Aerosol provision device

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol provision device configured to generate an aerosol comprising: a control component configured to store data describing one or more operational parameters of the aerosol provision device; and a communication interface configured to permit communication between the aerosol provision device and a remote virtual service; wherein the communication interface is configured to receive a value of one or more of the one or more operational parameters from a data record for a virtual object in a virtual user environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol provision device, a system and a method.

[0004] Background

[0005] The concept of a virtual user environment (sometime termed a virtual world) in which multiple users can interact with either or both of the virtual user environment and each other has been known for some years. Such virtual worlds may be individually or collectively referred to as a or the “metaverse”. Since the term “metaverse” was used in the 1992 novel “Snow Crash” by Neil Stephenson (first edition ISBN 0-553-08853-X) a number of authors and companies have created content and / or virtual worlds which can be considered as contributions toward a metaverse concept.

[0006] Examples of such virtual user environments include individual gaming environments (such as a game world in which a user can control an avatar to interact with the game world), shared gaming environments (such as a game world in which a user can control an avatar to interact with the game world and one or more other gamer avatars in the game world, such as might occur with multiplayer game run from a single gaming device), online shared gaming environments (such as a game world in which a user can control an avatar to interact with one or more gamer avatars in the game world, such as might occur with a multiplayer game run using multiple gaming devices connected over a communications channel), massively multiplayer online gaming environments (such as a game world in which a user can control an avatar to interact with many gamer avatars in the game world, such as might occur with a massively multiplayer online game run using multiple gaming devices connected over a communication network and often with a game-specific server hosting the game world. Further examples of such virtual user environments include virtual world environments which include office spaces or meeting rooms or other non-gaming environments or the like. Working from home may be linked into virtual work spaces to improve engagement and similarity between the virtual work space and non-official work spaces (such as is common in many working from home arrangements). For a real world user to interact with a virtual user environment (such as a virtual world, a metaverse or the metaverse), some form of digital interface device is used. For some virtual world experiences, the digital interface device may be a personal computer-type device (whether using so-called desktop computer hardware or so-called laptop hardware, and regardless of an operating system and any input devices such as keyboard, mouse, touchpad, game controller or the like) or a co-called mobile device (such as a tablet device, smartphone device, phablet device or the like, and regardless of whether input is performed using a physical means 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 by way of a display screen of the digital interface device and optionally also using an audio output of the digital interface device. For some virtual world experiences, the user may additionally (or in some cases alternatively) use a digital interface device in the form of a virtual reality device, such as a VR headset or the like. For some virtual world experiences, the user may additionally (or in some cases alternatively) use a digital interface device in the form of an augmented reality device, which overlays aspects of the virtual world with aspects of the physical world.

[0007] When interacting with a virtual world, a user may be represented in the virtual world by some form of avatar. The avatar may be able to interact with entities in the virtual world, which entities may include avatars of other users, avatars of computer-generated entities, and / or computer-generated objects in the virtual world. Where the virtual world overlaps in some way with the physical world of the user (which may be termed ’’augmented reality”) there may be provided opportunities to interact with an entity / object in the virtual world that creates a reaction in the physical world, or vice-versa.

[0008] Summary

[0009] Aspects of the disclosure are defined in the accompanying claims.

[0010] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device configured to generate an aerosol comprising: a control component configured to store data describing one or more operational parameters of the aerosol provision device; and a communication interface configured to permit communication between the aerosol provision device and a remote virtual service; wherein the communication interface is configured to receive a value of one or more of the one or more operational parameters from a data record for a virtual object in a virtual environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

[0011] In some examples, the aerosol provision device comprises an aerosol generating component configured to generate an aerosol. In some examples, the control component is configured to control generation of an aerosol. In some examples, the virtual object is a corresponding virtual object in the virtual environment. In some examples, the virtual environment is a virtual user environment.

[0012] In some examples, upon receipt of the value, the aerosol provision device is configured with the value from the data record.

[0013] In some examples, the communication interface is configured to send a value of one or more of the one or more operational parameters to a data record for a corresponding virtual object in a virtual environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

[0014] In some examples, the communication interface is configured to, in response to sending a value to a data record, provide a back-up of the value for the aerosol provision device into the data record.

[0015] In some examples, communicating the value comprises transmitting at least one value from the virtual representation to the aerosol provision device and receiving at least one value from the aerosol provision device.

[0016] In some examples, the control component is configured to replace stored data in response to receiving and / or sending an updated value.

[0017] In some examples, the value represents least one of: battery usage information; power profile; a recorded location of the aerosol provision device; and, a typical use profile. In some examples, the aerosol provision device further comprises a motion detection system operable to identify orientation of the aerosol provision device in a physical user space, wherein the value sent from aerosol provision device indicates orientation.

[0018] In some examples, the control component is arranged to use at least one of Bluetooth TM, Bluetooth Low Energy TM, ZigBee TM, WiFi TM, Wifi Direct TM, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID.

[0019] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided system comprising: a virtual environment in which 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 provision device, and wherein the virtual representation corresponds to a virtual environment data object that is configured to store one or more operational parameters of an aerosol provision device; a communication interface configured to communicate a value for one or more of the one or more operational parameters to an aerosol provision device from a physical user space, wherein the aerosol provision device is associated with the virtual representation.

[0020] In some examples, the virtual environment is a virtual user environment.

[0021] In some examples, the virtual environment is configured to enable access to the value to provide at least one of: battery usage information; power profile; a recorded location of the aerosol provision device; and, a typical use profile, to a user.

[0022] In some examples, the virtual environment is configured to associate the virtual representation with a new and / or reset aerosol provision device, and wherein the communication interface is configured to transmit a value to configure the new and / or reset aerosol provision device.

[0023] In some examples, the new and / or reset aerosol provision device is: linked to virtual environment to receive value; and / or linked to already-configured aerosol provision device to receive a value In some examples, the communication interface is arranged to use at least one of Bluetooth TM, Bluetooth Low Energy TM, ZigBee TM, WiFi TM, Wifi Direct TM, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID.

[0024] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method comprising: generating, in a virtual environment, a virtual representation of an aerosol provision device associated with a user account of a user; storing, in a data record for the virtual representation, a value for one or more operational parameters of an aerosol provision device associated with the user account; communicating to the aerosol provision device the value for the one or more operational parameters.

[0025] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided aerosol provision means configured to generate an aerosol comprising: control means configured to store data describing one or more operational parameters of the aerosol provision means; and communication means configured to permit communication between the aerosol provision means and a remote virtual service; wherein the communication means is configured to receive a value of one or more of the one or more operational parameters from a data record for a virtual object in a virtual user environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

[0026] Description of Drawings

[0027] The present teachings will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures:

[0028] Figure l is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to examples;

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic view of an arrangement according to examples;

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to examples;

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a system according to examples; and,

[0032] Figure 5 is flow chart of a method according to examples.

[0033] While the disclosure 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 disclosure to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0034] Detailed Description

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of an example of an aerosol provision device 100. The aerosol provision device 100 is configured to generate an aerosol. The aerosol provision device 100 may comprise an aerosol generating component 110. The aerosol generating component 110 may be configured to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating component 110 may be an atomizer and a store of aerosol generating material or the like. The aerosol generating component 110 may include a heater or a vaporiser or the like. The store of aerosol generating material may be a store of e-liquid or a store of tobacco-containing material or the like.

[0038] The aerosol provision device 100 comprises a control component 120 configured to store data describing one or more operational properties of the aerosol provision device 100. The control component 120 may be configured to control generation of an aerosol. The control component 120 may be control circuitry or the like. The control component 120 may interact with a user to provide control over the generation of aerosol from the aerosol generating component 110. For example, a user may interact with the control component 120 via an interface or button or the like and the control component 120 controls the activation of the aerosol generating component 110. The control component 120 and the aerosol generating component 110 are connected. This may be via a wired or wireless arrangement. The control component 120 is able to provide signals to the aerosol generating component 110.

[0039] The aerosol provision device 100 comprises a communication interface 130 configured to permit communication between the aerosol provision device 100 and a remote virtual service (not shown). The communication interface 130 may be a wireless communication element that allows for communication to a virtual service via wireless communication method. The user may interact with the communication interface 130 directly or via a further user interface such as a graphical user interface or the like. The communication interface 130 is configured to receive a value of one or more of the one or more operational parameters from a data record (not shown) for a corresponding virtual object in a virtual environment (not shown) accessible via the remote virtual service (not shown). The virtual environment may be a virtual user environment (i.e. a virtual environment for the user specifically) or may be a general virtual environment (i.e. not specifically for that user, a more general virtual environment).

[0040] The communication interface 130 may use any of Bluetooth TM, Bluetooth Low Energy TM, ZigBee TM, WiFi TM, Wifi Direct TM, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID.

[0041] In the example of Figure 1, the aerosol generating component 110 is connected to the control component 120 illustrating that signals from the control component 120 can be communicated to the aerosol generating component 110.

[0042] When the communication interface 130 receives a value from the data record, the communication interface 130 and the control component 120 configure the aerosol provision device 100 with the value from the data record.

[0043] In examples, the communication interface 130 is configured to send a value of one or more of the one or more operational parameters to a data record for a corresponding virtual object in a virtual user environment accessible via the remote virtual service. In some examples, therefore, there is two way communication between the communication interface 130 and the data record. In this way, aspects of the virtual environment can be mirrored or can impact aspects of the aerosol provision device in the “real world” environment.

[0044] During communication between the virtual environment and the real world environment, data can be updated or stored or backed-up. Each of these improve the process of transfer of data from one zone of influence (virtual or real) to another.

[0045] In updating data, the two zones of influence can be kept relevant to one another. Where a change in one environment is updated to the other, a user’s experience is improved rather than the user needing to cause the change in both environments.

[0046] In storing data, the zones of influence may be able to revert to a previous setting (according to the data record). This may improve the user experience of the arrangement, by being able to “revert” to a previous setting rather than having to reprogram it per se.

[0047] In backing-up data, the user need not continually provide the data to the store or to the aerosol provision device. The user may have a history of data from which to select, e.g., settings of the device in either environment.

[0048] In the present arrangement, there may be communication between the virtual environment and the aerosol provision device via the communication interface. In examples, communicating the value comprises transmitting at least one value from the virtual representation to the aerosol provision device and receiving at least one value from the aerosol provision device. The communication therefore may be send or receiving or a combination of both for a transfer of data between the environments.

[0049] In the process of communicating between the virtual environment and the real environment, the control component may be configured to replace stored data in response to receiving and / or sending an updated value. The data exchanged between the virtual environment and real environment may be any value of use in the operation of the real world device or reproduction of the aerosol provision device in the virtual environment. This may be for example any of battery usage information, power profile, a recorded location of the aerosol provision device, and / or, a typical use profile.

[0050] Each of these are values that may be of use in either environment and are of interest to a user during the standard process of use of an aerosol provision device. Specifically knowing the battery usage will allow a user to control their subsequent use of the device, it may also assist in providing information relating to repairs or upgrades or the like. Knowledge of the power profile and use profile is also useful for similar reasons. Knowledge of the location of the aerosol provision device may be useful to provide a user with improved access and retention of the device.

[0051] Use profiles may include for example power profiles, puff duration / interval, puff length, flavour preferences, inhalation patterns, and / or preferred heating profile.

[0052] This may be a form of “find my device” functionality. A virtual environment may be updated with the location of the device to indicate to a user where the last known location of the device was.

[0053] In a different advantage, the user may be provided with additional or reduced features for the device when operating in different locations. For example, the manufacturer may allow for additional virtual backgrounds when the real world device is used or positioned in a specific location. For example, when the aerosol provision device is positioned in a stadium, the virtual environment may have an option to provide details of the team of the stadium or the environment may be in the colours of that team.

[0054] In examples, the aerosol provision device may have a location recorded or detected by satnav and / or bluetooth link to satnav, wifi position, and / or cellular position or the like. There may be many locations that enable specific interactions with the aerosol provision device or the virtual environment or both. Broadly, the user can impact the virtual environment by use and manipulation of the aerosol provision device and similarly, the user may be able to impact or understand the aerosol provision device via the virtual environment.

[0055] Referring now to Figure 2 there is shown a schematic view of an arrangement 200 according to examples. The arrangement 200 comprises an aerosol provision device comprising an aerosol generating component 210 connected to a control component 220. The connection may be wired or wireless. The aerosol provision device also has a communication interface 230. The aerosol provision device of Figure 2 is broadly as per the aerosol provision device of Figure 1. The arrangement 200 also shows the communication interface 230 having a communicative ability with a remote virtual service 240 (dashed line). The remote virtual service 240 may be able to provide virtual representations. In examples, the remote virtual service 240 provides a virtual representation of an aerosol provision device 250.

[0056] The aerosol provision device is configured to synchronise one or more of the one or more properties of the aerosol provision device to a corresponding virtual object 250 in a virtual user environment accessible via the remote virtual service 240. In the example of Figure 2, the virtual object 250 takes the appearance of an aerosol provision device as in the arrangement 200 of Figure 2. However, the virtual object 250 may take any appearance. Furthermore, the properties of the aerosol provision device that are synchronised with the virtual object 250 may be any suitable property.

[0057] In examples, the properties include user settings / preferences for operation of the aerosol provision device. In other examples, the properties may be any visual, structural or functional property of the aerosol provision device. For example, the property may be the functional property of the aerosol provision device being in use at a certain time. In this way, the aerosol provision device synchronises the property of the device being “in use” with the virtual object 250 in the virtual environment. Accordingly, use statuses of the “real life” aerosol provision device may be used to alter the status of the virtual aerosol provision device in the remote virtual service. As an example, the user’s use of the “real life” aerosol provision device may lead to an aerosol effect being produced by the virtual object in the remote virtual service 240. This is a one-to-one correspondence between effect in real life and effect in virtual service. In contrast, when using the real life aerosol provision device, the virtual object 250 may provide a sound and / or a series of lights and / or information or the like in the remote virtual service 240. For example, use of the aerosol provision device in real life may lead to the virtual object 250 providing details on the operational condition of the aerosol provision device such as battery life or details on the aerosol generating material within the real life aerosol provision device. In this way, engagement with the virtual object 250 will improve the user’s experience of the use of the aerosol provision device.

[0058] Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a schematic view of an aerosol provision device 300 according to examples. The aerosol provision device 300 is as per the examples in Figures 1 and 2 in the main. The aerosol provision device 300 has a aerosol generating component 310, a control component 320, and a communication interface 330. The aerosol provision device 300 in Figure 3 also has a motion detection system 360. The motion detection system 360 is operable to identify orientation of the aerosol provision device in a physical user space. The aerosol provision device 300 is therefore able to send a value in relation to the orientation of the aerosol provision device 300 to e.g. a data record for use in e.g. virtual environment.

[0059] This may be a gyroscope or accelerometer or similar device.

[0060] In this way, movement of the device 300 can be represented in, or can be used to impact in some way, the virtual user environment. For example, movement of the aerosol provision device 300 could move an aerosol provision device in the virtual environment. Alternatively or additionally, movement of the aerosol provision device 300 may impact virtual objects (that are not an aerosol provision device) in the virtual environment.

[0061] In examples, data such as codes e.g. QR codes, barcodes, alpha numeric codes and / or serial numbers on boxes may be scanned and corresponding virtual objects provided in the virtual space. The user may be able to interact with the devices in the virtual space to experience the device and ascertain whether the user is compatible with the device. Similarly, this process can provide a large number of devices for interaction with by the user and the user is able to ascertain their preferred device within the virtual world prior to purchase in the virtual world. A user’s account may be provided to store data related to that user. For example, the user can be provided with a visualisation of all authentic devices within the virtual space. This can assist the user in reordering devices by ascertain which previous device was their preferred device.

[0062] The user can view products within the virtual space. The use of virtual objects can provide an advertising platform for a manufacturer in the virtual space alongside the increase of ease of trying new devices for the user. Links can be provided to provide more details of devices shown to the user. Similarly, a user can scan a second user’s device and obtain a virtual world version to interact with and ascertain whether they wish to purchase.

[0063] This system provides greater security for the user prior to purchase and therefore leads to fewer devices being purchased with which users are incompatible. In this way, there is less likelihood that devices that are purchased are disposed during their lifetime as can often happen with impulse purchases. As such, the present system provides a greater security for the user and therefore less wastage.

[0064] Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a schematic view of a system 400 according to examples. The system 400 comprises a virtual user environment 402 in which an avatar 404 representing a user is enabled to interact with one or more virtual objects 406, wherein the one or more virtual objects 406 include a virtual representation of an aerosol provision device. The virtual representation corresponds to a virtual user environment data object that is configured to store one or more operational parameters of an aerosol provision device 412. The system 400 comprises a communication interface 408 configured to communicate a value for one or more of the one or more operational parameters to an aerosol provision device 412 from a physical user space 410, wherein the aerosol provision device 412 is associated with the virtual representation 406.

[0065] The aerosol provision device 412 is controllable to receive data relating to one or more properties of the aerosol provision device related to the virtual representation 406.

[0066] In examples, therefore, the virtual environment 402 (which may be VR or AR or the like) may send signals that are ultimately received by the aerosol provision device 412 in the physical space 410 (“real world”). The signals may relate to queries or commands issued to the aerosol provision device 412. The signals may relate to values of operational parameters. This may include any of: battery usage information; power profile; a recorded location of the aerosol provision device; and, a typical use profile.

[0067] The device in the virtual world or the real world need not be the same. For example, the user may interact with a box of a device in the virtual world and receive a link to their aerosol provision device 412 for further details. The user may therefore be able to interact in the virtual space and provide real world effects. In an example, a user in the virtual space can see virtual products in use. Users can interact with the device and receive, for example, a notification to provide details on prices, operational information, product details, etc. A user may be able to select, interact with and purchase within the virtual space.

[0068] In examples, the virtual user environment 402 is configured to associate the virtual representation 406 with a new and / or reset aerosol provision device. The communication interface 408 may be configured to transmit a value to configure the new and / or reset aerosol provision device. In this way, the virtual user environment 402 has control over real world commands and access to the aerosol provision device.

[0069] In examples, the new and / or reset aerosol provision device is: linked to virtual environment to receive value; and / or linked to already-configured aerosol provision device to receive a value.

[0070] In examples, the communication in the arrangement of Figure 4, uses at least one of Bluetooth TM, Bluetooth Low Energy TM, ZigBee TM, WiFi TM, Wifi Direct TM, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID. In an example, the communication B between the aerosol provision device 412 and the communication interface 408 is via Bluetooth Low Energy TM, while the communication C between the communication interface 408 and the virtual space 402 is via WiFi TM.

[0071] Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a flow chart of a method 500 according to examples. In a method 500, a virtual representation of an aerosol provision device associated with a user account of a user is generated in a virtual user environment 505. A value is stored in a data record for the virtual representation for one or more operational parameters of an aerosol provision device associated with a user account 510. The value may be communicated to an aerosol provision device for the one or more operational parameters 515.

[0072] The method described herein provides a series of advantages as for the devices. The user is provided with a space in which to send information to their aerosol provision device in relation to values such as operating parameters. In this way, the user may be able to improve their use or tailor their use of the aerosol provision device based on the values sent from the virtual environment.

[0073] In another example, the user following the systems, arrangements and methods herein may experience devices that otherwise the user would need to purchase before experiencing. In this way, fewer user-incompatible devices are purchased and therefore there is less wastage from sales following this method than via traditional methods.

[0074] The above methods and systems allow for users to obtain real world output from virtual world input alongside virtual world input from real world output. The flexibility of the present system allows for high levels of user engagement and experience.

[0075] The communication interface discussed herein is arranged to communicate with networks and the like. The networks may be any relevant network. Communication links are shown by arrows or lines (dashed or otherwise). These communication links need not be one way.

[0076] The delivery system described herein, which may be referred to as an aerosol provision device, aerosol-generating system, aerosol provision system or the like can be implemented as a combustible aerosol provision system, a non-combustible aerosol provision system or an aerosol-free delivery system.

[0077] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); and, non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosolgenerating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.

[0078] According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0079] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.

[0080] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a consumable or the like that can be introduced by a user into the aerosol provision system.

[0081] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0082] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-bum system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0083] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosolgenerating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product. Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

[0084] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol -generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0085] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non- combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0086] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0087] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol -generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0088] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.

[0089] The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0090] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0091] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0092] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, maijoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.

[0093] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

[0094] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0095] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.

[0096] As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, j asmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, maijoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), 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. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

[0097] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

[0098] In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

[0099] Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

[0100] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material. A consumable is an article that may comprise aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0101] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated 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.

[0102] A heater is a form of aerosol generator, though any aerosol generator may be used in the examples shown above.

[0103] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of 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 of the claimed disclosure. Various embodiments of the present disclosure may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other examples not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An aerosol provision device configured to generate an aerosol comprising: a control component configured to store data describing one or more operational parameters of the aerosol provision device; and a communication interface configured to permit communication between the aerosol provision device and a remote virtual service; wherein the communication interface is configured to receive a value of one or more of the one or more operational parameters from a data record for a virtual object in a virtual environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

2. An aerosol provision device according to claim 1, wherein, upon receipt of the value, the aerosol provision device is configured with the value from the data record.

3. An aerosol provision device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication interface is configured to send a value of one or more of the one or more operational parameters to a data record for a corresponding virtual object in a virtual environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

4. An aerosol provision device according to claim 3, wherein the communication interface is configured to, in response to sending a value to a data record, provide a back-up of the value for the aerosol provision device into the data record.

5. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1-4, wherein communicating the value comprises transmitting at least one value from the virtual representation to the aerosol provision device and receiving at least one value from the aerosol provision device.

6. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the control component is configured to replace stored data in response to receiving and / or sending an updated value.

7. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the value represents least one of: battery usage information; power profile; a recorded location of the aerosol provision device; and, a typical use profile.

8. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1-7, further comprising a motion detection system operable to identify orientation of the aerosol provision device in a physical user space, wherein the value sent from aerosol provision device indicates orientation.

9. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the communication interface is arranged to use at least one of Bluetooth TM, Bluetooth Low Energy TM, ZigBee TM, WiFi TM, Wifi Direct TM, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID.

10. A system comprising: a virtual environment in which 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 provision device, and wherein the virtual representation corresponds to a virtual environment data object that is configured to store one or more operational parameters of an aerosol provision device; a communication interface configured to communicate a value for one or more of the one or more operational parameters to an aerosol provision device from a physical user space, wherein the aerosol provision device is associated with the virtual representation.

11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the virtual environment is configured to enable access to the value to provide at least one of: battery usage information; power profile; a recorded location of the aerosol provision device; and, a typical use profile,to a user.

12. A system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the virtual environment is configured to associate the virtual representation with a new and / or reset aerosol provision device, and wherein the communication interface is configured to transmit a value to configure the new and / or reset aerosol provision device.

13. A system according to claim 13, wherein the new and / or reset aerosol provision device is: linked to virtual environment to receive value; and / or linked to already-configured aerosol provision device to receive a value.

14. A system according to any of claims 10-13, wherein the communication interface is arranged to use at least one of Bluetooth TM, Bluetooth Low Energy TM, ZigBee TM, WiFi TM, Wifi Direct TM, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID.

15. A method compri sing : generating, in a virtual environment, a virtual representation of an aerosol provision device associated with a user account of a user; storing, in a data record for the virtual representation, a value for one or more operational parameters of an aerosol provision device associated with the user account; communicating to the aerosol provision device the value for the one or more operational parameters.

16. Aerosol provision means configured to generate an aerosol comprising: control means configured to store data describing one or more operational parameters of the aerosol provision means; and communication means configured to permit communication between the aerosol provision means and a remote virtual service; wherein the communication means is configured to receive a value of one or more of the one or more operational parameters from a data record for a virtual object in a virtual user environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

Images