Aerosol delivery systems and methods

Abstract

An aerosol delivery system (1) comprising a puff sensor (30) having a variable sampling rate, wherein the system (1) is configured to adjust the sampling rate of the puff sensor (30) dependent on an input indicating or anticipating a puff on the system (1) by a user.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND METHODS

[0002] Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems such as, but not exclusively, nicotine delivery systems (e.g. e-cigarettes).

[0004] Background

[0005] Aerosol delivery systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain an aerosol generating material, such as a chamber of a source solid or liquid, which may contain an active substance and / or a flavour, from which an aerosol or vapour is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation. Thus, an aerosol delivery system will typically comprise an aerosol generation area containing an aerosol generator, e.g. a heating element, arranged to vaporise or aerosolise a portion of precursor material to generate a vapour or aerosol in the aerosol generation area. As a user inhales on the device and electrical power is supplied to the vaporiser, air is drawn into the device through an inlet hole and along an inlet air channel connecting to the aerosol generation area, where the air mixes with vaporised precursor material to form a condensation aerosol. There is an outlet channel connecting the aerosol generation area to an outlet in the mouthpiece and the air drawn into the aerosol generation area as a user inhales on the mouthpiece continues along the outlet flow path to the mouthpiece outlet, carrying the aerosol with it, for inhalation by the user. Some electronic cigarettes may also include a flavour element in the air flow path through the device to impart additional flavours. Such devices may sometimes be referred to as hybrid devices, and the flavour element may, for example, include a portion of tobacco arranged in the air flow path between the aerosol generation area and the mouthpiece such that aerosol I condensation aerosol drawn through the device passes through the portion of tobacco before exiting the mouthpiece for user inhalation.

[0006] Aerosol delivery systems are typically powered by a rechargeable or replaceable power supply. It is of interest to develop aerosol delivery systems with and methods providing lower power consumption and longer shelf life.

[0007] Brief summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention provides aerosol delivery systems comprising a puff sensor or puff sensing means having a variable sampling rate, methods for adjusting a variable sampling rate for a puff sensor in an aerosol delivery system and corresponding computer-readable instructions for the same, as claimed. The present invention further provides additional embodiments as claimed in the dependent claims. The claimed invention generally provides a sub-assembly or sub-system suitable for use in an aerosol delivery system, or configured for use in an aerosol delivery system. The sub-system may generally form part of an aerosol delivery system and in particular may form part of the reusable device and / or the consumable cartridge.

[0009] Brief description of the figures

[0010] Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-section view of an aerosol delivery system in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0012] Detailed description of the disclosure

[0013] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not described in detail in the interest of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatuses and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any suitable conventional techniques.

[0014] The embodiments of the disclosure generally lower power consumption of aerosol delivery systems or subsystems thereof, particularly prior to first use (e.g. during shipping) and / or when less likely to be used thereafter. Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosure aim to provide longer product life cycles, improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

[0015] Introduction

[0016] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view through an example aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, providing an introduction to two-part aerosol delivery systems, the components therein and their functionality.

[0017] The aerosol delivery system 1 comprises two main parts, namely a reusable part 2 and a replaceable I disposable consumable cartridge part 4. In normal use, the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 are releasably coupled together at an interface 6. When the cartridge part 4 is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different cartridge part 4, the cartridge part 4 may be removed from the reusable part 2 and a replacement cartridge part 4 attached to the reusable part 2 in its place. The interface 6 provides a structural, electrical and airflow path connection between the two parts 2, 4 and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, magnetic or bayonet fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts and openings for establishing the electrical connection and airflow path between the two parts 2, 4 as appropriate. The specific manner by which the cartridge part 4 mechanically mounts to the reusable part 2 is not significant to the principles described herein, but for the sake of a concrete example is assumed here to comprise a magnetic coupling (not represented in figure 1). It will also be appreciated the interface 6 in some implementations may not support an electrical and I or airflow path connection between the respective parts 2, 4. For example, in some implementations an aerosol generator may be provided in the reusable part 2 rather than in the cartridge part 4, or the transfer of electrical power from the reusable part 2 to the cartridge part 4 may be wireless (e.g. based on electromagnetic induction), so that an electrical connection between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 is not needed. Furthermore, in some implementations the airflow through the electronic cigarette might not go through the reusable part 2, so that an airflow path connection between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 is not needed. In some instances, a portion of the airflow path may be defined at the interface between portions of the reusable part 2 and cartridge part 4 when these are coupled together for use.

[0018] The cartridge I consumable part 4 may, in certain embodiments, be broadly conventional. In figure 1 , the cartridge part 4 comprises a cartridge housing 42 formed of a plastics material. The cartridge housing 42 supports other components of the cartridge part 4 and provides the mechanical interface 6 with the reusable part 2. The cartridge housing 42 is generally circularly symmetrical about a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge part 4 couples to the reusable part 2. In this example, the cartridge part 4 has a length of around 4 cm and a diameter of around 1 .5 cm. However, the specific geometry and the overall shapes and materials used may vary.

[0019] Within the cartridge housing 42 is a chamber or reservoir 44 that contains aerosol-generating material. In the example of figure 1 , the reservoir 44 stores a supply of liquid aerosol generating material. In this example, the liquid reservoir 44 has an annular shape with an outer wall defined by the cartridge housing 42 and an inner wall that defines an airflow path 52 through the cartridge part 4. The reservoir 44 is closed at each end with end walls to contain the aerosol generating material. The reservoir 44 may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example it may comprise a plastics material and be integrally moulded with the cartridge housing 42.

[0020] The cartridge I consumable part 4 further comprises an aerosol generator 48 located towards an end of the reservoir 44 opposite to a mouthpiece outlet 50. It will be appreciated that in a two-part system such as shown in figure 1 , the aerosol generator 48 may be in either of the reusable part 2 or the cartridge part 4. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator 48 (e.g. a heater, which may be in the form of a wick and coil arrangement as shown, a distiller, which may be formed from a sintered metal fibre material or other porous conducting material, or any suitable alternative aerosol generator) may be comprised in the reusable part 2, and is brought into proximity with a portion of aerosol generating material in the cartridge part 4 when the cartridge part 4 is engaged with the reusable part 2. In such embodiments, the cartridge part 4 may comprise a portion of aerosol generating material, and an aerosol generator 48 comprising a heater is at least partially inserted into or at least partially surrounds the portion of aerosol generating material as the cartridge part 4 is engaged with the reusable part 2.

[0021] In the example of figure 1 , a wick 46 in contact with the aerosol generator 48 extends transversely across the cartridge airflow path 52 with its ends extending into the reservoir 44 of the liquid aerosol generating material through openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44. The openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44 are sized to broadly match the dimensions of the wick 46 to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from the liquid reservoir 44 into the cartridge airflow path without unduly compressing the wick 46, which may be detrimental to its fluid transfer performance.

[0022] The wick 46 and aerosol generator 48 are arranged in the cartridge airflow path 52 such that a region of the cartridge airflow path 52 around the wick 46 and heater 48 in effect defines a vaporisation region for the cartridge part 4. Aerosol generating material in the reservoir 44 infiltrates the wick 46 through the ends of the wick extending into the reservoir 44 and is drawn along the wick by surface tension I capillary action (i.e. wicking). The aerosol generator 48 in this example comprises an electrically resistive wire coiled around the wick 46. In figure 1 , the heater 48 comprises a nickel chrome alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire and the wick 46 comprises a glass fibre bundle, but the specific aerosol generator configuration is not significant to the principles described herein. In use, electrical power may be supplied to the aerosol generator 48 to vaporise an amount of aerosol generating material (aerosol generating material) drawn to the vicinity of the aerosol generator 48 by the wick 46.

[0023] Vaporised aerosol generating material may then become entrained in air drawn along the cartridge airflow path from the vaporisation region towards the mouthpiece outlet 50 for user inhalation.

[0024] As noted above, the rate at which aerosol generating material is vaporised by the aerosol generator 48 will depend on the amount (level) of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48. Thus electrical power can be applied to the aerosol generator 48 to selectively generate aerosol from the aerosol generating material in the cartridge part 4, and furthermore, the rate of aerosol generation can be changed by changing the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48, for example through pulse width and / or frequency modulation techniques.

[0025] The reusable part 2 comprises an outer housing 12 having with an opening that defines an air inlet 28 for the e-cigarette, a power source 26 (e.g. a battery) for providing operating power for the electronic cigarette, control circuitry / controller 22 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a first user input button 14, a second user input button 16, and a visual display 24.

[0026] The outer housing 12 may be formed, for example, from a plastics or metallic material and in this example has a circular cross section generally conforming to the shape and size of the cartridge part 4 so as to provide a smooth transition between the two parts 2, 4 at the interface 6. In this example, the reusable part 2 has a length of around 8 cm so the overall length of the e-cigarette when the cartridge part 4 and the reusable part 2 are coupled together is around 12 cm.

[0027] The air inlet 28 connects to an airflow path 51 through the reusable part 2. The reusable part airflow path 51 in turn connects to the cartridge airflow path 52 across the interface 6 when the reusable part 2 and cartridge part 4 are connected together. Thus, when a user inhales on the mouthpiece opening 50, air is drawn in through the air inlet 28, along the reusable part airflow path 51 , across the interface 6, through the aerosol generation area in the vicinity of the aerosol generator 48 (where vaporised aerosol generating material becomes entrained in the air flow), along the cartridge airflow path 52, and out through the mouthpiece opening 50 for user inhalation.

[0028] The power supply 26 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods. The power supply 26 may be recharged through a charging connector in the reusable part housing 12, for example a USB connector.

[0029] Optionally, first and / or second user input buttons 14, 16 may be provided, which in this example are conventional mechanical buttons, for example comprising a spring mounted component which may be pressed by a user to establish an electrical contact. In this regard, the input buttons may be considered input devices for detecting user input and the specific manner in which the buttons are implemented is not significant. The buttons may be assigned to functions such as switching the aerosol delivery system 1 on and off, and adjusting user settings such as a power to be supplied from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48.

[0030] A display 24 may be provided to give a user with a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the aerosol delivery system, for example current power setting information, remaining power source power, and so forth. The display may be implemented in various ways. In this example the display 24 comprises a conventional pixilated LCD screen that may be driven to display the desired information in accordance with conventional techniques. In other implementations, the display may comprise one or more discrete indicators, for example LEDs, that are arranged to display the desired information, for example through particular colours and I or flash sequences. More generally, the manner in which the display 24 is provided and information is displayed to a user using the display is not significant to the principles described herein. For example, some embodiments may not include a visual display and / or may include other means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system, for example using audio signalling, or may not include any means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system.

[0031] A controller 22 is suitably configured I programmed to control the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 to provide functionality as described herein, as well as for providing conventional operating functions of the aerosol delivery system 1 . The controller (processor circuitry) 22 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units I circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1. In this example the controller 22 comprises power supply control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the power supply 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in response to user input, user programming circuitry 20 for establishing configuration settings (e.g. user-defined power settings) in response to user input, as well as other functional units I circuitry associated functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of electronic cigarettes, such as display driving circuitry and user input detection circuitry. The functionality of the controller 22 can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and I or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s) I circuitry I chip(s) I chipset(s).

[0032] The controller 22 may comprise an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or microcontroller, for controlling the aerosol delivery device. The microcontroller or ASIC may include a CPU or microprocessor. The operations of a CPU and other electronic components are generally controlled at least in part by software programs running on the CPU (or other component). Such software programs may be stored in non-volatile memory, such as ROM, which can be integrated into the microcontroller itself, or provided as a separate component. The CPU may access the ROM to load and execute individual software programs as and when required.

[0033] The reusable part 2 comprises an airflow sensor 30 which is electrically connected to the controller 22. In most embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 comprises a so-called “puff sensor”, in that the airflow / puff sensor 30 is used to detect when a user is puffing on the device. In some embodiments, the puff sensor 30 comprises a switch in an electrical path providing electrical power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48. In such embodiments, the puff sensor 30 generally comprises a pressure sensor configured to close the switch when subjected to a particular range of pressures, enabling current to flow from the power supply 26 to the aerosol generator 48 once the pressure in the vicinity of the puff sensor 30 drops below a threshold value. The threshold value can be set to a value determined by experimentation to correspond to a characteristic value associated with the initiation of a user puff. In other embodiments, the puff sensor 30 is connected to the controller 22, and the controller distributes electrical power from the power supply 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in dependence of a signal received from the puff sensor 30 by the controller 22. The specific manner in which the signal output from the puff sensor 30 (which may comprise a measure of capacitance, resistance or other characteristic of the puff sensor 30, made by the controller 22) is used by the controller 22 to control the supply of power from the power supply 26 to the aerosol generator 48 can be carried out in accordance with any approach known to the skilled person.

[0034] In embodiments of the disclosure, the puff sensor 30 has a variable sampling rate and is discussed further below. In the example shown in figure 1 , the puff sensor 30 is mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 31 , but this is not essential. The puff sensor 30 may comprise any sensor which is configured to determine a characteristic of airflow in an airflow path 51 disposed between air inlet 28 and mouthpiece opening 50, for example a pressure sensor or transducer (for example a membrane or solid-state pressure sensor), a combined temperature and pressure sensor, or a microphone (for example an electret-type microphone), which is sensitive to changes in air pressure, including acoustical signals. The puff sensor 30 is situated within a sensor cavity or chamber 32, which comprises the interior space defined by one or more chamber walls 34. The sensor cavity 32 comprises a region internal to one or more chamber walls 34 in which an puff sensor 30 can be fully or partially situated. In some embodiments, the PCB 31 comprises one of the chamber walls of a sensor housing comprising the sensor chamber I cavity 32.

[0035] A deformable membrane is disposed across an opening communicating between the sensor cavity 32 containing the puff sensor 30, and a portion of the airflow path disposed between air inlet 28 and mouthpiece opening 50. The deformable membrane covers the opening, and is attached to one or more of the chamber walls according to approaches described further herein.

[0036] As described further herein, the aerosol delivery system 1 comprises communication circuitry configured to enable a connection to be established with one or more further electronic devices (for example, a storage I charging case, and / or a refill I charging dock) to enable data transfer between the aerosol delivery system 1 and further electronic device(s). In some embodiments, the communication circuitry is integrated into controller 22, and in others it is implemented separately. For example, the communication circuitry may comprise a separate module to the controller 22 which, while connected to controller 22, provides dedicated data transfer functionality for the aerosol delivery device. In some embodiments, the communication circuitry is configured to support communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and one or more further electronic devices over a wireless interface. The communication circuitry may be configured to support wireless communications between the aerosol delivery system 1 and other electronic devices such as a case, a dock, a computing device such as a smartphone or PC, a base station supporting cellular communications, a relay node providing an onward connection to a base station, a wearable device, or any other portable or fixed device which supports wireless communications.

[0037] The controller 22, other components within the system 1 and other devices / systems may comprise one or more processors and data processing steps may be performed on any of these processors or on a remote processor, the data communicated by wire or wirelessly.

[0038] Wireless communications between the aerosol delivery system 1 and a further electronic device may be configured according to data transfer protocols such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee, WiFi®, Wifi Direct, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, RFID, or generally any other wireless, and / or wired, network protocol or interface. The communication circuitry may comprise any suitable interface for wired data connection, such as USB-C, micro-USB or Thunderbolt interfaces, and may comprise pin or contact pad arrangements configured to engage cooperating pins or contact pads on a dock, case, cable, or other external device which can be connected to the aerosol delivery system 1 .

[0039] Variable sampling rate

[0040] Some aerosol delivery systems are manufactured and shipped so that they are ready-to-use upon receipt, e.g. they can be activated immediately for the first time by a user inhaling on them, which is detected using a puff sensor which then activates an aerosol generator. However, such ready-to-use systems have a limited shelf life, e.g. depending on their power supply capacity and the system power consumption. Systems already in use may also have a limited shelf life (or time between uses), similarly depending on their power supply capacity and the system power consumption. The following embodiments focus on reducing power consumption to extend longevity of aerosol delivery systems. This can be particularly important if the system comprises a rechargeable (e.g. Li-ion) power supply, which can be irreversibly damaged if the charge level falls below a certain level.

[0041] In the following embodiments, an aerosol delivery system 1 comprises a puff sensor 30 having a variable sampling rate, wherein the system 1 is configured to adjust the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 dependent on various inputs, parameters or conditions. The system 1 can vary the sampling rate responsively to the inputs, parameters or conditions, altering the power consumption. The system 1 may be a single-part system 1 or a two-part system 1 , e.g. comprising a device 2 and / or a removable cartridge 4 containing aerosol-generating material. The puff sensor 30 may be in the device 2 and / or the cartridge 4.

[0042] In some embodiments, the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 is variable substantially between 0.5- 64 Hz, optionally substantially between 1-32 Hz or 1-16 Hz. Generally speaking, a higher sampling rate provides a faster response to (detection of) changes in the sensed parameter (e.g. pressure, sound, air flow), but at the cost of power consumption. A maximum sampling rate of > (substantially) 8 Hz (e.g. 10 Hz), optionally > 16 Hz or > 32 Hz is a good balance of responsiveness and power consumption, since this samples every 31 .25, 62.5 or 125 ms. In the art, aerosol generators have a typical response time of 30-60 ms and so the 16 Hz (sampling every 62.5 ms) and 32 Hz (sampling every 31 .25 ms) frequencies in particular are comparable to the aerosol generator response time, with > 10 Hz (< 100 ms) still being reasonable. Beyond 16 or 32 Hz, there are diminishing returns, hence substantially 16 or 32 Hz is a sensible maximum, but higher frequencies may be suited to some applications, particular as aerosol generators become more responsive.

[0043] At the lower end, a minimum sampling rate of < (substantially) 4Hz, e.g. < 2 Hz or < 1 Hz provides a relatively slow response and so particularly < 2 Hz or < 1 Hz should generally only be used when the system 1 is very unlikely to be used e.g. only prior to first use of the system 1 , such as during shipment after manufacturing, since otherwise the user must inhale for a notable time period before the system 1 reacts, and hence the time until the user receives aerosol following a puff is long, which negatively impacts the user experience. Similarly, below 2 or 1 Hz there are diminishing returns on saving power, hence substantially 4, 2 or 1 Hz may be sensible minimums, but lower frequencies may be suited to some applications. Accordingly, the intermediate range between the maximum and minimum, e.g. of substantially between 2 - 16 Hz (e.g. 4, 5 or 6 - 8, 10, 12 or 16 Hz) may be particularly useful for when puffing might be expected, but power consumption is important or a concern. These sampling rate minimum, maximum and intermediate values I ranges are however merely a guide and the disclosure and principles herein are not limited to these - various examples are provided below with a range of workable values I ranges.

[0044] The sampling rates may be referred to as lower / higher which are relative to the current value, which may be a ‘standard’ value, e.g. generally between 4 and 32 Hz if puffing might be expected, whereas frequencies below 4 Hz are generally only used for extreme power saving. The sampling rate itself may be varied continuously (e.g. proportionally based on a parameter) and / or discontinuously, e.g. using one or more thresholds to provide a step-change.

[0045] The following description details dependence of the sampling rate on various aspects in turn. The various features disclosed are explicitly contemplated in all possible combinations.

[0046] Dependence on an input anticipating or detecting puffing

[0047] In a first set of embodiments, the system 1 is configured to adjust the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 dependent on an input (e.g. input data) indicating or anticipating a puff (which may include positively indicating or anticipating a puff as well as anticipating no puffing) on the system 1 by a user. A corresponding method for adjusting a variable sampling rate for a puff sensor 30 comprises receiving an input indicating or anticipating a puff (which may include anticipating no puffing) on the system 1 by a user and adjusting the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 in response to the input.

[0048] In particular, the system 1 may be configured to: set the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 to a lower or minimum sampling rate until the system 1 receives input indicating or anticipating a puff on the system 1 by a user; and / or set the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 to a lower or minimum sampling rate when the system 1 receives input anticipating no puffing on the system 1 by a user; and / or set the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 to a higher or maximum sampling rate in response to receiving input indicating or anticipating a puff on the system 1 by a user.

[0049] Such arrangements may optimise power consumption because the puff sensor 30 can be operated in a low power (low sampling rate) state when no puffing is indicated or anticipated, or puffing is prohibited, whilst providing a responsive system when puffing is indicated (i.e. during puffing) or anticipated (e.g. probable within a predetermined time period). In some embodiments, other components of the system 1 may be powered off or in a low-power sleep mode until a puff is indicated or anticipated. Furthermore, in some embodiments the system 1 comprises a controller 22 configured to adjust the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30. The puff sensor 30 may be configured to wake the system 1 or controller 22 in response to detecting a puff by a user on the system 1 , thereby minimising the power consumption of the system 1 as a whole, since only the puff sensor 30 requires power and can be used to wake the otherwise asleep (standby) system 1 / controller 22, which can then wake other components as necessary.

[0050] The input indicating or anticipating a puff on the system 1 by a user may be any suitable input, including an internal input within the system 1 , or an external input.

[0051] In some embodiments, the system 1 is configured to receive input data from a sensor configured to indicate or anticipate a puff on the system 1 by a user. The sensor may be part of the aerosol delivery system 1 or may be external to the system 1 , e.g. a remote sensor, and is configured to sense a parameter (or a change thereof) that indicates puffing has begun (indicating a puff) or anticipates puffing, i.e. indicates that a puff is about to begin, e.g. within a predetermined time window such as 0-10, 0-20 or 0-30 seconds. Similarly, the system 1 may be configured to receive input data (e.g. at a sensor or receiver) configured to indicate that puffing is prohibited (e.g. via a signal sensed or received by the system 1 in a given restricted area), thus anticipating no puffing.

[0052] Any suitable sensor may be used and configured in this manner, e.g. sensing a parameter and sending data which can be processed / analysed e.g. by a local or remote processor / controller 22 and may indicate or anticipate a puff. The system 1 may be configured to compare the input data to a threshold or condition to determine if the input indicates or anticipates a puff on the system 1 by a user, or this analysis may be performed remotely.

[0053] In particular:

[0054] • a light sensor may be configured to anticipate puffing when detecting an increase in light level beyond a relative or absolute threshold, e.g. when the system 1 is removed from packaging, a pocket or bag; and / or anticipate no puffing during the daytime (daylight hours) when detecting a decrease in light level beyond a relative or absolute threshold, e.g. when the system 1 is placed in a pocket or bag;

[0055] • a vibration, orientation or acceleration sensor (accelerometer) may be configured to anticipate puffing when detecting one, multiple or a sequence of movements / orientation changes etc., e.g. beyond a relative or absolute threshold when the system 1 is picked up;

[0056] • a location sensor may be configured to anticipate puffing or specifically no puffing when detecting the system 1 leaves / enters a location, which might be a known / prior puffing location or have puffing restrictions;

[0057] • a biometric sensor may be configured to anticipate or indicate puffing when detecting a change in the user’s biometric data (such as heart rate on a remote device); • a touch sensor may be configured to anticipate or indicate puffing when detecting a user touching the system 1 ; and

[0058] • the puff sensor 30 can indicate puffing when a change in the sensed parameter exceeds a puff threshold (e.g. within a puffing pressure range) and / or anticipate a puff when a change in the sensed parameter exceeds a pre-puff threshold (e.g. a pressure that is approaching a puffing pressure).

[0059] In some embodiments, the system 1 comprises a data communication module and the system 1 is configured to receive input data via the data communication module, the data indicating or anticipating a puff on the system 1 by a user. For example, the data may be from another device associated with the user (e.g. from a sensor on a connected smartwatch or smartphone). In particular, the input data may comprise user activation data sent from a remote device, e.g. pairing or otherwise communicating with another communications module via a wireless protocol such as Bluetooth ® or WiFi ®, or indicating that a user has set up profile on a companion application for the aerosol delivery system 1 , and hence the activation data is sent to the aerosol delivery system 1 , anticipating a puff will follow. Conversely, if the input data comprises deactivation or reset data, then this might anticipate no puffing (or even preventing puffing) on the system 1 until it is re-activated.

[0060] In some embodiments, the system 1 is configured to analyse the data to determine a likelihood of a user puffing on the system 1 within a predetermined time window and set the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 dependent on the determined likelihood. In this manner, the system 1 may determine a binary likelihood (e.g. likely / unlikely), a more granular likelihood, such as a traffic light system (low / moderate / high likelihood) or even a percentage probability. Accordingly, the input may indicate or anticipate no / unlikely puffing on the system by a user, e.g. when receiving data from a sensor or a signal indicating that puffing is prohibited in a given location. The input data may be combined with other data (such as environmental data e.g. the current time of day or temperature, or user data, as detailed further below), which might impact the likelihood of a puff. Accordingly, the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 may be set corresponding to the determined likelihood - for example, the system 1 may be configured to: a. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 to a lower or minimum sampling rate if the determined likelihood is low; and / or b. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 to an intermediate sampling rate if the determined likelihood is moderate; and / or c. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 to a higher or maximum sampling rate if the determined likelihood is high.

[0061] In some embodiments, the system 1 is configured to set the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 proportionally to the determined likelihood, e.g. as above, or in a more granular way such as in a predetermined ratio between likelihood and maximum sampling rate (e.g. 1 :1 , i.e. 70% likelihood -> set 70% of maximum sampling rate). In some embodiments, the proportionality applies only across a predetermined range, e.g.

[0062] If likelihood < 30%: set sampling rate to lower or minimum rate

[0063] If 30% < likelihood < 70%: set sampling rate proportional to likelihood, between lower / minimum and higher / maximum rates

[0064] If likelihood > 70%: set sampling rate to higher or maximum rate

[0065] Generally speaking, any positive anticipation of a puff on the system 1 is time-limited, e.g. depending on the nature and / or context of the input. For example, detecting removal from a pocket or bag might anticipate a puff within the next few minutes, with a puff more likely within e.g. 30 or 60s. Accordingly, the system 1 may be configured to decay the likelihood overtime and adjust the sampling rate accordingly, or directly decay the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 over time (i.e. without adjusting the likelihood first). The decay model may be any suitable model, e.g. decaying the sampling rate inversely proportional to time elapsed since the input was received, or decaying the sampling rate with a suitable half-life dependent on the nature of the input (e.g. of 30-60s), until the sampling rate reaches a predetermined value, such as a standard or minimum value. The decay may be interrupted (e.g. paused), adjusted or reset following a subsequent input.

[0066] Anticipating or detecting a first puff

[0067] One specific scenario for the system 1 is detecting a first puff on the system 1 by a user. This scenario may arise e.g. from the very first use of the system 1 since its manufacture; or e.g. first use following a system reset (e.g. by the same or another user). In some embodiments, the system 1 is configured to receive input data from the puff sensor 30 indicating a first puff on the system 1 by a user. The indication of a first puff (as opposed to any puff) may be identified by a memory / record of puffing e.g. stored on the system 1 , or established / determined based on different criteria, such as a different puff detection threshold for a first puff. The sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 may be set to a very low or minimum sampling rate of e.g. 1 or 2 Hz until the system 1 is about to be used (e.g. box delivered to recipient or opened by user, system 1 is picked up for the first time, etc.), or is actually used for the first time (e.g. a first puff is detected), maximising shelf life for the system 1 until first use. Thereafter, a higher (standard) sampling rate and / or a lower (standard) puff detection threshold may be used for subsequent puffs, to increase puff detection response time and reliability respectively. In some embodiments, the minimum sampling rate is only used prior to a first puff, or in other words exclusively for use prior to a first puff.

[0068] In some embodiments, the system 1 is configured to: a. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 to a lower or minimum sampling rate until the system 1 receives input from the puff sensor 30 indicating a first puff on the system 1 by a user beyond a predetermined first puff threshold; and / or b. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 to a higher or maximum sampling rate in response to receiving input from the puff sensor 30 indicating a first puff on the system 1 by a user beyond a predetermined first puff threshold.

[0069] In step a), the system 1 thereby minimises power consumption of the system 1 until first use, effectively setting a very low or optionally minimal sampling rate to minimise power consumption until first use. Thereafter, the system 1 may operate as per step b), or more generally be configured to adjust the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 dependent on an input indicating or anticipating a (subsequent) puff on the system 1 by a user (as outlined above).

[0070] The first puff threshold may be a higher activation / detection threshold than for standard, non-first puffs (subsequent puffs after the first puff). This beneficially minimises the risk of activation during manufacture / shipping, which unnecessarily increases power consumption. In some embodiments, the system 1 is configured to set a subsequent activation / detection puff threshold for subsequent puffs that is different to the first puff threshold and / or that varies dependent on a time elapsed since the last (previous) puff. In particular, over a prolonged period of non-use, the subsequent activation / detection puff threshold may increase, optionally back to the first puff threshold, e.g. increase immediately after a threshold elapsed time is exceeded, or progressively increase, e.g. with each multiple of the threshold elapsed time. The threshold elapsed time is optionally multiple hours, days or one or more weeks, thus indicating a prolonged period of non-use which could suggest that the device has been shelved / forgotten temporarily. The increased threshold can again avoid false triggers and hence prolong battery life.

[0071] The puff detection threshold itself depends on the type of sensor (e.g. pressure, air flow or microphone sensor). For a pressure sensor, inhalation by a user on the system 1 causes a pressure drop. The minimum activation / detection trigger value for the system 1 in normal use should be set as low as possible to reliably activate the system 1 in response to a user puffing on the system 1 , but this increases the risk of false activations. A suitable normal / typical use threshold pressure drop might be substantially 50-500 Pa (~5-50 mmwg), typically around 200 Pa. A suitable higher activation / detection threshold for first puffs is substantially 300-1500 Pa (~30-150 mmwg). A value greater than 1000 Pa might require some users to puff harder than usual to activate the system 1 ; so depending on the system design, a suitable threshold might be substantially 500-1000 Pa to minimise false triggers during transportation but still provide reliable activation upon first use.

[0072] Another way to identify the first puff uniquely would be to require exhalation (blowing) on the system 1 , providing a pressure increase rather than a pressure drop.

[0073] Following the above, the predetermined first puff threshold may be: a. a pressure threshold of substantially 300-1500 Pa below atmospheric pressure, optionally substantially 500-1000 Pa below atmospheric pressure; and / or b. a pressure threshold of substantially 300-1500 Pa above atmospheric pressure, optionally substantially 500-1000 Pa above atmospheric pressure.

[0074] Similarly, the subsequent puff threshold may be a pressure threshold of substantially 50-500 Pa below or above atmospheric pressure, optionally substantially 150-250 Pa below or above atmospheric pressure. Additionally or alternatively, the subsequent puff threshold may vary between: i. a pressure threshold of substantially 50-500 Pa below or above atmospheric pressure, optionally substantially 150-250 below or above atmospheric pressure; and ii. a pressure threshold of substantially 300-1500 Pa below or above atmospheric pressure, optionally substantially 500-1000 Pa below or above atmospheric pressure, i.e. potentially substantially returning to the predetermined first puff threshold, e.g. dependent on a time elapsed since the last puff.

[0075] Dependence on system status

[0076] In a second set of embodiments, the system 1 is configured to adjust the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 dependent on a status of the system 1. A corresponding method comprises adjusting the sampling rate of a puff sensor 30 in response to a status of the system 1 , which may involve receiving and processing data to determine a status of the system 1 .

[0077] In particular, the system 1 may be configured to set the sampling rate dependent on a status of one or more components of the system 1 in use, such as dependent on a status of: a power supply 26 (e.g. for a removable power supply 26: connected / not connected; and / or charge level I voltage); a cartridge 4 (e.g. for a removable cartridge 4: connected / not connected; and / or aerosolgenerating material level I ingredients); a wireless communication module (e.g. connectivity status / within data communication range of another device / system 1 , such as a particular device / system associated with the same user).

[0078] Setting the sampling rate dependent on a status of the power supply 26 enables power consumption to be optimised based on the status of the power supply 26 itself. In particular, the system 1 may be configured to reduce the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 as the charge level or voltage of the power supply 26 falls, which prolongs the longevity of the power supply 26 until it can be replaced or recharged. Similarly, the system 1 may be configured to increase the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 as the charge level or voltage of the power supply 26 increases, e.g. during recharging. The system 1 may be configured to adjust the sampling rate at any suitable rate, e.g. using stepping such as setting one or more particular sampling rate(s) when the charge level or voltage is above / below one or more threshold(s); or equally using a continuously variable rate (e.g. proportional to charge level %), or any combination thereof. For example, the system 1 may be configured to adjust the sampling rate between: a. a higher or maximum sampling rate when the charge level or voltage is at or above a first threshold; and b. a lower, minimum or zero sampling rate when the charge level or voltage is at or below a second threshold; and optionally c. an intermediate sampling rate when the charge level or voltage is between the first and second thresholds.

[0079] Some example configurations are presented in tables 1 and 2 below:

[0080] Table 1

[0081] In one example from table 1 , the system 1 is configured to reduce the sampling rate as the charge level (or voltage compared to fully charged) falls below 50%, where the low sampling rate is 10% of the charge level with a lower limit of 1 Hz (e.g. 5 Hz @ 50% charge level, 3 Hz at 30% charge level, 1 Hz at @10% or lower charge level).

[0082] Table 2

[0083] In one example from table 2, the first threshold is 50% and the second threshold is 30%. In some examples from table 2, the sampling rate is set to the minimum when the battery charge is very low (e.g. < 10%), which may e.g. be as low as 2 Hz, to deliberately provide a slow response for the user, to highlight to the user that the battery needs recharging.

[0084] A status of the cartridge 4 can provide another reliable trigger for altering the sampling rate, because aerosol-generating material is required to generate vapour. In some embodiments, the system 1 is configured to receive a removable cartridge 4 comprising aerosol generating material (in use), and the status comprises a connection status of the removable cartridge 4 to the system 1 (i.e. the cartridge 4 is connected or not). Accordingly, the system 1 may be configured to adjust the sampling rate between a lower, minimum or zero sampling rate when a cartridge 4 is not connected to the system 1 ; and a higher or maximum sampling rate when a cartridge 4 is connected to the system 1 . Preferably, the sampling rate is zero when the cartridge 4 is not connected, since valid puffing (generating aerosol) cannot occur, regardless of any other input, status or data suggesting otherwise. In some embodiments, the system 1 comprises or is configured to receive a cartridge 4 for containing aerosol generating material (in use), and the status comprises a substantial depletion (or fill level) status of the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 4. The cartridge 4 may be removable or the system 1 may comprise an integrated cartridge 4, which in either case might be refillable.

[0085] The substantial depletion status of a cartridge 4 can be determined according to any methods known in the art, particularly detecting higher than typical temperatures at the aerosol generator 48 during normal use, which indicate that the power supplied is not generating aerosol by vaporisation and instead is simply heating the aerosol generator 48, which generally indicates insufficient supply of aerosol generating material to the aerosol generator 48, hence can indicate depletion of the cartridge 4. Accordingly, the system 1 may be configured to adjust the sampling rate between a lower, minimum or zero sampling rate when the cartridge 4 is substantially depleted (empty); and a higher or maximum sampling rate when the cartridge 4 is not substantially depleted. Preferably, the sampling rate is zero when the cartridge 4 is known to be empty, since valid puffing (generating aerosol) cannot occur and therefore puffing does not need to be detected, but this can be difficult to predict reliably, and therefore setting a lower or minimum but non-zero sampling rate as the cartridge 4 approaches and / or is deemed empty can let the user know that the cartridge 4 is becoming depleted, even if not totally empty.

[0086] Similar to as described above for the puff sensor 30 detecting a puff, connection of the cartridge 4 to the system 1 may be configured to wake the system 1 or controller 22, thereby minimising the power consumption of the system 1 as a whole when a cartridge 4 is not connected if the system 1 is arranged so that only the cartridge detection subsystem requires power whilst no cartridge 4 is connected / installed and the connection is used to wake the system 1 / controller 22, which can then wake other components as necessary.

[0087] A connectivity status of a wireless communications module of the system 1 can also provide a reliable trigger for altering the sampling rate, because such modules are typically used to transfer data in use with other wireless communications modules, such as on a remote device. In particular, many aerosol delivery systems have a companion application that can be installed on a user’s smartphone and data can be transferred between the system 1 and application via a wireless protocol such as Bluetooth ® or WiFi ®. Rather than or in addition to e.g. activation data being an input for indicating / anticipating a puff as outlined above, the connectivity status of the wireless communications module can be a trigger for altering the sampling rate. In particular, the status may comprise connected / not connected; within range / not within range (i.e. able / not able to transfer data, noting it is possibly to be within range but not necessarily ‘connected’, which may e.g. require pairing); weak signal / moderate signal / strong signal. In a particular embodiment, the status comprises a connectivity status of the wireless communication module to another data communication module in a remote device (such as a smartphone or smartwatch), optionally that is associated with the same user (e.g. having an associated companion application installed, being connected to the same wireless network or associated with a login etc.).

[0088] Accordingly, the system 1 may be configured to adjust the sampling rate between: a. a lower, minimum or zero sampling rate when the wireless data communication module is not within range of or not connected to another data communication module; and b. a higher or maximum sampling rate when the wireless data communication module is within range of or connected to another data communication module.

[0089] Dependence on user data

[0090] In a third set of embodiments, the system 1 is configured to adjust the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 dependent on user data. A corresponding method comprises adjusting the sampling rate of a puff sensor 30 in response to user data, optionally comprising processing the user data. The system 1 may adjust the sampling rate based on any user data, which may be entered into or collected by the system 1 itself (e.g. from usage) and / or communicated to the system 1 such as via wire or wireless data communication (e.g. via a wireless data communication module). In particular, user data may be communicated from a companion application storing data derived from past use with other similar or different aerosol delivery systems.

[0091] In some embodiments, the user data comprises user puff-related data, particularly historical puff- related data (e.g. prior usage data) or sleep data. More specifically, in some embodiments the user data may comprise: a. a prior puff length for the user; and / or b. a time elapsed since the last puff by the user; and / or c. a puff pattern or schedule for the user; and / or d. a sleep pattern or schedule for the user.

[0092] Each of the above may provide a useful trigger for altering the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30, as is explained further here.

[0093] A first particular type of user data is a prior puff length for the user, which can be used to determine if the user has a typical or an atypical puff length. The puff length itself is the duration of time between starting and ending inhalation on the system, as detected by the puff sensor 30. A typical puff length might be e.g. 2-5 or 3-5 seconds, thus a short puff length might be considered e.g. as < 2s or < 3s. The sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 is more important for short puff lengths, since the sampling rate affects the time to aerosol as outlined above. Accordingly, if a user takes short puffs whilst the sampling rate is low, then they are not receiving aerosol for a greater proportion of their puff length (inhalation time) than for a user with a longer typical puff length. As a rough guide, the time to aerosol generation should generally be minimised to < 10%, ideally < 5% of the total puff length. Recalling that the typical additional delay arising from the responsiveness of the aerosol generator 48 is 30-60ms, the total time to aerosol generation can be roughly approximated as (ignoring e.g. processing time):

[0094] Time to aerosol generation (seconds) =

[0095] (1 / [puff sensor sampling rate in Hz]) + aerosol generator response time (seconds)

[0096] Therefore, it can be beneficial to increase or maximise the sampling rate for users with shorter typical puff lengths; and / or the sampling rate can be reduced for users with typical or longer puff lengths. The puff length itself may be based on a single prior puff (e.g. the immediate prior puff, or a predefined calibration puff) or an average of multiple prior puffs, which may provide a rolling representation that adapts over time. Furthermore, the sampling rate may be depend on a prior session puff length for the user. A user typically has multiple puffs in one session, e.g. 5-15 puffs each starting within a short time period (e.g. 30- 60 seconds) of the last puff. The user data may comprise the number of puffs in a session and / or the total prior puff length for a user in a session, and alter the sampling rate dependent on the session prior puff length. For example, if the user typically puffs for a total of say 32 seconds in a 15-minute break (e.g. comprising 8-10 puffs) then after this number of successive puffs / total length has been detected in a session, the system may reduce the sampling rate (since historically the user ceases puffing thereafter).

[0097] Similar to the scenarios set out above for the charge level / voltage, the system 1 may be configured to adjust the sampling rate at any suitable rate, e.g. using stepping such as setting one or more particular sampling rate(s) when the puff length is above / below one or more threshold^); or equally using a continuously variable rate (e.g. inversely proportional to puff length, such as sampling rate in Hz = 1 / [X% of puff length in seconds], particularly where X lies between 1 and 5); or any combination thereof.

[0098] Accordingly, the system 1 may be configured to adjust the sampling rate between: a. a higher or maximum sampling rate when the prior or average puff length is at or below a first puff length threshold; and b. a lower or minimum sampling rate when the prior or average puff length is at or above a second puff length threshold; and optionally c. an intermediate sampling rate when the prior or average puff length is between the first and second puff length thresholds.

[0099] The puff length threshold(s) may comprise any one or more of: substantially 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 seconds. The first and second puff length thresholds may be the same or differ.

[0100] Some example configurations are presented in tables 3 and 4 below:

[0101] Table 3

[0102] Table 4

[0103] A second particular type of user data is a time elapsed since the last puff by the user, which can be used to provide lower power consumption in a sleep state for the system 1 , e.g. reducing the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 as a time elapsed since the prior puff increases. In a simple embodiment, the system 1 may be configured to reduce the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 when a time elapsed since the prior puff exceeds a time elapsed threshold. In this way, the system 1 converses power for an infrequent user and / or if the system 1 is temporarily mislaid.

[0104] Similarly, the system 1 may be configured to vary the puff detection threshold of the puff sensor 30 dependent on a time elapsed since the last puff, and may be configured to (optionally) increase or decrease the puff detection threshold of the puff sensor 30 when a time elapsed since the last puff exceeds a time elapsed threshold. In this way, by increasing the puff detection threshold, the system 1 may reduce / prevent false detections, whilst decreasing the puff detection threshold may encourage further use (because use is detected more readily). In some embodiments, when the time elapsed since the last puff exceeds the time elapsed threshold, the system 1 is configured to set the puff detection threshold to a pressure threshold of substantially 300-1500 Pa below or above atmospheric pressure, optionally 500-1000 Pa below or above atmospheric pressure, i.e. to the first puff detection thresholds discussed above.

[0105] The time elapsed threshold itself may be any suitable time, particularly substantially 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 24 or 48 hours.

[0106] In some embodiments, the sampling frequency and / or puff detection threshold is progressively reduced or increased further and further with time elapsed since the last puff (e.g. progressively stepping down linearly or halving the sampling rate as each multiple of the time elapsed threshold is passed, effectively providing a half-life for the sampling rate). As such, over time, the system 1 may adjust the sampling rate and / or puff detection threshold back to the first use settings outlined above, e.g. after several multiples of the time elapsed threshold have been exceeded if there is still no use of the system. Whilst the time elapsed since the last puff is being monitored, the system 1 may continue to monitor for an input indicating or anticipating a puff on the system by a user and / or a status of the system (as outlined above) and adjust the sampling rate of the puff sensor in response to the input / status, or the sampling rate may need to be reset with a puff. After a valid puff, the sampling rate may be reset to standard or maximum level in readiness for a further puff and / or the puff detection threshold may be reset to a standard level, where either / both may decay again as the time elapsed since the last puff increases once more.

[0107] Third and fourth particular types of user data are puff and sleep patterns or schedules for the user, which can be used in similar ways. Here, a pattern is considered to be based on historical user data, e.g. as observed by the aerosol delivery or other system(s), whilst a schedule is considered to be a plan, which could be derived from user settings on / for the aerosol delivery system 1 or an associated device, such as a smartphone or smartwatch (e.g. a calendar schedule for events which might indicate likely / potential / unlikely puffing times; or e.g. as can be set on a smartwatch or smartphone such as for ‘do not disturb’ functionality).

[0108] In some embodiments, the system 1 may be configured to reduce the sampling rate of the puff sensor 30 during times of the day when the user has not previously puffed (based on their historical puff pattern), cannot puff or does not plan to puff, e.g. in accordance with their activity or sleep schedule, which might be set on the system 1 or e.g. derived from a connected work, study or social calendar.

[0109] In some examples, the schedule may indicate times for which a user cannot puff, (e.g. a work or sleep schedule) whilst all other times might be potential or likely puffing times; vice versa (e.g. for a social schedule), or any combination. As such, the system 1 might lower / minimise the sampling rate for ‘unlikely puff’ and / or ‘no puff’ time periods, and maintain a normal / higher sampling rate for ‘potential puff’ and / or ‘likely puff’ time periods, i.e. setting the sampling rate based on the likelihood of a puff, similar to as set out above, but here based on user data. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the system 1 may be configured to adjust the sampling rate based on the pattern or schedule between: a. a lower, minimum or zero sampling rate during ‘unlikely puff’ and / or ‘no puff’ time periods, e.g. when the user has not previously puffed, does not plan to puff or cannot puff or e.g. when the user is typically asleep; and b. a higher or maximum sampling rate during all other time periods, e.g. including ‘likely puff’ time periods when the user has previously puffed or plans to puff and / or ‘potential puff’ time periods when the user might puff; or e.g. when the user is typically awake.

[0110] It is preferable to set a zero sampling rate when a user cannot puff (‘no puff time periods), to minimise power consumption, whilst a less likely puffing time (‘unlikely puff’ time periods) may have a lower or minimum (but non-zero) sampling rate so that puffs can still be detected, even if unlikely. Accordingly, the sampling rate may be set based on the likelihood of a puff, as set out above. Optionally, the system 1 may provide an intermediate sampling rate for ‘potential puff’ time periods and / or for time periods between and / or overlapping the ‘no / unlikely puff and ‘potential / likely puff’ time periods. More specifically, a transitional time window might comprise a predetermined time period of e.g. 10, 15, 20 or 30 minutes across one or both of the end points of the other time periods (noting the extent of overlap may differ across the ends), where an intermediate sampling rate is set. This helps to reliably capture puffs that are slightly outside the schedule, but without impacting power consumption significantly. For example, if 10:00-10:15 is a ‘likely puff time period whilst 10:30-11 :00 is a ‘no puff time period, then 10:15-10:30 might be a ‘potential puff’ transitional time period between these two time periods, whilst 10:15-10:35 might be a ‘potential puff’ transitional time period overlapping the ‘no puff’ time period by 5 minutes. Alternatively, the time periods based on the puff pattern or schedule are modified (e.g. extended or curtailed) by an absolute or relative modifier (e.g. + / - 5 or 10 minutes, or e.g. + / - 10% of event length, equating to + / - 6 minutes per hour).

[0111] For example, the system 1 may be configured to adjust the sampling rate based on the user’s pattern or schedule between: a. a higher or maximum sampling rate during ‘likely puff’ time periods, e.g. when the user has previously puffed or plans to puff; or is typically awake; and b. a lower, minimum or zero sampling rate during ‘unlikely puff’ or ‘no puff time periods, e.g. when the user has not previously puffed, does not plan to puff or cannot puff; or is typically asleep; and optionally c. an intermediate sampling rate during ‘potential puff time periods and / or during a transitional time window between and / or overlapping the other ‘likely puff and ‘unlikely / no puff’ time periods.

[0112] Furthermore, other inputs (as set out above) or data may be combined with the user’s pattern or schedule and included for analysis to determine the likelihood of puffing, e.g. using additional data from sensors of the system 1 or other systems (as outlined above), such as a low heart rate indicated by a smartwatch, or a smartwatch or smartphone being switched off suggesting the user might be asleep. These various data sources may be weighted accordingly to establish the likelihood.

[0113] Some further example configurations are presented in tables 5 and 6 below:

[0114] Table 5

[0115] Table 6

[0116] The schedule elements in tables 5 and 6 are grouped by sampling rate range (higher / intermediate / lower), but the sampling rates applied to each sub-group may differwithin the ranges given, e.g. based on the user data, e.g. number of puffs typically taken in that time period or how frequently the user puffs in that window. For example, a user may occasionally puff in the morning break but routinely puff in the afternoon break, so a higher sampling rate may be used for the afternoon break than the morning break.

[0117] Again, the system 1 may be configured to adjust the sampling rate dependent on multiple parameters or conditions including any combination of one or more input(s) indicating or anticipating a puff on the system by a user, a status of the system and user data. The multiple parameters or conditions may be weighted or prioritised and analysed by the controller 22 to determine a suitable adjustment of the sampling rate based thereon.

[0118] 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. Any functions of a processor (e.g. controller) may be shared between processors on the various devices / systems in the wider system and / or a remote server. 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 invention 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 invention.

[0119] Various embodiments of the invention 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 inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future. Protection may also be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

[0120] Terminology

[0121] Delivery System

[0122] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user in use, 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); 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 aerosolgenerating materials; and aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0123] Combustible Aerosol Provision System

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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 filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper.

[0126] Non-Combustible Aerosol Provision System 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.

[0127] 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 aerosolgenerating 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-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0128] 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 aerosolgenerating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0129] 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. 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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. 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. Aerosol-Free Delivery System

[0132] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0133] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0134] Active Substance

[0135] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. 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.

[0136] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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, marjoram, 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.

[0139] 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. 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.

[0140] Flavours

[0141] 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, jasmine, 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.

[0142] They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] Aerosol-generating material

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] Aerosol-former material

[0149] The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso- Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. Functional material

[0150] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0151] Substrate

[0152] The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0153] Consumable

[0154] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of 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.

[0155] Susceptor

[0156] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0157] Aerosol-modifying agent

[0158] An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosolmodifying agent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

[0159] Aerosol generator

[0160] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0161] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapour delivery systems) such as nebulisers or 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 delivery system I device and electronic aerosol delivery system I 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.

[0162] Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge part will comprise the aerosol generating material and the vaporiser (which may collectively be called a ‘cartomizer’) and the reusable device part will comprise the power supply (e.g. rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be appreciated these different parts may comprise further elements depending on functionality. For example, the reusable device part will often comprise a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part in some cases comprises a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature. Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol generating material in a cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol generating material, the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge attached in its place. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems / devices. It is common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be taken to comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part system employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated that the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for different configurations, for example single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposables, as well as other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a boxier shape. More generally, it will be appreciated certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems which are operationally configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and the constructional aspects of systems configured to provide the functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is not of primary significance.

[0163] Throughout the disclosure, the terms ‘substantially’, ‘approximately’ and ‘about’ should be considered to mean within + / - 10% unless indicated otherwise.

[0164] Index to reference numerals

[0165] 1 aerosol delivery system

[0166] 2 reusable part

[0167] 4 cartridge part

[0168] 6 interface between reusable part and cartridge part

[0169] 12 reusable part housing

[0170] 14, 16 user input buttons

[0171] 20 user programming circuitry

[0172] 22 controller

[0173] 24 display

[0174] 26 power supply

[0175] 28 air inlet

[0176] 30 puff sensor

[0177] 31 printed circuit board (PCB)

[0178] 32 sensor cavity or chamber

[0179] 34 chamber wall

[0180] 42 cartridge housing

[0181] 44 chamber or reservoir

[0182] 46 wick

[0183] 48 aerosol generator

[0184] 50 mouthpiece outlet

[0185] 51 airflow path through reusable part

[0186] 52 airflow path through cartridge Particular features

[0187] Particular features are set out below and may be combined, in any permutation, with any one or more features disclosed in the text, claims and / or accompanying drawings.

[0188] 1 . An aerosol delivery system comprising a puff sensor having a variable sampling rate, wherein the system is configured to adjust the sampling rate of the puff sensor dependent on: a. an input indicating or anticipating a puff on the system by a user; and / or b. a status of the system; and / or c. user data.

[0189] 2. An aerosol delivery system comprising a puff sensing means having a variable sampling rate, wherein the system is configured to adjust the sampling rate of the puff sensing means dependent on: a. an input indicating or anticipating a puff on the system by a user; and / or b. a status of the system; and / or c. user data.

[0190] 3. In some examples the system is configured to receive input data from a sensor configured to indicate or anticipate a puff on the system by a user.

[0191] 4. In some examples: a. the system comprises the sensor configured to indicate or anticipate a puff on the system by a user; or b. the system is configured to receive input from a remote sensor configured to indicate or anticipate a puff on the system by a user.

[0192] 5. In some examples the sensor comprises one or more of: a light sensor, a vibration sensor, an accelerometer, a location sensor, a biometric sensor and a touch sensor.

[0193] 6. In some examples the system is configured to receive input data from the puff sensor indicating or anticipating a puff on the system by a user.

[0194] 7. In some examples the system comprises a data communication module, wherein the input comprises data indicating or anticipating a puff on the system by a user, communicated to the system via the data communication module.

[0195] 8. In some examples the data communicated to the system comprises user activation or deactivation data. In some examples the system is configured to compare the input data to a threshold to determine if the input indicates or anticipates a puff on the system by a user. In some examples the system is configured to: a. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor to a lower or minimum sampling rate until the system receives input indicating or anticipating a puff on the system by a user; and / or b. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor to a lower or minimum sampling rate when the system receives input anticipating no puffing on the system by a user; and / or c. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor to a higher or maximum sampling rate in response to receiving input indicating or anticipating a puff on the system by a user. In some examples the system is configured to: a. receive input data; b. analyse the data to determine a likelihood of a user puffing on the system within a predetermined time window; and c. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor dependent on the determined likelihood. In some examples the system is configured to: a. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor to a lower or minimum sampling rate if the determined likelihood is low; and / or b. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor to an intermediate sampling rate if the determined likelihood is moderate; and / or c. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor to a higher or maximum sampling rate if the determined likelihood is high. In some examples the system is configured to: a. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor proportionally to the determined likelihood; and / or b. decay the determined likelihood overtime; and / or c. decay the sampling rate of the puff sensor over time. In some examples the system comprises a controller, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the sampling rate of the puff sensor. In some examples the puff sensor is configured to wake the system or controller in response to detecting a puff by a user on the system. In some examples the system is configured to receive input data from the puff sensor indicating a first puff on the system by a user. In some examples the system is configured to: a. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor to a lower or minimum sampling rate until the system receives input from the puff sensor indicating a first puff on the system by a user beyond a predetermined first puff threshold; and / or b. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor to a higher or maximum sampling rate in response to receiving input from the puff sensor indicating a first puff on the system by a user beyond a predetermined first puff threshold. In some examples the predetermined first puff threshold is: a. a pressure threshold of substantially 300-1500 Pa below atmospheric pressure, preferably substantially 500-1000 Pa below atmospheric pressure; and / or b. a pressure threshold of substantially 300-1500 Pa above atmospheric pressure, preferably substantially 500-1000 Pa above atmospheric pressure. In some examples the system is configured to: a. set a subsequent puff threshold for subsequent puffs that is different to the first puff threshold; and / or b. set a subsequent puff threshold for subsequent puffs that varies dependent on a time elapsed since the last puff. In some examples the subsequent puff threshold: a. is a pressure threshold of substantially 50-500 Pa below or above atmospheric pressure, preferably substantially 150-250 Pa below or above atmospheric pressure; and / or b. varies between: i. a pressure threshold of substantially 50-500 Pa below or above atmospheric pressure, preferably substantially 150-250 below or above atmospheric pressure; and ii. a pressure threshold of substantially 300-1500 Pa below or above atmospheric pressure, preferably substantially 500-1000 Pa below or above atmospheric pressure. In some examples the system comprises a power supply, wherein the status comprises a charge level or voltage status of the power supply. In some examples the system is configured to reduce the sampling rate of the puff sensor as the charge level or voltage of the power supply falls. In some examples the system is configured to adjust the sampling rate between: a. a higher or maximum sampling rate when the charge level or voltage is at or above a first threshold; and b. a lower, minimum or zero sampling rate when the charge level or voltage is at or below a second threshold; and optionally c. an intermediate sampling rate when the charge level or voltage is between the first and second thresholds. In some examples the system is configured to reduce the sampling rate as the charge level or voltage falls further below the first and / or second threshold. In some examples: i. the first and / or second threshold are the same; and / or ii. the first and / or second threshold is / are substantially 50%, 40% or 30% charge level; or

[0196] Hi. the first threshold is substantially 50%, 40% or 30% charge level and the second threshold is substantially 30%, 20% or 10% charge level. In some examples the system is configured to receive a removable cartridge comprising aerosol generating material, and the status comprises a connection status of the removable cartridge to the system. In some examples the system comprises or is configured to receive a cartridge containing aerosol generating material, and the status comprises a depletion status of the aerosol generating material in the cartridge. In some examples the system comprises a controller, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the sampling rate of the puff sensor. In some examples the system is configured to wake the controller in response to connecting a cartridge to the system. In some examples the system is configured to adjust the sampling rate between: a. a lower, minimum or zero sampling rate when a cartridge is not connected to the system and / or when the cartridge is substantially depleted; and b. a higher or maximum sampling rate when a cartridge is connected to the system and / or when the cartridge is not substantially depleted. In some examples the system comprises a wireless communication module, wherein the status comprises a connectivity status of the wireless communication module. In some examples the status comprises a connectivity status of the wireless communication module to another data communication module in a remote device associated with the same user. In some examples the status comprises a connectivity status of the wireless communication module to a smartphone or smartwatch. In some examples the system is configured to adjust the sampling rate between: a. a lower, minimum or zero sampling rate when the wireless data communication module is not within range of another data communication module; and b. a higher or maximum sampling rate when the wireless data communication module is within range of another data communication module. In some examples the system is configured to adjust the sampling rate between: a. a lower, minimum or zero sampling rate when the wireless data communication module is not connected to another data communication module; and b. a higher or maximum sampling rate when the wireless data communication module is connected to another data communication module. In some examples the user data comprises: i. a prior puff length for the user; and / or ii. a time elapsed since the last puff by the user; and / or

[0197] Hi. a puff pattern or schedule for the user; and / or iv. a sleep pattern or schedule for the user. In some examples the system is configured to reduce the sampling rate of the puff sensor when the prior puff length exceeds a puff length threshold. In some examples the system is configured to reduce the sampling rate of the puff sensor when an average puff length of multiple prior puffs exceeds a puff length threshold. In some examples the puff length threshold is substantially 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 seconds. In some examples the system is configured to adjust the sampling rate between: i. a higher or maximum sampling rate when the prior or average puff length is at or below a first puff length threshold; and ii. a lower or minimum sampling rate when the prior or average puff length is at or above a second puff length threshold; and optionally

[0198] Hi. an intermediate sampling rate when the prior or average puff length is between the first and second puff length thresholds. In some examples the system is configured to reduce the sampling rate of the puff sensor when a time elapsed since the prior puff exceeds a time elapsed threshold. In some examples the system is configured to reduce the sampling rate of the puff sensor as a time elapsed since the prior puff increases. In some examples the system is configured to change the puff detection threshold of the puff sensor for detecting a puff when a time elapsed since the last puff exceeds a time elapsed threshold. In some examples, when the time elapsed since the last puff exceeds the time elapsed threshold, the system is configured to set the puff detection threshold to a pressure threshold of substantially 300-1500 Pa below or above atmospheric pressure, preferably 500-1000 Pa below or above atmospheric pressure. In some examples the system is configured to vary the puff detection threshold dependent on a time elapsed since the last puff. In some examples the system is configured to progressively increase the puff detection threshold with time elapsed since the last puff. In some examples the time elapsed threshold is substantially 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 24 or 48 hours. In some examples the system is configured to halve the sampling rate of the puff sensor as the time elapsed since the last puff exceeds each multiple of the time elapsed threshold. In some examples the system is configured to reduce the sampling rate of the puff sensor during times of the day when the user has not previously puffed or cannot puff. In some examples the system is configured to adjust the sampling rate based on a puff pattern or schedule for the user, between: a. a higher or maximum sampling rate during time periods when the user has previously puffed, plans to puff or might puff; and b. a lower, minimum or zero sampling rate during time periods when the user has not previously puffed, does not plan to puff or cannot puff; and optionally c. an intermediate sampling rate during a transitional time window between and / or overlapping the other time periods. In some examples the system is configured to adjust the sampling rate based on a sleep pattern or schedule for the user, between: a. a higher or maximum sampling rate during time periods when the user is typically awake; and b. a lower, minimum or zero sampling rate during time periods when the user is not typically awake; and optionally c. an intermediate sampling rate during a transitional time window between and / or overlapping the time periods when the user is and is not typically awake. In some examples the puff sensor sampling rate is variable between 0.5-64 Hz, preferably 1- 32 Hz or 1-16 Hz. In some examples: a. the lower or minimum sampling rate is < 4Hz, preferably < 2 Hz or < 1 Hz; and / or b. the higher or maximum sampling rate is > 8Hz, preferably > 16 Hz or > 32 Hz. In some examples the system comprises: a. an aerosol generator configured to generate aerosol from aerosol-generating material in use; and / or b. a cartridge or cartomizer housing an aerosol-generating material for generating aerosol for inhalation by a user; and / or c. a power supply.

Claims

Claims1 . An aerosol delivery system comprising a puff sensor having a variable sampling rate, wherein the system is configured to adjust the sampling rate of the puff sensor dependent on an input indicating or anticipating a puff on the system by a user.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to receive input data from a sensor configured to indicate or anticipate a puff on the system by a user.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein: a. the system comprises the sensor configured to indicate or anticipate a puff on the system by a user; or b. the system is configured to receive input from a remote sensor configured to indicate or anticipate a puff on the system by a user.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the sensor comprises one or more of: a light sensor, a vibration sensor, an accelerometer, a location sensor, a biometric sensor and a touch sensor.

5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to receive input data from the puff sensor indicating or anticipating a puff on the system by a user.

6. The system of any preceding claim, comprising a data communication module, wherein the input comprises data indicating or anticipating a puff on the system by a user, communicated to the system via the data communication module.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the data communicated to the system comprises user activation or deactivation data.

8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to compare the input data to a threshold to determine if the input indicates or anticipates a puff on the system by a user.

9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to: a. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor to a lower or minimum sampling rate until the system receives input indicating or anticipating a puff on the system by a user; and / or b. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor to a lower or minimum sampling rate when the system receives input anticipating no puffing on the system by a user; and / or c. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor to a higher or maximum sampling rate in response to receiving input indicating or anticipating a puff on the system by a user.

10. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to:a. receive input data; b. analyse the data to determine a likelihood of a user puffing on the system within a predetermined time window; and c. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor dependent on the determined likelihood.11 . The system of claim 10, wherein the system is configured to: a. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor to a lower or minimum sampling rate if the determined likelihood is low; and / or b. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor to an intermediate sampling rate if the determined likelihood is moderate; and / or c. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor to a higher or maximum sampling rate if the determined likelihood is high.

12. The system of claim 10 or 11 , wherein the system is configured to: a. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor proportionally to the determined likelihood; and / or b. decay the determined likelihood overtime; and / or c. decay the sampling rate of the puff sensor over time.

13. The system of any preceding claim, comprising a controller, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the sampling rate of the puff sensor.

14. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the puff sensor is configured to wake the system or controller in response to detecting a puff by a user on the system.

15. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to receive input data from the puff sensor indicating a first puff on the system by a user.

16. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to: a. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor to a lower or minimum sampling rate until the system receives input from the puff sensor indicating a first puff on the system by a user beyond a predetermined first puff threshold; and / or b. set the sampling rate of the puff sensor to a higher or maximum sampling rate in response to receiving input from the puff sensor indicating a first puff on the system by a user beyond a predetermined first puff threshold.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the predetermined first puff threshold is: a. a pressure threshold of substantially 300-1500 Pa below atmospheric pressure, preferably substantially 500-1000 Pa below atmospheric pressure; and / or b. a pressure threshold of substantially 300-1500 Pa above atmospheric pressure, preferably substantially 500-1000 Pa above atmospheric pressure.

18. The system of claim 16 or 17, wherein the system is configured to: a. set a subsequent puff threshold for subsequent puffs that is different to the first puff threshold; and / or b. set a subsequent puff threshold for subsequent puffs that varies dependent on a time elapsed since the last puff.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the subsequent puff threshold: a. is a pressure threshold of substantially 50-500 Pa below or above atmospheric pressure, preferably substantially 150-250 Pa below or above atmospheric pressure; and / or b. varies between: i. a pressure threshold of substantially 50-500 Pa below or above atmospheric pressure, preferably substantially 150-250 below or above atmospheric pressure; and ii. a pressure threshold of substantially 300-1500 Pa below or above atmospheric pressure, preferably substantially 500-1000 Pa below or above atmospheric pressure.

20. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the puff sensor sampling rate is variable between 0.5-64 Hz, preferably 1-32 Hz or 1-16 Hz.21 . The system of any preceding claim, wherein: a. the lower or minimum sampling rate is < 4Hz, preferably < 2 Hz or < 1 Hz; and / or b. the higher or maximum sampling rate is > 8Hz, preferably > 16 Hz or > 32 Hz.

22. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising: a. an aerosol generator configured to generate aerosol from aerosol-generating material in use; and / or b. a cartridge or cartomizer housing an aerosol-generating material for generating aerosol for inhalation by a user; and / or c. a power supply.

23. A method for adjusting a variable sampling rate for a puff sensor in an aerosol delivery system, the method comprising: a. receiving an input indicating or anticipating a puff on the system by a user; and b. adjusting the sampling rate of the puff sensor in response to the input.

24. The method of claim 23, comprising: a. processing the input to determine if the input indicates or anticipates a puff on the system by a user.

5. A computer program product or computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a controller, cause the controller to carry out the method of claim 23 or 24.

Images