EP4656079A1

EP4656079A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: EP4656079A1
Application number: EP24179330.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yongcai ZHAO; Dean Cowan; Yukun ZHOU; Phaik Ee OOI
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: CN121014923A

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol provision device, for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: control circuitry for controlling an activation state of the aerosol provision device; and, a plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions for detecting a user, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device: from at least one inoperable mode to at least one operable mode in response to receiving a signal from the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions corresponding to an authorised user; and/or, from at least one operable mode to at least one inoperable mode in response to receiving a signal from the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions 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: control circuitry for controlling an activation state of the aerosol provision device; and, a plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions for detecting a user, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device: from at least one inoperable mode to at least one operable mode in response to receiving a signal from the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions corresponding to an authorised user; and/or, from at least one operable mode to at least one inoperable mode in response to receiving a signal from the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions corresponding to a non-authorised user.
In some examples, wherein the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions comprises at least a first portion and a second portion, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device from at least one inoperable mode to at least one operable mode in response to receiving a signal from the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions corresponding to a predetermined user movement.
In some examples, wherein the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions further comprises at least a third portion, and wherein the predetermined user movement further comprises, third, touching the third portion.
In some examples, the predetermined user movement comprises a sliding movement over or across at least a portion of each of the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions.
In some examples, the predetermined user movement comprises a sliding movement over or across at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions.
In some examples, the predetermined user movement is controllably changeable by a user via the control circuitry.
In some examples, each of the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions are connected to a printed circuit board.
In some examples, the device further comprises a protective cover, wherein the protective cover is arranged to cover the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions.
In some examples, at least one of the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions is in the shape of at least one of: a rectangle; an oval; a chevron; and, a wave.
In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system, for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: an aerosol provision device comprising: control circuitry for controlling an activation state of the aerosol provision device; and, a plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions for detecting a user, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device: from at least one inoperable mode to at least one operable mode in response to receiving a signal from the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions corresponding to an authorised user; and/or, from at least one operable mode to at least one inoperable mode in response to receiving a signal from the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions corresponding to a non-authorised user.
In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of providing an aerosol to a user comprising: detecting, by at least one touch-sensitive capacitive portion of an aerosol provision device, a user movement; sending, by the at least one touch-sensitive capacitive portion of an aerosol provision device, a signal associated with the detected user movement to control circuitry; comparing, by the control circuitry, the detected user movement against at least one predetermined movements; and, where the detected user movement is a predetermined movement associated with an authorised user, updating, by the control circuitry, an activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one operable mode, where the detected user movement is not a predetermined movement associated with an authorised user, updating, by the control circuitry, an activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one inoperable mode.

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 device according to some examples;
Figure 4 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples;
Figure 5 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples;
Figures 6a-6c are schematic views of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to some examples; and,
Figure 7 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 arranged to control an activation state of the aerosol provision device 100. The device 100 has at least a plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions 120 for detecting a user. The control circuitry 110 is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device 100 in response to receiving a signal from the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions 120.
The device 100 is controlled by the control circuitry as follows. In response to receiving a signal from the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions 120 corresponding to an authorised user, the control circuitry 110 updates the activation state from at least one inoperable mode to at least one operable mode. In response to receiving a signal from the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions 120 associated with an unauthorised user, the control circuitry 110 updates the activation state from at least one operable mode to at least one inoperable mode.
The plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions 120 in the example shown in Figure 1 comprise a first portion 121, a second portion 122 and a third portion 123. The touch-sensitive portions 120 may have electronics that enable detection of contact with human skin or the like. The arrangement is able to detect the interaction of a human with the capacitive portions 120. Human interaction with the portions 120 are used as input for the control circuitry 110 to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device to and from inoperable and operable modes.
An inoperable mode, as used herein, 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 100 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 100 is in an operable mode the device 100 can provide an aerosol to the potential user. The provision may occur upon recognition of the authorised user (from the correct activation movement being detected by the touch-sensitive capacitive portions).
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 based on the user applying a predetermined movement to the device 100 via the capacitive portions 120. Other movement sensors may also be used such as pressure sensors or the like.
The arrangement of touch-sensitive sensors 120 is particularly advantageous in devices such as aerosol provision devices as the power requirements of the sensors are low. Battery capacities in modern aerosol provision devices are preferably 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 sensor arrangement is low power.
Furthermore, touch-sensitive sensors 120 may be used to provide a simple operation for an authorised user but that is difficult for potential hacking attempts (attempts by non-authorised users to access the device). An authorised user may know the specifics of the movement required contacting the touch-sensitive sensors 120 in order to unlock the device 100. This may involve contacting specific regions in specific orders or over specific timings. This means that the movement is simple for an authorised user (aware of the predetermined movement required) but very difficult to replicate or guess by those who are attempting to hack the device,
Simple movement is highly advantageous for the authorised users as the device is likely to be being used by users with the device in their hand or hands. As such, a comfortable and straightforward movement to provide an authentication process e.g. by a finger or thumb in the region wherein the touch-sensitive sensor arrangement 120 is located, is simply and straightforward.
The sensor arrangement proposed herein may be low cost, which is highly desirable in user devices 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 sensor arrangement is low cost but provides a highly reliable performance for movement recognition.
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 sensor arrangement than in Figure 1.
The device 200 of Figure 2 has control circuitry 210 and a touch-sensitive sensor arrangement 220. The arrangement 220 has a plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions 221, 222, 223, 224. Each of the touch-sensitive capacitive portions 221, 222, 223, 224may be used to identify a movement of e.g. a finger or thumbs of a user and provide this signal to the control circuitry 210. The control circuitry 210 may then identify the "movement" of the user from the signals. This can be compared against a database of known predetermined movements. If the user's movement is a predetermined activation movement, the device is updated into an operable mode wherein the user may be provided with an aerosol if desired.
In an example, the device 200 may be activated upon detection of the predetermined movement. This may be advantageous as this removes the requirement for a further activation step. However, the further activation step provides a safety fallback if the predetermined movement is identified when the user is not expecting to be provided with an aerosol.
The further activation step may be pressing a button (as described above) or may be inhaling on the device or the like. Each of these provide a slightly improved user functionality while not overly inhibiting use of the device by authorised users. This therefore provides a highly desirable balance between prevention of use of the device by unauthorised users and ease of use for authorised users.
The positioning of the sensors 221, 222, 223, 224 allows extended movements to be detected. For example, where the sensors 221, 222, 223, 224 are arranged along a longitudinal line the movement that may be detected may be a longitudinal swipe or the like from a user. In the sensors 221, 222, 223, 224 are arranged in a "zigzag" pattern, the movement detected may be a zigzag movement.
The arrangement may be chosen by e.g. the manufacture based on the difficulty of movement deemed suitable for prevention of access. While a balance is to be struck, it may be preferable to have a harder to recreate movement 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.
The touch-sensitive capacitive portions 221, 222, 223, 224 may be arranged substantially in at least one of alignment along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol provision device; alignment along a transverse axis of the aerosol provision device; and, a patterned arrangement on the aerosol provision device.
Arranging the portions (or sensor arrangement) in a pattern may allow the predetermined movement to be e.g. a shape that can be drawn on the housing of the device. The portions may be in an array wherein the user need not activate all the portions to provide a predetermined movement and access the device. For example, it may be that the sensors are in a grid and the user only activates some of the grid to access the device. This increases the overall protection against use by non authorised users.
The touch sensors 221, 222, 223, 224 may be on the housing or set within the housing.
The device 200 has an outlet 230 through which aerosol may flow to a user. The outlet 230 may be part of a mouthpiece that is sized for easy user receipt into a user's mouth.
Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a schematic view of some examples of an aerosol provision device 300 according to the present disclosure. The device 300 of Figure 3 includes control circuitry 310, a sensor arrangement 320 including a plurality of sensors (touch-sensitive capacitive portions) 321, 322, 323, 324.
The example shown in Figure 3 also shows an arrow A. The arrow A shows a possible predetermined movement for an authorised user to update the device 300 into an operable mode. By swiping a finger or thumb (or in fact any body part) along the sensor arrangement 320 from mouthpiece end towards the control circuitry 310 end of the device 300, the sensors detect the presence of the body part and provide a signal to the control circuitry 310.
Where the sensors are touch-sensitive, the finger or thumb of a user may be detected from a light or strong contact with the sensor or the housing of the device 300. The touch-sensitive sensors 321, 322, 323, 324 detect the movement in this order:

Sensor 324 activates and provides a signal to the control circuitry 310; then,
Sensor 323 activates and provides a signal to the control circuitry 310; then,
Sensor 322 activates and provides a signal to the control circuitry 310; and lastly
Sensor 321 activates and provides a signal to the control circuitry 310.

The control circuitry 310 may have a database of predetermined movements and may check the sequence of activation of sensors against the database. Where the sequence of activations provided by the user is indicated as being an authorised activation sequence (indicative of an acceptable predetermined movement), the control circuitry 310 may update the device 300 into an operable mode.
The device 300 may be updated into an operable mode from an inoperable mode. It is conceivable however that the device 300 may receive the same predetermined movement from an authorised user twice in a row. In this instance, the device 300 may be in an operable mode and receive the predetermined access movement. In this instance, the device 300 maintains the device 300 in the operable mode.
The device 300 may be arranged to return to a default state on the satisfaction of given parameters. Such parameters may be the elapsing of a given period of time. The device 300 herein is arranged to prevent (or strongly inhibit) access for unauthorised users. As such, it is preferable for the default state to be an inoperable mode. This may be an off state or a locked state or the like. A user provides a movement to the sensor arrangement 320. If this is recognised as a predetermined access movement, the control circuitry 310 changes the device from the locked (inoperable) state to an operable state.
The predetermined access movement in Figure 3 is shown by arrow A. This is a single arrow and may indicate a straightforward movement where the user provides a movement along the device 300 of a constant (or reasonably constant) speed. This is a user friendly movement as it does not require significant dexterity for the user.
Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a schematic view of some examples of an aerosol provision device 400 according to the present disclosure. The device 400 of Figure 4 includes control circuitry 410, a sensor arrangement 420 including a plurality of sensors (touch-sensitive capacitive portions) 421, 422, 423, 424.
The example shown in Figure 4 also shows a series of arrows B, C, D. The arrows B, C, D show a possible predetermined movement for an authorised user to update the device 400 into an operable mode. The movement in Figure 4 is more complex than the movement in Figure 3.
In this way, the device of Figure 4 is more secure against non-authorised users attempting to access the device. Conversely, the device 400 of Figure 4 is less user friendly for less mobile or dextrous users.
The user contacts or presses down on a portion 424 (large arrow B). The user then quickly swipes along a portion of the sensor arrangement 420 (large arrow C). This movement (arrow C) moves the user from contacting sensor 424 to contacting sensor 423. The user then slowly swipes (small arrow D) across the remaining portions of the sensor arrangement 420. This slow swipe ceases activation of sensor 432 and in turn activates sensor portions 422, 421.
The touch-sensitive capacitive portions 421, 422, 423, 424 detect this more complex movement in this order:

Sensor 424 is pressed and provides a long signal to the control circuitry 410; then,
Sensor 423 is activated (via a quick swipe) and provides a short signal to the control circuitry 410; then,
Sensor 422 is activated (via a slow swipe) and provides a reasonably long signal to the control circuitry 410; and lastly
Sensor 421 is activated (via a slow swipe) and provides a reasonably long signal to the control circuitry 410.

As can readily be envisaged, the complexity of movement can be chosen by the manufacturer to be complex or straightforward depending on the aims of the manufacturer.
In examples, the user may be allowed to program their own activation movement. This may occur e.g. during the initial use process of the device. The device 400 may ask the user to provide the movement a number of times and then store the signal activation sequence in the control circuitry 410. In this way, the user may have a movement that is both highly secure and suitable for their own level of mobility and dexterity. In this way, the device can be provided to strongly inhibit access from unauthorised users.
The sensor arranged may be for example an area comprising 3 or more capacitive touch keys. The keys may be arranged in any order e.g. in a parallel arrangement. Each key may have a connection to a controller. More specifically, each key may have a connection to a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) of a micro-controller unit (MCU) or the like. The keys may be formed of metal pads of a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or the like on a top layer. The arrangement may include an electrical ground. There may be a coating arranged above the keys for conductive isolation.
As the user contacts the portions, the portions provide a signal to the control circuitry. The specific of the movement of the user are contained in the signals to the control circuitry. The control circuitry can compare the signals to predetermined signals to obtain an understanding of the authentication status (authorised or not) of the user.
In an example of use, during operation, the MCU may detect the real time capacitance of each key. The customer may use a finger to slide along the key surface (e.g. on coating material) in a direction and a speed in range. The MCU obtains the capacitance of each key during use. The MCU can know whether the slide is valid or not (i.e. the same as a predetermined movement). Once validity of movement is detected, the device can be updated to operate or not.
The sensors 421, 422, 423, 424 may additionally or alternatively contain a transmitter and a receiver. The signal strength (of predetermined movement) may be adjusted by control circuitry 410. Press time of predetermined movement may be controlled by control circuitry 410.
Any of the devices herein may have a cover to protect the sensor arrangement 420. The sensors may be advantageously provided close to or on the surface of the housing of the device. A cover assists in preventing damage and therefore increasing the lifetime of the device 400. The cover may allow for signals to be communicated to the sensors and therefore not impact the operation of the authentication system proposed herein. The cover may be a coating or the like over the sensitive capacitive portions.
The cover may preferably be black. The cover may be formed of e.g. cheap conductive material. This material may be cheap to lower costs of production of the aerosol provision device disclosed herein. The cover may be waterproof to increase the protection offered by the cover to the sensors which may be sensitive and somewhat delicate.
In any of the devices disclosed above, the control circuitry and the sensor arrangement may be in communication. The control circuitry and the sensor arrangement may be in wired or wireless communication. The devices may also comprise power arrangements for providing power to the device and e.g. aerosol generation arrangements for providing an aerosol from an aerosol generating material.
In operable modes, the control circuitry is arranged to allow power from the power arrangement (which may comprise a battery or the like) being provided to the aerosol generation arrangement (which may comprise a heater, vaporiser, atomiser or vibrating plate or the like). In inoperable modes, the control circuitry is arranged to prevent power from the power arrangement being provided to the aerosol generation arrangement.
Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a schematic view of some examples of an aerosol provision device 500 according to the present disclosure. The device 500 of Figure 5 includes control circuitry 510, a sensor arrangement 520 including a plurality of sensors (touch-sensitive capacitive portions) 521, 522, 523, 524.
The example shown in Figure 5 also shows a series of arrows E, F, G. The arrows E, F, G show a possible predetermined movement for an authorised user to update the device 500 into an operable mode. The movement in Figure 5 is more complex than the movement in Figure 4.
The movement in Figure 5 is a more complex movement which is advantageous when attempting to provide a device 500 that is harder to access by hackers. The movement in Figure 5 is as follows:

User presses (arrow E) on a first capacitive sensor portion 524;
User slides (arrow F) from first portion 524 to second portion 523;
User lifts finger (or thumb etc) away from the sensor arrangement 520; and,
User presses (arrow G) on final portion 521.

In this use example, the user dose not interact with portion 522. A user attempting to hack access to the device 500 that interacts with portion 522 would easily be recognised by the control circuitry 510 as not authorised. Any attempts to access by a user that involve interacting with portion 522 would be denied access.
As can be seen then, increasing the complexity of interactions with the device 500 required for authorisation can provide a more robust security against non-authorised users attempting to gain access to the device 500. The unauthorised user may not know which portions are to be interacted with for a valid access attempt. As such, this increases the difficulty of hacked access. As noted above, a user may be able to program their own access movement, thereby providing the user the option to select between increasingly complex and robust movements (that require some level of dexterity) and other movements that may be less complex, less robust but easier to perform for users with lesser mobility or the like. This may be controllably changeable via the control circuitry 510.
Referring now to Figures 6a-6c, there is shown schematic views of a portion 600 of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
The aerosol provision device 600 of each of Figure 6a-6c has a housing 602 on which is arranged a plurality of touch sensitive capacitive portions 621, 622, 623. In the arrangement of Figure 6a, the plurality of touch sensitive capacitive portions 621, 622, 623 are arranged as rectangular portions on the housing 602 of the device 600. The portions 621, 622, 623 may be, as described above, located on or under a housing 602 of the device 600, the Figure is shown for illustrative purposes. The portions 621, 622, 623 may be arranged under a cover for protection or the like.
In the arrangement of Figure 6b, the plurality of touch sensitive capacitive portions 621, 622, 623 are arranged as ovular portions on the housing 602 of the device 600. In the arrangement of Figure 6c, the plurality of touch sensitive capacitive portions 621, 622, 623 are arranged as chevron shaped portions on the housing 602 of the device 600. The portions 621, 622, 623 may take any shape.
Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a flow chart of a method 700 of providing an aerosol to a user. The method 700 is for use in an aerosol provision system or aerosol provision device. The method 700 has steps 705, 710, 715, 717, 720, 722, 725.
In step 705, a user movement is detected by at least one touch-sensitive capacitive portion of an aerosol provision device. In step 710, a signal associated with the detected user movement is sent by the at least one touch-sensitive capacitive portion to control circuitry. In step 715, the control circuitry compares the detected user movement against at least one predetermined movements. The detection of interaction with the capacitive portions may occur via detection of changes in capacitance of the keys (portions) by one or more MCUs or the like.
Steps 717 and 722 consider different results from the comparison performed in step 715. In step 717, the detected user movement has been compared against at least one predetermined movement and the detected user movement is determined to be a predetermined movement associated with an authorised user. In turn, the method moves to step 720, wherein the control circuitry updates an activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one operable mode. In this way, in the method, when a user is recognised as authorised the device can be used.
In step 722, the detected user movement has been compared against at least one predetermined movement and the detected user movement is determined to not be a predetermined movement associated with an authorised user. In turn, the method moves to step 725, wherein the control circuitry updates an activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one inoperable mode. In this way, in the method, when a user is not recognised as authorised (or recognised, if temporarily, as unauthorised) the device is prevented from being used.
In this way, the method 700 of Figure 7 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.
The device may have an indicator to provide an indication as to the location of the sensor arrangement for ease of use. The indicator may also be able to provide an indication as to the present operating state of the device (inoperable or operable). This may assist a user in knowing when authorisation is required. The indicator may be a covering or outline for the shape of the capacitive portions in the sensor arrangement.
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 providing the predetermined movement) more than once per use session. Such a user may be benefitted from an indicator showing when the re-authentication is required.
The indicator may be a visual indicator. The indicator may be an LED or the like. These are highly energy efficient indicators as well as highly compact indicators.
The movements described herein are highly variable. The activation times for each sensor may be individually varied and the activation movement may be varied. The control circuitry allows high personalisation of this access movement and this in turn increases the safety of the access prevention system disclosed herein.
The movements disclosed herein may be complex or simple but intricate movements. In either instance, the likelihood of an inappropriate user, such as an age-inappropriate user, performing the access movement 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 movement 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 B 12.
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:
control circuitry for controlling an activation state of the aerosol provision device; and,

a plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions for detecting a user,
wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device:
from at least one inoperable mode to at least one operable mode in response to receiving a signal from the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions corresponding to an authorised user; and/or,

from at least one operable mode to at least one inoperable mode in response to receiving a signal from the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions corresponding to a non-authorised user.
An aerosol provision device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions comprises at least a first portion and a second portion,
wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device from at least one inoperable mode to at least one operable mode in response to receiving a signal from the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions corresponding to a predetermined user movement.
An aerosol provision device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined user movement comprises:
first, touching the first portion; and,

second, touching the second portion.
An aerosol provision device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions further comprises at least a third portion, and
wherein the predetermined user movement further comprises, third, touching the third portion.
An aerosol provision device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined user movement comprises a sliding movement over or across at least a portion of each of the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions.
An aerosol provision device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined user movement comprises a sliding movement over or across at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions.
An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the predetermined user movement is controllably changeable by a user via the control circuitry.
An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions are connected to a printed circuit board.
An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a protective cover, wherein the protective cover is arranged to cover the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions.
An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions is in the shape of at least one of:
a rectangle;

an oval;

a chevron; and,

a wave.
An aerosol provision system, for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising:
an aerosol provision device comprising:
control circuitry for controlling an activation state of the aerosol provision device; and,

a plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions for detecting a user,

wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device:
from at least one inoperable mode to at least one operable mode in response to receiving a signal from the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions corresponding to an authorised user; and/or,

from at least one operable mode to at least one inoperable mode in response to receiving a signal from the plurality of touch-sensitive capacitive portions corresponding to a non-authorised user.
A method of providing an aerosol to a user comprising:
detecting, by at least one touch-sensitive capacitive portion of an aerosol provision device, a user movement;

sending, by the at least one touch-sensitive capacitive portion of an aerosol provision device, a signal associated with the detected user movement to control circuitry;

comparing, by the control circuitry, the detected user movement against at least one predetermined movements; and,

where the detected user movement is a predetermined movement associated with an authorised user, updating, by the control circuitry, an activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one operable mode,

where the detected user movement is not a predetermined movement associated with an authorised user, updating, by the control circuitry, an activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one inoperable mode.