Aerosol delivery device with age verification based on grip information

Abstract

The present invention provides an aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol supply device comprising: a user input element configured to receive a grip input from a user; and a processor configured to determine grip information of the grip input, the processor configured to unlock the aerosol supply device from a locked state in response to the grip information indicating that an age of the user is greater than an age threshold.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device and an aerosol provision system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars, and the like, are lit during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to such articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. An example of such a product is a heating device that releases compounds by heating, rather than burning, a material. The material can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which can or can not contain nicotine. SUMMARY

[0003] According to a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising: a user input element configured to receive a grip input from a user; and a processor configured to determine grip information of the grip input, the processor configured to unlock the aerosol provision device from a locked state in response to the grip information indicating an age of the user greater than an age threshold.

[0004] The grip information can comprise a grip strength parameter. The grip strength parameter can comprise a grip force.

[0005] The grip information can comprise a grip size parameter. The grip size parameter can comprise a hand distance.

[0006] The grip information can comprise a grip temperature parameter.

[0007] The user input element can comprise a pressure sensor.

[0008] The user input element can comprise a capacitive sensor.

[0009] The user input element can comprise first and second contact sensors. The first and second contact sensors can be separated by a finger distance threshold. The age of a user whose fingers are separated by a distance exceeding the finger distance threshold (e.g. the distance between the little finger and the thumb or the distance between the little finger and the index finger) is likely to be greater than an age threshold.

[0010] The user input element can comprise a temperature sensor.

[0011] The processor can be configured to execute an age algorithm to determine an age or an approximate age of the user from the grip information.

[0012] The age algorithm can comprise using a lookup table to determine the age or approximate age of the user from the grip information.

[0013] The age algorithm may include a machine learning algorithm. This machine learning algorithm can be configured to learn in response to the grasping information.

[0014] The processor can be configured to maintain the aerosol supply device in an unlocked state for a predetermined period of time in response to the user input being received by the user input element. The processor can also be configured to restore the aerosol supply device to the locked state after the predetermined period of time.

[0015] The processor can be configured to maintain the aerosol supply device in an unlocked state for a predetermined number of uses in response to the user input being received by the user input element. The processor can also be configured to restore the aerosol supply device to the locked state after the predetermined number of uses.

[0016] The number of uses can be a predetermined number of puffs.

[0017] The predetermined number of uses can be a predetermined number of usage periods. The predetermined number of usage periods can be one usage period. The processor can be configured to return the aerosol supply device to the locked state in response to the end of the usage period.

[0018] The processor can be configured to keep the aerosol supply device in an unlocked state indefinitely in response to the user input being received by the user input element.

[0019] The processor can be configured to initiate the use period of one of the aerosol supply devices after the aerosol supply device is unlocked from the locked state.

[0020] The processor can be configured to prevent an aerosol generator from being activated when the aerosol supply device is in the locked state.

[0021] According to a second embodiment, an aerosol supply system is provided, comprising the aerosol supply device described above and an article containing the aerosol-generating material. The system may include any of the features described with respect to the first embodiment.

[0022] According to a third embodiment, a method for operating an aerosol dispensing device is provided, the method comprising: receiving a grip input from a user; determining a grip characteristic of the grip input; and unlocking the aerosol dispensing device from a locked state in response to the grip characteristic indicating that the user's age is greater than an age threshold. The method may include any of the features and / or functional steps described with respect to the first embodiment. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 Showing a front view of the aerosol supply system; Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the aerosol supply device; Figure 3 Demonstrates the method of operating the aerosol supply device; and Figures 4a to 4c A front view of the aerosol supply device. Detailed Implementation

[0024] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" refers to a material capable of generating aerosols, for example, upon heating, irradiation, or activation in any other way. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, solids, liquids, or gels, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. Aerosol-generating materials may include any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing materials, and may include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating materials may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, solids, liquids, gels, waxes, etc. Aerosol-generating materials may also be, for example, combinations or blends of materials. Aerosol-generating materials may also be referred to as "smokable materials."

[0025] The aerosol generating material may include a binder and an aerosol forming agent. Optionally, an active agent and / or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water may be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free of plant-based materials. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0026] The aerosol generating material may comprise or may be an "amorphous solid". The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid". In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a desiccant. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, internally. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may, for example, comprise about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solid.

[0027] Aerosol generating materials may include an aerosol generating membrane. The aerosol generating membrane may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form shredded flakes. The aerosol generating flakes or shredded flakes may be substantially tobacco-free.

[0028] According to this disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol delivery system is an aerosol delivery system (or its components) in which the aerosol generating material is not burned or ignited in order to deliver at least one substance to the user.

[0029] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0030] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also referred to as an electronic cigarette vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not required.

[0031] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also known as a heated non-combustible system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0032] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a mixing system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system includes liquid or gel aerosol-generating materials and solid aerosol-generating materials. The solid aerosol-generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0033] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0034] In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device. Throughout this disclosure, such consumables are sometimes referred to as items.

[0035] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as its non-flammable aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat-exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the heat-exothermic power source includes a carbon matrix that can be excited to distribute energy in the form of heat to the aerosol generating material or a heat transfer material adjacent to the heat-exothermic power source.

[0036] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for storing consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a nozzle, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0037] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer assembly, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a cover, a filter, a nozzle, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0038] Aerosol generating devices can accommodate objects containing aerosol generating materials for heating. In this context, an "object" is a component that includes or contains aerosol generating materials and optionally includes or contains other components during use, and is heated to cause the aerosol generating materials to volatilize. A user can insert the object into the aerosol generating device, then heat the object to generate an aerosol, which the user then inhales. For example, the object may have a predetermined or specific size configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device, the heating chamber being sized to accommodate the object.

[0039] See Figure 1 An aerosol delivery system 10 includes an aerosol delivery device 100 for generating aerosols from aerosol generating material. The aerosol delivery system 10 further includes a replaceable object 110, which includes aerosol generating material 111. In general, the aerosol generating device 100 can be used to heat the object 110 to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium to be inhaled by a user of the device 100.

[0040] The aerosol forming apparatus 100 includes a main body 102. A housing is configured to surround and accommodate various components of the main body 102. An object aperture 104 is formed at one end of the main body 102, through which an object 110 can be inserted for heating by an aerosol generator 116.

[0041] The device 100 may also include a user-operable control element 150, such as a button or switch, that operates the device 100 when pressed. For example, a user can turn on the device 100 by operating the switch 150.

[0042] The aerosol generator 116 defines a longitudinal axis 152 that is aligned with the axis of the object 110.

[0043] In use, the object 110 can be fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator 116, and the object can be heated in the aerosol generator by one or more components of the aerosol generator 116.

[0044] Apparatus 100 includes a device for heating aerosol-generating material. The device includes an aerosol-generating assembly, a controller (control circuitry), and an energy source. The device forms part of a main body 102. The aerosol-generating assembly is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material of an object 110 inserted through an object aperture 104, thereby generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. The energy source supplies electricity to the aerosol-generating assembly, and the aerosol-generating assembly converts the supplied electrical energy into heat energy for heating the aerosol-generating material. The energy source may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries.

[0045] An energy source can be electrically coupled to the aerosol generating assembly to supply power as needed and under the control of a controller, thereby heating the aerosol generating material. Control circuitry can be configured to activate and deactivate the aerosol generating assembly based on user input. User input can be via pressing a button or opening a door of the device (e.g., a door covering a consumable storage container). Control circuitry can be configured to automatically activate and deactivate, for example, upon insertion of an object.

[0046] An aerosol generation assembly may include various components for heating aerosol-generating materials via an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive heating element (such as a sensor) by electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly may include a sensing element, such as one or more inductor coils, and means for passing a changing current, such as alternating current, through the sensing element. The changing current in the sensing element generates a changing magnetic field. The changing magnetic field penetrates the sensor (heating element) suitably positioned relative to the sensing element and generates eddy currents within the sensor. The sensor has resistance to the eddy currents, and the flow of these eddy currents against this resistance causes the sensor to be heated by Joule heating. In cases where the sensor contains a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by hysteresis losses in the sensor, i.e., by the changing orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material due to their alignment with the changing magnetic field. In induction heating, compared to, for example, conduction heating, heat is generated within the sensor, thus allowing for rapid heating. In addition, there is no need for any physical contact between the sensing element and the sensor, which allows for greater freedom in construction and application.

[0047] See Figure 2 The aerosol supply device 100 includes a user input element 106, a processor 108, an energy storage device 114 (an energy source as described above), and an aerosol generator 116. The user input element 106 allows the user to provide grip input. The following section discusses... Figures 4a to 4c Describe the exemplary user input elements 106a-c.

[0048] See Figure 3This paper demonstrates a method 200 for operating an aerosol supply device 100. The method includes a user input step 202, an unlocking step 204, an aerosol generation step 206, and a locking step 208.

[0049] The aerosol supply device 100 starts in a locked state. In the locked state, the device processor 108 does not transfer energy from the device energy storage 114 to the aerosol generator 116. The aerosol generator 116 does not generate aerosols.

[0050] In user input step 202, the user input element receives grip input from the user. The processor determines the grip information of the grip input. The grip information includes grip strength parameters (e.g., force), grip size parameters (e.g., hand distance), and / or grip temperature parameters.

[0051] In some instances, processor 108 may determine a user's age or approximate age based on grip information. Processor 108 may execute an age algorithm to determine the user's age or approximate age based on the grip information. The age algorithm may include using a lookup table (e.g., based on grip information containing several parameters) to determine the user's age or approximate age. The age algorithm may include a machine learning algorithm. The machine learning algorithm can learn from the grip information. Therefore, the machine learning algorithm can be customized for a specific user. In response to the grip information not indicating that the user's age is greater than an age threshold, processor 108 keeps the aerosol dispensing device 100 locked. In cases where an approximate age is determined, the grip information may indicate that the user's age is unlikely to be greater than or significantly less than an age threshold.

[0052] In response to the grip information indicating that the user's age is greater than an age threshold, the processor 108 is configured to unlock the aerosol supply device 100 in unlocking step 204. The aerosol supply device 100 enters an unlocked state, in which activation of the aerosol generator 116 is permitted.

[0053] In some instances, processor 108 does not determine the user's age based on the grip information. Instead, the parameters of the grip information can be directly compared with a threshold to determine whether the user's age is greater than the age threshold.

[0054] In aerosol generation step 206, processor 108 controls aerosol generator 116 to generate aerosols. Processor 108 also controls energy storage unit 114 to supply power to aerosol generator 116 to generate aerosols.

[0055] In this example, processor 108 is configured to initiate a period of use in response to aerosol delivery device 100 entering an unlocked state (where the aerosol-generating material is heated and can be inhaled multiple times by the user). In other examples, additional user input (e.g., button press) is required to induce aerosol generation.

[0056] In locking step 208, processor 108 returns aerosol supply device 100 to a locked state. In this example, processor 108 returns aerosol supply device 100 to a locked state after a predetermined number of uses, which is the end of the usage period (i.e., the predetermined number of uses is a single usage period). In other examples, the device processor may return the aerosol supply device to a locked state after a predetermined period has elapsed. In other examples, locking step 208 may not occur, and aerosol supply device 100 may remain in an unlocked state.

[0057] See Figure 4a The image shows an aerosol supply device 100 with a first user input element 106a. The first user input element 106a includes a pressure sensor 120.

[0058] Pressure sensor 120 is assembled to receive grip input, from which a grip strength parameter can be determined. The grip strength parameter is a gripping force. Pressure sensor 120 is positioned on one side of aerosol supply device 100.

[0059] The processor 108 determines the gripping force based on the signal from the pressure sensor 120. As described above, the processor 108 can determine the user's age or approximate age based on the gripping force, or it can directly compare the gripping force with a threshold value to determine whether the user's age is greater than the age threshold value.

[0060] See Figure 4b The image shows an aerosol supply device 100 with a second user input element 106b. The second user input element 106b includes a pressure sensor 120 as described above.

[0061] The second user input element 106b further includes a temperature sensor 122. The temperature sensor 122 is located on one side of the aerosol supply device 100. The temperature sensor 122 is located on the side of the aerosol supply device 100 opposite to the pressure sensor 120.

[0062] Temperature sensor 122 is assembled to receive gripping input, and the gripping strength parameter can be determined based on the gripping input. The gripping strength parameter is the gripping temperature.

[0063] Processor 108 determines the grip temperature based on a signal from temperature sensor 122. Processor 108 executes an age algorithm to determine the user's age based on grip strength and grip temperature. The age algorithm includes using a lookup table to determine the user's age based on the grip information.

[0064] See Figure 4c The image shows an aerosol supply device 100 with a third user input element 106c. The third user input element 106c includes a first contact sensor 124a and a second contact sensor 124b. The third user input element 106c is configured to receive grip input, from which grip size parameters can be determined.

[0065] The first contact sensor 124a is located on one side of the aerosol supply device 100. The second contact sensor 124b is located on one end of the aerosol supply device 100. The first contact sensor 124a and the second contact sensor 124b are spaced apart from each other by a finger distance threshold (in this example, when one contact sensor is on the side and the other contact sensor is at the end, the finger distance threshold is the distance between the little finger and the thumb).

[0066] When a user covers both the first contact sensor 124a and the second contact sensor 124b with their hand, the third user input element 106c provides a signal to the processor 108, wherein the hand completes the circuitry between the first contact sensor 124a and the second contact sensor 124b. Due to the distance between the first contact sensor 124a and the second contact sensor 124b, the hand can only complete the circuitry between these sensors if it is of sufficient size. This means that the signal sent to the processor 108 provides grip information about the grip size parameters, thereby indicating that the user's age is likely greater than an age threshold.

[0067] In the embodiments described above, the aerosol supply device includes a heating configuration configured for induction heating. In other embodiments, other types of heating configurations, such as resistance heating, are used. The configuration of the device is generally as described above and therefore a detailed description will be omitted. In these configurations, the aerosol generation assembly includes a resistance heating generator comprising components for heating a heating element via a resistance heating process. In this case, current is applied directly to the resistance heating element, and the resulting current flow in the heating element causes the heating element to be heated by Joule heating. The resistance heating element comprises a resistive material configured to generate heat when a suitable current passes through it, and the heating assembly includes electrical contacts for supplying current to the resistive material.

[0068] In one embodiment, the heating element itself forms a resistance heating element. In another embodiment, heat is transferred to the heating element, for example, by conduction.

[0069] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as representative examples of embodiments only and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other variations described herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or as limiting the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or substantially consist of suitable combinations of the disclosed components, elements, features, portions, steps, components, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials, the aerosol supply device comprising: A user input element, configured to receive grip input from a user; and A processor is configured to determine the grip information of the grip input, and the processor is configured to unlock the aerosol supply device from a locked state in response to the grip information indicating that one of the user's ages is greater than an age threshold.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the gripping information includes a gripping strength parameter.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 2, wherein the gripping strength parameter is a force.

4. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gripping information includes a gripping size parameter.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 4, wherein the gripping dimension parameter is a hand distance.

6. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gripping information includes a gripping temperature parameter.

7. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the user input element includes a pressure sensor.

8. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the user input element comprises a capacitive sensor.

9. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the user input element includes a temperature sensor.

10. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the processor is configured to execute an age algorithm to determine the age of one of the users from the grip information.

11. The aerosol delivery device of claim 10, wherein the age algorithm includes using a lookup table to determine the user's age from the grip information.

12. The aerosol supply device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the age algorithm comprises a machine learning algorithm.

13. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the processor is configured to maintain the aerosol supply device in an unlocked state for a predetermined period of time or a predetermined number of uses in response to the user input being received by the user input element.

14. The aerosol supply device of claim 13, wherein the processor is configured to restore the aerosol supply device to the locked state after the predetermined time period or predetermined number of uses.

15. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the processor is configured to maintain the aerosol supply device in an unlocked state indefinitely in response to the user input being received by the user input element.

16. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the processor is further configured to initiate a period of use of the aerosol supply device after the aerosol supply device is unlocked from the locked state.

17. An aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and an article comprising the aerosol generating material.

18. A method of operating an aerosol supply device, the method comprising: Receive grip input from one of the users; Determine one of the gripping characteristics of the gripping input; and The aerosol delivery device is unlocked from a locked state in response to the gripping feature indicating that one of the users is older than an age threshold.

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