller power than the power current, can be generated more accurately and thus can facilitate a more accurate measurement. However, using a measuring signal instead of the power current may require that the power current is provided to the heating element in cycles, as discussed above.

[0609] FIG. 4b, depicts a similar embodiment to the one illustrated in FIG. 4a; however, the measuring device is provided internal to the fluid container 10. As such, also the signal guiders 510 can be provided internal to the fluid container 10 and the connectors 150, depicted in FIG. 4a, may not be required in the embodiment of FIG. 4b. Alternatively, due to the close proximity between the heating element 130 and the measuring device 50, the signal guiders 510 may not be required and instead the measuring device 50 and the heating element 130 can be directly connected with each other. The other features discussed with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 4a, can also be applied to the embodiment illustrated in the FIG. 4b.

[0610] With reference to FIGS. 4a to 4d, methods for detecting contamination of a fluid in a fluid container using the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b, will be discussed. More particularly, FIG. 4c illustrates an embodiment of the method depicted in and discussed with reference to FIG. 1. To indicate the correspondence between the steps of the method illustrated in FIG. 1 and the steps of the method illustrated in FIG. 4c, the steps of the method in FIG. 4c are assigned with the same referrals as the steps illustrated in FIG. 1 by adding the postfix “a” to each corresponding referrals from FIG. 1.

[0611] The method discussed, in FIG. 4c is based on the rationale that different fluids (in general different materials) can comprise different thermal conductivities. That is, each material can comprise its specific thermal conductivity. Thus, changing the composition of a material can change the thermal conductivity. To put it simply, each material comprises its respective ability to conduct (i.e. transfer, provide or receive) heat. Thus, different material can transfer heat at different rates. The higher the thermal conductivity of a material the higher the rate at which the material conducts heat.

[0612] Based on this rationale, different fluids in a fluid container 10, can have different thermal conductivities. Changing the composition of the fluid will also change the thermal conductivity of the fluid. In other words, different fluids can receive heat from the heating element 130 at different rates. In addition, the rate at which heat is conducted from the heating element 130 to the fluid in the fluid container 10 can be reflected on the temperature of the heating element 130 during the heating time. For example, a fluid with a high thermal conductivity can cause the heating element 130 to heat more slowly compared to fluid with a low thermal conductivity. The reason for this is that the fluid with the high thermal conductivity can receive heat from the heating element 130 faster compared to the fluid with the low thermal conductivity. As such, for the same amount of time the fluid with the high thermal conductivity can draw more heat from the heating element 130.

[0613] Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of a material typically depends on the temperature and phase of the material. Thus, as the fluid's temperature increases (during the heating process) the thermal conductivity of the fluid changes. The thermal conductivity of different fluids can show different behaviors of the thermal conductivity over the time the fluid is heated.

[0614] Thus, by measuring the temperature of the of the heating element 130, a property of the fluid in the fluid container, in this case, the thermal conductivity of the fluid, can be inferred.

[0615] Thus, in a step S1a, the method for detecting contamination can comprise providing a reference temperature data set related to the heating element 130. That is, the reference data step can comprise a reference temperature data set. The reference temperature data set may comprise a plurality of temperature measurements of the heating element 130 brought into contact with a reference fluid composed according to the reference composition. The reference fluid, as discussed, is characterized by a specific thermal conductivity, or more precisely, by a specific behavior of the thermal conductivity as a function of temperature. Due to this, the temperature of the heating element 130 shows a respective behavior as a function of time, during which the power current is provided to the heating element 130, which depends on the thermal conductivity of the reference fluid. Thus, the reference temperature data set can be generated then provided in step S1. The reference temperature data set can comprise a time series of the temperature of the heating element.

[0616] As discussed, the reference data set can be provided to a memory component.

[0617] FIG. 7a, illustrates an exemplary reference data set 710. The reference data set 710 is illustrated by plotting it in a graph with time and temperature axis. The reference data set 710 can comprise a plurality of reference data points 715, which can correspond to temperature measurements 715 of the heating element 130. In the provided example, the temperature measurements 715 are performed in periodic manner during the time between the start of heating of the heating element 130 and end of heating of the heating element 130.

[0618] In addition, and as depicted in FIG. 7a, an upper bound 704 and a lower bound 702 can be provided with the reference data set. The upper bound 704 and the lower bound 702 can specify a region around the reference data set. All temperature data sets that can lie within the said region, i.e. between the upper and lower bound can be considered to be the same with the reference data set.

[0619] The upper and lower bound 704, 702 can also be provided with a respective upper threshold and lower thresholds. The upper and lower thresholds can specify a maximum deviation from the reference data set in the respective direction, for a temperature data set to be considered not different from the reference data set. In the example of FIG. 7a, the upper and lower thresholds are depicted constant over time. However, the person skilled in the art will understand that the upper and lower thresholds can change as a function of time and/or as a function of temperature. Moreover, the upper and lower thresholds can be equal to each other or different from each other.

[0620] In a step S2a, the method can comprise measuring a temperature data set related to the heating element 130. That is, the measurement data step can comprise a temperature data set. In this step, the fluid under test (contained in the fluid container) for contamination is brought into contact with the heating element 130. Thus, the temperature of the heating element 130 will depend on the thermal conductivity of the fluid under test.

[0621] FIG. 7b, illustrates two exemplary temperature data sets 720 and 730, with respective measured data points 725 and 735, obtained by measuring the temperature of the heating element 130 when brought into contact with two respective and different fluids. Similar to FIG. 7a, the temperature data set 720 and 730 are illustrated by plotting them in a graph with time and temperature axis. For comparison, the reference data set 710 with the upper and lower bounds 704, 702 is also provided.

[0622] Further, in a step S3a the method can comprise a processing unit (e.g. the processing unit 40 discussed in FIG. 2) comparing the reference temperature data set with the measured temperature data set. Next, similar to the method of FIG. 1, in a step S4a, the method can comprise determining whether the fluid is contaminated based on the comparison and in a step S5a providing an indication of the determinations.

[0623] Step S3a and S4a will be further described with reference to the examples of FIGS. 7a and 7b. As indicated by the temperature data set 720, under the presence of the corresponding fluid the temperature of the heating element 130 comprises a similar behavior compared to when the heating element 130 is in the presence of the reference fluid. Furthermore, as the temperature data set 720 is between the upper bound 704 and lower bound 702, it can be determined that it does not differentiate from the reference temperature data set 710. As such, the tested fluid can be determined to not differentiate from the reference fluid, i.e., based on the result of the comparison it can be determined that the tested fluid is not contaminated.

[0624] On the other hand, the temperature data set 730 indicates that the heating element 130 is heated faster compared to when the other exemplary data sets were generated. It will be noted that for the sake of comparison during the generation of the reference data set (in step S1) and temperature data sets (in step S2), the heating element 130 has the same or similar properties (e.g. resistance) and the power current provided to the heating elements 130 is also the same or at least similar. As such, the reason for the heating element 130 to show different temperature behaviors during the heating time is due to the fluid that the heating element is in contact with. In the provided examples, it can be inferred that the fluid used during the generation of temperature data set 730 comprises smaller thermal conductivity compared to the other exemplary/reference fluids. Furthermore, as the temperature data set 730 comprises data points 735 outside the region defined by the upper and lower bounds 704, 702, the temperature data set 730 can be determined to be different from the reference temperature data set 710 and the respective tested fluid can be determined to be contaminated.

[0625] In some embodiments, further a threshold portion can be defined, which threshold portion can specify a maximum portion of measured data points that can be outside the upper and lower bounds 704, 702 for the measured data set to be determined as not different from the reference data set.

[0626] In some embodiments, the upper and lower bounds 704, 702 may not be provided and the measured data set is compared directly with the reference data set, rather than with the upper and lower bound. That is, in such embodiments the upper and lower thresholds are set to zero.

[0627] In some embodiments, the temperature of the heating element may be directly measured with a temperature sensor. That is, the measuring device 50 can comprise a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the heating element 130.

[0628] Alternatively and as illustrated in FIG. 4d, the temperature of the heating element 130 can be measured indirectly by measuring the electrical resistance of the heating element in a sub-step S21a of step S3a and determining the temperature of the heating element based on the electrical resistance of the heating element in a sub-step S22a of step S2a. In such embodiments the heating element 130 can be configured such that its electrical resistance is dependent on temperature (e.g. similar to a thermistor).

[0629] Typically, for any material the electrical resistance changes depending on the temperature of the material. Furthermore, based on empirical data and/or material and/or size of the heating element 130, the dependence of the electrical resistance on the temperature of the heating element 130 can be determined.

[0630] As such, in some embodiments wherein a dependence (i.e. function) of the electrical resistance on the temperature of the heating element 130 is known or can be determined, the temperature of the heating element 130 can be determined by configuring the measuring device 50 to measure the electrical resistance of the heating element 130. For example, the measuring device 50 may comprise an ohmmeter.

[0631] In FIGS. 4e and 4f a yet further embodiment of the method illustrated in FIG. 1 is provided. To indicate the correspondence between the steps of the method illustrated in FIG. 1 and the steps of the method illustrated in FIG. 4ce the steps of the method in FIG. 4e are assigned with the same referrals as the steps illustrated in FIG. 1 by adding the postfix “b” to each corresponding referrals from FIG. 1.

[0632] In a step S1b, a reference thermal capacity data set related to a reference fluid can be provided. That is, the reference data set in some embodiments can comprise a reference thermal capacity data set. The reference thermal capacity data set can be measured using a fluid composed according to the reference composition and/or can be inferred based on the properties of the reference fluid. In some embodiments, the reference thermal capacity data set can be inferred from a reference temperature data set discussed in step S1a (see FIG. 4c).

[0633] In a step S2b, the method can comprise measuring a thermal capacity data set related to the fluid in a fluid container. As illustrated in FIG. 4f, the thermal capacity data set can be measured by measuring a temperature data set related to the heating element according to step S2a (also discussed with reference to FIGS. 4c and 4d) and then determining a thermal capacity data set related to the fluid in the fluid container based on the measured temperature data set.

[0634] Next, the method can comprise step S3b, wherein a processing unit can compare the reference thermal capacity date set with the measured thermal capacity data set, step S4b wherein it can be determined whether the fluid is contaminated based on the comparison and step S5b, wherein an indication for the determination can be provided.

[0635] In the above, the reference data set and the measured data set related to quantities of the form temperature of the heating element 130 as a function of time (FIGS. 4c, 4d, 7a and 7b) and thermal capacity of the fluid as a function of time (FIGS. 4e, 4f). The person skilled in the art will understand that the reference data set and the measured data set related to quantities such as, the temperature of the fluid as a function of time, temperature of the heating element as a function of the electrical charge provided to the heating element, temperature of the fluid as a function of the electrical charge provided to the heating element, thermal capacity of the fluid as a function of the temperature of the fluid, thermal capacity of the fluid as a function of the temperature of the heating element and thermal capacity of the fluid as a function of the electrical charge provided to the heating element.

[0636] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4a to 4f, contamination in a fluid can be determined based on temperature and/or resistance measurements performed on the heating element 130.

[0637] Alternatively, and as illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, contamination in a fluid can be determined based on direct measurement of the fluid.

[0638] In FIGS. 5a and 5b, similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 4a and 4b, a fluid container 10 and a measuring device 50 are illustrated. In FIG. 5a, the measuring device 50 is provided external to the fluid container 10 and in FIG. 5b, the measuring device 50 is provided internal to the fluid container 10.

[0639] In addition, internally to the fluid container 10 a first measuring component 520A and a second measuring component 520B can be provided. The first and the second component 520A, 520B can also be referred to as a transmitting component 520A and receiving component 520B, respectively.

[0640] Both the transmitting component 520A and receiving component 520B can be connected to the measuring device with respective signal guiders 510. The signal guiders 510 can facilitate providing the measuring signal from the measuring device 50 to the transmitting component 520A and from the receiving component 52B to the measuring device. For example, the signal guiders 510 can comprise electrical wires and/or electrical cables. In addition, connectors (not shown) can be provided to facilitate the respective connection between the transmitting component 520A with the measuring device 50 and receiving component 520B with the measuring device 50.

[0641] The measuring signal can be provided to the transmitting component 520A from the measuring device 50. The measuring signal can then propagate through the fluid in the fluid container 10 and be received by the receiving component 520B. The measuring signal can then be provided to the measuring device 50 from the receiving component 520B.

[0642] During the propagation of the measuring signal through the fluid in the fluid container, the measuring signal can be affected (i.e. changed). This change can be detected by the measuring device 50 which can be configured to compare the measuring signal as generated (i.e. before the propagation through the fluid in the fluid container) and the measuring signal as received (i.e. after the propagation through the fluid in the fluid container).

[0643] Different fluids can cause different changes to the measuring signal. Changing the composition of a fluid can change the effect of the fluid on the measuring signal. Thus, by measuring and providing the effects of a reference fluid on the measuring signal, measuring the effects of a fluid under test on the measuring signal and comparing the two, contamination on the fluid container can be detected.

[0644] Thus, in some embodiments, the reference data set can comprise a difference between the measuring signal as generated (i.e. before the propagation through the reference fluid) and the measuring signal as received (i.e. after the propagation through the reference fluid). Correspondingly, the measured data set can comprise a difference between the measuring signal as generated (i.e. before the propagation through the fluid under test) and the measuring signal as received (i.e. after the propagation through the fluid under test).

[0645] Alternatively, the reference data set can comprise data related to the measuring signal as received after propagation through the reference fluid. Correspondingly, the measured data set can comprise the measuring signal as received after propagation through the reference fluid. In such embodiments, it may be required to use measuring signals with same properties when performing a measurement of the reference fluid and the fluid under test.

[0646] In some embodiments, the measuring signal can propagate through fluid as an electrical current. In such embodiments, the first component 520A and the second component 520B can comprise electrodes 520A, 520B. In such embodiments, the electrical resistance (or similarly the electrical conductivity) of the fluid can be measured. That is, the reference data set can relate to the electrical resistance or conductance of the reference fluid and the measured data set can relate to the electrical resistance or conductance of the fluid under test.

[0647] That is, the measuring device 50 can create a difference of electrical potentials between the electrodes 520A and 520B. This can generate a current flowing from one of the electrodes to the other. Based on the difference of electrical potentials between the electrodes 520A and 520B and by measuring the amplitude of the current flowing through the fluid from one of the electrodes to the other, the electrical resistance of the fluid can be measured.

[0648] The above can be performed for a reference fluid, i.e., a fluid composed according to the reference composition. Thus, a reference data set comprising the electrical resistance of the fluid can be generated. Measuring the electrical resistance of the reference fluid to generate the reference data set can be performed while the reference fluid comprises temperatures. For example, one measurement can be performed when the reference fluid is at room temperature, i.e., unheated. Further measurements can be performed while the reference fluid is heated. Furthermore, in addition to measuring the electrical resistance of the reference fluid, the temperature of the fluid can be measured. Thus, the reference data set can comprise data indicating the electrical resistance of the reference fluid as a function of its temperature.

[0649] Similarly, the electrical resistance of any fluid in a fluid container (i.e. the fluid under test) can be measured. Thus, a measured data set comprising the electrical resistance of the fluid under test can be generated. Measuring the electrical resistance of the fluid under test to generate the measured data set can be performed while the fluid under test comprises temperatures. For example, one measurement can be performed when the fluid under test is at room temperature, i.e., unheated, e.g. 18-25 degree Celsius. Further measurements can be performed while the reference fluid is heated. Furthermore, in addition to measuring the electrical resistance of the fluid under test, the temperature of the fluid can be measured. Thus, the measured data set can comprise data indicating the electrical resistance of the fluid under test as a function of its temperature.

[0650] Thus, contamination in a fluid can be detected if the electrical resistance of the fluid under test differs from the electrical resistance of the reference fluid.

[0651] In some embodiments, detecting contamination in a fluid can be based on the refractive index of the fluid. Refraction is the change in direction of a wave passing from one medium to another or from a gradual change in the medium. Typically, electromagnetic waves, such as, a beam of light, can be used to measure the refractive index of a fluid.

[0652] Measuring the refractive index of the fluid in the fluid container 10 can be performed with the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, wherein the transmitting component 520A and the receiving component 520B can be provided. To facilitate the measuring of the refractive index of the fluid in the fluid container 10, the transmitting component 520A can be an electromagnetic wave transmitter 520 (e.g. transmitting antenna 520A, laser 520A or LED 520A) and the receiving component 520B can be an electromagnetic wave receiver 520B or electromagnetic wave detector 520B, e.g., light sensor, optical sensor, image sensor. Preferably, the transmitting component 520A can be configured to emit an electromagnetic wave with a narrow beam-width, i.e. a high-directional electromagnetic wave. In a preferred embodiment the transmitting component 520A can be a laser 520A. A collimator lens may further be provided to narrow the beam of the transmitting component 520A (e.g. light source) to a predetermined and/or desired width.

[0653] On the other hand, the receiving component 520B can be configured to detect the electromagnetic wave emitted by the transmitting component 520A and further preferably indicate a position where the electromagnetic wave was received. For example, the receiving component 520B may comprise a flat surface (not shown) wherein a plurality of electromagnetic wave detectors is disposed, preferably, uniformly. Each electromagnetic wave detector can be configured to indicate when the electromagnetic wave is incident on the said electromagnetic wave detector. For example, under the influence of the incident electromagnetic wave, the electromagnetic wave detector may cause a respective capacitor to charge. Then, depending on the electromagnetic wave detector that were affected by the incident electromagnetic wave, the position of incidence of the electromagnetic wave can be determined.

[0654] Furthermore, to enable the measurement of the refractive index of the fluid in a fluid container, it may be required that the electromagnetic wave emitted by the transmitting component 520A passes through at least two different mediums, one of which being the fluid in the fluid container, before being received by the receiving component 520B. Furthermore, the refractive index of the other mediums may also be required to determine the refractive index of the fluid in the fluid container.

[0655] As illustrated in FIG. 5c, in some embodiments, at least one further component 530, which can be a passive component 530, and comprising a material different from the fluid in the fluid container 10 can be positioned between the transmitting component 520A and receiving component 520B. The passive component 530 can preferably be configured to allow a portion of the energy of the electromagnetic wave emitted by the transmitting component 520A to pass through it. For example, the passive component 530 may comprise a low reflection index of the electromagnetic wave. The passive component 530 may, for example, comprise a translucent material, such as, translucent plastic or glass. The passive component 530 may also comprise a chamber (not shown) which can be filled with air.

[0656] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 5d, the transmitting component 520A and receiving component 520B can be provided inside a chamber 540. The chamber 540 can be configured such that a portion of the chamber can be filled with the fluid in the fluid container 10. Another portion of the chamber 540 can be filled with air. As such, the electromagnetic wave can at least pass through air and the fluid.

[0657] Alternatively still, as illustrated in FIG. 5d, at least one of the components 530A, 530B can be provided external to the fluid container 10. Furthermore, the fluid container 10 or at least a portion of the fluid container 10 can be configured to be translucent to the electromagnetic wave emitted by the transmitting component 530A. This can allow the emitted electromagnetic wave to pass through the surface of the fluid container 10 and be received by the receiving component 530B.

[0658] Thus, with the above embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5a to 5d, depending on the fluid in the fluid container 10, the electromagnetic wave can follow a certain direction. Changing the fluid in the fluid container can change the direction that the electromagnetic wave can follow. Thus, the position where the electromagnetic wave is incident on the receiving component 520B can depend on the fluid in the fluid container. Thus, data related to the position where the electromagnetic wave is incident on the receiving component 520B can be obtained. Furthermore, they can be used to calculate a refractive index of the fluid in the fluid container.

[0659] The electromagnetic wave may comprise different spectrums. For example, the electromagnetic wave may comprise infra-red light and/or visible light. The position where the electromagnetic wave is incident on the receiving component 520B can depend on the spectrum of the electromagnetic wave. Data related to the position where the electromagnetic wave is incident on the receiving component 520B can be obtained for one or more spectrums and based thereon for each spectrum a respective refractive index can be obtained.

[0660] Thus, the refractive index or data related to the position where the electromagnetic wave is incident on the receiving component 520B can be obtained for a reference fluid, as discussed above. Hence, a reference data set can be generated. Similarly, the refractive index or data related to the position where the electromagnetic wave is incident on the receiving component 520B can be obtained for a fluid under test, as discussed above. Hence, a measured data set can be generated. Comparing the measured data set and the reference data set, it can be determined whether the refractive index of the fluid under test is different from the refractive index of the reference fluid. Based on this, it can be determined whether the fluid under test is contaminated.

[0661] Preferably, measurements related to the refractive index of a fluid can be performed while the fluid is motionless. For example, measurements related to the refractive index of the fluid in the fluid container 10 of a mobile inhaler 20 (see FIGS. 3a to 3d) can be performed while the mobile inhaler is not in use and motionless.

[0662] Alternatively or additionally to the embodiments of FIGS. 4a, 4b and 5a to 5d, a fluid sensor 550 can further be provided internal to the fluid container 10, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The fluid sensor 550 can further be connected with a respective signal guider 510 to the measuring device 50.

[0663] The fluid sensor 550 can be configured to measure one or more properties of the fluid in the fluid container 10. The fluid sensor 550 may comprise a thermometer 550 configured to measure a temperature of the fluid in the fluid container 10. Temperature data that can be collected using the thermometer 550 can be used in combination with the other data sets discussed in all the preceding embodiments.

[0664] Alternatively or additionally, the fluid sensor 550 may comprise a pH meter 550 configured to measure acidity or alkalinity of the fluid in the fluid container 10. In such embodiments, data collected using the pH meter 550 can be used to determine whether the acidity or alkalinity of a fluid under test is the same as the acidity or alkalinity of a corresponding reference fluid. This can then be used to determine whether the fluid is contaminated. Whenever a relative term, such as “about”, “substantially” or “approximately” is used in this specification, such a term should also be construed to also include the exact term. That is, e.g., “substantially straight” should be construed to also include “(exactly) straight”.

[0665] It should also be understood that whenever reference is made to an element this does not exclude a plurality of said elements. For example, if something is said to comprise an element it may comprise a single element but also a plurality of elements.

[0666] Whenever steps were recited in the above or also in the appended claims, it should be noted that the order in which the steps are recited in this text may be accidental. That is, unless otherwise specified or unless clear to the skilled person, the order in which steps are recited may be accidental. That is, when the present document states, e.g., that a method comprises steps (A) and (B), this does not necessarily mean that step (A) precedes step (B), but it is also possible that step (A) is performed (at least partly) simultaneously with step (B) or that step (B) precedes step (A). Furthermore, when a step (X) is said to precede another step (Z), this does not imply that there is no step between steps (X) and (Z). That is, step (X) preceding step (Z) encompasses the situation that step (X) is performed directly before step (Z), but also the situation that (X) is performed before one or more steps (Y1), . . . , followed by step (Z). Corresponding considerations apply when terms like “after” or “before” are used.

[0667] While in the above, a preferred embodiment has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the skilled person will understand that this embodiment was provided for illustrative purpose only and should by no means be construed to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the claims.

[0668] Furthermore, reference numbers and letters appearing between parentheses in the claims, identifying features described in the embodiments and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, are provided as an aid to the reader as an exemplification of the matter claimed. The inclusion of such reference numbers and letters is not to be interpreted as placing any limitations on the scope of the claims.