Aerosol Delivery System

Abstract

An aerosol delivery system is provided for delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user. The aerosol delivery system comprises an aerosol delivery device, an aerosol product article, and a connector. The aerosol delivery device comprises control circuitry for identifying the aerosol product article. The control circuitry comprises a physical connection. The aerosol product article stores an aerosol generating material. The connector comprises a complementary physical connection for connecting to the physical connection of the control circuitry.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol delivery system, 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 generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material by an aerosol delivery device, which is then inhaled by the user. Modern systems may use consumable elements that include replaceable aerosol-generating materials. It may be desirable for manufacturers to control the use of genuine consumables. In particular, a manufacturer's device works best with genuine manufacturer's consumables, and the use of non-genuine consumables may shorten the life of the device or degrade the operation of the device, affecting the user experience.

[0003] The present invention aims to solve some of the above problems. Summary of the Invention

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

[0005] Some embodiments described herein provide an aerosol delivery system for delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit for identifying an aerosol product article, the control circuit comprising a physical connection, an aerosol product article for storing an aerosol generating material, and a connector comprising a complementary physical connection for connecting to the physical connection of the control circuit.

[0006] Such a system can recognize the authenticity of the aerosol product so that the device will only be activated when the aerosol product is an acceptable authentic product. In particular, activation of the device can be prevented if the aerosol product is non-authentic. In this way, the system prevents the device from being used with aerosol products that are not known to interact with the device in a desired manner. In particular, this allows the manufacturer to ensure that the user's experience is standardized over multiple uses, thereby improving the user experience of the system. Indeed, by preventing the device from being activated with non-authentic aerosol products, both the user experience and the lifespan of the device can be improved, since the manufacturer's aerosol products can be configured to best interact with the device.

[0007] Thus, users of the system can be protected, and the system itself can be protected from use with non-genuine aerosol product.

[0008] Some embodiments described herein provide a method of delivering an aerosol from an aerosol delivery system, the method including the steps of: preparing an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising control circuitry for identifying an aerosol product item, the control circuitry comprising a physical connection; preparing an aerosol product item for storing an aerosol generating material; preparing a connector comprising a complementary physical connection for connecting to the physical connection of the control circuit; connecting the connector to the physical connection of the control circuit; identifying authenticity of the aerosol product item; and updating an operational status of the aerosol delivery device based on the authenticity of the aerosol product item.

[0009] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol supply means for supplying an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the aerosol supply means comprising an aerosol supply device comprising control circuitry means for identifying an aerosol product article, the control circuitry means comprising physical connection means, an aerosol product article for storing the aerosol generating means, and connection means comprising a complementary physical connection for connecting to the physical connection means of the control circuitry means.

[0010] The following drawings are now illustrated, by way of example only, and in which the present teachings are illustrated: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [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] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. 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 encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0013] Aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and, for the sake of brevity, they are not discussed / described in detail. Thus, it will be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein but not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0014] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery system, sometimes referred to as an aerosol delivery system, such as an e-cigarette. Throughout the following description, the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used, with the understanding that the term 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", "volatilize" and "aerosolize" may generally be used interchangeably.

[0015] 1 shows a schematic diagram of one example of an aerosol delivery system 100 according to the present invention. Aerosol delivery system 100 includes an aerosol delivery device 110. Aerosol delivery device 110 includes control circuitry 112 for identifying an aerosol product article. Control circuitry 112 includes a physical connection 114. Aerosol delivery system 100 includes an aerosol product article 120 for storing an aerosol generating material. Aerosol delivery system 100 includes a connector 130 with a complementary physical connection 132 for connecting to physical connection 114 of control circuitry 112.

[0016] Aerosol delivery device 110 may be a device that includes a heater, an atomizer, or the like, for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may be provided to aerosol delivery device 110 in the form of an aerosol product item 120. Aerosol product item 120 may include an aerosol-generating material and may be removably insertable into aerosol delivery device 110. In one example, aerosol product item 120 is a refillable pod that may be inserted into and removed from aerosol delivery device 110 for use.

[0017] 1 shows three main elements: an aerosol delivery device 110, an aerosol product 120, and a connector 130. The connector 130 may physically connect to a physical connection 114 of the control circuitry 112 via a complementary physical connection 132. This physical connection may be achieved via one or more corresponding protrusions and recesses or slots, or the like.

[0018] During use, the connector 130 is physically connected to the control circuitry 112, which identifies the aerosol product article 120. In particular, the control circuitry 112 identifies whether the aerosol product article 120 is an authentic or non-authentic aerosol product article. Upon identifying the aerosol product article 120 as authentic, the control circuitry 112 may send a signal to the aerosol delivery device 110 to enable activation of the aerosol delivery device 110 by inhaling on the device 110 or by pressing an activation button.

[0019] In one example, the connector 130 may complete a circuit within the control circuitry 112 such that the control circuitry 112 can operate to identify the aerosol product article 120. In this example, the connector 130 provides an increased level of security in the use of the aerosol delivery device 110. The connector 130 is provided to an authorized user such that only the authorized user can connect the connector 130 to the control circuitry 112. In this manner, the system 100 prevents use by unauthorized users as well as non-authentic aerosol product articles 120. Furthermore, the use of a physical connection between the connector 130 and the control circuitry 112 makes it more difficult to manufacture a fraudulent non-authentic connector 130 that connects to the control circuitry 112 to allow unauthorized users to use the device 110. In this manner, the security of the system 100 is increased by using a physical connection rather than a software connection that may be vulnerable to hacking or attack.

[0020] In another example, the connector 130 may have circuitry to enable identification of the aerosol product article 120. In this manner, when the connector 130 is physically connected to the control circuitry 112 and the aerosol product article 120 is inserted into the aerosol delivery device 110, both the control circuitry 112 and the connector 130 can identify the aerosol product article 120. In one example, the control circuitry 112 identifies one indicator of authenticity and the connector 130 identifies another indicator of authenticity. If both the control circuitry 112 and the connector 130 identify the aerosol product article 120 as authentic, the control circuitry 112 enables operation of the aerosol delivery device 110.

[0021] In the above example, upon successful authentication of the aerosol product article 120, the connector 130 may send a signal to the control circuitry 112 via the physical connections 114, 132 (which may also be electrical connections) to indicate that the aerosol product article 120 has been authenticated by the connector 130. The control circuitry 112 may receive this signal, and upon authentication of the aerosol product article 120 by the control circuitry 112, enable activation of the aerosol delivery device 110 by the user. This activation may take the form of activating a heater, or the like, in response to the user inhaling on the device 110 or pressing an activation button.

[0022] In particular, the physical configuration of the connection between the control circuitry 112 and the connector 130 may be such that the control circuitry 112 can identify a first identifier located at a first location on the aerosol product article 120, while the controller 130 can identify a second identifier located at a second location on the aerosol product article 120. In this manner, a two-part check by the connector 130 and the control circuitry 112 as to the authenticity of the aerosol product article 120 is provided. Furthermore, the requirement of two identifiers at two locations on the aerosol product article 120 significantly complicates the manufacture of a non-authentic aerosol product article that can operate within the aerosol delivery device 110. Thus, the likelihood of a non-authentic aerosol product article being successfully used with the aerosol delivery device 110 is significantly reduced.

[0023] In the example of Figure 1, the device 110, the aerosol product 120, and the connector 130 are three separate objects that may be used together. Referring now to Figure 2, a system 200 is shown that is similar to the system 100 of Figure 1. Features similar 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 may not be described for the sake of brevity.

[0024] In FIG. 2, the connector 230 is part of or connected to the aerosol product item 220. In this example, the aerosol product item 220 can be authenticated by the connector 230 by having a cooperative connection to which the connector 230 can be connected. The physical connection of the connector 230 to the aerosol product item 220 can be a first authentication stage of the aerosol product item 220. The connector 230 may not be physically connectable to a non-authentic aerosol product item. The connector 230 can then be connected to the control circuitry 212 for a second authentication stage. In the example of FIG. 2, the control circuitry 212 and the physical connection 214 are within the device 210, and when connected to the connector 230, the aerosol product item 220 is located within the body of the aerosol delivery device 210.

[0025] The two-step authentication of the example of Figure 2 increases the difficulty of producing a non-authentic aerosol product article for use with system 200. The first authentication step may be the completion of a circuit within connector 230 by proper connection with aerosol product article 220. The second authentication step may be identification of aerosol product article 220 by control circuitry 212, for example, by recognizing an identifier (QR code, RFID tag, etc.) within aerosol product article 220. As noted above, until authentication occurs, the heater or atomizer of device 210 cannot be operated, preventing use of a non-authentic aerosol product article.

[0026] Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a system 300 similar to the system 200 of Figure 2. Features similar to those used in Figure 2 are shown with reference numbers increased by 100. For example, the system 200 of Figure 2 is similar to the system 300 of Figure 3. Similar or identical features may not be described for the sake of brevity.

[0027] 3 has an additional element 340 of which the connector 330 is a part. In one example, this element can be a communication device 340. The communication device 340 can be a smartphone, tablet, PC, etc. that can provide control of or provide signals to elements of the system 300 via communication between the communication device 340 and the aerosol delivery device 310. This can be by electrical communication via physical connections 314, 332 or by remote communication.

[0028] In particular, authentication of the aerosol product item 320 may be performed by any of the processes described above, while authentication of the user may be performed via the communication device 340. In particular, modern smartphones and tablets have access mechanisms and authentication systems that allow only authorized users to access the smartphone or tablet, such as by fingerprint scanners, facial recognition, passwords, passkeys, alphanumeric access sequences, or software identification tokens. Such mechanisms and systems may be used to identify that a user attempting to use the device 310 is an authorized user. In particular, the user may need to access the communication device 340 and connect the communication device 340 to the control circuitry 312 via the connector 330 to perform user authentication. The user then inserts the aerosol product item 320 into the aerosol delivery device 310, and authentication of the aerosol product item is performed by the control circuitry 312 before the aerosol delivery device 310 can be operated. Such a system provides a very robust and secure system 300 that resists both attempts to use the device 310 by unauthorized users and the use of non-genuine aerosol product items. Again, the proposed two-factor system protects both the user and the device in a robust manner.

[0029] In one example, the communication device 340 may communicate with the aerosol delivery device 310 via wired or wireless communication. Authentication of the aerosol product 320 may be via a wired physical connection, while authentication of the user may occur via a system that relays authentication via Bluetooth or WiFi or other wireless communication. Modern smartphones and tablets have such capabilities and can be utilized in this example to communicate with the aerosol delivery device 310 and transmit a signal of user authorization. In this manner, a control signal can be transmitted from the connector 330 to the control circuit 312 of the aerosol delivery device 310.

[0030] The communication device 340 may be used to interact with the aerosol delivery device 310. This may simply take the form of an authorization step, as described above. However, after a user of the communication device 340 is confirmed as authorized via an interface on the communication device 340, the communication device 340 may be able to control elements of the aerosol delivery device 310. The communication device 340 may be used to modify settings of the aerosol delivery device 310, e.g., heating profile provided, device parameters, etc., to modify the aerosol delivered by the aerosol delivery device 310. In this manner, an authorized user may control and personalize the aerosol delivered by the aerosol delivery device 310. Thus, control signals sent from the connector 330 to the control circuitry 312 of the aerosol delivery device 310 may relate to controlling the functionality of the device 310. The control signals may also relate to enabling the device 310 to function (or not function) based on successful or unsuccessful user authentication.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the communications device 340 may be capable of providing diagnostic or troubleshooting capabilities for the aerosol delivery device 310. Indeed, when communicating with the aerosol delivery device 310, whether by wireless or wired communication, the communications device 340 may be capable of evaluating the operating criteria or conditions of components of the aerosol delivery device 310. Thus, the communications device 340 may be capable of notifying a user when parts may need to be replaced. A user may interact with the device 310 via the communications device 340 via an app on the communications device 340.

[0032] 3 allows for a relatively low cost and highly controlled generation of aerosol generation from aerosol delivery device 310 by utilizing connector 330 and control circuitry 312 as well as communication device 340. Because aerosol-generating material 320 is relatively passive in the authorization process and does not function to identify the user, no power source is required within aerosol-generating material 320.

[0033] In any of the above examples, the connector 330 may include its own control circuitry for communicating with the aerosol product item 320. The aerosol product item 320 may include an identifier, such as a QR code or an RFID tag, for identifying the aerosol product item 320. The aerosol product item 320 may include two such identifiers, for example, one for identification by the connector 330 and one for identification by the control circuitry 312.

[0034] The identifier may indicate the authenticity of the aerosol product item 320. Alternatively or additionally, the identifier may indicate the chemical composition of the aerosol product item 320. In this manner, the control circuitry 312 may identify the aerosol product item 320 and then select a heating profile appropriate for use with the particular aerosol product item 320. If a different aerosol product item 320 is identified, the control circuitry 312 may select a different heating profile. These predefined heating profiles may be designed by the manufacturer and encoded into the identifier of the aerosol product item 320. In this manner, the manufacturer may assist in generating the desired aerosol from the aerosol product item 320 without requiring input from the user.

[0035] In one example, the connector 330 is a USB connector and the physical connection 314 of the control circuitry 312 is a complementary USB connection. The systems used herein may use a USB dongle or a USB drive or similar USB device to provide a connection between the connector 330 and the control circuitry 312. The connector 330 may connect to the control circuitry 312 by moving in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG.

[0036] The connector 330 and the control circuitry 312 may control the operational state of the aerosol delivery device 310 based on authentication of the user and the aerosol product item 320. The "operational state" of the aerosol delivery device 310 may be broadly considered to be one or more of an operational state or a non-operational state. Signals provided from the connector 330 are received by the control circuitry 312 and may ultimately result in updating the aerosol delivery device 310 from one operational state to another.

[0037] In the "active state," the elements of the aerosol delivery device 310 used to generate aerosol (atomizer, heater, etc.) may be activated. Specific activation of the device 310 may require additional input, such as the user inhaling on the device 310, the user pressing a button on the device 310, as described above, or alternatively, the device 310 may automatically cause the heater to generate aerosol upon receiving a signal from the control circuitry 312 regarding authentication of the user and / or the aerosol product 320.

[0038] In an "inactive state," elements of the aerosol delivery device 310 used to generate aerosol (e.g., atomizer, heater, etc.) may not be activated. In this example, inhaling or pressing a button on the device 310 does not affect the heater or atomizer, etc. The aerosol delivery device 310 may be placed in an inactive state prior to authentication of the user / aerosol product item 320. Alternatively, the aerosol delivery device 310 may be placed in an inactive state when the aerosol product item 320 or potential user is not identified as authentic or authorized.

[0039] The term "operating state" may refer to a number of states in which the device 310 may be operated and may include variations between these states (such as a heating profile). Similarly, the term "non-operating state" may refer to a number of states in which the device 310 may not be operated and may include variations between these states (such as a requirement to return the device to an operating state).

[0040] The operating state selected by the aerosol delivery device 310 may be based on a characteristic of the aerosol product item 320, which may be identified by the control circuit 312 or the connector 330. The characteristic may be any of the chemical composition of the aerosolizable material of the aerosol product item 320, the strength of the aerosolizable material of the aerosol product item 320, the size of the aerosol product item 320, which relates to the amount of aerosolizable material in the aerosol product item 320, and a rating of the aerosol product item 320. The rating of the aerosol product item 320 may relate to whether the aerosol product item 320 is from a batch having a particularly high concentration of one compound, whether it has multiple aerosolizable materials within the aerosol product item 320, or any other relevant factor. Such characteristics may be associated with the aerosol product item 320 and may affect subsequent activity of the aerosol delivery device 310, such as the heating profile applied.

[0041] The identifier of the aerosol product 320 may be a coded identifier, such as a QR code or a bar code, that can be read by the connector 320 or the control circuitry 312. There is a correspondence between these elements such that the connector 320 or the control circuitry 312 can read the identifier. For example, if the identifier is a QR code, the connector 320 or the control circuitry 312 may be a QR code reader. The identifier may be an RFID, and the connector 320 or the control circuitry 312 may be an RFID reader. Other identifier / detector combinations are possible.

[0042] The system 300 may have a memory (not shown) for storing a database. The memory may be part of the control circuitry 312. The database may store identities of authentic aerosol product items and authorized users so that the system 300 can cross-check with the database in the memory when identifying an aerosol product item or a user. The manufacturer may also set operational conditions in the memory for use with a particular aerosol product item based on best usage practices understood at the factory. The operational conditions may alternatively or additionally be set by the user and may be editable by the user via the communication device 340, for example. In this example, the user experience is improved by allowing the user more flexibility in use.

[0043] In one example, a database for storing identities of authentic aerosol product articles and authorized users may be held remotely in a data store and accessed by a communication element in the control circuitry 312 of the device 310, or by the communication device 340. Details about a particular heating profile for use with a particular aerosol product article may also be stored in the remote database. In this manner, updates to the authenticity of the aerosol product article, authorized users, and predefined operating conditions for use with a particular aerosol product article may be made without downloading such updates to be stored in the device 310; rather, the device 310 may remotely read the updated database. In this manner, if changes occur, they may be easily deployed to or accessed by all associated devices 310.

[0044] Storing the database on the device 310 or the communication device 340 can be advantageous because the system 300 does not need to have a communication element within the system 300 and does not need to connect to a communication network to access a remotely maintained database before each usage session.

[0045] Storing the database remotely and connecting to the database via a communication element may be advantageous because it ensures that the system 300 does not need to include the database in memory and that the database can be updated remotely, thereby eliminating the need for the device 310 to periodically update the built-in database. In this way, recently modified (modified in terms of synthesis, authentication, etc.) aerosol product articles 320 can be accurately assessed in terms of their suitability or in terms of the heating profile used in those aerosol product articles from the periodically updated remote database.

[0046] An active or inactive operating state can be dictated by the control circuitry 312, and a user may initiate activation of the heater from additional input, such as by pressing a button or puffing into the device 310. In this configuration, the control circuitry 312 may determine that aerosol product and user authentication has not been met, thereby preventing activation of the heater despite a user input, such as pressing a button or puffing.

[0047] In contrast, when authorization has been granted, the control circuit 312 may enable activation of the heater in response to a button press or inhalation by the user. In this manner, the system 300 provides for safe delivery of aerosol only to authentic aerosol products and authorized users.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 of use of an aerosol delivery system. In method 400, the device may start in a default non-operational state (step 402). Prior to user authorization and identification of the aerosol product, it is advantageous for the device to be in a non-operational state. In this state, the user cannot activate the heater. The user then physically connects the device to a connector (step 404). The control circuitry and connector operate to authenticate the aerosol product, in one example by identifying an identifier within the aerosol product (step 406). This may include a check against an on-board database or a remote database.

[0049] If the aerosol product item is identified as authentic, the method proceeds to step 410. The operational state of the device is then updated to an operational state (step 412). This operational state may be designed for use with the identified aerosol product item (e.g., with a particular heating temperature, aerosol generation, etc.). After the usage session is over, e.g., the aerosol product item is removed and discarded, the method returns to step 402 where the device is in a non-operational state. Thus, upon introduction of a new aerosol product item, a new round of authentication is performed to allow for system hardening.

[0050] If the aerosol product item is identified as non-authentic, the method proceeds to step 420. The operational state of the device is updated to a non-operational state (step 422). In this example, the user may not be able to operate the device. Such a state may be overcome, for example, by removing the non-authentic aerosol product item and replacing it with an authentic aerosol product item.

[0051] A similar method can be envisioned for authenticating the user, and indeed in the example shown here, proceeding to step 412, the device and connector evaluate the authenticity of both the user and the aerosol product before enabling the device for use.

[0052] In some cases, the inactive state may be a locked state. The locked state may be used when repeated attempts to use the device occur while in the inactive state. Alternatively, the locked state may be updated after multiple attempts to use the device with non-genuine aerosol product or by unauthorized users. In this way, the device may be protected from hacking attempts or misuse, etc. Similarly, if an unauthorized user attempts to use the device without authorization, an indication may be provided to the authorized user that such an attempt has been made, or that multiple requests have occurred during the inactive period. The authorized user may then act accordingly. The locked state may be changed back to the default inactive state by entry of a password, passcode, passkey, alphanumeric sequence, or similar known only to the intended user. This may be done via the communication device shown in FIG. 3. This enhances the overall protection provided to the device by the system.

[0053] In certain examples, the devices disclosed herein may operate with replaceable flavor pods within the device. The flavors may be either tobacco and glycolic, and may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, or other flavors. The compositions may include other additives such as glyceryl-2 phosphate, ethylhexyl ether, ethylhexyl ether, sage, fennel, bell pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or mint oil from any species of the mint genus), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. These may be mimics, synthetics, or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof.

[0054] When combined with an aerosol generating medium or an aerosol product, the aerosol delivery device disclosed herein may be referred to as an aerosol delivery system.

[0055] Thus, an aerosol delivery system for supplying an aerosol for inhalation by a user has been described, the aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device having a control circuit for identifying an aerosol product article, the control circuit having a physical connection, an aerosol product article for storing an aerosol generating material, and a connector having a complementary physical connection for connecting to the physical connection of the control circuit.

[0056] The aerosol delivery system may be used in tobacco industry products, such as a non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0057] In one embodiment, a tobacco industry product comprises one or more components of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

[0058] In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device.

[0059] In one embodiment, an electronic cigarette comprises a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing, and optionally a mouthpiece.

[0060] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable substrate is contained within or on a substrate container, hi one embodiment, the substrate container is coupled to or includes a heater.

[0061] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating product that releases one or more compounds by heating a substrate material without burning it. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material, 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.

[0062] In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

[0063] 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.

[0064] In one embodiment, the heated product is a non-electronic item.

[0065] 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 electronic means, such as by burning a combustible material, such as charcoal.

[0066] In one embodiment, the heating product also includes a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

[0067] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable substrate material may include an aerosol or aerosol-forming agent, or a humectant, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0068] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system for generating an aerosol by heating, without combustion, a combination of substrate materials. The substrate materials may include, for example, solids, liquids, or gels that may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.

[0069] To address various problems and advance the art, the entire disclosure illustrates various embodiments by way of example that may implement the claimed invention and provide an improved electronic aerosol delivery system. The advantages and features of the disclosure are merely a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented only to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. The advantages, embodiments, examples, features, features, 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 equivalents of the claims, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modified without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, and the like. Additionally, the disclosure includes other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery system for delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the aerosol delivery system comprising:

1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: an aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit for identifying an aerosol product, said control circuit comprising a physical connection; an aerosol producing article for storing an aerosol generating material; a connector having a complementary physical connection for connecting to the physical connection of the control circuit; An aerosol delivery system comprising:

2. 2. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the connector having a complementary physical connection for connecting to the physical connection of the control circuit is part of the aerosol product.

3. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the connector having a complementary physical connection for connecting to the physical connection of the control circuit is part of a communication device for communicating with the aerosol delivery device.

4. The aerosol delivery system of claim 3 , wherein the communication device is one of a smartphone, a tablet, or a PC, and the communication device is configured to identify a user of the aerosol delivery system.

5. the connector further comprises a control circuit for communicating with the aerosol product product, the aerosol product product further comprises an identifier for identifying the aerosol product product; The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connector is configured to identify the identifier.

6. The aerosol delivery system of claim 5 , wherein the control circuitry of the aerosol delivery device is configured to identify the identifier of the aerosol product.

7. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connector is at least one of a USB dongle or a USB drive.

8. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connector is configured to provide a control signal to the control circuit of the aerosol delivery device.

9. 1. A method of delivering an aerosol from an aerosol delivery system, the method comprising: Providing an aerosol delivery device, comprising: the aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit for identifying an aerosol product, the control circuit comprising a physical connection; providing an aerosol production article for storing an aerosol generating material; providing a connector having a complementary physical connection for connecting to said physical connection of said control circuit; connecting the connector to the physical connection of the control circuit; identifying the authenticity of the aerosol product; updating an operational status of the aerosol delivery device based on the authenticity of the aerosol product; A method comprising:

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein providing a connector comprises providing a connector connected to a communication device for communicating with the aerosol delivery device.

11. identifying a user's identity by said communications device; communicating the identification information of the user to the aerosol delivery device by the communication device; The method of claim 10 further comprising:

12. checking the identity of the user against a database of authorized users; updating an operational status of the aerosol delivery device based on the identification information of the user; The method of claim 11 further comprising:

13. identifying the authenticity of the aerosol product; checking the identity of the user against a database of authorized users; At least one of the steps accessing a database in an on-board memory; The method of claim 12.

14. identifying the authenticity of the aerosol product; checking the identity of the user against a database of authorized users; At least one of the steps remotely accessing an external database; The method of claim 12.

15. 1. An aerosol delivery means for delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user, said aerosol delivery means comprising:

1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: an aerosol delivery device comprising control circuitry means for identifying an aerosol product, said control circuitry means comprising physical connection means; an aerosol producing article for storing the aerosol generating means; connection means providing a complementary physical connection for connecting to said physical connection means of said control circuit means; An aerosol delivery means comprising:

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