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 characteristics 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 aerosol supply device is configured to synchronize one or more of the characteristics of the aerosol supply device with a virtual object in a virtual user environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol supply device.

Background Art

[0002] The concept of a virtual user environment (sometimes referred to as a virtual world) that allows multiple users to interact with the virtual user environment and / or 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 Neal 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 initiative]

[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 characteristics 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 aerosol supply device is configured to synchronize one or more of the characteristics of the aerosol supply device with a virtual object in a virtual user environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

[0008] In some examples, the characteristics include user settings / preferences for the operation of the aerosol supply device.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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, the aerosol supply device is configured to synchronize one or more of its properties with a corresponding virtual object in a virtual user environment accessible via a remote virtual service.

[0011] 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, the virtual user environment including a virtual representation of an aerosol supply device; and a communication interface configured to receive one or more inputs representing the aerosol supply device from physical user space, the communication interface being linked to a virtual representation of the aerosol supply device, wherein the aerosol supply device can be controlled to transmit data relating to one or more characteristics of the aerosol supply device to the linked virtual representation.

[0012] In some examples, the characteristics include user settings / preferences for the operation of the physical aerosol supply device.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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 user environment, and linking the virtual representation of the aerosol supply device to a physical aerosol supply device associated with the user.

[0015] In some examples, the method further includes the step of inputting an identifier relating to a physical aerosol supply device into an interface associated with the virtual user environment.

[0016] In some examples, the generation step involves spawning an instance of a template object relating to the virtual representation.

[0017] In some examples, the generation step includes providing data from the aerosol supply device obtained from the packaging of the aerosol supply device to a virtual user environment.

[0018] In some examples, the method further includes the step of customizing the virtual representation using one or more characteristics recorded from a physical aerosol supply device.

[0019] In some examples, the characteristics include user settings / preferences for the operation of the physical aerosol supply device.

[0020] In some examples, the method further includes the step of displaying a virtual representation through a virtual user environment via a user interface device configured to display content associated with the virtual user environment.

[0021] In some examples, the method further includes the step of receiving user input into a virtual user environment and triggering the display of content associated with the virtual representation.

[0022] In some examples, user input is received from users other than those associated with the physical aerosol supply device, and / or content is displayed to users other than those associated with the physical aerosol supply device.

[0023] In some examples, content display includes the representation of the aerosol dispensing device, the packaging of the aerosol dispensing device, and / or the opening of the packaging of the aerosol dispensing device.

[0024] In some cases, content is issued as an NFT (Non-Functional Document).

[0025] In some cases, the virtual representation of an aerosol supply device is issued as an NFT (Non-Functional Technology Release).

[0026] In some examples, NFTs can be traded using cryptocurrency.

[0027] In some examples, cryptocurrency can be mined through the use of a physical aerosol supply device for generating aerosol.

[0028] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol supply means configured to generate aerosol, comprising: control means configured to store data describing one or more characteristics of the aerosol supply means; and communication means configured to enable communication between the aerosol supply means and a remote virtual service, wherein the aerosol supply means is configured to synchronize one or more of the one or more characteristics of the aerosol supply means to a virtual object in a virtual user environment accessible via the remote virtual service.

[0029] Next, the present teachings will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] [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 a system 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. While the present disclosure is capable of 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 alternative forms falling within the scope of the present disclosure defined by the appended claims. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 includes 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 also 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. In some examples, the aerosol supply device does not include an aerosol generating component.

[0034] The aerosol supply device 100 includes a control component 120 configured to store data describing one or more 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.

[0035] 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 through a further user interface, such as a graphical user interface.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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 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. 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.

[0038] The aerosol supply device is configured to synchronize one or more of its characteristics with a virtual object 250 in a virtual user environment accessible via a remote virtual service 240. In some examples, the virtual object 250 is a corresponding virtual object 250. 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Referring now to Figure 3, a schematic diagram of an example system 300 is shown. System 300 includes an aerosol supply device (shown in Figures 1 and 2) comprising an aerosol generation component 310, a control component 320, and a communication interface 330.

[0042] The communication interface 330 is configured to communicate with the network 340. The network 340 may be any associated network. The communication link is indicated by arrow A. The communication link does not need to be one-way; the communication interface 330 may provide data to the network 340 and receive data from the network.

[0043] Network 340 communicates with a computer system 370 for a virtual user environment. The computer system 370 may include a data record 372 for storing data from the aerosol supply device communication interface 330.

[0044] Configuration 300 has a representation 350 of a virtual object in a virtual user environment based on data record 372. Representation 350 may be an aerosol supply device or any other virtual object.

[0045] The representation 350 may be a representation that can be manipulated in a virtual space. For example, the user may be able to decompose the representation 350 in the virtual space to see each component of the object. In this way, the representation 350 may indicate to the user whether the components need repair by representing their physical state in the virtual world calculated by real-world sensors or the like.

[0046] Such a service allows users to easily know the status of their device without having to go through the dangerous and time-consuming process of completely disassembling the device.

[0047] In one example, data on a box, such as a code (e.g., 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, experience it, and determine if it is a good fit for them. Similarly, this process could provide the user with numerous devices to interact with, allowing the user to explore their preferred devices in the virtual world before making a purchase.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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, one or more of which include a virtual representation of an aerosol supply device. System 400 includes a communication interface 408 configured to receive one or more inputs B representing the aerosol supply device from the physical user space 410, and the aerosol supply device is linked to the virtual representation 406 of the aerosol supply device. The aerosol supply device 412 can be controlled to transmit data relating to one or more characteristics of the aerosol supply device 214 to the linked virtual representation 406.

[0052] Therefore, in this example, the aerosol supply device 412 in physical space 410 ("the real world") transmits a signal that is ultimately reproduced and / or interpreted and displayed in virtual space 402. This allows the user to move device 412 in physical space 410, and to reproduce this by moving device 406 in virtual space 402.

[0053] Devices in the virtual world and the real world do not need to be the same. For example, a user may interact with a physical device box in the real world and handle the product inside the box in the virtual space. Similarly, a user may interact within the virtual space and receive the effects of the real world. In one example, a user in the virtual space can see the virtual product they are using. The user can interact with the device and receive notifications that provide, for example, price details, operational information, and product details. The user may also be able to make selections, interactions, and purchases within the virtual space.

[0054] 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®.

[0055] Referring now to Figure 5, a flowchart of Method 500 is shown by example. In Method 500, a virtual representation of the aerosol supply device associated with the user's user account is generated within the virtual user environment (505). The virtual representation of the aerosol supply device is linked to the physical aerosol supply device associated with the user (510).

[0056] The method described herein offers a set of advantages with respect to the device. Users are provided with a space to receive information and to experience a device that they would otherwise have to purchase before experiencing it. In this way, fewer incompatible devices are purchased, and therefore, sales following this method are less wasteful than those through conventional methods.

[0057] In the above example, content is displayed in a user-friendly format. In the example, content is displayed, and the user can interact with it. In the example, the display of content is issued as a non-fungible token (NFT). In the example, a virtual representation of an aerosol supply device is issued as an NFT. In the example, NFTs can be traded using cryptocurrency.

[0058] Cryptocurrencies may be created by manufacturers of aerosol supply devices, etc., to enable transactions within virtual space. For example, cryptocurrencies can be mined by using a physical aerosol supply device for aerosol generation.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes an active substance.

[0072] 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.

[0073] In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes flavorings.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] A heater is a form of aerosol generator, but any aerosol generator may be used in the example shown above.

[0088] 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 characteristics of the aerosol supply device, A communication interface configured to enable communication between the aerosol supply device and a remote virtual service, Equipped with, The aerosol supply device is configured to synchronize one or more of the characteristics of the aerosol supply device with a virtual object in a virtual user environment accessible via the remote virtual service. Aerosol supply device.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the characteristics include user settings / preferences regarding the operation of the aerosol supply device.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, 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.

4. A virtual user 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. A communication interface configured to receive one or more inputs representing an aerosol supply device from physical user space, wherein the aerosol supply device is linked to the virtual representation of the aerosol supply device; The aerosol supply device is controllable to transmit data relating to one or more characteristics of the aerosol supply device to the linked virtual representation. system.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the characteristics include user settings / preferences regarding the operation of the physical aerosol supply device.

6. The system according to claim 4 or 5, 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.

7. In a virtual user environment, the steps include generating a virtual representation of an aerosol supply device associated with the user's user account, The steps include linking the virtual representation of the aerosol supply device to the physical aerosol supply device associated with the user, A method that includes this.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of inputting an identifier relating to the physical aerosol supply device into an interface associated with the virtual user environment.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the generation step includes the step of spawning an instance of a template object relating to the virtual representation.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the generating step includes providing the data of the aerosol supply device obtained from the packaging of the aerosol supply device to the virtual user environment.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising the step of customizing the virtual representation using one or more characteristics recorded from the physical aerosol supply device.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the characteristics include user settings / preferences regarding the operation of the physical aerosol supply device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 12, further comprising the step of displaying the virtual representation through the virtual user environment via a user interface device configured to display content associated with the virtual user environment.

14. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 13, further comprising the step of receiving user input to the virtual user environment and causing the display of content associated with the virtual representation.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the input from the user is received by a user other than the user associated with the physical aerosol supply device, and / or the display of the content is provided to a user other than the user associated with the physical aerosol supply device.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the display of the content includes the representation of the aerosol supply device, the packaging of the aerosol supply device, and / or the opening of the packaging of the aerosol supply device.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the display of the aforementioned content is issued as an NFT.

18. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 17, wherein the virtual representation of the aerosol supply device is issued as an NFT.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the NFT can be traded using cryptocurrency.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the cryptocurrency can be mined by using the physical aerosol supply device for aerosol generation.

21. an aerosol supply means configured to generate an aerosol, A control means configured to store data describing one or more characteristics 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 aerosol supply means is configured to synchronize one or more of the one or more characteristics of the aerosol supply means with a virtual object in a virtual user environment accessible via the remote virtual service. Aerosol supply means.

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