Aerosol Delivery System

Abstract

The aerosol delivery system comprises an aerosol delivery device including a control circuit for controlling a performance state of the aerosol delivery device, the control circuit configured to store performance details of the aerosol delivery device in a memory, and a detector for detecting a characteristic of the aerosol generator and sending a signal to the control circuit; and an aerosol generator including an aerosolizable material, the aerosol generator including a data storage unit configured to store an identifier identifying a characteristic of the aerosol generator, the detector configured to detect the characteristic of the identifier and send a signal to the control circuit, the control circuit configured to store the characteristic of the identifier and performance details of the aerosol delivery device corresponding to a usage state of the aerosol delivery device, and at predetermined performance details, the control circuit sends a signal to a user to update the performance state of the aerosol delivery device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol delivery system, an aerosol delivery device, a method for delivering an aerosol from an aerosol delivery system, and an aerosol delivery means. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol delivery systems are known. A typical system uses a user-activated heater to create an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material via an aerosol delivery device, which is then inhaled by the user. The device may be activated by the user pressing a button or simply by the act of inhaling. Modern systems may use a consumable element that contains the aerosol-generating material. It would be desirable for the manufacturer to have control over the operation of the system, which would allow the system to be prevented from operating in undesirable situations.

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

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

[0005] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit for controlling a performance state of the aerosol delivery device, the control circuit comprising a memory and configured to store performance details of the aerosol delivery device in the memory; and a detector for detecting a characteristic of the aerosol generator and sending a signal to the control circuit; and an aerosol generator comprising an aerosolizable material, the aerosol generator including a data storage unit configured to store an identifier identifying a characteristic of the aerosol generator, the detector configured to detect the characteristic of the identifier and send a signal to the control circuit, the control circuit configured to store the characteristic of the identifier and performance details of the aerosol delivery device corresponding to a usage state of the aerosol delivery device, and at predetermined performance details, the control circuit configured to send a signal to a user to update the performance state of the aerosol delivery device.

[0006] Such a system can reliably inform the user when the performance details of the aerosol delivery device reach predefined performance details. In particular, if the user is using the device for an excessively long period of time (i.e., the performance details relative to usage time reach a predefined usage time level at which instructions should be given), the user can be informed accordingly. Additionally, the system can update the performance state of the aerosol delivery device, such as making the device inactive for a subsequent period of time, which can be selected or preprogrammed by the user or manufacturer. In this way, the user experience of the system can be improved by setting or adhering to a guideline of goals by which the system should or is agreed to be used.

[0007] Thus, the user of the system can be protected and the system itself can be protected from excessive usage. A further element of protection is by the signal provided to the user. Some users would like a system that can track their usage and provide usage indications accordingly. In such a system proposed herein, a signal is provided when the user reaches or passes a predefined performance detail. In this way, the user is notified and can act on the indication, such as by modifying the usage. Furthermore, when an update occurs to the performance status of the aerosol delivery device, the indication ensures that the user understands why the device has made the performance status update. Doing so therefore improves the user's experience of the system. In this way, the proposed system thus protects both the system and the user and also improves the user's experience of the system.

[0008] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit with a memory for controlling a performance state of the aerosol delivery device, and a detector for detecting characteristics of the aerosol generator and sending a signal to the control circuit, the control circuit configured to store performance details of the aerosol delivery device in the memory, the detector configured to detect characteristics of the aerosol generator and send a signal to the control circuit, the control circuit configured to store performance details of the aerosol delivery device corresponding to the characteristics of the aerosol generator and a usage state of the aerosol delivery device, and at predetermined performance details, the control circuit configured to send a signal to a user and update the performance state of the aerosol delivery device.

[0009] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of delivering an aerosol from an aerosol delivery system, the method comprising the steps of: providing an aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit for controlling a performance state of the aerosol delivery device, the control circuit comprising a memory and configured to store performance details of the aerosol delivery device in the memory; and a detector for detecting a characteristic of the aerosol generator and sending a signal to the control circuit; providing an aerosol generator comprising an aerosolizable material, the aerosol generator including a data storage unit configured to store an identifier identifying a characteristic of the aerosol generator; detecting the characteristic of the aerosol generator by the detector; storing, by the control circuit, the characteristic of the identifier and performance details of the aerosol delivery device corresponding to a usage state of the aerosol delivery device; and sending a signal by the control circuit to a user to update the performance state of the aerosol delivery device at predetermined performance details.

[0010] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol supply means comprising control circuitry means for controlling a performance status of the aerosol supply means, the control circuitry means comprising memory means and configured to store performance details of the aerosol supply means in the memory means, detection means for detecting a characteristic of the aerosol generator and sending a signal to the control circuitry means, and an aerosol generator comprising an aerosolizable material, the aerosol generator including a data storage unit configured to store an identification means identifying a characteristic of the aerosol generator, the detection means configured to detect the characteristic of the identification means and send a signal to the control circuitry means, the control circuitry means configured to store the characteristic of the identification means and performance details of the aerosol supply means corresponding to a usage status of the aerosol supply means, and at predetermined performance details the control circuitry means configured to send a signal to a user and update the performance status of the aerosol supply means.

[0011] The present teachings will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery system according to an example. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery system according to an example. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery system according to an example. [Figure 4] 1 is a flow diagram according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0014] Aspects and features of some examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of some examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally, but for the sake of brevity, these will not be discussed / described in detail. Thus, it will be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented according to any conventional technique for implementing such aspects and features.

[0015] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery system, which may also be referred to as an aerosol delivery system, such as an electronic cigarette. Throughout the following description, the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, with it being understood that the terms may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system / device and electronic aerosol delivery system / device. Additionally, as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" and related terms such as "vaporize," "evaporate," and "aerosolize" may generally be used interchangeably.

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol delivery system 100 according to the present invention. The aerosol delivery system 100 comprises an aerosol delivery device 110. The aerosol delivery device 110 comprises a control circuit 112 for controlling a performance state of the aerosol delivery device 110. The control circuit 112 comprises a memory 114. The control circuit 112 is configured to store performance details of the aerosol delivery device 110 in the memory 114. The aerosol delivery device 110 comprises a detector 116 for detecting a characteristic of the aerosol generator 120 and sending a signal to the control circuit 112. The aerosol delivery system 100 comprises an aerosol generator 120 comprising an aerosolizable material. The aerosol generator 120 comprises a data storage unit 122. The data storage unit is configured to store an identifier 124 identifying a characteristic of the aerosol generator 120. The detector 116 is configured to detect a characteristic of the identifier 124 and send a signal to the control circuit 112. Control circuitry 112 is configured to store the characteristics of identifier 124 and performance details of aerosol delivery device 110 corresponding to a usage status of aerosol delivery device 110. At the predetermined performance details, control circuitry 112 is configured to send a signal to a user to update the performance status of aerosol delivery device 110.

[0017] The "performance state" of the aerosol delivery device 110 can be broadly thought of as one or more operational or non-operational states. The signal provided by the detector 116 can be received by the control circuitry 112, ultimately causing the aerosol delivery device 110 to be updated from one performance state to another.

[0018] In the "operational state," the elements of the aerosol delivery device 110 used to generate aerosol (such as a nebulizer, heater, or the like) may be activated. Certain activations of the device 110 require further input, which may be a user inhaling into the device 110, a user pressing a button on the device 110, or the like, but alternatively, the device 110 may automatically generate aerosol via a heater upon receiving a signal from the control circuitry 112 regarding performance details of the aerosol delivery device 110.

[0019] In the "non-operated state," the elements of aerosol delivery device 110 used to generate aerosol (such as a nebulizer, heater, or the like) may not be activated. In this example, inhaling or pressing a button on device 110 has no effect on the heater, nebulizer, or the like.

[0020] The term "operational state" can refer to a number of states in which the device 110 can operate, including transitions between these states (such as a heating profile). Similarly, the term "non-operational state" can refer to a number of states in which the device 110 cannot operate, including transitions between these states (such as a requirement to return the device to an operational state).

[0021] The "performance details" of the aerosol delivery device 110 correspond to both the characteristics of the identifier 124 and the usage status of the aerosol delivery device 110. In particular, the performance details relate to the details of the operation of the aerosol delivery device 110, such as the operation time of the aerosol delivery device 110, or the operation status of the aerosol delivery device 110, or the like. The performance details may also relate to the details of the user's usage. The operation status may refer to the heating profile used by the aerosol delivery device 110, the maximum temperature, the minimum temperature used to deliver the aerosol, the form of heating which may be direct, e.g., by conduction, or indirect, e.g., by induction, the type of heater or the form of the heater, which may be the material used, or the electrical characteristics of the associated components (voltage used, current used, etc.). The details of the user's usage may relate to the number of inhalations on the aerosol delivery device 110, the depth or volume of these inhalations, the regularity of the use of the aerosol delivery device 110, or the like.

[0022] The "characteristic" of the aerosol generator 120 relates to the composition of the aerosol generator 120. The characteristic can be any of the following: the chemical composition of the aerosolizable material of the aerosol generator 120, the strength of the aerosolizable material of the aerosol generator 120, the size of the aerosol generator 120 with respect to the amount of aerosolizable material in the aerosol generator 120, and a rating of the aerosol generator 120. The rating of the aerosol generator 120 can relate to whether the aerosol generator 120 is from a batch with a particularly high concentration of one compound, a batch with multiple aerosolizable materials included in the aerosol generator 120, or any other relevant factor. Such characteristics enable the aerosol delivery device 110 to recognize the aerosol generator 120 and determine the characteristics of the aerosol provided by the aerosol delivery system 100 in an accurate manner. In an example, the detector 116 detects the identifier 124, and the system 100 ascertains the characteristic associated with the identifier 124. The system 100 can then operate accordingly with this property as described herein.

[0023] If the performance details of the aerosol delivery device 110 and the characteristics of the aerosol generator 120 are known, the system 100 can accurately characterize the use of the system 100 and the impact of that use. In particular, if the performance details of the aerosol delivery device 110 are such that when the aerosol delivery device 110 is used by a user via a standard heating profile and heating means at 8 puffs per minute, and the characteristics of the aerosol generator 120 along with the performance details of that standard heating profile indicate that the aerosol generator 120 delivers 0.1 mg of nicotine per puff, then the performance detail of interest may be that the user was provided with 0.8 mg of nicotine in that 1 minute session. The system 100 may have a predefined performance detail for the performance detail "nicotine delivered in a set time period." If this performance detail is reached or exceeded, the control circuitry 112 may send a signal to the user to change or otherwise update the performance state of the aerosol delivery device 110.

[0024] In instances where the performance details for nicotine delivered at a set time are exceeded, the performance state of aerosol delivery device 110 can be updated from an operational state to a non-operational state. By updating the performance state of aerosol delivery device 110 to a non-operational state, a user can be prevented from excessive use of system 100. In this manner, a pre-defined level can be adhered to by the user with the assistance of system 100. Furthermore, by changing system 100 to a non-operational state, a greater level of pre-defined control can be provided over the use of system 100. In particular, if a pre-defined level is programmed or agreed to by the user, the user will be more willing to accept adherence to the limit. In this manner, the user experience of system 100 can be improved.

[0025] In another example where the performance details for the nicotine delivered in a set time period are exceeded, the performance state of the aerosol delivery device 110 may be updated from a first operational state to a second operational state. The second operational state may have modified performance details, such as, for example, heating the heater to a lower maximum temperature to release less of a particular compound or to deliver less total aerosol per inhalation. In this manner, utilization of the system 100 may be managed according to a predefined performance level. Furthermore, by updating the performance state of the system 100 to an operational state, the user may continue to use the system 100, but remain below the threshold for the particular performance detail. In this example, continued usage may increase the performance details above the second predefined performance detail, at which point the control circuitry 112 may provide a second signal and update the performance state of the aerosol delivery device 110 to a non-operational state, or to a third operational state, which may have further modified performance details.

[0026] The identifier 124 may be a coded identifier, such as a QR code, or a barcode, or the like, that can be read by the detector 116. The detector 116 corresponds to the identifier 124 and / or to a data storage unit, thus allowing the detector 116 to obtain the data of the identifier 124. For example, if the identifier 124 is a QR code, the detector 116 is a QR code reader. The identifier 124 may be an RFID, and the detector 116 may be an RFID reader. Other identifier / detector pairs are possible. In an example, the detector 116 may detect a characteristic of the identifier 124.

[0027] 1, aerosol generator 120 is shown as being located inside aerosol delivery device 110 forming aerosol delivery system 100. In this example, aerosol generator 120 may be inserted into a housing of aerosol delivery device 110. Thus, when located inside aerosol delivery device 110, detector 116 may detect a characteristic of aerosol generator 120 from identifier 124. Aerosol generator 120 may be consumable, or may be a cartridge containing aerosolizable material, inserted into aerosol delivery device 110 and then discarded after use.

[0028] Referring now to Figure 2, a system 200 is shown that is similar to the system 100 of Figure 1. Similar features to those used in Figure 1 are shown with reference numbers increased by 100. For example, the system 100 of Figure 1 is similar to the system 200 of Figure 2. Similar or identical features will not be discussed for the sake of brevity.

[0029] 2 has an indicator 218 for indicating to a user a signal from the control circuit 212 of the aerosol delivery device 210. The indicator 218 is connected to the control circuit 212 of the aerosol delivery device 210.

[0030] The indicator element 218 can be a display for displaying a visual signal to the user. The indicator element 218 can be a haptic mechanism for sending a haptic signal to the user. The indicator element 218 can be a light array for sending a visual signal to the user. In this way, the user can be informed that a predefined performance detail has been reached or exceeded. The user can be alerted that a predefined performance detail has been reached or exceeded by a message on the display, which can be text, or a picture, or the like. The haptic arrangement can send a series of signals (e.g., vibrations or the like) to the user to indicate that a predefined performance detail has been reached or exceeded. The light array can provide a color associated with the level of the performance detail, where, for example, red indicates that the performance detail exceeds (or meets) the predefined level and green indicates that the performance detail is below the predefined level.

[0031] In the present example of the system 200, the system 200 can send an indication to the user before updating the performance state to a non-operational state. In this example, for example, the system 200 can function normally until a predefined performance detail is exceeded, met, or falls below depending on the particular performance detail. At this point, the control circuitry 212 can send an indication to the user via the indication element 218. In the example, the haptic mechanism provides a series of short vibrations and the system 100 is updated to a non-operational state. In this way, the user is prevented from overusing the system 200 and is informed that the system 200 is in a non-operational state. Doing so improves the user's understanding of the system 200 and therefore improves the user experience of the system 200.

[0032] When a particular performance detail approaches a predefined performance detail, the user may be provided with an indication. For example, if the system 200 is used a maximum of nine times per day, the system 200 may provide a first indication (e.g., one short vibration) at three uses, a second indication (e.g., two short vibrations) at six uses, and then a final indication (e.g., three short vibrations) at nine uses to update the performance state to a non-operational state. In this way, the user is provided with an update regarding the usage of the system 200 and an understanding as to why the device 210 was placed in a non-operational state.

[0033] In the above example, control circuitry 212 may signal the user, via indicator 218, to update the performance state of aerosol delivery device 210 to a different operational state after three uses, and another different operational state after six uses. Each operational state may be predefined to provide a different desired effect, such as reducing compound or total aerosol production, for use of system 200 over the course of a day.

[0034] The updated performance status may take into account the identity of the aerosol generator 220. For example, the aerosol delivery device 210 may be used nine times in a day, but the corresponding aerosol generator 220 may only be used for one smoking act with ten puffs. Thus, after the aerosol delivery device 220 has been used for ten puffs, the control circuitry 212 may update the aerosol delivery device 210 to a non-operational state and may send an indication to the user that the aerosol generator 220 needs to be replaced. This may take the form of different signals to the user. In the above example, a short vibration may be used to indicate the use of the aerosol delivery device 210, whereas a long or continuous vibration may be used to indicate that the aerosol generator 220 is nearly empty and should be replaced. Alternatively, a series of lights from a light array, or LEDs, or the like, may be used, with different colors used to indicate different reasons for the change in performance status. Still alternatively, a message or image may be displayed on the display.

[0035] Referring now to Figure 3, a system 300 is shown that is similar to system 200 of Figure 2. Features similar to those used in Figure 2 are indicated with reference numerals increased by 100. For example, system 200 of Figure 2 is similar to system 300 of Figure 3. Similar or identical features will not be discussed for the sake of brevity.

[0036] The aerosol delivery device 310 of FIG. 3 includes a heater 319. The heater 319 may be a heating element, a nebulizer, a heater, a vibrating plate, or the like suitable for forming an aerosol from an aerosol generator 320. The heater 319 is connected to a control circuit 312. When the control circuit 312 updates a performance state of the aerosol delivery device 310, the control circuit 312 may send a signal to the heater 319 to operate so that aerosol is created, or not operate so that aerosol is not created. Thus, the control circuit 312 may be configured to update a performance state of the aerosol delivery device 310, such as to a non-operational state, when it detects that a predetermined performance detail has been met.

[0037] The levels for the predefined performance details can be set by the manufacturer and recorded in the memory 314 of the control circuitry 312. The manufacturer can set these levels based on best usage practices understood at the factory. The levels for the predefined performance details can alternatively or additionally be set by the user and editable by the user. In this example, the user has a lot of flexibility regarding usage and to accommodate that flexibility, the limitations set by the user can be well supported by the user. Alternatively, the levels for the predefined performance details can be kept remotely in a data storage device and accessed by a communication element in the control circuitry 312 of the device 310. In this manner, updates to the predefined levels of performance details can be made without the need to download such updates for storage in the device 310, which can instead remotely update the predefined levels. In this manner, if the levels are believed to have been set incorrectly, the changes are easily rolled out to all devices 310 when in use.

[0038] The determination of the level for the predefined performance detail depends on both the characteristics of the aerosol generator 320 used and the relevant performance details of the aerosol delivery device 310 used. For example, an aerosol generator 320 with a high nicotine content should have a different level setting, e.g., for the number of puffs, compared to an aerosol with a low nicotine content for the same aerosol delivery device 310 using the same heating conditions. Similarly, an aerosol delivery device 310 using a high temperature and long heating protocol should have a different level setting, e.g., for the number of puffs, compared to an aerosol delivery device 310 using a low temperature and short heating protocol. However, some performance details, e.g., the amount of nicotine delivered over a set time period, may be the same. It is therefore important that the determination of the level for the predefined performance detail is accurate. This determination can be made by using the details of the aerosol generator 320 and model, or the required heating profile of the aerosol delivery device 310. Such quality can be checked against a database that can inform the control circuit 312 about the level for the relevant predefined performance detail. As previously mentioned, this database may be stored and accessed on-board the device 310, such as in memory 314, or remotely by a communication element of the aerosol delivery device 310, if desired.

[0039] Storing in a database on-board the device 310 can be advantageous because the system 300 does not need to have a communications element on the system 300 and does not need to connect to a communications network to access a remotely maintained database before each usage session.

[0040] Storing the database remotely and connecting to the database via a communication element can be advantageous because it avoids the system 300 needing to include the database in memory 314 and the database being updated remotely, eliminating the need for the device 310 to regularly update its on-board database, thus ensuring that recently modified (modified in terms of composition, etc.) aerosol generators 320 are accurately evaluated in terms of their contribution to a predetermined level of performance detail.

[0041] An operational or non-operational performance state may be indicated by the control circuitry 312, but the user may initiate operation of the heater 319 from a further input, such as a button, or by inhaling on the device 310. In this configuration, the control circuitry 312 may determine that the performance details do not meet the predefined performance details and allow the user to operate the heater 319 by pressing a button, inhaling, or the like. In this way, there is no interruption in the user experience when the performance details do not meet the predefined performance details.

[0042] In contrast, if the performance details meet the predefined performance details, the control circuit 312 can prevent the heater 319 from operating even if the user attempts to activate it by pressing the button or inhaling. Thus, protection to the user and the system 300 is provided by the proposed configuration.

[0043] 4 illustrates a method 400 of use of an aerosol delivery system. In the method 400, the device may start in a default operating state 402. In this state, a user may activate the heater. When a user inserts an aerosol generator into the aerosol delivery device, a detector detects a property of the aerosol generator 404. The detector may send a signal to a control circuit according to the detected property of the aerosol generator. The device may be used to provide aerosol to the user 406, as discussed above. The control circuit stores 408 performance details of the device's usage state, also discussed above.

[0044] As long as the performance details do not reach the respective predefined performance details (as calculated from the aerosol generator characteristics and device utilization), the method continues to step 410. The performance state of the device is then updated to an operational state 412. This operational state may be the same as the default operational state of step 402, or a modified operational state as discussed above (e.g., reduced heating temperature, aerosol generation, or the like). The method then returns to step 408 where the control circuit stores the performance details.

[0045] If the performance details reach the predefined performance details (as calculated from the aerosol generator characteristics and the device usage), the method moves to step 420. As discussed above, an indication is sent to the user 422, which may additionally or alternatively be an audible signal, but may also be in the form of a visual or tactile signal. From this signal, the user is made aware that the predefined performance details have been reached. The performance state of the device is updated 424 to a non-operational state. In this case, the user cannot operate the device. Such a state can be overcome, for example, by waiting until the predefined performance details level returns to an acceptable level. Alternatively, as mentioned above, this could involve providing further aerosol generator.

[0046] In some examples, the inoperative state can be a locked state. The locked state can be used if repeated attempts are made to use the device while in the inoperative state. In this manner, the device can be protected against attempted hacks, or misuse, or the like. Similarly, if an unauthorized user attempts to use the device without permission, an indication can be provided to the user that such an attempt has been made, or that multiple requests have been made during the inoperative period. The locked state can be changed back to a default, inoperative, or operational state by entering a password, passcode, passkey, alphanumeric sequence, or the like that should only be known by the intended user. Doing so increases the overall protection provided to the device by the present system.

[0047] As mentioned above, the term "operational state" refers to the state in which the system may be used to deliver aerosol. The system may have multiple or only one "operational state". A particular heating profile (fast, slow, hot, cold, etc.) or a particular mechanism (heater element, atomizer, vibrator, etc.) may be used, interchangeable, or the like as a performance detail approach to the predefined performance details (e.g., as the overall nicotine delivered to the user increases, a heating profile designed to create less nicotine may be used to extend the duration of use of the device for the user). Furthermore, a particular, particularly efficient or effective, heating profile or mechanism may be used for an identified aerosol generator as desired or programmed into the control circuitry. Thus, a particular operating state may determine the overall performance of the system and therefore the level of the performance details. Thus, although a predefined level does not imply non-operation of the device, the performance state of step 412 may be updated to a different, more suitable operating state after the performance details reach a level toward the predefined level. This configuration offers a much higher level of editable control over the system's performance and output than the present system.

[0048] Updates to performance states as described herein may be forced or suggested. Devices may have built-in overrides that the user can activate to provide the device usage the user desires. Overrides may require a password or the like, as described above.

[0049] Since the proposed system is comprised of both an aerosol generator and a specific aerosol delivery device, when comparing performance details along with the aerosol generator properties, it is noted that the database can operate device 1 for aerosol generator 1 using performance 1 (using specific performance details as the operating time for a given time period) for 10 minutes in a 2 hour period, but can operate device 2 for aerosol generator 2 using performance detail 2 for 5 minutes in a 2 hour period. In this way, the system provides optimal protection and output for a wide range of users and over a wide range of variations.

[0050] In certain examples, the devices disclosed herein can operate with replaceable flavor pods in the device. The flavors can be any of the tobacco and glycolic, extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, peppermint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, Scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey extract, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, dill, thyme, thyme extract ... The oils may include other additives such as jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, bell pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or mint oil from any species of the mentha family), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugar and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. They may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients, or may be mixtures.

[0051] When combined with an aerosol generating medium, or aerosol generator, the aerosol delivery device disclosed herein can be referred to as an aerosol delivery system.

[0052] Thus, an aerosol delivery system has been described, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit for controlling a performance state of the aerosol delivery device, the control circuit comprising a memory and configured to store performance details of the aerosol delivery device in the memory, and a detector for detecting a characteristic of the aerosol generator and sending a signal to the control circuit; and an aerosol generator comprising an aerosolizable material, the aerosol generator including a data storage unit configured to store an identifier identifying a characteristic of the aerosol generator, the detector configured to detect the characteristic of the identifier and send a signal to the control circuit, the control circuit configured to store the characteristic of the identifier and performance details of the aerosol delivery device corresponding to a usage state of the aerosol delivery device, and at predetermined performance details, the control circuit configured to send a signal to a user to update the performance state of the aerosol delivery device.

[0053] The aerosol delivery system can be used in tobacco industry products, for example, as a non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

[0054] In one embodiment, a tobacco industry product comprises one or more components of a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

[0055] In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device.

[0056] In one embodiment, an electronic cigarette includes a heater, a power source capable of providing power to the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing, and optionally a mouthpiece.

[0057] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable substrate is contained in or on a substrate container, hi one embodiment, the substrate container is combined with or includes a heater.

[0058] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating product that releases one or more compounds by heating, rather than burning, a substrate material. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material that can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.

[0059] In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

[0060] In one embodiment, a tobacco heating product comprises a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, and an aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material.

[0061] In one embodiment, the heating product is a non-electronic product.

[0062] In one embodiment, the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material, and a heat source capable of providing thermal energy to the aerosolizable substrate without the use of any electronic means, such as by burning a combustible material, such as charcoal.

[0063] In one embodiment, the heating product also includes a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

[0064] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable substrate material can include an aerosol or aerosol-generating agent, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethyl glycol, or a humectant.

[0065] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system, which generates an aerosol by heating, rather than burning, a combination of substrate materials. The substrate materials include, for example, solids, liquids, or gels, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate can be, for example, tobacco, which may or may not contain nicotine, or other non-tobacco products. In one embodiment, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.

[0066] To address various problems and advance the art, the entire disclosure shows, by way of example, various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) can be implemented to provide an improved electronic aerosol delivery system. The advantages and features of the disclosure are only representative samples of the embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented only to aid in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, features, structures, structures, and / or other aspects of the disclosure should not be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalent forms of the claims, and that other embodiments can be utilized and modifications can be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments consist of, consist essentially of, various combinations that suitably comprise various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. a control circuit for controlling a performance state of an aerosol delivery device, the control circuit comprising a memory and configured to store performance details of the aerosol delivery device in the memory; and a detector for detecting a characteristic of the aerosol generator and sending a signal to the control circuit; an aerosol delivery device comprising: an aerosol generator comprising an aerosolizable material, the aerosol generator including a data storage unit configured to store an identifier that identifies a characteristic of the aerosol generator; Equipped with the detector is configured to detect the characteristic of the identifier and send a signal to the control circuitry, the control circuitry being configured to store performance details of the aerosol delivery device corresponding to the characteristic of the identifier and a usage status of the aerosol delivery device; At predetermined performance details, the control circuitry is configured to send a signal to a user to update a performance status of the aerosol delivery device. Aerosol delivery system.

2. The aerosol delivery device comprises: a display for displaying a visual signal to said user; a haptic mechanism for transmitting a haptic signal to the user; and a light array for transmitting a visual signal to said user; Further comprising at least one of the following:

10. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1.

3. The characteristics of the aerosol generator include: the chemical composition of the aerosolizable material of the aerosol generator; the strength of the aerosol generator; The size of the aerosol generator; and a rating of the aerosol generator; 3. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the aerosol delivery system comprises at least one of the following:

4. The performance details are as follows: an operation time of the aerosol delivery device; an operating state of the aerosol delivery device; and User usage details, The aerosol delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is at least one of the following:

5. The control circuit includes: The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 4, configured to update the performance status of the aerosol delivery device to a non-operational status when it is detected that the performance details of the aerosol delivery device have reached predetermined non-operational performance details.

6. The control circuit includes: The aerosol delivery system of claim 5 , configured to update a performance status of the aerosol delivery device to a locked state upon detecting that the performance details have reached a predetermined locking performance detail.

7. The control circuit includes: The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 6, configured to update the performance status of the aerosol delivery device to an operational status when it is detected that the performance details of the aerosol delivery device have reached predetermined operational performance details.

8. The control circuit includes: The characteristics of the aerosol generator, and Relevant performance details of the aerosol delivery device; 8. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, configured to access a database of:

9. The memory includes: The characteristics of the aerosol generator, and Relevant performance details of the aerosol delivery device; The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a database of:

10. a control circuit for controlling a performance state of the aerosol delivery device, the control circuit comprising a memory; a detector for detecting a characteristic of the aerosol generator and sending a signal to the control circuit; Equipped with the control circuitry is configured to store performance details of the aerosol delivery device in the memory; the detector is configured to detect the characteristic of the aerosol generator and send a signal to the control circuit; The control circuit includes: The characteristics of the aerosol generator; and performance details of the aerosol delivery device in response to conditions of use of the aerosol delivery device; configured to store At predetermined performance details, the control circuitry is configured to signal a user to update a performance status of the aerosol delivery device. Aerosol delivery device.

11. a display for displaying a visual signal to said user; a haptic mechanism for providing a haptic signal to the user; and a light array for transmitting a visual signal to said user; At least one of the following:

11. The aerosol delivery device of claim 10, further comprising:

12. The performance details are as follows: an operation time of the aerosol delivery device; an operating state of the aerosol delivery device; and User usage details, The aerosol delivery device according to claim 10 or 11, which is at least one of the following:

13. 1. A method of delivering an aerosol from an aerosol delivery system, comprising: providing an aerosol delivery device comprising: control circuitry for controlling a performance state of the aerosol delivery device, the control circuitry comprising a memory and configured to store performance details of the aerosol delivery device in the memory; and a detector for detecting a characteristic of an aerosol generator and sending a signal to the control circuitry; providing an aerosol generator comprising an aerosolizable material, the aerosol generator comprising a data storage unit configured to store an identifier identifying a characteristic of the aerosol generator; detecting the characteristic of the aerosol generator with the detector; storing, by the control circuitry, the characteristics of the identifier and performance details of the aerosol delivery device corresponding to a usage state of the aerosol delivery device; signaling, by the control circuitry, a user to update a performance status of the aerosol delivery device at predetermined performance details; A method for providing the above.

14. accessing, by said control circuitry, a database of aerosol generator characteristics and associated performance details of the aerosol delivery device; The method of claim 13 further comprising:

15. a control circuit means for controlling a performance state of an aerosol delivery device, the control circuit means comprising memory means and configured to store performance details of the aerosol delivery device in the memory means; and detection means for detecting a characteristic of the aerosol generator and sending a signal to said control circuitry means; an aerosol delivery device comprising: an aerosol generator comprising an aerosolizable material, the aerosol generator including a data storage means configured to store an identification means identifying a characteristic of the aerosol generator; Equipped with said detection means being configured to detect said characteristic of said identification means and send a signal to said control circuit means; the control circuitry means is configured to store the characteristics of the identification means and performance details of the aerosol delivery device corresponding to a state of use of the aerosol delivery device; and wherein at predetermined performance details, the control circuitry means is configured to send a signal to a user to update a performance status of the aerosol delivery device. Aerosol delivery means.

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