Aerosol provision device

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol provision device configured to generate an aerosol comprising: a motion detection system configured to detect motion of the aerosol provision device; and a communication component configured to send a signal representative of motion detected by the motion detection system to a remote system for use by the remote system as an input to a virtual user environment.

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 comprising: a motion detection system configured to detect motion of the aerosol provision device; and a communication component configured to send a signal representative of motion detected by the motion detection system to a remote system for use by the remote system as an input to a virtual user environment.

[0011] In some examples, the aerosol provision device comprises an aerosol generating component configured to generate an aerosol. In some examples, the aerosol provision device comprises a control component configured to control generation of an aerosol.

[0012] In some examples, the motion detection system comprises at least one of a linear accelerometer, angular accelerometer, gyroscope sensor, gravity sensor and a proximity sensor.

[0013] In some examples, the aerosol provision device is associated with a user profile for a user of the virtual user environment.

[0014] In some examples, the user profile is associated with an avatar of the user in the virtual user environment, and wherein the input is an input indicative of a motion or action of the avatar in the virtual user environment.

[0015] In some examples, the communication component is further configured to send a further signal, the further signal representative of an aerosol generation event of the aerosol provision device, the further signal for use by the remote system as a further input to a virtual user environment.

[0016] In some examples, the further input is an input indicative of a motion and / or action of the avatar in the virtual user environment.

[0017] In some examples, the motion and / or action is a breath, inhalation and / or exhalation effect.

[0018] In some examples, the aerosol provision device further comprises an output device configured to provide an output responsive to a return signal received by the communication component from the remote system.

[0019] In some examples, the output device includes a haptic device, visual device and / or audio device. In some examples, the output device is configured to provide an output related to a virtual property of the avatar, and wherein the output is affected by the input in the virtual user environment and / or the virtual user environment

[0020] In some examples, the output device is configured to provide an output representative of the motion or action in the virtual user environment.

[0021] In some examples, the remote system is communicatively coupled to a user interaction device configured to enable the user to view, hear and / or feel the virtual user environment, and wherein the user interaction device is further configured to provide to the remote system a user activity signal representative of a video and / or audio activity of the user, and wherein the remote system is configured to use the user activity signal in combination with the input.

[0022] In some examples, using the user activity signal in combination with the input comprises controlling timing of processing of the input.

[0023] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a system comprising: a virtual user environment in which an avatar representing a user is enabled to interact with one or more virtual objects; a communication component configured to receive an input representative of a detected motion of an aerosol provision device of the user; wherein the input is usable by the system as a control input for an action of the avatar in the virtual user environment.

[0024] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method comprising: detecting a motion of an aerosol provision device, providing a signal representative of the detected motion as an input to a system configured to process inputs to a virtual user environment; processing the input as a control input for an avatar of the user in the virtual user environment.

[0025] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided aerosol provision means configured to generate an aerosol comprising: motion detection means configured to detect motion of the aerosol provision means; and communication means configured to send a signal representative of motion detected by the motion detection means to a remote system for use by the remote system as an input to a virtual user environment.

[0026] In some examples, the aerosol provision means comprises aerosol generating means configured to generate an aerosol. In some examples, the aerosol provision means comprises control means configured to control generation of an aerosol.

[0027] Description of Drawings

[0028] The present teachings will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures:

[0029] Figure l is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to examples;

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic view of an arrangement according to examples;

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to examples;

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a system according to examples; and,

[0033] Figure 5 is flow chart of a method according to examples.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Detailed Description

[0036] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed / described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features. The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol provision systems, such as e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term “e-cigarette” or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol provision system / device and electronic aerosol provision system / device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

[0037] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of an example of an aerosol provision device 100 configured to generate an aerosol. The aerosol provision device 100 may an aerosol generating component 110. The aerosol generating component 110 is 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 may comprise a control component 120 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 pad 100 may have a graphical user interface (GUI) for the user to interact with the control component 120. 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 component 130 configured to permit communication between the aerosol provision device 100 and a virtual user environment (not shown). The communication component 130 is configured to send a signal representative of detected motion to a remote system for use by the remote system as an input to a virtual user environment. The communication component 130 may be a wireless communication element that allows for communication with a virtual service via wireless communication method. The user may interact with the communication component 130 directly or via a further user interface such as a GUI or the like.

[0040] The communication component 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. In the present arrangement, there may be communication between the virtual environment and the aerosol provision device via the communication component. This may be two way.

[0041] The aerosol provision device 100 has a motion detection system 140 configured to detect motion of the aerosol provision device 100. The motion detection system 140 detects motion and provides a signal to the communication component 130. The communication component 130 then sends a signal representative of the motion (or motions) detected by the motion detection system to the remote system. The remote system uses the signal as an input for a virtual user environment. In this way, movement of the aerosol provision device 100 can be detected, collated, sent and used in some way in a virtual environment.

[0042] A user is able to, with the present device, impact a virtual environment via movement of their aerosol provision device.

[0043] 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. Such signals may be wired or wireless.

[0044] In examples, the motion detection system 140 comprises at least one of a linear accelerometer, angular accelerometer, gyroscope sensor, gravity sensor and a proximity sensor. Such components allow for various motions of the aerosol provision device 100 to be detected and signals provided to the communication component 130. The communication component 130 and motion detection system 140 may operate under controls from the control component 120 (this may be via wired or wireless interactions).

[0045] In examples, the aerosol provision device 100 is associated with a user profile for a user of the virtual user environment. For example, when accessing the device prior to initial use, the user may be requested to sign in or register an account. This account may store data on the use of the device alongside provide an account through which to access the virtual user environment. For example, making the registered account a requirement to access the virtual environment may act as a reward for users. The user profile can be used to ascertain that the authentic user (the registered user) is the one using the device. This profile may also constrain the operations of the device, where the user is in an age restricted environment or the like. The profile may link to the virtual environment and therefore allow the user to access programs and the like in the virtual environment that are related to or stored on the user’s profile. The user’s profile may assist in how to represent the movement of the aerosol provision device 100 in the virtual user environment.

[0046] In examples, the user profile is associated with an avatar of the user in the virtual user environment, and the input is an input indicative of a motion or action of the avatar in the virtual user environment. The avatar may be varied, changed or kept the same in different programs or the like. The user may have a selection of avatars or may be able to create an avatar or the like. The user can therefore interact with the virtual user environment via movement of the aerosol provision device 100 in the “real world”.

[0047] In examples, the communication component 130 is further configured to send a further signal, the further signal representative of an aerosol generation event of the aerosol provision device 100, the further signal being for use by the remote system as a further input to a virtual user environment. In this way, the aerosol provision device 100 may send signals to the virtual environment before, during or after aerosol generation events. Such events may be the preheating of the heating element within the aerosol provision device, provision to a user of an aerosol, the inhalation of the user or the movement of the aerosol provision device towards and from the mouth of the user before and after use.

[0048] Each of these may be signaled to the virtual user environment and used to impact the environment, the avatar or any virtual object within the environment. In this way, the user is provided with a responsive and compact method of impacting the virtual environment.

[0049] In examples, the further input is an input indicative of a motion and / or action of the avatar in the virtual user environment. The input of inhalation on the device, therefore, may be associated with a function or command of the avatar. In a specific example, the avatar may be a hot air balloon and inhalation on the device may the avatar “inhale” such that there is more air in the balloon such that the balloon increases in altitude within the virtual environment. In this way, operation of the device leads to some form of activation within the game.

[0050] In examples, the motion and / or action is a breath, inhalation and / or exhalation effect. In another specific example, the avatar may be in the form of a dragon and inhalation followed by exhalation may activate a command of a breath attack from the dragon.

[0051] The avatar may be a representation of the user and the inhalation and exhalation may instead be represented in the virtual world in an exaggerated manner. Inhalation and exhalations may be used to fill a space with aerosol in the virtual environment. Races could be instigated against a predetermined contact list of friends, in this way the devices provide high levels of engagement for users within the virtual environment.

[0052] In a different advantage, the user may be provided with additional features for the device when operating in specific locations. For example, the manufacturer may allow for additional virtual avatars 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. The avatar may be a player of the team or the mascot of the team or the like. The movement of aerosol provision device 100 may relate to the movement of flags in the stadium in the virtual environment.

[0053] In a specific examples, the stadium is e.g. Lord’s Cricket Ground and the team is, e.g., the English and Welsh cricket team, the movement of the aerosol provision device 100 may be impact a game of cricket in the virtual environment. Movement of the aerosol provision device 100 as detected by the motion detector 140 may lead to balls being thrown or bats being swung.

[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. In music venues, the virtual environment may be a stage and the aerosol provision device 100 may play the role of a microphone or instrument for a performer or the like.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 component 230. The aerosol provision device has a motion detection system 240. 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 component 230 having a communicative ability with a remote virtual service 250 (dashed line). The remote virtual service 250 may be able to provide virtual representations. In examples, the remote virtual service 250 provides a virtual representation of an aerosol provision device 260. In examples, the remote virtual service 250 provides a virtual representation in the form of an avatar or avatars as discussed above.

[0057] The remote virtual service 250 receives information relating to movement or use data of the aerosol provision device and reproduces this in some form in the virtual environment by the virtual representation 260. 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. Use of the aerosol provision device may be received by the virtual service 250 and the virtual representation of the aerosol provision device 260 may be shown to provide an aerosol or the like. Movement of the aerosol provision device may be represented by the avatar in the virtual representation as noted above. For example, by moving the aerosol provision device, a car may have gears changed in a racing environment in the virtual service.

[0058] Accordingly, use statuses of the “real life” aerosol provision device may be used to alter the status of the avatar 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 250. This may be a one-to-one correspondence between effect in real life and effect in virtual service.

[0059] 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 broadly. The aerosol provision device 300 has an aerosol generating component 310, a control component 320, a communication component 330, and a motion detection system 340. The aerosol provision device 300 in Figure 3 also has an output device 370. The output device 370 is configured to provide an output responsive to a return signal received by the communication component 330 from the remote system.

[0060] In this way, the remote virtual system is able to receive signals from the aerosol provision device 300 as well as provide signals to the aerosol provision device 300 for processing. In an example, the signals received from the remote virtual system are received by the communication component 330 and provided to the output device 370 for processing. The output device 370 may be a haptic device, visual device and / or audio device. In this way, the virtual service may provide “feedback” for a user based on the occurrences in the virtual environment.

[0061] For example, where the aerosol provision device 300 is being used in a virtual environment sports game (e.g. cricket), the output device 370 may have a haptic element for providing a tactile feedback when a ball is struck with a bat and an audio aspect to provide the sound of a ball being struck by a bat. In this way, user experience and engagement with the device is significantly improved. Furthermore, the user is provided with a very versatile aerosol provision device 300 for use in more than aerosol delivery.

[0062] In examples, therefore, the output device is configured to provide an output related to a virtual property of the avatar. The output may be affected by the input in the virtual user environment and / or the virtual user environment. As noted above, this may be in relation to the circumstances around the avatar and environment (cricket in a stadium, or dragon in a fantasy world).

[0063] For example, within the virtual environment of a fantasy world, the avatar may be a wizard or a dragon. Where the signal from the device is inhalation followed by exhalation, this may be represented by the wizard as a spell or by the dragon as fiery breath. The output from the output device 370 in the aerosol provision device 300 may vary depending on the signals from the virtual environment. The wizard’s spell may have less haptic feedback, or a series of short bursts while the dragon’s breath may have a single extended haptic feedback. Audio and visual signals may differ based on the different signals from the virtual environment.

[0064] In examples, therefore, the output device is configured to provide an output representative of the motion or action in the virtual user environment. For example, a movement of the aerosol provision device 300 in a manner akin to a swish (or wave) may produce a different haptic feedback to a movement akin to a thrust (or push).

[0065] In examples, the remote system is communicatively coupled to a user interaction device configured to enable the user to view, hear and / or feel the virtual user environment. In examples, the user interaction device is further configured to provide to the remote system a user activity signal representative of a video and / or audio activity of the user. The remote system may be configured to use the user activity signal in combination with the input.

[0066] In examples, the user activity signal may be used in combination with the input and this comprises controlling timing of processing of the input. The user interaction device may be an electronic headset that projects the environment in a way to show the user a virtual environment or the like. The user interaction device may be a device providing a projection or an audio arrangement or the like. The user interaction device may immerse the user in the virtual environment. For engagement and interactivity therefore, timings of inputs are important for coordinating occurrences in the real world and those in the virtual world.

[0067] 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. While one or more virtual objects 406 may include a virtual representation of an aerosol provision device, other representations are envisaged (as discussed above).

[0068] The virtual representation corresponds to a virtual user environment data object that is configured to be affected via use of the aerosol provision device 412 in the physical space 410. The system 400 comprises a communication component 408 configured to receive an input representative of a detected motion Ml of an aerosol provision device 412 of the user. The input is usable by the system 400 as a control input for an action of the avatar 404 in the virtual user environment 402.

[0069] In the example of Figure 4, a user in the physical space (real world) 410 moves aerosol provision device 412 in motion Ml (an up and down wave). The communication component 408 receives this (along communication line B). This is provided to the virtual environment 402 along communication line C. The virtual environment 402 uses this input to show motion by the avatar 404. In the specific example of Figure 4, this is the movement Ml’ of an up and down wave of a virtual object 406 that represents an aerosol provision device. As noted above, the examples need not correspond to the real world occurrences. Such a movement may be translated to a knight 404 wielding a sword 406.

[0070] In examples, therefore, the virtual environment 402 (which may be VR or AR or the like) may receive signals that are ultimately sent from the aerosol provision device 412 in the physical space 410 (“real world”). The signals may relate to movements, uses, commands or the like from the user acting on the aerosol provision device 412.

[0071] 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 component 408 is via Bluetooth Low Energy TM, while the communication C between the communication component 408 and the virtual space 402 is via WiFi TM.

[0072] Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a flow chart of a method 500 according to examples. In a method 500, a motion of the aerosol provision device is detected 505. A signal representative of the detected motion is provided as an input to a system configured to process inputs to a virtual user environment 510. The input is processed as a control input for an avatar of the user in the virtual user environment 515. The method described herein provides a series of advantages as for the devices. The user is provided with a device to interact with a virtual world in a highly engaging and tactile way. In this way, the user may be able to improve their use or tailor their use of the aerosol provision device based on the occurrences provided into the virtual environment.

[0073] Such an arrangement is highly useful for users that may experience visual disabilities as displays in the virtual world can be easily enhanced to overcome the issues experienced in the real world for such users. The virtual world can display information relating to the device and the user in significantly increased colors, brightness or contrast when compared to the real world.

[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 component 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 aerosol- generating 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 noncombustible 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

[0093] 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. 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, marjoram, 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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 aerosolgenerating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0103] A heater is a form of aerosol generator, though any aerosol generator may be used in the examples shown above.

[0104] 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 motion detection system configured to detect motion of the aerosol provision device; and a communication component configured to send a signal representative of motion detected by the motion detection system to a remote system for use by the remote system as an input to a virtual user environment.

2. An aerosol provision device according to claim 1, wherein, the motion detection system comprises at least one of a linear accelerometer, angular accelerometer, gyroscope sensor, gravity sensor and a proximity sensor.

3. An aerosol provision device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol provision device is associated with a user profile for a user of the virtual user environment.

4. An aerosol provision device according to claim 3, wherein the user profile is associated with an avatar of the user in the virtual user environment, and wherein the input is an input indicative of a motion or action of the avatar in the virtual user environment.

5. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 -4, wherein the communication component is further configured to send a further signal, the further signal representative of an aerosol generation event of the aerosol provision device, the further signal for use by the remote system as a further input to a virtual user environment.

6. An aerosol provision device according to claim 5, wherein the further input is an input indicative of a motion and / or action of the avatar in the virtual user environment.

7. An aerosol provision device according to claim 6, wherein the motion and / or action is a breath, inhalation and / or exhalation effect.

8. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1-7, further comprising an output device configured to provide an output responsive to a return signal received by the communication component from the remote system.

9. An aerosol provision device according to claim 8, wherein the output device includes a haptic device, visual device and / or audio device.

10. An aerosol provision device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the output device is configured to provide an output related to a virtual property of the avatar, and wherein the output is affected by the input in the virtual user environment and / or the virtual user environment.

11. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 8-10, wherein the output device is configured to provide an output representative of the motion or action in the virtual user environment.

12. An aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1-11, wherein the remote system is communicatively coupled to a user interaction device configured to enable the user to view, hear and / or feel the virtual user environment, and wherein the user interaction device is further configured to provide to the remote system a user activity signal representative of a video and / or audio activity of the user, and wherein the remote system is configured to use the user activity signal in combination with the input.

13. An aerosol provision device according to claim 12, wherein using the user activity signal in combination with the input comprises controlling timing of processing of the input.

14. A system comprising: a virtual user environment in which an avatar representing a user is enabled to interact with one or more virtual objects; a communication component configured to receive an input representative of a detected motion of an aerosol provision device of the user;wherein the input is usable by the system as a control input for an action of the avatar in the virtual user environment.

15. A method compri sing : detecting a motion of an aerosol provision device, providing a signal representative of the detected motion as an input to a system configured to process inputs to a virtual user environment; processing the input as a control input for an avatar of the user in the virtual user environment.

16. Aerosol provision means configured to generate an aerosol comprising: motion detection means configured to detect motion of the aerosol provision means; and communication means configured to send a signal representative of motion detected by the motion detection means to a remote system for use by the remote system as an input to a virtual user environment.

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