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 properties 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 aerosol provision device is configured to synchronise one or more of the one or more properties of the aerosol provision device to 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.

[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 properties 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 aerosol provision device is configured to synchronise one or more of the one or more properties of the aerosol provision device to a virtual object in a virtual user environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

[0011] In some examples, the properties include user settings / preferences for operation of the aerosol provision device.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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 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 in a virtual user environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

[0014] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided system comprising: a virtual user 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 a communication interface configured to receive one or more inputs representing an aerosol provision device from a physical user space, wherein the aerosol provision device is linked to the virtual representation of an aerosol provision device; wherein the aerosol provision device is controllable to transmit data relating to one or more properties of the aerosol provision device to the linked virtual representation.

[0015] In some examples, the properties include user settings / preferences for operation of the physical aerosol provision device.

[0016] 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 In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method comprising: generating, in a virtual user environment, a virtual representation of an aerosol provision device associated with a user account of a user; and linking the virtual representation of an aerosol provision device to a physical aerosol provision device associated with the user.

[0017] In some examples, the method further comprises entering an identifier related to the physical aerosol provision device into an interface associated with the virtual user environment

[0018] In some examples, the generating comprises spawning an instance of a template object for the virtual representation.

[0019] In some examples, the generating comprises providing to the virtual user environment data of the aerosol provision device obtained from packaging of the aerosol provision device.

[0020] In some examples, the method further comprises customising the virtual representation with one or more properties recorded from the physical aerosol provision device.

[0021] In some examples, the properties include user settings / preferences for operation of the physical aerosol provision device.

[0022] In some examples, the method further comprises displaying via the virtual user environment the virtual representation via a user interface device configured to display content associated with the virtual user environment.

[0023] In some examples, the method further comprises accepting an input from a user to the virtual user environment to cause a display of content associated with the virtual representation.

[0024] In some examples, the input from a user is received from and / or the display of content is provided to a user other than the user associated with the physical aerosol provision device. In some examples, the display of content comprises a representation of the aerosol provision device, packaging of the aerosol provision device, and / or opening of the packaging of the aerosol provision device.

[0025] In some examples, the display of content is issued as an NFT.

[0026] In some examples, the virtual representation of the aerosol provision device is issued as an NFT.

[0027] In some examples, the NFT can be traded using a virtual currency.

[0028] In some examples, the virtual currency can be mined by use of the physical aerosol provision device for aerosol generation.

[0029] 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 properties of the aerosol provision means; and communication means configured to permit communication between the aerosol provision means and a remote virtual service; wherein the aerosol provision means is configured to synchronise one or more of the one or more properties of the aerosol provision means to a virtual object in a virtual user environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

[0030] Description of Drawings

[0031] The present teachings will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures:

[0032] Figure l is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to examples;

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic view of an arrangement according to examples;

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a system according to examples;

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a system according to examples; and,

[0036] Figure 5 is flow chart of a method according to examples. 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.

[0037] Detailed Description

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of an example of an aerosol provision device 100. The aerosol provision device 100 comprises 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. In some examples, the aerosol provision device does not comprise an aerosol generating component. The aerosol provision device 100 comprises a control component 120 configured to store data describing one or more 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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 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. 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.

[0044] The aerosol provision device is configured to synchronise one or more of the one or more properties of the aerosol provision device to a virtual object 250 in a virtual user environment accessible via the remote virtual service 240. In some examples, the virtual object 250 is a corresponding virtual object 250. 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a schematic view of a system 300 according to examples. The system 300 comprises an aerosol provision device (as shown in Figures 1 and 2) comprises an aerosol generating component 310, a control component 320 and a communication interface 330.

[0048] The communication interface 330 is arranged to communicate with a network 340. The network 340 may be any relevant network. The communication link is shown by arrow A. The communication link need not be one way, the communication interface 330 may provide data to and receive data from the network 340. The network 340 is in communication with computer system(s) 370 for the virtual user environment. The computer system or systems 370 may comprise a data record 372 for storing data from the aerosol provision device communication interface 330.

[0049] The arrangement 300 has a representation 350 of a virtual object in the virtual user environment based on the data record 372. The representation 350 may be an aerosol provision device or may be any other virtual object.

[0050] The representation 350 may be a representation that can be manipulated in the virtual space. For example, the user may be able to explode the representation 350 in the virtual space to view each of the components of the object. In this way, the representation 350 may be able to show the user whether components are in need of repair by representing their physical status in the virtual world as calculated by sensors or the like in the real world.

[0051] Such a provision allows a user to readily know the condition of their device without needing to involve the dangerous and time consuming process of fully deconstructing the device.

[0052] In an example, 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 system 400 comprises a communication interface 408 configured to receive one or more inputs B representing an aerosol provision device from a physical user space 410, wherein the aerosol provision device is linked to the virtual representation 406 of an aerosol provision device. The aerosol provision device 412 is controllable to transmit data relating to one or more properties of the aerosol provision device 214 to the linked virtual representation 406.

[0057] In examples, therefore, the physical space 410 (“real world”) aerosol provision device 412 sends signals that are ultimately reproduced and / or interpreted and displayed in the virtual space 402. This may allow a user to move the device 412 in the physical space 410 and for this to be recreated by movement of the device 406 in the virtual space 402.

[0058] 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 real world and be able to handle the product within the box in the virtual space. Similarly, the user may 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. 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.

[0059] 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. The virtual representation of an aerosol provision device is linked to a physical aerosol provision device associated with the user 510.

[0060] The method described herein provides a series of advantages as for the devices. The user is provided with a space in which to receive information and experience devices that otherwise the user would need to purchase before experiencing. In this way, fewer incompatible devices are purchased and therefore there is less wastage from sales following this method than via traditional methods.

[0061] In the examples above, content is displayed in a manner that allows high ease of access for users. In examples, the content is displayed and the user is able to interact with the content. In examples, the display of content is issued as a non-fungible token (NFT). In examples, the virtual representation of the aerosol provision device is issued as an NFT. In examples, the NFT can be traded using a virtual currency.

[0062] The virtual currency may be formed by the manufacturer of the aerosol provision device or the like to enable intra-virtual space transactions or the like. In examples, the virtual currency can be mined by use of the physical aerosol provision device for aerosol generation.

[0063] 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. 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 noncombustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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. In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.

[0074] 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.

[0075] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] A heater is a form of aerosol generator, though any aerosol generator may be used in the examples shown above.

[0090] 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 properties 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 aerosol provision device is configured to synchronise one or more of the one or more properties of the aerosol provision device to a virtual object in a virtual user environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

2. An aerosol provision device according to claim 1, wherein the properties include user settings / preferences for operation of the aerosol provision device.

3. An aerosol provision device according to claim 1 or 2, 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.

4. A system comprising: a virtual user 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 a communication interface configured to receive one or more inputs representing an aerosol provision device from a physical user space, wherein the aerosol provision device is linked to the virtual representation of an aerosol provision device; wherein the aerosol provision device is controllable to transmit data relating to one or more properties of the aerosol provision device to the linked virtual representation.

5. A system according to claim 4, wherein the properties include user settings / preferences for operation of the physical aerosol provision device.

6. A system according to claim 4 or 5, 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.

7. A method comprising: generating, in a virtual user environment, a virtual representation of an aerosol provision device associated with a user account of a user; and linking the virtual representation of an aerosol provision device to a physical aerosol provision device associated with the user.

8. A method according to claim 7, further comprising entering an identifier related to the physical aerosol provision device into an interface associated with the virtual user environment.

9. A method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the generating comprises spawning an instance of a template object for the virtual representation.

10. A method according to any of claims 7-9, wherein the generating comprises providing to the virtual user environment data of the aerosol provision device obtained from packaging of the aerosol provision device.

11. A method according to any of claims 7-10, further comprising customising the virtual representation with one or more properties recorded from the physical aerosol provision device.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the properties include user settings / preferences for operation of the physical aerosol provision device.

13. A method according to any of claims 7-12, further comprising displaying via the virtual user environment the virtual representation via a user interface device configured to display content associated with the virtual user environment.

14. A method according to any of claims 7-13, further comprising accepting an input from a user to the virtual user environment to cause a display of content associated with the virtual representation.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the input from a user is received from and / or the display of content is provided to a user other than the user associated with the physical aerosol provision device.

16. A method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the display of content comprises a representation of the aerosol provision device, packaging of the aerosol provision device, and / or opening of the packaging of the aerosol provision device.

17. A method according to any of claims 14-16, wherein the display of content is issued as an NFT.

18. A method according to any of claims 7-17, wherein the virtual representation of the aerosol provision device is issued as an NFT.

19. A method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the NFT can be traded using a virtual currency.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the virtual currency can be mined by use of the physical aerosol provision device for aerosol generation.

21. Aerosol provision means configured to generate an aerosol comprising: control means configured to store data describing one or more properties of the aerosol provision means; and communication means configured to permit communication between the aerosol provision means and a remote virtual service;1 wherein the aerosol provision means is configured to synchronise one or more of the one or more properties of the aerosol provision means to a virtual object in a virtual user environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

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