Aerosol delivery arrangement, method for providing an aerosol and aerosol delivery means

Abstract

An aerosol delivery configuration for providing an aerosol to an authorized user is provided, the aerosol delivery configuration comprising: an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device including a control circuit for receiving a signal and controlling an activation state of the aerosol delivery device; an emitter associated with the authorized user, the emitter configured to transmit a signal to the control circuit of the aerosol delivery device; and a power source, the emitter including an energy receiving circuit configured to indirectly receive energy from the power source, the control circuit configured to change the activation state of the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a signal from the emitter associated with the authorized user.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol delivery arrangement, a method for providing an aerosol in an aerosol delivery arrangement, and an aerosol delivery means.

[0002] Aerosol delivery systems are known. A typical system uses a user-activated heater to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material via an aerosol delivery device, which is then inhaled by the user. The device can be activated by the user upon pressing a button or simply by inhaling. Modern systems can use a consumable element that contains the aerosol-generating material. It may be desirable for manufacturers to allow for control over system activation, taking into account certain consumable elements in the aerosol delivery device or otherwise. This can avoid system activation in undesirable situations.

[0003] The present invention is directed to solving some of the above problems.

[0004] Aspects of the present invention are defined in the appended claims.

[0005] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery configuration for providing an aerosol to an authorized user, the aerosol delivery configuration comprising: an aerosol delivery device including control circuitry for receiving a signal and controlling an activation state of the aerosol delivery device; an emitter associated with the authorized user configured to send a signal to the control circuitry of the aerosol delivery device; and a power source, the emitter including an energy receiving circuit configured to indirectly receive energy from the power source, the control circuitry configured to change the activation state of the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a signal from the emitter associated with the authorized user.

[0006] Such a configuration can ensure that unauthorized users are prevented from using the configuration, while authorized users are allowed to use the configuration. Thus, security and control over use of the device are improved. In particular, the aerosol delivery device can be activated upon receiving a message from the emitter. Because the emitter is associated with, e.g., owned by, an authorized user, only authorized use can occur. This can help prevent unauthorized use of the device.

[0007] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of providing an aerosol from an aerosol delivery arrangement, the method including operating a power source to emit energy, transmitting, by an emitter, a signal using at least a portion of the emitted energy from the power source, receiving, by a control circuit, the signal from the emitter, reviewing, by the control circuit, the signal against a signal repository, and altering, by the control circuit, an activation state of an aerosol delivery device in accordance with the signal.

[0008] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery device comprising: an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising control means for receiving a signal and controlling an activation state of the aerosol delivery device; a transmitting means associated with an authorized user, the transmitting means configured to transmit a signal to the control means of the aerosol delivery device; and a power means, the transmitting means including an energy receiving circuit configured to indirectly receive energy from the power means, the control means configured to change the activation state of the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a signal from the transmitting means associated with the authorized user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] The present teachings will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery arrangement according to one example. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery arrangement according to an example. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram according to an example. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery arrangement according to an example.

[0010] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be conventionally implemented and will not be discussed / described in detail for the sake of brevity. Thus, it will be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail can be implemented using any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes, which may also be referred to as aerosol delivery systems. Throughout the following description, the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used, with the understanding that these terms may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery systems / devices and electronic aerosol delivery 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 be used interchangeably throughout.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example aerosol delivery configuration 100 according to the present invention. Aerosol delivery configuration 100 includes an aerosol delivery device 110. Aerosol delivery device 110 includes control circuitry 112. Control circuitry 112 is configured to receive a signal and control an activation state of aerosol delivery device 110. Aerosol delivery configuration 100 includes an emitter 120 associated with an authorized user. Emitter 120 is configured to send a signal to control circuitry 112 of aerosol delivery device 110. Aerosol delivery configuration 100 includes a power source 130. Emitter 120 includes an energy receiving circuit configured to indirectly receive energy from power source 130. Control circuitry 112 of aerosol delivery device 110 is configured to change the activation state of aerosol delivery device 110 upon receiving a signal from emitter 120 associated with an authorized user.

[0014] The emitter 120 has an energy receiving circuit configured to indirectly receive energy from the power source 130. Here, "indirectly" refers to the intended reception of energy from the power source 130. do not have Reception body During use, the power source 130 may be transmitting messages or delivering power to the emitter 120 for which it is not intended. Thus, the emitter 120 receives energy indirectly from the power source 130. The emitter 120 may receive energy from nearby signals or power usage. of Take out death (scavenge , Scavenge ) to do Emitter 120 may be described as being able to extract energy from nearby sources, power transfer, or energy usage without having a significant impact on the intended use of message transmission or power delivery otherwise. Emitter 120 may be described as parasitic in terms of obtaining energy from a source.

[0015] The emitter 120 can be configured to wirelessly receive energy from the power source 130. The emitter 120 receives energy from the normal use of the power source 130. Scavenge Because power source 130 is electrically connected to emitter 120, there is no need for power source 130 to be physically or electrically connected to emitter 120. Coupling can be achieved via an electromagnetic field to facilitate indirect energy harvesting. Indeed, an advantage of emitter 120 receiving energy indirectly from power source 130 is that it is particularly energy-efficient in use. Furthermore, the design of emitter 120 is much simpler, since emitter 120 has a small on-board power source (e.g., a capacitor such as an electric double layer capacitor) and energy receiving circuit 122 for receiving and utilizing the energy indirectly obtained from power source 130. A further advantage is that this configuration 100 does not require a reader (or the like) in aerosol delivery device 110 to energize emitter 120 before emitting a signal to aerosol delivery device 110.

[0016] Emitter 120 collects energy from the surrounding area. Scavenge The indirectly received energy can be in the form of electrical energy from an electrical or electromagnetic signal from a power source 130. In one example, the power source 130 can be a power source 130.

[0017] In another example, the indirectly received energy can take the form of kinetic or thermal energy from the power source 130. Thus, in one example, the power source 130 can be a power source 130 that provides thermal energy as a by-product of use. The power source 130 can be a charge storage with controllable release, such as a battery or capacitor. The power source 130 can be a power source or a thermal power source 130. An example of a thermal power source 130 can be a heater, and the power source can be the motion of an authorized user associated with the emitter 120.

[0018] In the example of FIG. 1, emitter 120 is an indirect process or ScavengeThe process has an energy receiving circuit 122 for receiving energy from a power source in the form of a process.

[0019] 1 includes a control circuit 112 that can control operational aspects of aerosol delivery device 110. In particular, control circuit 112 can send signals to a heater, heating element, atomizer, vibrating plate, other aerosol generating elements, etc. in aerosol delivery device 110 to enable or cause activation of aerosol delivery device 110. The signal from control circuit 112 is triggered by a signal 150 sent from emitter 120 associated with an authorized user. Emitter 120 sends signal 150 to aerosol delivery device 110 upon receiving energy 140 indirectly from power source 130.

[0020] Thus, in one usage scenario, a user uses their emitter 120 to transmit an authentication signal 150 to aerosol delivery device 110, enabling activation of aerosol delivery device 110. Prior to this, power source 130 was used, and energy 140 was generated from the use of power source 130. Scavenge This allows signal 150 to be transmitted from emitter 120. In the example shown in FIG. 1, emitter 120 does not have its own power source. In the example of FIG. 1, power source 130 is separate from emitter 120 and aerosol delivery device 110. The separate provision of items can provide for overcoming problems in the form of energy and information transfer. The proposed solution is energy efficient and inexpensive, as the components of aerosol delivery arrangement 100 remain separate but can also operate at very low power levels prior to authorized activation of aerosol delivery device 110.

[0021] Referring to Figure 2, a structure 200 similar to structure 100 of Figure 1 is shown. Features similar to those used in Figure 1 are shown with reference numbers increased by 100. For example, structure 100 of Figure 1 is similar to structure 200 of Figure 2. Similar or identical features may not be discussed for brevity.

[0022] The emitter 220 of the structure 200 shown in Figure 2 has a body that houses an energy receiving circuit 222 and an emitter circuit 224. The energy receiving circuit 222 receives energy 240 from a nearby power source 230 or power source. Scavenge The energy receiving circuit 222 provides this energy to the emitter circuit 224. The emitter circuit 224, powered by the energy receiving circuit 222, transmits a signal 250 to the control circuit 212 of the aerosol delivery device 210. These two elements 222, 224 may be in the same circuit or may be separate and electrically connected via wiring or wirelessly. The two elements 222, 224 may have at least one component in common and / or at least one component that is not in common. The two elements 222, 224 may be part of the same integrated circuit using different antennas. In such a configuration, the antenna 222 for energy harvesting may be different from the antenna 224 for emitting the signal.

[0023] The emitter 220 collects energy from nearby power transmissions or signals. Scavenge The configuration 200 has a small integrated power source that generates and stores energy from the use or transmission of the power source 230. ScavengeThe emitter 220's integrated power supply allows for bursts of power usage during transmission of the authentication signal. The power supply in the emitter 220 allows energy to be captured and stored between transmissions of the signal (which can be bursty in performance). Thus, the power supply can be a capacitor or the like for storing power. The power supply transmits power to the emitter's integrated circuitry for transmission of the signal. After the power has been received, stored, and accumulated, a "burst" refers to the transmission of the signal from the emitter.

[0024] Power source 230 may be in a message exchange with another item or component not within configuration 200, and energy receiving circuit 222 indirectly receives this energy (from the message exchange). Energy receiving circuit 222 may require very low energy levels to transmit energy to emitter circuit 224 for message 250 to be transmitted to aerosol delivery device 210. This makes configuration 200 highly electrically efficient.

[0025] The energy receiving circuit 222 can include an antenna. In a particular example, the energy receiving circuit 222 includes a patch antenna. In other examples, the energy receiving circuit 222 can include any of a patch antenna, a slot antenna, a wire dipole antenna, a planar inverted-F antenna, a spiral antenna, a fractal antenna, a fractal polygon antenna, a serpentine path antenna, etc. The antenna can be any antenna capable of converting electromagnetic power into electrical power (or vice versa). The control circuit 212 of the aerosol delivery device 210 can also include an antenna configured to receive the signal 250 from the emitter circuit 224.

[0026] The signals from the emitters enable the aerosol delivery device 210 to be in or change to a particular activation state. The activation state can be an operating state, i.e., the aerosol delivery device 210 can operate to generate aerosol, and a different activation state can be a non-operating state, in which the aerosol delivery device 210 cannot operate to generate aerosol. The aerosol delivery device 210 can have several activation states associated with different emitters (and their different signals 250). In this way, the aerosol delivery device 210 can provide personalized activation states (which can include heating profiles, etc.) for each user's emitter.

[0027] In the operating state, the elements of the aerosol delivery device 210 used to generate the aerosol (atomizer, heater, etc.) can be activated. The specific activation of the device 210 may require an additional input, which may be inhalation on the device 210, pressing a button on the device 210, etc. Alternatively, the device 210 may automatically generate the aerosol via the heater upon receipt of an authorized signal by the control circuitry 212.

[0028] In the inactive state, the elements of the aerosol delivery device 210 used to generate the aerosol (atomizer, heater, etc.) cannot be activated. In this example, inhaling or pressing a button on the device does not affect the heater, atomizer, etc.

[0029] The term "operational state" can refer to a number of states in which the device 210 can be operated. Similarly, the term "non-operational state" can refer to a number of states in which the device 210 cannot be operated.

[0030] In a particular use case, aerosol delivery device 210 may be in a default activation state before attempted use by a user. This default activation state may be a non-operational state. In this example, the user cannot operate aerosol delivery device 210 until authentication occurs via signal 250 associated with emitter 220 associated with an authorized user. Requiring aerosol delivery device 210 to be unlocked before use provides an additional layer of security over allowing the default activation state to be an operational state. Furthermore, in this example, if the user is not an authorized user and does not have an authorized emitter, control circuit 212 cannot send a signal to the heater of aerosol delivery device 210 upon receiving a signal from an unauthorized emitter, and no change occurs to the activation state of the aerosol delivery device.

[0031] Aerosol delivery device 210 is capable of recognizing signals from emitters. Aerosol delivery device 210 is configured to allow activation only for emitters associated with an authorized user, such as those belonging to or possessed by the authorized user. Aerosol delivery device 210 may be "taught" or "know" which emitters are considered authorized and which are not.

[0032] Aerosol delivery device 210 can have circuitry that can contact an updatable database to check the emitter ID against a list of known, authorized emitter IDs. If the emitter is authorized, aerosol delivery device 210 can activate after receiving signal 250 from emitter 220.

[0033] The aerosol delivery device 210 can have an on-board database and process the signal 250 on-board. Alternatively, the database can be external to the aerosol delivery device 210, with the aerosol delivery device 210 transmitting the ID to a remote database and receiving a response regarding whether to enable or disable use of the aerosol delivery device 210. On-board processing is faster, but the database may need to be updated when the aerosol delivery device 210 is connected to WiFi or the like. On-board processing has the advantage of being able to function in areas with very poor connectivity. Remote processing does not depend on the aerosol delivery device 210 having a database and ensuring that the database is up to date. However, this process is slower and may require, for example, a connection to WiFi before use.

[0034] In examples where signal processing is performed on the aerosol delivery device 210, the processing can take the form of comparing the data from the emitter 220 (signal 250 from emitter 220) against an onboard database of registered and / or authenticated emitters 220 and users and signals 250 from the emitters 220. If there is a match, the signal 250 indicates that the emitter 220 is authorized, and therefore the user is authorized and the device 210 can function. If there is no match, the aerosol delivery device 210 can request that the user try again and send a further signal to the aerosol delivery device 210. If there is no match, the aerosol delivery device 210 can prevent activation of the aerosol delivery device 210.

[0035] In a particular use case, a first user attempts to access aerosol delivery device 210, and separately, a second user attempts to access aerosol delivery device 210. Emitter 220 of the first user provides signal 250 to control circuit 212 of aerosol delivery device 210. If the first user is authorized, control circuit 212 can enable aerosol delivery device 210 to function and activate a heater for the user to use to provide aerosol. Thus, the operational state of aerosol delivery device 210 is an active operational state for the first user.

[0036] A second user may attempt to use aerosol delivery device 210. Emitter 220 of the second user provides signal 250 to control circuitry 212 of aerosol delivery device 210. If user 250 is unauthorized, control circuitry 212 may prevent aerosol delivery device 210 from being activated. This may involve leaving aerosol delivery device 210 in an inactive state (if device 210 was already in an inactive state) or changing the state of aerosol delivery device 210 from an active state to an inactive state.

[0037] If the first user is an authorized user and the second user is not authorized, the change in operational state of the aerosol delivery device 210 may be as described below.

[0038] Initially, the device 210 is in a default activated state, which is an inactive state. The emitter 220 transmits a signal 250 to change the state of the device 210 to an active state using energy received indirectly from the first user's power source 230. The first user can then use the device 210. The device 210 can be reset to the inactive state after the first user has finished using it or is deemed to have finished using it, such as after a smoking session, after several puffs, or after a predetermined period of time. In this manner, the user may be required to change the state of the device 210 to an active state before a further use session. Such an arrangement enhances the security of the device 210 by preventing unauthorized users from using the device 210 after an authorized user has changed the state of the device 210 to an active state and ended a smoking session.

[0039] When an unauthorized second user attempts to access device 210, the unauthorized user's emitter 220 provides signal 250 to control circuitry 212. Control circuitry 212 can maintain device 210 in an inactive state such that the second user is prevented from operating device 210. Alternatively, control circuitry 212 can change the state of device 210 to a locked state upon identifying the user as an unauthorized user attempting to use device 210.

[0040] The locked state may take the form of a non-operational state that must be detected by control circuitry 212 of aerosol delivery device 210 by an authorized user before device 210 can be used to deliver aerosol. The locked state may require a further level of identification of the authorized user before the locked state can be changed to a non-locked operational state. This may take the form of a password, passkey, alphanumeric sequence, etc. Use of such a locked state provides an indication to the authorized user that an attempt to use device 210 by an unauthorized user has occurred.

[0041] The term "activated state," as used herein, includes an operational state and a non-operational state. An operational state can be a state in which the device can be used. Other, more specific operational states can dictate device performance, such as the selection of a heating mechanism to be used, a heating profile to be used, an aerosol-generating material to be used, etc. Such operational states can be associated with specific users. In this manner, upon recognition of authorized user 1 (via signal 1 from emitter 1), corresponding heating mechanism 1 is used to provide heating profile 1 in aerosol-generating medium 1. Upon recognition of authorized user 2 (via signal 2 from emitter 2), corresponding heating mechanism 2 is used to provide heating profile 2 in aerosol-generating medium 2. In this manner, different users can be provided with their own personalized aerosols upon recognition of the user.

[0042] The inoperative state can be a state in which the device cannot be used. Other more specific inoperative states include a default inoperative state, which can be changed by receiving a signal from an authorized emitter of an authorized user. Other inoperative states, such as a locked state, may require more than one criterion by the user (e.g., an authorized emitter signal) to change the device to an operational state. This can help prevent hacking of the device and can notify authorized users of attempted access by unauthorized users. Thus, this configuration improves the overall protection provided by the configuration.

[0043] 3 illustrates a method 300 of using an aerosol delivery configuration. In method 300, the device starts in a default state 302. Before a user attempts to use the device, the user is required to verify their identity via their emitter. The user's emitter sends a signal to the aerosol delivery device's control circuitry indicating the user's properties 304. As discussed above, the aerosol delivery device's control circuitry compares the signal to memory, a database (remote or on-board), etc. to verify the user's authorization level (authorized or unauthorized). If an unauthorized user is detected 312, the method proceeds to step 314, where the device is either placed in a locked state or remains in the default state.

[0044] If an authorized user is detected (i.e., an authorized emitter signal is detected) 322, the device is changed to an operational state 324. As explained above, this operational state can be associated with the user providing a personalized aerosol. Thus, a heater or atomizer in the aerosol delivery device can be operated such that a predetermined heating profile in a predetermined aerosol-generating medium provides the user with a personalized user aerosol 326. When the user has finished their session, this can be indicated by the user to the device by pressing a button, or the usage session ends or is deemed to have ended 328 after a given period of time or a predetermined number of puffs. Thereafter, in step 302, the device is returned to its default state 329. Thus, use of the devices disclosed herein can be protected against authorized use and unauthorized users.

[0045] Referring to Figure 4, a structure 400 similar to structure 200 of Figure 2 is shown. Features similar to those used in Figure 2 are indicated with reference numbers increased by 200. For example, structure 200 of Figure 2 is similar to structure 400 of Figure 4. Similar or identical features may not be discussed for the sake of brevity.

[0046] 4 shows a power source 430 with an emitter 420 adjacent to the power source 430. The power source 430 is separate from the emitter 420; the power source 430 is not integral with the emitter 420. The emitter 420 emits a signal 450. This signal 450 is received by the aerosol delivery device 410, and if the emitter 420 is authorized, the aerosol delivery device 410 can be activated to provide the aerosol.

[0047] Emitter 420 may be capable of transmitting a signal up to a distance of 15 meters. The control circuitry of aerosol delivery device 410 may be configured to receive a signal from emitter 420 up to a distance of 15 meters. Such an emitter 420 may be powered by a power source 430. Scavenge Therefore, if power source 430 is a high-power power source 430, a long-range emitter 420 may be advantageous for utilizing such power source 430. Such an emitter 420 allows for use of aerosol delivery device 410 over longer distances and may be preferred in instances where emitter 420 is not generally close to the user of aerosol delivery device 410. Such an emitter 420 may be compatible with Bluetooth (registered trademark) It can operate using Bluetooth LE, SigFox, NB-IoT, LoRaWAN, LTE-M, etc.

[0048] Emitter 420 may be capable of transmitting a signal up to a distance of 2 meters. The control circuitry of aerosol delivery device 410 may be configured to receive a signal from emitter 420 up to a distance of 2 meters. Such emitter 420 does not require a high-power power supply 430 to operate. Emitter 420 may emit a relatively low-power signal. Scavengeand can provide a low-power signal 450 over a relatively short distance. Thus, short-range emitters 420 accommodate a greater number of power sources 430 than the long-range emitters discussed above. Furthermore, short-range emitters 420 increase the likelihood that an authorized emitter owner will be in the vicinity of the aerosol delivery device prior to use. In this way, while an authorized user is more likely to personally carry emitter 420, aerosol delivery device 410 is less likely to be used without an authorized user nearby, thereby increasing the overall safety of arrangement 400. In examples where signal 450 can only be transmitted up to a distance of about 2 meters, there is less likelihood that an unintended signal 450 will be provided to aerosol delivery device 410. Such emitters 420 can operate using Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, or the like.

[0049] In a particular example, the power source 430 may be a battery in a mobile telecommunications device belonging to an authorized user. The emitter 420 may be a Bluetooth token attached to the mobile device. The emitter 420 may also be incorporated into an external case for use with the mobile device. The emitter 420 abuts the mobile telecommunications device and emits a Bluetooth signal using energy from the mobile telecommunications device when transmitting. As described above, the energy Scavenge enables the arrangement 400 to operate in a particularly energy-efficient manner.

[0050] 4, power source 430 is part of a mobile telecommunications device, e.g., a battery. Aerosol delivery device 410 is configured to receive Bluetooth communications to receive signal 450 from emitter 420. Accordingly, aerosol delivery device 410 has some form of Bluetooth receiver. Mobile device 430 may be capable of providing an override signal to aerosol delivery device 410, for example, if the user does not have access to emitter 420 (or has lost emitter 420). Mobile devices 430 known by aerosol delivery device 410 to belong to an authorized user can control the same functions of device 410 via an application on mobile device 410.

[0051] The mobile device 430 and the aerosol delivery device 410 can interact via an application on a smartphone or tablet, for example. The aerosol delivery device 410 can be accessed by the smartphone or tablet to control certain functional aspects of the aerosol delivery device 410. The use of only authorized smartphones increases the deterrence of unauthorized users from accessing the aerosol delivery device. Communication can occur via a wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth.

[0052] Bluetooth is one of several exemplary technologies for use in this arrangement. Bluetooth is particularly useful due to the distances and power levels involved. Alternatives include other connection technologies such as personal area network protocols.

[0053] In an example method of using the configuration disclosed herein, the method steps may be: operating a power source to emit energy; transmitting a signal by an emitter using at least a portion of the energy emitted from the power source; receiving the signal from the emitter by a control circuit; reviewing the signal against a signal repository by the control circuit; and changing the activation state of the aerosol delivery device according to the signal by the control circuit.

[0054] The signal derives energy from the use of a power source. Scavenge A signal is received from an emitter that has been authorized. The signal may be checked against a database, such as described above, and marked as authorized or unauthorized. The activation state may be changed to an operational state if the signal is authorized, or to a locked state if the signal is unauthorized. Alternatively, if the signal is unauthorized, the activation state may remain in a default inoperative but unlocked state. The locked state may occur only after a predetermined number of unauthorized signals are received by the aerosol delivery device. As described above, the check against the database of authorized signals may be performed on-board the aerosol delivery device or remotely.

[0055] As explained above, an authorized user is a user associated with an authorized emitter. In particular, an authorized user may have completed a verification check before obtaining the authorized emitter. Such verification may be an age verification check. The check may occur at the point of sale of the emitter or aerosol delivery device. In this manner, a user may be authorized as suitable to possess an authorized emitter. Thus, an authorized user may have passed an authentication or verification step, etc.

[0056] As mentioned above, the energy receiving circuit can include an antenna. In a particular example, the energy receiving circuit includes a patch antenna. In a further particular example, the energy receiving circuit can include two antennas. As explained above, the first antenna receives energy. Scavenge The second antenna can be connected to the first antenna through a diode. In one example, the diode can be a Schottky diode.

[0057] In use, the diode can filter out half of an AC signal from a first antenna when it is transmitted to a second antenna. The second antenna can be tuned to a harmonic of the signal (in one example, the second harmonic). The harmonic signal can be emitted by the second antenna. The signal can be received by an aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery device can be programmed to recognize that the signal being provided is associated with an authorized user with an authorized emitter if the second harmonic of the original emitted frequency is received. The aerosol delivery device can then receive the signal and change to an operational state.

[0058] In particular, the aerosol delivery device can be programmed such that in response to transmission of frequency "f", if the aerosol delivery device detects a signal of frequency "2f", the aerosol delivery device changes to an operational state.

[0059] Such an arrangement provides a very low cost solution to the problem of user recognition. In particular, the two-antenna arrangement is a very low cost user authentication solution that operates with very low power requirements.

[0060] Exemplary personal area network protocols include Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy® (BLE), Zigbee®, Wireless USB, and Near Field Communication (NFC). Exemplary personal area network protocols also include protocols that utilize optical communications, such as Infrared Data Association (IrDA) and Data Over Sound. Other wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi® technology, may be used if the aerosol delivery device has appropriate capabilities. While the above discussion has largely focused on Bluetooth and implicitly BLE technology, it will be understood that corresponding or equivalent features of other personal area network technologies may be used. Thus, in the above example, the emitter and aerosol delivery device operate using a Bluetooth interface but may also use a radio antenna for wireless communication. In other examples, the emitter and aerosol delivery device may use alternative wireless technologies.

[0061] In another configuration of the above disclosure, the aerosol delivery device is operable such that the emitter transmits a signal. The emitter may transmit a signal in one or more of the following situations: 1) Sufficient energy is received by the emitter's energy receiving circuit. Scavenge (asynchronous signaling), 2) If, at a periodic period, the energy captured by the energy receiving circuit of the emitter is sufficient (synchronization signaling), 3) When triggered by another message, such as one emitted by a vaping device (requested signaling).

[0062] In example (3) above, this allows the aerosol delivery device to send a message to the emitter and then listen for a response before activating the aerosol delivery device for use. The emitter's integrated circuit can have a wake-up function that allows the emitter to use very low standby power. The emitter's state can then be changed when a message from the aerosol delivery device is received by the emitter.

[0063] In certain examples, the arrangements disclosed herein can be powered by wireless charging. In particular, the emitter has energy receiving circuitry configured to indirectly receive energy from a power source. The power source can be a power source associated with a mobile device or the like. The power source can also or alternatively be a power source configured to charge a mobile device or the like. In particular, the power source can be a Qi charging source that can store energy before the emitter emits a signal. The emitter can have a small rechargeable battery (e.g., a capacitor) that stores energy before emitting a signal. In such examples, a magnetic resonant charger charges the antenna of the emitter.

[0064] The emitter can have any number of antennas.

[0065] In certain examples, the devices disclosed herein can operate with replaceable flavor pods in the device. These flavors can be any of tobacco and glycol, extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, Scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, konjac, etc.). The compositions may contain other additives such as spices, spice blends, 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), and other additives (e.g., charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners), which may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof.

[0066] When combined with an aerosol-generating medium, the aerosol delivery device disclosed herein can be referred to as an aerosol delivery system.

[0067] Thus, an aerosol delivery configuration has been described for providing an aerosol to an authorized user, the aerosol delivery configuration comprising: an aerosol delivery device having a control circuit for receiving a signal and controlling an activation state of the aerosol delivery device; an emitter associated with the authorized user, the emitter configured to send a signal to the control circuit of the aerosol delivery device; and a power source, the emitter including an energy receiving circuit configured to indirectly receive energy from the power source, and the control circuit configured to change the activation state of the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a signal from the emitter associated with the authorized user.

[0068] To this end, an aerosol delivery configuration for providing an aerosol to an authorized user is provided, the aerosol delivery configuration comprising: an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit for receiving a signal and controlling an activation state of the aerosol delivery device; an emitter associated with the authorized user, the emitter configured to send a signal to the control circuit of the aerosol delivery device; and a power source, the emitter receiving energy from the power source. Scavenge An aerosol delivery configuration has also been described that includes an energy receiving circuit configured to change the activation state of the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a signal from an emitter associated with an authorized user.

[0069] The aerosol delivery system can be used in tobacco industry products, for example, non-combustible aerosol delivery systems.

[0070] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product comprises one or more components of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

[0071] In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device.

[0072] In one embodiment, an electronic cigarette comprises a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing, and optionally a mouthpiece.

[0073] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable substrate is contained in or on a substrate container, hi one embodiment, the substrate container is combined with or includes a heater.

[0074] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating product that releases one or more compounds by heating, but not burning, a substrate material. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material, which may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.

[0075] In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

[0076] In one embodiment, the tobacco heating product includes a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, and an aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material.

[0077] In one embodiment, the heating product is a non-electronic item.

[0078] In one embodiment, the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material, and a heat source capable of providing heat energy to the aerosolizable substrate without electronic means, for example, by burning a combustible material such as charcoal.

[0079] In one embodiment, the heating product also includes a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

[0080] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable substrate material may include an aerosol or aerosol-generating agent, or a humectant, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0081] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system for generating an aerosol by heating, but not burning, a combination of substrate materials. The substrate materials may include, for example, solids, liquids, or gels that may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.

[0082] To address various problems and advance the art, this entire disclosure illustrates various exemplary embodiments by which the claimed inventions may be practiced and which may provide an improved electronic aerosol delivery system. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely a representative sample of embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive. They are presented solely for the purpose of facilitating understanding and teaching of the claimed features. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure should not be considered limitations on the disclosure, as defined by the claims, or limitations on equivalents of the claims, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modified without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably include, consist of, or essentially consist of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. Additionally, this disclosure encompasses other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future. [Item of invention] [Item 1] 1. An aerosol delivery arrangement for providing an aerosol to an authorized user, said aerosol delivery arrangement comprising: an aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit for receiving a signal and controlling an activation state of the aerosol delivery device; an emitter associated with an authorized user, the emitter configured to transmit a signal to the control circuitry of the aerosol delivery device; Power supply and Equipped with the emitter includes an energy receiving circuit configured to indirectly receive energy from the power source; The aerosol delivery arrangement, wherein the control circuitry is configured to change an activation state of the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a signal from the emitter associated with an authorized user. [Item 2] Item 10. The aerosol delivery arrangement of item 1, wherein the power source is separate from the emitter and the aerosol delivery device. [Item 3] 3. The aerosol delivery configuration of claim 1 or 2, wherein the emitter includes a body, the body comprising the energy receiving circuit and an emitter circuit for transmitting the signal to the control circuit of the aerosol delivery device. [Item 4] 4. The aerosol delivery arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the energy receiving circuit comprises an antenna, for example a patch antenna. [Item 5] the control circuit is configured to change an activation state of the aerosol delivery device from a default activation state to a first activation state upon receiving a first signal from a first emitter; the control circuit is configured to change an activation state of the aerosol delivery device from a default activation state to a second activation state upon receiving a second signal from a second emitter; 5. The aerosol delivery configuration of any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the first signal is associated with a first user and the second signal is associated with a second user. [Item 6] 6. The aerosol delivery configuration of claim 5, wherein the first user is a first authorized user and the first activation state is a first operating state. [Item 7] 7. The aerosol delivery configuration of claim 6, wherein the second user is a second authorized user, the second activation state is a second operating state, and the second operating state is different from the first operating state. [Item 8] 7. The aerosol delivery configuration of claim 5 or 6, wherein the second user is an unauthorized user and the second activation state is an inoperative locked state. [Item 9] 9. The aerosol delivery arrangement of any one of items 6 to 8, wherein the default activation state is a non-operating state. [Item 10] 10. The aerosol delivery arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the emitter is configured to transmit a signal up to a distance of 15 meters. [Item 11] 10. The aerosol delivery arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the emitter is configured to transmit a signal up to a distance of 2 meters. [Item 12] the emitter is a Bluetooth token; the power source is a battery of a mobile telecommunications device; 12. The aerosol delivery configuration of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the emitter is configured to abut against the mobile telecommunications device and to emit a Bluetooth signal using energy from the mobile telecommunications device when transmitting. [Item 13] 1. A method of providing an aerosol from an aerosol delivery arrangement, the method comprising: operating a power source to emit energy; transmitting, by an emitter, a signal using at least a portion of the emitted energy from the power source; receiving, by a control circuit, the signal from the emitter; reviewing, by the control circuitry, the signals against a signal repository; changing, by the control circuitry, an activation state of an aerosol delivery device in accordance with the signal; A method comprising: [Item 14] reviewing, by the control circuitry, the signal against a signal repository; accessing the signal repository; checking the signal from the emitter against signals recorded as authorized in the signal repository; determining whether the signal is from an authorized emitter or an unauthorized emitter; Item 14. The method according to Item 13, comprising: [Item 15] transmitting a signal using at least a portion of the emitted energy from the power source by an emitter, 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, comprising transmitting a personal area network signal by the emitter. [Item 16] 16. The method of any one of items 13 to 15, comprising changing the activation state of the aerosol delivery device to an operating state upon determining that the signal is from an authorized emitter. [Item 17] an aerosol delivery device comprising a control means for receiving a signal and controlling an activation state of said aerosol delivery device; a signaling means associated with an authorized user, the signaling means configured to send a signal to the control means of the aerosol delivery device;

[0033] a power means; An aerosol supply means comprising: the transmitting means includes an energy receiving circuit configured to indirectly receive energy from the power means; The aerosol delivery means, wherein the control means is configured to change an activation state of the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a signal from the transmitting means associated with an authorized user.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery arrangement for providing an aerosol to an authorized user, said aerosol delivery arrangement comprising: an aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit for receiving a signal and controlling an activation state of the aerosol delivery device; an emitter associated with an authorized user, the emitter configured to transmit a signal to the control circuitry of the aerosol delivery device; Power supply and Equipped with the emitter includes an energy receiving circuit configured to indirectly receive energy from the power source; The aerosol delivery arrangement, wherein the control circuitry is configured to change an activation state of the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a signal from the emitter associated with an authorized user.

2. The aerosol delivery arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the power source is separate from the emitter and the aerosol delivery device.

3. 2. The aerosol delivery configuration of claim 1, wherein the emitter includes a body, the body comprising the energy receiving circuit and an emitter circuit for transmitting the signal to the control circuit of the aerosol delivery device.

4. The aerosol delivery arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the energy receiving circuit comprises an antenna.

5. the control circuit is configured to change an activation state of the aerosol delivery device from a default activation state to a first activation state upon receiving a first signal from a first emitter; the control circuit is configured to change an activation state of the aerosol delivery device from a default activation state to a second activation state upon receiving a second signal from a second emitter; The aerosol delivery arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the first signal is associated with a first user and the second signal is associated with a second user.

6. 6. The aerosol delivery arrangement of claim 5, wherein the first user is a first authorized user and the first activation state is a first operating state.

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

8. 6. The aerosol delivery arrangement of claim 5, wherein the second user is an unauthorized user and the second activation state is an inoperative locked state.

9. The aerosol delivery arrangement of claim 6 , wherein the default activation state is an inactive state.

10. The aerosol delivery arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the emitter is configured to transmit a signal up to a distance of 15 meters.

11. The aerosol delivery arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the emitter is configured to transmit a signal up to a distance of 2 meters.

12. the emitter is a Bluetooth token; the power source is a battery of a mobile telecommunications device; 10. The aerosol delivery arrangement of claim 1, wherein the emitter is configured to abut the mobile telecommunications device and, when transmitting, to emit a Bluetooth signal using energy from the mobile telecommunications device.

13. 1. A method of providing an aerosol from an aerosol delivery arrangement, the method comprising: operating a power source to emit energy; transmitting a signal using the energy received indirectly from the power source by an emitter; a control circuit for controlling the emitter and receiving the signal from reviewing, by the control circuitry, the signals against a signal repository; changing, by the control circuitry, an activation state of an aerosol delivery device in accordance with the signal; A method comprising:

14. reviewing, by the control circuitry, the signal against a signal repository; accessing the signal repository; checking the signal from the emitter against signals recorded as authorized in the signal repository; determining whether the signal is from an authorized emitter or an unauthorized emitter; 14. The method of claim 13, comprising:

15. transmitting a signal using the energy indirectly received from the power source by an emitter, 14. The method of claim 13, comprising transmitting, by the emitter, a personal area network signal.

16. 14. The method of claim 13, comprising changing the activation state of the aerosol delivery device to an operating state upon determining that the signal is from an authorized emitter.

17. an aerosol delivery device comprising a control means for receiving a signal and controlling an activation state of said aerosol delivery device; a signaling means associated with an authorized user, the signaling means configured to send a signal to the control means of the aerosol delivery device; [0033] a power means; An aerosol supply means comprising: the transmitting means includes an energy receiving circuit configured to indirectly receive energy from the power means; The aerosol delivery means, wherein the control means is configured to change an activation state of the aerosol delivery device upon receiving a signal from the transmitting means associated with an authorized user.

Images