Aerosol provision device

Abstract

There is provided a method comprising: receiving a user input in a virtual environment, wherein the user input represents an interaction with a virtual representation of an aerosol provision device; providing a response to the user input inviting a further user input.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a method, a system and 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 a method comprising: receiving a user input in a virtual environment, wherein the user input represents an interaction with a virtual representation of an aerosol provision device; providing a response to the user input inviting a further user input. In some examples, the virtual environment is a virtual user environment.

[0011] In some examples, the virtual representation of an aerosol provision device is associated with a user account of a user different to a user that is the source of the user input.

[0012] In some examples, the response is a question to the source of the user input.

[0013] In some examples, the method further comprises: receiving a further user input, and processing the further user input to determine a reply

[0014] In some examples, the reply provides information relating to one or more properties of an aerosol provision device with which the virtual representation is associated.

[0015] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a system comprising: a virtual environment in which an avatar representing a user is enabled to interact with one or more virtual objects, wherein the one or more virtual objects include a virtual representation of an aerosol provision device; and a communication interface configured to receive a user input representative of an interaction between the user’ s avatar and the virtual representation; wherein the virtual environment is configured to provide to the user a response to the user input inviting a further user input.

[0016] In some examples, the virtual environment is a virtual user environment.

[0017] In some examples, the virtual representation of an aerosol provision device is associated with a user account of a user different to a user that is the source of the user input.

[0018] In some examples, the response is a question to the source of the user input.

[0019] In some examples, the communication interface is further configured to receive a further user input, and is arranged to process the user input to determine a reply. In some examples, the reply provides information relating to one or more properties of an aerosol provision device with which the virtual representation is associated.

[0020] In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a system comprising: virtual environment means 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 aerosol provision means; and communication means configured to receive a user input representative of an interaction between the user’s avatar and the virtual representation; wherein the virtual environment means is configured to provide to the user a response to the user input inviting a further user input.

[0021] In some examples, the virtual environment is a virtual user environment.

[0022] Description of Drawings

[0023] The present teachings will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures:

[0024] Figure l is a flow chart of a method according to examples;

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a system according to examples;

[0026] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method according to examples; and, Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method according to examples.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Detailed Description

[0029] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a flow chart of a method 100 according to examples. According to examples herein, a method 100 comprises a step of receiving 105 a user input in a virtual environment, wherein the user input represents an interaction with a virtual representation of an aerosol provision device. The method comprises a step of providing 110 a response to the user input inviting a further user input. In some examples, the virtual environment is a virtual user environment.

[0033] The method disclosed herein enables a user to interact with a virtual representation of a device and response to that user. The virtual environment may be a metaverse or similar environment in which a user may interact in various ways with virtual representations of devices. The virtual representations may be virtual representations of aerosol provision devices or the like. The response to the user may be in the form of a questionnaire or similar ways of requesting further input from the user. The user may then clarify or provide additional details as per the invitation. The response to the user may be a virtual reality or augmented reality interface with which the user can interact and provide input.

[0034] Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a schematic view of a system according to examples. The system 200 shown in Figure 2 shows a virtual environment 202 in which an avatar 204 representing a user is enabled to interact with one or more virtual objects 206, wherein the one or more virtual objects 206 include a virtual representation of an aerosol provision device. The system 200 comprises a communication interface 208 configured to receive a user input (arrow A) representative of an interaction between the user’s avatar 204 and the virtual representation 206. The virtual environment 202 is configured to provide to the user a response to the user input inviting a further user input. The virtual environment 202 may be a virtual user environment 202.

[0035] The virtual environment 202 may provide a response to the user within the virtual environment 202. For example, the user’s avatar 204 may interact with aerosol provision device 206. The virtual environment 202 may provide a link or a prompt or a questionnaire or the like, to the user, for the user to provide further input.

[0036] Alternatively, the invitation to the user may occur outside of the virtual environment 202. For example, the interaction in the virtual environment 202 may be communicated (arrow A) to the communication interface 208. The communication interface 208 may provide the request for further input to the user directly, such as via a text message or an email to the user. The subsequent input from the user may therefore be in the virtual environment 202 or in the real world and provided back to the virtual environment 202 via the communication interface 208.

[0037] In examples, the virtual representation 206 of an aerosol provision device is associated with a user account of a user different to a user 204 that is the source of the user input. For example, a first user may possess an aerosol provision device and this may be available for interaction with other users in the virtual environment 202. The first user’s device may be publically available or may be available only to a subsection of users.

[0038] In examples, user 2 has access to user l’s devices and interacts with device 206 in the virtual environment 202. User 2 is then provided with requests for further input that may be based on the aerosol provision device 206 that user 2 interacted with in the virtual environment 202. In examples, user 1 has a list of contacts that are allowed to access and interact with a roster of user 1 devices. User 2 is on that list. User 2 interacts with device 1 and is provided with a questionnaire that ascertains the suitability of user 2 for use of the real world aerosol provision device on which the virtual representation 206 is based. This questionnaire may cover age, location, preferences etc. On receiving acceptable responses from user 2 by the communication interface or directly by the virtual environment 202, user 2 may be invited to purchase the real world aerosol provision device on which virtual representation 206 is based. Acceptable responses may be, for example, suitability of age for purchase of such a device and suitability of global location (e.g. provision of device in the country of residence of user 2 is both legal and possible for delivery services etc).

[0039] In examples, therefore, the response is a question to the source of the user input. Specifically, the response of the virtual environment 202 ascertains details of user 2 (on whom avatar 204 is based or whom the avatar 204 represents).

[0040] In examples, also, the communication interface 208 is further configured to receive a further user input, and is arranged to process the user input to determine a reply. For example, the communication interface 208 may receive a partial series of answers from user 2 and will parse the answers to the questions to ascertain whether there is sufficient information to satisfy identification of the suitability of the user for provision of further details of the device, including, but not exclusively, purchasing details or providing operational details of the device.

[0041] In examples, the reply provides information relating to one or more properties of an aerosol provision device with which the virtual representation is associated. The reply of the system (which may be from within the virtual environment 202 or the interface 208) may be based on the suitability of the user for the device (and vice versa). For example, the questionnaire may have asked for use preferences of the user. If the user suggests they are a user that has light use requirements, and the device is designed with heavier users in mind (this may be battery capacity or aerosol generating material reservoir or container) or the like, the response may include other devices that are more suited to the user’s requirements.

[0042] In contrast, if the response is parsed by the interface 208 as suggesting that the user is suited for the device, the reply may be a link to the device or a comparison of similar devices that the user may also be suited too for consideration. In this way, the reply may provide details of the aerosol provision device relating to properties thereof. Access to the devices of other users may be based on contact lists, such as confirmed “friend” lists. This alternatively or additionally may be controlled by authenticated accounts. For example, a user must authenticate their account prior to be able to request to view other authenticated users’ devices. Alternatively or additionally, premium account holders may be able to view all devices of certain manufacturer catalogues. E.g. a user may be able to view the purchased devices of their friends in the virtual environment and be provided with additional details on those devices. Such a user may then possess a premium account and have access to all devices that can be provided to that user based on age and geographic suitability.

[0043] Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a flow chart of a method 300 according to examples. According to examples herein, a method 300 comprises the steps of user 1 interacting with device 1 in a virtual environment 305. The virtual environment provides a request to user 1 for additional input 310. The virtual environment receives the additional input from user 1 315. The virtual environment then processes the additional input 320. In this example, the virtual environment contains the full processing capabilities and there is no need for the communication interface. However, in this way, the process occurs in the virtual environment (rather than linking to real world and e.g. sending emails for consideration to the user).

[0044] Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a flow chart of a method 400 according to examples. According to examples herein, a method 400 comprises the steps of user 1 interacting with device 1 in a virtual environment 405. The virtual environment provides a request to user 1 for additional input 410. The virtual environment receives the additional input from user 1 415. The virtual environment then processes the additional input 420. In examples, e.g. as shown in Figure 4, the virtual environment provides data to the user relating to device 1.

[0045] In this example, the virtual environment contains the full processing capabilities and there is no need for the communication interface. However, in this way, the process occurs in the virtual environment (rather than linking to real world and e.g. sending emails for consideration to the user). Review of the device as well as ordering or purchasing the device may also occur within the virtual environment. The communication interface disclosed herein 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.

[0046] The virtual representation of the aerosol provision device may include user settings / preferences for operation of the aerosol provision device (as taken from the user of the aerosol provision device e.g. in the above examples, user 1 is viewing device 1 of user 2, therefore device 1 is shown with user 2 preferences etc.). 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 representation in the virtual environment. Accordingly, use statuses of the “real life” aerosol provision device (of user 2) may be used to alter the status of the virtual aerosol provision device in the remote virtual service (shown to user 1 by the virtual representation). As an example, user 2s use of the “real life” aerosol provision device may lead to an aerosol effect being produced by the virtual object in the virtual environment as viewed by user 1.

[0047] Alternatively, the device may not link to the real world device. Rather, provided user 2 has purchased the device and linked the device to their account, user 1 (within a network with user 2) can access and interact with device 1 within the virtual environment. Interacting with the virtual device may provide a sound and / or a series of lights and / or information or the like in the virtual environment. For example, interacting with device 1 by user 1 in the virtual environment may lead to the virtual representation of the device 1 providing details on the operational condition of device 1 such as battery life or details on the aerosol generating material that is compatible with the aerosol provision device. In this way, engagement with the representation of device 1 will improve user Is understanding of the aerosol provision device. User 1 can therefore make informed purchase decisions around the suitability of device 1 for that specific user’s desires. This leads to more informed purchasing decisions and therefore likely leads to fewer devices being discarded having been found to be incompatible with a user post-purchase. In this way, interaction in the virtual environment provides an improved and more sustainable purchasing behaviors for users. In an example, data such as codes e.g. QR codes, barcodes, alpha numeric codes and / or serial numbers on boxes or devices may be 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.

[0048] A user may be able to interact with the QR codes, barcodes, alpha numeric codes and / or serial numbers in the virtual environment. The environment may be able to display such information or provide to the user (via the communication interface) additional details for the user’s consideration in a non-virtual environment.

[0049] The user can therefore view devices within the virtual environment. The use of virtual representations of devices can provide an advertising platform for a manufacturer in the virtual environment 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. Access may be provided to a user’s device roster as described above, additionally or alternatively.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The method and system 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. 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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. 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a noncombustible 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.

[0064] 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.

[0065] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0066] 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. 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

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour. 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.

[0071] 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. 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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. A heater is a form of aerosol generator, though any aerosol generator may be used in the examples shown above.

[0076] 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. A method compri sing : receiving a user input in a virtual environment, wherein the user input represents an interaction with a virtual representation of an aerosol provision device; providing a response to the user input inviting a further user input.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the virtual representation of an aerosol provision device is associated with a user account of a user different to a user that is the source of the user input.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the response is a question to the source of the user input.

4. A method according to any of claims 1-3, further comprising: receiving a further user input, and processing the further user input to determine a reply.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the reply provides information relating to one or more properties of an aerosol provision device with which the virtual representation is associated.

6. A system comprising: a virtual environment in which an avatar representing a user is enabled to interact with one or more virtual objects, wherein the one or more virtual objects include a virtual representation of an aerosol provision device; and a communication interface configured to receive a user input representative of an interaction between the user’s avatar and the virtual representation; wherein the virtual environment is configured to provide to the user a response to the user input inviting a further user input.

7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the virtual representation of an aerosol provision device is associated with a user account of a user different to a user that is the source of the user input.

8. A system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the response is a question to the source of the user input.

9. A system according to any of claims 6-8, wherein the communication interface is further configured to receive a further user input, and is arranged to process the user input to determine a reply.

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the reply provides information relating to one or more properties of an aerosol provision device with which the virtual representation is associated.

11. A system comprising: virtual environment means 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 aerosol provision means; and communication means configured to receive a user input representative of an interaction between the user’s avatar and the virtual representation; wherein the virtual environment means is configured to provide to the user a response to the user input inviting a further user input.

Images