Aerosol delivery controllers, systems and methods

Abstract

A controller for an aerosol delivery system comprising one or more aerosol generators for generating aerosol from one or more aerosol-generating materials, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the aerosol content delivered to a user for each puff in a puffing session, dependent on a puff number of each puff in the puffing session.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL DELIVERY CONTROLLERS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS

[0002] Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems such as, but not exclusively, nicotine delivery systems (e.g. e-cigarettes).

[0004] Background

[0005] Aerosol delivery systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain an aerosol generating material, such as a chamber of a source solid or liquid, which may contain an active substance and / or a flavour, from which an aerosol or vapour is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation. Thus, an aerosol delivery system will typically comprise an aerosol generation area containing an aerosol generator, e.g. a heating element, arranged to vaporise or aerosolise a portion of precursor material to generate a vapour or aerosol in the aerosol generation area. As a user inhales on the device and electrical power is supplied to the vaporiser, air is drawn into the device through an inlet hole and along an inlet air channel connecting to the aerosol generation area, where the air mixes with vaporised precursor material to form a condensation aerosol. There is an outlet channel connecting the aerosol generation area to an outlet in the mouthpiece and the air drawn into the aerosol generation area as a user inhales on the mouthpiece continues along the outlet flow path to the mouthpiece outlet, carrying the aerosol with it, for inhalation by the user. Some electronic cigarettes may also include a flavour element in the air flow path through the device to impart additional flavours. Such devices may sometimes be referred to as hybrid devices, and the flavour element may, for example, include a portion of tobacco arranged in the air flow path between the aerosol generation area and the mouthpiece such that aerosol I condensation aerosol drawn through the device passes through the portion of tobacco before exiting the mouthpiece for user inhalation.

[0006] User experiences with electronic aerosol delivery systems are continually improving as such systems become more refined in respect of the nature of the vapour they provide for user inhalation, for example in terms of deep lung delivery, mouth feel and consistency in performance. Nonetheless, approaches for improving further still on these aspects remain of interest. In particular, it is of interest to develop approaches in which an aerosol delivery system comprises functionality enabling operating characteristics of the system to be adjusted, in order to target certain operating characteristics which may be desirable to a user.

[0007] Various approaches are described herein which seek to help address or mitigate at least some of the issues discussed above. Brief summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention provides a controller for an aerosol delivery system comprising one or more aerosol generators for generating aerosol from one or more aerosol-generating materials, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the aerosol content delivered to a user for each puff in a puffing session, dependent on a puff number of each puff in the puffing session.

[0009] The present invention further provides a controller for an aerosol delivery system comprising one or more aerosol generators for generating aerosol from at least first and second different aerosolgenerating materials to adjust the aerosol content delivered to the user, wherein the controller is configured to: a. for each puff in a session, supply the same total energy or total power level to the one or more aerosol generators for generating aerosol; and b. adjust the distribution of energy or power supplied for generating aerosol from the different aerosol-generating materials to the user for each puff in the puffing session, the distribution dependent on a puff number of each puff in the puffing session.

[0010] The present invention further provides corresponding functional means and further provides additional embodiments as claimed in the dependent claims.

[0011] Brief description of the figures

[0012] Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-section view of an example aerosol delivery system;

[0014] Figures 2a-2b are plots of aerosol collected mass (ACM) delivered (mg / puff) versus power supplied (W) and puff duration (s) respectively; and

[0015] Figures 3-6 are schematic representations of power delivery profiles for an aerosol delivery system.

[0016] Detailed description of the disclosure

[0017] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not described in detail in the interest of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatuses and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any suitable conventional techniques. The claimed invention generally provides a sub-assembly or sub-system suitable for use in an aerosol delivery system, or configured for use in an aerosol delivery system. The sub-system may generally form part of an aerosol delivery system and in particular may form part of the reusable device and / or the consumable cartridge of a two-part system.

[0018] The aerosol delivery systems and methods disclosed herein may comprises functionality enabling operating characteristics of the system to be adjusted to target certain operating characteristics which may be desirable to a user, such as emulating the behaviour or ingredient delivery of a standard cigarette.

[0019] Introduction

[0020] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view through an example aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, providing an introduction to two-part aerosol delivery systems, the components therein and their functionality.

[0021] The aerosol delivery system 1 comprises two main parts, namely a reusable part 2 and a replaceable I disposable consumable cartridge part 4. In normal use, the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 are releasably coupled together at an interface 6. When the cartridge part 4 is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different cartridge part 4, the cartridge part 4 may be removed from the reusable part 2 and a replacement cartridge part 4 attached to the reusable part 2 in its place. The interface 6 provides a structural, electrical and airflow path connection between the two parts 2, 4 and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, magnetic or bayonet fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts and openings for establishing the electrical connection and airflow path between the two parts 2, 4 as appropriate. The specific manner by which the cartridge part 4 mechanically mounts to the reusable part 2 is not significant to the principles described herein, but for the sake of a concrete example is assumed here to comprise a magnetic coupling (not represented in figure 1). It will also be appreciated the interface 6 in some implementations may not support an electrical and I or airflow path connection between the respective parts 2, 4. For example, in some implementations an aerosol generator may be provided in the reusable part 2 rather than in the cartridge part 4, or the transfer of electrical power from the reusable part 2 to the cartridge part 4 may be wireless (e.g. based on electromagnetic induction), so that an electrical connection between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 is not needed. Furthermore, in some implementations the airflow through the electronic cigarette might not go through the reusable part 2, so that an airflow path connection between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 is not needed. In some instances, a portion of the airflow path may be defined at the interface between portions of the reusable part 2 and cartridge part 4 when these are coupled together for use. The cartridge / consumable part 4 may, in certain embodiments, be broadly conventional. In figure 1 , the cartridge part 4 comprises a cartridge housing 42 formed of a plastics material. The cartridge housing 42 supports other components of the cartridge part 4 and provides the mechanical interface 6 with the reusable part 2. The cartridge housing 42 is generally circularly symmetrical about a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge part 4 couples to the reusable part 2. In this example, the cartridge part 4 has a length of around 4 cm and a diameter of around 1 .5 cm. However, the specific geometry and the overall shapes and materials used may vary.

[0022] Within the cartridge housing 42 is a chamber or reservoir 44 that contains aerosol-generating material. In the example of figure 1 , the reservoir 44 stores a supply of liquid aerosol generating material. In this example, the liquid reservoir 44 has an annular shape with an outer wall defined by the cartridge housing 42 and an inner wall that defines an airflow path 52 through the cartridge part 4. The reservoir 44 is closed at each end with end walls to contain the aerosol generating material. The reservoir 44 may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example it may comprise a plastics material and be integrally moulded with the cartridge housing 42.

[0023] The cartridge I consumable part 4 further comprises an aerosol generator 48 located towards an end of the reservoir 44 opposite to a mouthpiece outlet 50. It will be appreciated that in a two-part system such as shown in figure 1 , the aerosol generator 48 may be in either of the reusable part 2 or the cartridge part 4. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator 48 (e.g. a heater, which may be in the form of a wick and coil arrangement as shown, a distiller, which may be formed from a sintered metal fibre material or other porous conducting material, or any suitable alternative aerosol generator) may be comprised in the reusable part 2, and is brought into proximity with a portion of aerosol generating material in the cartridge part 4 when the cartridge part 4 is engaged with the reusable part 2. In such embodiments, the cartridge part 4 may comprise a portion of aerosol generating material, and an aerosol generator 48 comprising a heater is at least partially inserted into or at least partially surrounds the portion of aerosol generating material as the cartridge part 4 is engaged with the reusable part 2.

[0024] In the example of figure 1 , a wick 46 in contact with the aerosol generator 48 extends transversely across the cartridge airflow path 52 with its ends extending into the reservoir 44 of the liquid aerosol generating material through openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44. The openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44 are sized to broadly match the dimensions of the wick 46 to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from the liquid reservoir 44 into the cartridge airflow path without unduly compressing the wick 46, which may be detrimental to its fluid transfer performance.

[0025] The wick 46 and aerosol generator 48 are arranged in the cartridge airflow path 52 such that a region of the cartridge airflow path 52 around the wick 46 and heater 48 in effect defines a vaporisation region for the cartridge part 4. Aerosol generating material in the reservoir 44 infiltrates the wick 46 through the ends of the wick extending into the reservoir 44 and is drawn along the wick by surface tension / capillary action (i.e. wicking). The aerosol generator 48 in this example comprises an electrically resistive wire coiled around the wick 46. In figure 1 , the heater 48 comprises a nickel chrome alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire and the wick 46 comprises a glass fibre bundle, but the specific aerosol generator configuration is not significant to the principles described herein. In use, electrical power may be supplied to the aerosol generator 48 to vaporise an amount of aerosol generating material (aerosol generating material) drawn to the vicinity of the aerosol generator 48 by the wick 46. Vaporised aerosol generating material may then become entrained in air drawn along the cartridge airflow path from the vaporisation region towards the mouthpiece outlet 50 for user inhalation.

[0026] As noted above, the rate at which aerosol generating material is vaporised by the aerosol generator 48 will depend on the amount (level) of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48. Thus electrical power can be applied to the aerosol generator 48 to selectively generate aerosol from the aerosol generating material in the cartridge part 4, and furthermore, the rate of aerosol generation can be changed by changing the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48, for example through pulse width and / or frequency modulation techniques.

[0027] The reusable part 2 comprises an outer housing 12 having with an opening that defines an air inlet 28 for the e-cigarette, a power source 26 (e.g. a battery) for providing operating power for the electronic cigarette, control circuitry I controller 22 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a first user input button 14, a second user input button 16, and a visual display 24.

[0028] The outer housing 12 may be formed, for example, from a plastics or metallic material and in this example has a circular cross section generally conforming to the shape and size of the cartridge part 4 so as to provide a smooth transition between the two parts 2, 4 at the interface 6. In this example, the reusable part 2 has a length of around 8 cm so the overall length of the e-cigarette when the cartridge part 4 and the reusable part 2 are coupled together is around 12 cm.

[0029] The air inlet 28 connects to an airflow path 51 through the reusable part 2. The reusable part airflow path 51 in turn connects to the cartridge airflow path 52 across the interface 6 when the reusable part 2 and cartridge part 4 are connected together. Thus, when a user inhales on the mouthpiece opening 50, air is drawn in through the air inlet 28, along the reusable part airflow path 51 , across the interface 6, through the aerosol generation area in the vicinity of the aerosol generator 48 (where vaporised aerosol generating material becomes entrained in the air flow), along the cartridge airflow path 52, and out through the mouthpiece opening 50 for user inhalation.

[0030] The power source 26 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods. The power source 26 may be recharged through a charging connector in the reusable part housing 12, for example a USB connector. Optionally, first and / or second user input buttons 14, 16 may be provided, which in this example are conventional mechanical buttons, for example comprising a spring mounted component which may be pressed by a user to establish an electrical contact. In this regard, the input buttons may be considered input devices for detecting user input and the specific manner in which the buttons are implemented is not significant. The buttons may be assigned to functions such as switching the aerosol delivery system 1 on and off, and adjusting user settings such as a power to be supplied from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48.

[0031] A display 24 may be provided to give a user with a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the aerosol delivery system, for example current power setting information, remaining power source power, and so forth. The display may be implemented in various ways. In this example the display 24 comprises a conventional pixilated LCD screen that may be driven to display the desired information in accordance with conventional techniques. In other implementations, the display may comprise one or more discrete indicators, for example LEDs, that are arranged to display the desired information, for example through particular colours and I or flash sequences. More generally, the manner in which the display 24 is provided and information is displayed to a user using the display is not significant to the principles described herein. For example, some embodiments may not include a visual display and / or may include other means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system, for example using audio signalling, or may not include any means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system.

[0032] A controller 22 is suitably configured I programmed to control the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 to provide functionality as described herein, as well as for providing conventional operating functions of the aerosol delivery system 1 . The controller (processor circuitry) 22 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units I circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 . In this example the controller 22 comprises power supply control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in response to user input, user programming circuitry 20 for establishing configuration settings (e.g. user-defined power settings) in response to user input, as well as other functional units I circuitry associated functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of electronic cigarettes, such as display driving circuitry and user input detection circuitry. The functionality of the controller 22 can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and I or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s) / circuitry / chip(s) / chipset(s).

[0033] The system 1 / controller 22 may be configured to adjust the aerosol content delivered to a user for each puff in a puffing session, as is described further below. The controller 22 may comprise an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or microcontroller, for controlling the aerosol delivery device. The microcontroller or ASIC may include a CPU or microprocessor. The operations of a CPU and other electronic components are generally controlled at least in part by software programs running on the CPU (or other component). Such software programs may be stored in non-volatile memory, such as ROM, which can be integrated into the microcontroller itself, or provided as a separate component. The CPU may access the ROM to load and execute individual software programs as and when required.

[0034] The reusable part 2 comprises an airflow sensor 30 which is electrically connected to the controller 22. In most embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 comprises a so-called “puff sensor”, in that the airflow sensor 30 is used to detect when a user is puffing on the device. In some embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 comprises a switch in an electrical path providing electrical power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48. In such embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 generally comprises a pressure sensor configured to close the switch when subjected to a particular range of pressures, enabling current to flow from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 once the pressure in the vicinity of the airflow sensor 30 drops below a threshold value. The threshold value can be set to a value determined by experimentation to correspond to a characteristic value associated with the initiation of a user puff. In other embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 is connected to the controller 22, and the controller distributes electrical power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in dependence of a signal received from the airflow sensor 30 by the controller 22. The specific manner in which the signal output from the airflow sensor 30 (which may comprise a measure of capacitance, resistance or other characteristic of the airflow sensor, made by the controller 22) is used by the controller 22 to control the supply of power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 can be carried out in accordance with any approach known to the skilled person.

[0035] In the example shown in figure 1 , the airflow sensor 30 is mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 31 , but this is not essential. The airflow sensor 30 may comprise any sensor which is configured to determine a characteristic of airflow in an airflow path 51 disposed between air inlet 28 and mouthpiece opening 50, for example a pressure sensor or transducer (for example a membrane or solid-state pressure sensor), a combined temperature and pressure sensor, or a microphone (for example an electret-type microphone), which is sensitive to changes in air pressure, including acoustical signals. The airflow sensor 30 is situated within a sensor cavity or chamber 32, which comprises the interior space defined by one or more chamber walls 34. The sensor cavity 32 comprises a region internal to one or more chamber walls 34 in which an airflow sensor 30 can be fully or partially situated. In some embodiments, the PCB 31 comprises one of the chamber walls of a sensor housing comprising the sensor chamber / cavity 32.

[0036] A deformable membrane is disposed across an opening communicating between the sensor cavity 32 containing the sensor 30, and a portion of the airflow path disposed between air inlet 28 and mouthpiece opening 50. The deformable membrane covers the opening, and is attached to one or more of the chamber walls according to approaches described further herein.

[0037] As described further herein, the aerosol delivery system 1 comprises communication circuitry configured to enable a connection to be established with one or more further electronic devices (for example, a storage I charging case, and / or a refill I charging dock) to enable data transfer between the aerosol delivery system 1 and further electronic device(s). In some embodiments, the communication circuitry is integrated into controller 22, and in others it is implemented separately. For example, the communication circuitry may comprise a separate module to the controller 22 which, while connected to controller 22, provides dedicated data transfer functionality for the aerosol delivery device. In some embodiments, the communication circuitry is configured to support communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and one or more further electronic devices over a wireless interface. The communication circuitry may be configured to support wireless communications between the aerosol delivery system 1 and other electronic devices such as a case, a dock, a computing device such as a smartphone or PC, a base station supporting cellular communications, a relay node providing an onward connection to a base station, a wearable device, or any other portable or fixed device which supports wireless communications.

[0038] The controller 22, other components within the system 1 and other devices / systems may comprise one or more processors and data processing steps may be performed on any of these processors or on a remote processor, the data communicated by wire or wirelessly.

[0039] Wireless communications between the aerosol delivery system 1 and a further electronic device may be configured according to data transfer protocols such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee, WiFi®, Wifi Direct, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, RFID, or generally any other wireless, and / or wired, network protocol or interface. The communication circuitry may comprise any suitable interface for wired data connection, such as USB-C, micro-USB or Thunderbolt interfaces, and may comprise pin or contact pad arrangements configured to engage cooperating pins or contact pads on a dock, case, cable, or other external device which can be connected to the aerosol delivery system 1 .

[0040] Aerosol content adjustment

[0041] Typically, users of traditional cigarettes and / or aerosol delivery systems such as e-cigarettes take multiple puffs on the cigarette or e-cigarette in a short space of time, which may be called a puffing session. For instance, a standard cigarette might burn for 6 minutes, in which time a user may take several (e.g. 5-20) puffs. Similar behaviour can be seen with e-cigarettes. With a standard cigarette, the user experience for each puff may vary, particularly as the cigarette burns closer to the user’s fingers and its contents may vary. It may be desirable to replicate this behaviour with aerosol delivery systems. This disclosure relates to aerosol delivery controllers, systems and methods configured to adjust the aerosol content delivered to a user for each puff in a puffing session, e.g. dependent on a puff number of each puff in the puffing session, which may improve the user experience.

[0042] The aerosol delivery system 1 may comprise one or more aerosol generators 48 for generating aerosol from (aerosolising) one or more aerosol-generating materials (AGMs). In the simplest form, a single aerosol generator 48 may be utilised for aerosolising a single aerosol-generating material. In other forms, multiple different aerosol-generating materials may be used with a single aerosol generator 48 (e.g. fed from multiple sides and / or from different delivery nozzles), or multiple different aerosol-generating materials and multiple aerosol generators 48 may be used, optionally with each aerosol generator 48 configured to generate aerosol from a different aerosol-generating material. In particular, different aerosol-generating materials may comprise different ingredients / substances and / or different proportions of ingredients / substances.

[0043] The system 1 / controller 22 may be configured to adjust power supplied to the one or more aerosol generators dependent on the puff number of each puff in the puffing session. In particular, as is discussed further below, the system 1 / controller 22 may be configured to adjust the duration and / or level of power supplied to one or more aerosol generators 48 dependent on the puff number of each puff in the puffing session.

[0044] The power supply delivery may take various forms. In some embodiments, and in its simplest form, power is supplied to the aerosol generator 48 at a constant level, and the (constant) power level supplied for a given puff may be dependent on a puff number in a puffing session. However, in other embodiments, the power supplied may be variable overtime e.g. varied using PWM, and so the average power supply level (e.g. RMS average power supply level) may be used to provide an equivalent effective power, i.e. the effective power level supplied for a given puff may be dependent on a puff number in a puffing session. For example, a power of 6 W supplied using PWM with a 75% duty cycle would provide an effective power supply level of 4.5 W.

[0045] To account for variability in power supply over time, the energy supplied for a given puff can be calculated from the (effective) power supplied multiplied by the power supply time (puff length), which may be assumed to be for a predetermined, standardised puff length for all puffs in a given recipe, known (e.g. set by a user) or predictable e.g. based on prior usage.

[0046] In embodiments comprising more than one aerosol-generating material, these parameters may be sum totals for the energy / power supplied to generate aerosol from all of the multiple aerosolgenerating materials, i.e. PAGMI + PAGM2... PAGMN, for power supply P to N aerosol-generating materials. Generally, a ‘puffing session’ comprises all puffs occurring within a predetermined time window, with each puff in the session occurring within a predetermined time interval (puff interval) of another (preceding or subsequent) puff. Typically, a session may comprise 5 - 20 puffs. In some embodiments, the predetermined time window is substantially between 1 - 10 or 2 - 15 minutes, e.g. substantially between 3 - 5 or 3 - 6 minutes, where 6 minutes is a standard traditional cigarette burn time. In some embodiments, the predetermined time interval between puffs in the session is substantially between 0 - 120 seconds, e.g. substantially between 1 - 60, 1 - 30 or 3 - 120 seconds. The predetermined time window and puff interval may be substantially constant or variable (e.g. varying through the day or throughout a session) and / or may be configurable / adjustable by the user / system 1 / controller 22 to enhance / tailor the user experience.

[0047] In some embodiments, the system 1 / controller 22 is configured to monitor puffing by the user to determine puffs occurring within a puffing session. The system 1 / controller 22 may be configured to adjust the predetermined session time window and / or the predetermined time interval (puff interval) dependent on user input (e.g. the user may be able to set these parameters on the system 1 itself or via a remote application in data communication with the system 1 / controller 22) and / or dependent on a user’s prior puffs, which may be monitored / recorded by the system 1 / controller 22. Furthermore, the system 1 / controller 22 may be configured to adjust the aerosol content delivered to the user for each puff dependent on user input (e.g. setting preferences such as an aerosol content delivery profile; a number of puffs in a session; a puff length; and / or a puffing session length) and / or dependent on a user’s prior puffs.

[0048] The ‘aerosol content’ includes its composition, such as e.g. the vapour (gas phase) content, the active ingredient / substance content, the flavour and / or other ingredient / substance content. The aerosol content composition delivered to the user for an e-cigarette is similar to that of the e-liquid in use, but may include additives, impurities and / or thermal decomposition products from the vaporisation and / or delivery process. The aerosol collected mass (ACM) quantifies the amount of aerosol content delivered (typically measured in mg / mL) and may also be controllable / adjustable.

[0049] ACM delivery

[0050] Figure 2a is a plot of aerosol collected mass (ACM) delivered (mg / puff) versus power supplied (W) for an example e-cigarette system 1 .

[0051] As illustrated in the example of figure 2a, there is generally a substantially linear relationship between ACM generated I delivered and the power I energy supplied for aerosol generation, when the power supplied is i) above a minimum threshold power level, sufficient for generating aerosol and ii) supplied for a minimum duration, sufficient for generating aerosol. In this figure 2a example, the minimum threshold power level is approximately 2.5 W, which was sufficient for this example in which the user had a 55 mL puff volume with a 3s puff length (therefore power was supplied for substantially 3s per puff, which is a typical length), with a 30s puff interval between puffs (which is a typical interval, and means that the aerosol generator 48 did not cool significantly between puffs).

[0052] More generally, the minimum threshold power level will depend on the aerosol generator configuration, but may be around 40-60% of the maximum design power, which is typically 6-7 W, hence the minimum threshold power level is often around 2-3 W. Similarly, the minimum supply duration to generate aerosol also depends on the aerosol generator configuration and power supply level, but may be around 0.1 -0.3 seconds, substantially 0.2 seconds at 2.5 W in this example.

[0053] In this particular example, a linear trendline can be fitted, where y = 1 ,34x - 2.3908, with R2= 0.9983. More generally, the ACM generated is substantially linearly proportional to power / energy supplied provided that the power / energy supplied is sufficient to generate aerosol as outlined above.

[0054] Figure 2b is a plot of aerosol collected mass (ACM) delivered (mg / puff) versus puff duration (s) for an example e-cigarette system 1 .

[0055] In the example of figure 2b, there is a non-linear relationship between the amount of ACM generated I delivered and the puff duration. This arises because the power / energy supplied for a puff initially heats the rest of the system 1 (losses), as well the aerosol-generating material. This heating of the system 1 has more impact on shorter puffs - as shown in figure 2b, longer puffs generate more ACM per second at the same power delivery level.

[0056] In this figure 2b example, the power level is constant at 6.5 W, with a constant flow rate and a 30s interval between puffs (which is a typical interval, and means that the aerosol generator 48 did not cool significantly between puffs). In this particular example, a quadratic trendline can be fitted, where y = 0.2314x2+ 1.5866x - 0.5464, with R2= 0.9995. More generally, the ACM generated per puff increases significantly with puff duration - a polynomial relationship I trendline may exist (as here), depending on the exact parameters.

[0057] For a system comprising a single aerosol-generating material, the ACM and aerosol content composition will generally be directly proportional to that of the e-liquid in use (save for additives, impurities and / or thermal decomposition products from the vaporisation and / or delivery process). Thus, it can be assumed that higher ACM provides correspondingly higher e-liquid content delivery to the user (e.g. more active and / or flavour ingredient). However, for systems with multiple different aerosol-generating materials having different compositions, then these can be mixed in varying proportions and therefore same total level of ACM can be provided from various mixtures to deliver different ingredients and / or different ingredient proportions to the user. This can allow such systems to variably separate and modulate ‘mouth feel’ (associated with ACM delivery) independently from active / flavour / other ingredient delivery (associated with other effects such as active ingredient impact and flavour ingredient taste).

[0058] Some example ‘recipes’ are now described in more detail, each recipe defining the aerosol content for delivery to a user for each puff in a puffing session.

[0059] Recipe 1

[0060] A first set of examples are now described, labelled here as ‘recipe 1 In these examples, a single aerosol generator 48 may be used with a single aerosol generating material, but the recipe is not limited only to use with a single aerosol generator 48 or a single aerosol generating material.

[0061] In recipe 1 , the system 1 / controller 22 is configured to adjust power supplied to one or more aerosol generators configured to generate aerosol from aerosol-generating material, wherein the power supplied is dependent on a puff number in a puffing session.

[0062] Figure 3 illustrates a first schematic representation of a power delivery profile for an aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with recipe 1 . In figure 3, the recipe is formulated for a single aerosolgenerating material supplied by a single aerosol generator 48, for an 8 puff session.

[0063] As illustrated in figure 3, in this example:

[0064] • the power level delivered to the single aerosol generator 48 is dependent on a puff number in a puffing session - specifically, the power level supplied to the aerosol generator 48 for a given puff progressively increases as the puff number increases (for multiple aerosol generating materials / generators 48, this may be the total power level supplied);

[0065] • the power level delivered per puff is constant throughout that puff (e.g. 2.50 W for puff 1) and independent of the length of the puff (the puff length might vary over the session); and

[0066] • the lowest power level supplied in the recipe is 2.5 W for puff 1 , increasing to a peak power level of 5.0 W for puff 8. This lowest power supply level reflects the minimum power supply level required to generate any aerosol, which is typically around 50% of the maximum power level (as here). The peak power output may be the maximum power consumption / output for the aerosol generator 48 in use, as in this example.

[0067] The impact of this recipe on the user depends on the aerosol-generating material content and its properties. Generally speaking, this example provides progressively increasing power level over the session, which will correspondingly provide both increased ACM and increased ingredient (e.g. active substance and / or flavour) delivery per puff over the session, substantially proportional to the power supplied (provided the power / energy supplied is sufficient to generate aerosol, as assumed). As such, the power delivery profile can be used to tailor the experience for a user, e.g. desirably providing a varying experience across puffs in a puffing session.

[0068] In particular, the power delivery profile may be used to mimic the delivery profile of nicotine from a standard cigarette e.g. generally increasing the active or flavour ingredient delivery over puffs in a session, e.g. by a factor of 2 -10 between first and final puffs, or alternatively e.g. providing a generally downward-tapering experience (e.g. progressively lowering ACM and ingredient delivery) to discourage further usage. Generally, any additional puffs in the same session (e.g. puffs 9 onwards) may simply reflect the last puff in the recipe, i.e. puff 8 in this instance. If the user repeatedly takes fewer / more puffs than the recipe anticipates, then the recipe may be adjusted automatically, optionally seeking user input to confirm the change.

[0069] The rate of change of power level is not linear in figure 3 and may be set at any suitable rate. The rate may be constant or variable over the session, e.g. to replicate the user’s preferred behaviour such as replicating a particular traditional cigarette. The user may be able to adjust the recipe e.g. by setting any one or more parameters such as: a minimum power, a maximum power, individual power levels for each puff, a rate of power change per session or per puff, puff session length (total time or # of puffs), puff interval, etc.

[0070] Figure 4 illustrates a second schematic representation of a power delivery profile for an aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with recipe 1 . In figure 4, the recipe is formulated for two different aerosol-generating materials (which may be aerosolised by one or more aerosol generators 48), for an 11 puff session. Here, for simplicity, the system 1 receives two separate cartridges / pods that each contain an aerosol-generating material feeding an aerosol generator 48. The two different aerosolgenerating materials comprise different levels (concentrations) of active ingredients: 34 mg / mL in the first cartridge (illustrated on the left for each puff) and 6 mg / mL in the second cartridge (illustrated on the right for each puff) as an example. Note that the ‘first’ and ‘second’ labels are arbitrary and any other levels and combinations may be used and may be tailored to suit the user and / or conditions.

[0071] As illustrated in figure 4 and consistent with the figure 3 example:

[0072] • the total power level delivered to the aerosol generators 48 is dependent on a puff number in a puffing session - specifically, the total power level supplied to the aerosol generator 48s for a given puff progressively increases as the puff number increases - the power levels may be constant or RMS averages, i.e. effective power levels - in figure 4, the total effective power level for puff 1 is 8 W, for puff 2 is 8.7 W, etc.; and

[0073] • the power levels are independent of the length of the puff (which might vary over the session).

[0074] As illustrated in figure 4, differing to the figure 3 example:

[0075] • a first power level supplied to generate aerosol from a first aerosol-generating material (pod 1) for a given puff is dependent on a puff number in a puffing session (increasing with puff number in this example), whilst a second power level supplied to generate aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material (pod 2) is the same for all puffs in the session, at the maximum power level of 6.5 W;

[0076] • the lowest total power level supplied in the recipe is [6.50 W for pod 1 + 1 .50 W for pod 2 in puff 1], increasing to a highest total power level of [6.50 Wfor pod 1 + 6.50 Wfor pod 2 in puff 11], As noted above, typically ~50% max power level is required to generate aerosol, and hence puffs 1-4 might not generate any significant aerosol from pod 2, but instead may provide pre-warming of the aerosol-generating material, which may be desirable for the later puffs. In this particular example, the user may receive a notable hit from the active ingredients around puff 5.

[0077] As explained above, the first and / or second power levels may be constant or average power levels. Although not shown in figure 4, the second power level may also be variable across puffs in the session dependent on a puff number in the puffing session. For example, the second power level, for pod 2, might replicate the progressive power level increase for pod 1 , invert it (i.e. be a progressive power level decrease) or provide any other variation.

[0078] Similar to figure 3, the figure 4 example provides progressively increasing total (effective) power level over the session, which will correspondingly provide both increased ACM and increased ingredient (e.g. active substance and / or flavour) delivery over the session. In the figure 4 arrangement, the user receives a consistent ‘hit’ from pod 2, (which may provide a ‘baseline’ user experience) supplemented by an increasing supplementary ‘burst hit’ from pod 1 . The supplementary ‘burst hit’ does not necessarily need to increase progressively and this (and / or the baseline ‘hit’) may instead be tailored by the user and / or automatically by the system 1 / controller 22, e.g. dependent on the user’s response.

[0079] In contrast to figure 3, the figure 4 example utilises different aerosol generating materials and thus can vary the ingredients delivered on a per-puff basis by varying the power profile supplied to the different materials. In particular, although the ACM increases per puff over the session because the total power level supplied increases per puff (for the same puff length), the ingredient / substance supply (of which the flavour and / or active ingredients may be of most interest to the user) can be varied at a different rate to the ACM. This is because the flavour and / or active ingredient delivery depends on both the total energy / power supplied per puff and the content of the aerosol generating material. Accordingly, utilising multiple aerosol generating materials provides more flexibility in delivery.

[0080] Illustrating this further, in figure 4, the active ingredient content is 34 mg / mL in the first cartridge (illustrated on the left for each puff) and 6 mg / mL in the second cartridge (illustrated on the right for each puff). Hence, in this example, the active ingredient delivery increases significantly from puff 1 to puff 11. By contrast, if these concentrations are reversed (i.e. the first cartridge active ingredient concentration is 6 mg / mL and the second cartridge active ingredient concentration is 34 mg / mL), then the active ingredient delivery would start notably higher at puff 1 and increase more slightly from puff 1 to puff 11 , yet this reversed example would deliver substantially the same ACM per puff as the original figure 4 example (assuming the same puff lengths), because the total energy / power level supplied per puff is exactly the same.

[0081] Recipe 2

[0082] Like in recipe 1 , in recipe 2 the system 1 / controller 22 is configured to adjust power supplied to one or more aerosol generators 48 configured to generate aerosol from aerosol-generating material, wherein the power supplied is dependent on a puff number in a puffing session.

[0083] In recipe 2, at least first and second different aerosol-generating materials are used and the system 1 / controller 22 is configured to: a. for each puff in a session, supply the same total energy or total power level for generating aerosol; and b. adjust the distribution of energy or power supplied for generating aerosol from the different aerosol-generating materials to the user for each puff in the puffing session, the distribution dependent on a puff number of each puff in the puffing session.

[0084] The core difference between recipes 1 and 2 is that in recipe 2: i. multiple different aerosol-generating materials are required so that the same total energy or total power level can be delivered for each puff in a session (for a known I anticipated puff length per puff, e.g. a constant puff length for all puffs); and ii. a distribution of the energy or power supplied for generating aerosol from the different aerosol-generating materials changes, depending on the puff number.

[0085] In other words, in recipe 2, the proportion of the total energy / power supplied to the different AGMs varies, depending on the puff number.

[0086] Figure 5 illustrates a first schematic representation of a power delivery profile for an aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with recipe 2. In figure 5, the recipe is formulated for two different aerosolgenerating materials (which may be aerosolised by one or more aerosol generators 48), for a 6 puff session based on a 3s puff length for all puffs. Here, the power supply time for the pods is adjusted per puff to alter the power supply distribution, where the specific power supply time for each AGM for a given puff in the recipe assumes a typical or standardised, predetermined puff length of 3s.

[0087] For simplicity, it is again assumed that the system 1 receives two separate cartridges / pods that each contain aerosol-generating material feeding an aerosol generator 48. The two different aerosolgenerating materials comprise different levels (concentrations) of active ingredients: 18 mg / mL in the first cartridge (illustrated on the left for each puff stage) and 6 mg / mL in the second cartridge (illustrated on the right for each puff stage) as an example. Note again that the ‘first’ and ‘second’ labels are arbitrary and any other levels and combinations may be used and may be tailored to suit the user and / or conditions.

[0088] As illustrated in figure 5, in this example:

[0089] • the same total (effective) power level is supplied for generating aerosol for each puff in the session - specifically, the total power level is the sum of the first and second effective power levels for generating aerosol from AGM1 and AGM2 respectively, and is consistently at 6.5 W per puff, which, in this example is the maximum power for the aerosol generator 48. o For puff 1 , the total power supplied is:

[0090] ■ [6.5 W for pod 1 + 0 W for pod 2] for a predetermined time of 0.5s, dependent on the puff number (generally within the range of 0.5 and 2.0 seconds for this 3s puff length example); then switched to

[0091] ■ [0 W for pod 1 + 6.5 W for pod 2], until the end of the puff. o For puff 2, the total power supplied is:

[0092] ■ [6.5 W for pod 1 + 0 W for pod 2] for a longer predetermined time of 0.7s, which is dependent on the puff number, then switched to

[0093] ■ [0 W for pod 1 + 6.5 W for pod 2] until the end of the puff.

[0094] The power supply distribution for each puff is shown in figure 5 and summarised in Table 1 below. The particular power supply proportions for each pod and each puff form the recipe that is tailored to the user - the below is merely one example.

[0095] Table 1

[0096] In this particular example, the user may feel a hit from the active ingredients around puff 3. The switches occur almost instantaneously (<0.1s) and hence substantially the same total effective power level (6.5 W in figure 5) is supplied throughout each puff in the session (hence pod 1 power supply proportion + pod 2 power supply proportion totals 100%). This recipe involves altering the distribution of power supplied for generating aerosol from the different aerosol-generating materials (AGMs) depending on the puff number. Here, the proportions of time delivering power for preheating / aerosolising the different AGMs is changed on a per-puff basis, dependent on the puff number. The proportions of time may generally be varied e.g. by supplying constant power for a fixed time period per puff, or by varying the duty cycle in PWM power delivery.

[0097] Specifically, in figure 5, the duration of time ti for which a first power is supplied for generating aerosol from AGM1 progressively increases with puff number (0.5s -> 0.7s -> 1 ,0s etc.), where ti may generally be between 0.5 and 2.0 seconds for the 3s puff length in this example. Correspondingly, the duration of time for which the system 1 / controller 22 is configured to supply a second power for generating aerosol from AGM2 thereafter progressively decreases with puff number in recipe 2, i.e. shifts from pod 2 to pod 1 , assuming the same puff length. Note, however, that the actual puff length per puff may vary in use, since the user may naturally deviate from their typical puff habit. Therefore, the power supplied in use to aerosolise AGM2 may deviate from the ‘recipe’ (which is designed to provide consistent performance assuming a known I predictable or standardised puff length for the user) and instead continue until the end of each puff is detected (e.g. by a puff sensor), to provide a favourable experience.

[0098] As explained above, the first and / or second power levels may be constant or average power levels. Regardless, the system 1 / controller 22 is configured to supply the same total energy or total (effective) power level for each puff in the session, assuming a known I predictable or constant puff length, which is beneficial because this provides substantially constant ACM per puff. Accordingly, the recipe aims to provide the user with the same ACM-driven mouth feel experience from each puff, whilst varying the proportions of the different AGMs still allow for providing a different ingredient / flavour-based experience across puffs in the session, e.g. earlier or later in the session as desired.

[0099] Although in this example the puff length is constant for all puffs, varying puff lengths per puff can be accommodated e.g. based on a user setting or a user’s puff history, by providing the same total energy delivery per puff based on effective power level multiplied by the known I anticipated puff length forthat puff. Accordingly, if, for example, a user routinely takes a 10% shorter puff in the middle of the session, then the same energy can be provided forthat 10% shorter puff to provide consistent ACM throughout the session by configuring the system 1 / controller 22 to correspondingly decrease the supply duration for both pods by 10% and increase the power level by 10% for both pods for that puff.

[0100] The figure 5 example has two stages, comprising a first stage in which power is supplied exclusively to generate aerosol from AGM1 and a subsequent stage in which power is supplied exclusively to generate aerosol from AGM2, and the power levels are maximum power throughout. In other embodiments, any other suitable power levels may be used at any stage of the recipe, which may be to provide preheating (e.g. below aerosolisation power) and / or aerosolisation. Moreover, one or more stages may comprise supplying power to generate aerosol from multiple AGMs at the same time - e.g. a variant of figure 5 (not shown) may involve, at the first stage: supplying half maximum power to aerosolise AGM2 at the same time as supplying maximum power to aerosolise AGM1 , and then inverting this for the subsequent stage, i.e. supplying half maximum power to aerosolise AGM1 at the same time as supplying maximum power to aerosolise AGM2.

[0101] A further example will now be described comprising an intermediate transition stage, in which power is supplied to multiple AGMs at the same time.

[0102] Figure 6 illustrates a second schematic representation of a power delivery profile for an aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with recipe 2. In figure 6, the recipe is formulated for the same two different aerosol-generating materials of figure 5 and for the same constant 3s puff length for all puffs, but for an 11 puff session.

[0103] As illustrated in figure 6:

[0104] • the system 1 / controller 22 is configured to supply the same total energy or total (effective) power level for generating aerosol for each puff in the session - specifically, the total power level is the sum of the first and second (effective) power levels for generating aerosol from AGM1 and AGM2 respectively, and is consistently at 6-6.5 W per puff, which in this example 6.5 W is the maximum power for the aerosol generator 48. o For puff 1 , the total power supplied is:

[0105] ■ Stage 1 : [6.5 W for pod 1 + 0 W for pod 2] for a predetermined first power supply time ti of 0.5s, where ti is dependent on the puff number and varies between 0.5 and 2.0 seconds for the 3s puff length of this example (as in figure 5); then switched to

[0106] ■ Stage 2: [3 W for pod 1 + 3 W for pod 2] for a predetermined transition time t2 of 0.3s, which is consistently the same for all puffs in the session; then switched to

[0107] ■ Stage 3: [0 W for pod 1 + 6.5 W for pod 2], for a time period ts, until the end of the puff. o For puff 2, the total power supplied is:

[0108] ■ Stage 1 : [6.5 W for pod 1 + 0 W for pod 2] for a longer predetermined time of 0.7s, which is dependent on the puff number; then switched to

[0109] ■ Stage 2: [3 W for pod 1 + 3 W for pod 2] for a predetermined transition time t2 of 0.3s, which is consistently the same for all puffs in the session; then switched to

[0110] ■ Stage 3: [0 W for pod 1 + 6.5 W for pod 2], for a time period ts, until the end of the puff. The power supply distribution for each puff is shown in figure 6 and summarised in Table 2 below. Again, the particular power supply proportions for each pod and each puff form the recipe that is tailored to the user - the below is merely one example.

[0111] Table 2

[0112] In figure 6, a new transition stage is introduced between the opening exclusive power supply to AGM1 and finishing exclusive power supply to AGM2, where an intermediate power level is supplied to both AGM1 and AGM2 for a predetermined time period of 0.3s in this example (which is 10% of the 3s typical puff length the recipe was calculated for). In figure 6, this transition stage is consistent for all puffs in the session, and again in this recipe the same total (effective) power level is supplied throughout each puff in the session. However, since the effective power supply level varies with time (specifically, the sum total power supplied during the transition stage is 6 W rather than 6.5 W in the other stages), it may be conceptually easier to consider the total energy that will be delivered, based on the (effective) supply power multiplied by the anticipated delivery time, assuming a known I anticipated (e.g. pre-set or predicted from a user’s prior puffs) or standard puff length, as explained above. Nevertheless, as for figure 5, whilst the system 1 I controller 22 may be configured to supply the same total energy or total power level to the one or more aerosol generators 48 for generating aerosol according to the recipe based on a pre-set I anticipated I standard puff length, in actual use, the user may vary their puff length and the power supply for the finishing stage may, in practice, continue until the end of each puff is detected (e.g. by a puff sensor).

[0113] The transition period generally provides a smoother shift between aerosol generation from the different AGMs, avoiding the sensation of a lack of aerosol in the middle of a puff. As such, the transition power level is optionally an intermediate power of 20-80% or 40-60% maximum power level (46% in this example), supplied to one or more of the multiple AGMs, and may be supplied for any suitable time / proportion depending on the user’s typical puff length, typically 0.1-1 .0 seconds (0.3 seconds in this example), roughly 10-33% of the total puff length. In particular, power supplied to one AGM may instantly or gradually reduce down to an intermediate power level, whilst power supplied to another AGM may instantly or gradually increase to an intermediate power level, ideally with the relative increase / decrease in proportion to and in synchronisation with one another, providing a net zero impact on the power level during the transition stage.

[0114] Again, as in figure 5, the various power levels may be constant or average power levels. Regardless, configuring the system 1 I controller 22 to supplying the same total energy or total (effective) power level for each puff in the session is beneficial because this provides consistent ACM per puff for a known I anticipated puff length.

[0115] Machine learning and Al

[0116] As outlined above, the user may be able to provide input to the system 1 / controller 22 to adjust the recipe for the aerosol content delivered. Alternatively, or in addition, in some embodiments, the system 1 / controller 22 is configured to monitor or learn a user’s puff habit I usage profile, e.g. by analysing the user’s prior puffs, to predict usage. Accordingly, the system 1 / controller 22 may be configured to adjust the aerosol content delivered to the user for each puff in a puffing session, based on their prior puffs, or more specifically based on a learnt usage profile derived from prior puffs.

[0117] In some embodiments, the system 1 / controller 22 is configured to analyse a user’s prior puffs to determine one or more of: a. an aerosol content delivery profile (e.g. preferred aerosol content relationship with / dependency on puff number); and / or b. a typical (e.g. average - median / mean / modal) number of puffs in a session; and / or c. a typical (e.g. average - median / mean / modal) puff length; and / or d. a typical (e.g. average - median / mean / modal) puffing session length.

[0118] These typical figures may be averages across all prior puffs and / or be a rolling representation, e.g. the typical puff length may be based on all puffs in the previous 3, 5 or 10 sessions, or be more granular, e.g. a typical puff length for each puff (per puff) in a session (such as puff 1 : median 3.2 seconds, puff 2: median 3.6 seconds, puff 3: median 2.8 seconds, etc.). Similarly, the number of puffs in a session or puffing session length may be an overall average or be more granular, such depending on environmental (e.g. time of day or location), biometric (e.g. heart rate) or other parameters. Accordingly, the system 1 / controller 22 can adapt the recipe, modulating delivery to best suit the user, particularly predicting / anticipating their behaviour.

[0119] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. Any functions of a processor (e.g. controller) may be shared between processors on the various devices / systems in the wider system and / or a remote server. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

[0120] Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future. Protection may also be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

[0121] Terminology

[0122] Delivery System

[0123] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user in use, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosolgenerating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolgenerating materials; and aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0124] Combustible Aerosol Provision System

[0125] According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user. In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper.

[0126] Non-Combustible Aerosol Provision System

[0127] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0128] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolgenerating material is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0129] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality 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 comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosolgenerating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0130] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0131] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0132] Aerosol-Free Delivery System

[0133] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0134] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0135] Active Substance

[0136] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0137] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0138] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes. As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.

[0139] Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.

[0140] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0141] Flavours

[0142] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour. As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, 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, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

[0143] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

[0144] In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

[0145] Aerosol-generating material

[0146] Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

[0147] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material. Aerosol-former material

[0148] The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso- Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0149] Functional material

[0150] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0151] Substrate

[0152] The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0153] Consumable

[0154] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0155] Susceptor

[0156] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0157] Aerosol-modifying agent

[0158] An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosolmodifying agent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

[0159] Aerosol generator

[0160] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0161] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapour delivery systems) such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term “e- cigarette” or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system I device and electronic aerosol delivery system I device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

[0162] Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge part will comprise the aerosol generating material and the vaporiser (which may collectively be called a ‘cartomizer’) and the reusable device part will comprise the power supply (e.g. rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be appreciated these different parts may comprise further elements depending on functionality. For example, the reusable device part will often comprise a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part in some cases comprises a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature. Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol generating material in a cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol generating material, the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge attached in its place. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems / devices.

[0163] It is common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be taken to comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part system employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated that the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for different configurations, for example single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposables, as well as other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a boxier shape. More generally, it will be appreciated certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems which are operationally configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and the constructional aspects of systems configured to provide the functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is not of primary significance.

[0164] Throughout the disclosure, the terms ‘substantially’, ‘approximately’ and ‘about’ should be considered to mean within + / - 10% unless indicated otherwise.

[0165] Index to reference numerals

[0166] 1 aerosol delivery system

[0167] 2 reusable part

[0168] 4 cartridge part

[0169] 6 interface between reusable part and cartridge part

[0170] 12 reusable part housing

[0171] 14, 16 user input buttons

[0172] 20 user programming circuitry

[0173] 22 controller

[0174] 24 display

[0175] 26 power source

[0176] 28 air inlet

[0177] 30 airflow sensor

[0178] 31 printed circuit board (PCB)

[0179] 32 sensor cavity or chamber 34 chamber wall

[0180] 42 cartridge housing

[0181] 44 chamber or reservoir

[0182] 46 wick

[0183] 48 aerosol generator

[0184] 50 mouthpiece outlet

[0185] 51 airflow path through reusable part

[0186] 52 airflow path through cartridge

[0187] Particular features

[0188] Particular features are set out below and may be combined, in any permutation, with any one or more features disclosed in the description, claims and / or accompanying drawings.

[0189] 1 . A control means for an aerosol delivery system comprising one or more aerosol generating means for generating aerosol from one or more aerosol-generating materials, wherein the control means is configured to adjust the aerosol content delivered to a user for each puff in a puffing session, dependent on a puff number of each puff in the puffing session.

[0190] 2. A controller for an aerosol delivery system comprising one or more aerosol generators for generating aerosol from one or more aerosol-generating materials, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the aerosol content delivered to a user for each puff in a puffing session, dependent on a puff number of each puff in the puffing session.

[0191] 3. In some examples, the aerosol content comprises one or more of: a. vapour content b. active ingredient content c. flavour ingredient content

[0192] 4. In some examples, the controller is configured to adjust power supplied to one or more aerosol generators dependent on the puff number of each puff in the puffing session.

[0193] 5. In some examples, the controller is configured to adjust the duration and / or level of power supplied to one or more aerosol generators dependent on the puff number of each puff in the puffing session.

[0194] 6. In some examples, a puffing session comprises puffs occurring within a predetermined time window, each puff occurring within a predetermined time interval of another puff.

[0195] 7. In some examples: a. the predetermined time window is substantially between 1 - 10 minutes, preferably substantially between 3 - 5 minutes; and / or b. the predetermined time interval is substantially between 0 - 120 seconds, preferably substantially between 1 - 60 or 1 - 30 seconds.

[0196] 8. In some examples, the controller is configured to monitor puffing by the user to determine puffs occurring within a puffing session. In some examples, the controller is configured to adjust the predetermined time window and / or the predetermined time interval dependent on user input and / or a user’s prior puffs. In some examples, the controller is configured to adjust the aerosol content delivered to the user for each puff dependent on a user input and / or a user’s prior puffs. In some examples, the user input comprises one or more of: a. an aerosol content delivery profile; and / or b. a number of puffs in a session; and / or c. a puff length; and / or d. a puffing session length. In some examples, the controller is configured to analyse a user’s prior puffs to determine one or more of: a. an aerosol content delivery profile; and / or b. a typical number of puffs in a session; and / or c. a typical puff length; and / or d. a typical puffing session length. In some examples, the controller is configured to adjust power supplied to one or more aerosol generators for aerosolising at least first and second different aerosol-generating materials. In some examples, the first and second different aerosol-generating materials comprise different ingredients and / or different proportions of ingredients. In some examples, the controller is configured to adjust the power supplied to multiple aerosol generators. In some examples, each aerosol generator is configured to generate aerosol from a different aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the controller is configured to: a. adjust a total power level supplied to one or more aerosol generators configured to generate aerosol from aerosol-generating material, wherein the total power level supplied is dependent on a puff number in a puffing session; or b. adjust a total energy supplied for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material, wherein the total energy supplied for a predetermined puff length is dependent on a puff number in a puffing session. In some examples, the controller is configured to: a. progressively increase the total power level supplied to all of the one or more aerosol generators for a puff as the puff number increases; or b. progressively decrease the total power level supplied to all of the one or more aerosol generators for a puff as the puff number increases. In some examples, the controller is configured to: a. adjust a first power level supplied to one or more aerosol generators configured to generate aerosol from a first aerosol-generating material, wherein the first power level supplied is dependent on a puff number in a puffing session; and b. supply a second power level to one or more aerosol generators configured to generate aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material. In some examples: a. the first power level supplied to one or more aerosol generators configured to generate aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material is constant throughout a puff; and / or b. the second power level supplied to one or more aerosol generators configured to generate aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material is constant throughout a puff; and / or dependent on a puff number in the puffing session; or the same for all puffs in the session. In some examples, the controller is configured to: a. adjust a first power level supplied to one or more aerosol generators configured to generate aerosol from a first aerosol-generating material, wherein the first power level supplied is dependent on a puff number in the puffing session; and b. supply a second power level to one or more aerosol generators configured to generate aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material, wherein the second power level supplied is the same for all puffs in the session. In some examples, the power level is a constant power level or an average power level. An aerosol delivery system comprising the controller of any example. In some examples, the aerosol delivery system comprising: a. one or more aerosol generators; and / or b. one or more aerosol-generating materials; and / or c. a power supply. A method for controlling an aerosol delivery system, comprising adjusting the aerosol content delivered to a user for each puff in a puffing session, the adjustment dependent on a puff number of each puff in the puffing session. A computer program product or computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method. A control means for an aerosol delivery system comprising one or more aerosol generating means for generating aerosol from at least first and second different aerosol-generating materials to adjust the aerosol content delivered to the user, wherein the control means is configured to: a. for each puff in a session, supply the same total energy or total power level to the one or more aerosol generating means for generating aerosol; and b. adjust the distribution of energy or power supplied for generating aerosol from the different aerosol-generating materials to the user for each puff in the puffing session, the distribution dependent on a puff number of each puff in the puffing session. A controller for an aerosol delivery system comprising one or more aerosol generators for generating aerosol from at least first and second different aerosol-generating materials to adjust the aerosol content delivered to the user, wherein the controller is configured to: a. for each puff in a session, supply the same total energy or total power level to the one or more aerosol generators for generating aerosol; and b. adjust the distribution of energy or power supplied for generating aerosol from the different aerosol-generating materials to the user for each puff in the puffing session, the distribution dependent on a puff number of each puff in the puffing session. In some examples, the system comprises at least first and second aerosol generators for generating aerosol from at least first and second different aerosol-generating materials respectively, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the distribution of energy or power supplied to the aerosol generators dependent on a puff number of each puff in the puffing session. In some examples, the aerosol content comprises one or more of: a. vapour content b. active ingredient content c. flavour ingredient content In some examples, the controller is configured to adjust the duration and / or level of power supplied to one or more aerosol generators dependent on the puff number of each puff in the puffing session. In some examples, a puffing session comprises puffs occurring within a predetermined time window, each puff occurring within a predetermined time interval of another puff. In some examples: a. the predetermined time window is substantially between 1 - 10 minutes, preferably substantially between 3 - 5 minutes; and / or b. the predetermined time interval is substantially between 0 - 120 seconds, preferably substantially between 1 - 60 or 1 - 30 seconds. In some examples, the controller is configured to monitor puffing by the user to determine puffs occurring within a puffing session. In some examples, the controller is configured to adjust the predetermined time window and / or the predetermined time interval dependent on user input and / or a user’s prior puffs. In some examples, the controller is configured to adjust the aerosol content delivered to the user for each puff dependent on a user input and / or a user’s prior puffs. In some examples, the user input comprises one or more of: a. an aerosol content delivery profile; and / or b. a number of puffs in a session; and / or c. a puff length; and / or d. a puffing session length. In some examples, the controller is configured to analyse the user’s prior puffs to determine one or more of: a. an aerosol content delivery profile; and / or b. a typical number of puffs in a session; and / or c. a typical puff length; and / or d. a typical puffing session length. In some examples, the first and second different aerosol-generating materials comprise different ingredients and / or different proportions of ingredients. In some examples, each aerosol generator is configured to generate aerosol from a different aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the controller is configured to: a. for and throughout each puff in a session, supply the same total power level to the one or more aerosol generators for generating aerosol. In some examples, the controller is configured to: a. progressively increase a proportion of total energy or power supplied for generating aerosol from a first aerosol-generating material as the puff number increases; and / or b. progressively decrease a proportion of total energy or power supplied for generating aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material as the puff number increases. In some examples, the controller is configured to: a. for a first stage of a puff, adjust a first power supply time for generating aerosol from a first aerosol-generating material, wherein the first power supply time is predetermined and dependent on the puff number; and thereafter b. supply power for generating aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the controller is configured to a. supply the power for generating aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material until the end of the puff. In some examples, the controller is configured to: a. for a first stage of the puff, adjust a first power supply time for generating aerosol from a first aerosol-generating material, wherein the first power supply time is predetermined and dependent on the puff number; b. for a second stage of the puff, supply power for generating aerosol from both first and second aerosol-generating materials; and c. for a third stage of the puff, supply power for generating aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material, until the end of the puff. In some examples, the controller is configured to: a. for the first stage of the puff, only supply power for generating aerosol from a first aerosol-generating material; and / or b. for the first stage of the puff, supply constant power for generating aerosol from a first aerosol-generating material; and / or c. for the second stage of the puff, supply power for generating aerosol from both first and second aerosol-generating materials for a predetermined amount of time that is the same for each puff in a session; and / or d. for the second stage of the puff, supply constant power for generating aerosol from both first and second aerosol-generating materials; and / or e. for the third stage of the puff, only supply power for generating aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material; and / or f. for the third stage of the puff, supply constant power for generating aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the controller is configured to: a. for a first stage of the puff, only supply power for generating aerosol from a first aerosolgenerating material, wherein the first power supply time is predetermined and dependent on the puff number; b. for a second stage of the puff, supply power for generating aerosol from both first and second aerosol-generating materials for a predetermined amount of time that is the same for each puff in a session; and c. for a third stage of the puff, only supply power for generating aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material. In some examples: a. for the first stage of the puff, the power is a maximum power; and / or b. for the second stage of the puff, the power is not a maximum power, optionally an intermediate power, preferably substantially 50% of a maximum power; and / or c. for the third stage of the puff, the power is a maximum power. In some examples, the supply power is at a constant power level or is an average power level. An aerosol delivery system comprising the controller of any example, optionally further comprising: a. one or more aerosol generators; and / or b. one or more aerosol-generating materials; and / or c. a power supply. A method for controlling an aerosol delivery system comprising one or more aerosol generators for generating aerosol from at least first and second different aerosol-generating materials, comprising: a. for each puff in a session, supplying the same total energy or total power level to the one or more aerosol generators for generating aerosol; and b. adjusting the distribution of energy or power supplied for generating aerosol from the different aerosol-generating materials to the user for each puff in a puffing session, the distribution of power supplied dependent on a puff number of each puff in the puffing session. A computer program product or computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method.

Claims

Claims1 . A controller for an aerosol delivery system comprising one or more aerosol generators for generating aerosol from one or more aerosol-generating materials, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the aerosol content delivered to a user for each puff in a puffing session, dependent on a puff number of each puff in the puffing session.

2. The controller of claim 1 , wherein the aerosol content comprises one or more of: a. vapour content b. active ingredient content c. flavour ingredient content3. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to adjust power supplied to one or more aerosol generators dependent on the puff number of each puff in the puffing session.

4. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the duration and / or level of power supplied to one or more aerosol generators dependent on the puff number of each puff in the puffing session.

5. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein a puffing session comprises puffs occurring within a predetermined time window, each puff occurring within a predetermined time interval of another puff.

6. The controller of claim 5, wherein: a. the predetermined time window is substantially between 1 - 10 minutes, preferably substantially between 3 - 5 minutes; and / or b. the predetermined time interval is substantially between 0 - 120 seconds, preferably substantially between 1 - 60 or 1 - 30 seconds.

7. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to monitor puffing by the user to determine puffs occurring within a puffing session.

8. The controller of claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the predetermined time window and / or the predetermined time interval dependent on user input and / or a user’s prior puffs.

9. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the aerosol content delivered to the user for each puff dependent on a user input and / or a user’s prior puffs.

10. The controller of claim 8 or 9, wherein the user input comprises one or more of: a. an aerosol content delivery profile; and / or b. a number of puffs in a session; and / or c. a puff length; and / or d. a puffing session length.11 . The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to analyse a user’s prior puffs to determine one or more of: a. an aerosol content delivery profile; and / orb. a typical number of puffs in a session; and / or c. a typical puff length; and / or d. a typical puffing session length.

12. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to adjust power supplied to one or more aerosol generators for aerosolising at least first and second different aerosol-generating materials.

13. The controller of claim 12, wherein the first and second different aerosol-generating materials comprise different ingredients and / or different proportions of ingredients.

14. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the power supplied to multiple aerosol generators.

15. The controller of claim 14, wherein each aerosol generator is configured to generate aerosol from a different aerosol-generating material.

16. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to: a. adjust a total power level supplied to one or more aerosol generators configured to generate aerosol from aerosol-generating material, wherein the total power level supplied is dependent on a puff number in a puffing session; or b. adjust a total energy supplied for generating aerosol from aerosol-generating material, wherein the total energy supplied for a predetermined puff length is dependent on a puff number in a puffing session.

17. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to: a. progressively increase the total power level supplied to all of the one or more aerosol generators for a puff as the puff number increases; or b. progressively decrease the total power level supplied to all of the one or more aerosol generators for a puff as the puff number increases.

18. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to: a. adjust a first power level supplied to one or more aerosol generators configured to generate aerosol from a first aerosol-generating material, wherein the first power level supplied is dependent on a puff number in a puffing session; and b. supply a second power level to one or more aerosol generators configured to generate aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material.

19. The controller of claim 18, wherein: a. the first power level supplied to one or more aerosol generators configured to generate aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material is constant throughout a puff; and / or b. the second power level supplied to one or more aerosol generators configured to generate aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material is constant throughout a puff; and / or dependent on a puff number in the puffing session; or the same for all puffs in the session.

20. The controller of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to:a. adjust a first power level supplied to one or more aerosol generators configured to generate aerosol from a first aerosol-generating material, wherein the first power level supplied is dependent on a puff number in the puffing session; and b. supply a second power level to one or more aerosol generators configured to generate aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material, wherein the second power level supplied is the same for all puffs in the session.21 . The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the power level is a constant power level or an average power level.

22. An aerosol delivery system comprising the controller of any preceding claim.

23. The aerosol delivery system of claim 21 , comprising: a. one or more aerosol generators; and / or b. one or more aerosol-generating materials; and / or c. a power supply.

24. A method for controlling an aerosol delivery system, comprising adjusting the aerosol content delivered to a user for each puff in a puffing session, the adjustment dependent on a puff number of each puff in the puffing session.

25. A computer program product or computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method of claim 24.

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