Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol supply device is provided, configured to generate an aerosol, comprising: a motion detection system configured to detect the motion of the aerosol supply device; and a communication component configured to transmit signals representing the motion detected by the motion detection system to a remote system for use by the remote system as input to a virtual user environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol supply device, system and method. Background Art

[0002] The concept of a virtual user environment (sometimes referred to as a virtual world) that allows multiple users to interact with a virtual user environment and / or with each other has been known for many years. Such virtual worlds may be individually or collectively referred to as the "metaverse". Since the term "metaverse" was used in Neil Stephenson's 1992 novel *Snow Crash* (1st edition ISBN 0-553-08853-X), 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, comprising a motion detection system configured to detect motion of the aerosol supply device, and a communication component configured to transmit signals representing motion detected by the motion detection system to a remote system for use by the remote system as input to a virtual user environment.

[0008] In some examples, the aerosol supply device includes an aerosol generation component configured to generate aerosols. In some examples, the aerosol supply device includes a control component configured to control the generation of aerosols.

[0009] In some examples, the motion detection system includes at least one of the following: a linear accelerometer, an angular accelerometer, a gyroscope sensor, a gravity sensor, and a proximity sensor.

[0010] In some cases, the aerosol supply device is associated with the user profile of a user in a virtual user environment.

[0011] In some examples, a user profile is associated with the user's avatar in a virtual user environment, and inputs are inputs that represent the motion or behavior of the avatar in the virtual user environment.

[0012] In some examples, the communication components are further configured to transmit additional signals, which represent aerosol generation events in an aerosol supply device and are used by a remote system as additional input to a virtual user environment.

[0013] In some examples, the additional input is an input indicating the motion and / or behavior of an avatar in a virtual user environment.

[0014] In some examples, motion and / or behavior are the effects of breathing, inhalation, and / or exhalation.

[0015] In some examples, the aerosol supply device further comprises an output device configured to provide an output in response to a return signal received by a communication component from a remote system.

[0016] In some examples, output devices include haptic devices, visual devices, and / or audio devices.

[0017] In some examples, the output device is configured to provide output about the avatar's virtual characteristics, and the output is influenced by the input in the virtual user environment and / or the virtual user environment.

[0018] In some examples, output devices are configured to provide output representing motion or behavior in a virtual user environment.

[0019] In some examples, the remote system is communicatively coupled to a user interaction device configured to allow the user to see, hear, and / or feel a virtual user environment, the user interaction device is further configured to provide the remote system with user activity signals representing the user's video and / or audio activity, and the remote system is configured to use the user activity signals in combination with the inputs.

[0020] In some examples, using user activity signals in combination with inputs involves controlling the timing of input processing.

[0021] According to some embodiments described herein, a system is provided comprising a virtual user environment in which an avatar representing a user can interact with one or more virtual objects, and a communication component configured to receive inputs representing detected motion of the user's aerosol supply device, the inputs being available to the system as control inputs for the avatar's actions in the virtual user environment.

[0022] According to some embodiments described herein, a method is provided that includes the steps of detecting motion of an aerosol supply device, providing a signal representing the detected motion as input to a system configured to process input to a virtual user environment, and processing the input as control input to a user's avatar in the virtual user environment.

[0023] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol supply means is provided, configured to generate an aerosol, comprising: a motion detection means configured to detect motion of the aerosol supply means; and a communication means configured to transmit to a remote system a signal representing the motion detected by the motion detection means for use by the remote system as input to a virtual user environment.

[0024] In some examples, the aerosol supply means includes an aerosol generating means configured to generate an aerosol. In some examples, the aerosol supply means includes a control means configured to control the generation of an aerosol.

[0025] Next, this instruction will be explained with reference to the following diagram, which is merely an example. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0026] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an aerosol supply device as an example. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration using 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 flowchart of a method according to an example. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0027] While the present disclosure is susceptible to 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 encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0028] Aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally, and these are not discussed / described in detail for the sake of brevity. Accordingly, 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 any conventional technique for implementing such aspects and features.

[0029] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol supply system, sometimes referred to as an aerosol supply system such as an e-cigarette. Throughout the following description, the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, and it will be understood that this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol supply system / device and electronic aerosol supply system / device. Furthermore, as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor", and 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 configured to generate an aerosol. The aerosol supply device 100 may include an aerosol generating component 110. The aerosol generating component 110 is configured to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating component 110 may include a sprayer and storage unit for the aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating component 110 may include a heater or vaporizer. The storage unit for the aerosol generating material may include an E-liquid storage unit or a tobacco-containing material storage unit.

[0031] The aerosol supply device 100 may include a control component 120 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 pad 100 may have a graphical user interface (GUI) for the user to interact with the control component 120. 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 component 130 configured to enable communication between the aerosol supply device 100 and a virtual user environment (not shown). The communication component 130 is configured to transmit signals representing detected motion to a remote system for use by the remote system as input to the virtual user environment. The communication component 130 may also be a wireless communication element that enables communication with a virtual service via a wireless communication method. The user may interact with the communication component 130 directly or through a further user interface such as a GUI.

[0033] The communication component 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. In this configuration, there may be communication between the virtual environment and the aerosol supply device via the communication component. This communication may be bidirectional.

[0034] The aerosol supply device 100 has a motion detection system 140 configured to detect the motion of the aerosol supply device 100. The motion detection system 140 detects the motion and provides a signal to a communication component 130. The communication component 130 then transmits a signal representing the motion detected by the motion detection system to a remote system. The remote system uses the signal as input to a virtual user environment. In this way, the motion of the aerosol supply device 100 can be detected, matched, transmitted, and used in some way within the virtual environment.

[0035] This device allows users to influence the virtual environment through the movement of an aerosol supply device.

[0036] 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. Such signals may be transmitted via wire or wirelessly.

[0037] In this example, the motion detection system 140 comprises at least one of a linear accelerometer, an angular accelerometer, a gyroscope sensor, a gravity sensor, and a proximity sensor. Such components enable the detection of various motions of the aerosol supply device 100 and the provision of signals to the communication component 130. The communication component 130 and the motion detection system 140 may operate under the control of the control component 120 (which may be via wired or wireless communication).

[0038] In this example, the aerosol supply device 100 is associated with a user profile of a user in a virtual user environment. For example, when accessing the device before its first use, the user may be required to log in to or register an account. This account may provide access to the virtual user environment and store data about the device's usage. For example, making a registered account a requirement for accessing the virtual environment may function as a reward for the user. The user profile can be used to verify that the user using the device is a genuine user (registered user). This profile may also restrict the device's operation if the user is in an age-restricted environment, for example. The profile may be linked to the virtual environment, so that the user can access programs in the virtual environment that relate to or are stored in the user's profile. The user profile may help represent how the aerosol supply device 100 operates within the virtual user environment.

[0039] In this example, the user profile is associated with the user's avatar in the virtual user environment, and the input is an input that indicates the motion or behavior of the avatar in the virtual user environment. The avatar can be modified, altered, or kept the same by different programs, etc. The user may have a selection of avatars, or may create their own avatars, etc. Thus, the user can interact with the virtual user environment through the movement of the aerosol supply device 100 in the "real world".

[0040] In the example, the communication component 130 is further configured to transmit further signals, which represent aerosol generation events of the aerosol supply device 100, and which are used by the remote system as further input to the virtual user environment. In this way, the aerosol supply device 100 may transmit signals to the virtual environment before, during, or after an aerosol generation event. Such events may include preheating of the heating element in the aerosol supply device, supply of aerosol to the user, inhalation by the user, or movement of the aerosol supply device to and from the user's mouth before and after use.

[0041] Each of these signals may be signaled to the virtual user environment and used to influence the environment, avatar, or any virtual object within the environment. In this way, the user is provided with a responsive and compact way to influence the virtual environment.

[0042] In the example, further input is input indicating the motion and / or behavior of the avatar in the virtual user environment. Thus, the inhalation input on the device may be associated with the avatar's function or command. In a particular example, the avatar may be a hot air balloon, and inhalation on the device may be the avatar "inhaling" so that there is more air inside the balloon so that the balloon rises in altitude within the virtual environment. In this way, the device's operation leads to some form of activation in the game.

[0043] In the example, motion and / or action is the effect of breathing, inhaling, and / or exhaling. In another specific example, the avatar may be in the form of a dragon, and inhaling and subsequent exhaling may trigger a command for a breath attack from the dragon.

[0044] The avatar may be a representation of the user, and inhalation and exhalation may instead be represented in an exaggerated manner within the virtual world. Inhalation and exhalation may be used to fill the space with aerosols within the virtual environment. Races can be started against friends from a predetermined contact list, and in this way the device provides a high level of engagement to the user within the virtual environment.

[0045] In terms of different advantages, the user may be provided with additional functionality of the device when it operates in a specific location. For example, a manufacturer may enable additional virtual avatars 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. The avatars may be players of the team, the team's mascot, etc. The movement of the aerosol supply device 100 may be related to the movement of flags within the stadium in the virtual environment.

[0046] In a specific example, the stadium might be, for example, Lord's Cricket Ground, the team might be, for example, the English and Welsh cricket team, and the movement of the aerosol supply device 100 might affect a cricket match in the virtual environment. The movement of the aerosol supply device 100 detected by the motion detector 140 might lead to a ball being thrown or a bat being swung.

[0047] In the example, the aerosol supply device may have locations recorded or detected by satnav and / or a Bluetooth link to satnav, Wi-Fi location, and / or mobile phone location. There may be many locations that enable specific interactions with the aerosol supply device or the virtual environment or both. In a music venue, the virtual environment may be the stage, and the aerosol supply device 100 may act as a microphone or instrument for performers, etc.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Referring now to Figure 2, a schematic diagram of an example configuration 200 is shown. Configuration 200 comprises an aerosol supply device comprising 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 component 230. The aerosol supply device has a motion detection system 240. 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 component 230 having the capability to communicate with a remote virtual service 250 (dashed line). The remote virtual service 250 may provide a virtual representation. In the example, the remote virtual service 250 provides a virtual representation of the aerosol supply device 260. In the example, the remote virtual service 250 provides a virtual representation in the form of an avatar, as described above.

[0050] The remote virtual service 250 receives information about the movement or usage data of the aerosol supply device and reproduces this in some form within the virtual environment using a virtual representation 260. In the example in Figure 2, the virtual object 250 takes the appearance of an aerosol supply device as shown in the configuration 200 of Figure 2. However, the virtual object 250 may take any appearance. The usage of the aerosol supply device may also be received by the virtual service 250, and the virtual representation 260 of the aerosol supply device may be shown to provide aerosols, etc. The movement of the aerosol supply device may be represented by the avatar of the virtual representation as described above. For example, by moving the aerosol supply device, a car may change gears in a racing environment in the virtual service.

[0051] Therefore, the status of an avatar in a remote virtual service may be altered based on the usage of a "real-world" aerosol supply device. For example, when a user uses a "real-world" aerosol supply device, an aerosol effect may be generated by a virtual object in the remote virtual service 250. This may be a one-to-one correspondence between the effect in reality and the effect in the virtual service.

[0052] Referring now to Figure 3, a schematic diagram of an example aerosol supply device 300 is shown. The aerosol supply device 300 is generally as shown in the examples in Figures 1 and 2. The aerosol supply device 300 includes an aerosol generation component 310, a control component 320, a communication component 330, and a motion detection system 340. The aerosol supply device 300 in Figure 3 also includes an output device 370. The output device 370 is configured to provide an output in response to a return signal received by the communication component 330 from a remote system.

[0053] In this way, the remote virtual system can receive signals from the aerosol supply device 300 and provide signals to the aerosol supply device 300 for processing. In one example, the signals received from the remote virtual system are received by the communication component 330 and provided to the output device 370 for processing. The output device 370 may be a haptic device, a visual device, and / or an audio device. In this way, the virtual service may provide "feedback" to the user based on events in the virtual environment.

[0054] For example, if the aerosol delivery device 300 is used in a virtual environment sports game (e.g., cricket), the output device 370 may have a haptic element to provide haptic feedback when the ball is hit by the bat, and an audio mode to provide the sound of the ball being hit by the bat. In this way, the user experience and engagement with the device are greatly improved. Furthermore, the user is provided with a highly versatile aerosol delivery device 300 for use other than aerosol delivery.

[0055] Therefore, in the example, the output device is configured to provide an output regarding the avatar's virtual characteristics. The output may be influenced by the input in the virtual user environment and / or the virtual user environment itself. As mentioned above, this may also relate to the avatar's surroundings and environment (cricket in a stadium, or a dragon in a fantasy world).

[0056] For example, within the virtual environment of a fantasy world, the avatar may be a wizard or a dragon. If the signal from the device is inhalation followed by exhalation, this may be represented as a spell cast by a wizard or as a fire breath by a dragon. The output from the output device 370 within the aerosol supply device 300 may vary in response to the signal from the virtual environment. A wizard's spell may have small tactile feedback or a series of short bursts, while a dragon's breath may have a single, extended tactile feedback. Audio and visual signals may differ based on different signals from the virtual environment.

[0057] In this example, the output device is therefore configured to provide an output representing motion or action in the virtual user environment. For example, a movement of the aerosol supply device 300 in a manner similar to a swing (or shaking motion) may produce different tactile feedback than a movement similar to a thrust (or pushing motion).

[0058] In the example, the remote system is communicatively coupled to a user interaction device configured to allow the user to see, hear, and / or feel the virtual user environment. In the example, the user interaction device is further configured to provide the remote system with user activity signals representing the user's video and / or audio activity. The remote system may be configured to use the user activity signals in combination with inputs.

[0059] In this example, user activity signals may be used in combination with inputs, which may include controlling the timing of input processing. The user interaction device may be an electronic headset that projects an environment, such as a virtual environment, to the user. The user interaction device may also be a device that provides projection or audio configuration, etc. The user interaction device may immerse the user in a virtual environment. Therefore, for engagement and interactivity, the timing of inputs is crucial for coordinating events in the real and virtual worlds.

[0060] Referring now 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. One or more virtual objects 406 may include a virtual representation of an aerosol supply device, but other representations (as described above) are also conceivable.

[0061] The virtual representation corresponds to a virtual user environment data object configured to be affected through the use of an aerosol supply device 412 in physical space 410. System 400 includes a communication component 408 configured to receive an input representing the detected motion M1 of the user's aerosol supply device 412. The input is available to System 400 as a control input for the actions of the avatar 404 in the virtual user environment 402.

[0062] In the example in Figure 4, a user in physical space (real world) 410 moves the aerosol supply device 412 with motion M1 (up and down wave). A communication component 408 receives this (along communication line B). This is provided to the virtual environment 402 along communication line C. The virtual environment 402 uses this input to represent motion by the avatar 404. In the particular example in Figure 4, this is the up and down wave motion M1' of the virtual object 406 representing the aerosol supply device. As mentioned above, the example does not need to correspond to an event in the real world. Such motion could be translated as a knight 404 swinging a sword 406.

[0063] Therefore, in this example, the virtual environment 402 (which may be VR or AR, etc.) may receive signals ultimately transmitted by the aerosol supply device 412 in the physical space 410 ("the real world"). The signals may relate to movements, usage, commands, etc., from a user acting on the aerosol supply device 412.

[0064] 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 component 408 is via Bluetooth Low Energy®, and communication C between the communication component 408 and the virtual space 402 is via WiFi®.

[0065] Referring now to Figure 5, a flowchart of Method 500 by example is shown. In Method 500, the motion of an aerosol supply device is detected (505). The signal representing the detected motion is provided as input to a system configured to process input to a virtual user environment (510). The input is processed as a control input to the user's avatar in the virtual user environment (515).

[0066] The method described herein offers a set of advantages for the device. Users are provided with a device for interacting with the virtual world in a highly engaging and tactile way. In this way, users may also be able to improve or adjust their use of the aerosol supply device based on events provided to the virtual environment.

[0067] Such a configuration is extremely useful for users who may have visual impairments, as it can easily enhance the display of the virtual world and overcome problems they experience in the real world. The virtual world can display information about the device and the user with significantly increased color, brightness, or contrast compared to the real world.

[0068] The methods and systems described above enable users to obtain real-world outputs from virtual-world inputs, as well as real-world outputs from virtual-world inputs. The flexibility of this system allows for a high level of user engagement and experience.

[0069] The communication components 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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 smoky 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes an active substance.

[0083] 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.

[0084] In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes flavorings.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active substances and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] A heater is a form of aerosol generator, but any aerosol generator may be used in the example shown above.

[0099] 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 motion detection system configured to detect the motion of the aerosol supply device, A communication component configured to transmit signals representing motion detected by the motion detection system to the remote system for use by the remote system as input to a virtual user environment, An aerosol supply device comprising the above features.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the motion detection system comprises at least one of a linear accelerometer, an angular accelerometer, a gyroscope sensor, a gravity sensor, and a proximity sensor.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, which is associated with the user profile of a user in the virtual user environment.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein the user profile is associated with the user's avatar in the virtual user environment, and the input is an input indicating the motion or behavior of the avatar in the virtual user environment.

5. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the communication component is further configured to transmit a further signal, the further signal representing an aerosol generation event of the aerosol supply device, and the further signal is used by the remote system as further input to a virtual user environment.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 5, wherein the further input is an input indicating the motion and / or behavior of the avatar in the virtual user environment.

7. The aerosol supply device according to claim 6, wherein the motion and / or action is the effect of breathing, inhalation and / or exhalation.

8. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an output device configured to provide an output in response to a return signal received by the communication component from the remote system.

9. The aerosol supply device according to claim 8, wherein the output device includes a tactile device, a visual device, and / or an audio device.

10. The output device is configured to provide an output relating to the virtual characteristics of the avatar. The output is affected by the input in the virtual user environment and / or the virtual user environment. The aerosol supply device according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the output device is configured to provide an output representing the motion or action in the virtual user environment.

12. The remote system is communicatively coupled to a user interaction device configured to enable the user to see, hear, and / or feel the virtual user environment. The user interaction device is further configured to provide the remote system with user activity signals representing the user's video and / or audio activity. The remote system is configured to use the user activity signal in combination with the input, The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The aerosol supply device according to claim 12, wherein using the user activity signal in combination with the input controls the timing of processing the input.

14. A virtual user environment in which an avatar representing the user can interact with one or more virtual objects, A communication component configured to receive input representing the detected motion of the user's aerosol supply device, Equipped with, The aforementioned input is available to the system as a control input for the actions of the avatar in the virtual user environment. system.

15. The steps include detecting the motion of an aerosol supply device, The steps include providing a signal representing the detected motion as input to a system configured to process input to a virtual user environment, The steps include processing the input as a control input for the user's avatar in the virtual user environment, A method that includes this.

16. an aerosol supply means configured to generate an aerosol, A motion detection means configured to detect the motion of the aerosol supply means, A communication means configured to transmit a signal representing motion detected by the motion detection means to the remote system for use by the remote system as input to a virtual user environment, an aerosol supply means comprising:

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