US20250268305A1

US20250268305A1 - Aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: US20250268305A1
Application number: US18/857,908
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert KERSEY; Darryl BAKER
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2022-04-22
Filing date: 2023-04-21
Publication date: 2025-08-28
Also published as: CA3248293A1; WO2023203340A1; EP4510868A1; GB202205869D0

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol provision device for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: control circuitry for controlling an activation state of the aerosol provision device; and, a detector arranged to detect a property associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control circuitry, wherein the property is at least one of i) device usage patterns; ii) device usage time length; iii) device usage location; iv) user handling locations of device; v) device movement by user, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving signals from the detector associated with a non-authorised user.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND

Aerosol-generating systems are known. Common systems use heaters which are activated by a user to create an aerosol by an aerosol provision device from an aerosol generating material which is then inhaled by the user. The device may be activated by a user at the push of a button or merely by the act of inhalation. Modern systems can use consumable elements containing the aerosol generating material. It can be desirable for the manufacturer to enable control over the activation of the systems. This may avoid the activation of the system in undesirable circumstances.
The present invention is directed toward solving some of the above problems.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the invention are defined in the accompanying claims.
In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: control circuitry for controlling an activation state of the aerosol provision device; and, a detector arranged to detect a property associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control circuitry, wherein the property is at least one of i) device usage patterns; ii) device usage time length; iii) device usage location; iv) user handling locations of device; v) device movement by user, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving signals from the detector associated with a non-authorised user.
Such a system is able to detect a property of a user associated with the use of the aerosol provision device and provide an activation state suitable to this property. This allows the device to determine whether the handler of the device, in real time, is an authorised user of the device. In particular, by detecting typical use characteristics and comparing these to those of the authorised user (or users), the device may allow operation (or deny operation) accordingly. This provides an increased in-use safety aspect for the aerosol provision device while avoiding unnecessary interference for authorised users. This therefore provides a suitable level of control over device usage when control is needed, and a suitable ease of access when control is not needed. The user experience and safety of the aerosol provision device is therefore improved. The device may provide limited usability but assists in preventing large unauthorised usage.
In particular, in the event that user 1 wishes to use the aerosol provision device, user 1 begins an attempt to operate the device. In the event that user 1 is using, holding or moving the device in an atypical manner or using the device in an atypical location or for an atypical amount of time, the device is able to detect this and provide a suitable update to the activation state of the device. For example, user 1 is assessed to be an atypical user, and therefore presumed unauthorised, the control circuitry may prevent the device from further activation. If user 1 is assessed to be a typical user (for example one that has previously been identified as authorised and provided baseline characteristics against which to compare atypical behaviours), the control circuitry may provide a suitable update to the activation state of the device. In a refined example, the more behaviours that are deemed typical, the more operability of the device that is allowed. For example, if the user is handling the device in a typical manner, but this is outside of a typical location, the total allowed use time of the device may be reduced, or the full range of operating modes may not be accessible.
This can provide a great level of inbuilt control over the device. Such a system can be designed and altered by an authorised user so that the device has a level of security or level of openness that suits the user. For example, a user that travels regularly may reduce the impact of location on operable states of the device. A user that only uses the device in one location may prevented any usage outside of that location. This also enables and assists with user-defined and user-agreed control over user usage of the device.
The user experience of the device may also be increased by having a personalisable, “plug-and-play” approach. In that, the user may be provided with a number of options from which to select the operating state that the user desires. In this way, the user need not create, from scratch, an operating state for use with a consumable (a consumable contains aerosol generating material for use in the aerosol provision device) but can refine their preference from a number provided. In this way, the use behaviours of authorised user 1 may be associated with operating state 1 such that when the device detects user 1 is using the device, operating state 1 may be provided. Similarly, when the use behaviours of authorised user 2 are detected, operating state 2 (previously associated with authorised user 2) may be provided.
Therefore, the device and each authorised user benefits from the present arrangement.
The aerosol provision system of the present invention is able to operate in “offline” or “online” mode when performing use behaviour assessment of users. In this way, an authorised user may operate the system in offline (unconnected to a mobile network or internet or the like) environment provided the user satisfies the criteria for operation—displaying typical use behaviour. The user experience of the device is thereby improved. This can be provided by including a memory in the aerosol provision device with which the control circuitry communicates.
In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol-generating system for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: an aerosol provision device comprising control circuitry for controlling an activation state of the aerosol provision device; and, a detector arranged to detect a property associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control circuitry, wherein the property is at least one of i) device usage patterns; ii) device usage time length; iii) device usage location; iv) user handling locations of device; v) device movement by user, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving signals from the detector associated with a non-authorised user.
In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the method comprising: detecting, by a detector, a property associated with an authorised user of an aerosol provision device; providing, by the detector, a signal to control circuitry of the aerosol provision device; wherein the property is at least one of i) device usage patterns; ii) device usage time length; iii) device usage location; iv) user handling locations of device; v) device movement by user, updating, by the control circuitry, an activation state of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving signals from the detector associated with a non-authorised user.
In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided aerosol provision means for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: control means for controlling an activation state of the aerosol provision means; and, detecting means arranged to detect a property associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control means, wherein the property is at least one of i) device usage patterns; ii) device usage time length; iii) device usage location; iv) user handling locations of device; v) device movement by user, wherein the control means is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision means in response to receiving signals from the detecting means associated with a non-authorised user.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to an example;

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

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision system according to an example;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision system according to an example; and,

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram according to an example.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed/described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed/described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.
The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol provision systems, such as e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term “e-cigarette” or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol provision system/device and electronic aerosol provision system/device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms “aerosol” and “vapour”, and related terms such as “vaporise”, “volatilise” and “aerosolise”, may generally be used interchangeably.
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an example of an aerosol provision device 100 according to the present invention. The aerosol provision device 100 comprises an aerosol provision device housing 110. The aerosol provision device 100 has control circuitry 120. The control circuitry 120 is arranged to control an activation state of the aerosol provision device 100. The aerosol provision device 100 comprises a detector 130 arranged to detect a property associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control circuitry 120. The property is at least one of i) device usage patterns; ii) device usage time length; iii) device usage location; iv) user handling locations of device; and, v) device movement by user. The control circuitry 120 is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device 100 in response to receiving signals from the detector 130 associated with a non-authorised user.
The aerosol provision device 100 may be initially in an operating state wherein the device 100 can be used to provide an aerosol to a user. The user uses the device 100 to provide an aerosol and information can be obtained by the detector 130. Such information may provide an indication as to whether the user using the device 100 is an authorised user. If the user is not authorised, the user may operate the device 100 in an unusual location, or hold the device in a manner that is atypical, the detector 130 sends a signal to the control circuitry 120 accordingly. The control circuitry 120 may then update the activation state of the aerosol provision device 100 to a non-operating state, wherein the user cannot use the device 100 to provide an aerosol.
In this example, the device 100 provides some level of usability on the presumption that a user is authorised and prevents continued misuse of the device 100 in response to detection of atypical behaviours or properties around the use of the device 100. This provides less of an impact to authorised users, who need not satisfy identification requirements prior to use. Rather the authorised users are recognised during use, via their typical behaviours, and use of the device 100 is allowed to continue. In this way, authorised users are not in any way hindered in their use of the device 100.
Typical behaviours may be recorded over time, for example how a user handles the device. If the user regularly pulls the device out of a bag using their left hand, a detector that senses movement (for example a gyroscope or the like) may characterise that movement. In response to sensing that distinctive movement and providing a signal to the control circuitry 120, the control circuitry 120 can have a high level of confidence that the user is an authorised user. In another example, if the device 100 is used in a location that has never been used before and that is also far from the usual locations of use, the control circuitry 120 would require many other factors to be satisfied to ascertain that the user is authorised. For example, if the movement of the device 100 prior to use is not the typical movement of the device 100, the finger and thumb arrangement on the device 100 are not in the typical locations associated with the user and the location is different, the control circuitry 120 can have a high level of confidence that the user is not an authorised user and therefore prevent use of the device 100.
In another example, the device 100 may initially be in a non-operating state and require the user to display typical use behaviour prior to the device 100 being used. As noted above, such pre-use behaviour may include the location of use, the movement of the device 100 prior to activation (activation may occur via the pressing of a button or inhalation on the device 100, each movement until this activation point may be used to assess pre-use whether the user is an authorised user or not), the time of use (users may have typical time periods in which the device 100 is used), how the user arranges their fingers and thumb (or thumbs) on the device 100. Such behaviours may be learned over a period of time of use or pre-programmed, via a test use where the user uses the device 100 while the device 100 takes readings to form a background level of uses against which to compare future uses.
In an example, the control circuitry 120 may be arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device 100 to a non-operating state in response to receiving signals from the detector 130 associated with a non-authorised user. In this example, the default state of the device 100 may be an operating state. In an example, the control circuitry 120 is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device 100 to an operating state in response to receiving signals from the detector associated with an authorised user. In this example, the default state of the device 100 may be a non-operating state.
These provide contrasting advantages. Starting the device 100 in an operating state and preventing use after the user is characterised as non-authorised increases the authorised user experience of the device 100 as there is no check prior to use, therefore the device 100 does not inhibit authorised user use in anyway. Starting the device 100 in a non-operating state and enabling use after the user is characterised as authorised increases the overall safety of the device 100 and may fully prevent non-authorised users from accessing the device 100.
The detector 130 may be arranged to detect a property associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control circuitry 120 on a predetermined interval associated with the property. The detector 130 may detect a property on a time frame that is suitable for that property. For example, the detector 130 may detect the location of the device 100 every 8 hours or so, while the hand position of the user may be detected every time the device 100 is used. An inhalation check (e.g. inhalation time and volume, which are relatively distinctive to each user) may occur on each puff, or at the start of each use session.
In this way, the impact on the use of the detector 130 is reduced and the lifetime of the circuitry is increased while not negatively affecting the provision of safety by the device 100. The interval may be any suitable interval, for example, every hour or every 50 puffs or at the start of a new smoking session. A balance can be made between safety provided (maximally by checking every use) and impact on user experience (the fewer checks the less the system impacts an authorised user, though the more lenient to non-authorised users).
The detector 130 may be at least one of: a timer, a gyroscope, a heat sensor, an accelerometer, an altimeter, a pressure sensor, and a communication transceiver. Each of these allow for various properties of the user and the device 100 to be detected and used to inform whether the user is or is not an authorised user.
A timer may provide an indication of when the user is using the device 100 and for how long. A heat sensor may provide an indication of where the location of the user's fingers and thumb (or thumbs) are on the device 100 during use. An accelerometer may provide an indication of how the device 100 is handled and moved prior to use. An altimeter may provide an indication of location of the device 100 prior to use. A pressure sensor may provide an indication of the local environment of the device 100 prior to use. A communication transceiver may allow the device 100 to communicate with various external elements, for example the Internet of Things, and allow for recognition of other aspects of user behaviour. The detector 130 may be one or more of these, with each additional property detected improving the confidence with which a user may be deemed authorised or non-authorised.
The full range of operating states of the aerosol provision device 100 may be very wide ranging assisting the aerosol provision device 100 to provide different aerosols for the user. The default setting of the aerosol provision device 100 may be limited to a specific operating state and further operating states may be unlocked following high confidence recognition of an authorised user. This may provide an incentive for the user to pre-program the device 100 with usual smoking locations and typical use behaviours. This improves user engagement with the security features of the device 100 provided herein and also assists in reducing significant misuse of the device 100 by an unauthorised user even in the example wherein the device 100 is in a default operational state.
The aerosol provision device 100 may comprise heating arrangements or the like for providing an aerosol from a consumable-the consumable may contain some aerosol generating material or the like. The control circuitry 120 may control the heating arrangement (or the like) according to the signal received from the detector 130. Once user recognition is satisfied, the device 100 may offer the user one of a number of heating processes for use with the aerosol generating material, arranged in use in the aerosol provision device 100, to improve user experience. This may be part of the updating of the activation state of the aerosol provision device 100.
Referring now to FIG. 2 , there is a shown a similar device 200 to the device 100 of FIG. 1 . Similar features, to those features used in FIG. 1 , are shown with the reference numerals increased by 100. For example, the device 100 of FIG. 1 is similar to the device 200 of FIG. 2 . Similar or identical features may not be discussed for conciseness.
The device 200 of FIG. 2 has an aerosol provision device housing 210 housing the control circuitry 220 and detector 230. The device 200 also has an age verification means 240. The control circuitry 220 is arranged to send a signal to the age verification means 240 in response to receiving signals from the detector 230 associated with a non-authorised user.
In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the control circuitry 220 is connected to both the detector 230 and the age verification means 240. In this example, the age verification means 240 can be used to ascertain the age of a user recognised as not authorised. In use, if the behaviours of the user do not match those of an already authorised user, the detector 230 provides a signal to the control circuitry 220 accordingly. The control circuitry 220 may then prevent activation or, or further use of the device 200, until age verification occurs via the age verification means 240. In this way, an unauthorised but age appropriate user may be able to use the device 200 once age verification is satisfied. Once the age verification means 240 provides a signal to the control circuitry 220 associated with an age appropriate user, the control circuitry 220 may allow further use of the device 200.
In this way, security of the device 200 is prioritised however age-appropriate usage for non-recognised user is allowed. For example, if the device 100 is being used in a territory where users are allowed to use such devices provided they are above 18 years old, the age verification means 240 may ascertain whether the user is above such an age and then inform the control circuitry 220 such that the device 200 may be used. This arrangement can account for each territory and age accordingly.
The age verification means may be used prior to first use, or assessed on initial purchase of the device 200. The user may verify user identification via the age verification means 240 enabling the device 200 to begin taking readings of use properties of the user, to then provide a comparison for future uses. In this way, the device 200 can recognise several age-appropriate users and their behaviours.
The age verification means 240 may comprise at least one of: a face scanner; a fingerprint scanner; an iris scanner; a microphone; a camera; a mobile device; and, a communication module for communicating with a database. Each of these allows the device 200 to review the user in some way and determine an age of the user. Other suitable techniques for determining an age of the user may be used.
Ages of users may be stored on a database that is remote to or on board the device 200. The age verification means 240 may communicate with the database. The signal from the age verification means 240 may be compared to the database. If the signal is associated with a user of suitable age, the device 200 is updated into an operational state.
An on board database arrangement may be advantageous as the device 200 need not have a communications element in the device 200 able to communicate with a remotely held database, and the device 200 need not be connected to a communications network to access a remotely held database prior to each use session. This may allow use of the device 200 in areas without connectivity. This may also provide a faster response than via communicating with a remote database.
In a different example, the database of user age is held remotely, and the age verification means 240 has a communication module to contact the database. The communication module may contact the database with a request for confirming user age. The communication module, and therefore the age estimation module 240, is then provided with an age of the potential user, which is relayed to the control circuitry 220. This arrangement may be advantageous as the device 200 need not include a memory element for carrying the database and the database can be remotely updated ensuring the device 200 need not have the on board database regularly updated. In this way up-to-date age data can be provided to all devices 200 as soon as the data is uploaded to the central database. In this way, all users can be provided with the updates without each needing to update their own device 200. The remote database may be a governmental database or the like for linking a property of a user to a known age for that user, or for verifying the identification of a user where the identification contains an indication of age for that user.
A camera may be able to recognise a photo identification of the user and the user, to ascertain that the user is of a specific age. This data may also be compared to a governmental database to increase security in the arrangement.
In a specific example, the age verification means 240 receives a signal from the control circuitry 220 corresponding to a request to operate and perform age verification on the user. The age verification means 240 may detect a property associated with a potential user and provide age verification. The age verification means 240 then provides a signal back to the control circuitry 220 corresponding to whether or not the potential user has satisfied age verification. Where the user satisfies age verification, the control circuitry 220 provides a signal to heaters or the like to function and provide an aerosol from aerosol generating material arranged in use in the aerosol provision device 200.
In the event that the age verification means 240 detects the user is in an age range (or of an age) suitable for using the device 200 in all operational modes (such as heating age restricted aerosol generating material), the control circuitry 220 may allow any such activation of the device 200. In the event that the age verification means 240 detects the user is not in an age range (or of an age) suitable for use with the device 200, the control circuitry 220 may prevent activation of the aerosol provision device 200. Notifications to the user may occur via a screen on the aerosol provision device 200 or any other suitable means.
This arrangement allows suitable handling of a device that is used by multiple users of different age. The users of suitable age are allowed to access suitable operational states, while users of un-suitable age are prevented from doing so. This ensures that suitability of use is prioritised alongside user safety.
Referring now to FIG. 3 , there is a shown a system 300 similar to the device 200 of FIG. 2 . Similar features, to those features used in FIG. 2 , are shown with the reference numerals increased by 100. For example, the device 200 of FIG. 2 is similar to the system 300 of FIG. 3 . Similar or identical features may not be discussed for conciseness.
The system 300 of FIG. 3 is shown comprising an aerosol provision device 310 comprising control circuitry 320. The system 300 has a detector 330 arranged to detect a property associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control circuitry 320. The detector 330 is shown as separate to the device 310 in the example of system 300. The detector 330 may have a wireless connection to the control circuitry 320. The system 300 may therefore provide the same functionality as the device 200 of FIG. 2 .
Referring now to FIG. 4 , there is a shown a system 400 similar to the system 300 of FIG. 3 . Similar features, to those features used in FIG. 3 , are shown with the reference numerals increased by 100. For example, the system 300 of FIG. 3 is similar to the system 400 of FIG. 4 . Similar or identical features may not be discussed for conciseness.
The system 400 of FIG. 4 is shown comprising an aerosol provision device 410 comprising control circuitry 420. The system 400 has a non-integral detector 430 arranged to detect a property associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control circuitry 420. The detector 430 is shown as separate to the device 410 in the example of system 400. The detector 430 may have a wireless connection to the control circuitry 420. The system 400 may therefore provide the same functionality as the device 300 of FIG. 3 .
The system 400 also comprises an age verification means 440, wherein the control circuitry 420 is further arranged to send a signal to the age verification means 440 in response to receiving signals from the detector 430 associated with a non-authorised user. This allows the system 400 to ascertain the age of a user if the user is not recognised by their use behaviour of the device 410. The detector 430 and age verification means 440 are not integral to the device 410 in the example of FIG. 4 . The detector 430 and age verification means 440 are not integral to one another in the specific example of FIG. 4 . The detector 430 and age verification means 440 may be integral in other examples which may increase the user experience of the system 400 by reducing the number of elements needed to be used by a user.
The age verification means 440 may be separate to the aerosol provision device 410 and used separately, while communicatively coupled to the control circuitry 420. The control circuitry 420 may provide a notification to alert the user that age verification is required and to conduct such through the age verification means 440. The age verification means 440 may be a mobile phone, smart device or the like.
The age verification means 440 may comprise at least one of: a face scanner; a fingerprint scanner; an iris scanner; a microphone; a camera; a mobile device; and, a communication module for communicating with a database.
The updating of the activation state may involve updating, by the control circuitry 420, an activation state of the aerosol provision device 410 to an operating state in response to receiving a signal from the detector 430 associated with the use behaviour of an authorised user. Alternatively, the control circuitry 420 may request the user perform age verification prior to updating the activation state of the aerosol provision device 410 to an operating state. In this way, the device 410 can make attempts to curtail misuse of the device 410 by inappropriate or non-authorised users.
The present invention involves changing an activation sate of the aerosol provision device. In an “operating state”, elements of the aerosol provision device 410 used to generate an aerosol (such as an atomiser, heater or the like) may be activated. The specific activation of the device 410 may require an additional input which may be inhalation on the device 410, pressing a button on the device 410 or the like. Alternatively, the device 410 may automatically generate aerosol by a heater in response to receiving a signal associated with a valid potential user. The control circuitry 420 may receive such a signal from the age verification means 440 and send a signal to the heater arrangement or the like to provide an aerosol from an aerosol generating material that may contained within, or separate to, the aerosol provision device 410.
FIG. 5 shows a method 500 of use of an aerosol provision device. In the method 500, the device may start in a default state 502, which may be a non-operating state such that a user cannot use the device without being recognised as an authorised user via use behaviours or satisfying age verification. Alternatively, the default operating state may be a restricted operating state where only partial operation of the device is possible. Alternatively, the device may be an operating mode and is prevented from operating in response to detection of atypical user behaviour.
When a user attempts to use the device, the device detects 504 a property associated with the user. This may be any in-use properties such as location, or handling technique or the like. The device detects the property using a detector (which may contain a number of individual sensors/detectors). The detector may detect the property as explained above.
The detector sends a signal accordingly to the control circuitry 506. An assessment is made whether the user is authorised or not. If the user is not authorised, the device may request the user undergo age verification. If age verification is not required, the activation state of the aerosol provision device may be updated 508. If age verification is required, age verification means may be activated.
This method provides a user-friendly user-recognition process that does not overly impede use for authorised users. The method offers a balance between overly strict and overly lenient access protection for the device. The method can be amended via the default state of the device to provide greater security or greater freedom of access, as desired.
The updating of the activation state may involve updating, by the control circuitry, an activation state of the aerosol provision device to an operating state in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with a property of an authorised user. The updating of the activation state may involve updating, by the control circuitry, an activation state of the aerosol provision device to a non-operating state in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with a property of a non-authorised user.
The term “in response to” is used herein to indicate a second event (such as a signal or change of state of an aerosol provision device) that occurs subsequent to a first event. The second event may occur at a later time, after a predetermined time, or immediately after the first event.
The device and system herein are described as comprising several components that enable several advantages. The components may be disclosed as on-board the device or within the system. The components may be distributed and therefore not necessarily be located on-board the device. The functionality of the device can be provided by communicatively connected components, and such communication may be wireless, enabling such distribution. At which point it is reasonable to foresee that a distributed array of components will operate in the manner of the devices and systems disclosed herein. Components of the device or system may be contained in a further device such as a smartphone, computer, or remote server or the like.
The method and device disclosed herein enable protection over the use of the device without requiring an arduous authorisation process-the process is only as arduous as is desired by the manufacturer or the device. This improves the user experience of the device and the safety of general use of the device. The default state of the device may also be controlled and amended by the user, to allow a shift between greater security or greater freedom of access.
In a particular example, the device disclosed herein may operate with a flavour pod which is replaceable in the device-this may be referred to as a consumable. The flavour may be any of tobacco and glycol and may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamon, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof.
When combined with an aerosol generating medium, the aerosol provision device as disclosed herein may be referred to as an aerosol provision system.
Thus there has been described an aerosol provision device for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: control circuitry for controlling an activation state of the aerosol provision device; and, a detector arranged to detect a property associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control circuitry, wherein the property is at least one of i) device usage patterns; ii) device usage time length; iii) device usage location; iv) user handling locations of device; v) device movement by user, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving signals from the detector associated with a non-authorised user.
The aerosol provision system may be used in a tobacco industry product, for example a non-combustible aerosol provision system.
In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product comprises one or more components of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.
In one embodiment, the aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette also known as a vaping device.
In one embodiment the electronic cigarette comprises a heater, a power supply capable of supplying power to the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing and optionally a mouthpiece.
In one embodiment the aerosolizable substrate is contained in or on a substrate container. In one embodiment the substrate container is combined with or comprises the heater.
In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating product which releases one or more compounds by heating, but not burning, a substrate material. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material which may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.
In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.
In one embodiment, the tobacco heating product comprises a heater, a power supply capable of supplying power to the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or gel material.
In one embodiment the heating product is a non-electronic article.
In one embodiment the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or gel material, and a heat source which is capable of supplying heat energy to the aerosolizable substrate without any electronic means, such as by burning a combustion material, such as charcoal.
In one embodiment the heating product also comprises a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.
In some embodiments the aerosolizable substrate material may comprise an aerosol or aerosol generating agent or a humectant, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin or diethylene glycol.
In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system to generate aerosol by heating, but not burning, a combination of substrate materials. The substrate materials may comprise for example solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.
In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for a superior electronic aerosol provision system. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. An aerosol provision device for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising:

control circuitry for controlling an activation state of the aerosol provision device; and,

a detector arranged to detect a property associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control circuitry,

wherein the property is at least one of

i) device usage patterns;

ii) device usage time length;

iii) device usage location;

iv) user handling locations of device;

v) device movement by user,

wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving signals from the detector associated with a non-authorised user.

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

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

4. An aerosol provision device according to claim 1, further comprising age verification means, wherein the control circuitry is further arranged to send a signal to the age verification means in response to receiving signals from the detector associated with a non-authorised user.

5. An aerosol provision device according to claim 4, wherein the age verification means comprises at least one of: a face scanner; a fingerprint scanner; an iris scanner; a microphone; a camera; a mobile device; and, a communication module for communicating with a database.

6. An aerosol provision device according to claim 1, wherein the detector is arranged to detect a property associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control circuitry on a predetermined interval associated with the property.

7. An aerosol provision device according to claim 1, wherein the default activation state of the aerosol provision device is an operating state.

8. An aerosol provision device according to claim 1, wherein the detector is at least one of: a timer, a gyroscope, a heat sensor, an accelerometer, an altimeter, a pressure sensor, and a communication transceiver.

9. An aerosol-generating system for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising:

an aerosol provision device comprising control circuitry for controlling an activation state of the aerosol provision device; and,

wherein the property is at least one of

i) device usage patterns;

ii) device usage time length;

iii) device usage location;

iv) user handling locations of device;

v) device movement by user,

10. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 9, wherein the detector is not integral with the aerosol provision device.

11. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 9, further comprising age verification means, wherein the control circuitry is further arranged to send a signal to the age verification means in response to receiving signals from the detector associated with a non-authorised user.

12. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 11, wherein the age verification means is not integral with the aerosol provision device.

13. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 11, wherein the age verification means comprises at least one of: a face scanner; a fingerprint scanner; an iris scanner; a microphone; a camera; a mobile device; and, a communication module for communicating with a database.

14. An aerosol provision device according to claim 9, wherein the detector is arranged to detect a property associated with an authorised user and provide a signal to the control circuitry on a predetermined interval associated with the property.

15. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 9, wherein the detector is at least one of: a timer, a gyroscope, a heat sensor, an accelerometer, an altimeter, a pressure sensor, a communication transceiver; and a mobile device.

16. A method of providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the method comprising:

detecting, by a detector, a property associated with an authorised user of an aerosol provision device;

providing, by the detector, a signal to control circuitry of the aerosol provision device;

wherein the property is at least one of

i) device usage patterns;

ii) device usage time length;

iii) device usage location;

iv) user handling locations of device;

v) device movement by user,

updating, by the control circuitry, an activation state of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving signals from the detector associated with a non-authorised user.

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

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising updating an activation state of the aerosol provision device to an operating state in response to receiving signals from the detector associated with an authorised user.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising

sending, by the control circuitry, a signal to age verification means in response to receiving signals from the detector associated with a non-authorised user.

20. (canceled)