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. Typical systems use 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 can be activated by the user pressing a button or simply by the act of inhaling. Modern systems can 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, allowing the system to avoid activation in undesirable situations.

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

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

[0005] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol delivery system is provided, the system comprising: an aerosol delivery device, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a control circuit for controlling a performance status 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 status 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 status of the aerosol delivery device.

[0006] Such a system can reliably notify a user when the performance details of the aerosol delivery device reach predetermined performance details. In particular, if the user has been using the device for an excessively long period of time (i.e., the performance details relative to usage time reach a predetermined usage time level at which instructions should be given), the user can be notified accordingly. Additionally, the system can update the performance state of the aerosol delivery device, such as rendering the device inactive for a subsequent period of time, which can be selected or pre-programmed by the user or manufacturer. In this way, the user experience of the system can be improved by setting or adhering to goal guidelines for which the system should or agreed to be used.

[0007] Thus, the user of the system can be protected, and the system itself can be protected from excessive use. A further element of protection comes from the signal provided to the user. Some users desire a system that can track their usage and provide usage instructions accordingly. In such a system proposed herein, a signal is provided when the user reaches or passes a predetermined performance detail. In this way, the user is notified and can act on the instructions, such as by modifying their usage. Furthermore, when an update occurs to the performance status of the aerosol delivery device, the instructions ensure that the user understands why the device updated the performance status. This therefore improves the user's experience with the system. In this way, the proposed system protects both the system and the user, and also improves the user's experience with the system.

[0008] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol delivery device is provided, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a control circuit with a memory for controlling a performance status 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 status 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 status of the aerosol delivery device.

[0009] According to some embodiments described herein, a method for delivering an aerosol from an aerosol delivery system is provided, 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 characteristics 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 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 state of the aerosol supply means, and at predetermined performance details, the control circuitry means is 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 explanation of the drawings]

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

[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. Rather, 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. While some aspects and features of some examples and embodiments may be conventionally implemented, these will not be 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 in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0015] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, which are also referred to as aerosol delivery systems, such as electronic cigarettes. Throughout the following description, the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, with it being understood that the terms can 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," as well as related terms such as "vaporize," "evaporate," and "aerosolize," can generally be used interchangeably.

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example aerosol delivery system 100 according to the present invention. The aerosol delivery system 100 includes an aerosol delivery device 110. The aerosol delivery device 110 includes a control circuit 112 for controlling the performance status of the aerosol delivery device 110. The control circuit 112 includes 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 includes 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 includes an aerosol generator 120 comprising an aerosolizable material. The aerosol generator 120 includes 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 the characteristic of the identifier 124 and send a signal to the control circuit 112. Control circuitry 112 is configured to store characteristics of identifier 124 and performance details of aerosol delivery device 110 corresponding to a usage status of aerosol delivery device 110. At 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 aerosol delivery device 110 can be broadly thought of as one or more operational or non-operational states. The signal provided by detector 116 can be received by control circuitry 112, ultimately causing aerosol delivery device 110 to be updated from one performance state to another.

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

[0019] In the "non-operating state," the elements of aerosol delivery device 110 used to generate the aerosol (such as a nebulizer, heater, or the like) cannot 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 "operating state" can refer to a number of states in which device 110 can operate, including transitions between these states (such as a heating profile). Similarly, the term "non-operating state" can refer to a number of states in which device 110 cannot operate, including transitions between these states (such as a requirement to return the device to an operating 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 operational details of the aerosol delivery device 110, such as the operating time of the aerosol delivery device 110, or the operating status of the aerosol delivery device 110, or the like. The performance details may also relate to user usage details. The operating 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 user usage details may relate to the number of inhalations on the aerosol delivery device 110, the depth or volume of these inhalations, the regularity of use of the aerosol delivery device 110, or the like.

[0022] The “characteristic” of the aerosol generator 120 relates to the makeup of the aerosol generator 120. The characteristic may 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, which relates to the amount of aerosolizable material in the aerosol generator 120; and the rating of the aerosol generator 120. The rating of the aerosol generator 120 may 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 contained 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 identifies 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 effects 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 eight inhalations 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 inhalation, then the performance detail of interest may be that the user was provided with 0.8 mg of nicotine in that one-minute session. The system 100 may have a predetermined performance detail for the performance detail "nicotine delivered for a set time period." If this performance detail is met or exceeded, the control circuit 112 may send a signal to the user, change, or otherwise update the performance state of the aerosol delivery device 110.

[0024] In instances where the performance specifications for nicotine delivered in 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 may be discouraged from excessive use of system 100. In this manner, a predetermined level may be adhered to by the user, as assisted by system 100. Furthermore, by changing system 100 to a non-operational state, a greater level of predetermined control may be provided over the use of system 100. Particularly, if a predetermined level is programmed or agreed to by the user, the user may be more willing to accept adherence to that limit. In this manner, the user experience of system 100 may be improved.

[0025] In another example, if a performance specification for nicotine delivered within a set time period is exceeded, the performance state of aerosol delivery device 110 may be updated from a first operating state to a second operating state. The second operating state may have modified performance specifications, such as 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 system 100 may be managed according to predetermined performance levels. Furthermore, by updating the performance state of system 100 to an operating state, a user may continue to use system 100 while remaining below the threshold for the particular performance specification. In this example, continued use may increase the performance specification above the second predetermined performance specification, at which point control circuit 112 may provide a second signal to update the performance state of aerosol delivery device 110 to a non-operating state or to a third operating state, which may have further modified performance specifications.

[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 also 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, which forms aerosol delivery system 100. In this example, aerosol generator 120 may be inserted into a housing of aerosol delivery device 110. 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, which is inserted into aerosol delivery device 110 and then discarded after use.

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

[0029] 2 includes 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 tactile mechanism for sending a tactile signal to the user. The indicator element 218 can be a light array for sending a visual signal to the user. In this manner, the user can be notified that a predetermined performance detail has been reached or exceeded. The user can be alerted that a predetermined performance detail has been reached or exceeded by a message on the display, which can be text, or a picture, or the like. The tactile arrangement can send a series of signals (e.g., vibrations or the like) to the user to indicate that a predetermined 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 has exceeded (or met) the predetermined level and green indicates that the performance detail is below the predetermined level.

[0031] In the present example system 200, the system 200 may provide an indication to the user before updating the performance state to a non-operational state. In this example, for example, the system 200 may function normally until a predetermined performance specification is exceeded, met, or falls below a certain performance specification. At this point, the control circuitry 212 may provide an indication to the user via the indicator element 218. In the example, the tactile mechanism provides a series of short vibrations, and the system 100 is updated to a non-operational state. In this manner, the user is prevented from overusing the system 200 and is informed that the system 200 is in a non-operational state. This improves the user's understanding of the system 200 and, therefore, the user's experience with the system 200.

[0032] When certain performance details approach predetermined performance details, 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) after three uses, a second indication (e.g., two short vibrations) after six uses, and then a final indication (e.g., three short vibrations) after nine uses to update the performance state to an inactive state. In this way, the user is provided with updates regarding their usage of the system 200 and an understanding as to why the device 210 was placed in an inactive 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 operating state after three uses, and may update to a different operating state after six uses, each of which may be predetermined 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 capable of being used nine times per day, but the corresponding aerosol generator 220 may only be capable of being used for one smoking session, which may involve ten puffs. Thus, after the aerosol delivery device 220 has been used for ten puffs, the control circuit 212 may update the aerosol delivery device 210 to an inoperative 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 use of the aerosol delivery device 210, while 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, LEDs, or the like may be used, with different colors used to indicate different reasons for the change in performance status. Alternatively, a message or image may be displayed on the display.

[0035] Referring now to Figure 3, a system 300 similar to system 200 of Figure 2 is shown. Features similar to features 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 can be a heating element, nebulizer, heater, 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 the performance status of the aerosol delivery device 310, the control circuit 312 can send a signal to the heater 319 to operate so that aerosol is generated or to not operate so that aerosol is not generated. In this manner, the control circuit 312 can be configured to update the performance status of the aerosol delivery device 310, such as to a non-operating state, when it detects that predetermined performance specifications have been met.

[0037] The levels for the predetermined 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 predetermined performance details can alternatively or additionally be set and editable by the user. In this example, the user has a lot of flexibility regarding usage, and to accommodate that flexibility, the user-set limits can be well-adjusted by the user. Alternatively, the levels for the predetermined performance details can be kept remotely in a data store and accessed by a communication element in the control circuitry 312 of the device 310. In this manner, updates to the levels for the predetermined performance details can be made without having to download such updates for storage in the device 310; instead, the device 310 can remotely update the predetermined levels. In this manner, if the levels are believed to have been set incorrectly, the changes can be easily deployed to all devices 310 at the time of use.

[0038] The determination of the level for a predetermined performance detail depends on both the characteristics of the aerosol generator 320 used and the relevant performance detail 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 a long heating protocol should have a different level setting for the number of puffs compared to an aerosol delivery device 310 using a low temperature and a short heating protocol. However, some performance details, such as the amount of nicotine delivered over a set time period, may be the same. Therefore, it is important that the determination of the level for a predetermined performance detail is accurate. This determination can be made using the specifics 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 predetermined performance detail. As previously mentioned, this database may be stored and accessed on-board device 310, such as in memory 314, or remotely by a communication element of aerosol delivery device 310, as appropriate.

[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 use session.

[0040] Storing the database remotely and connecting to the database via a communication element can be advantageous because the system 300 does not need to include the database in memory 314 and the database can be 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] The 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 predetermined performance details and allow the user to activate the heater 319 by pressing a button, inhaling, or the like. In this way, the user experience is not interrupted when the performance details do not meet the predetermined performance details.

[0042] In contrast, if the performance specifications meet the predetermined performance specifications, 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 for the user and the system 300 is provided by the proposed configuration.

[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 of using an aerosol delivery system. In 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 characteristic of the aerosol generator 404. The detector may send a signal to a control circuit according to the detected characteristic of the aerosol generator. The device may be used to deliver aerosol to a user 406, as discussed above. As also discussed above, the control circuit stores performance details of the device's operating state 408.

[0044] As long as the performance details do not reach the respective predetermined 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 predetermined performance details (as calculated from the aerosol generator characteristics and device utilization), the method moves to step 420. As discussed above, an indication is sent to the user 422, which may additionally or alternatively be an auditory signal, but may also be in the form of a visual or tactile signal. From this signal, the user is made aware that the predetermined performance details have been reached. The performance status of the device is updated to an inoperative state 424. In this case, the user cannot operate the device. Such a state can be overcome, for example, by waiting until the predetermined performance detail level returns to an acceptable level. Alternatively, as discussed above, this could involve providing additional aerosol generator.

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

[0047] As mentioned above, the term "operating state" refers to the state in which the system may be used to deliver aerosol. A system may have multiple or only one "operating state." Particular heating profiles (fast, slow, hot, cold, etc.) or particular mechanisms (heater elements, atomizers, vibrators, etc.) may be used, interchangeable, or similar as performance detail approaches to predetermined 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 device use for the user). Furthermore, as desired or programmed into the control circuitry, a particular, particularly efficient or effective heating profile or mechanism may be used for an identified aerosol generator. Thus, a particular operating state may determine the overall performance of the system and, therefore, the level of the performance details. In this manner, although a predetermined level does not imply non-operation of the device, the performance state in step 412 may be updated to a different, more suitable operating state after the performance details reach a level toward the predetermined level. This configuration provides a much greater level of editable control over the performance and output of the system than the present system.

[0048] Updates to performance states as described herein may be forced or suggested. Devices may have built-in overrides that users can activate to provide the device's desired usage. 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, comparing performance details along with the aerosol generator properties, it should be 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 over a 2 hour period, but can operate device 2 for aerosol generator 2 using performance detail 2 for 5 minutes over a 2 hour period. In this way, the system provides optimal protection and output over a wide range of variations for a wide range of users.

[0050] In certain examples, the devices disclosed herein can operate with replaceable flavor pods in the device. The flavors can be any of tobacco and glycol, 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, ginseng ... The compositions may contain other additives such as jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, bell pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or mint oil from any species of the mint family), 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 other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners, which 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, the aerosol delivery device comprising a control circuit for controlling the performance status 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 characteristics 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 the characteristic of the identifier and a usage status 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 status 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 supplying 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, the 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 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 that generates an aerosol by heating, rather than burning, a combination of substrate materials. The substrate materials include, for example, solids, liquids, or gels that 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 present disclosure illustrates, by way of example, various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be implemented to 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 intended to be exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented solely to aid in understanding and teach the claimed features. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be considered limitations on the present disclosure as defined by the claims or equivalents thereof, and it should be 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 consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., as appropriate. Additionally, the present disclosure encompasses other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. a control circuit for controlling a performance state of an aerosol delivery device, the control circuit including 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 said 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 circuit, the control circuit being 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; At a first predetermined performance detail, the control circuitry is configured to send a signal to a user to update a performance state of the aerosol delivery device from a first operating state to a second operating state; at a second predetermined performance detail, the control circuitry is configured to update a performance state of the aerosol delivery device from the second operational state to a non-operational state; the second operating state having modified performance details configured to reduce the delivery of the compound compared to the first operating state; 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 10. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1.

3. The properties 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; 10. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the aerosol delivery system is at least one of:

4. The performance details are as follows: an operating time of the aerosol delivery device; the operating state of the aerosol delivery device; and User usage details, 10. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, wherein the aerosol delivery system is at least one of:

5. The control circuit An aerosol delivery system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, configured to update the performance status of the aerosol delivery device to a locked state when it detects that the performance details have reached a predetermined locking performance detail.

6. The control circuit 2. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, configured to update the performance status of the aerosol delivery device to an operational status when it detects that the performance details of the aerosol delivery device have reached predetermined operational performance details.

7. The control circuit The characteristics of the aerosol generator, and relevant performance details of the aerosol delivery device; 10. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, configured to access a database of:

8. The memory includes: The characteristics of the aerosol generator, and relevant performance details of the aerosol delivery device; 10. The aerosol delivery system of claim 1, further comprising: a database of:

9. 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 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 and wherein, at a first predetermined performance detail, the control circuitry is configured to send a signal to a user to update a performance state of the aerosol delivery device from a first operating state to a second operating state. at a second predetermined performance detail, the control circuitry is configured to update a performance state of the aerosol delivery device from the second operational state to a non-operational state; the second operating state having modified performance details configured to reduce the delivery of the compound compared to the first operating state; Aerosol delivery device.

10. 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; At least one of the following:

10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 9, further comprising:

11. The performance details are as follows: an operating time of the aerosol delivery device; the operating state of the aerosol delivery device; and User usage details, 11. The aerosol delivery device of claim 9, wherein the aerosol delivery device is at least one of:

12. 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 including a data storage unit configured to store an identifier that identifies 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 state of use of the aerosol delivery device; signaling, by the control circuitry, a user to update a performance state of the aerosol delivery device from a first operating state to a second operating state at a first predetermined performance detail; updating, by the control circuitry, a performance state of the aerosol delivery device from the second operational state to a non-operational state at a second predetermined performance detail; Equipped with the second operating state having modified performance details configured to reduce the delivery of the compound compared to the first operating state; method.

13. accessing, by said control circuitry, a database of aerosol generator characteristics and associated performance details of the aerosol delivery device; The method of claim 12 further comprising:

14. 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 data storage means configured to store an identification means identifying a characteristic of the aerosol generator; Equipped with the detection means is configured to detect the characteristic of the identification means and send a signal to the control circuit means; the control circuit 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 a first predetermined performance detail, the control circuit means is configured to send a signal to a user to update a performance state of the aerosol delivery device from a first operating state to a second operating state; and wherein, at a second predetermined performance detail, the control circuit means is configured to update a performance state of the aerosol delivery device from the second operational state to a non-operational state; the second operating state having modified performance details configured to reduce the delivery of the compound compared to the first operating state; Aerosol delivery means.

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