Aerosol Delivery System

Abstract

An aerosol delivery system is provided comprising: an aerosol product product, the aerosol product product having a data storage unit configured to store an identifier identifying a characteristic of the aerosol product product, the characteristic relating to suitability of the aerosol product product; an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device having a detector configured to detect the characteristic of the aerosol product product from the identifier, and a control circuit configured to change an operating state of the aerosol delivery device based on the detected characteristic of the aerosol product product from the identifier and to notify a user regarding suitability of the aerosol product product.

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. In a typical system, a user-activated heater is used to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material by 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 may be desirable to allow the manufacturer to control the operation of the system. This may avoid activation of the system 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 product product, the aerosol product product comprising an identifier that identifies a characteristic of the aerosol product product, the characteristic relating to suitability of the aerosol product product; an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising a detector configured to detect the characteristic of the aerosol product product from the identifier; and a control circuit configured to change an operating state of the aerosol delivery device based on the detected characteristic of the aerosol product product from the identifier and to notify a user regarding suitability of the aerosol product product.

[0006] Such a system can ensure that the user is notified when an undesirable consumable is attempted to be used. In particular, if an attempt is made to use a recalled or expired consumable, the user is notified and can act accordingly, such as replacing the consumable. In this way, the safety of the use of the system is improved. By changing the running state of the aerosol delivery device based on the detected characteristics, an additional element of protection is provided. Some users may want to use expired consumables without being aware of the consequences of doing so, such as damage to the aerosol delivery device. Thus, preventing this from happening while informing the user as to the reason for this case improves the protection of the device, while at the same time ensuring that the user understands why the device is not working. This instruction further improves the user experience of the device, as it allows the user to understand why the device is not working.

[0007] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol delivery device is provided, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a detector configured to detect a characteristic of the aerosol product from an identifier of the aerosol product; and a control circuit configured to change an operational state of the aerosol delivery device based on the detected characteristic of the aerosol product from the identifier and to notify a user regarding the suitability of the aerosol product.

[0008] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of delivering an aerosol from an aerosol delivery system, the method including providing an aerosol product with a data storage unit configured to store an identifier identifying a characteristic of the aerosol product, the characteristic relating to suitability of the aerosol product; providing an aerosol delivery device comprising a detector configured to detect the characteristic of the aerosol product from the aerosol product identifier and control circuitry; detecting the characteristic of the aerosol product by the detector; changing an operating state of the aerosol delivery device based on the detected characteristic of the aerosol product from the identifier by the control circuitry; and notifying a user regarding suitability of the aerosol product.

[0009] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery means comprising: an aerosol product product, the aerosol product product comprising an identification means configured to store an identification means for identifying a characteristic of the aerosol product product, the characteristic relating to suitability of the aerosol product product; an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising a detection means configured to detect the characteristic of the aerosol product product from the identification means, and a control circuit configured to change a running state of the aerosol delivery device based on the detected characteristic of the aerosol product product from the identification means and to inform a user regarding suitability of the aerosol product product.

[0010] The present teachings will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures: [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 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 encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0013] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented in a conventional manner, and they are not discussed / described in detail for the sake of brevity. Thus, it will be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented according to 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 sometimes be used, but it will be understood that the term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system / device and electronic aerosol delivery system / device. Furthermore, 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] 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 product item 110. The aerosol product item 110 comprises a data storage unit 112 configured to store an identifier 114 that identifies a characteristic of the aerosol product item 110. The characteristic relates to the suitability of the aerosol product item 110. The aerosol delivery system 100 comprises an aerosol delivery device 120 comprising a detector 122 configured to detect the characteristic of the aerosol product item 110 from the identifier 114. The aerosol delivery device 120 comprises a control circuit 124 configured to change an execution state of the aerosol delivery device 120 based on the detected characteristic of the aerosol product item 110 from the identifier 114. The control circuit 124 can inform a user regarding the suitability of the aerosol product item 110.

[0016] 1, aerosol product article 110 is shown disposed within aerosol delivery device 120 forming aerosol delivery system 100. In this example, aerosol product article 110 may be inserted within a housing of aerosol delivery device 120. In this manner, when disposed within aerosol delivery device 120, detector 122 may detect a characteristic of aerosol product article 110 from identifier 114. Aerosol product article 110 may be a consumable product or cartridge containing an aerosolizable material that is inserted into aerosol delivery device 120 and then discarded after use.

[0017] Identifier 114 may be a coded identifier, such as a QR code or a bar code, that can be read by detector 122. Detector 122 corresponds to identifier 114 such that if identifier 114 is a QR code, detector 122 is a QR code reader. Identifier 114 may also be an RFID and detector 122 may be an RFID reader. Other identifier / detector pairings are possible.

[0018] The identifier 114 identifies a characteristic of the aerosol product 110. The characteristic relates to the suitability of the aerosol product 110. The characteristic may be any of the following: an expiration date of the aerosol product 110, a manufacturing date of the aerosol product 110, a batch number of the aerosol product 110, and a status of the aerosol product 110. The status of the aerosol product 110 may relate to whether the aerosol product 110 has been recalled, is no longer supported, or any similar status that may affect the suitability of the aerosol product 110 for use in the aerosol delivery device 120. Thus, such a characteristic may disclose the age or shelf life of the aerosol product 110, etc. In this manner, the detector 122 detects the identifier 114 and the system 100 notes the characteristic associated with the identifier 114. The system 100 may then operate in response to the characteristic as follows:

[0019] If the aerosol product item 110 has a past expiration date, the aerosol product item 110 may be deemed unqualified. In this case, the control circuitry 124 of the aerosol delivery device 120 may change the running state of the aerosol delivery device 120 to a non-operational state. In this manner, the user may be prevented from operating the aerosol delivery device 120 to deliver aerosol from the unqualified aerosol product item 110 due to the suitability of the aerosol product item 110. In this manner, the user may be prevented from delivering a substandard aerosol from the aerosol product item 110.

[0020] 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 discussed for the sake of brevity.

[0021] 2 includes an indicator 226 for indicating to a user the suitability of the aerosol product 210. The indicator 226 is connected to the control circuit 224 of the aerosol delivery device 220.

[0022] The indicator element 226 may be a display for displaying a visual signal to the user. The indicator element 226 may be a tactile mechanism for providing a tactile signal to the user. The indicator element 226 may be a light array for providing a visual signal to the user. In this manner, the suitability of the aerosol product item 210 may be notified to the user once the aerosol product item 210 is determined by the aerosol delivery device 220. The user may be alerted to the suitability of the aerosol product item 210 by a message on the display, which may be text, a picture, or the like. The tactile arrangement may provide a series of signals to the user to indicate suitability. The light array may provide a color associated with suitability, e.g., red indicates unsuitable and green indicates suitability.

[0023] Although the user may receive an indication regarding the suitability of the aerosol product article 210 in any situation, the device 220 may provide an indication only if the aerosol product article 210 is unsuitable for use in the device 220. In this way, the user is provided with an understanding of why the device 220 is not working and how to rectify the situation (by providing a new aerosol product article 210 into the aerosol delivery device 220). This improves the user experience of the device 220 and does not use energy to provide an indication that the aerosol product article 210 is suitable if this can be inferred from the correct operation of the device 220.

[0024] 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 shown with reference numbers increased by 100. For example, system 200 of Figure 2 is similar to system 300 of Figure 3. Similar or identical features may not be discussed for the sake of brevity.

[0025] The aerosol delivery device 320 of FIG. 3 includes a heater 328. The heater 328 may be a heating element, atomizer, heater, vibrating plate, or the like suitable for forming an aerosol from the aerosol product article 310. The heater 328 is connected to a control circuit 324. Upon determining or receiving the suitability of the aerosol product article 310, the control circuit 324 may send a signal to the heater 328 to either operate so that an aerosol is generated or not operate so that an aerosol is not generated. In this manner, the control circuit 324 may be configured to change the running state of the aerosol delivery device 320 to a non-operational state upon detecting that the characteristics are associated with an unsuitable aerosol product article 310.

[0026] Determination of suitability of the aerosol product 310 may be performed on the aerosol delivery device 320 or remotely via communication with a database of characteristics and associated suitability. Such a database may take the form of, for example, an expiration date, before X is suitable, after X is unsuitable. Similar data is maintained or provided for each category discussed herein.

[0027] In examples where the processing of the characteristics and associated qualifications is performed on the aerosol delivery device 320, the detector 322 may detect the characteristics of the aerosol product article 310 from the identifier 314 and compare the characteristics to a database of characteristics and associated qualifications within the detector 322. The detector 322 may then provide a signal to the control circuitry 324 that the aerosol product article 310 is or is not qualified. The control circuitry 324 may then send a signal to the indicator 326 and the heater 328 accordingly.

[0028] In another example, the detector 322 may send an indication of the property to the control circuit 324, which compares the property of the aerosol product article 310 to a database of properties and associated qualifications within the control circuit 324. In response, a subsequent signal may be sent to the indicator 326 and the heater 328.

[0029] In the above two examples, the database of characteristics and associated qualifications is maintained on aerosol delivery device 320, either in detector 322 or control circuitry 324 or additional memory elements. This can be advantageous because system 300 does not need to have communication elements within system 300 and does not need to be connected to a communication network to access a remotely maintained database before each use session.

[0030] In a further example, the database of characteristics and associated eligibility is maintained remotely and the control circuitry has communication elements for contacting the database. The control circuitry 324 can contact the database and be provided with an indication as to whether the aerosol product item 310 is eligible. This can be advantageous because the system 300 does not need to include memory elements to have the database and the database can be updated remotely, ensuring that the device does not need to periodically update the on-board database such that a recently recalled product (or the like) is prevented from use as soon as it is announced that the product has been recalled.

[0031] The aerosol delivery device 320 may be in a default running state prior to any use by a user. This default running state may be a non-operating state. In such an example, a user may not operate the aerosol delivery device 320 until the qualification of the aerosol product item 310 is confirmed by the detector 322 and the control circuitry 324. In another example, such a default state need not exist and the configuration is such that the device 320 will operate with a qualified aerosol product item 310 and will not operate with an unqualified aerosol product item 310.

[0032] If the aerosol product article 310 is not qualified, upon receiving a signal from the detector 322, the control circuitry 324 may send a signal to the heater 328 to not operate (or may not send a signal to operate) and may also send a signal to the indicator element 326 to provide an indication to a user that the aerosol product article 310 should be removed and replaced. If the aerosol product article 310 is qualified, upon receiving a signal from the detector 322, the control circuitry 324 may send a signal to the heater 328 to operate, thereby providing an aerosol. A signal may be sent to the indicator element 326 to inform the user that the aerosol product article 310 is qualified.

[0033] The user may initiate operation of the heater 328 from an additional input, such as a button, or by puffing on the device 320. In this configuration, the control circuitry 324 may determine that the aerosol product 310 is eligible, provide an indication of this to the user, and instruct the heater 328 that it may be operated (waiting for a request from the user in the form of pressing a button to puff), after which the user may choose to operate the heater by pressing a button or puffing. In this manner, the user may insert the aerosol product 310 and determine whether the aerosol product 310 is eligible, but may choose to use the device 320 at a later time. Such a configuration is advantageous because it allows the user to verify the eligibility of the aerosol product 310 prior to a session. Upon removal of the aerosol product 310, the control circuitry 324 may instruct the heater 328 to remain in an inoperative state until another eligible aerosol product 310 is identified.

[0034] 4 illustrates a method 400 of use of an aerosol delivery system. In the method 400, the device may start in a default state 402, which may be a non-operational state such that the heater cannot be operated. When a user inserts an aerosol product item into the aerosol delivery device, a detector detects a characteristic of the aerosol product item 404. The detector sends a signal to a control circuit according to the detected characteristic of the aerosol product item. As described above, one of the detector or control circuit compares the characteristic to a memory, database, or the like to confirm the suitability (suitable or unsuitable) of the aerosol product item. If an unsuitable aerosol product item is detected 412, the characteristic indicates that the aerosol product item is unsuitable, and the method proceeds to step 414, where an instruction is provided to the user 414, and the device is placed in a state, which may be a default state or a locked state.

[0035] The locked state may be used when repeated attempts are made to use an ineligible aerosol product item. In this manner, the device may be protected from tampering attempts and the like. Similarly, if an unauthorized user attempts to use the device without authorization using an ineligible aerosol product item, an indication of such an attempt may be provided to the user. The locked state may be returned to a default, non-operational, or operational state by providing an ineligible aerosol product item or by input of a password or passcode or the like that would only be known by the user. This increases the overall protection provided to the device by the present system.

[0036] If a qualified aerosol product is detected 422, an indication thereof is provided to the user 424. The device is changed to an operational state 426. The heater or atomizer may be operated either automatically or upon request from further input by the user (such as a button or inhalation). In this manner, aerosol may be delivered to the user. After the user's session is over, or after a given period of time, or after a predefined number of puffs, which the user may instruct the device to do by pressing a button, the usage session is terminated or deemed to be terminated 428. After this, the device is returned to a default state 429 similar to step 402. Thus, the user and the device may be protected from use of the device with a non-qualified aerosol product.

[0037] The "running state" of the aerosol delivery device may be broadly considered to be one or more of an operating state or a non-operating state. The signal provided by the detector may be received by the control circuitry and may ultimately result in a change of the aerosol delivery device from one state to another.

[0038] In the "operational state," an element of the aerosol delivery device used to generate the aerosol (such as an atomizer or heater) may be activated. Certain activations of the device may require additional input, which may be inhalation on the device or pressing a button on the device, or alternatively, the device may automatically generate the aerosol via the heater upon receiving a signal from the control circuitry regarding the suitability of the aerosol product.

[0039] In a "non-operated state," an element of the aerosol delivery device used to generate the aerosol (such as an atomizer or heater) may not be activated. In this example, inhaling or pressing a button on the device has no effect on the heater or atomizer, etc.

[0040] The term "operational state" may refer to a number of states in which device 110 may be operated. Similarly, the term "non-operational state" may refer to a number of states in which device 110 may not be operated.

[0041] The "locked" state may be in the form of a non-operational state in which a qualified aerosol product item must be detected by a detector to override the locked state before the device may be used to deliver aerosol. The locked state may require a further level of identification of an authorized user to allow the locked state to be changed to an unlocked operational state. This may be in the form of a password, passkey, or alphanumeric string, etc. Use of such a locked state provides an indication to an authorized user that an attempt has been made by the user to use the device with an ineligible aerosol product item. Such a locked state may only be used when several attempts have been made to use an ineligible aerosol product item.

[0042] The term "operational state" refers to a state in which the system may be used to deliver aerosol. The system may have multiple "operational states" or only one "operational state". A particular aerosol product may deliver a suitable aerosol to a user under a suitable heating profile (fast, slow, hot, cold, etc.) or by a suitable heating mechanism (heater element, atomizer, vibrating plate, etc.). As such, the operational state may determine the execution of the system, such as selecting the heating mechanism to be used and the heating profile to be used based on the identified aerosol product. Such an operational state may be associated with a particular aerosol product. In this way, when a suitable aerosol product 1 is recognized, the corresponding heating mechanism 1 is used to provide the heating profile 1 on the suitable aerosol product 1. When a suitable aerosol product 2 is recognized, the corresponding heating mechanism 2 is used to provide the heating profile 2 on the suitable aerosol product 2. In this way, different aerosol product products may have a suitable predefined aerosol provided upon recognition of that aerosol product. This increases the ease of use of the device for the user.

[0043] The suitability of the aerosol product may be either suitable or unsuitable. In this case, the device may operate with suitable articles and not operate with unsuitable articles. In another example, the suitability of the aerosol product may be classified as one of suitable, unsuitable, or user-determined. In this example, a fresh, new aerosol product may be suitable and used to deliver aerosol, an old aerosol product may be unsuitable and prevented from delivering aerosol by the device, and a slightly older aerosol product may be indicated to the user as being slightly older, and the user may decide whether to generate aerosol from the aerosol product. In this way, the user has more authority over the decision to generate aerosol or not. The user may choose to generate aerosol nonetheless, knowing that the aerosol may be slightly inferior to what they are accustomed to. In this example, the user is protected from a poor quality or expired (or the like) aerosol product, is allowed to use a high quality aerosol product, and is given the option of a more moderate compromise aerosol product. In this last example, the indicator element may provide a different signal to the user for a medium compromise quality aerosol product than for a poor or high quality aerosol product. The user may then choose to activate the device, such as with a push button or inhalation, or may otherwise choose to remove the aerosol product from the device and discard it.

[0044] In certain examples, the devices disclosed herein may operate with interchangeable flavor pods within the device. The flavors may be any of tobacco and glycolic, and may include 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 essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, ginseng ... The compositions may contain other additives such as jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, peppers, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), 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. They may be imitation, synthetic, or natural raw materials, or blends thereof.

[0045] When combined with an aerosol-generating medium, the aerosol delivery device disclosed herein may be referred to as an aerosol delivery system.

[0046] Thus, an aerosol delivery system has been described comprising an aerosol product product, the aerosol product product having a data storage unit configured to store an identifier identifying a characteristic of the aerosol product product, the characteristic relating to suitability of the aerosol product product, an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device having a detector configured to detect the characteristic of the aerosol product product from the identifier, and a control circuit configured to change an operating state of the aerosol delivery device based on the detected characteristic of the aerosol product product from the identifier and to notify a user regarding suitability of the aerosol product product.

[0047] The aerosol delivery system may be used in tobacco industry products, such as non-combustion aerosol delivery systems.

[0048] 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.

[0049] In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device.

[0050] 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 tipping portion.

[0051] 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.

[0052] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating product that releases one or more compounds by heating but not burning a substrate material. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material, which may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, with or without nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.

[0053] In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

[0054] 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.

[0055] In one embodiment, the heating product is a non-electronic item.

[0056] 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 any electronic means, such as by burning a combustion material, such as charcoal.

[0057] In one embodiment, the heating product also comprises a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

[0058] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable substrate material may include an aerosol or aerosol-forming agent or humectant, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0059] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system for generating an aerosol by heating but not burning a combination of substrate materials. The substrate materials may include, for example, solids, liquids, or gels that may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.

[0060] To address various problems and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure illustrates various embodiments by way of example in which the claimed invention may be implemented and provide an improved electronic aerosol delivery system. The advantages and features of the present 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 teach the claimed features. The advantages, embodiments, examples, features, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be considered as limitations on the present 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 modifications may be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the present 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. In addition, the present disclosure includes other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. an aerosol product comprising a data storage unit configured to store an identifier identifying a characteristic of the aerosol product, the characteristic relating to suitability of the aerosol product; 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: a detector configured to detect the characteristic of the aerosol product from the identifier; and altering a performance state of the aerosol delivery device based on the detected characteristic of the aerosol product from the identifier; and an aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit configured to notify a user regarding the suitability of the aerosol product; An aerosol delivery system comprising:

2. the aerosol delivery device comprising: a display for displaying a visual signal to said user; a tactile mechanism for providing a tactile signal to the user; and A light array for providing a visual signal to the user. and further comprising at least one of:

10. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1.

3. The property of the aerosol product is the expiration date of said aerosol product; The date of manufacture of the aerosol product; the batch number of the aerosol product; and Status of said aerosol product At least one of 3. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1 or 2.

4. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control circuit is configured to change the running state of the aerosol delivery device to a non-operating state when it detects that the characteristic is associated with an inappropriate aerosol product.

5. The aerosol delivery system of claim 4 , wherein the control circuit is configured to change the running state of the aerosol delivery device to a locked state when the control circuit detects that the characteristic is associated with an unsuitable aerosol product.

6. The aerosol delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control circuit is configured to change the running state of the aerosol delivery device to an operational state when it detects that the characteristic is associated with a qualified aerosol product.

7. An aerosol delivery system according to any preceding claim, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to access a database of aerosol product characteristics and associated qualifications.

8. An aerosol delivery system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a memory for storing a database of aerosol product characteristics and associated qualifications.

9. 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: a detector configured to detect a characteristic of the aerosol product from an identifier of the aerosol product; altering a performance state of the aerosol delivery device based on the detected characteristic of the aerosol product from the identifier; and a control circuit configured to notify a user regarding the suitability of the aerosol product; An aerosol delivery device comprising:

10. 1. A method of delivering an aerosol from an aerosol delivery system, the method comprising: providing an aerosol product with a data storage unit configured to store an identifier identifying a characteristic of the aerosol product, the characteristic relating to suitability of the aerosol product; providing an aerosol delivery device comprising a detector configured to detect the characteristic of the aerosol product from the identifier of the aerosol product, and a control circuit; detecting the characteristic of the aerosol product with the detector; altering, by the control circuitry, an operational state of the aerosol delivery device based on the detected characteristic of the aerosol product from the identifier; notifying a user regarding the suitability of the aerosol product; A method comprising:

11. changing, by the control circuitry, an operating state of the aerosol delivery device based on the detected characteristic of the aerosol product from the identifier; changing a performance state of the aerosol delivery device to a non-operational state upon detecting that the characteristic is associated with an unsuitable aerosol product; changing the running state of the aerosol delivery device to a locked state upon detecting that the characteristic is associated with an unsuitable aerosol product; and changing a performance state of the aerosol delivery device to an operational state upon detecting that the characteristic is associated with an unsuitable aerosol product. The method of claim 10, comprising one of:

12. notifying a user regarding the suitability of the aerosol product, displaying a visual signal to the user via a display; providing a tactile signal to the user via a tactile mechanism; and providing a visual signal to said user via a light array. The method according to claim 10 or 11, comprising at least one of the following:

13. The method of any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising the step of accessing a database of aerosol product characteristics and associated qualifications.

14. an aerosol product comprising a data storage means configured to store an identification means for identifying a characteristic of said aerosol product, said characteristic relating to suitability of said aerosol product; 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: detection means configured to detect the characteristic of the aerosol product from the identification means; and altering a performance state of the aerosol delivery device based on the detected characteristic of the aerosol product from the identification means; and an aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit configured to notify a user regarding the suitability of the aerosol product; An aerosol delivery means comprising:

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