EP4672998A1

EP4672998A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: EP4672998A1
Application number: EP24707755.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Charanjit Nandra; David Rushforth; Connor BRUTON
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2023-02-27
Filing date: 2024-02-26
Publication date: 2026-01-07
Also published as: TW202510760A; WO2024180010A1; GB202302823D0; JP2026510561A; CN121001608A

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 and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device; and, a detector arranged to detect a movement associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control circuitry, wherein the movement is at least one of i) device movement and ii) user movement, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with an authorised user.

Description

AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device, an aerosol-generating system, a method of providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, and aerosol provision means.

Background

Aerosol-generating systems are known. Common systems use heaters which are activated by a user to create an aerosol by an aerosol provision device from an aerosol generating material which is then provided for inhalation by the user. The device may be activated by a user at the push of a button or merely by the act of inhalation. Modem systems can use consumable elements containing the aerosol generating material. It can be desirable for the manufacturer to provide user control over the activation of the systems. This may avoid the activation of the system in undesirable circumstances.

The present invention is directed toward solving some of the above problems.

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 and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device; and, a detector arranged to detect a movement associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control circuitry, wherein the movement is at least one of i) device movement and ii) user movement, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with an authorised user. Such a system is able to detect a movement of an authorised user and provide an activation state and/or display condition suitable to the movement. This allows the device to determine whether the handler of the device, in real time, is an authorised user of the device. An authorised user may be an owner of the device. An authorised user may be a user of a suitable age for use of the device. An authorised user may be a user with an active account relating to the device or the manufacturer of the device. A non-authorised user may therefore be a user that is not the owner, not of a suitable age or not registered with the device or the like. This determination occurs during movement of the device and/or of the user. The present device can detect relative movement between the user and the device (on a reasonable scale) and can update the activation state and/or display condition accordingly.

In particular, by detecting movements and comparing the movements to those of an authorised user (or users), the device may allow operation (or conversely deny operation) accordingly. In other words, there is a determination made by the device that the user is an unauthorised or non-authorised user. Denial of operation occurs in the detection of movement associated with a non-authorised user. This provides an increased in-use safety aspect for the aerosol provision device while avoiding unnecessary interference for authorised users. The device disclosed herein provides an excellent balance between level of security over device usage and ease of use of device. The user experience and safety of the aerosol provision device is therefore improved.

In particular, in the event that user 1 wishes to use the aerosol provision device, user 1 begins an attempt to operate the device. User 1 is an authorised user and uses a predetermined movement required to use the device. User 1 is assessed by the control circuitry (based on at least one signal from the detector) to be an authorised user and the control circuitry provides a suitable update to the activation state and/or display condition of the device.

The user movement and/or device movement may be pre-programmed in the device or may be derived during use of a user of the device (or a combination of both). For example, shaking the device may be a pre-programmed movement resulting in the control circuitry updating the activation state to an operating state. In an example, the typical pre-use movement of the user (ascertained by the control circuitry over repeated use of the aerosol provision device by the user) may involve removal of the device from a pocket and lifting to the user’s mouth. In this example, when the detector detects such device movement (removal from pocket and lifting to mouth), the control circuitry updates the activation state to an operating state. The aerosol provision device may therefore be in an operating state slightly prior to being placed in the mouth of a user. The aerosol provision device may provide an aerosol in an operating state. In this way, therefore, there is a reduced delay between the inhalation of a user and the provision of an aerosol.

The present device and system, therefore, may prevent usage from non-authorised users (as non-authorised users are unaware of, or unable to recreate, the movement required for activation) while also reducing a delay time in the provision of aerosol for authorised users.

In this way, user experience for authorised users is improved while unauthorised users may be prevented from use of the device or system.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosolgenerating system for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: an aerosol provision device for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: control circuitry for controlling an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device; and, a detector arranged to detect a movement associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control circuitry, wherein the movement is at least one of: i) device movement, and ii) user movement, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with an authorised user.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the method comprising: detecting, by a detector, a movement associated with an authorised user of an aerosol provision device; providing, by the detector, a signal to control circuitry of the aerosol provision device; wherein the property is at least one of: i) device movement, and ii) user movement, updating, by the control circuitry, an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with a non-authorised user. The method described herein may be for updating an activation state for providing an aerosol to a user. This may occur in the event that the user is identified as an authorised user. The method described herein may be for preventing provision of an aerosol to a user. This may occur in the event that the user is identified as a non-authorised user. The method described herein may be for updating an activation state which may then lead to the provision of an aerosol, such as preparing the device for operation by the user. This may occur in the event the user is identified as an authorised user. The method described herein may be for updating an activation state which may then prevent provision of an aerosol, such as preventing the device from operation by the user. This may occur in the event the user is identified as a nonauthorised user. The method described herein may be for updating a display condition of the device.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided aerosol provision means for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: control means for controlling an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision means; and, detecting means arranged to detect a movement associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control means, wherein the movement is at least one of: i) device movement, and ii) user movement, wherein the control means is arranged to update an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision means in response to receiving a signal from the detecting means associated with an authorised user.

Description of Drawings

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

Figure l is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to an example;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to an example;

Figure 3 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision system according to an example; and,

Figure 4 is a flow diagram according to an example. While the invention 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 invention to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention 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 an example of an aerosol provision device 100 according to the present invention. The aerosol provision device 100 comprises an aerosol provision device housing 110. The aerosol provision device 100 has control circuitry 120. The control circuitry 120 is arranged to control an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device 100. The aerosol provision device 100 comprises a detector 130 arranged to detect a movement associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control circuitry 120. The movement detected by the detector 130 is at least one of i) device movement, and ii) user movement. The control circuitry 120 is arranged to update an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device 100 in response to receiving signals from the detector 130 associated with an authorised user. In an example, the user wishes to use their device 100. In this instance, the owner of an aerosol provision device 100 is deemed an authorised user. Checks relating to age appropriateness (which may be akin to authorised status, or ownership may be akin to authorised status) may occur at the point of sale or the like. Prior to use, a user of the device 100 may move the device 100 in a predetermined manner. On detection, by the detector 130, of this predetermined movement, the detector 130 sends a message (a signal) to the control circuitry 120. The control circuitry 120 determines whether the signal is associated with an authorised user or a non-authorised user. In the event that the signal is associated with authorised user the control circuitry 120 updates an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device 100.

The movement, detected by the detector 130, may be device movement or user movement. This may be, in an example, shaking of a device 100, tilting of the device 100, rotating the device 100, twisting the device 100 or the like. There may be a combination of movements in the predetermined movement, for example a tilt followed by shake. Each of these movements may be a pre-programmed movement that the control circuitry 120 is able to recognise against a database of known movements. Similarly, the movements may be predetermined user movements, such as swiping a finger, moving the hand over a section of the device 100, covering a portion of the device 100 with a palm or the like. Each of these user movements may be a preprogramed movement that the control circuitry 120 is able to recognise against a database of known movements.

When the detector 130 detects movement, a signal is sent to the control circuitry 120 and the movement detected is compared against known authorised movements. When the movement corresponds to a move in the database of known movements, the device 100 may be updated to an operating state from a non-operating state.

In another example, the movement associated with an authorised user may be a learned movement. For example, the user may keep the device 100 in a pocket or a bag or the like. The movement associated with an authorised user may involve removal of the device 100 from a pocket or bag and lifting the device 100 to the user’s mouth. Such a movement is distinctive and can be learned by the control circuitry 120 as belonging to the routine of the (or an) authorised user. The detector 130 detects the movement and provides a signal to the control circuitry 120. The control circuitry 120 may compare the detected movement against a database of learned movements associated with the authorised user(s). If the movement is within the database, the device 100 may be operated by the user. Once the movement is learned, it may be deemed a predetermined movement. Such a movement may be “taught” to the device 100 during a first use session where the user is requested to demonstrate a typical use motion to be associated with the user. The user may initiate further demonstrations over time so that, if use patterns and movements differ, the system remains able to recognise the authorised user.

In this way, the device 100 use by unauthorised users of the device 100 is significantly hindered, while use by authorised users is safely provided without significantly hindering the user by that user.

As used herein, authorised user may be akin to recognised user or registered user. The authorisation step may occur on registering the device to the user via an account or other set up system. The authorisation step may occur on sale by a manufacturer representative or the like.

The present invention involves updating an activation sate of an aerosol provision device 100. In an “operating state”, elements of the aerosol provision device 100 used to generate an aerosol (such as an atomiser, heater, power source or the like) may be activated. The specific activation of the device 100 may require an additional input which may be inhalation on the device 100, pressing a button on the device 100 or the like. Alternatively, the device 100 may automatically generate aerosol by a heater in response to receiving a signal associated with an authorised user. The control circuitry 120 may receive such a signal from the detector 130 and send a signal to a heater arrangement or the like to provide an aerosol from an aerosol generating material that may be contained within, or separate to, the aerosol provision device 100. In a “non operating state”, such elements may not be used to generate an aerosol.

Updating the activation state may be to an operating or a non-operating state. Updating the display condition may relate to providing an indication to a user that the device 100 has been updated to an operating or non operating state. The display condition may be provided by a visual display, an audio indicator, a haptic indicator or the like. The display condition may correspond to the activation state of the device 100. For example, a first display condition may be associated with a first activation state of the device 100, while a second display condition may be associated with a second activation state of the device 100.

In an example, the control circuitry 120 may be arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device 100 to a non-operating state in response to receiving signals from the detector 130 associated with a non-authorised user. In this example, the default state of the device 100 may be an operating state. In an example, the control circuitry 120 is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device 100 to an operating state in response to receiving signals from the detector associated with an authorised user. In this example, the default state of the device 100 may be a non-operating state.

These provide contrasting advantages. Starting the device 100 in an operating state and preventing use after the user is characterised as non-authorised increases the authorised user experience of the device 100 as there is a reduced delay time to providing an aerosol in use, therefore the device 100 does inhibits the authorised user use in only a very reduce manner. Starting the device 100 in a non-operating state and enabling use after the user is characterised as authorised increases the overall safety of the device 100 and fully prevents non-authorised users from accessing the device 100. The default state may be chosen by the manufacturer but amended by an authorised user.

In an example, the authorised user removes the device 100 from a pocket and moves the device 100 to their mouth. This movement is recognised as an authorised user movement (it is predetermined, learned and associated with the authorised user). The control circuitry 120 updates an activation state to an operating state. In an example, on update of the activation state to an operating state, the device 100 begins to heat the heater of the device 100 and aerosol generating material used, in use, with the device 100. The process of providing an aerosol is therefore begun prior to the first inhalation by a user, reducing wait time and increasing user experience. In this instance, a further action is not required of the user prior to beginning use, such as pressing a button. Such a step may be difficult for users with reduced mobility. As such, the present example provides improved user experience in such circumstances. The device 100 may also update a display condition of the aerosol provision device. The display condition may correspond to the activation state of the aerosol provision device 100. In an example, the display condition may be audio and/or visual indications associated with use of an aerosol provision device such as visual indications of embers or smoke puffs. The audio indications may be the crackle or fire or the popping of heated aerosol generating material or the like.

The authorised user is therefore able to provide movements to control use of the device 100 in a safe and user-friendly manner. The movements may be personalised to the user such that others are unable to use the device 100. The movements may be reasonably intricate and informed to the user on start up such that unauthorised users are unlikely to replicate them when attempting to use the device 100 (e.g. rotate then tilt).

Typical behaviours may be recorded over time, for example how a user handles the device 100. If the user regularly pulls the device 100 out of a bag using their left hand, a detector 130 that senses movement (for example a gyroscope or the like) may characterise that movement. In response to sensing that distinctive movement and providing a signal to the control circuitry 120, the control circuitry 120 can have a high level of confidence that the user is an authorised user. For example, if the movement of the device 100 prior to use is not the typical movement of the device 100, the control circuitry 120 can have a high level of confidence that the user is not an authorised user and therefore prevent use of the device 100.

In an example, the control circuitry 120 is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device 100 to an operating state in response to receiving a signal from the detector 130 associated with an authorised user. In an example, the control circuitry 120 is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device 100 to a non-operating state in response to receiving a signal from the detector 130 associated with an authorised user.

In an example, the user after use may move the aerosol provision device 100 away from their mouth and towards a pocket or into a bag. This movement may be characteristic. The control circuitry 120 may be informed of this by the detector 130 and update the activation state to a non operating state, such as powering down to off. In this way, the user need not provide further actions to power off the device 100, again this can be useful for users with reduced mobility. The device 100 in this instance may also power off sooner than in instances requiring further actions from the user, thereby saving energy during use of the device. The device 100 only operates until the point the user ceases to use the device and therefore the battery (or other power source) is most effectively used.

In another example, the user may provide a movement for the control circuitry 120 to learn and to update the activation state in response to. In an example, the user may choose a “stubbing out” motion wherein the device 100 is removed from the mouth, placed against a surface and rotated (or the like). This may increase familiarity for users more used to combustible aerosol provision systems such as cigarettes or cigars or the like. It is broadly accepted that electronic aerosol provision devices can be used as an alternative to combustible aerosol provision systems and therefore increasing familiarity may improve the likelihood of user’s choosing this alternative and continuing usage in the long term.

Movements of either user or device (or both) may control the status of the device. This may also relate to a boost operating state of the device. In a boost operating state, the device may provide a different aerosol to the operating state. In an example, this may be increased aerosol. This may be increased aerosol over a shorter period of time. This may also or alternatively be a series of puffs that are limited by number. The boost mode may be activated by a recognisable movement such as a double tap by a finger, or a double shake. Any motion may be suitable provided the movement is different to the motion/movement required to engage the other operating or non operating states.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown an example of an aerosol provision device 200. The aerosol provision device 200 has a housing 210, control circuitry 200 and a detector 230. Various possible movements are shown in arrows. For example, an upwards tilt or shake is shown by arrow A. A downwards tilt, or shake is shown by arrow B. A translational movement (a push or pull motion) is shown by arrow C. Each of these, or combinations thereof, may be used to update the device 200 into new display conditions and/or activation states.

In an example, the control circuitry 220 is arranged to update a display condition of the aerosol provision device 200 to an operating display condition in response to receiving a signal from the detector 230 associated with an authorised user. The display may be fiery embers or the like or smoke puffs. In an example, the control circuitry 220 is arranged to update a display condition of the aerosol provision device 200 to a non-operating display condition in response to receiving a signal from the detector 230 associated with an authorised user. The movement may be a stubbing out movement as discussed above. This may also cause the display condition to move to gentle died down embers or a lack of smoke. In an example, the control circuitry 220 is arranged to update a display condition of the aerosol provision device 200 to a boost operating display condition in response to receiving a signal from the detector 230 associated with an authorised user. The colour of the embers on the display may be different when the device 200 is in boost mode when compared to normal operating mode. The embers may be brighter or a different colour. The visual smoke output may be larger on a display as well as from the user.

The detector 230 may be at least one of: a timer; a gyroscope; a magnetometer; a housing- located capacitor; a heat sensor; an accelerometer; an altimeter; a light gate; and, a pressure sensor. In this way, preprogramed movements may be recognised and user movements may also be taught to and recognised by the device 200. In this way, improved use may be provided to the user by personalising the movements for updating activation states. Each of these detector aspects allow for various movements of the user and the device to be detected and used to inform whether the user is or is not an authorised user.

In an example, the device has a display screen on which visual indications can be provided to a user during use. The display screen may represent the display condition of the device. The control circuitry may control the display on the display screen. The device may also or additionally have an audio element to provide audio indications to a user. The screen may be OLED or contain LEDs or the like. This may improve user experience as the display provides a confirmation check that the movement of the user has been recognised by the device. Specifically, if the user has similar movements to update the activation state to an operating state and to update the activation state to a boost operating state, the display can show the user which movement has been recognised by the device, whether to engage boost or to engage normal operation. This provides a more user friendly device and improves the overall safety of the device. Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown an example of an aerosol provision system 300. The aerosol provision system 300 shown in the example of Figure 3 is similar to the aerosol provision devices 100, 200 shown in the examples of Figures 1 and 2.

The aerosol provision system 300 of Figure 3 has control circuitry 320 arranged within a aerosol provision device 310 of the aerosol provision system 300. The control circuitry 320 is in communication with a detector 330. The detector 330 is arranged to detect a movement associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control circuitry. The detector 330 is shown, in the example of Figure 3, as being not integral with the aerosol provision device 310. In the example, therefore, the detector 330 is separate to the aerosol provision device 310 while being part of the aerosol provision system 300. The detector 330 may be wirelessly connected to the aerosol provision device 310. The detector 330 may therefore be provided by a further component, such that if the aerosol provision device 310 is lost the detector 330 may still be retained. Furthermore, use of a detector 330 outside the aerosol provision device 310 renders the aerosol provision device 310 simpler and cheaper to manufacture. As such, the aerosol provision system 300 may be a preferential arrangement for provision of the advantages described herein.

Figure 4 shows a method 400 of use of an aerosol provision device. The method 400 is shown as a flow chart. In the method 400, the device may start in a default state 402, which may be a non-operating state such that a user cannot use the device without being recognised as an authorised user via user movement and/or device movement. Alternatively, the default operating state may be an operating state so that authorised users may initiate activation sooner, thereby reducing the delay of operation for authorised users. The device begins in a default state as chosen by the manufacturer for preferential advantages as noted above.

When a user attempts to use the device, the device detects 404 a user movement and/or device movement associated with the user. This may be as described above, movements associated with pre-use user movements, and/or preprogramed movements to be satisfied prior to use. The device detects the movement (or movements) using a detector (which may contain a number of individual sensors/detectors). The detector may detect 404 the movement (or movements) as explained above. The detector sends a signal accordingly to the control circuitry 406. An assessment is made as to whether the user is authorised or not. This assessment may involve comparing the detected movement (or movements) against a database of known authorised movements. If the movement corresponds to a movement on the database, the user is deemed authorised. If the movement does not correspond to a movement on the database, the user is deemed not authorised.

An activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device (or aerosol provision system) is updated 408, in response to the signal from the detector. This may take the form of updating a visual indicator or an audio indicator. In an example this may be a screen, such as a display screen, or (one or more) LEDs or a speaker arrangement or the like. This can be used to inform the user as to the mode of the aerosol provision device.

This method provides a user-friendly user-recognition process that does not overly impede use for authorised users. The method offers a balance between overly strict and overly lenient access protection for the device. With normal movements, the authorised user can be recognised while non authorised users are prevented from using the device.

The updating of the activation state may involve updating, by the control circuitry, an activation state of the aerosol provision device to an operating state in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with a property of an authorised user. The updating of the activation state may involve updating, by the control circuitry, an activation state of the aerosol provision device to a non-operating state in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with a property of a non-authorised user.

The updating of the display condition may correspond with the activation state or otherwise. In an example, the movement from the user is to be within a first confidence threshold to be recognised by the device. If the movement from the user is within a second, more generous, confidence threshold the device may, in response, indicate to the user to try the movement again via updating the display condition. In this way, if the user has incorrectly, but nearly, provided an activation movement, the user can be informed to repeat the action. The user learns in this instance that the device did not recognise immediately this movement. Such an arrangement increases the overall experience for the user, as the user does not get frustrated repeating what the user believes is a correct activation movement, but the device believes is a close, but crucially not correct, movement.

The user may be able to amend the confidence thresholds for activation. In this way, a user with reduce mobility may increase the threshold so that a broader array of movements may be acknowledged as activation movements. This allows for reduced mobility users to access their device, while still providing an aspect of security against non authorised user attempts to access the device.

The term “in response to” is used herein to indicate a second event (such as a signal or change of state of an aerosol provision device) that occurs subsequent to a first event. The second event may occur at a later time, after a predetermined time, or immediately after the first event.

The full range of operating states of the aerosol provision device (or system) disclosed herein may be very wide ranging assisting the aerosol provision device to provide different aerosols for the user. The operating states may be more than operational, non operational and boost as disclosed herein. Operating modes may be programmed by users, if for example a user prefers certain operating characteristics. For example, longer or shorter puff lengths or a larger or lesser puff volume. This improves user experience.

The aerosol provision device may comprise heating arrangements or the like for providing an aerosol from a consumable - the consumable may contain an aerosol generating material or the like. The control circuitry may control the heating arrangement (or the like) according to the signal received from the detector. Once user authorisation status is satisfied, the device may offer the user one of a number of heating processes for use with the aerosol generating material, arranged in use in the aerosol provision device, to improve user experience. Alternatively, one movement may be associated with one heating process while another movement is associated with another heating process. This may be part of the updating of the activation state of the aerosol provision device.

Predetermined movements may be stored on a database that is remote to or on board the device or system as disclosed herein. The control circuitry may communicate with the database. The signal from the detector may be compared, by the control circuitry, to the database. If the signal is associated with an authorised user, the device is updated into an operational state.

An on board database arrangement may be advantageous as the device need not have a communications element in the device able to communicate with a remotely held database, and the device need not be connected to a communications network to access a remotely held database prior to each use session. This may allow use of the device in areas without connectivity. This may also provide a faster response than via communicating with a remote database.

In a different example, the database of predetermined movements is held remotely, and the control circuitry has a communication module to contact the database. The communication module may contact the database with a request for checking a specific detected movement. The communication module, and therefore the control circuity, is then provided with the authorisation of the user based on the movement, which is relayed to the control circuitry. This arrangement may be advantageous as the device need not include a memory element for carrying the database and the database of movements can be remotely updated ensuring the device need not have the on board database regularly updated. In this way up-to-date movement data can be provided to all devices as soon as the movement data is uploaded to the central database. This may happen during manufacture updates to preprogramed (predetermined) movements.

In this way, all users can be provided with the updates without each needing to update their own device. The remote database may be a manufacturer database or the like for linking a movement of a user to an authorisation status for that user. This may be advantageous if the manufacturer finds that specific movements are difficult to replicate reliably by users. The resilience of this system, and user experience, is therefore improved using a remote database.

The device and system herein are described as comprising several components that enable several advantages. The components may be disclosed as on-board the device or within the system. The components may be distributed and therefore not necessarily be located onboard the device. The functionality of the device can be provided by communicatively connected components, and such communication may be wireless, enabling such distribution. At which point it is reasonable to foresee that a distributed array of components will operate in the manner of the devices and systems disclosed herein. Components of the device or system may be contained in a further device such as a smartphone, computer, or remote server or the like.

The method and device disclosed herein enable protection over the use of the device without requiring an arduous authorisation process - the process is only as arduous as is desired by the manufacturer or the user of the device. This improves the user experience of the device and the safety of general use of the device. The default state of the device may also be controlled and amended by the user, to allow a shift between greater security or greater freedom of access.

The devices and systems disclosed herein may be used with consumables comprising aerosol generating material. Such consumables may be solid or liquid and may be cartridges or the like.

In a particular example, the device disclosed herein may operate with a flavour pod which is replaceable in the device - this may be referred to as a consumable. The flavour may be any of tobacco and glycol and may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamon, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, j asmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), 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. When combined with an aerosol generating medium, the aerosol provision device as disclosed herein may be referred to as an aerosol provision system.

Thus there has been described an aerosol provision device for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: control circuitry for controlling an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device; and, a detector arranged to detect a movement associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control circuitry, wherein the movement is at least one of: i) device movement, and ii) user movement, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with an authorised user.

The aerosol provision system may be used in a tobacco industry product, for example a noncombustible aerosol provision system.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product comprises one or more components of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

In one embodiment, the aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette also known as a vaping device.

In one embodiment the electronic cigarette comprises a heater, a power supply capable of supplying power to the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing and optionally a mouthpiece.

In one embodiment the aerosolizable substrate is contained in or on a substrate container. In one embodiment the substrate container is combined with or comprises the heater.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating product which releases one or more compounds by heating, but not burning, a substrate material. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material which may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.

In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device. In one embodiment, the tobacco heating product comprises a heater, a power supply capable of supplying power to the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or gel material.

In one embodiment the heating product is a non-electronic article.

In one embodiment the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or gel material, and a heat source which is capable of supplying heat energy to the aerosolizable substrate without any electronic means, such as by burning a combustion material, such as charcoal.

In one embodiment the heating product also comprises a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

In some embodiments the aerosolizable substrate material may comprise an aerosol or aerosol generating agent or a humectant, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin or diethylene glycol.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system to generate aerosol by heating, but not burning, a combination of substrate materials. The substrate materials may comprise for example solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for a superior electronic aerosol provision system. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure 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 and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. An aerosol provision device for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: control circuitry for controlling an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device; and, a detector arranged to detect a movement associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control circuitry, wherein the movement is at least one of: i) device movement, and ii) user movement, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with an authorised user.

2. An aerosol provision device according to claim 1, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device to an operating state in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with an authorised user.

3. An aerosol provision device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device to a non-operating state in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with an authorised user.

4. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device to a boost operating state in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with an authorised user.

5. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update a display condition of the aerosol provision device to an operating display condition in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with an authorised user.

6. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update a display condition of the aerosol provision device to a nonoperating display condition in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with an authorised user.

7. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update a display condition of the aerosol provision device to a boost operating display condition in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with an authorised user.

8. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the detector is at least one of: a timer; a gyroscope; a magnetometer; a housing-located capacitor; a heat sensor; an accelerometer; an altimeter; a light gate; and, a pressure sensor.

9. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a display screen, the control circuitry arranged to control a display condition of the display screen.

10. An aerosol-generating system for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: an aerosol provision device for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: control circuitry for controlling an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device; and, a detector arranged to detect a movement associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control circuitry, wherein the movement is at least one of: i) device movement, and ii) user movement, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with an authorised user. 1

11. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 10, wherein the detector is not integral with the aerosol provision device.

12. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device to at least one of: an operating state; a non-operating state; and, a boost operating state, in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with an authorised user.

13. An aerosol-generating system according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update a display condition of the aerosol provision device to at least one of: an operating display condition; a non-operating display condition; and, a boost operating display condition, in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with an authorised user.

14. An aerosol-generating system according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the detector is at least one of: a timer; a gyroscope; a magnetometer; a housing-located capacitor; a heat sensor; an accelerometer; an altimeter; a light gate; and, a pressure sensor.

15. An aerosol-generating system according to any of claims 10 to 14, further comprising a display screen, the control circuitry arranged to control a display condition of the display screen.

16. A method of updating an activation state for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the method comprising: detecting, by a detector, a movement associated with an authorised user of an aerosol provision device; providing, by the detector, a signal to control circuitry of the aerosol provision device; wherein the property is at least one of: i) device movement, and ii) user movement, updating, by the control circuitry, an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with a non-authorised user.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein updating, by the control circuitry, an activation state of the aerosol provision device comprises updating an activation state of the aerosol provision device to an operating state in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with an authorised user.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein updating, by the control circuitry, an activation state of the aerosol provision device comprises updating an activation state of the aerosol provision device to a non-operating state in response to receiving signals from the detector associated with an authorised user.

19. The method of any of claims 16 to 18, wherein updating, by the control circuitry, a display condition of the aerosol provision device comprises updating a display condition on a display screen of the aerosol provision device.

20. Aerosol provision means for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: control means for controlling an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision means; and, detecting means arranged to detect a movement associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control means, wherein the movement is at least one of: i) device movement, and ii) user movement, wherein the control means is arranged to update an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision means in response to receiving a signal from the detecting means associated with an authorised user.