Shenzhen Smoore is prohibiting the use of aerosol devices in restricted areas by scanning broadcast messages. BAT, at the same time, is revolutionizing the vaping experience with advanced heating systems and real-time data monitoring to personalize user experience.
Many core and non-core companies are researching ways to make their products smarter. As a result, patent filing in this sector has increased multifold.
So, is smart the new cool in the tobacco industry?
Let’s find out.
Where is the industry headed?
BAT’s research toward Smart Vapes
According to recent studies conducted by the company, there is a growing interest in aerosol devices equipped with both a motion sensor and an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model.
The company’s patent WO2021186146A1 proposes an AI model that defines “an alphabet of multiple characters, each character corresponding to a movement pattern.”
This AI model uses data from the motion sensor to recognize a particular character, which can then be used to control various device functions, such as device activation or device lock.
In addition to this, the company has also conducted research on “user profiles” for aerosol devices.
As per patent WO2022058726A1, aerosol devices can now feature a “user-profile module” that can store multiple user profiles. These profiles can retain user preferences, which can then be used to control the functioning of the aerosol device.
This setup allows users to transfer preferences and configure new or shared aerosol devices based on their predefined preferences.
JT’s research toward Smart Vapes
According to JT’s investigation of NFC technology, aerosol devices could benefit from having an NFC antenna to facilitate two-way communication with external devices.
Their patent WO2022129033A1 proposes that using NFC, instead of more commonly used protocols like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, can eliminate the cumbersome device pairing process.
Additionally, NFC consumes less power compared to the aforementioned protocols. The potential types of data exchanges with the external device include authentication data, status data, diagnostics data, and programming data, among others.
Further research conducted by Japan Tobacco has shown an interest in optical sensors, specifically infrared (IR) sensors, for communication between a vape device and a smartphone.
In their patent, EP3977874A1, they propose the use of inexpensive and hard-to-intercept optical communications through a smartphone instead of using the device interfaces for programming parameters such as temperature and flow.
Our search for the industry players revealed that not only tobacco companies but also non-tobacco firms were conducting research in the field.
Major Non-Tobacco Players
Research by major non-tobacco players, like France-based Enovap, also highlights the use of Artificial Intelligence for providing personalized support in reducing nicotine intake.
Their patent FR3110434A1 talks about a device that analyzes consumption habits for 30 days, after which it smoothly reduces nicotine over a period of days.
Conclusion
The demand for safer, smarter, and more efficient vaping products has led companies to integrate several technologies like advanced sensors, Bluetooth, AI, and other cutting-edge technologies. to develop smart vapes.
Only time will tell who will lead the industry. But it is clear that the race is on to create the most innovative and technologically advanced products in the tobacco industry.
The competition is fierce, and the potential rewards are significant. Interested in a complete report on all the Tobacco Industry trends you’ll see in 2023?
Fill in the form below and get your hands on our Tobacco Industry report today!
Authored By: Prateek and Sushant, Patent Intelligence
Edited By: Ridhima Mahajan, Marketing
Also read: The State of Tobacco Industry 2023: Navigating through the FDA Regulations
