WO2023139373A1

WO2023139373A1 - Aerosol provision system

Info

Publication number: WO2023139373A1
Application number: PCT/GB2023/050103
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert KERSEY; Nicholas ROSSER; Darryl BAKER; Connor BRUTON; Mark Crosier
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2022-01-21
Filing date: 2023-01-19
Publication date: 2023-07-27
Anticipated expiration: 2024-07-21
Also published as: JP2025502951A; US20250098787A1; GB202200785D0; KR20240113962A; EP4465848A1; CN118541049A

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device comprising: control circuitry to control a performance state of the aerosol provision device, the control circuitry comprising a memory, the control circuitry arranged to store performance details of the aerosol provision device in the memory; and, a detector for detecting a property of an aerosol generating article and providing a signal to the control circuitry, and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosolisable material, wherein the aerosol generating article includes a data storage unit configured to store an identifier identifying a property of the aerosol generating article, and wherein the detector is configured to detect the property of the identifier and, provide a signal to the control circuitry, the control circuitry configured to store performance details of the aerosol provision device corresponding to the property of the identifier and use of the aerosol provision device, and wherein, at a predetermined performance detail, the control circuitry is configured to provide a signal to a user and update a performance state of the aerosol provision device.

Description

AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision system, an aerosol provision device, a method of providing an aerosol from an aerosol provision system, and aerosol provision means.

Background

Aerosol provision 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. Modem 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 system comprising: an aerosol provision device comprising: control circuitry to control a performance state of the aerosol provision device, the control circuitry comprising a memory, the control circuitry arranged to store performance details of the aerosol provision device in the memory; and, a detector for detecting a property of an aerosol generating article and providing a signal to the control circuitry, and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosolisable material, wherein the aerosol generating article includes a data storage unit configured to store an identifier identifying a property of the aerosol generating article, and wherein the detector is configured to detect the property of the identifier and, provide a signal to the control circuitry, the control circuitry configured to store performance details of the aerosol provision device corresponding to the property of the identifier and use of the aerosol provision device, and wherein, at a predetermined performance detail, the control circuitry is configured to provide a signal to a user and update a performance state of the aerosol provision device.

Such a system is able to ensure that a user is informed when a performance detail of the aerosol provision device has reached a predetermined performance detail. In particular, in the event that a user has used a device for an overly long period of time (i.e. the performance detail for time usage has reached a predetermined time usage level such that an indication is to be made), the user may be accordingly informed. Further to this, the system may update the performance state of the aerosol provision device, such as to render the device inactive for a subsequent period of time, which may have been selected or pre-programmed by a user or manufacturer. In such a way, a user’s experience of the system may be improved by way of the setting, and adhering to, objective guidelines within which the system should be, or is agreed to be, used.

Accordingly, the user of the system can be protected and the system itself can be protected from overuse. An additional element of protection is by the signal provided to the user. Some users may desire a system which is able to track their usage and provide indications of the usage accordingly. In such a system as proposed herein, the user is provided with signals when a predetermined performance detail is reached or passed. In such a way, the user may be informed and can act accordingly, such as changing their usage. Furthermore, if an update occurs to the performance state of the aerosol provision device, the indication ensures the user appreciates why the device has had the update in the performance state. This accordingly improves the user’s experience of the system. In such a way, therefore the proposed system protects both the system and the user as well as improves the user’s experience of the system.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: control circuitry to control a performance state of the aerosol provision device, the control circuitry comprising a memory; and, a detector for detecting a property of an aerosol generating article and providing a signal to the control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to store performance details of the aerosol provision device in the memory, wherein the detector is configured to detect the property of an aerosol generating article and, provide a signal to the control circuitry, the control circuitry configured to store performance details of the aerosol provision device corresponding to the property of the aerosol generating article and use of the aerosol provision device, and wherein, at a predetermined performance detail, the control circuitry is configured to provide a signal to a user and update a performance state of the aerosol provision device.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of providing an aerosol from an aerosol provision system, the method comprising: providing an aerosol provision device comprising control circuitry to control a performance state of the aerosol provision device, the control circuitry comprising a memory, the control circuitry arranged to store performance details of the aerosol provision device in the memory; and, a detector for detecting a property of an aerosol generating article and providing a signal to the control circuitry; providing aerosol generating article comprising an aerosolisable material, wherein the aerosol generating article includes a data storage unit configured to store an identifier identifying a property of the aerosol generating article; detecting by the detector, the property of the aerosol generating article; storing, by the control circuitry, performance details of the aerosol provision device corresponding to the property of the identifier and use of the aerosol provision device; and, at a predetermined performance detail, providing, by the control circuitry, a signal to a user and updating a performance state of the aerosol provision device.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided aerosol provision means comprising: control circuitry means to control a performance state of the aerosol provision means, the control circuitry means comprising memory means, the control circuitry means arranged to store performance details of the aerosol provision means in the memory means; and, detecting means for detecting a property of an aerosol generating article and providing a signal to the control circuitry means, and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosolisable material, wherein the aerosol generating article includes a data storage unit configured to store identifying means identifying a property of the aerosol generating article, and wherein the detecting means is configured to detect the property of the identifying means and, provide a signal to the control circuitry means, the control circuitry means configured to store performance details of the aerosol provision means corresponding to the property of the identifying means and use of the aerosol provision means, and wherein, at a predetermined performance detail, the control circuitry means is configured to provide a signal to a user and update a performance state of the aerosol provision means.

Description of Drawings

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

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

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

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

Figure 4 is a flow diagram according to an example.

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

Detailed Description

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed / described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol provision systems, such as e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term “e-cigarette” or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol provision system / device and electronic aerosol provision system / device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of an example of an aerosol provision system 100 according to the present invention. The aerosol provision system 100 has an aerosol provision device 110. The aerosol provision device 110 has control circuitry 112 to control a performance state of the aerosol provision device 110. The control circuitry 112 comprises a memory 114. The control circuitry 112 is arranged to store performance details of the aerosol provision device 110 in the memory 114. The aerosol provision device 110 has a detector 116 for detecting a property of an aerosol generating article 120 and providing a signal to the control circuitry 112. The aerosol provision system 100 has an aerosol generating article 120 comprising an aerosolisable material. The aerosol generating article 120 comprises a data storage unit 122. The data storage unit is configured to store an identifier 124 identifying a property of the aerosol generating article 120. The detector 116 is configured to detect the property of the identifier 124 and provide a signal to the control circuitry 112. The control circuitry 112 is configured to store performance details of the aerosol provision device 110 corresponding to the property of the identifier 124 and use of the aerosol provision device 110. At a predetermined performance detail, the control circuitry 112 is configured to provide a signal to a user and update a performance state of the aerosol provision device 110.

The “performance state” of the aerosol provision device 110 may, broadly, be considered as one or more of operating or non-operating states. Signals provided by the detector 116 may be received by the control circuitry 112 and ultimately result in updating the aerosol provision device 110 from one performance state to another.

In an “operating state”, elements of the aerosol provision device 110 used to generate an aerosol (such as an atomiser, heater or the like) may be activated. The specific activation of the device 110 may require an additional input which may be user inhalation on the device 110, a user pressing a button on the device 110 or the like, alternatively the device 110 may automatically generate aerosol by the heater upon receiving a signal, regarding the performance details of the aerosol provision device 110, from the control circuitry 112. In a “non-operating state”, elements of the aerosol provision device 110 used to generate an aerosol (such as an atomiser, heater or the like) may not be activated. In this example, inhaling on the device 110 or pressing a button makes no impact on the heater or atomiser etc.

The term “operating state” may refer to a number of states in which the device 110 can be operated, with variations between these states (such as heating profile). Similarly the term “non-operating state” may refer to a number of states in which the device 110 cannot be operated, with variations between these states (such as the requirements for returning the device to an operating state).

The “performance details” of the aerosol provision device 110 correspond to both the property of the identifier 124 and the use of the aerosol provision device 110. In particular, performance details can relate to operating details of the aerosol provision device 110 such as the operating time of the aerosol provision device 110 or the operating conditions of the aerosol provision device 110 or the like. Performance details can also relate to usage details of a user. The operating conditions may refer to the heating profile used by the aerosol provision device 110, the highest temperatures used in the provision of an aerosol, the lowest temperatures, the form of heating which might be direct e.g. via conduction or indirect e.g. via induction, the type of heater which might be materials used or shape of heater, or the electrical properties of the relevant components (voltages used, currents used etc). The usage details of a user may relate to number of inhalations on the aerosol provision device 110, depth or volume of those inhalations, regularity of usage of the aerosol provision device 110 or the like.

The “property” of the aerosol generating article 120 relates to the make up of the aerosol generating article 120. The property may be any of a chemical composition of the aerosolisable material of the aerosol generating article 120, a strength of the aerosolisable material of the aerosol generating article 120, a size of the aerosol generating article 120 which relates to the amount of the aerosolisable material in the aerosol generating article 120 and, a rating of the aerosol generating article 120. The rating of the aerosol generating article 120 may relate to whether the aerosol generating article 120 is from a batch that has a particularly high concentration of one compound, has multiple aerosolisable materials within the aerosol generating article 120, or any other relevant factor. Such properties enables the aerosol provision device 110 to recognise the aerosol generating article 120 and determine in a precise way the properties of the aerosol provided by the aerosol provision system 100. In an example, the detector 116 detects the identifier 124 and the system 100 notes the property associated with the identifier 124. The system 100 can then act accordingly from this property as is described herein.

With the performance details of the aerosol provision device 110 and the property of the aerosol generating article 120 known, the system 100 is able to accurately characterise the usage and the impact of that usage of the system 100. In particular, if a performance detail of the aerosol provision device 110 is such that the aerosol provision device 110 has been used by a user for 8 puffs in 1 minute via a standard heating profile and heating means, and the property of the aerosol generating article 120 alongside the performance details of that standard heating profile indicates that the aerosol generating article 120 provides 0.1 mg of nicotine per puff, a notable performance detail may be that the user has been provided with 0.8 mg of nicotine in that 1 minute session. The system 100 may have a predetermined performance detail for the performance detail “nicotine supplied in a set time period”. If this performance detail is reached or exceeded, the control circuitry 112 may provide a signal to user and update, by altering or otherwise, a performance state of the aerosol provision device 110.

In an example where the performance detail for nicotine supplied in a set time period is exceeded, the performance state of the aerosol provision device 110 may be updated from an operating state to a non-operating state. By updating the aerosol provision device 110 performance state to a non-operating state, the user can be prevented from excessive usage of the system 100. In this way, predetermined levels can be adhered to by a user assisted by the present system 100. Furthermore, by changing the system 100 to a non-operating state, a greater level of predetermined control can be provided over usage of the system 100. In particular, if the predetermined levels are programmed by or agreed with the user, the user will have a greater buy in to accept the adhering to the limits. In this way, the user experience of the system 100 may be improved.

In another example where the performance detail for nicotine supplied in a set time period is exceeded, the performance state of the aerosol provision device 110 may be updated from a first operating state to a second operating state. The second operating state may have amended performance details, for example heating the heater to a lower maximum temperature so as to release less of a particular compound, or providing less total aerosol per puff. In this way, the usage of the system 100 may be managed according to the predetermined levels of performance. Furthermore, by updating the performance state of the system 100 to an operating state, a user is able to continue using the system 100 while remaining below a threshold for a particular performance detail. In this example, continued use may raise a performance detail above a second predetermined performance detail, at which point the control circuitry 112 may provide a second signal and update the performance state of the aerosol provision device 110 to a non-operating state, or a third operating state which may have further amended performance details.

The identifier 124 may be a coded identifier such as a QR code or a bar code or the like which can be read by the detector 116. The detector 116 corresponds to the identifier 124, and/or the data storage unit, such that, the detector 116 can obtain the data on the identifier 124. For example, if the identifier 124 is a QR code, the detector 116 is a QR code reader. The identifier 124 may be an RFID and the detector 116 may be an RFID reader. Other identifier/detector pairs are possible. In examples, the detector 116 is able to detect the property of the identifier 124.

In the example shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generating article 120 is shown located inside the aerosol provision device 110 forming the aerosol provision system 100. In this example, the aerosol generating article 120 may be inserted into the housing of the aerosol provision device 110. In this way, when located inside the aerosol provision device 110 the detector 116 may detect the property of the aerosol generating article 120 from the identifier 124. The aerosol generating article 120 may be a consumable or a cartridge containing an aerosolisable material which is inserted into the aerosol provision device 110 and then discarded after use.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is a shown a similar system 200 to the system 100 of Figure 1. Similar features, to those features used in Figure 1, are shown with the reference numerals increased by 100. For example, the system 100 of Figure 1 is similar to the system 200 of Figure 2. Similar or identical features may not be discussed for conciseness. The system 200 of Figure 2 has an indicating element 218 for indicating to the user a signal from the control circuitry 212 of the aerosol provision device 210. The indicating element 218 is connected to the control circuitry 212 of the aerosol provision device 210.

The indicating element 218 may be a display, for displaying a visual signal to the user. The indicating element 218 may be a haptic mechanism, for providing a haptic signal to the user. The indicating element 218 may be a light array, for providing a visual signal to the user. In this way, the user may be informed that a predetermined performance detail has been reached or exceeded. The user may be alerted that a predetermined performance detail has been reached or exceeded by a message on a display, which may be text or pictures or the like. The haptic arrangement may provide a series of signals (e.g. vibrations or the like) to the user to indicate that a predetermined performance detail has been reached or exceeded. The light array may provide colours associated with levels of performance details, where for example red indicates a performance detail has exceeded (or met) a predetermined level and green indicates the performance detail is below a predetermined level.

In an example of the present system 200, the system 200 may provide one indication to the user prior to updating the performance state to a non-operating state. In this instance, for example, the system 200 may function as normal until the predetermined performance detail is exceeded, met, or, depending on the specific performance detail, dropped below. At this point, the control circuitry 212 may provide an indication to the user via the indicating element 218. In an example, a haptic mechanism provides a series of short vibrations and the system 100 is updated to a non-operating state. In this way, the user is prevented from what may be over use of the system 200 and is informed that the system 200 is in a non-operating state. This improves the users understanding of the system 200 and therefore improves the user experience of the system 200.

The user may be provided with indications as the specific performance detail approaches the predetermined performance detail. For example, if the system 200 is to be used 9 times a day at most, the system 200 may provide a first indication at 3 uses (for example one short vibration), a second indication at 6 uses (for example two short vibrations) and then a final indication at 9 uses (for example three short vibrations) and update the performance state to a non-operating state. In this way, the user is provided with an update on the usage of the system 200 and an understanding as to why the device 210 is put in a non-operating state.

In the example above, the control circuitry 212 may be configured to provide a signal to a user via the indication element 218 and update a performance state of the aerosol provision device 210 to a different operating state after 3 uses and a further different operating state after 6 uses. Each operating state may be predetermined to provide a desirable different effect, such as a decrease in production of compounds or total aerosol over the uses of the system 200 over the course of the day.

The updated performance state may take into account the identity of the aerosol generating article 220. In an example, while the aerosol provision device 210 may be used for 9 times a day, the corresponding aerosol generating article 220 may be used only for one smoking session of 10 puffs. As such, after the aerosol generating article 220 is used for ten puffs, the control circuitry 212 may update the aerosol provision device 210 to a non-operating state and send an indication to the user that the aerosol generating article 220 needs replacing. This may take the form of a different signal to the user. In the example above, short vibrations may be used to indicate uses of the aerosol provision device 210, while a long or continuous vibration may be used to indicate that the aerosol generating article 220 is depleted and should be replaced. Alternatively, series of lights from a light array, or LEDs or the like may be used, with different colours indicating different reasons for the change to the performance state. Alternatively again, messages or images may be displayed on the display.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is a shown a similar system 300 to the system 200 of Figure 2. Similar features, to those features used in Figure 2, are shown with the reference numerals increased by 100. For example, the system 200 of Figure 2 is similar to the system 300 of Figure 3. Similar or identical features may not be discussed for conciseness.

The aerosol provision device 310 of Figure 3 has a heater 319. The heater 319 may be a heating element, atomiser, heater, vibrating plate or the like suitable for forming an aerosol from an aerosol generating article 320. The heater 319 is connected to the control circuitry 312. The control circuitry 312, upon updating a performance state of the aerosol provision device 310, may send a signal to the heater 319 to either operate, such that an aerosol is produced, or not operate, such that an aerosol is not produced. In this way, the control circuitry 312 may be configured to update a performance state of the aerosol provision device 310 to, e.g., a non-operating state upon detecting that a predetermined performance detail has been met.

The level for the predetermined performance detail may be set by the manufacturer and recorded in the memory 314 of the control circuitry 312. The manufacturer can set these based on best use practices as understood at the factory. The level for the predetermined performance detail may alternatively or additionally be set by the user, and may be editable by a user. In this instance, the user has more flexibility of use and more buy-in as such, limits set by the user may be better adhered to by the user. Alternatively, the level for the predetermined performance detail may be held remotely in a data store and accessed by a communications element in the control circuitry 312 of the device 310. In this way, updates to the level of the predetermined performance detail can occur without needing to download such updates to be stored on the device 310, rather the device 310 can update the predetermined levels remotely. In this way, if a level is deemed as being incorrectly set, changes are easily rolled out to all devices 310 in use.

The determination of the level for the predetermined performance detail depends on both the properties of the aerosol generating article 320 being used and the related performance details of the aerosol provision device 310 being used. For example, a high nicotine content aerosol generating article 320 should have a different level set for, say, number of inhalations, in comparison to a low nicotine content aerosol for the same aerosol provision device 310 with the same heating conditions. Similarly, an aerosol provision device 310 using a high temperature, longer heating protocol should have a different level set for number of inhalations, in comparison to an aerosol provision device 310 using a low temperature, shorter heating protocol. However, some performance details may stay the same, e.g. amount of nicotine provided over a set period of time. As such, it is important that the determination of the level for the predetermined performance detail is accurate. This determination may take place by using the details of the aerosol generating article 320 and the model, or the requested heating profile, of the aerosol provision device 310. Such qualities may be checked against a database which can inform the control circuitry 312 as to the levels for the relevant predetermined performance details. As mentioned above, this database may be stored on board the device 310, for example in the memory 314, or stored remotely and accessed by a communications element of the aerosol provision device 310 as required.

Storing the database on board the device 310, may be advantageous as the system 300 need not have a communications element in the system 300 and it need not be connected to a communications network to access a remotely held database prior to each use session.

Storing the database remotely and connecting to it via a communication element may be advantageous as the system 300 need not include the database in the memory 314 and the database can be remotely updated ensuring the device 310 need not have the on board database regularly updated such that recently amended aerosol generating articles 320 (amended in terms of composition or the like) are accurately assessed in terms of their contribution to the predetermined performance detail level.

While the performance state, operating or non-operating, may be dictated by the control circuitry 312, the user may initiate activation of the heater 319 from an additional input, such as a button or by puffing on the device 310. In this arrangement, the control circuitry 312 may determine that the performance detail has not met the predetermined performance detail, and allow the user to operate the heater 319 by pressing a button or puffing or the like. In this way, the user experience is uninterrupted when the performance detail has not met the predetermined performance detail.

In contrast, when the performance detail has met the predetermined performance detail, the control circuitry 312 may prevent the heater 319 from operating in spite of user attempts to activate it via a button or puffing. In this way, the protection to the user and the system 300 is provided by the proposed arrangement.

Figure 4 shows a method 400 of use of an aerosol provision system. In the method 400, the device may start in a default, operating, state 402. In this state, the user can activate the heater. When a user inserts an aerosol generating article into the aerosol provision device, the detector detects the property of the aerosol generating article 404. The detector may send a signal to the control circuitry according to the detected property of the aerosol generating article. The device may be used to provide an aerosol by a user as discussed above 406. As also discussed above, the control circuitry stores performance details of the use of the device 408.

While no performance details reach their respective predetermined performance detail (as calculated from the property of the aerosol generating article and the usage of the device), the method continues to step 410. Subsequently, the performance state of the device is updated to an operating state 412. This operating state may be the same as the default operating state in step 402 or an amended operating state as discussed above (e.g. with reduced heating temperatures, aerosol production or the like). The method then goes back to the control circuitry storing performance details 408.

If a performance detail reaches a predetermined performance detail (as calculated from the property of the aerosol generating article and the usage of the device) the method moves to step 420. An indication is provided to the user 422, as discussed above this may be in the form of a visual or haptic signal, though it may also or alternatively be an aural signal. From this signal, the user is aware that a predetermined performance detail has been reached. The performance state of the device is updated to a non-operating state 424. In this instance, the user may not be able to operate the device. Such a state may be overcome by, e.g., waiting until the predetermined performance detail level has returned to an acceptable level. Alternatively, as explained above, this may relate to the provision of a further aerosol generating article.

In some instances, the non-operating state may be a locked state. A locked state may be used when repeated attempts to use the device while in a non-operating state have occurred. In this way, the device can be protected against attempted hacks or misuse or the like. Similarly, the user may be provided with an indication that such attempts have been made, in case an unauthorised user has attempted to use the device without permission, or that a large number of requests have occurred during a non-operating period. The locked state may be changed back to a default, non-operating or operating state by the input of a password, passcode, passkey, alphanumerical sequence or the like as might be known only by the intended user. This increases the overall protection provided to the device by the present system. As mentioned above, the term “operating state” refers to a state in which the system may be used to provide an aerosol. A system may have a large number of “operating states” or just one. Specific heating profiles (fast, slow, high temperature, low temperature, etc.) or specific heating mechanisms (heater element, atomiser, vibrating plate, etc.) may be used or interchanged or the like, as performance details approach predetermined performance details (e.g. as the total nicotine delivered to a user increases, a heating profile designed to produce less nicotine may be used to extend the period of use of the device for a user). Furthermore, specific, particularly efficient or effective, heating profiles or mechanisms may be used on identified aerosol generating articles as desired or programmed into the control circuitry. As such, specific operating states may dictate the overall performance of the system and therefore the levels of the performance details. In this way, the performance state of step 412 may be updated to a different more suitable operating state, once a performance detail reaches a level that, while not the predetermined level to suggest non-operation of the device, is towards that predetermined level. This arrangement provides a much greater level of editable control over the performance and output of the system than in present systems.

The updates to the performance states described herein may be enforced or may be suggested. The device may have an inbuilt override that a user can activate so that their desired usage of the device is provided. The override may require a password or the like as described above.

As the proposed system accounts for both aerosol generating articles and specific aerosol provision devices, the databases comparing performance details alongside the property of the aerosol generating articles are able to note that it may be allowable to operate device 1 on aerosol generating article 1 using performance details 1 for 10 minutes in a 2 hour period (taking the specific performance detail as operational time over a given time period), while it may be allowable to operate device 2 on aerosol generating article 2 using performance details 2 for 5 minutes in a 2 hour period. In such a way, the system provides bespoke protection and output across a large range of variables for a large range of users.

In a particular example, the device disclosed herein may operate with a flavour pod which is replaceable in the device. 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 or aerosol generating article, the aerosol provision device as disclosed herein may be referred to as an aerosol provision system.

Thus there has been described an aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device comprising: control circuitry to control a performance state of the aerosol provision device, the control circuitry comprising a memory, the control circuitry arranged to store performance details of the aerosol provision device in the memory; and, a detector for detecting a property of an aerosol generating article and providing a signal to the control circuitry, and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosolisable material, wherein the aerosol generating article includes a data storage unit configured to store an identifier identifying a property of the aerosol generating article, and wherein the detector is configured to detect the property of the identifier and, provide a signal to the control circuitry, the control circuitry configured to store performance details of the aerosol provision device corresponding to the property of the identifier and use of the aerosol provision device, and wherein, at a predetermined performance detail, the control circuitry is configured to provide a signal to a user and update a performance state of the aerosol provision device.

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

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

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

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

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

In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for a superior electronic aerosol provision system. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. An aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device comprising: control circuitry to control a performance state of the aerosol provision device, the control circuitry comprising a memory, the control circuitry arranged to store performance details of the aerosol provision device in the memory; and, a detector for detecting a property of an aerosol generating article and providing a signal to the control circuitry, and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosolisable material, wherein the aerosol generating article includes a data storage unit configured to store an identifier identifying a property of the aerosol generating article, and wherein the detector is configured to detect the property of the identifier and, provide a signal to the control circuitry, the control circuitry configured to store performance details of the aerosol provision device corresponding to the property of the identifier and use of the aerosol provision device, and wherein, at a predetermined performance detail, the control circuitry is configured to provide a signal to a user and update a performance state of the aerosol provision device.

2. An aerosol provision system according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol provision device further comprises at least one of: a display, for displaying a visual signal to the user; a haptic mechanism, for providing a haptic signal to the user; and, a light array, for providing a visual signal to the user.

3. An aerosol provision system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the property of the aerosol generating article is at least one of: chemical composition of the aerosolisable material of the aerosol generating article; a strength of the aerosol generating article; a size of the aerosol generating article; and, a rating of the aerosol generating article.

4. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the performance details are at least one of: operating time of the aerosol provision device; operating conditions of the aerosol provision device; and, usage details of a user.

5. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control circuitry is configured to update a performance state of the aerosol provision device to a nonoperating state upon detecting that a performance detail of the aerosol provision device has reached a predetermined non-operating performance detail.

6. An aerosol provision system according to claim 5, wherein the control circuitry is configured to update a performance state of the aerosol provision device to a locked state upon detecting that the performance detail has reached a predetermined lock performance detail.

7. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control circuitry is configured to update a performance state of the aerosol provision device to an operating state upon detecting that a performance detail of the aerosol provision device has reached a predetermined operating performance detail.

8. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to access a database of properties of aerosol generating articles and related performance details of aerosol provision devices.

9. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the memory stores a database of properties of aerosol generating articles and related performance details of aerosol provision devices.

10. An aerosol provision device comprising: control circuitry to control a performance state of the aerosol provision device, the control circuitry comprising a memory; and, a detector for detecting a property of an aerosol generating article and providing a signal to the control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to store performance details of the aerosol provision device in the memory, wherein the detector is configured to detect the property of an aerosol generating article and, provide a signal to the control circuitry, the control circuitry configured to store performance details of the aerosol provision device corresponding to the property of the aerosol generating article and use of the aerosol provision device, and wherein, at a predetermined performance detail, the control circuitry is configured to provide a signal to a user and update a performance state of the aerosol provision device.

11. An aerosol provision device according to claim 10, wherein the aerosol provision device further comprises at least one of: a display, for displaying a visual signal to the user; a haptic mechanism, for providing a haptic signal to the user; and, a light array, for providing a visual signal to the user.

12. An aerosol provision system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the performance details are at least one of: operating time of the aerosol provision device; operating conditions of the aerosol provision device; and, usage details of a user.

13. A method of providing an aerosol from an aerosol provision system, the method comprising: providing an aerosol provision device comprising control circuitry to control a performance state of the aerosol provision device, the control circuitry comprising a memory, the control circuitry arranged to store performance details of the aerosol provision device in the memory; and, a detector for detecting a property of an aerosol generating article and providing a signal to the control circuitry; providing aerosol generating article comprising an aerosolisable material, wherein the aerosol generating article includes a data storage unit configured to store an identifier identifying a property of the aerosol generating article; detecting by the detector, the property of the aerosol generating article; storing, by the control circuitry, performance details of the aerosol provision device corresponding to the property of the identifier and use of the aerosol provision device; and, at a predetermined performance detail, providing, by the control circuitry, a signal to a user and updating a performance state of the aerosol provision device.

14. A method according to claim 13, further comprising: accessing, by the control circuitry, a database of properties of aerosol generating articles and related performance details of aerosol provision devices.

15. Aerosol provision means comprising:

An aerosol provision device comprising: control circuitry means to control a performance state of the aerosol provision device, the control circuitry means comprising memory means, the control circuitry means arranged to store performance details of the aerosol provision device in the memory means; and, detecting means for detecting a property of an aerosol generating article and providing a signal to the control circuitry means, and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosolisable material, wherein the aerosol generating article includes data storage means configured to store identifying means identifying a property of the aerosol generating article, and wherein the detecting means is configured to detect the property of the identifying means and, provide a signal to the control circuitry means, the control circuitry means configured to store performance details of the aerosol provision device corresponding to the property of the identifying means and use of the aerosol provision device, and wherein, at a predetermined performance detail, the control circuitry means is configured to provide a signal to a user and update a performance state of the aerosol provision device.