Aerosol supply equipment

Abstract

An aerosol supply device configured to generate aerosols is provided, the aerosol supply device comprising: a control unit configured to process data describing one or more operating parameters of the aerosol supply device; a display unit configured to display a visual scheme; and a communication interface configured to transmit information describing the visual scheme between the aerosol supply device and a remote virtual service, the remote virtual service hosting data records of virtual objects in a virtual environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol supply device, system, and method. Background Technology

[0002] The concept of a virtual user environment (sometimes called a virtual world), in which multiple users can interact both with the virtual user environment and with each other, has been known for several years. Such virtual worlds can be referred to individually or collectively as the “metaverse.” Since the term “metaverse” was used in Neal Stephenson’s 1992 novel “Snow Crash” (first edition ISBN 0-553-08853-X), many authors and companies have created content and / or virtual worlds that can be considered contributions to the concept of the metaverse.

[0003] Examples of such virtual user environments include individual gaming environments (such as game worlds where users can control avatars to interact with the game world), shared gaming environments (such as game worlds where users can control avatars to interact with the game world and one or more other player avatars within the game world, such as multiplayer games that may occur from a single gaming device), online shared gaming environments (such as game worlds where users can control avatars to interact with one or more player avatars within the game world, such as multiplayer games that may occur using multiple gaming devices connected via communication channels), and large-scale multiplayer online gaming environments (such as game worlds where users can control avatars to interact with many player avatars within the game world, such as large-scale multiplayer online games that may occur using multiple gaming devices connected via communication networks, and often occur on dedicated game servers hosting the game world). Other examples of such virtual user environments include virtual world environments, which include office spaces, meeting rooms, or other non-gaming environments. Working from home can be linked to virtual workspaces to increase engagement and enhance the similarity between virtual workspaces and unofficial office spaces (as is common in many work-from-home models).

[0004] For real-world users to interact with virtual user environments (such as virtual worlds, metaverses, or the metaverse), digital interface devices of various forms are used. For some virtual world experiences, the digital interface device can be a personal computer-type device (using so-called desktop computer hardware or so-called laptop hardware, regardless of the operating system and any input device such as a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, game controller, etc.) or a so-called mobile device (such as a tablet, smartphone, phablet, etc., regardless of whether the input is performed using a physical device such as a keypad or a touch-sensitive device such as a touchscreen). In any of these examples, information about the virtual world is typically provided to the user via the digital interface device's display screen and optionally also via the digital interface device's audio output. For some virtual world experiences, users can additionally (or in some cases alternatively) use digital interface devices in the form of virtual reality devices, such as VR headsets. For some virtual world experiences, users can additionally (or in some cases alternatively) use digital interface devices in the form of augmented reality devices, which cover aspects of both the virtual and physical worlds.

[0005] When interacting with a virtual world, a user can represent themselves in that world through some form of avatar. An avatar can be able to interact with entities in the virtual world, which can include avatars of other users, avatars of computer-generated entities, and / or computer-generated objects in the virtual world. Where the virtual world overlaps with the user's physical world in some way (which may be referred to as "augmented reality"), opportunities can be provided to interact with entities / objects in the virtual world that create responses in the physical world, or vice versa. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The aspects of this disclosure are defined in the appended claims.

[0007] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol supply device is provided, configured to generate aerosols, the aerosol supply device comprising: a control unit configured to process data describing one or more operating parameters of the aerosol supply device; a display unit configured to display a visual scheme; and a communication interface configured to transmit information describing the visual scheme between the aerosol supply device and a remote virtual service, the remote virtual service hosting data records of virtual objects in a virtual environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

[0008] In some examples, the aerosol supply device includes an aerosol generating component configured to generate aerosols. In some examples, a control component is configured to control the generation of aerosols. In some examples, the control component is configured to store data describing one or more operating parameters of the aerosol supply device. In some examples, the virtual object is a corresponding virtual object. In some examples, the virtual environment is a virtual user environment.

[0009] In some examples, the display component is configured to apply a visual scheme at the aerosol supply device, and the communication interface is also arranged to synchronize the visual scheme with the virtual representation.

[0010] In some examples, virtual objects are configured to display visual schemes in a virtual environment, and communication interfaces are also arranged to receive synchronization information for aerosol supply devices.

[0011] In some examples, display components are arranged to display a first visual scheme, and virtual objects in the virtual environment are arranged to display a second visual scheme.

[0012] In some examples, the first vision scheme and the second vision scheme are different sub-schemes of a single master scheme.

[0013] In some examples, the visual scheme includes at least one of the following: images, videos, animations, and / or user interaction features.

[0014] In some examples, the visual schemes are obtained from a visual scheme library.

[0015] In some examples, the control unit is arranged to use at least one of Bluetooth™, Bluetooth Low Energy™, ZigBee™, WiFi™, WiFi Direct™, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID.

[0016] According to some embodiments described herein, a system is provided, comprising: a virtual environment, wherein an avatar representing a user is enabled to interact with one or more virtual objects, wherein the one or more virtual objects include a virtual representation of an aerosol supply device, wherein the virtual representation includes a visual scheme configured to provide a specific appearance to the virtual representation within the virtual environment; and a communication interface configured to transmit one or more parameters describing the visual scheme to an aerosol supply device from a physical user space, wherein the aerosol supply device is associated with the virtual representation.

[0017] In some examples, a virtual environment is a virtual user environment.

[0018] In some examples, the visual scheme is applied to the virtual representation, and the communication interface is arranged to synchronize the visual scheme to the aerosol supply device.

[0019] In some examples, the virtual environment is arranged to display a first visual scheme, and the aerosol supply device is arranged to display a second visual scheme.

[0020] In some examples, the first vision scheme and the second vision scheme are different sub-schemes of a single master scheme.

[0021] In some examples, the virtual environment includes a visual scheme editor that is configured to receive user input and output visual schemes.

[0022] In some examples, the visual scheme includes at least one of the following: images, videos, animations, and / or user interaction features.

[0023] In some examples, the visual schemes are obtained from a visual scheme library.

[0024] According to some embodiments described herein, a method is provided comprising: generating a virtual representation of an aerosol supply device associated with a user's user account in a virtual environment, the virtual representation including a visual scheme configured to provide a particular appearance to the virtual representation within the virtual environment; and transmitting one or more parameters of the visual scheme to the aerosol supply device.

[0025] In some examples, a virtual environment is a virtual user environment.

[0026] In some examples, the method also includes: applying a visual scheme at the aerosol supply device; and synchronizing the visual scheme to the virtual representation.

[0027] In some examples, the method also includes: applying a visual scheme at the virtual representation; and synchronizing the visual scheme to the aerosol supply device.

[0028] In some examples, the method further includes applying a first visual scheme at the virtual representation and applying a second visual scheme at the aerosol supply device, wherein the first visual scheme is different from the second visual scheme.

[0029] In some examples, the first vision scheme and the second vision scheme are different sub-schemes of a single master scheme.

[0030] In some examples, generating a virtual representation includes at least one of creating, designing, editing, and changing a visual scheme in a virtual environment.

[0031] In some examples, the visual scheme includes at least one of the following: images, videos, animations, and / or user interaction features.

[0032] In some examples, the visual schemes are obtained from a visual scheme library.

[0033] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol supply apparatus is provided, configured to generate aerosols, the aerosol supply apparatus comprising: a control device configured to process data describing one or more operating parameters of the aerosol supply apparatus; a display device configured to display a visual scheme; and a communication device configured to transmit information describing the visual scheme between the aerosol supply apparatus and a remote virtual service, the remote virtual service hosting data records of virtual objects in a virtual environment accessible via the remote virtual service. Attached Figure Description

[0034] This teaching will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the following figures: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the aerosol supply equipment based on the example; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram based on the example layout; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram based on the example layout; Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the system based on the example; and, Figure 5 This is a flowchart based on the example method.

[0035] While this disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternatives, specific embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit this disclosure to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, this disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0036] This document discusses / describes aspects and features of certain examples and implementations. Some aspects and features of certain examples and implementations can be conventionally implemented, and for the sake of brevity, these aspects and features are not discussed / described in detail. Therefore, it will be understood that aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail can be implemented using any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0037] This disclosure relates to aerosol supply systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol delivery systems, such as electronic cigarettes. Throughout the following description, the terms "electronic cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it should be understood that these terms may be used interchangeably with aerosol supply systems / devices and electronic aerosol supply systems / devices. Furthermore, and as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor," as well as related terms such as "evaporation," "evaporation," and "atomization," are generally used interchangeably.

[0038] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol supply device 100 is shown. The aerosol supply device 100 may include an aerosol generating component 110. The aerosol generating component 110 is configured to generate aerosols. The aerosol generating component 110 may be an atomizer or a storage container for aerosol generating materials, etc. The aerosol generating component 110 may include a heater or an evaporator, etc. The storage container for aerosol generating materials may be a storage container for e-liquid or a storage container for tobacco-containing materials, etc.

[0039] The aerosol supply device 100 includes a control unit 120 configured to process data describing one or more operating parameters of the aerosol supply device. The control unit 120 can be arranged to control the generation of aerosols. The control unit 120 can store data describing one or more operating characteristics of the aerosol supply device 100. The control unit 120 may be a control circuit, etc. The control unit 120 can interact with a user to provide control over the generation of aerosols from the aerosol generating unit 110. For example, a user can interact with the control unit 120 via an interface or button, etc., and the control unit 120 controls the activation of the aerosol generating unit 110. The control unit 120 is connected to the aerosol generating unit 110. This can be via a wired or wireless arrangement. The control unit 120 is capable of providing signals to the aerosol generating unit 110.

[0040] The aerosol supply device 100 includes a communication interface 130 configured to allow communication between the aerosol supply device 100 and a remote virtual service (not shown). The communication interface 130 may be a wireless communication element that allows communication with the virtual service via wireless communication methods. Users can interact with the communication interface 130 directly or via another user interface, such as a graphical user interface. The communication interface 130 is configured to transmit information describing a visual scheme between the aerosol supply device 100 and the remote virtual service (not shown), which hosts data records of corresponding virtual objects in a virtual environment accessible via the remote virtual service. The virtual environment may be a public virtual environment where a large number of users can interact, or a private environment where only users (or users and authorized contacts) can interact with virtual objects in the virtual space.

[0041] The communication interface 130 can use any of the following: Bluetooth™, Bluetooth Low Energy™, ZigBee™, WiFi™, Wi-Fi Direct™, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID.

[0042] exist Figure 1 In the example, the aerosol generating component 110 is connected to the control component 120, showing that signals from the control component 120 can be transmitted to the aerosol generating component 110.

[0043] The aerosol supply device 100 includes a display component 140. The display component 140 can be configured to display a visual scheme. The visual scheme can be a scheme received from or sent to the virtual user environment via the communication interface 130.

[0044] In the example, the display component 140 is configured to apply a visual scheme at the aerosol supply device 100, and the communication interface 130 is also arranged to synchronize the visual scheme with a virtual representation (not shown).

[0045] Therefore, in some examples, bidirectional communication exists between communication interface 130 and the virtual representation and / or virtual space. In this way, aspects of the virtual environment can be mirrored or can influence aspects of the aerosol supply device in the "real world" environment. Specifically, the visual scheme of the real-world device can be provided to the virtual representation, and / or vice versa.

[0046] During communication between virtual and real-world environments, data can be sent, updated, stored, or backed up to data storage devices, etc. Each of these improvements represents the process of transferring data from one area of ​​influence (virtual or real) to another.

[0047] By transmitting information between two areas of influence, the two environments can be maintained as related to each other. For example, a change in one environment can be transmitted to the other. In this way, the user experience is improved without the user needing to cause changes in both environments. For example, a user can update their display component 140 in the real world to provide a red display (visual scheme) for their device. The communication interface 130 can transmit this information to the virtual environment and update the virtual object representing the user's device in the virtual space to provide a red display. In this way, a consistent user experience is provided across all environments.

[0048] In the example, the virtual space receives information about a new visual scheme. Then, when a user first enters the virtual space after changes have been made in the real world, the virtual space can invite the user to "sync" or "update" their virtual device to the current real-world device settings. In this way, the user only needs to select a matching environment, and can also do so if they prefer a different visual scheme in one environment than another.

[0049] In the example, the virtual object is configured to display a visual scheme in a virtual user environment, and the communication interface 130 is also arranged to receive synchronization information for the aerosol supply device 100.

[0050] In this arrangement, the communication interface 130 can receive information from a virtual environment and provide it for application to the aerosol supply device 100 in the real world, or for application to the aerosol supply device 100 in the real world. Accordingly, the visual scheme in the virtual environment may correspond to or differ from the visual scheme in the real world.

[0051] In the example, display component 140 is arranged to display a first visual scheme, and virtual objects in the virtual user environment are arranged to display a second visual scheme. The visual scheme can vary depending on user requests or expectations. Before operation, the user can select a default option that relates to whether to synchronize the visual scheme after any changes or to synchronize the visual scheme only on each request.

[0052] Now for reference Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a schematic of an arrangement 200 according to an example. Arrangement 200 includes an aerosol supply device comprising an aerosol generating component 210 connected to a control component 220. The connection can be wired or wireless. The aerosol supply device also has a communication interface 230. The device also has a display component 240. Figure 2 Aerosol supply equipment is roughly the same as Figure 1 The aerosol supply device is the same. Arrangement 200 also shows a communication interface 230 with the ability to communicate with virtual service 250 (dashed line). Virtual service 250 can be remote or otherwise. Remote virtual service 250 may be able to provide a virtual representation. In the example, remote virtual service 250 provides a virtual representation of aerosol supply device 260. The virtual representation can be a virtual object shown in a virtual user environment, etc. The virtual user environment can be accessed via remote virtual service.

[0053] The aerosol supply equipment is configured to transmit information describing the visual scheme between the aerosol supply equipment and a remote virtual service that hosts data recording. Figure 2 In the example, the virtual object takes the form of... Figure 2The appearance of the aerosol supply device 260 in the arrangement 200. However, the virtual object 260 can take any appearance. Furthermore, the visual scheme of the aerosol supply device that can be synchronized with the virtual object 250 can be any suitable visual scheme.

[0054] In the example, the visual scheme includes at least one of the following: images, videos, animations, and / or user interaction features. In the example, the visual scheme may be obtained from a visual scheme library. In the example, the aerosol supply device can synchronize the visual characteristics of the device with virtual object 260 in the virtual environment. Therefore, the color scheme, skin, pattern, or design of the "real" aerosol supply device can be used and reproduced in the virtual aerosol supply device in the remote virtual service. As an example, a user's use of red language display in a real-world aerosol supply device can result in a red language display on virtual object 260 in the remote virtual service 250. This arrangement can provide a one-to-one correspondence between real-life choices or creations and choices or creations in the virtual service associated with the visual scheme.

[0055] Aerosol supply equipment may include a GUI (User-defined interface) to provide some user interaction with the equipment. This can be part of a control unit or display unit. The selection or creation of visual schemes can occur through the GUI. Users may be able to access a library of visual schemes through the GUI. A communication interface may be able to communicate with such a library.

[0056] In the example, when a visual scheme is selected or created for a real-world aerosol supply device, the virtual object 260 can provide a corresponding, but not identical, visual scheme in the remote virtual service 240. For instance, using red language to display a real-world aerosol supply device can cause the virtual environment 250 to provide a red landscape to experience the aerosol supply device 260 within the virtual environment 250. In this way, interaction with the virtual object 260 can improve the user's experience of using the aerosol supply device, and vice versa.

[0057] When a real-world device has a specific visual scheme implemented, manufacturers can allow additional visual schemes, such as virtual backgrounds (or similar elements). For example, when a real-world aerosol supply device has a visual scheme implemented with a specific sports team, the virtual environment could have an option to provide a virtual background of that team's stadium, or the environment could be the team's colors. In the example, the user could choose to set the virtual background to the sports team's stadium, and the display components of the aerosol supply device could be updated to use the team's colors.

[0058] See now Figure 3The diagram illustrates a scheme arrangement 300 according to an example. In the example shown, the scheme arrangement 300 can be a visual scheme arrangement. The visual scheme arrangement 300 can have a series of "sub-schemes". In the example, the scheme arrangement 300 has two main schemes 310 and 320. Each of the two main schemes has two sub-schemes. The first main scheme 310 has two sub-schemes 312 and 314. The second main scheme 320 has two sub-schemes 322 and 324. Each sub-scheme has two secondary sub-schemes. For example, the first sub-scheme 312 of the first main scheme 310 has a first secondary sub-scheme 3122 and a second secondary sub-scheme 3124.

[0059] In the examples, these can involve similar schemes. Consider again the example of the main scheme 310 related to a sports team; the first visual sub-scheme could be stadium 312 or athlete 314. The stadium 312 sub-scheme can have secondary sub-schemes, court 3122 or locker room 3124. The athlete 314 sub-scheme can have secondary sub-schemes, first athlete 3142 and second athlete 3144. Any of schemes 310, 320, 312, 314, 322, and 324 can be considered a main scheme with its subordinate sub-schemes.

[0060] The example of the sports teams is for illustrative purposes. The same can be imagined for simple color schemes. The first primary scheme could be red, and the second primary scheme could be blue. The divisions within these colors (primary schemes) can be easily envisioned.

[0061] It's conceivable, for example, that a user might want a display on a real-world aerosol delivery device to be associated with a first visual scenario (e.g., a sub-scenario or secondary sub-scenario). Virtual objects (or virtual environments) could then be associated with a second visual scenario.

[0062] This helps to provide different display opportunities at the aerosol supply equipment compared to virtual representation.

[0063] Broadly speaking, users can influence the virtual environment by using and manipulating aerosol supply devices, and similarly, users may be able to influence or understand aerosol supply devices through the virtual environment.

[0064] See now Figure 4The diagram illustrates a system 400 according to an example. System 400 includes a virtual user environment 402, wherein an avatar 404 representing a user is capable of interacting with one or more virtual objects 406, wherein the one or more virtual objects 406 include a virtual representation of an aerosol supply device. The virtual representation includes a visual scheme configured to provide a specific appearance for the virtual representation within the virtual user environment 402. System 400 includes a communication interface 408 configured to communicate one or more parameters describing the visual scheme with an aerosol supply device 412 from a physical user space 410, wherein the aerosol supply device 412 is associated with the virtual representation.

[0065] As described above, the visual scheme can be applied to a virtual representation, and the communication interface 408 is arranged to synchronize the visual scheme to the aerosol supply device 412 in the physical space 410. Therefore, users can influence the real world from the virtual world, and vice versa. An avatar 404 can be associated with the visual scheme.

[0066] Therefore, in this example, the virtual environment 402 (which could be VR or AR, etc.) can send signals that are ultimately received by the aerosol supply device 412 in the physical space 410 (“the real world”). These signals can relate to queries or commands issued to the aerosol supply device 412 regarding visual schemes. Visual schemes can include the color and / or size of letters or displays (so that users with poor vision can select larger fonts, etc., to improve access to their devices). Color selection can be highly beneficial for colorblind users.

[0067] The devices in the virtual world and the real world do not have to be the same. For example, a user can interact with a frame of a device in the virtual world and receive a link to the user's aerosol supply device 412 to obtain further details about the visual scheme, etc. Therefore, a user may be able to interact in virtual space and receive real-world effects. In the example, a user in the virtual space can see a virtual product in use. A user can interact with the device and receive, for example, notifications to appropriately provide a visual scheme on that particular virtual device. A user may be able to select a visual scheme within the virtual space, interact with a visual scheme within the virtual space, and use or purchase a visual scheme within the virtual space.

[0068] The virtual user environment 402 may include a virtual scheme editor (not shown). In this way, the user may be able to provide user input regarding the visual scheme. Environment 402 may be able to provide the visual scheme edited or created in the virtual environment to / from the aerosol supply device 412 in the physical space 410. In this way, the user can create a highly realistic version of the visual scheme in the virtual space 402 for use in the physical space 410.

[0069] A visual scheme library can be part of the visual scheme editor in virtual space 402. This can serve as part of the data storage within the virtual environment 402. The editor allows users to start from scratch or modify existing designs. The editor can be linked to a network of user contacts, allowing users to copy and personalize visual schemes from friends.

[0070] In addition, for selected contacts, users may be able to design and provide visual schemes for those contacts.

[0071] In the example where the second user designates the first user as a trusted selected contact, the first user can design and provide a visual scheme temporarily applied to the second user's device 412. The second user can then decide whether to retain the visual scheme designed for them by the trusted selected contact by interacting with the visual scheme in physical space 410 or virtual environment 402.

[0072] In the example, Figure 4 The communication in the arrangement uses at least one of Bluetooth™, Bluetooth Low Energy™, ZigBee™, WiFi™, Wi-Fi Direct™, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID. In the example, communication B between the aerosol supply device 412 and the communication interface 408 is via Bluetooth Low Energy™, while communication C between the communication interface 408 and the virtual space 402 is via WiFi™.

[0073] See now Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of method 500 according to an example. In method 500, a virtual representation of an aerosol supply device associated with a user's user account is generated in a virtual user environment. The virtual representation includes a visual scheme configured to provide a specific appearance to the virtual representation within the virtual user environment 505. One or more parameters of the visual scheme are then passed to the aerosol supply device 510.

[0074] The method described in this paper offers a range of advantages regarding the device. Users are provided with a space where they can communicate visual scheme information with other aerosol supply devices, alongside their own aerosol supply devices. In this way, users are able to improve their use of the aerosol supply device or customize their use of it based on the visual scheme communicated with the virtual environment.

[0075] The above methods and systems allow users to obtain real-world outputs from virtual world inputs, and simultaneously obtain virtual world inputs from real-world outputs. The flexibility of this system allows for a high level of user engagement and experience.

[0076] This system provides improved accessibility to various obstacles that are not widely considered or addressed in modern systems. Consequently, it offers an improved user experience. User engagement and engagement are also significantly enhanced through this system.

[0077] The communication interfaces discussed in this article are configured to communicate with networks, etc. The network can be any relevant network. Communication links are indicated by arrows or lines (dashed lines or others). These communication links do not need to be unidirectional.

[0078] The visual schemes discussed here can include images, visual elements, animations, etc. This can include skins or personal artwork, customized user images, and video animations with other user interaction features. Backups can be stored in the cloud or other data storage to allow users to switch to previous visual schemes. Users can select multiple backups to allow for a wide range of visual schemes to choose from, implemented on real-world devices or in virtual environments.

[0079] The conveying system described in this article (which may be referred to as an aerosol supply device, aerosol generation system, aerosol supply system, etc.) can be implemented as a combustible aerosol supply system, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, or an aerosol-free conveying system.

[0080] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to include a system for delivering at least one substance to a user, and includes: Combustible aerosol supply systems, such as cigarettes, slim cigars, cigars, and pipe tobacco, hand-rolled tobacco, or homemade tobacco (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smokeable materials); and, A non-flammable aerosol supply system that releases compounds from aerosol-generating materials without burning the aerosol-generating materials, such as in electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and mixing systems, to generate aerosols using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.

[0081] According to this disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol supply system is a system in which the constituent aerosol generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or its components) are burned or incinerated during use in order to deliver at least one substance to a user.

[0082] In some implementations, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol supply system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of cigarettes, slim cigars, and cigars.

[0083] In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to components for a combustible aerosol supply systems, such as consumables that can be introduced into the aerosol supply system by a user.

[0084] According to this disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is a system in which the constituent aerosol generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or its components) do not burn or incinerate to deliver at least one substance to a user.

[0085] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as an electrically powered non-flammable aerosol supply system. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not essential. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-non-combustible system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0086] In some embodiments, a 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 these aerosol-generating materials may be in, for example, 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. Solid aerosol-generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products. 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.

[0087] 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, these consumables are sometimes referred to as articles.

[0088] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as its non-flammable aerosol supply equipment, may include a power source and a controller. For example, the power source may be an electrical source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to the aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material adjacent to the exothermic power source.

[0089] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0090] In some embodiments, consumables used with non-flammable aerosol supply equipment may include aerosol generating materials, aerosol generating material storage areas, aerosol generating material delivery components, aerosol generators, aerosol generating areas, housings, packaging, filters, nozzles, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0091] In some implementations, the substance to be delivered includes an active substance.

[0092] The active substances used in this article can be physiologically active substances, which are materials designed to achieve or enhance physiological responses. Active substances can be, for example, selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, and psychoactive substances. Active substances can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. Active substances may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theophylline, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. Active substances may also include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco or another plant.

[0093] In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0094] As indicated herein, the active substance may include or be derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term "plant" includes any material derived from a plant, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, shells, husks, etc. Alternatively, the material may include naturally occurring or synthetically obtained active compounds found in plants. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, fragments, strips, flakes, etc. Example plants include: tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice, matcha, yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (such as green or black tea), thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, anise, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron. Lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, holly, perilla, turmeric, turmeric, sandalwood, coriander leaves, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, allspice, nutmeg, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theobromine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. Mint can be selected from the following varieties: field mint, cultivated mint, Nile mint, peppermint, lemon mint, cultivated peppermint, curly spearmint, heartleaf mint, European spearmint, pineapple mint, lip mint, cultivated spearmint, and apple mint.

[0095] In some embodiments, the active substance includes or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plant is tobacco.

[0096] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plant is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, and cocoa.

[0097] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plant is selected from leucocephala and fennel.

[0098] In some implementations, the substance to be delivered includes a flavoring agent.

[0099] As used herein, the terms “spice” and “flavoring agent” refer to materials that, where permitted by local regulations, can be used in products intended to produce a desired taste, aroma, or other sensory experience for adult consumers. These can include naturally occurring flavorings, plants, plant extracts, synthetic materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, anise, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, holly, cherry, berries, red berries, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, Clementine, lemon, lime). Tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberries, mulberries, citrus fruits, honey liqueur, bourbon whiskey, Scotch whiskey, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarella, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, chocolate, natto, betel leaves, hookah, pine, honey spices, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cinnamon, caraway, cognac. Brandy, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, allspice, ginger, coriander, coffee, peppermint oil of any variety, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea (such as green or black tea), thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, perilla, turmeric, coriander leaf, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, allspice Nutmeg, damia, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor blockers, sensory receptor activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant-based additives, or breath fresheners. They can be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients or mixtures thereof. They can be in any suitable form, such as liquid (e.g., oil), solid (e.g., powder), or gas.

[0100] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits, and / or cranberry. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes flavor components extracted from tobacco.

[0101] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent may include a sensory agent designed to achieve a somatosensory sensation, typically chemically induced and perceived by stimulating the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) to supplement or substitute for the perception of olfactory or gustatory nerves, and these sensory agents may include agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. Suitable heat-effecting agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable coolants may be, but are not limited to, eucolyptol and WS-3.

[0102] Aerosol-generating materials are materials capable of generating aerosols, for example, when heated, radiated, or electrified in any other way. Aerosol-generating materials can be in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may contain "amorphous solids," which may alternatively be referred to as "monolithic solids" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid (e.g., liquid) within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may, for example, comprise from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of amorphous solids to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solids.

[0103] Aerosol generating materials may contain one or more active substances and / or fragrances, one or more aerosol forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0104] Consumables are articles that may include aerosol-generating materials, some or all of which are intended to be consumed by a user during use. Consumables may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging, a nozzle, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which heats the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol during use. The heater may include, for example, a flammable material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a sensor.

[0105] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol generating material to thermal energy to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0106] The heater is a form of aerosol generator, but any aerosol generator can be used in the example shown above.

[0107] The various embodiments described herein are provided only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of implementation and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, implementations, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed disclosure. In addition to those specifically described herein, various embodiments of this disclosure may suitably include, consist of, or substantially consist of suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., or suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. Furthermore, the invention may include other examples not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device configured to generate an aerosol, the aerosol supply device comprising: The control unit is configured to process data describing one or more operating parameters of the aerosol supply device; The display component is configured to display a visual solution; as well as A communication interface is configured to transmit information describing the visual scheme between the aerosol supply device and a remote virtual service, the remote virtual service hosting data records of virtual objects in a virtual environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein, The display component is configured to apply the visual scheme at the aerosol supply device, and the communication interface is also arranged to synchronize the visual scheme with the virtual representation.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The virtual object is configured to display the visual scheme in the virtual environment, and the communication interface is also arranged to receive synchronization information for the aerosol supply device.

4. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The display component is arranged to display a first visual scheme, and the virtual object in the virtual environment is arranged to display a second visual scheme.

5. The aerosol supply equipment according to claim 4, wherein, The first visual scheme and the second visual scheme are different sub-schemes of a single main scheme.

6. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The visual scheme includes at least one of the following: images, videos, animations, and / or user interaction features.

7. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The visual solutions are obtained from the visual solution library.

8. A system comprising: A virtual environment in which a user's avatar is enabled to interact with one or more virtual objects, wherein the one or more virtual objects include a virtual representation of an aerosol supply device, wherein the virtual representation includes a visual scheme configured to provide a specific appearance to the virtual representation within the virtual environment; A communication interface is configured to transmit one or more parameters describing the visual scheme to an aerosol supply device from a physical user space, wherein the aerosol supply device is associated with the virtual representation.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The visual scheme is applied to the virtual representation, and the communication interface is configured to synchronize the visual scheme to the aerosol supply device.

10. The system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The virtual environment is configured to display a first visual scheme, and the aerosol supply device is configured to display a second visual scheme.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The first visual scheme and the second visual scheme are different sub-schemes of a single main scheme.

12. The system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein, The virtual environment includes a visual scheme editor, which is configured to receive user input and output visual schemes.

13. The system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein, The visual scheme includes at least one of the following: images, videos, animations, and / or user interaction features.

14. The system according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein, The visual scheme is obtained from a visual scheme library.

15. A method comprising: A virtual representation of an aerosol supply device associated with a user's user account is generated in a virtual environment, the virtual representation including a visual scheme configured to provide a specific appearance to the virtual representation within the virtual environment; One or more parameters of the vision scheme are transmitted to the aerosol supply device.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: The vision scheme is applied at the aerosol supply equipment; and, Synchronize the visual scheme to the virtual representation.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising: The visual scheme is applied at the virtual representation; and, The vision scheme is synchronized to the aerosol supply device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising: A first visual scheme is applied at the virtual representation, and a second visual scheme is applied at the aerosol supply device, wherein the first visual scheme is different from the second visual scheme.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The first visual scheme and the second visual scheme are different sub-schemes of a single main scheme.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein, Generating the virtual representation includes at least one of creating, designing, editing, and changing the visual scheme in the virtual environment.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein, The visual scheme includes at least one of the following: images, videos, animations, and / or user interaction features.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein, The visual scheme is obtained from a visual scheme library.

23. An aerosol supply device configured to generate an aerosol, the aerosol supply device comprising: The control device is configured to process data describing one or more operating parameters of the aerosol supply device; as well as The display device is configured to display a visual solution; as well as A communication device is configured to transmit information describing the visual scheme between the aerosol supply device and a remote virtual service, the remote virtual service hosting data records of virtual objects in a virtual environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

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