Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol delivery apparatus (100) is disclosed that includes an aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit (112, 212) for controlling an operational state of the aerosol delivery device, and a biometric detector (120, 220) configured to detect a characteristic associated with a user (130, 230, 250, 304, 326) of the aerosol delivery device and provide a signal (140, 240, 260) to the control circuit (112, 212). The control circuit (112, 212) is configured to change the operational state of the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a signal (140, 240, 260) from the biometric detector (120, 220) associated with an authorized user. The biometric detector (120, 220) uses node identification.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol delivery apparatus, an aerosol delivery device, a method for delivering an aerosol in an aerosol delivery apparatus, and an aerosol delivery means. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol delivery systems are known. A typical system uses a user-activated heater to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material by an aerosol delivery device, which is then inhaled by the user. The device can be activated by the user upon pressing a button or simply by the act of inhaling. Newer systems can use consumable parts that contain the aerosol-generating material. It can be desirable for manufacturers to be able to control the operation of the system, thereby avoiding activation of the system in undesirable circumstances.

[0003] The present invention aims to address some of the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Various aspects of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

[0005] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery apparatus comprising: an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit for controlling an operational state of the aerosol delivery device; and a biometric detector configured to detect a characteristic associated with a user of the aerosol delivery device and provide a signal to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to change the operational state of the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a signal from the biometric detector associated with an authorized user. The biometric detector uses a nodal identification.

[0006] Such devices can reliably prevent unauthorized users from using the device while allowing authorized users to use the device, thus increasing security and control over device usage.

[0007] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery device comprising: a control circuit for controlling an operational state of the aerosol delivery device; and a biometric detector configured to detect a characteristic associated with a user of the aerosol delivery device and provide a signal to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to change the operational state of the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a signal from the biometric detector associated with an authorized user. The biometric detector uses a nodal identification.

[0008] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of dispensing an aerosol from an aerosol delivery apparatus, the method comprising the steps of a biometric detector transmitting a signal associated with an authorized user, a control circuit for the aerosol delivery device receiving the signal, and the control circuit changing an operational state of the aerosol delivery device from a default operational state to an operational state.

[0009] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery means comprising an aerosol delivery device comprising a control means for controlling an operational state of the aerosol delivery device, and a biometric detection means configured to detect a characteristic associated with a user of the aerosol delivery device and provide a signal to the control means, the control means being configured to change the operational state of the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a signal from the biometric detection means associated with an authorized user, the biometric detection means using a node identification. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] The present teachings are illustrated, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example aerosol delivery device. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example aerosol delivery device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram according to an example.

[0012] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown in the drawings and have been described in detail. However, the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Various aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments may be implemented in the prior art and will not be discussed / described in detail for the sake of brevity. Thus, it will be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with prior art for implementing those aspects and features.

[0014] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery system, which may also be referred to as an aerosol delivery system, e.g., an e-cigarette. Throughout the following description, the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used, but it should be understood that the terms may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery systems / devices and electronic aerosol delivery systems / devices. Additionally, as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor," as well as related terms such as "evaporation," "volatilization," and "aerosolization," may generally be used interchangeably.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example aerosol delivery apparatus 100 and a user 130 according to the present invention. Aerosol delivery apparatus 100 includes an aerosol delivery device 110. Aerosol delivery device 110 includes a control circuit 112. Control circuit 112 is configured to control an operational state of aerosol delivery device 110. Aerosol delivery apparatus 100 includes a biometric detector 120 configured to detect a characteristic associated with a user 130 (not part of apparatus 100) of aerosol delivery device 110. Biometric detector 120 detects a characteristic of user 130 and provides a signal 140 to control circuit 112. Control circuit 112 is configured to change an operational state of aerosol delivery device 110 upon receiving a signal from biometric detector 120 associated with an authorized user. Biometric detector 120 uses node identification.

[0016] 1 includes a control circuit 112 that can control operational aspects of aerosol delivery device 110. In particular, control circuit 112 may send a signal to a heater, heating element, atomizer, vibrating plate, or other aerosol generating element 116 within aerosol delivery device 110 to enable or activate heater 116. The signal from control circuit 112 is triggered by a signal 140 sent from biometric detector 120 upon authentication of a user 130 wishing to use aerosol delivery device 110.

[0017] Thus, in one usage scenario, user 130 uses biometric detector 120 to transmit an authentication signal to aerosol delivery device 110, enabling operation of aerosol delivery device 110. Aerosol delivery device 110 may be in a default operational state prior to use by user 130. This default operational state may be a non-operational state. In this example, the user cannot operate aerosol delivery device 110 until authentication occurs via biometric detector 120.

[0018] The biometric detector 120 may have a control circuit 122 for receiving data from the user 130 , processing the data by comparing it with a memory or the like, and providing a signal to the control circuit 112 of the aerosol delivery device 100 .

[0019] In examples where the processing of data is performed by biometric detector 120, the signal from biometric detector 120 may be a signal informing aerosol delivery device 110 to either enable operation (if the user is an authorized user) or prevent operation (if the user is not an authorized user). The processing may take the form of comparing the data from the user (identified nodes) with a database of identified nodes of registered and authenticated users. If there is a match, signal 140 indicates that the user is authorized and device 110 should function. If there is no match, biometric detector 120 may ask the user to try again and / or send a signal to aerosol delivery device 110 that the user is not authorized.

[0020] In an example where data processing is performed in aerosol delivery device 110, the signal from biometric detector 120 may be a signal related to data from user 130, and processing of this signal, such as by comparison with a memory, may be performed by control circuitry 112 of aerosol delivery device 110. In this example, once processing is performed and user 130 is identified as either an authorized or unauthorized user, control circuitry 112 sends a signal to heater 116 to enable use of aerosol delivery device 110 if the user is authorized, or not enable use of aerosol delivery device 110 if the user is unauthorized.

[0021] The default operating state of aerosol delivery device 110 may be a non-operating state, in which case, if user 130 is not an authorized user, control circuitry 112 may not send a signal to heater 116 even when it receives a signal from biometric detector 120, since there is no change in the state of aerosol delivery device 110.

[0022] The operational state of the aerosol delivery device 110 may be broadly considered to be an operating state or a non-operating state. The signal provided by the biometric detector 120 may be received by the control circuitry 112 and ultimately cause the aerosol delivery device 110 to change from one state to another.

[0023] In the operating state, the elements of the aerosol delivery device 110 used to generate the aerosol (e.g., atomizer, heater, etc.) can be activated. This particular activation of the device 110 may require additional input, such as drawing on the device, pressing a button on the device, etc. In other examples, the device 110 may be one in which the heater 116 automatically generates the aerosol upon receiving a signal from the control circuitry 112.

[0024] In the non-operated state, the elements of the aerosol delivery device 110 used to generate the aerosol (e.g., atomizer, heater, etc.) cannot be activated. In this example, drawing on the device or pressing a button has no effect on the heater, atomizer 116, etc.

[0025] The term "operational state" may refer to a number of states in which device 110 may be operated. Similarly, the term "non-operational state" may refer to a number of states in which device 110 may not be operated.

[0026] Referring to Figure 2, a device 200 is shown that is similar to the device 100 of Figure 1. Features similar to those used in Figure 1 are shown with reference numbers increased by 100. For example, the device 100 of Figure 1 is similar to the device 200 of Figure 2. Similar or identical features may not be discussed for the sake of brevity. Figure 2 also shows two users 230, 250 next to the device 200.

[0027] 2 illustrates an example in which a first user 230 attempts to access aerosol delivery device 210 and, separately, a second user 250 attempts to access aerosol delivery device 210. Biometric detector 220 detects a characteristic of user 230 using nodal identification and provides a signal 240 to control circuitry 212 of aerosol delivery device 210. If user 230 is authorized, control circuitry 212 enables aerosol delivery device 210 to function and activates heater 216 for use by user 230. Thus, the operational state of aerosol delivery device 210 is in an active state for first user 230.

[0028] A second user 250 may attempt to use the aerosol delivery device 210. The biometric detector 220 detects a characteristic of the second user 250 using nodal identification and provides a signal 240 to the control circuitry 212 of the aerosol delivery device 210. If the user 250 is not authorized, the control circuitry may prevent the aerosol delivery device 210 from being activated. This may include leaving the aerosol delivery device 210 in an inactive state (if the device 210 was already in an inactive state) or changing the state of the aerosol delivery device 210 from an active state to an inactive state.

[0029] If the first user 230 is an authorized user and the second user 250 is unauthorized, the change in operational state of the aerosol delivery device 210 may be as described below.

[0030] Initially, the device 210 is in a default working state, which is a non-operating state. The first user 230 can use the biometric detector 220 to change the state of the device 210 to an operating state and then use the device 210. The device 210 may be reset to a non-operating state after the first user 230 has finished using it or is deemed to have finished using it, such as after one smoking session, multiple puffs, or a predetermined time. In this case, the user 230 may need to change the state of the device 210 to an operating state before further use. Such a configuration increases the security of the device 210 by preventing unauthorized users from using the device 210 after an authorized user has changed the state of the device 210 to an operating state and finished a smoking session.

[0031] When an unauthorized second user 250 attempts to access the device 210, the biometric detector 220 provides a signal 260 to the control circuitry 212. The control circuitry 212 may maintain the device 210 in a non-operational state, thereby preventing the second user 250 from operating the device 210. In another example, the control circuitry 212 may change the state of the device 210 to a locked state when it identifies the user 250 as an unauthorized user attempting to use the device 210. The locked state may be a form of a non-operational state in which the authorized user 230 must be detected by the biometric detector 220 to unlock the locked state before the device 210 can be used to dispense aerosol. The locked state may require a further level of identification of the authorized user 230 to be able to change the locked state to an unlocked operational state. This may be in the form of a password, passkey, alphanumeric string, etc. Using such a locked state provides an indication to the authorized user 230 that an unauthorized user 250 has attempted to use the device 210.

[0032] The term "operational state" as used herein includes operational and non-operational states. An operational state may be a state in which the device is available for use. Other more specific operational states may define the performance of the device (e.g., selecting the heating mechanism to be used, the heating profile to be used, the aerosol generating material to be used, etc.). Such operational states may be associated with a particular user. In this case, when authorized user 1 is recognized, heating profile 1 is provided for aerosol generating medium 1 using corresponding heating mechanism 1. When authorized user 2 is recognized, heating profile 2 is provided for aerosol generating medium 2 using corresponding heating mechanism 2. In this way, different users can be provided with their personalized aerosol upon recognition of each user.

[0033] The inoperative state may be a state in which the device cannot be used. Other more specific inoperative states include a default inoperative state. The default inoperative state may be changed by biometric authentication of an authorized user by the device. Other inoperative states, such as a locked state, may require more than a user to meet one criterion (e.g., one biometric detection) in order to change the device to an operational state. This may help prevent hacking of the device and may also notify an authorized user of an access attempt by an unauthorized user. This configuration therefore improves the overall protection provided by the device.

[0034] Node identification allows the user to be recognized by the location of identifiable nodes on the image. This may be used to provide a face recognition system. Such nodes may be the location of the eyes, and the distance between the eyes may be used to provide an identifying feature of the user. Nodes may be locations around the chin to identify the shape of the user's jaw. Nodes may be the edges of the forehead, and the distance between these edges, and the external location of the face, may be used to identify the shape of the user's face. Node identification may be used to recognize the user's face. This may thus provide a biometric detection mechanism that is used to enable access to the aerosol delivery device.

[0035] The biometric detector in the examples described herein may be a face scanner. As another example, the biometric detector may be a projector scanner.

[0036] 3 illustrates a method 300 of using an aerosol delivery device. In method 300, the device starts in a default state 302. When a user attempts to use the device, the user may be asked to use a biometric detector for identification. The biometric detector detects the user 304 and detects characteristics of the user. The biometric detector sends a signal to a control circuit according to the detected characteristics of the user. As described above, either the biometric detector or the control circuit compares this signal to a memory, database, etc., to ascertain the user's authorization level (authorized or unauthorized). If an unauthorized user is detected (312), the method proceeds to step 314 where the device is either locked or maintained in the default state.

[0037] If an authorized user is detected (322), the device changes to an operational state 324. As described above, this operational state may be associated with a user to provide personalized aerosol. Thus, the heater or atomizer operates with a predetermined heating profile on a predetermined aerosol generating medium to provide personalized user aerosol to the user 326. After the user has finished the session (which may be signaled to the device by the user pressing a button or after a predetermined time has elapsed or a predetermined number of puffs has been reached), the usage session is ended or deemed to have ended (328). The device is then returned to the default state as in step 302 (329). In this manner, use of the device disclosed herein may be protected from unauthorized use and unauthorized users.

[0038] The biometric detector may be part of an external device such as a smartphone or tablet. The biometric detector and the aerosol delivery device may interact through an application on the smartphone or tablet. The aerosol delivery device may be accessed from the biometric detection capabilities of one or more smartphones or tablets. Using only one smartphone increases the likelihood that an unauthorized user will not be able to access the aerosol delivery device because an unauthorized user would need both the aerosol delivery device and the device in which the biometric detector is stored.

[0039] As another example, the biometric detector may be part of the aerosol delivery device, which provides a more compact solution for the user.

[0040] In certain examples, the devices disclosed herein may operate with replaceable flavor pods within the device. Flavors may be either tobacco and glycolic, and may also include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cocos nucifera, oleander ... The compositions may include any of the following: gnac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or mint oil from any species of the mint genus), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanical materials, or breath fresheners. They may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients, or blends thereof.

[0041] The aerosol delivery devices disclosed herein, when combined with an aerosol-generating medium, can be referred to as an aerosol delivery system.

[0042] Thus, there has been described an aerosol delivery apparatus comprising an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit for controlling an operational state of the aerosol delivery device, and a biometric detector configured to detect a characteristic associated with a user of the aerosol delivery device and provide a signal to the control circuit, the control circuit configured to change the operational state of the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a signal from the biometric detector associated with an authorized user, the biometric detector using a nodal identification.

[0043] The aerosol delivery system may be used in tobacco industry products, for example, as a non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0044] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product comprises one or more components of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

[0045] In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device.

[0046] In one embodiment, an electronic cigarette comprises a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing, and optionally a mouthpiece.

[0047] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable substrate is contained within or on a substrate container, hi one embodiment, the substrate container is combined with or includes a heater.

[0048] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating product that releases one or more compounds by heating, without burning, a substrate material. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material, which may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating product is a tobacco heating product.

[0049] In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

[0050] In one embodiment, the tobacco heating product comprises a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, and an aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material.

[0051] In one embodiment, the heated product is a non-electronic item.

[0052] In one embodiment, the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material, and a heat source capable of providing thermal energy to the aerosolizable substrate without the use of electronic means, for example by burning a combustible material (e.g., charcoal).

[0053] In one embodiment, the heating product also includes a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

[0054] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable substrate material may include an aerosol agent or aerosol generating agent or humectant, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0055] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol by heating, without combustion, a combination of substrate materials. These substrate materials may include, for example, solids, liquids, or gels, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.

[0056] To address various problems and advance the art, the present disclosure generally illustrates various embodiments in which the claimed invention may be practiced, providing an improved electronic aerosol delivery system. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely representative samples of various embodiments, and are not exhaustive or exclusive. The embodiments are presented only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be considered as limiting the present disclosure as defined by the claims or the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, suitably consist of, or suitably consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, parts, features, portions, steps, means, etc. The present disclosure also includes other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. an aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit for controlling an operating state of the aerosol delivery device; a biometric detector configured to detect a characteristic associated with a user of the aerosol delivery device and provide a signal to the control circuitry; An aerosol delivery device comprising: the control circuitry is configured to change an operational state of the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a signal from the biometric detector associated with an authorized user; An aerosol delivery device, wherein the biometric detector uses nodal identification.

2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the biometric detector comprises a face scanner.

3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the biometric detector comprises a projector scanner.

4. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control circuit is configured to change an operational state of the aerosol delivery device from a default operational state to a first operational state when a first signal is received from the biometric detector, and the control circuit is configured to change an operational state of the aerosol delivery device from a default operational state to a second operational state when a second signal is received from the biometric detector, the first signal being associated with a first user and the second signal being associated with a second user.

5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 4 , wherein the first user is a first authorized user and the first operational state is a first operating state.

6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 5 , wherein the second user is a second authorized user, the second operating state is a second operating state, and the second operating state is different from the first operating state.

7. 6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 4 or 5, wherein the second user is an unauthorized user and the second operational state is an inoperative locked state.

8. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the default operating state is a non-operating state.

9. 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: a control circuit for controlling an operating state of the aerosol delivery device; a biometric detector configured to detect a characteristic associated with a user of the aerosol delivery device and provide a signal to the control circuitry; Equipped with the control circuitry is configured to change an operational state of the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a signal from the biometric detector associated with an authorized user; An aerosol delivery device, wherein the biometric detector uses nodal identification.

10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 9 , wherein the biometric detector comprises a face scanner.

11. The aerosol delivery device of claim 9 , wherein the biometric detector comprises a projector scanner.

12. 1. A method for delivering an aerosol from an aerosol delivery device, comprising: a biometric detector transmitting a signal associated with an authorized user; receiving the signal by a control circuit for an aerosol delivery device; the control circuit changing an operating state of the aerosol delivery device from a default operating state to an operating state; A method for providing the above.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the default operating state is a non-operating state.

14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the default operating state is a locked state.

15. an aerosol delivery device comprising a control means for controlling an operating state of the aerosol delivery device; biometric detection means configured to detect a characteristic associated with a user of the aerosol delivery device and provide a signal to the control means; An aerosol delivery means comprising: the control means is configured to change an operational state of the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a signal from the biometric detection means associated with an authorized user; An aerosol delivery means, wherein said biometric detection means uses nodal identification.

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