Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol supply device is provided, configured to generate an aerosol, comprising a control component configured to store data describing one or more operating parameters of the aerosol supply device, and a communication interface configured to enable communication between the aerosol supply device and a remote virtual service, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive one or more values ​​of one or more operating parameters from data records relating to virtual objects in a virtual user environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision devices, systems and methods. [Background Art]

[0002] The concept of a virtual user environment (sometimes referred to as a virtual world) that allows a plurality of users to interact with one or both of the virtual user environment and each other has been known for many years. Such virtual worlds may be referred to individually or collectively as a "metaverse". Since the term "metaverse" was used in the 1992 novel *Snow Crash* (1st edition ISBN 0-553-08853-X) by Neil Stephenson, many authors and companies have created content and / or virtual worlds that can be considered contributions to the concept of the metaverse.

[0003] Examples of such virtual user environments include individual game environments (e.g., a game world in which a user can control an avatar to interact with the game world), shared game environments (e.g., a game world in which a user can control an avatar to interact with the game world and one or more other gamer avatars within the game world, e.g., what may occur in a multiplayer game run from a single game device), online shared game environments (e.g., a game world in which a user can control an avatar to interact with one or more gamer avatars within the game world, e.g., what may occur in a multiplayer game run using multiple game devices connected via a communication channel), and large-scale multiplayer online game environments (e.g., a game world in which a user can control an avatar to interact with many gamer avatars within the game world, e.g., what may occur in a large-scale multiplayer online game run using multiple game devices connected via a communication network, often to a game-specific server hosting the game world). Further examples of such virtual user environments include virtual world environments, such as office spaces or conference rooms or other non-game environments. Working from home may be linked to a virtual workspace to improve engagement and similarity between the virtual and informal workspaces (for example, this is common in many work-from-home configurations).

[0004] Some form of digital interface device is used for real-world users to interact with a virtual user environment (virtual world, metaverse, or metaverse, etc.). In some virtual world experiences, the digital interface device may be a personal computer type device (using either so-called desktop computer hardware or so-called laptop hardware, regardless of the operating system and any input devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, game controller, etc.) or a so-called mobile device (e.g., a tablet device, smartphone device, phablet device, etc., regardless of whether input is made using physical means such as a keypad or touch-sensitive devices such as a touchscreen). In any of these examples, information about the virtual world is usually provided to the user via the display screen of the digital interface device, and optionally also using the audio output of the digital interface device. In some virtual world experiences, the user may additionally (or possibly alternatively) use a digital interface device in the form of a virtual reality device, such as a VR headset. In some virtual world experiences, the user may additionally (or possibly alternatively) use a digital interface device in the form of an augmented reality device that overlays aspects of the virtual world with aspects of the physical world.

[0005] When interacting with a virtual world, a user may be represented in some form of avatar within that virtual world. The avatar may be able to interact with entities within the virtual world, which may include avatars of other users in the virtual world, avatars of computer-generated entities, and / or computer-generated objects. If the virtual world overlaps in some way with the user's physical world (sometimes called "augmented reality"), the user may be provided with opportunities to interact with entities / objects within the virtual world that produce responses in the physical world, or vice versa. [Overview of the project]

[0006] The aspects of this disclosure are defined in the attached claims.

[0007] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol supply device is provided, configured to generate an aerosol, comprising a control component configured to store data describing one or more operating parameters of the aerosol supply device, and a communication interface configured to enable communication between the aerosol supply device and a remote virtual service, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive one or more values ​​of one or more operating parameters from data records relating to virtual objects in a virtual environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

[0008] In some examples, the aerosol supply device comprises an aerosol generation component configured to generate aerosols. In some examples, a control component is configured to control aerosol generation. In some examples, a virtual object is a corresponding virtual object in a virtual environment. In some examples, the virtual environment is a virtual user environment.

[0009] In some examples, upon receiving a value, the aerosol supply device is configured with the value from the data record.

[0010] In some examples, the communication interface is configured to send one or more values ​​from one or more operational parameters to a data record about the corresponding virtual object in a virtual environment accessible via a remote virtual service.

[0011] In some examples, the communication interface is configured to back up values ​​from an aerosol supply device to a data record in response to sending values ​​to the data record.

[0012] In some examples, communicating values ​​involves sending at least one value from a virtual representation to an aerosol supply device and receiving at least one value from the aerosol supply device.

[0013] In some examples, the control component is configured to replace stored data in response to the reception and / or transmission of updated values.

[0014] In some examples, the value represents at least one of the following: battery usage information, power profile, recorded location of aerosol supply device, and typical usage profile.

[0015] In some examples, the aerosol dispensing device further includes a motion detection system capable of identifying the orientation of the aerosol dispensing device within the physical user space, and the values ​​transmitted from the aerosol dispensing device indicate the orientation.

[0016] In some examples, the control component is configured to use at least one of the following: Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy®, ZigBee®, WiFi®, Wi-Fi Direct®, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID.

[0017] According to some embodiments described herein, a system is provided comprising: a virtual environment in which an avatar representing a user can interact with one or more virtual objects, the one or more virtual objects including a virtual representation of an aerosol supply device, the virtual representation corresponding to a virtual environment data object configured to store one or more operating parameters of the aerosol supply device; and a communication interface configured to communicate one or more values ​​of the one or more operating parameters from physical user space to the aerosol supply device, the aerosol supply device being associated with the virtual representation.

[0018] In some cases, a virtual environment is a virtual user environment.

[0019] In some examples, the virtual environment is configured to allow access to values ​​that provide the user with at least one of the following: battery usage information, power profiles, recorded locations of aerosol supply devices, and typical usage profiles.

[0020] In some examples, the virtual environment is configured to associate the virtual representation with a new and / or reset aerosol supply device, and the communication interface is configured to send values ​​to configure the new and / or reset aerosol supply device.

[0021] In some examples, a new and / or reset aerosol supply device is linked to a virtual environment to receive values ​​and / or to a configured aerosol supply device to receive values.

[0022] In some examples, the communication interface is configured to use at least one of the following: Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy®, ZigBee®, WiFi®, WiFi Direct®, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID.

[0023] According to some embodiments described herein, a method is provided that includes the steps of: generating a virtual representation of an aerosol supply device associated with a user's user account in a virtual environment; storing the values ​​of one or more operating parameters of the aerosol supply device associated with the user account in a data record relating to the virtual representation; and communicating the values ​​of one or more operating parameters to the aerosol supply device.

[0024] According to some embodiments described in the present specification, there is provided an aerosol supply means configured to generate aerosol, comprising: control means configured to store data describing one or more operating parameters of the aerosol supply means; and communication means configured to enable communication between the aerosol supply means and a remote virtual service, wherein the communication means is configured to receive one or more values among the one or more operating parameters from a data record relating to a virtual object in a virtual user environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

[0025] Next, the present teachings will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of an aerosol supply device according to an example. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram of a configuration according to an example. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram of an aerosol supply device according to an example. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram of a system according to an example. [Figure 5] It is a flow chart of a method according to an example. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0027] While the present disclosure allows for various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and detailed description of specific embodiments are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0028] Specific examples and embodiments of aspects and features are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and are not discussed / described in detail for brevity. Therefore, it will be understood that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented according to any prior art for carrying out such aspects and features.

[0029] This disclosure relates to an aerosol supply system, sometimes called an aerosol supply system, such as an e-cigarette. Throughout the following description, the term “e-cigarette” or “electronic cigarette” may be used at times, but it will be understood that this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol supply systems / devices and electronic aerosol supply systems / devices. Furthermore, as is common in the art, the terms “aerosol” and “vapor,” as well as related terms such as “vaporize,” “volatilize,” and “aerosolize,” may generally be used interchangeably.

[0030] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 is configured to generate an aerosol. The aerosol supply device 100 may include an aerosol generation component 110. The aerosol generation component 110 may be configured to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generation component 110 may include a sprayer and storage unit for aerosol generation material. The aerosol generation component 110 may include a heater or vaporizer. The storage unit for aerosol generation material may include an E-liquid storage unit or a tobacco-containing material storage unit.

[0031] The aerosol supply device 100 includes a control component 120 configured to store data describing one or more operating characteristics of the aerosol supply device 100. The control component 120 may be configured to control aerosol generation. The control component 120 may be a control circuit or the like. The control component 120 may interact with the user to provide control over aerosol generation from the aerosol generation component 110. For example, the user may interact with the control component 120 via an interface or buttons, and the control component 120 controls the activation of the aerosol generation component 110. The control component 120 and the aerosol generation component 110 are connected. This may be via a wired or wireless configuration. The control component 120 can provide signals to the aerosol generation component 110.

[0032] The aerosol supply device 100 includes a communication interface 130 configured to enable communication between the aerosol supply device 100 and a remote virtual service (not shown). The communication interface 130 may be a wireless communication element that enables communication with the virtual service via a wireless communication method. The user may interact with the communication interface 130 directly or via a further user interface, such as a graphical user interface. The communication interface 130 is configured to receive one or more values ​​of one or more operational parameters from a data record (not shown) of a corresponding virtual object in a virtual environment (not shown) accessible via the remote virtual service (not shown). The virtual environment may be a virtual user environment (i.e., a virtual environment specifically for a user) or a general virtual environment (i.e., a more general virtual environment, not specifically for that user).

[0033] The communication interface 130 may use any of the following technologies: Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy®, ZigBee®, WiFi®, Wi-Fi Direct®, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID.

[0034] In the example shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generation component 110 is connected to the control component 120, illustrating that signals from the control component 120 can be communicated to the aerosol generation component 110.

[0035] When the communication interface 130 receives a value from the data record, the communication interface 130 and the control component 120 configure the aerosol supply device 100 with the value from the data record.

[0036] In the example, the communication interface 130 is configured to send one or more values ​​from one or more operational parameters to a data record relating to the corresponding virtual object in a virtual user environment accessible via a remote virtual service. Thus, in some examples, there is bidirectional communication between the communication interface 130 and the data record. In this way, it is possible to reflect the characteristics of the virtual environment or to influence the characteristics of the aerosol supply device in a "real-world" environment.

[0037] Data can be updated, stored, or backed up during communication between the virtual and real-world environments. Each of these improves the process of transferring data from one affected area (virtual or real) to another.

[0038] When updating data, it's possible to keep the two affected areas related to each other. If a change in one environment updates the other, the user experience is improved without the user having to trigger changes in both environments.

[0039] When storing data, the affected area may be able to revert to a previous setting (according to the data record). This may improve the user experience of this configuration by allowing it to "revert" to a previous setting without having to reprogram itself.

[0040] When backing up data, users do not need to continuously provide data to the store or aerosol supply device. Users may, for example, maintain a history of data for selecting device settings in any given environment.

[0041] In this configuration, there may be communication between the virtual environment and the aerosol supply device via a communication interface. In the example, communicating values ​​includes sending at least one value from the virtual representation to the aerosol supply device and receiving at least one value from the aerosol supply device. Therefore, communication may be a combination of sending and receiving data between environments, or both.

[0042] In a process that communicates between a virtual environment and a real environment, control components may be configured to replace stored data in response to the reception and / or transmission of updated values.

[0043] The data exchanged between the virtual and real environments may be any values ​​representing the operation of a real-world device or the reproduction of an aerosol supply device in the virtual environment. This may include, for example, battery usage information, power profiles, recorded locations of the aerosol supply device, and / or typical usage profiles.

[0044] Each of these values ​​may be used in any of the environments and is of interest to the user during the standard usage process of an aerosol delivery device. Specifically, knowing battery usage allows the user to control subsequent device use and is also useful for providing information such as repairs or upgrades. Knowledge of power profiles and usage profiles is useful for similar reasons. Knowing the location of the aerosol delivery device may be useful for providing the user with improved access to and retention of the device.

[0045] The usage profile may include, for example, a power profile, smoke duration / interval, smoke length, flavor preference, inhalation pattern, and / or preferred heating profile.

[0046] This may take the form of a "find my device" function. The virtual environment may be updated with the device's location to show the user where the device was last known to be.

[0047] In terms of different advantages, users may be provided with additional or reduced functionality of the device when it operates in different locations. For example, manufacturers may enable additional virtual backgrounds when a real-world device is used or placed in a specific location. For instance, if an aerosol supply device is placed in a stadium, the virtual environment may have the option to provide details of the stadium's teams, or the environment may be in the colors of those teams.

[0048] In the example, the aerosol delivery device may have locations recorded or detected by satnav and / or a Bluetooth link to satnav, Wi-Fi location, and / or cellular location. There may be many locations that enable specific interactions with the aerosol delivery device or the virtual environment or both.

[0049] In general, users may influence the virtual environment through the use and operation of aerosol supply devices, and similarly, users may influence or understand aerosol supply devices through the virtual environment.

[0050] Referring now to Figure 2, a schematic diagram of an example configuration 200 is shown. Configuration 200 comprises an aerosol supply device having an aerosol generation component 210 connected to a control component 220. The connection may be wired or wireless. The aerosol supply device also has a communication interface 230. The aerosol supply device in Figure 2 is generally the same as the aerosol supply device in Figure 1. Configuration 200 also shows a communication interface 230 that has the capability to communicate with a remote virtual service 240 (dashed line). The remote virtual service 240 may provide a virtual representation. In the example, the remote virtual service 240 provides a virtual representation of the aerosol supply device 250.

[0051] The aerosol supply device is configured to synchronize one or more of its characteristics with a corresponding virtual object 250 in a virtual user environment accessible via a remote virtual service 240. In the example in Figure 2, the virtual object 250 takes the appearance of the aerosol supply device as shown in the configuration 200 of Figure 2. However, the virtual object 250 may take any appearance. Furthermore, the characteristics of the aerosol supply device that synchronize with the virtual object 250 may be any appropriate characteristics.

[0052] In one example, the characteristics include user settings / preferences for the operation of the aerosol supply device. In another example, the characteristics may be any visual, structural, or functional characteristics of the aerosol supply device. For example, the characteristics may be functional characteristics of the aerosol supply device being used at a particular time. In this way, the aerosol supply device synchronizes the characteristics of the device being "in use" with the virtual object 250 in the virtual environment. Thus, the status of the virtual aerosol supply device in the remote virtual service may be changed using the usage status of the "real" aerosol supply device. As an example, when a user uses the "real" aerosol supply device, an aerosol effect may be generated by a virtual object in the remote virtual service 240. This is a one-to-one correspondence between the effect in reality and the effect in the virtual service.

[0053] In contrast, when using a real aerosol supply device, the virtual object 250 may provide sound and / or a series of lights and / or information in the remote virtual service 240. For example, the use of a real aerosol supply device may lead to the virtual object 250 providing details about the operating conditions of the aerosol supply device, such as battery life, or details about the aerosol-generating materials in the real aerosol supply device. In this way, engagement with the virtual object 250 improves the user experience regarding the use of the aerosol supply device.

[0054] Referring here to Figure 3, a schematic diagram of an example aerosol supply device 300 is shown. The aerosol supply device 300 is mainly as shown in the examples in Figures 1 and 2. The aerosol supply device 300 has an aerosol generation component 310, a control component 320, and a communication interface 330. The aerosol supply device 300 in Figure 3 also has a motion detection system 360. The motion detection system 360 is operable to identify the orientation of the aerosol supply device in physical user space. Thus, the aerosol supply device 300 can transmit values ​​regarding the orientation of the aerosol supply device 300 to, for example, a data record for use in a virtual environment.

[0055] This may be a gyroscope, accelerometer, or similar device.

[0056] In this way, the movement of device 300 can be represented in a virtual user environment or used to influence the virtual user environment in some way. For example, the movement of aerosol supply device 300 can cause the aerosol supply device to move within the virtual environment. Alternatively or additionally, the movement of aerosol supply device 300 may influence virtual objects (not the aerosol supply device) within the virtual environment.

[0057] In the example, data on a box, such as a code, QR code, barcode, alphanumeric code, and / or serial number, may be scanned, and a corresponding virtual object may be provided in the virtual space. The user may be able to interact with the device in the virtual space to experience it and determine if it is a good fit for them. Similarly, this process could provide the user with a number of devices to interact with, allowing the user to explore their preferred devices in the virtual world before making a purchase.

[0058] A user account may be provided to store data about that user. For example, a user may be provided with a visualization of all their real devices in the virtual space. This could help the user reorder devices by seeing which previous devices were their preferred devices.

[0059] Users can view products within a virtual space. The use of virtual objects improves the ease with which users can try out new devices and also provides manufacturers with an advertising platform within the virtual space. Links can be provided to offer users more details about the devices they are shown. Similarly, users can scan a second user's device, obtain a virtual world version to interact with, and see if they wish to make a purchase.

[0060] This system provides users with greater assurance before purchase, thus reducing the likelihood of buying a device that is not a good fit for them. In this way, the likelihood of purchased devices being discarded during their lifespan, which often occurs with impulse purchases, is reduced. Thus, this system provides users with greater assurance and therefore reduces waste.

[0061] Referring here to Figure 4, a schematic diagram of an example system 400 is shown. System 400 includes a virtual user environment 402 in which an avatar 404 representing a user can interact with one or more virtual objects 406, the one or more virtual objects 406 including a virtual representation of an aerosol supply device. The virtual representation corresponds to a virtual user environment data object configured to store one or more operating parameters of the aerosol supply device 412. System 400 includes a communication interface 408 configured to communicate one or more values ​​of the one or more operating parameters from the physical user space 410 to the aerosol supply device 412, the aerosol supply device 412 being associated with the virtual representation 406.

[0062] The aerosol supply device 412 is controllable to receive data relating to one or more characteristics of the aerosol supply device with respect to the virtual representation 406.

[0063] Therefore, in the example, the virtual environment 402 (which may be VR or AR, etc.) may transmit signals that are ultimately received by the aerosol supply device 412 in the physical space 410 ("the real world"). The signals may be related to queries or commands issued to the aerosol supply device 412. The signals may also be related to values ​​of operating parameters, which may include battery usage information, power profiles, recorded locations of the aerosol supply device, and typical usage profiles.

[0064] The devices in the virtual world and the real world do not need to be the same. For example, a user may interact with a device box in the virtual world and receive a link to an aerosol supply device 412 for further details. Thus, a user may interact within the virtual space and receive real-world effects. In one example, a user in the virtual space can see the virtual product being used. The user can interact with the device and receive notifications to provide, for example, price details, operating information, product details, etc. The user may be able to make selections, interactions, and purchases within the virtual space.

[0065] In the example, the virtual user environment 402 is configured to associate the virtual representation 406 with a new and / or reset aerosol supply device. The communication interface 408 may be configured to send values ​​to configure the new and / or reset aerosol supply device. In this way, the virtual user environment 402 has control over real-world commands and access to the aerosol supply device.

[0066] In the example, a new and / or reset aerosol supply device is linked to the virtual environment to receive a value and / or to a configured aerosol supply device to receive a value.

[0067] In the example, communication in the configuration of Figure 4 uses at least one of the following: Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy®, ZigBee®, WiFi®, Wi-Fi Direct®, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID. In one example, communication B between the aerosol supply device 412 and the communication interface 408 is via Bluetooth Low Energy®, and communication C between the communication interface 408 and the virtual space 402 is via WiFi®.

[0068] Referring now to Figure 5, a flowchart of Method 500 by example is shown. In Method 500, a virtual representation of an aerosol supply device associated with a user's user account is generated within the virtual user environment (505). The values ​​of one or more operating parameters of the aerosol supply device associated with the user account are stored in a data record relating to the virtual representation (510). The values ​​of one or more operating parameters may be communicated to the aerosol supply device (515).

[0069] The method described herein provides a set of advantages with respect to the device. The user is provided with a space for transmitting information to the aerosol supply device regarding values ​​such as operating parameters. In this way, the user may improve or adjust the use of the aerosol supply device based on values ​​transmitted from the virtual environment.

[0070] In another example, a user following the systems, configurations, and methods of this specification may experience a device that would otherwise need to be purchased before the user can experience it. In this way, fewer devices that are incompatible with the user are purchased, and therefore sales following this method are less wasteful than those through conventional methods.

[0071] The above method and system enable users to obtain real-world output from virtual-world input, as well as real-world output from virtual-world input. The flexibility of this system allows for a high level of user engagement and experience.

[0072] The communication interfaces discussed herein are configured to communicate with a network, etc. The network may be any related network. Communication links are indicated by arrows or lines (dashed or otherwise). These communication links do not need to be unidirectional.

[0073] The delivery systems described herein, which may be called aerosol supply devices, aerosol generation systems, aerosol supply systems, etc., can be implemented as combustion-type aerosol supply systems, non-combustion-type aerosol supply systems, or aerosol-free delivery systems.

[0074] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass a system for delivering at least one substance to a user. Combustion aerosol supply systems (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, extended tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smokeable materials) for cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes, hand-rolled cigarettes, or homemade cigarettes, To generate aerosols using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, the system includes a non-combustion aerosol supply system that releases compounds from the aerosol-generating materials without burning them, such as in electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems.

[0075] According to this disclosure, a “combustion-type” aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol-generating material (or its components) that make up the aerosol supply system is burned or incinerated during use in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0076] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustion-type aerosol delivery system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of cigarettes, cigarillos, and cigars.

[0077] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to components for use in a combustion-type aerosol supply system, such as consumables that can be introduced into the aerosol supply system by a user.

[0078] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol-generating materials (or their components) that make up the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0079] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol delivery system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustible heating system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0080] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more 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 includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products. Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0081] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-combustible aerosol supply devices. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0082] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, for example, the non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate to which energy can be supplied to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or heat-transferring material adjacent to the heat-generating power source.

[0083] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0084] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, packaging material, a filter, a suction nozzle and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0085] In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes an active substance.

[0086] As used herein, the active substance may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychotropic drugs. The active substance may be of natural origin or obtained synthetically. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or their components, derivatives, or combinations. The active substance may also include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or other plant substances.

[0087] In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0088] As described herein, the active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0089] As described herein, the active substance may include or be derived from one or more plant substances, their components, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term “plant substance” includes, but is not limited to, any material derived from a plant, including, but including, extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, exoskeleton, or shells. Alternatively, the material may include naturally occurring active compounds in plant substances obtained by synthesis. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, flakes, strips, or sheets. Examples of plant-based substances include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice, matcha, mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (such as green or black tea), thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, and saffron. , lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, perilla, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damian, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, calvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: American mint, mint cv, Egyptian mint, European mint, eau de cologne mint, candy mint, curly mint, Kentucky colonel mint, horse mint, pineapple mint, pennyroyal mint, green mint, and apple mint.

[0090] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant substances, or their components, derivatives, or extracts, the plant substance being tobacco.

[0091] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant substances, or their components, derivatives, or extracts, the plant substances being selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp.

[0092] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant substances, or their components, derivatives, or extracts, the plant substances being selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0093] In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes flavorings.

[0094] As used herein, the terms “flavoring” and “flavoring agent” refer to materials that may be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensory effect in products intended for adult consumers, where permitted by local regulations.These are naturally derived flavorings, plant-based substances, extracts of plant-based substances, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, anise, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berries, red berries, cranberries, peaches, apples, oranges, mangoes, clementines, lemons, limes, etc.) Tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, 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, kurt, eggplant, betel nut, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-yi Orchid, sage, fennel, wasabi, bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil from any of the Mentha species, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, majolica It may also contain other additives such as lamb, olives, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, calvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste 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), as well as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant matter, or breath fresheners.They may be imitations, synthetics, or natural raw materials, or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, such as a liquid like an oil, a solid like a powder, or a gas.

[0095] In some embodiments, the flavor includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor includes cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavor components. In some embodiments, the flavor includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor includes flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor includes flavor components extracted from cannabis.

[0096] In some embodiments, the flavor may include a sensory stimulant, which is intended to achieve somatosensory effects that are normally chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or instead of the aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents that produce heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. A preferred thermal agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a preferred cooling agent may be, but is not limited to, eucalyptol or WS-3.

[0097] Aerosol-generating materials are materials that can generate aerosols when energy is applied, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of solids, liquids, or gels, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be called a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid, such as a liquid, within the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include, for example, about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solid, or about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solid.

[0098] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active substances and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0099] Consumables are articles that may contain aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by the user. Consumables may also comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which generates heat during use to cause the aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol. The heater may comprise, for example, a flammable material, an electrically conductive material, or a susceptor.

[0100] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to supply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material so as to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to supply one or more of the aerosol-generating material to vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy.

[0101] A heater is a form of aerosol generator, but any aerosol generator may be used in the example shown above.

[0102] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the disclosure as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed disclosure. Various embodiments of the disclosure may preferably include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, the disclosure may include other examples that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. an aerosol supply device configured to generate aerosols, A control component configured to store data describing one or more operating parameters of the aerosol supply device, A communication interface configured to enable communication between the aerosol supply device and the remote virtual service, Equipped with, The communication interface is configured to receive one or more values ​​of the one or more operating parameters from data records relating to virtual objects in a virtual environment accessible via the remote virtual service. Aerosol supply device.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, which, upon receiving the aforementioned value, is configured with the aforementioned value from the data record.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication interface is configured to transmit one or more values ​​of the one or more operating parameters to a data record relating to a corresponding virtual object in a virtual environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein the communication interface is configured to back up the value of the aerosol supply device to the data record in response to transmitting a value to the data record.

5. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein communicating the aforementioned values ​​includes transmitting at least one value from the virtual representation to the aerosol supply device and receiving at least one value from the aerosol supply device.

6. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control component is configured to replace stored data in response to the reception and / or transmission of an updated value.

7. The aforementioned value, Battery usage information, Power profile, The recorded position of the aerosol supply device, and Typical usage profile An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, representing at least one of the following.

8. The system further comprises a motion detection system capable of identifying the orientation of the aerosol supply device within the physical user space, The value transmitted from the aerosol supply device indicates the direction. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the communication interface is configured to use at least one of Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy®, ZigBee®, Wi-Fi®, Wi-Fi Direct®, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID.

10. A virtual environment in which an avatar representing a user can interact with one or more virtual objects, wherein the one or more virtual objects include a virtual representation of an aerosol supply device, and the virtual representation corresponds to a virtual environment data object configured to store one or more operating parameters of the aerosol supply device. A communication interface configured to communicate one or more values ​​from the aforementioned one or more operating parameters from physical user space to an aerosol supply device, wherein the aerosol supply device is associated with the virtual representation, A system equipped with these features.

11. The virtual environment enables access to the value, Battery usage information, Power profile, The recorded position of the aerosol supply device, and Typical usage profile The system according to claim 10, configured to provide at least one of the following to the user.

12. The virtual environment is configured to associate the virtual representation with a new and / or reset aerosol supply device. The communication interface is configured to transmit values ​​for configuring the new and / or reset aerosol supply device. The system according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The new and / or reset aerosol supply device, Linked to a virtual environment to receive values, and / or Linked to an aerosol supply device configured to receive values, The system according to claim 13.

14. The system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the communication interface is configured to use at least one of Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy®, ZigBee®, Wi-Fi®, Wi-Fi Direct®, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID.

15. In a virtual environment, the steps include generating a virtual representation of an aerosol supply device associated with a user's user account, The steps include storing in the data record relating to the virtual representation the values ​​of one or more operating parameters of the aerosol supply device associated with the user account, The steps include communicating the values ​​of one or more of the aforementioned operating parameters to the aerosol supply device, A method that includes this.

16. an aerosol supply means configured to generate an aerosol, A control means configured to store data describing one or more operating parameters of the aerosol supply means, A communication means configured to enable communication between the aerosol supply means and the remote virtual service, Equipped with, The communication means is configured to receive one or more values ​​of the one or more operation parameters from data records relating to virtual objects in a virtual user environment accessible via the remote virtual service. Aerosol supply means.

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