AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device, an aerosol-generating system, a method of providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, and aerosol provision means.

BACKGROUND

Aerosol-generating systems are known. Common systems use heaters which are activated by a user to create an aerosol by an aerosol provision device from an aerosol generating material which is then provided for inhalation by the user. The device may be activated by a user at the push of a button or merely by the act of inhalation. Modern systems can use consumable elements containing the aerosol generating material. It can be desirable for the manufacturer to provide user control over the activation of the systems. This may avoid the activation of the system in undesirable circumstances.

Modern electronic aerosol-generating systems and aerosol provision devices and the like have been introduced as alternatives to other older systems, such as systems relying on combustion of material to provide an aerosol. Reduced confidence when trying modern systems for older system users is known.

The present invention is directed toward solving some of the above problems.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the invention are defined in the accompanying claims.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: a housing having a distal end; control circuitry, housed in the housing, for controlling an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device; and, a detector arranged to detect a predetermined movement associated with the distal end and provide a signal to the control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving a signal from the detector.

Such a system is able to detect a movement of an authorised user of the distal end of the aerosol provision device and provide an activation state and/or display condition suitable to the movement. This may allow the device to determine whether the handler of the device, in real time, is an authorised user of the device. While predetermined movement of a user or the distal end may be referred to herein, this may be relative movement between the user and the distal end. The present device can detect relative movement between the user and the distal end (on a reasonable scale) and can update the activation state and/or display condition accordingly.

An authorised user may be an owner of the device. An authorised user may be a user of a suitable age for use of the device. An authorised user may be a user with an active account relating to the device or the manufacturer of the device. A non-authorised user may therefore be a user that is not the owner, not of a suitable age or not registered with the device or the like.

In particular, by detecting such movements and comparing the movements to known movements, the device may allow operation (or conversely deny operation) accordingly. Known movements are those that are preprogramed to lead to some functional response, such as a change to activation or a change to non activation. Denial of operation occurs in the detection of movement associated with a non-authorised user. A non-authorised user is likely to use a movement that is not recognised by the device (i.e. not preprogramed to provide a functional response), and therefore such a movement can safely be assumed to have come from a non authorised user. This provides an increased in-use safety aspect for the aerosol provision device while avoiding unnecessary interference for authorised users. The device disclosed herein provides an excellent balance between level of security over device usage and ease of use of device. The user experience and safety of the aerosol provision device is therefore improved.

In particular, in the event that user 1 wishes to use the aerosol provision device, user 1 begins an attempt to operate the device. User 1 is an authorised user and uses a predetermined movement required to use the device. The movement may be movement of a finger, palm or thumb along or against the distal end of the device, in a predetermined manner such as a pressing motion in a specific direction against the distal end. This movement is a predetermined movement known by the device as valid for activation. User 1 is therefore assessed by the control circuitry (based on at least one signal from the detector) to be an authorised user and the control circuitry provides a suitable update to the activation state and/or display condition of the device.

The specific relative movement may be pre-programmed in the device or may be taught to the device by the user of the device (or a combination of both). For example, flicking the distal end may a preset movement for activation. The user may teach the device that tapping the distal end is preferable for that user, as flicking may be a difficult motion for that specific user to provide. This device then recognises this new taught movement as an activation movement from an authorised user. In this way, a user can personalise the movements required to activate the device. This may be particularly advantageous for a user with reduced mobility where the user may prefer a different movement for activation to that set up by the manufacturer as default.

In an example, the flicking motion of a finger against the distal end may be reminiscent of the movement of striking a match. The tapping of the distal end may be reminiscent of the movement of “ashing” a cigarette or the like. This may increase the familiarity with the aerosol provision device for users more familiar with older combustible products. This may in turn increase the likelihood that users from combustible products will continue to use modern aerosol provision devices and systems, should they prefer.

The present device and system, therefore, may prevent usage from non-authorised users (as non-authorised users are unaware of, or unable to recreate, the movement required for activation) while not overly preventing access for authorised users. The present system and device also have high inbuilt levels of user familiarity for users of other products, and this may increase the likelihood of a successful switching to the present device/system from older products.

In this way, user experience for authorised users is improved while unauthorised users may be prevented from use of the device or system.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol-generating system for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: an aerosol provision device for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: a housing having a distal end; and, control circuitry, housed in the housing, for controlling an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device; a detector arranged to detect a predetermined movement associated with the distal end and provide a signal to the control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving a signal from the detector.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the method comprising: detecting, by a detector, a predetermined movement associated with a distal end of an aerosol provision device; providing, by the detector, a signal to control circuitry of the aerosol provision device; and, updating, by the control circuitry, an activation state and/or a display condition of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving a signal from the detector.

The method described herein may be for updating an activation state for providing an aerosol to a user. This may occur in the event that the user is identified as an authorised user. The method described herein may be for preventing provision of an aerosol to a user. This may occur in the event that the user is identified as a non-authorised user. The method described herein may be for updating an activation state which may then lead to the provision of an aerosol, such as preparing the device for operation by the user. This may occur in the event the user is identified as an authorised user. The method described herein may be for updating an activation state which may then prevent provision of an aerosol, such as preventing the device from operation by the user. This may occur in the event the user is identified as a non-authorised user. The method described herein may be for updating a display condition of the device.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided aerosol provision means for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: a housing having a distal end; control means, housed in the housing, for controlling an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision means; and, detecting means arranged to detect a predetermined movement associated with the distal end and provide a signal to the control means, wherein the control means is arranged to update an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision means in response to receiving a signal from the detecting means.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present teachings will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to an example;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to an example;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision system according to an example; and,

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram according to an example.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed/described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed/described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol provision systems, such as 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 provision system/device and electronic aerosol provision system/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.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an example of an aerosol provision device 100 according to the present invention. The aerosol provision device 100 comprises an aerosol provision device housing 110. The aerosol provision device housing 110 has a distal end 111. The aerosol provision device 100 also has a proximal end 112. The aerosol provision device 100 has control circuitry 120. The control circuitry 120 is housed in the housing 110 and arranged to control an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device 100. The aerosol provision device 100 comprises a detector 130 arranged to detect a predetermined movement associated with the distal end 111 and provide a signal to the control circuitry 120. The predetermined movement may be relative movement between a user and the distal end 111 of the aerosol provision device 100. The control circuitry 120 is arranged to update an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device 100 in response to receiving signals from the detector 130.

In an example, the user wishes to use their device 100. In this instance, the owner of an aerosol provision device 100 is deemed an authorised user. Checks relating to age appropriateness (which may be akin to authorised status, or ownership may be akin to authorised status) may occur at the point of sale or the like. Prior to use, a user of the device 100 may be shown, read, or otherwise be informed of the movements required to activate the device 100 on interaction with the distal end 111. On detection of a movement by the user against (or otherwise involving) the distal end 111, by the detector 130, the detector 130 sends a message (a signal) to the control circuitry 120. The control circuitry 120 determines whether the signal is associated with an authorised user or a non-authorised user. In the event that the signal is associated with authorised user, the control circuitry 120 may update an activation state and/or display condition to an operating state of the aerosol provision device 100. In the event that the signal is associated with a non authorised user, the control circuitry 120 may update an activation state and/or display condition to a non operating state of the aerosol provision device 100, or the like.

The movement, detected by the detector 130, may be device movement or user movement, providing relative movement between the user and the distal end 111. This may be, in an example, moving a part of the user against the distal end 111 or conversely (but equivalently) moving the distal end 111 against a part of a user (or e.g. a surface). The movement may be a flick or a push or a tap or the like. There may be a combination of movements in the predetermined movement, for example a flick followed by a tap. Each of these movements may be a preprogramed movement that the control circuitry 120 is able to recognise against a database of known movements. Similarly, the movements may be predetermined user movements, such as swiping a finger against and/or moving a hand over or against the distal end 111. Each of these user movements may be a preprogramed movement that the control circuitry 120 is able to recognise against a database of known movements with associated functions (activation states and/or display conditions).

When the detector 130 detects movement, a signal is sent to the control circuitry 120 and the movement detected is compared against known authorised movements. When the movement corresponds to a movement in the database of known (also referred to as predetermined) movements, the device 100 may be updated to an operating state from a non-operating state, or vice versa.

In another example, the movement associated with an authorised user may be a learned movement. For example, the user may be able to teach the device 100 specific movements to cause certain updates to the activation state and/or display condition of the device 100. The user may be able to put the device 100 in a learning mode, wherein a movement is performed by the user, detected by the detector 120 and associated with an activation state and/or display condition by the control circuitry 120, as chosen by the user. These movements may be bespoke to the user and therefore increase the ease for the user to perform and increase the difficulty for an unauthorised user to mimic.

Such a movement may be distinctive and may be learned by the control circuitry 120 as belonging to an activation request of the (or an) authorised user. The detector 130 detects the movement and provides a signal to the control circuitry 120. The control circuitry 120 may compare the detected movement against a database of learned movements associated with the authorised user(s). If the movement is within the database, the activation state or display condition may be updated as per the request. In an example, it may be that the movement is a new activation movement, such that the device can be operated after such a movement is detected. Once the movement is learned, it may be deemed a predetermined movement. Such a movement may be “taught” to the device 100 during a first use session where the user is requested to demonstrate a typical use motion to be associated with the user. The user may initiate further demonstrations of the movement (or any other user taught movements, differing from preprogramed movements from the manufacturer) over time so that, if use patterns and movements differ, the system remains able to recognise the authorised user from their taught movement.

In this way, use of the device 100 by unauthorised users is significantly hindered, while use by authorised users may be safely provided without significantly hindering use by that user.

As used herein, authorised user may be akin to recognised user or registered user. The authorisation step may occur on registering the device to the user via an account or other set up system. The authorisation step may occur on sale by a manufacturer representative or the like.

The present invention involves updating an activation state of an aerosol provision device 100. In an “operating state”, elements of the aerosol provision device 100 used to generate an aerosol (such as an atomiser, heater, power source or the like) may be activated. The specific activation of the device 100 may require an additional input that may be inhalation on the device 100, pressing a button on the device 100 or the like. Alternatively, the device 100 may automatically generate aerosol by a heater in response to receiving a signal associated with an authorised user. The control circuitry 120 may receive such a signal from the detector 130 and send a signal to a heater arrangement or the like to provide an aerosol from an aerosol generating material that may be contained within, or separate to, the aerosol provision device 100. In a “non operating state”, such elements may not be used to generate an aerosol.

Updating the activation state may be to an operating or a non-operating state. Updating the display condition may relate to providing an indication to a user that the device 100 has been updated to an operating or non operating state. The display condition may be provided by a visual display, an audio indicator, a haptic indicator or the like. The display condition may correspond to the activation state of the device 100. For example, a first display condition may be associated with a first activation state of the device 100, while a second display condition may be associated with a second activation state of the device 100.

In an example, the control circuitry 120 may be arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device 100 to a non-operating state in response to receiving signals from the detector 130 associated with a non-authorised user. In this example, the default state of the device 100 may be an operating state.

In an example, the control circuitry 120 is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device 100 to an operating state in response to receiving signals from the detector associated with an authorised user. In this example, the default state of the device 100 may be a non-operating state.

These examples provide contrasting advantages. Starting the device 100 in an operating state and preventing use after the user is characterised as non-authorised increases the authorised user experience of the device 100 as there is a reduced delay time to providing an aerosol in use, therefore the device 100 inhibits the authorised user use in only a very reduced manner. Starting the device 100 in a non-operating state and enabling use after the user is characterised as authorised increases the overall safety of the device 100 and fully prevents non-authorised users from accessing the device 100. The default state may be chosen by the manufacturer but amended by an authorised user.

In an example, the authorised user flicks the distal end 111. This movement is recognised as an authorised user movement (it is predetermined, and/or learned and associated with the authorised user). The control circuitry 120 updates an activation state to an operating state. In an example, on update of the activation state to an operating state, the device 100 begins to heat the heater of the device 100 and aerosol generating material used, in use, with the device 100. The process of providing an aerosol is therefore begun prior to the first inhalation by a user, reducing wait time and increasing user experience. The process of providing an aerosol begins when the user completes the movement of flicking the distal end 111. In this instance, a further action is not required of the user prior to beginning use, such as pressing a button. Such a secondary step may increase the difficulty of initiating use of the device 100 for users with reduced mobility. As such, the present example provides improved user experience in such circumstances.

The device 100 may also (or alternatively) update a display condition of the aerosol provision device 100. The display condition may correspond to the activation state of the aerosol provision device 100. In an example, the display condition may be audio and/or visual indications associated with use of an aerosol provision device 100 such as visual indications of embers or smoke puffs. The audio indications may be the crackle of fire or the popping of heated aerosol generating material or the like.

The authorised user is therefore able to provide movements to control use of the device 100 in a safe and user-friendly manner. The movements may be personalised to the user such that others are less easily able to use the device 100. The movements may be reasonably intricate and provided to the user on purchase, as part of a manufacturer how to use booklet or the like, or on start up such that unauthorised users are unlikely to replicate them when attempting to use the device 100 (e.g. flicking then tapping the distal end 111, with the flick occurring from a specific direction such as across the top of the distal end 111).

In an example, the control circuitry 120 is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device 100 to an operating state in response to receiving a signal from the detector 130 associated with an authorised user. In an example, the control circuitry 120 is arranged to update an activation state of the aerosol provision device 100 to a non-operating state in response to receiving a signal from the detector 130 associated with an authorised user. These two signals are associated with different movements.

In an example, the user after use may provide a movement for ending the use session. The user may tap the distal end 111 twice in short succession (for example). In another example, the user may mimic “stubbing out” the aerosol provision device 100 by pressing the distal end 111 surface onto another surface. The detector 130 detects the movement and provides a signal to the control circuitry 120. The control circuitry checks the movement against a list of known movements, one of which relates to updating the activation state to a non operating state, such as an off state. Other movements may relate to locked states or the like, where the device can be used once the device is “unlocked” which may occur via a number of different methods, including use of an unlock movement.

In another example, the user may provide a movement for the control circuitry 120 to learn and to update the activation state in response to. In an example, the user may choose a “match striking” motion wherein the user quickly flicks a finger (or perhaps a pinched finger and thumb) against (or along) the distal end 111. This may increase familiarity by emulating the existing habits or rituals of users more used to combustible aerosol provision systems such as cigarettes or cigars or the like. It is broadly accepted that electronic aerosol provision devices can be used as alternatives to combustible aerosol provision systems and therefore increasing familiarity may improve the likelihood of users choosing these alternatives and continuing usage in the long term.

Movements of either user or device (or both) may control the status of the device. This may also relate to a boost operating state of the device. In a boost operating state, the device may provide a different aerosol to the operating state. In an example, this may be increased aerosol. This may be increased aerosol over a shorter period of time. This may also or alternatively be a series of puffs that are limited by number. The boost mode may be activated by a recognisable movement such as a double flick by a finger (or thumb-finger combination), or a double tap of the distal end 111. Any motion may be suitable provided the movement is different to the motion/movement required to engage the other operating or non operating states.

The movements described above may be taps, slides, flicks, presses, twists or the like. The movement may be one movement or several. The movement may be a series of movements or the like. There is no limitation intended on the type of movement. The movements should be suitably different that the detector and control circuitry do not mistake one movement for another. For example, while the activate movement may be a flick, the deactivate movement may be pressing the distal end 111 against a surface (in a “stubbing out” motion). Similarly, the boost movement may be a double flick or a tap. The movement is performed relative to the distal end 111. The distal end 111 could be tapped against a finger or a finger could be tapped against the distal end 111. This type of movement may emulate their existing habits or rituals and thereby generate familiarity for users of combustible aerosol provision systems as per the above. In particular, the “stubbing out” (long press) and “ashing” (short tap) movements are very familiar for such users. This may improve user experience for the use of newer devices.

The distal end 111 may be the end surface of the housing 110 or may also be part of the longitudinal body of the housing 110. The distal end 111 may extend along a portion of the length of the housing 110. The distal end 111 may be formed of, or comprise, resilient material such as rubber or the like. This may decrease the likelihood of damage to the distal end 111 from repeated movements being applied to the distal end 111. Resilient material also improves the interaction of the user with the distal end 111. The user is less likely to injure themselves on the distal end 111 if the material is resilient rather than hard.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an example of an aerosol provision device 200. The aerosol provision device 200 has a housing 210, control circuitry 220 and a detector 230. The housing 210 has a proximal end 212 and a distal end 211. The distal end 211 is shown not just as the end surface but a distal portion of the housing 210. FIG. 2 is illustrative and may be used as an example of what might be considered the distal end 211 of a device 200.

Various possible movements are shown by arrows A, B and C. For example, a press movement is shown by arrow A into the end surface of the distal end 211 (may be used as the “stubbing out” movement discussed above). A turn or twist motion is shown by curved arrow B. Such an action could be provided onto a distal end 211 during a twisting motion by a user. Alternatively (or additionally) the distal end 211 may be rotatable for example, by being hinged at some point to a part of the housing 210. A wheel or a wheel-like element could be attached to the distal end 211 by the user. A downward flick movement is shown by arrow C, and may be used as the “ashing” movement discussed above. Each of these, or combinations thereof, may be used to update the device 200 into new display conditions and/or activation states.

The movement shown by arrow B may cause an update of the aerosol provision device 200 into an operating state for use (e.g. a “first” movement). The movement shown by arrow C may cause an update of the aerosol provision device 200 into a boost operating state (e.g. a “second” movement, an “ashing” movement). The movement shown by arrow A may cause an update of the aerosol provision device 200 into a non operating state for use (e.g. a “third” movement, a “stubbing out” movement). Each of these movements may be predetermined or learned or similar movements, movements that can be recognised as causing a function to be offered by the device 200. These movements of device 200 may increase familiarity of the device 200 for older combustible systems by mimicking an “ashing” (e.g., finger tapping a tip of a cigarette or the like in order to remove excess ash) of a combustible system, or the “stubbing out” of a combustible system. This may be advantageous in improving the experience of unfamiliar users with modern devices.

In an example, the control circuitry 220 is arranged to update a display condition of the aerosol provision device 200 to an operating display condition in response to receiving a signal from the detector 230 associated with an authorised user. The display may be fiery embers or the like or smoke puffs. In an example, the control circuitry 220 is arranged to update a display condition of the aerosol provision device 200 to a non-operating display condition in response to receiving a signal from the detector 230 associated with an authorised user. The movement may be any predetermined or taught/learned deactivation movement as discussed above. This may also cause the display condition to move to gentle, died down embers or a lack of smoke. In an example, the control circuitry 220 is arranged to update a display condition of the aerosol provision device 200 to a boost operating display condition in response to receiving a signal from the detector 230 associated with an authorised user. The colour of the embers on the display may be different when the device 200 is in boost mode when compared to a normal operating mode. The embers may be brighter or a different colour. The visual smoke output may be larger on a display as well as from the user.

The detector 230 may be at least one of: a timer; a gyroscope; a magnetometer; a housing-located capacitor; a heat sensor; an accelerometer; an altimeter; a light gate; and, a pressure sensor. In this way, preprogramed movements may be recognised and user movements may also be taught to and recognised by the device 200. In this way, improved use may be offered to the user in the form of personalising the movements for updating activation states. Each of these detector aspects allow for various movements of the user and the device to be detected and used to inform whether the user is or is not an authorised user.

In an example, the device has a display screen on which visual indications can be provided to a user during use. The display screen may represent the display condition of the device. The control circuitry may control the display on the display screen. The device may also or additionally have an audio element to provide audio indications to a user. The screen may be OLED or contain LEDs or the like. This may improve user experience as the display provides a confirmation check that the movement of the user has been recognised by the device.

Specifically, if the user has similar movements to update the activation state to an operating state and to update the activation state to a boost operating state, the display can show the user which movement has been recognised by the device, whether to engage boost or to engage normal operation. This provides a more user friendly device and improves the overall safety of the device.

The user may be able to interact with the indications physically. For example, the display may show smoke when the device is being operated. The user may be able to swipe through the smoke using movements detected by the detector.

In an example, the display screen may be a display screen with a full wrap-around display. The device may be broadly cylindrical in shape and the screen may be wrapped somewhat or entirely around a portion of the housing. Such an arrangement improves the indications provided by the screen as the screen is more easily visible for a user. As such, indications are more likely to be seen.

Each of these movements may be different such that e.g. a first predetermined movement updates an activation state of the aerosol provision device to a non-operating state, a second predetermined movement updates an activation state of the aerosol provision device to a boost operating state and so on for different activation states and different display conditions.

In an example, the detector 230 is a pressure sensor arranged to detect pressure applied to the distal end 211. The detector 230 is arranged to provide a signal to the control circuitry, wherein the applied pressure to the distal end 211 is detected to meet or exceed a threshold pressure or a pressure range. This detector is then able to detect the “stubbing out” motion as described above.

In one example of the above, a user may apply a downward pressure of any value between 0 (zero) and 5 kg/cm² to the distal end 211 of the device, such as any the following point pressure values (in kg/cm²) : 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, and 5.0.

In an example embodiment of the above, an area of the distal end 211 of the device is 1 cm² (0.0001 m², where 1 kg/cm²=98.1 kilopascals, kPa). In this embodiment, an applied pressure to the distal end 211 may be any detected pressure value that falls within the pressure range of 0 (zero) to 491 kPa, such as between 49 kPa and 441 kPa. The applied pressure to the distal end 211 may be any detected pressure value that falls within the pressure range of 98 kPa and 392 kPa, such 147 kPa and 343 kPa. The applied pressure to the distal end 211 may be any detected pressure value that falls within the pressure range of 196 kPa and 294 kPa, such as 245 kPa.

In an embodiment, the applied pressure to the distal end 211 may be any detected pressure value that falls within the pressure range of 196 kPa and 294 kPa, such as 206 kPa and 284 kPa, for example between 216 kPa and 275 kPa. The applied pressure to the distal end 211 may be any detected pressure value that falls within the pressure range of 216 kPa and 275 kPa, such as 226 kPa and 265 kPa, for example between 235 kPa and 255 kPa, such as 245 kPa.

In an alternative embodiment, the applied pressure to the distal end 211 may be any detected pressure value that exceeds a minimum threshold value of the values previously discussed ranges, such as any threshold pressure value greater than 0 (zero), such as: 49 kPa, 98 kPa, 147 kPa, 196 kPa, 206 kPa, 216 kPa, 226 kPa, 235 kPa, 245 kPa, 255 kPa, 265 kPa, 275 kPa, 284 kPa, and 294 kPa.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an example of an aerosol provision system 300. The aerosol provision system 300 shown in the example of FIG. 3 is similar to the aerosol provision devices 100, 200 shown in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2.

The aerosol provision system 300 of FIG. 3 has control circuitry 320 arranged within a aerosol provision device 310 of the aerosol provision system 300. The control circuitry 320 is in communication with a detector 330. The detector 330 is arranged to detect a movement associated with an authorised user and a distal end 311 of the device 310 and provide a signal to the control circuitry. The detector 330 is shown, in the example of FIG. 3, as being not integral with the aerosol provision device 310. In the example, therefore, the detector 330 is separate to the aerosol provision device 310 while being part of the aerosol provision system 300. The detector 330 may be wirelessly connected to the aerosol provision device 310. The detector 330 may therefore be provided by a further component, such that if the aerosol provision device 310 is lost the detector 330 may still be retained. Furthermore, use of a detector 330 outside the aerosol provision device 310 renders the aerosol provision device 310 simpler and cheaper to manufacture. As such, the aerosol provision system 300 may be a preferential arrangement for provision of the advantages described herein.

FIG. 4 shows a method 400 of use of an aerosol provision device. The method 400 is shown as a flow chart. In the method 400, the device may start in a default state 402, which may be a non-operating state such that a user cannot use the device without being recognised as an authorised user via movement associated with the distal end. Alternatively, the default operating state may be an operating state so that authorised users may initiate activation sooner, thereby reducing the delay of operation for authorised users. The device begins in a default state as chosen by the manufacturer for preferential advantages as noted above.

When a user attempts to use the device, the device detects relative movement between a user and the distal end. This may be as described above, movements associated with pre-use user movements, and/or preprogramed movements to be satisfied prior to use. The device detects the movement (or movements) using a detector (which may contain a number of individual sensors/detectors). The detector may detect 404 the movement (or movements) as explained above.

The detector sends a signal accordingly to the control circuitry 406. An assessment is made as to whether the user is authorised or not. This assessment may involve comparing the detected movement (or movements) against a database of known authorised movements. If the movement corresponds to a movement on the database, the user is deemed authorised. If the movement does not correspond to a movement on the database, the user is deemed not authorised.

An activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device (or aerosol provision system) is updated 408, in response to the signal from the detector. The activation state may be updated as described above. Updating the display condition may take the form of updating a visual indicator or an audio indicator. In an example, this may be a screen, such as a display screen, or (one or more) LEDs, full wrap around screen or a speaker arrangement or the like. This can be used to inform the user as to the mode of the aerosol provision device.

This method provides a user-friendly, authorisation recognition process that does not overly impede use for authorised users. The method offers a balance between overly strict and overly lenient access protection for the device. With distinct, easy to perform movements, the authorised user can be recognised while non authorised users are prevented from using the device. The method also increases user familiarity for users of traditional combustible-type products.

The updating of the activation state may involve updating, by the control circuitry, an activation state of the aerosol provision device to an operating state in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with a movement of an authorised user against a distal end on the housing of the device. The updating of the activation state may involve updating, by the control circuitry, an activation state of the aerosol provision device to a non-operating state in response to receiving a signal from the detector associated with a movement of a non authorised user against a distal end on the housing of the device. The non authorised user does not use, as explained above, correct predetermined movements as recognised by the control circuitry. If an unrecognised movement is detected, and the device is in an operating state, the control circuitry may opt to update the activation state to a non operating state to prevent usage by non authorised users.

The updating of the display condition may correspond with the activation state or otherwise. In an example, the movement from the user exacted on the distal end is to be within a first confidence threshold to be recognised by the device. If the movement from the user is within a second, more generous, confidence threshold the device may, in response, indicate to the user to try the movement again via updating the display condition. In this way, if the user has incorrectly, but nearly, provided an activation movement against or to the distal end, the user can be informed to repeat the action. The user learns in this instance that the device did not recognise immediately this movement. Such an arrangement increases the overall experience for the user, as the user does not get frustrated repeating what the user believes is a correct activation movement, but the device believes is a close, but crucially not correct, movement.

The user may be able to amend the confidence thresholds for activation. In this way, a user with reduced mobility may increase the threshold so that a broader array of movements may be acknowledged as activation movements. This allows for reduced mobility users to access their device, while still providing an aspect of security against non authorised user attempts to access the device.

The detector as noted above may be a series of detectors. The detector may be one instrument or an array of instruments. The detector as disclosed herein may include a series of instruments that operate simultaneously or together to provide high resolution movement detection of the movements of a potential user. For example, a series of light gates may be used to detect the speed of a user's movement so as to determine between a quick flick and a slow flick. Alongside this, a pressure sensor may be used to determine a hard flick from a soft flick, or a hard press from a soft press (which may for example be used to go to a lesser operating state (soft press) or full deactivation (hard press)). Together, this enables the device to recognise many movements, such as: a hard quick flick; a quick flick; a soft quick flick; a hard slow flick; a slow flick; and a soft slow flick for example.

The same holds for other movements such as presses or the like. Use of plural detectors synergistically enables far greater control to be provided to the user, in the form of a greater number of personalised functions being provided and in the form of more accurate detection of specific movements by the user, thereby increasing the likelihood of the user-intended function being provided to the user in response to the movement of an authorised user against or to a distal end of the device.

The term “in response to” is used herein to indicate a second event (such as a signal or change of state of an aerosol provision device) that occurs subsequent to a first event. The second event may occur at a later time, after a predetermined time, or immediately after the first event.

The full range of operating states of the aerosol provision device (or system) disclosed herein may be very wide ranging assisting the aerosol provision device to provide different aerosols for the user. The operating states may be more than operational, non operational and boost as disclosed herein. Operating modes may be programed by users, if for example a user prefers certain operating characteristics. For example, longer or shorter puff lengths or a larger or lesser puff volume. This improves user experience by offering a greater array of functions.

The aerosol provision device may comprise heating arrangements or the like for providing an aerosol from a consumable—the consumable may contain an aerosol generating material or the like. The control circuitry may control the heating arrangement (or the like) according to the signal received from the detector. Once user authorisation status is satisfied, the device may offer the user one of a number of heating processes for use with the aerosol generating material, arranged in use in the aerosol provision device, to improve user experience. Alternatively, one movement may be associated with one heating process while another movement is associated with another heating process. This may be part of the updating of the activation state of the aerosol provision device.

Predetermined movements may be stored on a database that is remote to or on board the device or system as disclosed herein. The control circuitry may communicate with the database. The signal from the detector may be compared, by the control circuitry, to the database. If the signal is associated with an authorised user, the device is updated into an operational state.

An on board database arrangement may be advantageous as the device need not have a communications element in the device able to communicate with a remotely held database, and the device need not be connected to a communications network to access a remotely held database prior to each use session. This may allow use of the device in areas without connectivity. This may also provide a faster response than via communicating with a remote database.

In a different example, the database of predetermined movements is held remotely, and the control circuitry has a communication module to contact the database. The communication module may contact the database with a request for checking a specific detected movement. The communication module, and therefore the control circuity, is then provided with the authorisation of the user based on the movement, which is relayed to the control circuitry. This arrangement may be advantageous as the device need not include a memory element for carrying the database and the database of movements can be remotely updated ensuring the device need not have the on board database regularly updated. In this way, up-to-date movement data can be provided to all devices as soon as the movement data is uploaded to the central database. This may happen during manufacture updates to preprogramed (predetermined) movements.

In this way, all users can be provided with the updates without each needing to update their own device. The remote database may be a manufacturer database or the like for linking a movement of a user against a distal end on the housing of the device to an authorisation status for that user. This may be advantageous if the manufacturer finds that specific movements are difficult to replicate reliably by users, or difficult to detect by the detector. The resilience of this system, and user experience, is therefore improved using a remote database.

The device and system herein are described as comprising several components that enable several advantages. The components may be disclosed as on-board the device or within the system. The components may be distributed and therefore not necessarily be located on-board the device. The functionality of the device can be provided by communicatively connected components, and such communication may be wireless, enabling such distribution. At which point it is reasonable to foresee that a distributed array of components will operate in the manner of the devices and systems disclosed herein. Components of the device or system may be contained in a further device such as a smartphone, computer, or remote server or the like.

The method and device disclosed herein enable protection over the use of the device without requiring an arduous authorisation process—the process is only as arduous as is desired by the manufacturer or the user of the device. This improves the user experience of the device and the safety of general use of the device. The default state of the device may also be controlled and amended by the user, to allow a shift between greater security or greater freedom of access. The processes discussed herein may also provide greater confidence and familiarity for new users of such devices, which can be important to ensure new users continue to use the devices.

The devices and systems disclosed herein may be used with consumables comprising aerosol generating material. Such consumables may be solid or liquid and may be cartridges or the like.

In a particular example, the device disclosed herein may operate with a flavour pod which is replaceable in the device—this may be referred to as a consumable. The flavour may be any of tobacco and glycol and may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamon, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), 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.

When combined with an aerosol generating medium, the aerosol provision device as disclosed herein may be referred to as an aerosol provision system.

Thus there has been described an aerosol provision device for providing an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: a housing having a distal end; control circuitry, housed in the housing, for controlling an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device; and, a detector arranged to detect a predetermined movement associated with the distal end and provide a signal to the control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to update an activation state and/or display condition of the aerosol provision device in response to receiving a signal from the detector.

The aerosol provision system may be used in a tobacco industry product, for example a non-combustible aerosol provision system.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product comprises one or more components of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

In one embodiment, the aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette also known as a vaping device.

In one embodiment the electronic cigarette comprises a heater, a power supply capable of supplying power to the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing and optionally a mouthpiece.

In one embodiment the aerosolizable substrate is contained in or on a substrate container. In one embodiment the substrate container is combined with or comprises the heater.

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

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

In one embodiment, the tobacco heating product comprises a heater, a power supply capable of supplying power to the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or gel material.

In One Embodiment the Heating Product Is a Non-electronic Article.

In one embodiment the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate such as a solid or gel material, and a heat source which is capable of supplying heat energy to the aerosolizable substrate without any electronic means, such as by burning a combustion material, such as charcoal.

In one embodiment the heating product also comprises a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

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

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system to generate aerosol by heating, but not burning, a combination of substrate materials. The substrate materials may comprise for example solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for a superior electronic aerosol provision system. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure 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 and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.