EP4656078A1

EP4656078A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: EP4656078A1
Application number: EP24179402.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Shengyang Lin
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2024-05-27
Filing date: 2024-05-31
Publication date: 2025-12-03
Also published as: CN121014921A

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol provision device, for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: an indicator arranged to indicate an activation state of the aerosol provision device; and, control circuitry for controlling an operating state of an indicator of the aerosol provision device; wherein the indicator is arranged to indicate the activation state of the aerosol provision device, the activation state comprising at least one inoperable mode and at least one operable mode, in response to receiving a signal from the control circuitry corresponding to a user access request, and, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the operating state of the indicator, the operating state comprising a first operating mode corresponding to an authorised user and a second operating mode corresponding to a non-authorised user.

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device.

Background

Aerosol provision devices and systems are known. Common systems are activated by a user to create an aerosol by an aerosol provision device from an aerosol generating material which is then inhaled by the user. The device may provide an aerosol from the aerosol generating material in the device. It can be desirable for the user to control the ability of the device to provide aerosol. This may be to allow a user control over activation of the device such that certain users are prevented from accessing the device. Different forms of activation control are provided in common systems however the present invention is directed toward solving shortcomings of modern solutions.
Methods and devices for preventing unauthorized user access are disclosed herein.

Summary

Aspects of the invention are defined in the accompanying claims.
In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device, for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: an indicator arranged to indicate an activation state of the aerosol provision device; and, control circuitry for controlling an operating state of an indicator of the aerosol provision device; wherein the indicator is arranged to indicate the activation state of the aerosol provision device, the activation state comprising at least one inoperable mode and at least one operable mode, in response to receiving a signal from the control circuitry corresponding to a user access request, and, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the operating state of the indicator, the operating state comprising a first operating mode corresponding to an authorised user and a second operating mode corresponding to a non-authorised user.
In some examples, the control circuitry is arranged to: update the activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one operable mode in response to receiving a signal corresponding to an authorised user access request, and update the activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one inoperable mode in response to receiving a signal corresponding to a non-authorised user access request.
In some examples, the control circuitry is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one operable mode and update the operating state of the indicator to a first operating mode in response to receiving a signal corresponding to an authorised user access request.
In some examples, the control circuitry is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one inoperable mode and update the operating state of the indicator to a second operating mode in response to receiving a signal corresponding to a non-authorised user access request.
In some examples, the control circuitry is arranged to receive a user access request from a mobile device.
In some examples, the control circuitry is arranged to controllably change the first operating mode and the second operating mode of the indicator on user command.
In some examples, the control circuitry is arranged to receive the user command from a mobile device.
In some examples, the indicator comprises a visual communication element, and wherein the first operating mode and the second operating mode comprise at least one: a coloured visual signal; a constant visual signal; and, a flashing visual signal.
In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device, for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user; and, a mobile device arranged to communicate with the aerosol provision device, the aerosol provision device comprising: an indicator arranged to indicate an activation state of the aerosol provision device; and, control circuitry for controlling an operating state of an indicator of the aerosol provision device; wherein the indicator is arranged to indicate the activation state of the aerosol provision device, the activation state comprising at least one inoperable mode and at least one operable mode in response to receiving a signal from the control circuitry corresponding to an authorised user, and, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the operating state of the indicator, the operating state comprising a first operating mode corresponding to an authorised user and a second operating mode corresponding to a non-authorised user; and, a mobile device arranged to communicate with the aerosol provision device, wherein the mobile device is arranged to receive input from a user.
In some examples, the control circuitry is arranged to: update the activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one operable mode in response to receiving a signal corresponding to an authorised user access request, and update the activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one inoperable mode in response to receiving a signal corresponding to a non-authorised user access request.
In some examples, the mobile device is arranged to receive a user access request from a user and transmit the user access request to the control circuitry of the aerosol provision device; wherein the control circuitry receives the user access request and determines the user access request to be an authorised user access request or a non-authorised user access request.
In some examples, the mobile device is arranged to use at least one of Bluetooth TM, Bluetooth Low Energy TM, ZigBee TM, WiFi TM, Wifi Direct TM, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID.
In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of providing an aerosol to a user comprising: receiving, by control circuitry of an aerosol provision device, a user access request; determining, by the control circuitry of the aerosol provision device, the user access request to be an authorised user access request or a non-authorised user access request; updating, by the control circuitry, an operating state of an indicator of the aerosol provision device based on determining the user access request to be an authorised user access request or a non-authorised user access request; wherein on determining the user access request to be an authorised user access request, updating the operating state of an indicator to a first operating mode; wherein on determining the user access request to be a non-authorised user access request, updating the operating state of an indicator to a second operating mode.
In some examples, the method further comprises: wherein on determining the user access request to be an authorised user access request, updating the activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one operable mode; wherein on determining the user access request to be a non-authorised user access request, updating the activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one inoperable mode.
In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method for updating an activation state of an aerosol provision device, the method comprising: selecting, by a user, an access condition via an interface with the aerosol provision device; storing, by control circuitry of the aerosol provision device, the access condition; updating, by the control circuitry, an activation state of the aerosol provision device in response to an access attempt by a user, wherein updating comprises: updating an activation state of the aerosol provision device to an operable mode in response to an access attempt satisfying the access condition; and/or, updating an activation state of the aerosol provision device to an inoperable mode in response to an access attempt not satisfying the access condition
In some examples, the method further comprises: updating, by the control circuitry, an alarm condition of the aerosol provision device in response to an access attempt not satisfying the access condition.

Description of Drawings

The present teachings will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples;
Figure 2 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples;
Figure 3 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision system according to some examples;
Figure 4 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision system according to some examples;
Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method according to some examples; and,
Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method according to some examples.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Detailed Description

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed / described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.
The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol provision systems, such as e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol provision system / device and electronic aerosol provision system / device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of some examples of an aerosol provision device 100 according to the present disclosure. The device 100 has control circuitry 110 and an indicator 120. The control circuitry 110 is for controlling an operating state of the indicator 120 of the aerosol provision device 100. The device indicator 120 is arranged to indicate an activation state of the aerosol provision device 100.
The indicator 120 is arranged to indicate the activation state of the aerosol provision device 100 in response to receiving a signal from the control circuitry 110 corresponding to a user access request. The activation state comprises at least one inoperable mode and at least one operable mode.
The control circuitry 110 is arranged to update the operating state of the indicator 120. The operating state comprising a first operating mode corresponding to an authorised user and a second operating mode corresponding to a non-authorised user.
An inoperable mode may be an off state, a locked state, a non-useable state. In inoperable modes, the user is not able to activate the device 100. The device 100 may have e.g. a button that is actuated by a user who desires to be provided with an aerosol. In an inoperable mode, actuation of the button does not activate the device 100 to provide an aerosol. The control circuitry 110 controls the activation of the device 100 such that when the device is in an inoperable mode the device 100 does not provide an aerosol to the potential user.
An operable mode may be an on state, an active state, a useable state. In operable modes, the user is able to activate the device 100. The device 100 may have e.g. a button that is actuated by a user who desires to be provided with an aerosol. In an operable mode, actuation of the button activates the device 100 to provide an aerosol. The control circuitry 110 controls the activation of the device 100 such that when the device is in an operable mode the device 100 can provide an aerosol to the potential user. The provision may occur upon recognition of the (or "an") authorised user.
In this way, the present device 100 may prevent users from accessing the device 100 to be provided with an aerosol where the user is not deemed an authorised user. The authentication of the user is discussed in more detail below.
In examples, the control circuitry 110 is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device 100 to at least one operable mode in response to receiving a signal corresponding to an authorised user access request. The control circuitry 110 is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device 100 to at least one inoperable mode in response to receiving a signal corresponding to a non-authorised user access request.
The control circuitry 110 may be provided with signals in different ways. The signals (user access requests) may stem from a user (directly or indirectly) and the control circuitry 110 may ascertain whether the signals are associated with authorised users or non-authorised users. In this way, the device 100 can be protected against non-authorised users attempting to use the device and be provided with an aerosol.
In examples, the present arrangement therefore provides advantages against use of the device by e.g. non-age-appropriate users.
Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a schematic view of some examples of an aerosol provision device 200 according to the present disclosure. The device 200 of Figure 2 shows a more detailed arrangement than in Figure 1.
The device 200 of Figure 2 has control circuitry 210 and an indicator arrangement 220. The arrangement 220 has a plurality of indicators 221, 222, 223, 224. Each of the indicators 221, 222, 223, 224 may be used to provide an indication to the user. The control circuitry 210 may have a greater array of signals that can be provided to the user in relation to operating modes of the aerosol provision device 200.
The control circuitry 210 may be arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device 200 to at least one operable mode and update the operating state of the indicator or indicator arrangement 220 to a first operating mode in response to receiving a signal corresponding to an authorised user access request.
For example, after recognition of a first authorised user the control circuitry 210 may send a signal to indicator 221 to provide an indication. Indicator 221 may provide a visual indication. In examples, the indicator 221 provides a green visual indication and indicator 221 is an LED that can provide green light.
The first authorised user recognises the green visual signal as an indication that they have been identified and authorised and may proceed to use the device 200.
In another example, after recognition of a first non-authorised user the control circuitry 210 may send a signal to indicator 222 to provide an indication. Indicator 222 may provide a visual indication. In examples, the indicator 222 provides a red visual indication and indicator 221 is an LED that can provide red light. In this specific example, the first non-authorised user recognises the red visual signal as an indication that they have been identified as non-authorised and therefore are not able to proceed to use the device 200.
The arrangement 220 may provide different indications from different indicators 223, 224 for recognition of further authorised users. For example, the device 200 may be used by a number of users and each has their own authorisation process and indication that this has been successful. This allows personalisation of the device 200 and improves the certainty of use as each user is aware when they have been recognised as authorised.
In an example including individual recognition, the user that is recognised may have their own smoking preferences stored alongside their recognition such that, once recognised, the user is provided wit ha preferred aerosol or the like.
In examples, the control circuitry 210 is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device 200 to at least one inoperable mode and update the operating state of the indicator 220 to a second operating mode in response to receiving a signal corresponding to a non-authorised user access request. In this way, the present arrangement provides certainty to all users (authorised or otherwise). This reduces the likelihood of unauthorised users attempting to activate the device 200 and potentially damaging the device during failed use processes.
The indicator or indicator arrangement of any of the examples herein may provide visual, audible or tactile (haptic) indications. The indicators may be or contain LEDs in examples. LED indicators are particularly advantageous in devices such as aerosol provision devices as the power requirements of the indicators are low. Battery capacities in modern aerosol provision devices are better used in activating the heaters associated with providing an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. In this way, it is preferable and provides a longer lasting device if the indicator and/or indicator arrangement is low power.
The indicator or indicator arrangement proposed herein may be low cost which is highly desirable in user consumables in general. This is particularly advantageous in disposable aerosol provision devices and the like wherein a user may discard the device after a predetermined number of uses. Such disposable devices are desirable as they are hygienic and easy to use for users. As such, it is advantageous in such devices for the arrangement to be low cost. The present indicator arrangement is low cost but provides a highly reliable performance for providing indications clearly to a range of users.
Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a schematic view of some examples of an aerosol provision system 3000 according to the present disclosure. The system 3000 of Figure 3 includes an aerosol provision device 300 and a mobile device 350.
The aerosol provision device 300 has control circuitry 310 and an indicator 320. The control circuitry 310 is arranged to interact with and receive signals from the mobile device 350. Signal A is shown going from the mobile device 350 and is received by the control circuitry 310. The signal may be a user access request. In this way, the control circuitry 310 is arranged to receive a user access request from a mobile device 350.
Such access requests A may be made by a user via an app or the like on the mobile device 350. A user is therefore able to interact with the control circuitry 310 via interaction with a mobile device 350. An authorised user may be able to interact with the device 300 and therefore authorise themselves and then use the device 300. In this way, the control circuitry 310 is arranged to receive the user command A from a mobile device 350.
The control circuitry 310 is arranged to controllably change the first operating mode and the second operating mode of the indicator 320 on user command. In this way, a user may authorise themselves via the mobile device 350 and then provide control signals to the control circuitry 310 to control aspects of operation of the device 300 such as the indications from the indicator 320. The mobile device 350 can be used therefore to personalise the device 300.
The indicator (or indicator arrangement) 320 may comprise a visual, haptic or audio communication element. In an example, the indications from the indicator 320 may vary (as explained above). In examples, the first operating mode and the second operating mode comprise at least one of: a coloured visual signal; a constant visual signal; and, a flashing visual signal. The indicator (or indicator arrangement) 320 may be on the housing or set within the housing of the aerosol provision device 300.
For example, the different signals received by the control circuitry 310 may provide different forms of flashing visual indications. For example, an authorised user may be shown indications that are long flashes while an unauthorised user may be shown indications that alternate long and short flashes. In this way, a user will know whether they have been successful identified and verified or whether they are not authorised to use the device, or if they are authorised but need to re-authenticate via the app.
The unlock method may be personalised by a user. For example, the method may be personalised within the mobile device or the like. This increases the difficulty of access for non-authorised users of the aerosol provision device. Attempt hacking attempts (attempts to access by non-authorised users) may be noted by the control circuitry 310 or mobile device 350 and provided to the authorised user of the aerosol provision device 300 for awareness.
Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a schematic view of some examples of an aerosol provision system 4000 according to the present disclosure. The system 4000 of Figure 4 includes an aerosol provision device 400 and a mobile device 450.
The mobile device 450 is able to provide user access requests A to the aerosol provision device 400 that are processed by the control circuitry 410. The result of such access requests may be indicated by the indicators 420.
The mobile device 450 may provide interactive elements 451, 452, 453. Such elements may be within a touch screen or GUI or the like. The elements may be contained within an app through which the user accesses the device 400.
In an example, the user may arrange the unlock request signal to be provided following a predetermined user interaction with the interactive elements 451, 452, 453.
In a use example, the aerosol provision device 400 is connected to the mobile device 450. This may occur during purchase or initial authentication post purchase or the like. There may be an encryption setting that is unlocked via registration of the mobile device 450 with app and therefore with the device 400.
The aerosol provision device 400 is then paired to the mobile device 450. The unlock interaction may be controlled by the mobile device 450. In an example, the unlock interaction may be selection of one of the interactive elements 451, 452, 453 in a specific manner.
For example, interactive element 451 may be a green button with a first number associated, interactive element 452 may be a blue button with a second number associated, and interactive element 453 may be an orange button with a third number associated. The user may select the element 453 to be selected to activate the aerosol provision device 400.
In this way, when a user attempts to access the device 400 the user has to successfully authenticate via the interactive element 453. This may be rearranged and changed on the mobile device 450 to increase the difficulty of hacking attempts.
There may be a set time period over which the user must press the specific interactive element to further increase the difficulty of hacking attempts. This may also be personalisable to the user. Additionally or alternatively, the user may control the interaction form with the interactive element 453. For example, the user may select that interactive element 453 is to be pressed twice for 2 seconds and then tapped for 0.5 seconds. Further personalisation increases the difficulty for hacking attempts and therefore increases the likelihood of prevention of use of the aerosol provision device 400 by non-authorised users.
The predetermined interaction required with the interactive element 453 to allow the device to be operated successfully may be chosen by e.g. the manufacture based on the difficulty of interaction deemed suitable for prevention of access. While a balance is to be struck, it may be preferable to have a harder to recreate interaction to provide a further difficulty of access to unauthorised users. This may however be less desirable to users with reduced mobility in their hands or the like.
In another example, the user may be able to interact with the mobile device 450 to change the indicator status. It may be programmed via the mobile device 450 that the device 400 is in an operable state when the indicator shows a visual signal of a specific form. For example, the user may be able to cycle through or select different indications to be provided by the indicators in the aerosol provision device 400. Only when the predetermined indication form has been chosen (as would be known by the user) would the aerosol provision device 400 activate.
For example, the user may select that when a blue indicator is providing a continuous signal from the indicator 420, the device 400 is in an operable state and the user may interact with the aerosol provision device 400 to obtain an aerosol. Similarly, the user may select that when the indicator is providing a specific colour signal intermittently, either via flash, slow or varied flashing, the device may be accessed.
The indicator therefore is an indicator of the operable mode of the device and the user is aware which signal from the indicator is that which shows the aerosol provision device is able to provide an aerosol. This would not be known to other users and therefore the present system is a highly reliable and robust safety mechanism to prevent unauthorised users from successfully accessing an aerosol provision device.
In an example, the mobile device 450 may allow the user to select the colour of the indication from the indicator. This may be followed by allowing the user to select a flash length or format of the indication from the indicator. At both of these steps, it is unlikely a non-authorised user will choose the correct option. By introducing additional stages, which may be associated with a more complex indicator signalling arrangement, the arrangement increases the difficulty of hacking and therefore increasingly prevents use by unauthorised users.
Failed access attempts may be recorded on the mobile device 450 for informing to the authorised user. In this way, the mobile device may be arranged to receive a user access request from a user and transmit the user access request to the control circuitry of the aerosol provision device, wherein the control circuitry receives the user access request and determines the user access request to be an authorised user access request or a non-authorised user access request.
The communications discussed herein may use at least one of Bluetooth TM, Bluetooth Low Energy TM, ZigBee TM, WiFi TM, Wifi Direct TM, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID.
The indicator may be in communication with the control circuitry. This may be wired or wireless communication.
Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a flow chart of a method 500 of providing an aerosol to a user. The method 500 is for use in an aerosol provision system or aerosol provision device. The method 500 has steps 505, 510, 515, 517, 520, 522, 525.
In step 505, a user access request is received by control circuitry of an aerosol provision device. In step 510, the control circuitry determines whether the user access request is an authorized user access request or a non-authorised user access request. In step 515, the control circuitry updates an operating state of an indicator of the aerosol provision device based on determining whether the user access request is an authorised user access request or a non-authorised user access request. This may occur as described in any of the examples above.
Steps 517 and 522 consider different results from the updating performed in step 515 (which is based on the determination). In step 517, user access request is determined to be an authorised user access request. In turn, the method moves to step 520, the operating state of the indicator is updated to a first operating mode. In this way, in the method, when a user is recognised as authorised the indicator indicates that the device can be used (though this may only be known to the authorised user, as the indication may be one of a number of flashing or continuous coloured signals).
In step 522, user access request is determined to be a non-authorised user access request. In turn, the method moves to step 525, the operating state of the indicator is updated to a second operating mode. In this way, in the method, when a user is not recognised as authorised (or recognised, if temporarily, as unauthorised) the indicator provides a second operating mode (which may be known to the user as being a non-operating mode).
In a specific example, the authorised user interacts with the control circuitry to provide an authorised user request. This may be the selection of the indicator to provide a blue flashing signal that flashes every 1 second. The user knows this is the operational signal request and when the user sees this, the user knows the device is in an operable state.
In contrast, when an unauthorised user interacts with the control circuitry a non-authorised user request is provided. This may be the selection of the indicator to provide any number of signals, such as a continuous orange signal, a flashing orange signal that flashes 2 seconds, an intermittent red signal that flashes 1 second then 2 seconds apart. The unauthorised user does not know what the access signal is and therefore cannot guess what the indicator should be showing. Indeed, the unauthorised user may not know that the indicator is an element indicating the accessibility of the device as this is not how visual indicators are used in present modern devices. In contrast, the authorised users knows that red or orange signals mean the device cannot be activated. In this way, unauthorised access attempts are prevented which authorised access attempts are allowed.
The arrangement herein utilises the indicator, which in normal devices may be active when the device is accessible and off when the device is not accessible, to show details of the operation of the device. This approach is therefore different over previous systems at a very fundamental level.
The method 500 of Figure 5 provides a robust and reliable method for preventing unauthorised users while allow access to unauthorised users. This method provides a smooth and simple access operation for users and allows authorised users to easily operate their devices while preventing non authorised users.
Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a flow chart of a method 600 of providing an aerosol to a user. The method 600 is for use in an aerosol provision system or aerosol provision device. The method 600 has steps 605, 610, 615, 620, 625.
In step 605, a user selects an access condition via an interface with the aerosol provision device. In step 610, the control circuitry stores the access condition. In step 615, the control circuitry updates an activation state of the aerosol provision device in response to an access attempt by a user. This may occur as described in any of the examples above.
In particular, the user selecting an access condition may be selecting the form of indication to show when the device is accessible for use or may be selecting an access condition on the mobile device (such as via an app on the mobile device).
In step 620, the activation state is updated to an operable mode in response to an access attempt satisfying the access condition. In this way, in the method, when a user is recognised as authorised the device can be used.
In step 625, the activation state is updated to an inoperable mode in response to an access attempt not satisfying the access condition. In this way, in the method, when a user is recognised as non-authorised the device cannot be used.
As mentioned above, the present arrangement may utilise an indication system for providing to a user that a failed access attempt has been made to further deter unauthorised users. The methods and devices herein may also update by the control circuitry, an alarm condition of the aerosol provision device in response to an access attempt not satisfying the access condition. The alarm condition may be used to inform the user of failed access requests using an alarm sound or lighting from the indicator or the like. This further deters unauthorised users from attempting to access the device.
The device may begin in an inoperable mode such as a locked or off mode. The device may return into an inoperable mode as a default mode. This may occur after a given period of time has elapsed since the device was updated into an operable mode. A user that has a long use period may authorise themselves (by interaction with the control circuitry) more than once per use session. Such a user may be benefitted from an indicator showing when the re-authentication is required.
The interactions disclosed herein may be complex or simple but intricate movements or selections via an app or the like. In either instance, the likelihood of an inappropriate user, such as an age-inappropriate user, obtaining access is significantly low such that the likelihood of use of the device by an inappropriate user is drastically reduced. In this way, the present disclosure improves the safety of the device.
The arrangement disclosed herein is therefore able to provide a "plug-and-play" approach. In that, the user may program an access interaction on their first use of the device and this prevents inappropriate users from using the device.
The device and method herein provides a reliable and safe approach to inhibiting unsuitable users from using the devices herein.
The delivery system described herein, which may be referred to as an aerosol provision device, aerosol-generating system, aerosol provision system or the like can be implemented as a combustible aerosol provision system, a non-combustible aerosol provision system or an aerosol-free delivery system.
As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes:

combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); and,
non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.

According to the present disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.
In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a consumable or the like that can be introduced by a user into the aerosol provision system.
According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product. Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.
The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.
As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.
As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v.,Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v.,Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.
In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.
As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.
In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.
In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.
Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.
A consumable is an article that may comprise aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.
An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.
A heater is a form of aerosol generator, though any aerosol generator may be used in the examples shown above.
The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other examples not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

An aerosol provision device, for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising:
an indicator arranged to indicate an activation state of the aerosol provision device; and,

control circuitry for controlling an operating state of an indicator of the aerosol provision device;

wherein the indicator is arranged to indicate the activation state of the aerosol provision device, the activation state comprising at least one inoperable mode and at least one operable mode, in response to receiving a signal from the control circuitry corresponding to a user access request, and,

wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the operating state of the indicator, the operating state comprising a first operating mode corresponding to an authorised user and a second operating mode corresponding to a non-authorised user.
An aerosol provision device according to claim 1, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to:
update the activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one operable mode in response to receiving a signal corresponding to an authorised user access request, and

update the activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one inoperable mode in response to receiving a signal corresponding to a non-authorised user access request.
An aerosol provision device according to claim 2, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one operable mode and update the operating state of the indicator to a first operating mode in response to receiving a signal corresponding to an authorised user access request.
An aerosol provision device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one inoperable mode and update the operating state of the indicator to a second operating mode in response to receiving a signal corresponding to a non-authorised user access request.
An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 2-4, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to receive a user access request from a mobile device.
An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to controllably change the first operating mode and the second operating mode of the indicator on user command.
An aerosol provision device according to claim 6, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to receive the user command from a mobile device.
An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the indicator comprises a visual communication element, and
wherein the first operating mode and the second operating mode comprise at least one of:
a coloured visual signal;

a constant visual signal; and,

a flashing visual signal.
An aerosol provision system comprising:
an aerosol provision device, for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user; and,

a mobile device arranged to communicate with the aerosol provision device,

the aerosol provision device comprising:
an indicator arranged to indicate an activation state of the aerosol provision device; and,

control circuitry for controlling an operating state of an indicator of the aerosol provision device;

wherein the indicator is arranged to indicate the activation state of the aerosol provision device, the activation state comprising at least one inoperable mode and at least one operable mode in response to receiving a signal from the control circuitry corresponding to an authorised user, and,

wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the operating state of the indicator, the operating state comprising a first operating mode corresponding to an authorised user and a second operating mode corresponding to a non-authorised user; and,

a mobile device arranged to communicate with the aerosol provision device, wherein the mobile device is arranged to receive input from a user.
An aerosol provision system according to claim 9, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to:
update the activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one operable mode in response to receiving a signal corresponding to an authorised user access request, and

update the activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one inoperable mode in response to receiving a signal corresponding to a non-authorised user access request.
An aerosol provision system according to claim 10, wherein the mobile device is arranged to receive a user access request from a user and transmit the user access request to the control circuitry of the aerosol provision device; wherein the control circuitry receives the user access request and determines the user access request to be an authorised user access request or a non-authorised user access request.
An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the mobile device is arranged to use at least one of Bluetooth TM, Bluetooth Low Energy TM, ZigBee TM, WiFi TM, Wifi Direct TM, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID.
A method of providing an aerosol to a user comprising:
receiving, by control circuitry of an aerosol provision device, a user access request;

determining, by the control circuitry of the aerosol provision device, the user access request to be an authorised user access request or a non-authorised user access request;

updating, by the control circuitry, an operating state of an indicator of the aerosol provision device based on determining the user access request to be an authorised user access request or a non-authorised user access request;

wherein on determining the user access request to be an authorised user access request, updating the operating state of an indicator to a first operating mode;

wherein on determining the user access request to be a non-authorised user access request, updating the operating state of an indicator to a second operating mode.
A method of providing an aerosol to a user according to claim 13, further comprising:
wherein on determining the user access request to be an authorised user access request, updating the activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one operable mode;

wherein on determining the user access request to be a non-authorised user access request, updating the activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one inoperable mode.
A method for updating an activation state of an aerosol provision device, the method comprising:
selecting, by a user, an access condition via an interface with the aerosol provision device;

storing, by control circuitry of the aerosol provision device, the access condition;

updating, by the control circuitry, an activation state of the aerosol provision device in response to an access attempt by a user, wherein updating comprises:
updating an activation state of the aerosol provision device to an operable mode in response to an access attempt satisfying the access condition; and/or,

updating an activation state of the aerosol provision device to an inoperable mode in response to an access attempt not satisfying the access condition.