WO2016009202A1

WO2016009202A1 - Inhalers

Info

Publication number: WO2016009202A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/052045
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benjamin John Strutt; Michael Roger Cane; Stergios BITITSIOS
Original assignee: Cambridge Design Partnership Llp
Priority date: 2014-07-16
Filing date: 2015-07-15
Publication date: 2016-01-21
Also published as: GB201412600D0

Abstract

Embodiments generally relate to an inhalation device, a method of controlling an inhalation device, to packaging, to an accessory device and to a system comprising the inhalation device, packaging and/or accessory device. In particular, an inhalation device inhalation device for delivering an airborne substance to the mouth and/or respiratory tract of a user may comprise: a touch or proximity sensitive user interface; and a device controller, controlled by said user interface, to control one or more functions of the inhaler, wherein said device controller in combination with said user interface is configured to detect when one or more specific gestures are performed by said user and in response to control said one or more functions of the inhaler.

Description

Inhalers

FIELD OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the invention generally relate to an inhalation device for delivering a vaporised or aerosolised substance to a user, to a system for and a method of controlling an inhalation device for delivering such a substance to a user, to packaging for holding at least one inhalation device, to packaging associated with an inhalation device, to an accessory device for detection by an inhalation device, and in particular to an inhalation device that is for delivering substances to the oral membranes and/or into the respiratory tract for inhalation and that is responsive to, for example, user touch and/or gestures.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Inhalers such as orally delivered spray and inhalation devices are generally used to deliver vapour or aerosol into the mouth and respiratory tract for a range of healthcare and recreational activities. For example, medical inhalers deliver medication into the body via the lungs and other tissues within the oral and respiratory tract, where the medication is usually dispensed in aerosol form into a user's mouth. The medical inhalers contain an active pharmaceutical suspended in a pressurised propellant or carrier particulate, which is dispensed through a nozzle or mouthpiece that atomises the mixture. Another example is electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), which are inhalation devices that dispense a vapour to deliver nicotine or nicotine based compounds (without burning tobacco). Generally speaking, the substances dispensed by these types of inhalation devices may include flavourings, active pharmaceutical substances (e.g. corticosteroids for treating asthma), or recreational substances such as nicotine or nicotine based compounds. (The terms 'vapour', 'aerosol' and 'entrained powder' may be used interchangeably in the present application in relation to a substance in a form to allow delivery to the oral and/or respiratory tissue of a user).

Broadly speaking, actuation of the inhalation devices and release of the chemical substance is usually via a switch. For example, some inhalation devices are actuated in response to a pressure change inside the device which results when a user inhales (i.e. the pressure change acts to switch the device into a 'delivery mode'), while other devices are actuated when a user presses a physical button or compresses a containment cartridge on the device. Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a general prior art inhalation device. The inhalation device 100 may be an electronic cigarette or medical inhaler or some other type of user inhalation device. The inhalation device 100 comprises a power source 102 (e.g. a battery), a heating element 104 powered by the battery, a cartridge or container 106 containing a chemical substance, and a mouthpiece 1 10 via which the user inhales the chemical substance. The device may also comprise a switch 108 which activates the inhaler and dispenses the chemical substance. The chemical substance is typically provided in liquid form within the container 106. The chemical substance in liquid form is heated by the heating element 104 to provide a vapour. The vapour is dispensed via the mouthpiece 1 10 into the user's mouth, respiratory tract and lungs.

The heating element is activated when a user switches the device On' in some way. The switch 108 may be a physical button located on the device 100, which the user manually depresses, slides, or otherwise uses to turn the inhalation device On', which causes the heating element to heat the substance in the container 106. Additionally or alternatively, the switch 108 may comprise a pressure sensor located within the device 100. The pressure sensor detects changes in pressure (e.g. reduced pressure when a user inhales) and causes the switch 108 to turn the inhalation device On' (thereby causing the heating element to heat the substance in container 106). However, a notable disadvantage of e-cigarettes and other inhalation devices is the poor user-experience, e.g., sensory experience. Using traditional cigarettes requires opening a cigarette packet, removing a cigarette, and lighting it. For many users, these operations form part of a ritual that becomes functionally, and in some cases deeply emotionally, sensorially and socially, associated with the activity of smoking, and the pleasure derived from it.

Generally speaking, inhalation devices often comprise primary packaging (to house the components of the device), and secondary packaging (to avoid loss or degradation of the ingredients in the substance to be dispensed). For example, the secondary packaging prevents oxygen or water vapour ingress into the device, or egress of the active ingredients by diffusion out of the device.

The way in which the devices are accessed and activated through the primary and secondary packaging, vary significantly from device to device. Secondary packaging may also communicate branding, instructions (for using the device) and health information or warnings. The secondary packaging may have an important role in identifying brand (and device) provenance. Furthermore, the secondary packaging may comprise features, including features which provide indication of unauthorised tampering, safety, security and/or features which may help impede access to the device by children or others who are not authorised or intended to consume the substance within the device. In certain devices features providing timed lockout may also prevent a user over-dosing on a given substance. To reduce the possibility of the inhalation device accidentally dispensing a vaporised substance to a child, the devices may comprise a switch which requires considerable force to operate (e.g. a button which requires a relatively large force to depress). Prior art inhalation devices are often provided in secondary packaging, as described above, having a child-proof closure. Certain prior art inhalation devices have electronic systems to limit the number of doses that can be dispensed from the device in a given time period.

However, a disadvantage of the prior art inhalation devices is that the functionality is generally either not sufficient to prevent children from operating the device, or require further layers of packaging to prevent children from accessing the device which makes the device more cumbersome to use and carry.

In view of the above, there remains a need for an inhalation device and/or packaging for such a device, or a system comprising at least such a device, having/providing advantage(s) such as, inter alia, improved man-machine interface, usability, sensory experience, security, authenticity, user-safety and/or prevention of access by unauthorised individuals, including children, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inhalation device for delivering an airborne substance to the mouth and/or respiratory tract of a user, the inhalation device comprising: a touch or proximity sensitive user interface; and a device controller, controlled by said user interface, to control one or more functions of the inhaler, wherein said device controller in combination with said user interface is configured to detect when one or more specific gestures are performed by said user and in response to control said one or more functions of the inhaler.

Generally, embodiments of the device of the first aspect may provide a device for oral delivery of a substance to a user, advantageously by means of detection of gesture(s) (generally movement(s) such as change of position or orientation of the device or change of position of a touch on the device) to actuate one or more actions, e.g., allowing/initiating dispensing the substance. This may allow an improved man-machine interface, usability, sensory experience, user-safety and/or prevention of access by unauthorised individuals, including children, etc..

The device controller may comprise a storage medium comprising a computer program for detecting said one or more specific gestures. Preferably a said specific gesture comprises a movement of said inhalation device. It is further noted that the one or more specific gestures may comprise any one or more of, e.g., : a finger tap on the inhaler; a shake of the inhaler and/or secondary packaging; tapping the inhaler device on a surface; drawing a finder and/or thumb along the inhaler; a rolling action of the inhaler; movement of the inhaler, packaging and/or an accessory device; movements to positions in space of the inhaler device relative to the individual; waving, pointing, sweeping and/or rotating of the inhaler, secondary packaging and/or accessory device; movement of the inhalation device, secondary packaging and/or accessory device to be in proximity to each other; upward and/or downward tilting of the inhalation device, secondary packaging and/or accessory device; shaking the inhalation device, secondary packaging and/or accessory device; stubbing the inhalation device on a surface; opening secondary packaging, etc.. Preferably the one or more specific gestures does not comprise a user merely pressing a physical button, a user inhalation resulting in a pressure change that acts to switch the device into a 'delivery mode', or a user compressing a containment cartridge on the device. In any embodiment, the substance when delivered may be a vapour comprising the substance diffused or suspended (generally liquid or solid) in air, or an aerosol (generally a substance enclosed under pressure and released as a fine spray by means of a propellant gas) which may be preferred for pharmaceutical devices. Other embodiments may be dry powder inhalation devices (e.g. dry power inhaler drug delivery devices (DPIs)) for example using a pharmaceutical impregnated carrier particulate (typically a lactose) and relying on patient inhalation to entrain powder from a container/pack and provide airborne delivery. Such a dry powder inhalation device may have an entrainment system (this may be referred to for convenience as a vaporiser) arranged to entrain the substance to form the vapour. Generally, entrainment may involve drawing particulates into an air flow by means of a pressure drop.

The inhalation device, for example where intended for medical use, may not contain a battery, as this may reduce reliability.

There may be provided an/the inhalation device, embodiments of which are for delivering a vaporised substance to a user (such delivery of the substance as a vapour does not necessarily imply that the substance has been heated), comprising: an output delivery system comprising a container housing a substance to be delivered as a vapour; at least one sensor to sense a user action and output a sensor signal dependent on the sensing; a data store storing control data defining at least one relationship between at least one said sensor signal and a predefined procedure to be performed by the output delivery system in response to the at least one said sensor signal; and a processor configured to: determine, based on at least one said sensor signal and the stored control data, if the output delivery system is to perform a said predefined procedure; and control the output delivery system to perform the predefined procedure in response to the determination, and when having the storage medium, wherein: said data store comprises said storage medium; said one or more functions comprise said predefined procedure; said user interface comprises or consists of said at least one sensor; and said output delivery system is configured to perform at least one of said one or more functions.

The housed substance may be to be delivered to the user as a vapour, e.g., by means of a heating element. Thus, the output delivery system may comprise a vaporiser such as a heating element, the vaporiser coupled to the container and arranged to vaporise the substance. Preferably the at least one said predefined procedure comprises the vaporiser vaporising the substance. The term 'inhalation device' used herein is generally used to mean a device which provides a vaporised chemical substance for a user to inhale. The terms 'inhalation device', 'electronic cigarette', 'e-cigarette', 'e-cigar', 'medical inhaler', 'inhaler' and 'inhaler device' are used interchangeably herein. The terms 'substance', 'chemical substance', 'medication', 'pharmaceutical', 'drug' are used interchangeably herein and merely indicate examples of the type of product that can be inhaled, generally by means of vaporisation, via an inhalation device.

The vaporised substance may comprise a vapour resulting from heating a liquid substance to convert the substance from the liquid phase to the gas phase, and/or may comprise an aerosol generally comprising a colloid suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas. The vaporised substance may be for example a spray, mist or smoke. Thus, the vaporiser may comprise a vaporising element such as a heating element, or may comprise an atomizer or nebulizer. Similarly, the vaporiser may be an aerosol generation system arranged to aerosolize the substance. It may be preferable in an embodiment that the vaporiser comprises an aerosol generation system coupled to the container and arranged to aerosolize the substance.

Advantageously, an embodiment of such a device configured to perform a predefined procedure in response to certain sensor signal(s) may allow an improved man-machine interface, usability, sensory experience, user-safety and/or prevention of access by unauthorised individuals, including children, etc. For example, the sensor signals may be received from touch surface(s), e.g., touch screen, to indicate a user intention, input user instructions and/or input authorisation from the user. The user may be able to expressly, and/or without knowing, control the device by means of actions such as touch and/or movement gestures, similar to those familiar to users of traditional cigarettes. Such control may be instinctive and/or intuitive, based on user actions performed directly on or proximate to the inhalation device, e.g., a touch gesture on a surface of the device and/or moving an item in communication with the device (e.g., an accessory device and/or packaging). One or more of the procedure(s) controlled on the basis of detecting such action(s) may comprise feedback and/or operational action(s). Examples procedure actions are to unlock the device, preparation for vaporisation (for example to load the substance into the container and/or prime the substance for vaporisation (e.g., pre-heat)), vaporise the substance, dispense the substance, and/or disabling actions (e.g., to disable vaporising and/or dispensing). Further examples are to provide feedback (e.g., visual, audible or haptic) indicating a status of the device to the user etc. For example, the feedback device may indicate when preparation for vaporisation is complete, when the substance is being vaporised and/or when the substance has been fully vaporised, i.e., the container is empty.

There may further be provided the inhalation device comprising at least one indicator to provide device status information to a user, and wherein the processor is further configured to control the at least one indicator in response to a said determination. Such feedback may be performed for example by means of an electronic display (e.g., LED(s) and/or for example LCD, e-ink, OLED, or alternative technology display). Preferably (i.e., optionally), the at least one indicator comprises visual display indicator such as a display screen and/or at least one light which is controlled to indicate device status information. Additionally or alternatively the at least one indicator comprises a vibrating device which is configured to vibrate to indicate device status information. This is an example of providing haptic feedback; other types of haptic feedback may be used.

There may further be provided the inhalation device, wherein a combination of the at least one sensor and the at least one indicator is configured to lead, interpret and/or provide feedback to the user upon correct procedural approach to delivery of the substance, preferably in order to enhance effective use and delivery of the substance and/or wherein the combined at least indicator comprises a display. Considering sensor(s), there may further be provided the inhalation device, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a pressure sensor configured to detect a change in pressure within the device. Such a change may result from to a user taking a puff on the device, i.e., inhaling. The processor may be configured to, if the sensor data indicates a pressure decrease within the device, control the vaporiser to vaporise the substance and allow the vaporised substance to be dispensed. Similarly, the at least one sensor may comprise a touch sensitive sensor configured to detect a user-controlled touch on the device. Preferably the touch sensitive sensor comprises a moisture sensor. Such a touch may comprise a touch of user fingers and/or mouth directly on the device, or the device touching an object such as a table when the user does a 'stubbing' action. The touch sensor preferably comprises a touch-sensitive surface to detect at least one of a contact, touch sequence, touch pattern and/or at least one tap of the inhalation device by the user. A sensed touch action may then comprise a predefined touch gesture such as touching a predetermined sequence of numbers on a display of numbers and/or a touch following a predetermined pattern on a surface of the sensor, e.g., a stroke preferably laterally stroke along the barrel/side of an elongate inhalation device.

Other touch actions that may be sensed are, for example,: the device being held/touched at both ends by fingers moving in parallel, opposing directions to perform a 'straightening' action parallel to an axis of the device; the device being held at opposite ends and the touches moving in opposite directions (opposing strokes), or the same directions (parallel roll), about an axis of the device; a touch/stroke consistent with a user licking the device. A moisture sensor may be used, optionally in conjunction with other touch sensor(s), to sense a licking action.

There may further be provided the inhalation device, wherein the user-controlled touch comprises a touch interaction with the inhaler by a user's tongue to initiate a said procedure preferably comprising a preparatory action such as an unlocking, loading and/or priming the substance for vaporisation.

There may further be provided the inhalation device 0, wherein the user-controlled touch comprises a touch interaction with the inhalation device by a user's finger to initiate a said procedure preferably comprising a preparatory action such as an unlocking, loading and/or priming the substance for vaporisation.

There may further be provided the inhalation device, wherein the user-controlled touch comprises a touch interaction with the inhalation device to initiate a said procedure, wherein the initiated procedure comprises at least one of setting a predefined power setting and changing a power setting. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one sensor may comprise a motion sensor (e.g., accelerometer) configured to detect movement of the device, preferably to detect a movement pattern of the device, and/or a tilt sensor to detect a predetermined tilt of the device. The movement may comprise translation and/or rotation. A detected movement gesture may comprise, e.g., rolling, shaking, turning (e.g., to point in another preferably opposite direction). The predetermined tilt may be upward or downward; the tilt sensor may also be used to detect when the device is used to point. There may further be provided the inhalation device, wherein a force applied by a user to the inhalation device by means of a preferably predefined motion is interpretable at least one said sensor to deliver benefit or functionality such as adjustment of operational characteristics and/or parameters, preferably wherein the at least one said sensor comprises an accelerometer.

There may further be provided the inhalation device, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a sound detector to detect a predetermined user sound. Such a sound detector may for example comprise a microphone or lower cost alternative sensor. The predetermined user sound may comprise a user sniff, or a user action such as tapping the device surface with a finger or tapping the device on a hard surface. To detect the sound, the device may compare the sensed sound to a sound signature stored in memory.

There may further be provided the inhalation device, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a proximity sensor configured to detect if an item having a tag detectable by the proximity sensor is in a nominal proximity (e.g., within 5, 10, 15 or 20cm) to the inhalation device, wherein the item is an accessory device or packaging for holding at least one said inhalation device. Such packaging is generally secondary packaging, e.g., a box having a lid and for storing one or more inhalation devices. Such an accessory device may merely be a small object having the tag, for example or similar shape, size and/or appearance to a cigarette lighter. The tag may be active or passive, e.g., an RFID or NFC tag.

There may further be provided the inhalation device, wherein the data store stores predefined data defining one or more user actions required to operate the inhalation device, and wherein the processor is further configured to: determine, based on at least one said sensor signal and the stored predefined data, if the one or more required user actions have been performed; and if the one or more required user actions have been performed, allow a user to operate the inhalation device. Otherwise, the device may inhibit or disallow user operation of the inhalation device. Allowing the user to operate the device may comprise enabling the output delivery system to perform any or one or more said predefined procedures (e.g., comprising preparing to vaporise, vaporising and/or dispensing the vapour) in response to received sensor signal(s) indicating detected user action(s). The predefined data is preferably predefined safety data.

Preferably the one or more required user actions comprise at least one of an ordered sequence of user actions and different types of user actions. The at least one sensor may be configured to detect at least one user input to define at least one of: the ordered sequence of user actions; the different types of user actions; and at least one setting of the inhalation device, preferably wherein the processor is configured to implement a learn mode to perform a said definition on the basis of a said at least one user input. This may allow actions and settings of the inhalation device can be tailored by a user or other stakeholder such as a health care professional. The predefined data stored by the data store may comprise at least one of a password and passcode required to be entered by a user to allow operation of the inhalation device by the user, e.g., to allow the user to receive the vaporised substance. The ordered sequence of user actions and different types of user actions may be set at time of manufacture and/or subsequently by the user.

There may further be provided the inhalation device, wherein at least one said sensor comprises a touch screen and the predefined data stored by the data store comprises a touch pattern to be input by the user via the touch screen. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one said sensor may comprise a motion sensor (for example as described above for action detection; preferably an accelerometer) configured to detect movement of the device, and the predefined data stored by the data store comprises a gesture pattern and/or interaction pattern for a user to perform by moving the inhalation device. Detection(s) by the at least one sensor of an embodiment may be used to interpret and/or guide correct procedural interaction with an inhaler device, for example to ensure correct and/or effective delivery of a pharmaceutical. Such interpreting and/or guiding the correct procedural interaction may involve providing information and /or feedback to the user by means of the at least one indicator as provided in embodiments. Such information / feedback may for example inform on what is the correct next step(s) of a procedure to cause a function of the inhaler device to be performed. The interpreting / guiding may be performed in combination where appropriate with a display technology and/or with a paired Bluetooth enabled device. An embodiment of the inhalation device may comprise a timer to time a predetermined period of time and a counter configured to count doses of the vaporised substance which are dispensed over the predetermined period of time, and wherein the processor is further configured to: receive a result of a said count from the counter; compare the count result with a maximum number of doses stored in the data store; and if the count is below the stored maximum number of doses, control the output delivery system to allow the vaporiser to vaporise the substance, and otherwise to inhibit the vaporiser vaporising the substance. Such an embodiment may be advantageous for example for dispensing a maximum prescribed dosage of a pharmaceutical to a user and/or to assist a user attempting to control an addiction. The predetermined period of time and/or maximum number of doses may be set at a time of manufacture of the inhalation device, and/or controlled subsequently by the user or a health care professional. Such subsequent control may achieved by means of the at least one sensor, e.g. a touch screen, of an embodiment sensing input(s) by the user or professional.

There may further be provided the inhalation device, wherein the data store stores at least one of inhalation device settings and profile that are modifiable by a user to allow change of at least one of operational and security parameters of the inhalation device, preferably wherein the at least one sensor is configured to sense at least one user input to determine said modification.

There may further be provided the inhalation device, configured to, by means of the at least one sensor, interpret gesture based inputs to reduce the opportunity for accidental dispensing of a substance. There may further be provided packaging for holding at least one inhalation device of the first aspect, the packaging comprising: a user interface to detect a user action; and a control circuit to, if a said user action is detected, performs a predefined procedure. Such packaging may be referred to as secondary packaging, e.g., a box having a lid and for storing one or more of the inhalation devices. The predefined procedure may comprise unlocking the packaging, providing user feedback and/or communicating with an inhalation device having a communication interface to cause a procedure to be carried out by the inhalation device, e.g., preparation for vaporisation. A feedback device of the packaging may comprise a device to indicate at least one of: a positively or negatively received user input to the user interface; status of the packaging (e.g., relating to the contents such as whether the packaging is empty); progress of a procedure; and/or completion of a procedure. The feedback is preferably haptic, audible and/or visual, e.g., using an audio speaker or buzzer, LEDs and/or a display. There may further be provided the packaging, wherein the user interface comprises a touch sensor to detect touch of a user, preferably a touch sensitive surface to detect a touch gesture of user such as a touch pattern. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface may comprise a movement detector to detect a movement such as a movement gesture of the user, wherein said movement preferably comprises at least one of shaking the packaging and tapping the packaging on a surface. The touch- sensitive surface and/or movement detector may comprise a touch-sensitive display or screen and may comprise resistive and/or capacitive sensor(s).

The user interface may additionally or alternatively comprise a proximity detector to detect proximity to an inhalation device having a tag detectable by the proximity detector. Similarly, the packaging may comprise a tag (active or passive) for detection by a proximity detector for example in the inhalation device. Thus, the packaging may respond to the inhalation device or vice versa, preferably such that proximity (e.g., less than 5, 10, 15 or 20cm) of the inhalation device and packaging may result in a procedure being performed, e.g., the inhalation device preparing for vaporisation or ceasing vaporisation, or the packaging unlocking.

Similarly, the packaging may be configured to detect opening of the packaging (for example using a microswitch) and to cause a said inhalation device to perform a said procedure in response to said opening detection, preferably wherein said inhalation device procedure comprises at least one of providing status feedback to the user, preparation for vaporisation such as switching the vaporiser on, or ceasing vaporisation. There may further be provided the packaging, wherein the control circuit comprises a lock circuit for locking the packaging, preferably to provide enhanced security and/or impeded access by children and/or unauthorised persons to a said held at least one inhalation device, wherein the predefined procedure comprises controlling the lock circuit to unlock the packaging. The lock circuit may comprise an electro-magnetic or electro-mechanical lock, electronically controllable to open/close an opening through which an inhaler device can be retrieved.

Preferably, the control circuit of the packaging may comprise a presentation circuit to move one or more of the inhaler devices to thereby present or align the one or more inhaler devices, wherein the predefined procedure comprises controlling the presentation circuit to perform at least one of presenting and aligning one or more of the inhaler devices to be retrievable by a user through an opening in the packaging. The presentation circuit may have an actuator to drive the inhaler device(s) towards an opening in the packaging.

There is further provided an accessory device for detection by the above-defined inhalation device wherein the at least one sensor comprises a proximity sensor and the item is an accessory device, the accessory device having a tag for detection by the proximity sensor when the accessory device is in proximity to a said proximity sensor, and wherein the accessory device is for, if the accessory device is in proximity to an inhalation device, causing the inhalation device to perform a said predefined procedure comprising controlling the vaporiser to vaporise the substance (and in embodiments controlling the inhalation device to dispense the vaporised substance, if this is controllable as a separate step compared to the vaporisation itself), preferably wherein the tag is an RFID tag (active or passive) and the proximity sensor comprises an RFID tag reader. The proximity for causing the procedure is preferably close, e.g., less than 5, 10, 15 or 20cm. There is further provided an inhalation system for delivering a vaporised substance to a user, the system comprising: an inhalation device of the first aspect; and at least one of packaging as defined above and an accessory device as described above. Advantageously, the inhalation device and the accessory device may each comprise a Bluetooth module, and wherein the inhalation device and accessory device are prepared. Thus, the inhalation device 10 may be operable only when the paired accessory device 42 is brought into proximity to the device 10. Inclusion of Bluetooth modules may provide further beneficial connectivity with other enabled devices such as smartphones, to enable further features and/or functionality such as development of personal profiles and/or use settings, access to promotions and/or access to other media and/or services.

There may further be provided the inhalation system, wherein at least one of the inhalation device and the accessory device comprises a Bluetooth module, at least one of the inhalation device and accessory device is configured to be paired to at least one additional Bluetooth device to allow access by a user (e.g., a primary user of the inhalation device, or other stakeholder such as healthcare practitioner) to at least one of settings of the inhalation device, services, and a community, preferably wherein the at least one additional Bluetooth device comprises a smartphone. The community may be a social and/or marketing network, for example.

There may further be provided the inhalation system, comprising a Bluetooth enabled device (e.g., smartphone) pairable to the inhalation device, wherein the at least one sensor of the inhalation device is operable in combination with a display of the Bluetooth enabled device to lead, interpret and/or provide feedback upon correct procedural approach to delivery of the substance, preferably to enhance effective use of the inhalation device. According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an inhalation device for delivering a vaporised substance to a user, the device comprising an output delivery system having a container housing a substance to be vaporised and having a vaporiser coupled to the container and arranged to vaporise the substance, at least one sensor to sense a user action on the inhalation device and to output a sensor signal dependent on the sensing, a data store storing control data defining at least one relationship between at least one said sensor signal and a predefined procedure to be performed by the output delivery system in response to the at least one said sensor signal, and a processor, wherein at least one said predefined procedure comprises the vaporiser vaporising the substance, the method comprising: receiving at least one said sensor signal; determining, using the received at least one sensor signal and the stored control data, if the output delivery system is to perform the predefined procedure; and if the output delivery system is to perform the predefined procedure, controlling the output delivery system to perform the predefined procedure in response to a said determination, and otherwise controlling the output delivery system not to perform the predefined procedure.

There may further be provided the method, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a pressure sensor configured to detect changes in pressure within the device, and wherein: the determining if the output delivery system is to perform a said predefined procedure comprises determining if the sensor signal data indicates a pressure decrease within the device; and preferably the predefined procedure comprises controlling the vaporiser to vaporise the substance, and dispensing the vaporised substance. There may further be provided the method, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a touch sensitive sensor configured to detect a user touch on the device, and wherein: the determining if the output delivery system is to perform a said predefined procedure comprises determining if the sensor data indicates a touch has been detected; and preferably the predefined procedure comprises controlling the vaporiser to vaporise the substance, and dispensing the vaporised substance.

There may further be provided the method, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a motion sensor configured to detect movement of the device, and wherein: the determining if the output delivery system is to perform a said predefined procedure comprises determining if the sensor data indicates movement of the device; and preferably the predefined procedure comprises controlling the vaporiser to vaporise the substance, and dispensing the vaporised substance.

There may still further be provided the method, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a proximity sensor configured to detect if an accessory device is in proximity to the inhalation device, and wherein: the determining if the output delivery system is to perform a said predefined procedure comprises determining if the sensor data indicates the accessory device is in close proximity to the inhalation device; and preferably the predefined procedure comprises switching on the vaporiser to vaporise the substance to be vaporised, and dispensing the vaporised substance.

The invention further provides processor control code to implement the above- described systems and methods, for example on a general purpose computer system or on a digital signal processor (DSP). The code may be provided on a carrier such as a disk, a microprocessor, CD- or DVD-ROM, programmed memory such as non-volatile memory (e.g. Flash) or read-only memory (Firmware). Code (and/or data) to implement embodiments of the invention may comprise source, object or executable code in a conventional programming language (interpreted or compiled) such as C, or assembly code. As the skilled person will appreciate such code and/or data may be distributed between a plurality of coupled components in communication with one another.

According to a related aspect of the invention, there is provided a non-transitory data carrier carrying processor control code which when running on a processor, causes the processor to implement the above-described method.

The invention also provides a carrier carrying processor control code to, when running, implement any of the above methods, in particular on a non-transitory data carrier - such as a disk, microprocessor, CD- or DVD-ROM, programmed memory such as read-only memory (Firmware), or on a data carrier such as an optical or electrical signal carrier. Code (and/or data) to implement embodiments of the invention may comprise source, object or executable code in a conventional programming language (interpreted or compiled) such as C, or assembly code, code for setting up or controlling an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or code for a hardware description language such as Verilog™ or VHDL (Very high speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language). As the skilled person will appreciate such code and/or data may be distributed between a plurality of coupled components in communication with one another. The invention may comprise a controller which includes a microprocessor, working memory and program memory coupled to one or more of the components of the system. The or each processor mentioned above may be implemented in any known suitable hardware such as a microprocessor, a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc. The or each processor may include one or more processing cores with each core configured to perform independently. The or each processor may have connectivity to a bus to execute instructions and process information stored in, for example, a memory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a prior art inhalation device;

Fig. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an inhalation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an inhalation device according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a system for activating an inhalation device; Fig. 5 is a block diagram of packaging for holding, e.g. containing, at least one inhalation device;

Fig. 6 is a flow chart of a method embodiment for controlling an inhalation device for delivering a vaporised substance to a user; and

Figs. 7a - 7p show actions such as gesture and/or movement that an inhalation device, packaging and/ or accessory may be configured to sense and perform a procedure in response to.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present invention provide an inhalation device that is configured to automatically operate in response to sensed user actions such as gestures, touch, and/or movement and/or proximity of the inhalation device to a second device. Activation of the inhalation device in this way may advantageously provide a device which results in an improved user-experience. A further or alternative advantage is that the device may be configured to operate in response to a series of pre-defined, such user actions and/or proximity which may reduce the risk that a child or unauthorised person is able to operate the device and (perhaps accidentally) inhale the chemical substance contained within the device. Thus, the inhalation device of an embodiment may provide improved safety and/or security.

As outlined above, using traditional cigarettes requires opening a cigarette packet, removing a cigarette, and lighting it. The steps to smoke a traditional cigarette are complex, mechanical operations, requiring various degrees of manual dexterity and movements in relative space. For many users, these operations form part of a ritual that becomes functionally, and in some cases deeply emotionally, sensorially and socially, associated with the activity of smoking, and the pleasure derived from it. This is particularly true in the context of cigarettes, where the process of unwrapping the unbroken cellophane layers and crisp foil of a new packet, or of drawing a new cigarette paper from a box and rolling loose leaf tobacco from a pouch into a hand crafted rolled cigarette, and lighting it, becomes an intrinsic part of the personal and sensory ritual. This sensory experience is reduced or lacking entirely from e-cigarettes, which are typically operated simply by pushing a button.

Turning now to Fig. 2, this illustrates a block diagram of an inhalation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The inhalation device 10 may be an electronic cigarette or medical inhaler or some other type of user inhalation device. The term 'inhalation device' used herein is generally used to mean a device which provides a vaporised chemical substance for a user to inhale. The terms 'inhalation device', 'electronic cigarette', 'e-cigarette', 'e-cigar', 'medical inhaler', 'inhaler' and 'inhaler device' are used interchangeably herein. The terms 'substance', 'chemical substance', 'medication', 'pharmaceutical', and 'drug', are used interchangeably herein and merely indicate examples of the type of product that can be inhaled via an inhalation device, noting however that the substance as stored in the device may be in a solid, liquid or gaseous phase.

The inhalation device 10 comprises a power source 12 (e.g. a battery), an output delivery system in the form of output circuit 11 comprising a vaporiser (e.g., vaporising element in the form of a heating element) 14 powered by the power source, a cartridge or container 16 containing a chemical substance (e.g. a liquid containing nicotine), and a mouthpiece 20 via which the user inhales a vaporised form of the chemical substance. The device may comprise a switch 18 which activates the inhaler and causes the vaporised chemical substance to be dispensed. The chemical substance is typically provided in liquid form within the container 16. The chemical substance in liquid form may be heated by the vaporiser, e.g., heating element 14, to provide a vapour. In such embodiments, a small amount of (a dose of) the liquid chemical substance may be dispensed into a vaporisation chamber that is coupled to the vaporiser, such that the dose is vaporised. In other embodiments, the container 16 may be coupled to the vaporiser, such that the entire content of the container is vaporised. For example, the device 10 comprises a wick to connect the container 16 with the heating element 14. Either way, the vapour is directed towards the mouthpiece 20 (e.g. via an air path from the vaporisation chamber/ container 16 to the mouthpiece), so that it can be dispensed, generally into the user's mouth, respiratory tract and lungs as required.

Further in this regard it is noted that, in any inhalation device embodiment, the vaporiser may comprise an aerosol generation system, generally to create an aerosol comprising a colloid suspension of fine solid particles and/or liquid droplets in a gas. Thus, the vaporiser need not contain a heater.

The inhalation device 10 may further comprise at least one sensor 22. The vaporiser may be activated when a user switches the device On' in some way. In embodiments, the switch 18 is a physical button located on the device 10, which the user manually depresses, slides, or otherwise uses to turn the inhalation device On', which causes a heating element to heat the substance in the container 16. Preferably, the vaporiser is activated in response to sensor signal(s), e.g., sensor data, e.g., output by the at least one sensor 22. For example, in embodiments the at least one sensor 22 comprises a pressure sensor located within the device 10 and which is coupled to switch 18. The pressure sensor detects changes in pressure (e.g. reduced pressure when a user inhales), and causes the switch 18 to turn the inhalation device On' in response to a change in pressure (thereby for example causing a heating element to heat the substance in container 16).

In embodiments, the at least one sensor 22 comprises a touch sensor located on the external surface of the device 10. Here, the device 10 may be configured to activate (i.e. turn On' and dispense the vaporised substance) when touch is detected by the touch sensor. Thus, when a user holds the device 10 and touches the touch sensor, the device 'understands' that the user wants to use the device and therefore, activates the heating element 14 and dispenses a vapour. The activation may occur when lip or tongue contact is detected (e.g., touch detected on a mouthpiece of the inhaler device). In some embodiments, the at least one sensor 22 comprises a pressure sensor inside the device and/or a touch sensor on the external surface of the device (which may be soft and/or allow the device to be squeezed). The device 10 may be configured to activate when touch is detected by the touch sensor and when the pressure sensor detects a change (decrease) in pressure inside the device. In this case, data from both sensors may be used to activate the device. Advantageously, this may provide the device 10 with improved security and/or safety, since multiple actions (in this case touching and inhaling) are used to activate the device, which decreases the likelihood of a child accidentally operating the device. Similar advantage(s) may be achieved by requiring a combination of two or more actions (simultaneously and/or one after the other, e.g., in predefined ordered sequence).

The inhalation device 10 may comprise a processor sensed by one or more (preferably different types of) sensor(s) 24a coupled to a data store in the form of program memory 24b storing computer program code. The computer program code comprises code to enable the processor to obtain or receive sensor data from (or based on analog sensor signal(s) from) the at least one sensor 22, use the sensor data to determine if the device 10 should be activated to perform a procedure for example comprising activating the vaporiser, e.g., heating element 14, if such activation is required. The processor 24a may also be coupled to or have working memory 24b, which may be used to store sensor data. The processor 24a may be further coupled to the at least one sensor 22, to enable sensor data to be obtained by the processor, for example by receiving and/or converting sensor signal(s).

In embodiments, the processor 24a is coupled to a user interface such as a touchscreen and/or touch sensitive display 28, one or more visual indicators (such as a screen, one or more lights or LEDs/OLEDs, etc.), and/or a communication interface. The communication interface may be configured to enable the inhalation device 10 to interface with other devices, as described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 4. The communication interface may comprise a short-range, wireless communication interface, such as an RFID reader 26. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication interface may comprise an active or passive tag such as an RFID tag, for detecting by a communication interface of another device.

The processor 24a may be an ARM (RTM) device or a similar processor produced by another manufacturer such as Intel (RTM). The program memory 24c, in embodiments, stores processor control code to implement functions, including an operating system, various types of wireless and wired interface, storage and communication. The above-mentioned touch sensor may be provided as a touch-sensitive surface and/or touch sensitive display 28. Such a sensor may be used to sense a user's touch, for example to provide a security function for the device 10. In embodiments, such a sensor may be configured to 'unlock' the device 10, and/or to enable the device 10 (e.g. the processor and/or output circuit) to transition between operational states/modes. For example, pressing a predefined set of virtual buttons displayed on a touch-sensitive display 28 (simultaneously or sequentially), entering a code or password using a virtual keyboard/keypad displayed on a display 28, and/or drawing a pattern on the display 28 (or other type of touch-sensitive surface) may 'unlock' the device 10 so that it can be activated. Thus, the sensor 28 may provide enhanced security for the device 10, such that the device 10 may only be activated if the display 28 senses a touch, receives a user input (e.g. password, passcode) and/or senses a gesture (e.g. a pattern drawn on the display), which may thereby prevent unauthorised and/or accidental activation of the device. A touch-sensitive display 28 may display one or more unlock indicators with respect to which the predefined gesture/pattern is to be performed in order to unlock the device. The predefined gesture may include moving the finger to a predefined location and/or moving along a predefined path. The display 28 may also display visual cues of the predefined gesture on a touch screen to remind a user of the gesture. As outlined above, prior art e-cigarettes do not recreate the tactile, emotional, gestural and ritualistic experience associated with the user experience of traditional cigarettes. Many of these gestures and interactions involve the hands, fingers, lips and/or tongue of a user of the cigarette. Thus, the at least one sensor 22 may comprise any one or more of the following types of sensor which may enable the device 10 to sense indications that a user wishes to use the device; e.g. touch preferably by a user, movement of the device, touch and/or movement gestures by a user and/or device, etc.: · resistive and/or capacitive touch sensors on the surface of the device, to detect touch by fingers, lips and/or tongue;

• microphone, e.g. to enable voice activation of the device 10 and/or to detect a tap and/or swipe by a user;

• accelerometer, motion-sensitive sensor, and/or gravimetric sensor (gravimeter), to detect motion, e.g. movement of the device from a table to a user's mouth and/or movement due to tapping by the user, and/or change of orientation;

• touch screen / touch sensitive display or other type of touch-sensitive surface;

• optical sensor;

• gyroscopic sensor, e.g. to detect rolling and/or rotation of the device 10 (for example when held by a user's fingers), or other movement of the device 10;

• heat and/or temperature sensor, e.g. to detect a user's touch indirectly;

• resonance modification sensor.

Using one or more of the above sensors in the device 10 may enable the device 10 to recognise gestures and/or movements which are indicative of a user wishing to use the device. For example, sudden movement of the device 10 (e.g. between a table to a user's mouth) may indicate that a user wishes to use the device, and thus, the device 10 dispenses the vaporised substance. Similarly, if a user is rolling the device 10 between their fingers (as users of traditional cigarettes often do), the rolling motion may be detected by a sensor and the device may be configured to dispense (or continue dispensing) the vaporised substance. The gesture(s) which may be detected by the at least one sensor 22 of the device 10 may comprise movement of the device to a new position in space (generally relative to the individual, and/or an associated accessory and/or packaging) and/or waving, pointing, sweeping and/or rotating the device, for example.

It is believed that the absence of the tactile, sensory and ritualistic gestures associated with traditional tobacco products in known electronic cigarettes presents a barrier to some users in transitioning from tobacco products to the perceived reduced harm electronic variants, or a poorer user experience.

Thus, embodiments of the device 10 are configured to recreate the tactile, dextrous, and/or sensory experience of the traditional tobacco based products in electronic cigarettes, other inhaler devices, and preferably their accessories and/or packaging, by employing for example touch and/or proximity sensitive control areas to enable the initiation of device functionality through predefined control action(s) or gesture(s), and/or haptic feedback generated by the device in response to the action(s)/gesture(s). Broadly speaking, haptic feedback may be used to control the device 10, and/or to provide indication of device status (such as battery state, the quantity of substance remaining in container 16, etc.), or of the progress of the device through a process (e.g. progress through a series of predefined steps to activate the device). Such haptic feedback may be in the form of forces, vibrations, motions and/or electrical stimuli and, as an example, may include change in surface texture, temperature, roughness, profile and/or cross section.

As mentioned above, an advantage of providing sensors such as touch and/or sensors on an inhalation device 10 is that security and/or safety of the device may be improved through increased barriers to process initiation. Thus, access to the substance contained within device 10 by children and unauthorised persons may be reduced.

Turning now to Fig. 3, this shows a block diagram of an inhalation device according to a further embodiment of the present invention. In this particular embodiment, the inhalation device is activated and controlled by the detection of different types of action, e.g., gesture such as shaking, tapping, moving, stroking, rolling, rotating, squeezing, stubbing, twisting, straightening, pointing, etc. The same reference numerals have been used in the embodiment of Fig. 3 to designate parts that are in common with the previous embodiments, and the following description is directed primarily at constructional features that differ from the previous embodiments. The inhalation device 30 comprises a processor 24a coupled to one or more sensors 22 that act as inputs to the device 30. The one or more sensors 22 may include a pressure sensor to detect the air pressure (or changes in air pressure) inside the device 30. The pressure sensor data may be communicated to the processor 24a which determines whether or not the data is indicative of a user inhaling (and thus, whether or not to release the vaporised substance). The device 30 may also comprise at least one indicator 34 to provide a user with information on the status of the device 30. The indicator 34 may be a visual indicator, audio indicator, and/or other type of indicator. The indicator 34 may comprise any one or more of the following: an electromagnetic element (which may generate gentle vibrations in the device that can be detected by the user's fingers), light(s), such as LED(s), a display screen, a touch sensitive display, or a segmented display (e.g. seven-segment display, nine-segment display, fourteen-segment display, etc.). The one or more lights or LEDs may be provided along the surface of the device 30, and may be arranged to indicate remaining battery level and/or remaining substance level by changing the number of LED(s) illuminated, by flashing the LED(s) at different rates, and/or by changing the colour of the LED(s) (or changing which colour of LED is illuminated). For example, short flashes or illumination of a red LED may indicate low battery levels, while long(er) flashes or illumination of a green LED may indicate high(er) battery levels. The device 30 may comprise a layer of insulating material 32 provided over housing 31 (which houses the various components of device 30), for example to protect a user from the heat generated by a vaporiser in the form of heating element 14. The layer 32 may comprise conductive traces (tracks) printed on one side of the layer. The layer 32 may be disposed over the housing 31 such that the conductive traces are positioned against the external wall of the housing 31. The conductive traces may be coupled to the processor 24a within the device.

In an embodiment, at one end of the layer 32, each conductive track forms a line that is perpendicular to the axis of the device and at the other end parallel with the axis. There may be multiple tracks parallel to one another. In one example, there are eight parallel tracks at either end of the device 30 spaced apart by a pitch of approximately 3mm. However, the skilled person will appreciate that this is merely an example and is not limiting. The processor 24a may be configured to measure the capacitance (or receive capacitance data) of each track, and use the capacitance data to detect the proximity of the user's fingers to the device. Thus, the conductive tracks may enable gestures as described herein to be detected. The tracks that are parallel to the axis of the device may enable detection of gestures such as rolling of the device about its axis in the user's fingers. Tracks that are perpendicular to the axis of the device may enable detection of gestures such as the sliding of a finger along the device.

The pressure sensor may be configured to activate the vaporiser, e.g. heating element 14 of the device 30 in response to sensing a pressure decrease within the device housing 31. The pressure decrease may result when a user draws a puff through the device 30, i.e., inhales. The pressure sensor may comprise a flexible (e.g. plastic) diaphragm having a conductive coating. Movement of this diaphragm (due to the change in pressure) may be detected by measuring the capacitance between the diaphragm and a surface inside the housing 31. Additionally or alternatively, the diaphragm may also be sensitive to sound vibrations and/or other vibrations, and thus, movement of the diaphragm may be used to detect gestures such as tapping on the device, and/or tapping of the device against a surface.

The inhalation device 30 may comprise a processor 24a coupled to program memory 24b storing computer program code. The computer program code may comprise code to enable the processor 24a to receive signals or sensor data from the sensors described above, determine whether the signals/sensor data indicate that the device should be activated or not, and activating (or not activating) the device in response. Activation of the device may comprise switching on the vaporiser, e.g., heating element 14, to vaporise the substance in container 16, and/or operating the indicator 34 (e.g. the electromagnetic element and/or display and/or one or more LEDs).

As mentioned above, in the embodiment of Fig. 3, the inhalation device 30 may be unlocked and/or activated in response to a particular gesture being performed. Further gesture type(s) may be used to control the inhalation device 30 once activated, as described below.

Firstly, detection of a finger moving over the perpendicular conductive tracks first in one direction, and then the other may cause the inhalation device to be activated. The above-described pressure sensor may be in an inactive state until it receives a signal to activate and measure the pressure inside the housing 31. The processor may be configured to activate the vaporiser (e.g., heating element 14) in response to pressure sensor data, and thus, if the pressure sensor output is inactive, the vaporiser is not turned on and no vapour is released. If the touch gesture is not performed, the pressure sensor output may remain inactive, whereas if the touch gesture is performed, the pressure sensor output may activate. Successful completion of this touch gesture may be indicated via indicator 34, e.g. by flashing of the LEDs in a predefined pattern, and/or operation of the electromagnetic device to provide haptic signals to the user.

Secondly, output of the inhalation device 30 may be controlled by performing a rolling gesture, i.e. by rolling the inhalation device in a user's fingers. Here, this movement may be detected by the conductive tracks running parallel to the axis of the device. However, the skilled person will understand that the rotation may be detected by other sensors, e.g. a gyroscopic sensor. For example, rolling the device 30 in a clockwise direction (relative to the axis of the device) may increase the vapour output (i.e. the volume of vapour dispensed), while rolling the device 30 in an anticlockwise direction may decrease the vapour output. The vapour output setting may be indicated via the indicator 34, e.g. by a plurality of LEDs that illuminate briefly during the rolling gesture. The more LEDs that are illuminated during the rolling gesture, the higher the vapour output, and vice versa. Additionally or alternatively, specific types of vibrations generated by the electromagnetic device can provide haptic feedback.

Additionally or alternatively, the rolling gesture may be used to unlock the device 30 itself, which may provide additional safety and/or other beneficial features. For example, rolling the device 30 in one or both directions (clockwise or anticlockwise) may form part of an unlocking process, and/or vapour release initiation sequence.

Thirdly, a tapping gesture may be used to control the temperature of the vapour produced by the vaporiser, e.g., heating element 14. To provide more consistent output, the device 30 may pre-heat the heating element 14 to a lower temperature by delivering a low power to the heating element for a pre-defined time period (e.g. a few seconds). This function may be activated by performing a tapping gesture, where the device 30 is tapped with a finger and/or onto a hard surface (an action which may mimic the removal of ash from a traditional cigarette). The user may receive feedback that the device has entered this mode via the indicator 34, e.g. through flashing LEDs. A coded signal of vibrations in the device from the electromagnetic device may also provide haptic feedback. The device 30 may then be used in a conventional manner by drawing a puff through the device that activates the vaporiser, with a power delivery determined by the output setting.

In an alternative arrangement, sensors other than capacitive sensors may detect the presence of the user to detect the first gesture by measuring any one or more of the following: the electrical resistance of the finger, heat from the finger, the presence of the finger due to changes in light levels, deflection of the surface of the device due to pressure from the finger, or changes in the resonant response of the surface of the device.

In embodiments, the second rolling gesture and/or third tapping gesture may be detected through measuring the vibrations and/or accelerations of the device using microphones or accelerometers. Rolling and/or accelerations may similarly be detected by the movement of a weight that is detected by a number of switches. The weight may comprise a conductive liquid.

A second category of control gesture is the proximity or movement of an accessory relative to the inhaler device. Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a system 40 for activating an inhalation device. In this embodiment, the inhalation device 10 is activated (e.g., the output circuit put into a standby mode, and/or the substance loaded, primed and/or vaporised) and controlled when a second device (accessory device) 42 is brought into close proximity (e.g., <5cm, 10cm, 15cm or 20cm) with the inhalation device 10. The same reference numerals have been used in the embodiment of Fig. 4 to designate parts that are in common with the previous embodiments, and the following description is directed primarily at constructional features that differ from the previous embodiments.

In the depicted example, a device 42 which represents a lighter accessory or other appropriate device, is brought into proximity with the inhalation device 10 (e.g. an e- cigarette). The device 10 may comprise an RFID reader 26, which is configured to detect signals from an RFID tag 44 in the accessory device 42. The RFID reader 26 may detect a signal from the RIFD tag 44 when the accessory device 42 is in close proximity to the device 10. Thus, a user may be able to mimic the actions of lighting a traditional cigarette using a lighter, but with an e-cigarette and a lighter-like accessory device 42. Detection of a signal by the RFID reader 26 may cause the processor 24a to activate a heating element 14, as described above. The proximity sensing may be combined with any of the above-described gesture sensing to provide additional steps to activate the device 10, to further improve the features of the device 10 which enable access by authorised users.

In alternative embodiments, the system 40 uses other short-range communication technologies to provide the proximity sensing. For example, the inhalation device 10 and accessory device 42 may be paired via Bluetooth (RTM) or similar technologies, such that the inhalation device 10 can only be operated when the paired accessory device 42 (and/or other Bluetooth device, e.g., mobile telecommunications device such as a smartphone) is brought into proximity to the device 10. More generally, Bluetooth (RTM) capability may implemented in an inhaler device, accessory and/or packaging to allow text alerts to be sent for example to/from a paired mobile phone, to allow the development of for example a personal profile and/or usage preferences, to link to other vapours and/or to allow promotional opportunities.

Further in this regard, the block diagram of Fig. 4 of an inhalation device embodiment shows that an optional Bluetooth interface which may pair to an independent Bluetooth device such as a smartphone. The interface may be used for proximity detection, for example instead of the RFID reader 26, and/or for data communication with the independent Bluetooth device. Fig. 5 is a block diagram of packaging for holding, e.g. containing, at least one inhalation device. This may be referred to as secondary packaging. The packaging may partly or completely contain one or more inhalation devices, e.g., e-cigarettes, preferably (i.e., optionally) as defined herein. The packaging may comprise a user interface 52 for detecting user action(s) such as touch and/or movement, e.g., a touch and/or or movement gesture. The user interface may comprise for example a touch- sensitive screen or display and/or resistive and/or capacitive touch sensor(s) 52a. Additionally or alternatively, the interface may comprise any one or more of a sound sensor (e.g., microphone), a vibration sensor (e.g., piezoelectric), an accelerometer, optical sensor, gravimetric sensor, gyroscopic sensor, and heat and/or resonance modification sensor. Sensor signal(s) from the user interface may be received by the processor, for example directly from the sensor(s) and/or in converted form (e.g., analogue sensor signal converted to digital data), and thereby used to control any output means of the control circuit 54 such as the presentation circuit 54c, lock circuit 54d, feedback (e.g., visual, sound or haptic) circuit 54e, and/or other output means. The presentation circuit 54c may be configured, e.g., by means of a motor / actuator, to move the inhaler device(s) to an opening in the packaging and/or or align a plurality of the inhaler devices. The lock circuit 54d may, e.g., magnetically lock, the packaging, under control of the processor and thus dependent on the received sensor signal(s). The feedback circuit 54e may provide audible, visual and/or haptic feedback to give information to the user, for example, indicating whether the packaging is locked, if the battery level is low (high) or even indicating a measure of battery charge level, etc.

An embodiment of the packaging may detect when the packaging is tapped on a hard surface, for example using any form of sensor mentioned above, e.g., accelerometer, sound sensor and/or vibration sensor. The presentation circuit 54c, lock circuit 54d and/or feedback circuit 54e may then be operated in response to such a tap. Similarly, an inhaler device housed within packaging may detect when the packaging is tapped on a hard surface, again using for example an accelerometer, sound sensor and/or vibration sensor within the inhaler, and a procedure such as loading and/or priming (e.g., pre-heating) the substance may be initiated in response to the tap.

In an embodiment, a proximity sensor in the packaging may detect proximity of an inhaler device for example by means of an RFID tag and reader arrangement or, similarly for example by RFID, a proximity sensor in an inhaler device may detect proximity of the packaging. In the former case, any of the output means of the control circuit 54 such as the presentation circuit 54c, lock circuit 54d and/or feedback circuit 54e may be operated in response to such a proximity detection. In the latter case, a procedure such as loading, priming and/or vaporising the substance or providing feedback to the user (e.g., regarding a status of the device such as battery and/or substance level, and/or by means of audible, visual or haptic feedback) may be performed by the inhaler device. A proximity of an inhaler device to packaging may be detectable by the packaging only when the packaging is open or being opened, e.g., a lid of the packaging is open (this may be detectable for example using an accelerometer, a microswitch, etc.).

The packaging may detect a shake of the packaging, for example using any form of sensor mentioned above, e.g., accelerometer, sound sensor and/or vibration sensor, to then prepare for vaporisation (e.g. preload and/or prime the substance) and/or to control the presentation circuit to present or align one or more of the inhaler devices, e.g., by moving the inhaler device(s) to be mutually aligned or moving inhaler device(s) to an opening in the packaging for retrieval by a user.

Examples of how actions such as touch, gestures and/or motions may be sensed to control an inhalation device or packaging in an embodiment comprise, but are not limited to, any one or more of:

• the unlocking of user interfaces by gestures that recreate, copy and/or are inspired by gestures associated with traditional cigarettes, e.g., those associated with lighting traditional cigarettes. These gestures may be performed on a touch and/or proximity sensitive surface or display of the inhaler or e-cigarette device or on packaging and/or an accessory device of the inhaler;

• single or multiple, preferably different, actions such as touch and/or gesture inputs singly, to provide enhanced security and/or minimise access by children and/or other unauthorised persons;

• gestures and/or movements such as a finger tap on the inhaler (typically periodically during consumption) to initiate the operation of audio, optical, e.g., on a display, and/or haptic feedback; gestures and/or movements such as a finger tap on the inhaler (typically periodically during consumption) to initiate the next vaporisation, e.g., heating, and/or vapour delivery sequence; gestures and/or movements such as a shake of the packaging to present and/or align one or more of the inhaler devices, preferably to align with an opening of the packaging; gestures and/or movements such as tapping the inhaler device on a surface, for example in a stubbing action. This could be sensed using a microphone, accelerometer and/or motion sensitive switch inside the device, for example; a linear movement drawing a finger and/or thumb laterally on (preferably parallel to an axis of) the inhaler (e.g. e-cigarette) to initiate a function or procedure comprising, e.g., an unlocking, power setting, loading and/or priming the substance for vaporisation and/or other preparatory action. Such input may for example be detected using touch resistive, capacitive sensors, accelerometers, optical, gravimetric sensors, gyroscopic sensors, heat and/or resonance modification sensors, for example; a rolling action around the axis of the device may for example be detected using touch resistive, capacitive sensors, optical and/or heat sensors, accelerometers, gravimetric sensors, gyroscopic sensors and/or resonance modification sensors;

audible haptic feedback from visual and/or the inhaler device or its constituent parts, packaging and/or accessories may be used to indicate a positively or negatively received user input, and/or progress of and/or completion of a process; optical and/or other non-contact proximity detection of gestures and/or accessories, for example using a motion sensor or RFID, may be used to enable a set of procedural action(s) to take place; gestures such as movement to a new position in space of the inhaler device relative to the individual and/or waving, pointing, sweeping and/or, rotating the device, and/or other gestures in proximity to a user, may be used to cause a procedure to take place;

• gestures such as movement to a new position in space of the inhaler device relative to the individual and/or waving, pointing, sweeping and/or, rotating packaging or accessories, and/or other gestures in proximity to packaging and/or an accessory, may be used to cause a procedure to take place.

Additionally or alternatively, a procedure such as the inhaler (pre)loading, priming, vaporising and/or dispensing the substance and/or the inhaler, packaging and/or accessory providing feedback (visual, audible and/or haptic, e.g., relating to a status such as battery charge level and/or substance level and/or to initiate a positively or negatively received user input and/or progress and/or completion of a process), unlocking a user interface, opening or closing packaging, presentation and/or alignment of inhalation device(s) preferably with an opening of packaging, etc., may be performed in response to one or more sensed actions.

The procedure may for example be initiated in response to any one or more of:

- a sensor (e.g., accelerometer or gyroscopic sensor) in the inhaler device detecting that the inhaler device has an upward tilt, e.g., is vertical along its longest axis and/or a mouth piece of the inhaler device for dispensing the substance is uppermost,

- a tap on the inhaler device being detected, for example a tap by a user's finger (e.g., similar to when a conventional cigarette is tapped to loosen ash into a cigarette tray); such a tap may be detected by a sound and/or vibration sensor

(e.g., piezoelectric), accelerometer, etc.,

- a stroke along a surface (e.g., touch-sensitive display or screen, and/or resistive and/or capacitive touch sensor) of the inhaler device being detected, for example a stroke comprising a user's finger moving along at least part of a side of the inhaler device or a user licking a side of the inhaler device,

- a 'stub' action of an inhaler device onto a surface being detected (similarly for example to when a smoker stubs a conventional cigarette onto a surface to put the cigarette out), for example using an accelerometer, touch sensor (resistive and/or capacitive), pressure sensor and/or vibration sensor, etc., - a user action comparable to a straightening action being detected, e.g. using touch-sensitive surface(s) and/or resistive and/or capacitive sensor(s) to detect simultaneous strokes in opposite directions along at least one side of the inhaler device,

- a user action comparable to a twist-like action being detected, wherein strokes in opposite directions around the inhaler device are detected, for example using touch-sensitive surface(s) and/or resistive and/or capacitive sensor(s),

- a sensor (e.g., microphone) detects a user sniffing the inhaler device,

- a sensor (e.g., accelerometer and/or gyroscopic device) detects a user moving the inhaler device to point at something, e.g., by detecting the inhaler device being maintained at a predetermined tilt for at least a predetermined length of time,

- a rotation of the inhaler device being detected (otherwise referred to as a parallel roll), generally wherein touches moving in the same directions around an axis of the inhaler device are detected, for example using touch-sensitive surface(s) and/or resistive and/or capacitive sensor(s), and/or

- a sensor (e.g., accelerometer and/or gyroscopic device) detects the inhaler device being maintained at a predetermined downwards tilt (in an embodiment, with a mouthpiece for inhalation being at a lowest point of the device) for at least a predetermined length of time.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart of a method for controlling an inhalation device for delivering a vaporised substance to a user. Generally, the method allows to perform a predefined procedure such as for vaporisation preparation for and/or vaporisation and dispensing, and/or to provide user feedback, dependent on detect one or more sensor signals similarly as described above in relation to Figs. 2 - 4.

An embodiment, for example in the form of an inhaler device, packaging and/or accessories for at least one such a device, may comprise and/or implement any one or more of the following (wherein 'drug' may be a medical or pharmaceutical drug):

- a recreational and/or drug delivery inhalation device with a touch and/or proximity sensitive user interface which controls device functionality when specific contact, gestures and/or interactions are performed by the user. inhalation device detecting gestures and/or interactions through measuring the vibrations and/or accelerations of the device using microphones and/or accelerometers. Rolling and/or accelerations may also be detected by the movement of a weight that is detected by a number of switches. The weight may comprise a conductive liquid.

inhalation device detecting gestures and/or interactions through capacitive sensors which may detect the presence of the user, detect the gesture by measuring the electrical resistance of the finger, heat from the finger, the presence of the finger due to changes in light levels, deflection of the surface of the device due to pressure from the finger, and/or changes in the resonant response of the surface of the device.

inhalation device, packaging and/or accessories for recreational or drug delivery inhalation devices with a touch or proximity sensitive user interface which controls the device, packaging and/or accessories functionality when specific contact, gestures and/or interactions are performed by the user,

recreational or drug delivery inhalation device with relative location, movement and/or orientation sensing functionality that controls the device when gestures are performed, including for example movements to relative positions in space of the inhaler device, and/or relative to and in proximity to the individual, and which may include waving, pointing, sweeping, rotating and/or other gestures, recreational or drug delivery inhalation device using the aforementioned interactions to be unlocked or transitioned between different states or modes recreational or drug delivery inhalation device which, using appropriate sensors, software algorithms and electronic architecture, aim to recreate the tactile, emotional, gestural and/or ritualistic experience associated with the user experience of traditional cigarettes through interpreting the complex mechanical operations, degrees of manual dexterity and/or movements in relative space which form part of a traditional tobacco smoking activity and preferably in order to assist improved replication of the deeply emotionally and socially associated pleasure derived from it.

drug delivery inhalation device which, using appropriate sensors, software algorithms and/or electronic architecture, aims to recreate and further build on the tactile, emotional, gestural and/or ritualistic experience associated with the user experience of traditional drug delivery inhaler devices through interpreting the complex mechanical operations, degrees of manual dexterity and/or movements in relative space which form part of a systematic and safe drug delivery inhaler experience in order to assist improved reassurance, effective operation and/or safe delivery of the pharmaceutical .

recreational or drug delivery packaging and/or associated device which, using appropriate sensors, software algorithms and electronic architecture, aim to recreate the tactile, emotional, gestural and ritualistic experience associated with the user experience of traditional cigarettes through interpreting the complex mechanical operations, degrees of manual dexterity and/or movements in relative space which form part of a traditional tobacco smoking activity and preferably in order to assist improved replication of the deeply emotionally and socially associated pleasure derived from it.

inhalation device having an electronic system to limit the number of doses consumed in a given time period.

recreational or drug delivery inhalation device comprising one or more touch screens.

recreational or drug delivery inhalation device containing one or more touch sensitive areas.

recreational or drug delivery inhalation device containing one or more proximity sensitive interaction areas.

inhalation device providing haptic feedback in the form of forces, vibrations, motions and/or electrical stimuli and as example may include change in surface texture, temperature, roughness, profile and/or cross section, which could also be used to provide indications of the status and/or progress of the device through a process, such as battery state and/or level of contents,

inhalation device providing haptic feedback delivered by the packaging and accessories in the form of forces, vibrations, motions and/or electrical stimuli and as example may include change in surface texture, temperature, roughness, profile and/or cross section, which could also be used to provide indications of the status and/or progress of the device through a process, such as battery state and/or level of contents.

inhalation device, packaging or accessory enabling unlocking of user interface(s) by gestures that recreate or copy gestures associated with traditional cigarettes, including those associated with lighting traditional cigarettes. These gestures are performed on a touch and/or proximity sensitive surface or display of the inhaler or e-cigarette device and/or on said inhaler packaging and/or accessories.

- inhalation device, packaging or accessory detecting touch and/or gesture input(s) both singly and/or in combination to provide enhanced security and minimise access by children and unauthorised persons.

- inhalation device detecting gestures and/or movements including a finger tap on the inhaler (typically periodically during consumption) to initiate the operation of a display or haptic feedback.

- inhalation device detecting gestures and/or movements including a finger tap on the inhaler (typically periodically during consumption) to initiate a next heating and/or vapour delivery sequence.

- inhalation device or packaging detecting gestures and/or movements including a shake of the packaging to present or align one or a number of the inhaler devices.

- inhalation device detecting gestures and/or movements including tapping the inhaler device on a surface. This could be sensed using a microphone, accelerometer and/or motion sensitive switch inside the device.

- inhalation device detecting a linear movement comprising drawing a finder and/or thumb laterally along the axis of the inhaler (e.g., cigarette emulator) to initiate an unlocking, loading, priming and/or other preparatory action. Such input may be detected using touch resistive, capacitive sensors, accelerometers, optical, gravimetric sensors, gyroscopic sensors, heat and/or resonance modification sensors.

- inhalation device detecting a rolling action around the axis of the device. Such input could for example be detected using touch resistive, capacitive sensors, optical, heat, accelerometers, gravimetric sensors, gyroscopic sensors and/or resonance modification sensors.

- inhalation device, packaging or accessory providing haptic feedback from the inhaler device or its constituent parts, packaging and/or accessories to indicate a positively or negatively received user input, progress of and/or completion of a process.

- inhalation device performing optical or other non-contact proximity detection of gestures and/or accessories, for example using a motion sensor and/or RFID to enable a set of actions to take place. - inhalation device detecting gesture(s) comprising movement(s) to positions in space of the inhaler device relative to the individual, and may comprise waving, pointing, sweeping, rotating and/or other gestures in proximity to a user.

- inhalation device detecting gesture(s) including movement(s) to positions in space of the inhaler device relative to the individual, and may include waving, pointing, sweeping, rotating and/or other gestures in proximity to complimentary accessories.

- a computer program, readable storage medium and/or software, the computer program comprising instructions for detecting, interpreting and enabling any of the aforementioned examples.

- inhalation device comprising a container for storing a drug or recreational flavour substance, a wick to connect the container with a heating coil, an air path from the wick and coil to a mouthpiece, a battery, a control means connected to a number of sensor(s) that act as input(s), one of these inputs may be a sensor to detect the air pressure inside the device and the heating coil, a haptic feedback device, and/or LEDs and/or a segmented display that act as output devices.

- inhalation device comprising a diaphragm that is sensitive to sound and/or other vibration so its signal can be used to detect gestures that may comprise tapping on the device and/or tapping the device against a surface.

- inhalation device comprising an electromagnetic element that can generate gentle vibrations in the unit that can be detected by the user's fingers.

- inhalation device that is unlocked and/or activated by the user moving their finger over the perpendicular tracks first in one direction then the other.

- inhalation device wherein the output of the unit is controlled by a rolling gesture where the unit is rolled in the fingers.

- inhalation device configured to have a standby state to provide more consistent output. For example, the device can pre-heat the heater to a lower temperature by delivering a low power to the heating coil for a pre-defined time period of a few seconds, which is activated by a tapping gesture where the device is tapped.

An embodiment in the form of inhaler device, packaging and/or accessory may improve convenience, controllability, consistency, emotional user response and/or ritualistic appeal to the user, compared to known inhaler devices. The performing of a procedure by an inhaler device in response to sensing signal(s) from sensor(s) of the device, e.g., such sensing signal(s) allowing to respond to detection of proximity or a touch and/or movement gesture of a user, packaging and/or accessory, may allow any one or more of the following:

- authentication, for example implemented in the inhaler device and/or in a substance refill unit for fitting into the inhaler device;

- improved means of preventing access by unauthorised users including children, and/or accidental dispensing, for example wherein a procedure comprising vaporisation and/or dispensing is only performed when the sensing signal(s) indicate that a predetermined start-up sequence of touch and/or movement gestures has been taken place;

- optimising the tactile and/or sensory experience;

- 'power control', e.g., the amount of vapour (or constituent thereof, e.g., nicotine or a flavour constituent) dispensed is controlled according to a detected pressure change caused by a user inhalation, is controlled dependent on a manner or number of touch(es) of the device and/or in response to detecting that the inhaler device is held at a certain position (e.g., the user touching at predetermined points on the device) and/or orientation;

- use profile, e.g., monitoring thereof such that a procedure comprising vaporising/dispensing may not be performed if a use profile created based on the sensor signal(s) exceeds or does not match a predetermined use profile for example concerning the number of device uses and/or inhalations in a predetermined time period, time length(s) of such uses and/or inhalations, and/or length of time since the inhaler device was first used;

- squeezable body;

- providing a controlled deformation and/or resistance to give impression of quality, tactility and/or other sensory feel;

- delayed priming of the substance in advance of vaporisation to avoid delay in vaporisation in response to a, e.g. lips, activation (generally by detecting touch on a mouthpiece of the inhaler device);

- change of flavour, e.g., a concentration of one or more constituents of the substance and/or vapour may be controlled depending on the sensing signal(s); additionally or alternatively the inhaler may be configured to allow manual mixing of flavours for the substance to be vaporised; ashtrays and/or packaging (e.g., box) stay activated e.g. On' and thus ready for sensing, in certain orientations and/or proximity relative to the inhaler device;

turning off the inhaler or at least vaporiser (e.g., heating element) if the sensing signal(s) indicate a "throw" motion corresponding to the inhaler device being thrown, 'discarded' and/or dropped (this may be detected for example using an accelerometer);

play or gaming, e.g., a sequence of user actions to be detected before the procedure can be performed may result in the inhaler device acting as a game or toy, e.g., so-called 'executive toy'.

user feedback, e.g., audible (e.g., sound effect(s)), visual (e.g., through lights such as LEDS, and/or by means of a display such as a screen) and/or haptic feedback (e.g. vibration); such feedback may come to be associated with a brand or type of inhaler device;

uncovering a mouthpiece of an inhaler device, for example cap removal, may be detected according to sensing signal(s) thus triggering the procedure providing user feedback, preparation for vaporisation, and/or vaporisation itself;

social genre connecting, for example through preferably Bluetooth connection to mobile telecommunication devices such as smartphones and/or other devices, preferably to allow the development of a personal profile to enable adjustment of personal settings, development of personal profile, promote enhanced activation security, and/or to access new services, promotional media and/or social networks.

fresh-breaking a sealing element (for preservation or tamper evidence) of an inhaler device may be detected according to sensing signal(s) thus triggering for example substance loading and/or priming for vaporisation;

initiating a cleaning cycle of the inhaler device, for example allowing the substance to drain out and/or be replaced;

giving user feedback by allowing the user to receive alerts (this may be of advantage for example for medical and/or therapeutic usage of the inhaler device), the alerts may be visual, more preferably audible and/or haptic (generally applying force, vibration or motion) to allow such alerts to be effective without the user looking at the device; alerts may be sent to and from an inhaler device, packaging and/or accessory. - implementing a learn mode to allow a user to define a personalised and/or predetermined sequence of one or more actions that when detected trigger a predetermined procedure. Thus, an inhaler device may effectively have a customisable user interface. The device may be a 'smart' platform device that allows to add and/or remove features and/or functions;

- the sensing signal(s) may allow detection of an instruction from the user to cause the inhaler device to continue to dispense vapour; and/or

- the relationship between sensing signal(s) and procedures may be used to encourage and/or monitor behaviour change, e.g., inhalation and/or use frequency and/or time length.

Embodiments may differ in size, weight and/or runtime, etc., They may thus be suitable for different occasions. An embodiment may provide an ashtray having a wireless charger. Such an ashtray may help the user manage intake of the vapour.

Discussion relating to further embodiments, arrangements and/or methods

The discussion below generally considers the user interfaces of inhaler devices, packaging and accessories. Such devices may be used in healthcare applications such as the delivery of drugs and pharmaceuticals, or in recreational and lifestyle related activities such as electronic cigarettes to deliver other substances.

Inhaler and inhalation devices are generally used to deliver vapour and/or particulates into the mouth and respiratory tract for a range of healthcare and recreational activities. The vapour or particulates may include flavours, active pharmaceuticals or and other recreational substances such as nicotine or nicotine based compounds.

Such devices and their packaging and accessories range in complexity, cost and purpose. Inhaler devices have been developed that deliver nicotine or nicotine based compounds without burning tobacco to reduce the harm associated with cigarettes while still delivering nicotine. A well-known one of these devices vaporises a mixture of propylene glycol and nicotine base using a heated filament powered by a battery. Another device provides for the inhalation of medication into the lungs in case of a respiratory ailment. In these devices the active pharmaceutical is suspended in a pressurised propellant and dispensed through a nozzle that atomises the mixture. In a further known device air is drawn through a porous material that contains nicotine base and /or flavourings delivering vapour to the user.

These devices often require secondary packaging to avoid loss or degradation of the ingredients due to oxygen or water vapour ingress or egress of the active ingredients by diffusion during the shelf life of the device.

Means of accessing the devices through primary and secondary packaging, and activating these devices to enable the release of the chemical or medication vary significantly. Secondary packaging also communicates branding, instructions and health information. They also have the important role of assisting with security and authenticity of brand provenance, and features including those which provide indication of unauthorised tampering, and particularly those which may help impede access by children and those who are not authorised or intended to consume the product.

Electronic cigarettes typically comprise a heating element, a battery, a cartridge containing an appropriate chemical mixture and a mouthpiece. Actuation and release of the chemical mixture is usually via a switch which operates in response to the negative pressure inside the cigarette generated by inhalation.

In inhalation drug delivery devices the device is often actuated when the user presses a button. To reduce the opportunity for accidental dispensing the button operation force is often relatively high, or operation of a sequence of actions is required. These devices are often provided in secondary packaging with a child proof closure. In some devices, the device may even have an electronic system to limit the number of doses consumed in a given time period.

Of further interest, it is noted that touch screens are used in many electronic devices such as smart phones and tablet PCs to provide a user interface. A touch screen interface responds to finger contact on the touch sensitive area. A user may interact with the device by contacting the touch sensitive area at locations corresponding to the user-interface objects with which a user wishes to interact. It is further known that such devices may be unlocked or transitioned between different states or modes by any of several means by pressing a predefined set of 'soft' buttons (simultaneously or sequentially) or entering a code or password. Increased ease of use and enhanced security can be achieved through the device being unlocked if contact with the interface or display corresponds to a predefined gesture for unlocking the device. The device displays one or more unlock indicators with respect to which the predefined gesture is to be performed in order to unlock the device. The predefined gesture may include moving the finger to a predefined location and/or moving along a predefined path. The device may also display visual cues of the predefined gesture on a touch screen to remind a user of the gesture.

The inventors of the present application have arrived at an inhalation device with a touch or proximity sensitive user interface which controls the device functionality when specific gestures are performed by the user. Embodiments, or other arrangements or methods, may relate generally to the user interfaces of inhaler devices, packaging and accessories. Such devices may be used in healthcare applications such as the delivery of drugs and pharmaceuticals, or in recreational and lifestyle related activities such as electronic cigarettes to deliver other substances.

For the purposes of this discussion the terms electronic cigarette, e-cigarette, cigar, cigarette and inhaler device are used interchangeably. The terms chemical, medication, pharmaceutical, drug, and vapour are also used interchangeably and intended to indicate the nature of the product being inhaled.

In cigarette use, opening the pack, removing a cigarette and lighting it are complex mechanical operations, requiring various degrees of manual dexterity and movements in relative space. For many users these operations form part of a ritual that becomes functionally and in some cases deeply emotionally and socially associated with the activity and the pleasure derived from it. This is particularly true in the context of cigarettes where the process of unwrapping the unbroken cellophane layers and crisp foil of a new box, or of drawing a new cigarette paper from a box and rolling loose leaf tobacco from a pouch into a hand crafted rolled cigarette, and lighting it, becomes and intrinsic part of the personal and sensory ritual. Known electronic cigarettes and other inhaler devices do not recreate the tactile, emotional, gestural and ritualistic experience associated with the user experience of traditional cigarettes. Many of these gestures and interactions involve the hands, fingers and lips and embodiments, arrangements and/or methods discussed herein may expressly addresses any one or more of these, and/or other common interactions. These gestures may include movements to positions in space of the inhaler device relative to the individual, and/or may include waving, pointing, sweeping, rotating and/or other gestures in proximity to a user. It is believed that the absence of the tactile, sensory and ritualistic gestures associated with traditional tobacco products in known electronic cigarettes presents a barrier to some users in transitioning from tobacco products to the perceived reduced harm electronic variants, or a poorer user experience. Embodiments of the present invention, arrangements and/or methods may advantageously recreate the tactile, dextrous, and sensory experience of the traditional tobacco based products in electronic cigarettes, other inhaler devices and their accessories and packaging by employing touch and proximity sensitive control areas to enable the initiation of device functionality through predefined control gestures and haptic feedback generated by the device in response to the gesture. Haptic feedback delivered by the inhaler device could also be used to provide indications of the status or progress of the device through a process, such as battery state or level of contents.

Such haptic feedback may be in the form of forces, vibrations, motions and electrical stimuli and as example may include change in surface texture, temperature, roughness, profile and cross section.

A second category of control gesture is the proximity or movement of accessories relative to the inhaler device. One example might be bringing a device representing a traditional lighter accessory or other appropriate device into proximity with the inhaler device. This could be achieved using RFID technology for example.

It is a further advantage of touch or gesture based inputs, particularly if required in dedicated combination, that security of the device will be improved through increased barriers to process initiation, and thereby access by children and unauthorised persons will be reduced.

Example actions implemented in some embodiments, arrangements and/or methods may include, but are not limited to, any one or more of:

• The unlocking of user interfaces by gestures that recreate or copy gestures associated with traditional cigarettes, including those associated with lighting traditional cigarettes. These gestures are performed on a touch or proximity sensitive surface or display of the inhaler or e-cigarette device or on said inhaler packaging or accessories.

• Touch and gesture inputs both singly and in combination which provide enhanced security and minimise access by children and unauthorised persons.

• Gestures and movements including a finger tap on the inhaler (typically periodically during consumption) to initiate the operation of a display or haptic feedback.

· Gestures and movements including a finger tap on the inhaler (typically periodically during consumption) to initiate the next heating or vapour delivery sequence.

• Gestures and movements including a shake of the packaging to present or align one or a number of the inhaler devices.

• Gestures and movements including tapping the inhaler device on a surface. This could be sensed using a microphone, accelerometer or motion sensitive switch inside the device.

• A linear movement drawing a finder and/or thumb laterally along the axis of the cigarette to initiative an unlocking, loading, priming or other preparatory action. Indicatively such input would be detected using touch resistive, capacitive sensors, accelerometers, optical, gravimetric sensors, gyroscopic sensors, heat or resonance modification sensors.

• A rolling action around the axis of the device. Indicatively such input would be detected using touch resistive, capacitive sensors, optical, heat, accelerometers, gravimetric sensors, gyroscopic sensors or resonance modification sensors.

· Haptic feedback from the inhaler device or its constituent parts, packaging or accessories to indicate a positively or negatively received user input, progress of or completion of a process

• Optical or non-contact proximity detection of gestures or accessories, for example using a motion sensor or RFID to enable a set of actions to take place. • Gestures including movements to positions in space of the inhaler device relative to the individual, and may include waving, pointing, sweeping, rotating or other gestures in proximity to a user.

• Gestures including movements to positions in space of the inhaler device relative to the individual, and may include waving, pointing, sweeping, rotating or other gestures in proximity to complimentary accessories.

• A computer programme, readable storage medium and software, the computer program mechanism comprising instructions for detecting, interpreting and enabling any of the aforementioned examples

Optionally, an electronic cigarette device may be controlled by three gestures. The device may comprise a container for storing liquid containing nicotine, a wick to connect the container with a heating coil, an air path from the wick and coil to a mouthpiece, a battery, a control means connected to a number of sensors that act as inputs, one of these inputs includes a sensor to detect the air pressure inside the device and the heating coil, a haptic feedback device and LEDs or a segmented display that act as output devices.

The device includes an insulating external wrapping with conductive traces printed on the inside face of the wrapping. These traces are connected to the control means within the device. At one end of the wrapping each track forms a line that is perpendicular to the axis of the device and at the other end parallel with the axis. In each case there are multiple tracks parallel to one another. Optionally there may be, e.g., 8 parallel tracks at either end of the cigarette on a pitch of approximately 3mm. The control means measures the capacitance of each track and uses this data to detect the proximity of the user's fingers and therefore detects the gestures as described above. The tracks that are parallel to the axis will detect gestures that involve rolling the device around its axis in the user's fingers and the tracks that are perpendicular to the axis will detect gestures that involve sliding a finger along the device.

The pressure sensor that activates the heating coil of the device by measuring the pressure drop within the device when the user draws a puff through the device is constructed from a flexible plastic diaphragm with a conductive coating. The movement of this diaphragm is detected by measuring the capacitance between the diaphragm and a fixed surface inside the unit. This diaphragm is also sensitive to sound and vibration so it's signal can be used to detect gestures that include tapping on the device or tapping the device against a surface. In this embodiment the electronic circuit board that forms the control means inside the unit also controls an electromagnetic element that can generate gentle vibrations in the unit that can be detected by the user's fingers. In addition a small number of LEDs can shine through the outer surface of the unit in a circumference. This allows the device to indicate levels by changing the number of LEDs illuminated, or simply flashes to provide user feedback. Sequenced flashes may have different meanings as well. A small segmented display may also be used.

The circuit board includes a processing means that takes signals from the sensors described above, decodes their meaning according to a software program and operates the heating coil, the electromagnetic element and a display which may consist of single or multiple LEDs or a segmented display.

In this embodiment the e-cigarette is unlocked or activated by the user moving their finger over the perpendicular tracks first in one direction then the other. If this gesture is not performed the puff sensor will not activate. Successful completion of this gesture is indicated by flashing of the LEDs in a predefined pattern and operation of the electromagnetic device to provide haptic signals to the user.

The output of the unit is controlled by a rolling gesture where the unit is rolled in the fingers. This movement is detected by the tracks running parallel to the axis of the device. Rolling clockwise increases output and anticlockwise decreases output. The output setting is indicated by a small number of LEDs that illuminate briefly during the gesture around the circumference of the device. More illuminated LEDs indicate a high output setting. A coded signal of vibrations in the device from the electromagnetic device can also provide haptic feedback. In an alternative embodiment rolling the unit back and forward in both directions may form part of the unlock or vapour release initiation sequence.

To provide more consistent output the device can pre-heat the heater to a lower temperature by delivering a low power to the heating coil for a pre-defined time period of a few seconds. This function is activated by a tapping gesture where the device is tapped with a finger or onto a hard surface. Again the user receives feedback that the device has entered this mode through flashing LEDs. A coded signal of vibrations in the device from the electromagnetic device can also provide haptic feedback.

The unit is then used in a conventional manner by drawing a puff through the device that activates the heating coil with a power delivery determined by the output setting.

Alternative sensors to capacitive sensors may detect the presence of the user to detect the gesture by measuring the electrical resistance of the finger, heat from the finger, the presence of the finger due to changes in light levels, deflection of the surface of the device due to pressure from the finger, or changes in the resonant response of the surface of the device. In a further embodiment the gestures are detected through measuring the vibrations or accelerations of the device using microphones or accelerometers. Rolling and accelerations may also be detected by the movement of a weight that is detected by a number of switches. The weight may comprise a conductive liquid.

No doubt many other effective alternatives will occur to the skilled person. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments and encompasses modifications apparent to those skilled in the art lying within the spirit and scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An inhalation device for delivering an airborne substance to the mouth and/or respiratory tract of a user, the inhalation device comprising:

a touch or proximity sensitive user interface; and

a device controller, controlled by said user interface, to control one or more functions of the inhaler,

wherein said device controller in combination with said user interface is configured to detect when one or more specific gestures are performed by said user and in response to control said one or more functions of the inhaler.

2. An inhalation device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said device controller comprises a storage medium comprising a computer program for detecting said one or more specific gestures.

3. An inhalation device, in particular as claimed in claim 2, comprising:

an output delivery system comprising a container housing a substance to be delivered as a vapour;

at least one sensor to sense a user action and output a sensor signal dependent on the sensing;

a data store storing control data defining at least one relationship between at least one said sensor signal and a predefined procedure to be performed by the output delivery system in response to the at least one said sensor signal; and

a processor configured to:

determine, based on at least one said sensor signal and the stored control data, if the output delivery system is to perform a said predefined procedure; and

control the output delivery system to perform the predefined procedure in response to the determination, and

when dependent on claim 2, wherein:

said data store comprises said storage medium;

said one or more functions comprise said predefined procedure;

said user interface comprises or consists of said at least one sensor; and said output delivery system is configured to perform at least one of said one or more functions.

4. The inhalation device of claim 3, wherein the output delivery system has an aerosol generation system coupled to the container and arranged to aerosolize the substance to form the vapour.

5. The inhalation device of claim 3, wherein the output delivery system has an entrainment system coupled to the container and arranged to entrain the substance to form the vapour.

6. The inhalation device of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein at least one said predefined procedure comprises causing the device to generate the vapour from the substance.

7. The inhalation device of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one indicator to provide device status information to a user, and wherein the processor is further configured to control the at least one indicator in response to a said determination.

8. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one indicator comprises a display screen.

9. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the at least one indicator comprises at least one visual display indicator which is controlled to indicate device status information.

10. The inhalation device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the at least one indicator comprises a vibrating device which is configured to vibrate to indicate device status information.

1 1. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein a combination of the user interface or the at least one sensor and the at least one indicator is configured to lead, interpret and/or provide feedback to the user upon correct procedural approach to delivery of the substance, preferably in order to enhance effective use and delivery of the substance and/or wherein the combined at least indicator comprises a display.

12. The inhalation device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface or the at least one sensor comprises a pressure sensor configured to detect a change in pressure within the device, preferably to thereby detect said one or more specific gestures.

13. The inhalation device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface or the at least one sensor comprises a capacitive or moisture sensor configured to detect a change in capacitance or moisture on a surface of the device to thereby detect a contact on a surface of the device, preferably wherein said one or more specific gestures comprises said contact.

14. The inhalation device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface or the at least one sensor comprises a touch sensitive sensor configured to detect a contact on a touch-sensitive surface to detect a touch pattern , preferably wherein said one or more specific gestures comprises performing said touch pattern.

15. The inhalation device as claimed in any one of claims 13 and 14, wherein the contact or a said gesture comprises a touch interaction with the inhaler by a user's tongue or lips to initiate a said procedure preferably comprising a preparatory action such as an unlocking, loading and/or priming the substance for generating the vapour.

16. The inhalation device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the contact or a said gesture comprises a touch interaction with the inhalation device by a user's finger to initiate a said procedure preferably comprising a preparatory action such as an unlocking, loading and/or priming the generating the vapour.

17. The inhalation device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the contact or a said gesture comprises a touch interaction with the inhalation device to initiate a said procedure, wherein the initiated procedure comprises at least one of setting a predefined power setting and changing a power setting.

18. The inhalation device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface or the at least one sensor comprises a motion sensor configured to detect movement of the device preferably wherein said one or more specific gestures comprises said movement, preferably to detect a movement pattern of the device.

19. The inhalation device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a force applied by a user to the inhalation device by means of a preferably predefined motion is interpretable by said user interface or the at least one said sensor to deliver benefit or functionality such as adjustment of operational characteristics and/or parameters, preferably wherein the at least one said sensor comprises an accelerometer, preferably wherein said one or more specific gestures comprises said motion.

20. The inhalation device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the user interface or the at least one sensor comprises a tilt sensor to detect a predetermined tilt of the device, preferably wherein said one or more specific gestures comprises said tilt.

21. The inhalation device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the user interface or the at least one sensor comprises a sound detector to detect a predetermined user sound, preferably wherein said one or more specific gestures involves the user making said sound.

22. The inhalation device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface or the at least one sensor comprises a proximity sensor configured to detect if an item having a tag detectable by the proximity sensor is in proximity to the inhalation device, wherein the item is an accessory device or packaging for holding at least one said inhalation device, preferably wherein said one or more specific gestures comprises movement of at least one of said inhalation device and said accessory device.

23. The inhalation device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 22 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the data store stores predefined data defining one or more user actions required to operate the inhalation device, and wherein the processor is further configured to:

determine, based on at least one said sensor signal and the stored predefined data, if the one or more required user actions have been performed; and if the one or more required user actions have been performed, allow a user to operate the inhalation device, otherwise inhibit user operation of the inhalation device, preferably wherein said one or more specific gestures comprises said one or more required user actions.

24. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 23 wherein the one or more required user actions comprises at least one of an ordered sequence of user actions and different types of user actions.

25. The inhalation device of claim 24, wherein the user interface or at least one sensor is configured to detect at least one user input to define at least one of: the ordered sequence of user actions; the different types of user actions; and at least one setting of the inhalation device, preferably wherein the processor is configured to implement a learn mode to perform a said definition on the basis of a said at least one user input, preferably wherein said one or more specific gestures comprises said at least one user input.

26. The inhalation device as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25 wherein the predefined data stored by the data store comprises at least one of a password and passcode required to be entered by a user to allow operation of the inhalation device by the user.

27. The inhalation device as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 26 wherein at least one said sensor comprises a touch screen and the predefined data stored by the data store comprises a touch pattern to be input by the user via the touch screen, preferably wherein said one or more specific gestures comprises said user input of said touch pattern.

28. The inhalation device as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 27 wherein at least one said sensor comprises a motion sensor configured to detect movement of the device, and the predefined data stored by the data store comprises a gesture and/or interaction pattern for a user to perform by moving the inhalation device, preferably wherein said one or more specific gestures comprises said gesture and/or interaction pattern.

29. The inhalation device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 28 when dependent on claim 3, further comprising a timer to time a predetermined period of time and a counter configured to count doses of the substance which are dispensed over the predetermined period of time, and wherein the processor is further configured to:

receive a result of a said count from the counter;

compare the count result with a maximum number of doses stored in the data store; and

if the count is below the stored maximum number of doses, control the output delivery system to allow delivery of the substance, and otherwise to inhibit the delivery of the substance.

30. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 3 to 29 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the data store stores at least one of inhalation device settings and profile that are modifiable by a user to allow change of at least one of operational and security parameters of the inhalation device, preferably wherein the user interface or at least one sensor is configured to sense at least one user input to determine said modification.

31. The inhalation device according to any preceding claim, configured to, by means of the user interface or at least one sensor, interpret gesture based inputs to reduce the opportunity for accidental dispensing of a substance.

32. The inhalation device of any preceding claim, wherein a said specific gesture comprises a movement of said inhalation device.

33. Packaging for holding at least one inhalation device preferably of any one of claims 1 to 32, the packaging comprising:

a user interface to detect a user action; and

a control circuit to, if a said user action is detected, perform a predefined procedure.

34. Packaging according to claim 33, comprising at least one feedback device to indicate at least one of: a positively or negatively received user input to the user interface; status of the packaging; progress of a procedure; and/or completion of a procedure, preferably wherein the feedback is haptic.

35. Packaging according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the user interface of the packaging comprises a touch sensor to detect touch of a user, preferably a touch sensitive surface to detect a touch gesture of user such as a touch pattern.

36. Packaging according to any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the user interface of the packaging comprises a movement detector to detect a movement such as a movement gesture of the user, wherein said movement preferably comprises at least one of shaking the packaging and tapping the packaging on a surface.

37. Packaging according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the user interface of the packaging comprises a proximity detector to detect proximity to an inhalation device having a tag detectable by the proximity detector.

38. Packaging according to any one of claims 33 to 37, configured to detect opening of the packaging and configured to cause a said inhalation device to perform a said procedure in response to said opening detection, preferably wherein said inhalation device procedure comprises at least one of providing status feedback to the user and preparation for delivery of the substance such as switching a vaporiser on or ceasing vaporisation of the substance.

39. Packaging according to any one of claims 33 to 38, wherein the control circuit comprises a lock circuit for locking the packaging, preferably to provide enhanced security and/or impeded access by children and/or unauthorised persons to a said held at least one inhalation device, wherein the predefined procedure of the packaging comprises controlling the lock circuit to unlock the packaging.

40. Packaging according to any one of claims 33 to 39, wherein the control circuit comprises a presentation circuit to move one or more of the inhaler devices to thereby present or align the one or more inhaler devices, wherein the predefined procedure comprises of the packaging controlling the presentation circuit to perform at least one of presenting and aligning one or more of the inhaler devices to be retrievable by a user through an opening in the packaging.

41. Accessory device for detection by the inhalation device as defined in at least claim 22 wherein the item is an accessory device, the accessory device having a tag for detection by the proximity sensor when the accessory device is in proximity to a said proximity sensor, and wherein the accessory device is for, if the accessory device is in proximity to an inhalation device, causing the inhalation device to perform a said predefined procedure comprising generating the vapor from the substance, preferably wherein the tag is an RFID tag and the proximity sensor comprises an RFID tag reader.

42. An inhalation system for delivering a substance to a user, the system comprising:

an inhalation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 32; and at least one of:

packaging as described in any one of claims 33 to 40; and

an accessory device as described in claim 41.

43. The inhalation system as claimed in claim 42 wherein the inhalation device and the accessory device each comprise a Bluetooth module, and wherein the inhalation device and accessory device are pre-paired.

44. The inhalation system as claimed in claim 42 or 43, wherein at least one of the inhalation device and the accessory device comprises a Bluetooth module, at least one of the inhalation device and accessory device is configured to be paired to at least one additional Bluetooth device to allow access by a user to at least one of settings of the inhalation device, services, and a community, preferably wherein the at least one additional Bluetooth device comprises a smartphone.

45. The inhalation system according to any one of claims 42 to 44 comprising a Bluetooth enabled device pairable to the inhalation device, wherein the user interface or at least one sensor of the inhalation device is operable in combination with a display of the Bluetooth enabled device to lead, interpret and/or provide feedback upon correct procedural approach to delivery of the substance, preferably to enhance effective use of the inhalation device.

46. A method of controlling an inhalation device for delivering a substance as a vapour to a user, the device comprising an output delivery system having a container housing a substance to be delivered as a vapour and having a vaporiser coupled to the container and arranged to vaporise the substance, at least one sensor to sense a user action on the inhalation device and to output a sensor signal dependent on the sensing, a data store storing control data defining at least one relationship between at least one said sensor signal and a predefined procedure to be performed by the output delivery system in response to the at least one said sensor signal, and a processor, wherein at least one said predefined procedure comprises the vaporiser vaporising the substance, the method comprising:

receiving at least one said sensor signal;

determining, using the received at least one sensor signal and the stored control data, if the output delivery system is to perform the predefined procedure; and if the output delivery system is to perform the predefined procedure, controlling the output delivery system to perform the predefined procedure in response to a said determination, and otherwise controlling the output delivery system not to perform the predefined procedure.

47. The method of controlling an inhalation device as claimed in claim 46, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a pressure sensor configured to detect changes in pressure within the device, and wherein:

the determining if the output delivery system is to perform a said predefined procedure comprises determining if the sensor signal data indicates a pressure decrease within the device; and

preferably the predefined procedure comprises controlling the vaporiser to vaporise the substance, and dispensing the vaporised substance.

48. The method of controlling an inhalation device as claimed in claim 46 or 47 wherein the at least one sensor comprises a touch sensitive sensor configured to detect a user touch on the device, and wherein:

the determining if the output delivery system is to perform a said predefined procedure comprises determining if the sensor data indicates a touch has been detected; and

49. The method of controlling an inhalation device as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 48, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a motion sensor configured to detect movement of the device, and wherein:

the determining if the output delivery system is to perform a said predefined procedure comprises determining if the sensor data indicates movement of the device; and

preferably the predefined procedure comprises controlling the vaporiser to vaporise the substance, and dispensing the substance.

50. The method of controlling an inhalation device as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 49, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a proximity sensor configured to detect if an accessory device is in proximity to the inhalation device, and wherein:

the determining if the output delivery system is to perform a said predefined procedure comprises determining if the sensor data indicates the accessory device is in close proximity to the inhalation device; and

preferably the predefined procedure comprises switching on the vaporiser to vaporise the substance, and dispensing the vaporised substance.

51. A non-transitory data carrier carrying processor control code which when running on a processor causes the processor to implement the method of any one of claims 46 to 50.

52. An inhalation device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 2 or 3.

53. An inhalation system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 4.

54. Packaging substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 5.

55. A method of controlling an inhalation device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 6.