EP4656080A1

EP4656080A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: EP4656080A1
Application number: EP24179393.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Joe Zhao
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: CN121014922A

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, least one infra-red sensor for detecting a user, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving a signal from the at least one infra-red sensor: at least one inoperable mode to at least one operable mode wherein the signal corresponds to an authorised user; and/or, at least one operable mode to at least one inoperable mode wherein the signal corresponds 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, least one infra-red sensor for detecting a user, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving a signal from the at least one infra-red sensor: at least one inoperable mode to at least one operable mode wherein the signal corresponds to an authorised user; and/or, at least one operable mode to at least one inoperable mode wherein the signal corresponds to a non-authorised user.
In some examples, the at least one infra-red sensor comprises a plurality of infra-red sensors arranged to detect a predetermined movement from an authorised user.
In some examples, the predetermined movement comprises at least one of: covering at least one infra-red sensor for a first predetermined time period; covering the plurality of infra-red sensors individually for a second predetermined time period; covering the plurality of infra-red sensors simultaneously for a third predetermined time period; and, covering one of the plurality of infra-red sensors for a fourth predetermined time period and subsequently covering a different one of the plurality of infra-red sensors for a fifth predetermined time period.
In some examples, at least one of: the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth predetermined time periods are different time periods; at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth predetermined time periods are the same time periods; and, the control circuit is arranged to control and change the duration of at least one predetermined time period under user command.
In some examples, the plurality of infra-red sensors are 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.
In some examples, the device further comprises a cover arranged over the infra-red sensors.
In some examples, the control circuitry is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device from at least one operable mode to at least one inoperable mode after a predetermined time period or predetermined use period of the device being in the at least one operable mode, wherein the predetermined time period or predetermined use period is variable.
In some examples, the predetermined time period or predetermined use period is at least one of: a predetermined number of puffs; at least one predetermined period of time in at least one particular operable mode; and, a predetermined number of use sessions.
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, at least one infra-red sensor for detecting a user, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving a signal from the at least one infra-red sensor: from at least one inoperable mode to at least one operable mode wherein the signal corresponds to an authorised user; and/or, from at least one operable mode to at least one inoperable mode wherein the signal corresponds to a non-authorised user.
In some examples, the at least one infra-red sensor comprises a plurality of infra-red sensors arranged to detect a predetermined movement from an 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 infra-red sensor of an aerosol provision device, a user movement; sending, by the at least one infra-red sensor 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; and,
Figure 5 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 one infra-red sensor 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 at least one infra-red sensor 120.
The device 100 is controlled by the control circuitry as follows. In response to receiving a signal from the infra-red sensor 120 associated with 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 infra-red sensor 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.
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 authorised user (from the correct activation movement being detected by the infra-red sensor).
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 infra-red sensors. Other movement sensors may also be used such as pressure sensors or the like.
Infra-red sensors are 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 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 sensor arrangement is low power.
Furthermore, infra-red sensors have a close detection distance. This is highly advantageous as the device is likely to be being used by users with the device in their hand or hands. As such, it is a comfortable and straightforward movement to provide an interaction e.g. by a finger or thumb in the region wherein the sensor arrangement 120 is located. Infra-red sensors operate over a 5 to 10 mm distance or so, which is highly suited to aerosol provision devices and the like.
The sensor 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 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 an infra-red sensor arrangement 220. The arrangement 220 has a plurality of infra-red sensors 221, 222, 223, 224. Each of the infra-red sensors may 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, 22, 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 sensors 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 sensors 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 sensors may be in an array wherein the user need not activate all the sensors 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 sensors 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 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 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 infra-red, the finger or thumb may be detected from a short distance above the surface (or the housing etc) of the device 300. The infra-red 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 timed to return to a default state. 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.
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 421, 422, 423, 424.
The example shown in Figure 4 also shows a series of arrows B, C, D. The arrows B, C, D shows 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 presses down on a sensor 424 (large arrow B). The user then quickly swipes down a portion of the sensor arrangement 420 (large arrow C). This movement (arrow C) moves the user from activating sensor 424 to activating sensor 432. The user then slowly swipes (small arrow D) across the remaining portion of the sensor arrangement 420. This slow swipe ceases activation of sensor 432 and in turn activated sensors 422, 421.
The infra-red sensors 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 424 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 be readily 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 allow 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 detection logic may be for example:

Step 1: Press the corresponding lighting area of the first Infra-red sensor (e.g. sensor 424, but could be sensor 421) for two seconds via a thumb. Users thumb blocks the infra-red light for two seconds and control circuitry 410 detects this.
Step 2: User moves thumb from first Infra-red sensor 424 to the second one 423, and remains for 2 seconds (this is detected by the control circuitry 410).
Step 3: User moves thumb from second Infra-red sensor 423 to the third one 422, and remains for 2 seconds (this is detected by the control circuitry 410).
Step 4: User moves thumb from third Infra-red sensor 422 to the fourth one 421, and remains for 2 seconds (this is detected by the control circuitry 410).

Device 400 is moved into operable mode and the user may access aerosols provided from the device 400.
The infra-red sensors may contain a transmitter and a receiver. The infra-red signal strength may be adjusted by control circuitry 410 and power. Press time 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 advatangeously 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 preferably be black. The cover may be formed of e.g. plastic. This material may be cheap and therefore again 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 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 movement is detected by at least one infra-red sensor of an aerosol provision device. In step 510, a signal associated with the detected user movement is sent by the at least one infra-red sensor to control circuitry. In step 515, the control circuitry compares the detected user movement against at least one predetermined movements.
Steps 517 and 522 consider different results from the comparison performed in step 515. In step 517, 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 520, 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 522, 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 525, 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 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.
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 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 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:
control circuitry for controlling an activation state of the aerosol provision device; and,

at least one infra-red sensor for detecting a user,
wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving a signal from the at least one infra-red sensor:
from at least one inoperable mode to at least one operable mode wherein the signal corresponds to an authorised user; and/or,

from at least one operable mode to at least one inoperable mode wherein the signal corresponds to a non-authorised user.
An aerosol provision device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one infra-red sensor comprises a plurality of infra-red sensors arranged to detect a predetermined movement from an authorised user.
An aerosol provision device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined movement comprises at least one of:
covering at least one infra-red sensor for a first predetermined time period;

covering the plurality of infra-red sensors individually for a second predetermined time period;

covering the plurality of infra-red sensors simultaneously for a third predetermined time period; and,

covering one of the plurality of infra-red sensors for a fourth predetermined time period and subsequently covering a different one of the plurality of infra-red sensors for a fifth predetermined time period.
An aerosol provision device according to claim 3, wherein at least one of:
the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth predetermined time periods are different time periods;

at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth predetermined time periods are the same time periods; and,

the control circuit is arranged to control and change the duration of at least one predetermined time period under user command.
An aerosol provision device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of infra-red sensors are 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.
An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a cover arranged over the infra-red sensors.
An aerosol provision device according to any preceding claim, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device from at least one operable mode to at least one inoperable mode after a predetermined time period or predetermined use period of the device being in the at least one operable mode,
wherein the predetermined time period or predetermined use period is variable.
An aerosol provision device according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined time period or predetermined use period is at least one of: a predetermined number of puffs; at least one predetermined period of time in at least one particular operable mode; and, a predetermined number of use sessions.
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,

at least one infra-red sensor for detecting a user,
wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update the activation state of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving a signal from the at least one infra-red sensor:

from at least one inoperable mode to at least one operable mode wherein the signal corresponds to an authorised user; and/or,

from at least one operable mode to at least one inoperable mode wherein the signal corresponds to a non-authorised user.
An aerosol provision system according to claim 9, wherein the at least one infra-red sensor comprises a plurality of infra-red sensors arranged to detect a predetermined movement from an authorised user.
A method of providing an aerosol to a user comprising:
detecting, by at least one infra-red sensor of an aerosol provision device, a user movement;

sending, by the at least one infra-red sensor 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.