PSA AGNOSTIC DEVICE FOR AEROSOL GENERATION DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for preventing the unauthorized use of an aerosol delivery device, which may include receiving a wireless signal that includes an unlock code to unlock the aerosol delivery device, processing the wireless signal to determine the host device's characterizing information or environmental context information, adjusting the processing circuitry to process the unlock code based on the host device's characterizing information or environmental context information, and transitioning the aerosol delivery device from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to the processing of the unlock code.

Description

PSA-AGNOSTIC DEVICE FOR AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE Field of Invention The examples of modalities generally refer to non-combustible aerosol delivery systems and, in particular, refer to the possibility of performing device-independent aftermarket activation (PSA) for an aerosol delivery device. Background of the Invention Non-combustible aerosol delivery systems (e.g., electronic cigarettes / tobacco heating products or similar devices) typically contain an aerosolizable material, such as a reservoir of a liquid source containing a formulation. The formulation usually includes nicotine, or a solid material such as a tobacco-based product, from which an aerosol is generated for inhalation by a user, for example, through heat vaporization. However, devices containing formulations with other materials, such as cannabinoids (e.g., tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and / or cannabidiol (CBD)), botanicals, medicinal products, caffeine, and / or other active ingredients, are also possible.Thus, a non-combustible aerosol delivery system will typically include an aerosol generation chamber containing a vaporizer, such as a heater, arranged to vaporize a portion of the aerosolizable material to generate an aerosol within the chamber. When a user inhales into a mouthpiece of the device and electrical power is supplied to the heater, air is drawn into the device and the aerosol generation chamber, where it mixes with the vaporized aerosolizable material to form a condensation aerosol. A flow path exists between the aerosol generation chamber and an opening in the nozzle, so that the air drawn through the aerosol generation chamber continues along the flow path to the opening, carrying with it some of the condensation aerosol, and exits through the opening to be inhaled by the user. Aerosol delivery systems include, for example, vapor products, such as those that deliver nicotine and are commonly known as electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), as well as heat-not-burn products, including heated tobacco products (THPs). Many of these products take the form of a system that includes a device and a consumable, with the consumable containing the material from which the delivered substance is derived. frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi Typically, the device is reusable and the consumable is single-use (although some consumables are refillable, as in the case of so-called open systems). Therefore, in many cases, the consumable is sold separately from the device, and often in a multipack. Furthermore, subsystems and some individual components of devices or consumables may come from specialized manufacturers. Aerosol delivery devices, such as those described above, may be subject to certain restrictions, including age restrictions. In some locations, the use of items, including ENDS device cartridges, is limited based on the user's age. To accommodate the need for device authentication by a verified age user, any of several authentication methods may be employed. However, many of these authentication methods may require interaction with a host device (e.g., a smartphone or other wireless communication device capable of accessing authentication services). The host devices that users may possess can vary significantly in terms of their capabilities to process and present information to the ENDS device used for authentication.Furthermore, environmental conditions can also influence how certain information provided by the host device is received by the ENDS device. In some cases, this variability could cause authentication efforts to fail based solely on the impact of these environmental conditions or the device's capabilities. Therefore, it may be desirable to introduce ways to allow the authentication process to be carried out with less dependence on the specific capabilities of the device or environmental conditions. Summary of the Invention As an example of one modality, an aerosol delivery system may be provided. The aerosol delivery system may include an aerosol delivery device configured to interface with a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material, an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material, a locking assembly, and an adaptive signal detector. The locking assembly may be configured to prevent the aerosol generator from producing the aerosol in a locked or controlled state, and to allow the aerosol generator to produce the aerosol in an unlocked state. The locking assembly may also be configured to transition from the locked to the unlocked state in response to the authentication of an unlock code received in a control signal from a host device communicating with an authentication agent over a network.The adaptive signal detector may include processing circuitry configured to process a control signal received wirelessly from the host device to extract the frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi code. -3 unlocking. The adaptive signal detector can also be configured to determine host device characterization information or environmental context information to facilitate the extraction of the unlock code from the control signal. In another example of a modality, a method can be provided to prevent the unauthorized use of an aerosol delivery device. The method may include receiving a wireless signal containing an unlock code to unlock the aerosol delivery device, processing the wireless signal to determine host device characterization information or environmental context information, adjusting the processing circuitry to process the unlock code based on the host device characterization information or environmental context information, and transitioning the aerosol delivery device from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to the processing of the unlock code. It will be appreciated that this summary is provided merely to outline some examples of embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the examples of embodiments described above are merely illustrative and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope or spirit of the present invention in any way. Other examples of embodiments, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of some of the described embodiments. Brief Description of the Figures Having thus described some examples of modalities in general terms, reference will now be made to the attached drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and where: Figure 1A illustrates a general block diagram of a non-combustible aerosol delivery system that can be used in connection with an example of a modality; Figures 1B and 1C illustrate an aerosol delivery system in the form of a vapor product, according to some examples of the modalities; Figure 1D illustrates a nebulizer that can be used to implement an aerosol generator of an aerosol delivery system, according to some examples of the modalities; Figures 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate an aerosol delivery system in the form of a heat-not-burn type product, according to some examples of the modalities; Figure 3 is a block diagram of an example of a device modality associated with a PSA process according to an example of a modality; Figure 4 is a block diagram of an adaptive signal detector according to an example of a modality; frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi - 4 Figure 5 is a graph of the rise time variation that can affect the extraction of the unlock code according to an example of a modality; Figure 6 is a symbol diagram showing how inconsistent playback speed can affect unlock code extraction according to an example of one mode; Figure 7 is a diagram of symbols received in a context of changing ambient lighting that may affect the extraction of the unlock code according to an example of a modality; Figure 8 is a symbol diagram showing how noise can affect the extraction of the unlock code according to an example of a modality; Figure 9 is an example of a structure for an optical signal according to an example of a modality; and Figure 10 is a block diagram of a method for preventing the unauthorized use of an aerosol delivery system according to an example of a modality. Detailed Description of the Invention Some examples of the embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show some, but not all, examples of the embodiments. In fact, the examples described and illustrated herein should not be construed as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present invention. Rather, these examples of embodiments are provided to ensure that the present description satisfies applicable legal requirements. Similar reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout this document. As used herein, operational coupling means a direct or indirect connection that, in either case, allows the functional interconnection of components that are operationally coupled to one another. As previously stated, the present invention relates to requiring authentication of an age-restricted device, such as an aerosol delivery device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) device. Authentication may include or require prior age verification, such that the age-restricted device is not operational for a user who has not verified their age. Authentication may include the age-restricted device receiving a control signal to authenticate the device. The control signal may include acoustic and / or visual / optical signals to authenticate the device. In some cases, authentication may be initiated after a device activation procedure in order to conserve energy before authentication. However, in any case, authentication (and / or activation) may be initiated. -5 by inserting a dedicated module into the device. Therefore, the module can be added to minimize changes to existing ENDS device designs. An aerosol delivery device or ENDS is an example of a device that may be associated with a restriction, such as an age restriction. Other examples include cannabinoid delivery devices, such as those for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and / or cannabidiol (CBD), botanicals, medicinal products, and / or other active ingredients. Therefore, it will be appreciated that while an aerosol delivery device or ENDS is used as an example of various application modalities throughout, this example is intended to be non-limiting, such that the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be used with devices other than aerosol delivery devices or ENDS, including aerosol delivery devices that may be used to deliver other medicinal and / or active ingredients to a user or may include smokeless tobacco or other tobacco products. Device authentication via a control signal may be in addition to, or required as a prerequisite for, age verification by the user. A user whose age has not been verified will not be able to authenticate a device. Authentication may need to be performed periodically for the use of an age-restricted product. An age verification system may be in place to confirm a user's age and / or authenticate the appropriate user and / or device. In either case, these activities may be generally referred to as post-sales activation (PSA), and the signaling associated with device authentication and / or age verification may be affected by the capabilities of the device providing the signaling and / or the environment in which the signal is sent.Therefore, it may be desirable to configure the aerosol delivery device (ENDS) to adapt to a wide range of different device capabilities and signaling contexts. In other words, it may be desirable to provide the aerosol delivery device with a certain level of agility in terms of determining what capabilities or signaling contexts might be encountered during a given communication session, and to adjust the device's characteristics accordingly. By configuring the aerosol delivery device with such agility, it can effectively become agnostic with respect to the host device with which communication is required to employ PSA. Since the examples of the modalities can be used in connection with the provision of safety for non-combustible aerosol delivery systems, such as ENDS devices, a general description of an example device will be provided, as some aspects of the case described in this application can be adapted to interact with such devices. Unless otherwise specified or clearly implied from the context, references to first, second, or similar terms should not be interpreted as implying a specific order. An element described as being above another element (unless otherwise stated) is not necessarily the same as the element above it. -6 (unless otherwise specified or clear from the context) may be below, and vice versa; likewise, elements described as being to the left of another element may be to the right, and vice versa. Furthermore, although this document refers to quantitative measurements, values, geometric relationships, or the like, unless otherwise stated, one or more of these, if not all, may be absolute or approximate to account for acceptable variations, such as those due to technical tolerances or the like. As used herein, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, the OR of a set of operands is inclusive OR and is therefore true if and only if one or more of the operands are true, as opposed to exclusive OR, which is false when all operands are true. Thus, for example, [A] OR [B] is true if [A] is true, or if [B] is true, or if both [A] and [B] are true. Furthermore, the articles a / one / an mean one or more, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context that they refer to a single form. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise specified, the terms data, content, digital content, information, and others like them may be used interchangeably on occasion. Examples of the embodiments of the present invention generally relate to delivery systems designed to supply at least one substance to a user, for example, to satisfy a particular consumption need. The substance may include components that produce a physiological effect on the user, a sensory effect on the user, or both. Delivery systems can take many forms. Examples of suitable delivery systems include aerosol delivery systems, such as powered aerosol delivery systems designed to release one or more substances or compounds from an aerosol-generating material without burning the aerosol-generating material. These aerosol delivery systems may sometimes be called non-combustible aerosol delivery systems, aerosol delivery devices, or similar terms, and the aerosol-generating material may be, for example, in the form of a solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. Examples of suitable aerosol delivery systems include vapor products, heat-not-burn products, hybrid products, and the like. Vapor products are commonly known as electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), although the aerosol-generating material does not necessarily have to contain nicotine. Many vapor products are designed to heat a liquid material to generate an aerosol. Other vapor products are designed to break down an aerosol-generating material into an aerosol without heating, or only with secondary heating. Non-heating products include heated tobacco products (THPs) and carbon-tipped heated tobacco products (CTHPs). -7 and many are designed to heat a solid material to generate an aerosol without burning the material. Hybrid products utilize a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each aerosol-generating material may be, for example, in solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gel form. Some hybrid products are similar to vapor products, except that the aerosol generated from a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material passes through a second material (such as tobacco) to pick up additional components before reaching the user. In some examples of these modalities, the hybrid system includes both a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product. Figure 1A is a block diagram of an aerosol delivery system 100 according to some examples of the embodiments. In several examples, the aerosol delivery system may be a vapor product, a heat-not-burn type product, or a hybrid product. The aerosol delivery system includes one or more of each of a number of components, including, for example, an aerosol delivery device 102, and a consumable 104 (sometimes referred to as an item) for use with the aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery system also includes an aerosol generator 106. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator may be part of the aerosol delivery device or the consumable. In other embodiments, the aerosol generator may be separate from the aerosol delivery device and the consumable, and removably attached to the aerosol delivery device and / or the consumable. In several examples, the aerosol delivery system 100 and its components, including the aerosol delivery device 102 and the consumable 104, may be reusable or single-use. In some examples, the aerosol delivery system, which includes both the aerosol delivery device and the consumable, may be single-use. In some examples, the aerosol delivery device may be reusable, and the consumable may be reusable (e.g., refillable) or single-use (e.g., replaceable). In other examples, the consumable may be both refillable and replaceable. In examples where the aerosol generator 106 is part of the aerosol delivery device or the consumable, the aerosol generator may be reusable or single-use, just like the aerosol delivery device or the consumable. In some examples of the modalities, the aerosol delivery device 102 may include a housing 108 with a power supply 110 and circuitry 112. The power supply is configured to provide power to the aerosol delivery device and, therefore, to the aerosol delivery system 100. The power supply may be, or include, for example, an electrical power source such as a non-rechargeable battery. The power supply may be, or include, for example, a source of frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi -8electric power supply such as a non-rechargeable or rechargeable battery, a solid state battery (SSB), a lithium-ion battery, a supercapacitor, or similar. Circuitry 112 may be configured to enable one or more functionalities (sometimes called services) of the aerosol delivery device 102 and, therefore, of the aerosol delivery system 100. The circuitry system includes electronic components, and in some examples, one or more of the electronic components may be formed by a circuit board, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). In some examples, circuit 112 includes at least one switch 114 that can be manipulated directly or indirectly by a user to activate the aerosol delivery device 102 and, consequently, the aerosol delivery system 100. The switch may be or include a push button, a touch-sensitive surface, or similar device that can be manually operated by the user. Additionally or alternatively, the switch may be or include a sensor configured to detect one or more process variables that indicate the use of the aerosol delivery device or the aerosol delivery system. An example is a flow sensor, pressure sensor, pressure switch, or similar device configured to detect airflow or a change in pressure caused by airflow when a user draws the consumable 104.Switch 114 may provide user interface functionality. In some examples, circuitry 112 may include a user interface (UI) 116 that is separate from or incorporates the switch. The UI may include one or more input and / or output devices to enable interaction between the user and the aerosol delivery device 02. As described above with respect to the switch, examples of suitable input devices include pushbuttons, touch-sensitive surfaces, and the like. The one or more output devices generally include devices configured to provide information in a human-perceptible form, which may be visual, audible, or tactile / haptic. Examples of suitable output devices include light sources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), quantum dot-based LEDs, and the like.Other examples of suitable output devices include display devices (e.g., electronic visual displays), touch screens (integrated touch surface and display device), speakers, vibration motors, and the like. In some examples, circuitry 112 includes processing circuitry 118 configured to perform data processing, application execution, or other processing, control, or management services according to one or more of the examples of the modalities. The processing circuitry may include an embedded processor in a variety of forms, such as at least a processor core, microprocessor, coprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or various other computing or processing devices, including one or more integrated circuits, such as, for example, an ASIC (application-integrated circuit). -9specific), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), some combination thereof, or similar. In some examples, the processing circuitry may include memory coupled to or integrated with the processor, which may store data, instructions for computer programs executable by the processor, some combination thereof, or similar. As also shown in some examples, the housing 108, and therefore the aerosol delivery device 102, may also include a coupler 120 and / or a receptacle 122 structured to engage and hold the consumable 104, and thus couple the aerosol delivery device to the consumable. The coupler may be, or include, a connector, closure, or the like, configured to connect with a corresponding coupler on the consumable, such as by means of a push-fit (or interference) connection, a threaded connection, a magnetic connection, or the like. The receptacle may be, or include, a reservoir, tank, container, cavity, receiving chamber, or the like, structured to receive and contain the consumable or at least a portion thereof. Consumable 104 is an item that includes aerosol-generating material 124 (also called aerosol precursor composition), some or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. Aerosol delivery system 100 may include one or more consumables, and each consumable may include one or more aerosol-generating materials. In some examples where the aerosol delivery system is a hybrid product, the aerosol delivery system may include a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol, which may pass through a second solid aerosol-generating material to pick up additional components before reaching the user. These aerosol-generating materials may be contained within a single consumable or within separate consumables that can be extracted. The aerosol-generating material 124 is capable of generating aerosol, for example, when heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. The aerosol-generating material may be, for example, in the form of a solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gel. The aerosol-generating material may include an amorphous solid, which may alternatively be called a monolithic solid (i.e., non-fibrous). In some examples, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may include from approximately 50%, 60%, or 70% amorphous solid, up to approximately 90%, 95%, or 100% amorphous solid. The aerosol generating material 124 may include one or more of each of a number of constituents such as an active substance 126, a flavoring 128, an aerosol forming material 130 or other functional material 132. Active substance 126 may be a physiologically active material, i.e., a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response such as the improvement of the state of frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi -10 alertness, improved concentration, increased energy, increased stamina, increased calmness, or improved sleep. The active ingredient may be, for example, a nutraceutical, a nootropic, or a psychoactive. The active ingredient may be natural or synthetic. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), L-theanine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 (cobalamin) or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, terpenes, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active ingredient may include one or more constituents, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another botanical product. In some examples where active substance 126 includes derivatives or extracts, the active substance may be or include one or more cannabinoids or terpenes. As stated herein, active substance 126 may include or be derived from one or more botanical products or constituents, derivatives, or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term botanical includes any material derived from plants, including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husks, shells, or the like. Alternatively, the material may include an active compound that occurs naturally in a botanical product or is obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, crushed particles, granules, pellets, strips, sheets, or the like.Some examples of botanical products are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cacao, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice, matcha, yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, anise, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, steak plant, turmeric, sandalwood, coriander, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, and blackcurrant. valerian, pepper, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof.Mint can be chosen from the following varieties of mint: Mentha Arventis, Mentha cv, Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Menthapiperita citrate cv, Mentha piperita cv, Mentha spicata crisp, Mentha cardifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata cv and Mentha suaveolens. In other examples, the active substance 126 may be or include one or more of the following substances: 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) / ox¡tr¡ptan / Griffonia simplicifolia, acetylcholine, arachidonic acid (AA, omega-6), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Bacopa monniera, beta alanine, beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), Asian Centella, chai-hu, cinnamon, citicoline, cotinine, creatine, curcumin, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, omega-3), dopamine, Dorstenia arifolia, Dorstenia Odorata, essential oils, GABA, Galphimia glauca, glutamic acid, hops, frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi - 11 kaempferia parviflora (Thai ginseng), kava, L-carnitine, L-arginine, lavender oil, L-choline, regalis, L-lysine, L-theanine, L-tryptophan, lutein, magnesium, magnesium L-threonate, myoinositol, nardostachys chinensis, nitrate, Viola odorata oil extract, oxygen, phenylalanine, phosphatidylserine, quercetin, resveratrol, Rhizoma gastrodiae, Rhodiola, Rhodiola rosea, essential rose oil, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), sceletium tortuosum, schisandra, selenium, serotonin, skullcap, spearmint extract, nard, theobromine, turmeric, Turnera aphrodisiaca, tyrosine, vitamin A, vitamin B3 or yerba mate. In some examples of the modalities, the aerosol generating material 124 includes a flavoring 128. As used herein, the terms flavoring and flavor refer to materials that, where permitted by local regulations, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensory sensation in a product for adult consumers. Flavorings may include flavoring materials of natural origin, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese whitebark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, anise, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, grass, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, blueberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian,dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, blackberry, citrus, Drambuie, bourbon, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, paprika, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cacao, lemongrass, rooibos, flaxseed, ginkgo biloba, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, flower of elderberry, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, steak plant, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pepper, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, limonenethymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor blockers, sensory receptor activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as activated charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanical substances, or breath fresheners. Flavorings may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof. Flavorings may be in any suitable form, e.g., liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gaseous. In some examples of the modalities, flavoring 128 may include a sensory agent, intended to achieve a somatosensory sensation that is usually chemically induced frfróznn / rznz / e / YiAi -12 and be perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or instead of the olfactory or gustatory nerves, and may include agents that provide warming, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. A suitable warming agent may be, among others, vinyl ether, and a suitable cooling agent may be, among others, eucalyptol, WS-3. Aerosol-forming material 130 may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some examples of the embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may include one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of diacetin, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. The other functional materials 132 may include one or more pH regulators, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants. Suitable binders include, for example, pectin, guar gum, fruit pectin, citrus pectin, tobacco pectin, hydroxyethylated guar gum, hydroxypropylated guar gum, hydroxyethylated carob gum, hydroxypropylated carob gum, alginate, starch, modified starch, derived starch, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, ethylhydroxymethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, tamarind gum, dextran, pullalon, konjac flour, or xanthan gum. In some examples of the modalities, the aerosol-generating material 124 may be present on or in a support to form a substrate 134. The support may be or include, for example, paper, cardboard, cardstock, reconstituted material (for example, a material formed from reconstituted plant material, such as reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted hemp, etc.), a plastic material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some examples, the support includes a susceptor, which may be embedded within the aerosol-generating material or on one or both sides of the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown separately, in some embodiments, consumable 104 may also include a structured receptacle for engaging and holding aerosol-generating material 124, or substrate 134 containing the aerosol-generating material. The receptacle may be or include a reservoir, tank, container, cavity, receiving chamber, or the like, structured to receive and contain the aerosol-generating material or the substrate. The consumable may include an aerosol-generating material transfer component (also called a liquid transport element) configured to transport the aerosol-generating material to the aerosol generator 106. The aerosol-generating material may be a substrate. The aerosol-generating material transfer component may be adapted to absorb or otherwise transport the aerosol-generating material by capillary action.In some examples, the material transfer component generating frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi. -13Aerosol may include a microfluidic chip, a micropump, or another component suitable for transporting the aerosol-generating material. The aerosol generator 106 (also called the atomizer, aerosolizer, or aerosol-generating component) is configured to energize the aerosol-generating material 124 in order to generate an aerosol, or to cause the generation of an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. More specifically, in some examples, the aerosol generator can be powered by the power supply 110 under the control of circuit 112 to energize the aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol. In some examples of the modalities, the aerosol generator 106 is an electric heater configured to perform electrical heating where the electrical energy from the power supply is converted into thermal energy, which is applied to the aerosol-generating material to release one or more volatiles from the material and form an aerosol. Examples of suitable forms of electrical heating are resistance (Joule) heating, induction heating, dielectric and microwave heating, radiant heating, arc heating, and similar methods. More specific examples of suitable electric heaters include resistive heating elements such as wire coils, flat plates, tips, microheaters, or similar components. In some examples of the configurations, the aerosol generator 106 is set up to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating, or only with secondary heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be set up to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of the following: pressure, vibration, or electrostatic energy. More specific examples of these aerosol generators include jet nebulizers, ultrasonic wave nebulizers, vibrating mesh technology (VMT) nebulizers, surface acoustic wave (SAW) nebulizers, and similar devices. A jet nebulizer is configured to use compressed gas (e.g., air, oxygen) to break down the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol, and an ultrasonic wave nebulizer is configured to use ultrasonic waves to break down the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol. A VMT nebulizer includes a mesh and a piezoelectric material (e.g., piezoelectric, piezomagnetic) that can be driven to vibrate and cause the mesh to break down the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol. A SAW nebulizer is configured to use surface acoustic waves or Rayleigh waves to break down the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol. In some examples, the aerosol generator 106 may include a susceptor, or the susceptor may be part of the substrate 134. The susceptor is a material heatable by penetration with a variable magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generator, which may be separate from the aerosol generator or part of it. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material, so that its penetration with a field frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi -14 A variable magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic, so that its penetration with a variable magnetic field causes heating by magnetic hysteresis of the heating material. In some examples, the susceptor may be both electrically and magnetically conductive, so the susceptor in these examples can be heated by both heating mechanisms. Although not shown separately, the aerosol delivery device 102 or the consumable 104, or both, may include an aerosol modifying agent. The aerosol modifying agent is a substance configured to modify the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material 124, for example, by changing the taste, flavor, acidity, or other characteristic of the aerosol. In several examples, the aerosol modifying agent may be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol modifying agent may include, for example, one or more flavorings, colorants, water, or carbon adsorbents. The aerosol modifying agent may be solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gel. The aerosol modifying agent may be in powder, strand, or granule form. The aerosol modifying agent may be free of filtration material.In some examples, the aerosol modifying agent may be supplied in an aerosol modifying agent release component, which is operable to selectively release the aerosol modifying agent. The aerosol delivery system 100 and its components, including the aerosol delivery device 102, the consumable 104, and the aerosol generator 106, can be manufactured in any of the different form factors and with additional or alternative components to those described above. Figures 1B and 1C illustrate an aerosol delivery system 140 in vapor form, which in some embodiments may correspond to aerosol delivery system 100. As shown, the aerosol delivery system 140 may include an aerosol delivery device 141 (also called a control body or power unit) and a consumable 142 (also called a cartridge or reservoir), which may correspond respectively to aerosol delivery device 102 and consumable 104. The aerosol delivery system, and in particular the consumable, may also include an aerosol generator corresponding to aerosol generator 106, and in the form of an electric heater 144, such as a heating element like a metal plate or a coil of metal wire configured to convert electrical energy into heat energy by resistance (Joule) heating.The aerosol delivery device and the consumable can be permanently or detachably aligned in an operating relationship. Figures 1B and 1C illustrate, respectively, a perspective view and a partially cut side view of the aerosol delivery system in a coupled configuration. As shown in Figure 1B and Figure 1C, the aerosol device 141 and the consumable 142 include several components. The components illustrated in Figure 1C are representative of the components that may be present in a delivery device. -15 of aerosol and consumable, and do not intend to limit the scope of the components covered by the present invention. The aerosol delivery device 141 may include a housing 145 (sometimes referred to as the aerosol delivery device housing) that may include a power supply 150. The housing may also include circuitry 152 with a sensor-shaped switch 154. The housing may also include a user interface that includes a light source 156 that can be illuminated by the use of the aerosol delivery system 140, and a processing circuit 158 ​​(also referred to as the control component). The housing may also include a receptacle in the form of a consumable receiving chamber 162 structured to engage and hold the consumable 142.And the consumable may include an aerosol generating material 164 that may correspond to aerosol generating material 124, and that may include one or more of each of a number of constituents such as an active substance, a flavoring, an aerosol forming material or other functional material. As also shown in Figure 1C, the aerosol delivery device 141 may also include electrical connectors 166 positioned in the receiving chamber of the consumable 162, configured to electrically couple the circuits and thus the aerosol delivery device to the consumable 142, and in particular electrical contacts 168 on the consumable. In this respect, the electrical connectors and electrical contacts may form a connection interface between the aerosol delivery device and the consumable. As also shown, the aerosol delivery device may include an external electrical connector 170 for connecting the aerosol delivery device to one or more external devices. Examples of suitable external electrical connectors include USB connectors, proprietary connectors such as Apple's Lightning connector, and the like. In several examples, consumable 142 includes a reservoir and a nozzle. The reservoir and nozzle parts may be integrated or permanently attached, or the reservoir part may define the nozzle part (or vice versa). In other examples, the reservoir and nozzle parts may be separate and removable. The consumable 142, the reservoir portion, and / or the nozzle portion can be defined separately with respect to a longitudinal axis (L), a first transverse axis (T1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second transverse axis (T2) perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis and the first transverse axis. The consumable may consist of a housing 172 (sometimes referred to as the consumable casing) enclosing a reservoir 174 (in the reservoir portion) configured to retain the aerosol-generating material 164. In some examples, the consumable may include an aerosol generator, such as the electric heater 144 in the illustrated example. In some examples, the electrical connectors 166 on the aerosol delivery device 141 and the electrical contacts 168 on the consumable may connect. -16electrically the electric heater with the power supply 150 and / or the circuits 152 of the aerosol delivery device. As shown in some examples, the reservoir 174 can be in fluid communication with an aerosol-generating material transfer component 176 adapted to absorb or otherwise transport the aerosol-generating material 164 stored in the reservoir housing to the electric heater 144. At least a portion of the aerosol-generating material transfer component can be positioned near (for example, directly adjacent to, adjacent to, in close proximity to, or in relatively close proximity to) the electric heater. The aerosol-generating material transfer component can extend between the electric heater and the aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir, and at least a portion of the electric heater can be located above a proximal end of the reservoir.For the purposes of the present invention, the term "above" in this particular context shall be understood to mean toward a proximal end of the reservoir and / or consumable 142 in a direction substantially along the longitudinal axis (L). Other arrangements of the aerosol-generating material transfer component are also contemplated within the scope of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material transfer component may be located near a distal end of the reservoir and / or arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis (L). The electric heater 144 and the aerosol-generating material transfer component 176 can be configured as separate, seamlessly connected elements, or as a combined element. For example, in some embodiments, an electric heater can be integrated into an aerosol-generating material transfer component. Furthermore, the electric heater and the aerosol-generating material transfer component can be of any construction as described herein. In some examples, a valve can be positioned between the reservoir 174 and the electric heater and configured to control the quantity of aerosol-generating material 164 that flows from or is supplied from the reservoir to the electric heater. An opening 178 may be present in the housing 172 (for example, at the nozzle end of the nozzle portion) to allow the aerosol formed from the consumable 142 to exit. As previously stated, the circuitry 152 of the aerosol delivery device 141 may include a number of electronic components, and in some examples, it may consist of a circuit board such as a PCB that supports and electrically connects the electronic components. The sensor 154 (switch) may be one of these electronic components located on the circuit board. In some examples, the sensor may comprise its own circuit board or another base element to which it can be attached. In some examples, frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi - 17A flexible circuit board can be used. A flexible circuit board can be configured in a variety of ways. In some examples, a flexible circuit board can be combined with, overlapped with, or form part or all of a heating substrate. In some examples, the reservoir 174 may be a container for storing the aerosol-generating material 164. In some examples, the reservoir may be or include a fibrous reservoir with a substrate containing the aerosol-generating material on or within a support. For example, the reservoir may comprise one or more layers of nonwoven fibers substantially formed in the shape of a tube surrounding the interior of the housing 172, in this example. The aerosol-generating material may be retained in the reservoir. Liquid components, for example, may be absorbed by the reservoir. The reservoir may be in fluid connection with the aerosol-generating material transfer component 176. The aerosol-generating material transfer component may transport the aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir via capillary action—or via a micropump—to the electric heater 144.As such, the electric heater is located inside the tank. Therefore, the electric heater is arranged in conjunction with the aerosol-generating material transfer component. When a user uses the aerosol system 140, the sensor 154 detects the airflow, and the electric heater 144 is activated to ignite the aerosol-generating material 164 and produce an aerosol. Upon inhaling from the nozzle end of the aerosol delivery system, ambient air enters and passes through the system. In the consumable 142, the inhaled air mixes with the aerosol drawn from the electric heater and exits through the opening 178 at the nozzle end of the aerosol system. Again, as shown in Figures 1B and 1C, the aerosol generator of the aerosol delivery system 140 is an electric heater 144 designed to heat the aerosol-generating material 164 to produce an aerosol. In other embodiments, the aerosol generator is designed to break down the aerosol-generating material without heating, or only with secondary heating. Figure 1D illustrates a nebulizer 180 that can be used to implement the aerosol generator of an aerosol delivery system, according to some of these embodiment examples. As shown in Figure 1D, the nebulizer 180 includes a mesh plate 182 and a piezoelectric material 184 that can be bonded together. The piezoelectric material can be driven to vibrate and cause the mesh plate to break up the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol. In some examples, the nebulizer may also include a support component located on one side of the mesh plate opposite the piezoelectric material to increase the mesh plate's lifespan, and / or an auxiliary component between the mesh plate and the piezoelectric material to facilitate interfacial contact between the mesh plate and the piezoelectric material. frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi -18 In several examples of the modalities, the mesh plate 182 can have a variety of different configurations. The mesh plate can have a flat profile, a domed shape (concave or convex with respect to the spray-generating material), or a flat portion and a domed portion. The mesh plate defines a plurality of perforations 186 that can be substantially uniform or vary in size across a perforated portion of the mesh plate. The perforations can be circular or non-circular openings (e.g., oval, rectangular, triangular, regular polygons, irregular polygons). In three dimensions, the perforations can have a fixed cross-section, as in the case of cylindrical perforations with a fixed circular cross-section, or a variable cross-section, as in the case of truncated conical perforations with a variable circular cross-section.In other forms, the perforations can be tetragonal or pyramidal. Piezoelectric material 184 may be or include a piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material. A piezoelectric material may be coupled to circuits configured to produce an oscillating electrical signal that vibrates the piezoelectric material. In the case of a piezomagnetic material, the circuits may produce a pair of antiphase oscillating electrical signals to drive a pair of magnets and produce antiphase oscillating magnetic fields that vibrate the piezomagnetic material. The piezoelectric material 184 can be attached to the mesh plate 182, and the vibration of the piezoelectric material can, in turn, vibrate the mesh plate. The mesh plate can be in contact with or immersed in aerosol-generating material, in sufficient proximity to aerosol-generating material, or it can otherwise receive aerosol-generating material through an aerosol-generating material transfer component. The vibration of the mesh plate can then cause the aerosol-generating material to pass through the perforations 186, which break the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol. More specifically, in some examples, the aerosol-generating material can be guided through the perforations 186 in the vibrating mesh plate 182, resulting in aerosol particles.In other examples where the mesh plate is in contact with or immersed in aerosol-generating material, the vibrating mesh plate can create ultrasonic waves within the aerosol-generating material that cause the formation of an aerosol on the surface of the aerosol-generating material. As described above, hybrid products utilize a combination of aerosol-generating materials, and some hybrid products are similar to vapor products except that the aerosol generated from one aerosol-generating material can pass through a second aerosol-generating material to collect additional constituents. Another similar aerosol delivery system in the form of a hybrid product can therefore be constructed similarly to the vapor product in Figures 1B and 1C (with an electric heater 144 or a nebulizer 180). The hybrid product may include a second aerosol-generating material through which the aerosol from the aerosol-generating material passes. -19164 to collect additional constituents before passing through opening 178 at the nozzle end of the aerosol delivery system. Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate an aerosol delivery system 200 in the form of an unheated product type, which in some embodiments may correspond to aerosol delivery system 100. As shown, the aerosol delivery system may include an aerosol delivery device 202 (also called a control body or power unit) and a consumable 204 (also called an aerosol source element or cartridge), which may correspond respectively to aerosol delivery device 102 and consumable 104. The aerosol delivery system, and in particular the aerosol delivery device, may also include an aerosol generator corresponding to aerosol generator 106, and in the form of an electric heater 206. The aerosol delivery device and the consumable may be permanently or detachably aligned in an operating relationship.Figure 2A illustrates the aerosol delivery system in a coupled configuration, while Figure 2B illustrates the aerosol delivery system in a decoupled configuration. Figure 2C illustrates a partially cut side view of the aerosol delivery system in the coupled configuration. As shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, the aerosol delivery device 202 and the consumable 204 each include a number of respective components. The components illustrated in the figures are representative of the components that may be present in an aerosol delivery device and consumable and are not intended to limit the scope of the components covered by the present invention. The aerosol delivery device 202 may include a housing 208 (sometimes called the aerosol delivery device housing) that may include a power supply 210. The housing may also include circuitry 212 with a sensor-shaped switch 214, a user interface including a light source 216 that can be illuminated by the use of the aerosol delivery system 200, and processing circuitry 218 (also called control components). In some examples, at least some of the electronic components of the circuitry may consist of a circuit board or flexible circuit board that electrically supports and connects the electronic components. Housing 208 may also include a receptacle in the form of a consumable receiving chamber 220 structured to engage and hold consumable 204. Consumable 204 may include an aerosol-generating material 224, which may correspond to aerosol-generating material 124, and which may include one or more of a number of constituents such as an active substance, a flavoring, an aerosol-forming material, or other functional material. The aerosol-generating material may be present on or in a carrier to form a substrate 226. frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi -20In the coupled configuration of the aerosol delivery system 200, consumable 204 may be retained in the receiving chamber 220 to varying degrees. In some examples, less than half or approximately half of the consumable may be retained in the receiving chamber 220. In other examples, more than half of consumable 204 may be retained in the receiving chamber 220. In other examples, substantially half of consumable 204 may be retained in the receiving chamber 220. In other examples, virtually all of consumable 204 may be retained in the receiving chamber 220. As shown in Figures 2B and 2C, in various embodiments of the present invention, the consumable 204 may include a heated end 228 sized and shaped for insertion into the aerosol delivery device 202, and a nozzle end 230 over which a user positions themselves to create the aerosol. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the heated end may include the aerosol-generating material 224. In some examples of the embodiments, the mouthpiece end 230 of the consumable 204 may include a filter 232 made of a material such as cellulose acetate or polypropylene. The filter may additionally or alternatively contain strands of tobacco-containing material. In some examples, at least a portion of the consumable may be wrapped in an outer material, which may be made of any material useful for providing additional structure, support, and / or thermal resistance. In some examples, excess length of the wrapper at the mouthpiece end of the consumable may simply serve to separate the aerosol-generating material 224 from a user's mouth, provide space for the placement of a filter material, or affect the draw of the consumable or the flow characteristics of the aerosol exiting the consumable during draw. The electric heater 206 can electrically heat the aerosol-generating material 224 by resistance (Joule) heating, induction heating, dielectric and microwave heating, radiant heating, arc heating, and similar methods. The electric heater can have a variety of different configurations. In some examples, at least a portion of the electric heater may surround or at least partially surround at least a portion of the consumable 204 containing the aerosol-generating material when it is inserted into the aerosol delivery device 202. In other examples, at least a portion of the electric heater may penetrate the consumable when it is inserted into the aerosol delivery device. In some examples, the substrate material 226 may include a susceptor, which may be embedded within the aerosol-generating material or on one or both sides of the aerosol-generating material. Although shown as part of the aerosol delivery device 202, the electric heater 206 may instead be part of consumable 504. In some examples, the electric heater or a part of the electric heater may be combined, frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi -21 packaged or integrated with (e.g. embedded within) the aerosol generating material 224. As shown in some examples, the electric heater 206 may extend close to a latching end of the housing 208, and may be configured to substantially surround a portion of the heated end 228 of the consumable 204 that includes the aerosol-generating material 224. The electric heater 206 may be or may include an outer cylinder 242, and one or more resistive heating elements 244 such as tips surrounded by the outer cylinder to create the receiving chamber 220, which may extend from a receiving base 246 of the aerosol delivery device to an opening 248 of the housing 208 of the aerosol delivery device.In some examples, the outer cylinder may be a double-walled vacuum tube constructed of stainless steel to keep the heat generated by the resistive heating element(s) inside the outer cylinder, and more particularly, to keep the heat generated by the resistive heating element(s) inside the aerosol generating material. Similar to the electric heater 206, the resistive heating element(s) 244 may have a variety of configurations and range in number from a single resistive heating element to a plurality of resistive heating elements. As shown, the resistive heating element(s) may extend from a receiving base 246 of the aerosol delivery device 202. In some examples, the resistive heating element(s) may be located at or around an approximate radial center of the heated end 228 of the consumable 204 when it is inserted into the aerosol delivery device. In some examples, the resistive heating element(s) may penetrate the heated end of the consumable and come into direct contact with the aerosol-generating material.In other examples, the resistive heating element(s) may be located within (but out of direct contact with) a cavity defined by an inner surface of the heated end of the consumable. In some examples, the resistive heating element(s) 244 of the electric heater 206 may be connected to an electrical circuit that includes the power supply 210, so that the electric current produced by the power supply can pass through the resistive heating element(s). The passage of electric current through the resistive heating element(s) may, in turn, cause the resistive heating element(s) to produce heat through resistance heating (Joule heating). In other examples, the electric heater 206, which includes the outer cylinder 242 and the resistive heating element(s) 244, can be configured for induction heating, where the outer cylinder is connected to one electrical circuit that includes the power supply 210, and the resistive heating element(s) are connected to another electrical circuit. In this configuration, the cylinder frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi The outer cylinder and resistive heating element(s) can function as a transformer, where the outer cylinder is an induction transmitter and the resistive heating element(s) is / are an induction receiver. In some of these examples, the outer cylinder and the resistive heating element(s) can be part of the aerosol delivery device 202. In other examples, the outer cylinder can be part of the aerosol delivery device, and the resistive heating element(s) can be part of consumable 204. The outer cylinder 242 can receive alternating current directly from the power supply 210, or indirectly from a power supply in which an inverter (as part of circuit 212) is configured to convert the direct current from the power supply into alternating current. The alternating current drives the outer cylinder to generate an oscillating magnetic field, which induces eddy currents in the resistive heating element(s) 244. These eddy currents, in turn, induce further eddy currents in the resistive heating element(s) 244. These eddy currents then cause the resistive heating element(s) to generate heat by resistance (Joule) heating.In these examples, the resistive heating element(s) can be wirelessly heated to form an aerosol from the aerosol generating material 224 placed near the resistive heating element(s). In several of the embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 202 may include an air inlet 250 (e.g., one or more openings or apertures) in the housing 208 (and perhaps also in the receiving base 246) to allow airflow into the receiving chamber 220. When a user inhales or draws air into the nozzle end 228 of the consumable 204, the airflow may pass into the consumable 224 and be drawn through the receiving chamber. Alternatively, when a user inhales or draws air into the nozzle end 228 of the consumable 204, the airflow may be drawn through the air inlet into the receiving chamber, pass into the consumable, and be drawn through the aerosol-generating material 224. The airflow may be detected by the aerosol detection system. The airflow can be detected by sensor 214, and the electric heater 206 can be activated to energize the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol.The airflow may be combined with the aerosol that is agitated, drawn in, or otherwise extracted through an opening at the nozzle end of the aerosol delivery system. In examples including the 232 filter, the airflow combined with the aerosol may be extracted through an opening in the filter at the nozzle end. As previously indicated, PSA may be desirable after the purchase or acquisition of the 102 / 202 aerosol delivery devices of Figures 1 and 2, or other similar devices. Figure 3 illustrates an example system diagram for the functional control of a 300 device (which may be an example of the 102 / 202 aerosol delivery devices of Figures 1 and 2) for PSA according to an example of one mode. In this respect, Figure 3 illustrates how the 300 device communicates with a system of frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi -23 Age verification 310 via a 320 network and a 330 host device, in order to verify the user's age, which can also be used to periodically authenticate the 300 device. The 300 device can be in a locked state (for example, where the 300 device is unusable or its use is strictly controlled) until it is successfully authenticated by the PSA process. After authentication, the 300 device can be unlocked and function normally. The 310 age verification system can be operationally coupled with the 330 host device via the 320 network. Although not shown, the 310 age verification system can be coupled with the 300 device via the 320 network. The 300 device can be any aerosol delivery device, including, for example, an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) device, according to several of the embodiments described above. In one embodiment, the 310 age verification system can not only verify an age (for example, for an age-restricted product) but can also provide authentication or user identification (for example, for a legitimate purchase or to prevent theft). An example of authentication and age verification by the 310 age verification system is described in more detail in US patent application 16 / 415,460, entitled "AUTHENTICATION AND AGE VERIFICATION FOR AN AEROSOL DELIVERY DEVICE," which claims priority over provisional patent application US 62 / 282,222 on April 2, 2019, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.The authentication described below may be based on age verification being performed first and then referenced for subsequent authentication by a control signal 340 sent to device 300. However, there may be other verification mechanisms besides age verification. For example, in some modalities, user identification may be performed instead of age verification. Thus, for example, the age verification system 310 is more generally just an example of an authorization system that is configured to perform PSA for device 300, and the age verification system 310 may therefore be more generally referred to as an authentication agent.Cartridges or consumables may be registered as part of the age verification or authentication process, as described in US patent application 16 / 415,444, entitled AGE VERIFICATION WITH REGISTERED CARTRIDGES FOR AN AEROSOL DELIVERY DEVICE, filed on May 17, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference, as well as in US patent 8,689,804 to Fernando et al., which discloses identification systems for smoking devices, which is also incorporated herein by reference. The 310 age verification system may include a database that tracks users and their ages, as well as maintaining a record of devices and components (e.g., cartridges) along with their approvals. It may be encrypted and / or use frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi -24 anonymous identifiers (e.g., numbers, letters, or any alphanumeric identifier) ​​for each user. The initial age verification can be performed and stored in a database, such as the one maintained by the age verification system (310) and / or otherwise accessible via the network (320). In some modalities, age verification records can be maintained using blockchain technology. Future age verification requests from that user can be confirmed by querying the database. Specifically, once a user is initially age-verified as confirmed in the age verification system's database, future verifications (i.e., authentications) can simply be queried to this database to unlock the device (300). In other words, a user initially performs an age verification, and subsequent use may require authentication without the full initial age verification requirements.The frequency with which the 300 device must be unlocked or authenticated can vary. Similarly, the timing of when a user must re-verify their age (or re-authenticate) can also vary. For example, each time the cartridge is replaced, the user may need to re-verify or re-authenticate. In some models, re-authentication may be required after a certain number of inhalations of the 300 device or may be based on the passage of time (e.g., once per hour, day, week, month, etc.). The online database can track authentication requests and set limits per user. This can prevent potential fraud such as a single user unlocking the devices of other underage users. This would also prevent the redistribution of unlocked (i.e., verified and authenticated) devices and / or accessories.Reasonable limits on the number of devices, chargers, consumables and / or authentications can prevent this potential fraud. A user profile can be stored (for example, on device 300 or from an application or app on a host device 330) that includes an age-verified identity for the user. An application on the host device 330 can access the user profile over a network, such as network 320. Once a user's age has been initially verified and confirmed in the age verification system's database, the user profile for that user can be generated and saved so that future verifications (i.e., authentications) can simply be queried against this database. In one mode, age verification can be a prerequisite for the host device 330 to generate and send the control signal 340 to device 300. The host device 330 can be any computing or communication device, such as a smartphone, tablet, mobile phone, analog phone, or computer. The host device 330 can communicate with or provide the control signal 340 to device 300 for authentication or activation. The control signal 340 from the host device 320 to device 300 can be a wired or wireless signal, such as a frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi signal. -25 radio frequency, a vibration signal, an audio signal, or a light / optical signal. Optical signals include those in the visible light spectrum, but also infrared signals, fiber optic signals, ultraviolet light signals, and signals associated with intensity or wavelength adjustment. Audible signals include those within and outside the range of human hearing. In addition, audible signals that employ decibel or frequency adjustment may also be included. In some modalities, the host device 330 can therefore audibly or optically couple with the device 300 to communicate the control signal 340 to authenticate and / or unlock the device 300.Therefore, the capacity of the host device 330 with respect to the transmission of the control signal 340, and the environmental factors that may affect the reception of the control signal 340 at device 300 are important for the success of the authentication or authorization of device 300. If a user obtains the 300 device and attempts to perform APS as described above, but the APS attempt fails due to limitations of the 330 host device or environmental factors, the user may feel irritated or annoyed. Meanwhile, if the PSA attempt proceeds smoothly for the user, the likelihood of user satisfaction, positive reviews, and continued sales of such devices can be increased. Therefore, to provide a greater probability of a positive user experience associated with PSA, the example modalities may include equipping the 300 device with an adaptive signal detector 350, as described in more detail below.In this regard, the adaptive signal detector 350 can be configured to adaptively process the control signal 340 based on the characteristics of the host device 330 and / or the environmental conditions, which are determinable by the adaptive signal detector 350. In other words, the adaptive signal detector 350 can be configured to evaluate the host device 330 while it receives the control signal 340, which contains an unlock code, and / or determine the environmental conditions that may affect the transmission / reception of the control signal 340. The adaptive signal detector 350 can then adjust its own settings to better process the control signal 340 for use with the unlock code for PSA.Therefore, in a context where the control signal 340 is an optical, audio, RF, or vibration signal, it should be noted that the adaptive signal detector 350 is configured to process the control signal 340 to determine the device characteristics and / or environmental factors that may affect the reception of the control signal 340 and adjust or fine-tune the receiver circuitry of the adaptive signal detector 350 to allow for better reception of the optical, audio, RF, or vibration signal, respectively, for processing the unlock code in the control signal 340. Furthermore, the control signal 340 may sometimes be configured to receive an optical, audio, RF, or vibration signal. Additionally, the control signal 340 may sometimes include a combination of any of the following signal types: frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi. -26 listed above, and therefore the adjustment may also include a combination of receivers that can be tuned accordingly. A more detailed example involving an optical signal will be described below, but the principles represented by the example also extend to the other signal types. Device 300 may also include a 360 lock set that prevents Device 300 from generating an aerosol when it is in a locked state, and allows it to generate the aerosol when it is in an unlocked state. For example, when locked, the lock set is configured to prevent aerosol generator 106 (Figure 1) from generating the aerosol, and to allow it to generate the aerosol when unlocked. The 360 ​​lock set may be the final step in the PSA process and may apply the unlock code (or unique code) provided in control signal 340 to transition from the locked to the unlocked state if the unlock code is authenticated.As such, the adaptive signal detector 350 can receive the control signal 340 and process it using adaptive techniques described herein. The unlock code for the control signal 340 can be provided to the lock assembly 360 and, if authenticated, allow device 300 to enter the unlocked state, enabling aerosol generation and thus successfully completing the PSA process. As previously stated, the 340 control signal can be a wireless signal, which can be, for example, optical or audible. General information regarding the processing of the 340 control signal as an optical signal is provided in US patent application 16 / 441,937, entitled FUNCTIONAL CONTROL AND AGE VERIFICATION OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES THROUGH VISUAL COMMUNICATION, filed on June 14, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference. Similarly, information regarding the processing of the 340 control signal as an audible signal is provided in US patent application 16 / 441,903, entitled FUNCTIONAL CONTROL AND AGE VERIFICATION OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES THROUGH LOUDSPEAKER COMMUNICATION, filed on June 14, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference.The adaptive signal detector 350 can be configured to provide adaptive processing for the control signal 340 in either context. However, to provide an example of how the adaptive signal detector 350 can be structured for some of the modalities, Figure 4 will be used to describe a specific example where the control signal 340 is an optical signal. Therefore, Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of an adaptive signal detector 400, which can be an example of a modality of the adaptive signal detector 350 of Figure 3 that is configured to perform PSA in conjunction with the control signal 340 of Figure 3, which materializes as an optical control signal. Referring now to Figure frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi -274, the adaptive signal detector 400 may include an optical detector 410 operably coupled to sensing circuitry configured as processing circuitry 420. The adaptive signal detector 400 may also include one or both of a context monitor 430 and a host device evaluator 440. In one embodiment, the adaptive signal detector 350 (and more particularly the processing circuit 420) may include a processor 470 and memory 480. The processing circuit 420 may be configured to perform data processing, control function execution, and / or other processing and management services according to an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 420 may be incorporated as a chip or chipset. In other words, the processing circuit 420 may comprise one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) that include materials, components, and / or wires in a structural assembly (e.g., a motherboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, size conservation, and / or electrical interaction limitation for the component circuits included therein.The 420 processing circuitry can therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement a modality of the present invention on a single chip or as a single system-on-a-chip. As such, in some cases, a chip or set of chips may constitute a means of performing one or more operations to provide the functionalities described herein. In one embodiment, the 420 processing circuit may be incorporated as a circuit chip (e.g., an integrated circuit chip) configured (e.g., with hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software) to perform the operations described herein. However, in some embodiments, the 420 processing circuit may be incorporated as part of an onboard computer. The 470 processor can be incorporated in various ways. For example, it can be incorporated as various processing elements, such as one or more microprocessors or other processing elements, a coprocessor, a controller, or various other computing or processing devices, including integrated circuits such as an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or similar components. In one example, the 470 processor can be configured to execute instructions stored in or otherwise accessible to the 470 processor. Therefore, whether configured by hardware or software, the 470 processor can execute instructions stored in or otherwise accessible to the 480 processor.As such, whether configured by hardware or by a combination of hardware and software, the 470 processor can represent an entity (e.g., physically incorporated in circuits - in the form of 420 processing circuits) capable of performing operations according to the modalities of the present invention while configured frfróznn / rznz / e / YiAi. -28 Consequently. Thus, for example, when the 470 processor is embodied as an ASIO, FPGA, or similar device, the 470 processor can be specifically configured in hardware to perform the operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the 470 processor is embodied as a software instruction executor, the instructions can specifically configure the 470 processor to perform the operations described herein. In one example of a mode, the processor 470 (or processing circuit 420) may be incorporated as, including or otherwise controlling the operation of the adaptive signal detector 400 based on inputs received by the processing circuit 420 and programming stored in memory 480. As such, in some modes, the processor 470 (or processing circuit 310) may be said to cause each of the operations described in relation to the optical detector 410, the context monitor 430, and the host device evaluator 440. In one exemplary embodiment, the 480 memory may include one or more non-transient memory devices, such as volatile and / or non-volatile memory, which may be fixed or removable. The 480 memory may be configured to store information, data, applications, instructions, or the like, to enable the 420 processing circuit to perform various functions according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. For example, the 480 memory could be configured to store input data for processing by the 470 processor. Additionally or alternatively, the 480 memory could be configured to store instructions for execution by the 470 processor. Alternatively, the 480 memory may include one or more databases capable of storing a variety of data sets that respond to received inputs.The contents of memory 480 may contain applications and / or instructions for execution by the processor 470 in order to perform the functionality associated with each respective application / instruction. In some cases, the applications may include instructions to provide inputs for controlling the operation of the optical detector 410, the context monitor 430, and the host device evaluator 440, as described herein. In one example of a modality, the 410 optical detector can include a light sensor, a photodiode, a reader, and / or an infrared detector. The light sensor can include any light-dependent resistive element. These types of resistive elements can change their resistance due to the presence or absence of light. This may require current to flow through the resistive element when an 490 optical signal is transmitted (for example, an authentication light sequence). The photodiode can include sensors that generate a small current when exposed to a light source and can act as a switch with a relatively fast response time. frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi -29S A reader is used, which can be a camera or other light detector. In one example, the user can capture an image of a unique code (for example, a barcode) generated on the host device's screen 330. The example barcodes can include any type of scannable identifier, such as a Universal Product Code (UPC) or a Data Matrix code. The example barcodes can include any type of scannable identifier, such as a Universal Product Code (UPC), a Data Matrix code, and / or a Quick Response (QR) code. The code can include any one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), three-dimensional (3D), or other types of codes. In other examples, a light sequence that provides the unique code can be provided. In either case, the unique code can be part of the optical signal 490 and can be decoded by the processing circuit 420.If the unique code is authentic, the optical signal 490 can be decoded. If the unique code is authentic, the processing circuit 420 can unlock device 300 or allow its use. In this regard, for example, optical signal 490 can be generated by the display (e.g., light / color arrangement on the display or display pulses) or by a flashlight (e.g., a rear-facing flashlight on a mobile device or other computing device) of host device 330. The display can be placed near optical detector 410 of device 300 to detect any color / pulse / pattern or sequence displayed on the screen. In the example of host device 330 with a flashlight application, an application could be programmed to make the flashlight emit light according to a specific pattern or sequence that provides the unique code within optical signal 490. The light intensity may be greater for a flashlight than for a typical display, which can affect the likelihood of signal loss during transmission. Furthermore, if the device 300 is in a bright or dark environment, or if the environment changes during transmission, these situations can affect the processing circuit's ability to process the information gathered by the optical detector 410. Other challenges affecting the transfer of an optical signal may also be related to the capabilities of the host device 330. For example, there may be certain challenges and variability related to detecting the start and / or end of a signal, determining edges in transmitted signals, speed and timing issues related to display capabilities that could stretch certain signals, noise, and so on.To improve the accuracy and reliability of the PSA efforts performed by the 300 device, the 400 adaptive signal detector can be configured with enhanced capabilities (and flexible configurations to support them) for detecting signal start / end, detecting signal edges (e.g., by automatic threshold detection), employing flexible duration limits, employing timing calibration, and / or employing iterative attempts. Examples of several of these enhancements are described below to illustrate one modality. frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi -30In this respect, the detection of the start and end of a signal at a device can be affected by the ability of the transmitting device to accurately represent the signal based on the inherent start and / or rise time limitations of the transmitting device. For example, if the host device 330 is unable to make a precise transition between black and white to transmit the unique code within the optical signal 490, device 300 may have difficulty discerning the start and end times of the individual code segments of the unique code. Figure 5 illustrates a graph 500 of a transition from a low (or black) value 510 to a high (or white) value 520, which can control the colors generated on a display of the host device 330. The time it takes for device 300 to transmit the unique code within the optical signal 490 may be difficult to discern.The time it takes for the device to settle to the new value is called a 530 transition period. In the example in Figure 5, the 530 transition period is approximately 15 ms. However, some example devices may have a delay of up to 25 ms (or more). Depending on the specific length of the 530 transition period, there could be a difference of 5 to 10 ms from the expected duration of an encoded symbol. Differences of this magnitude can lead to significant failure rates in the single-code reading process because the single-code symbols are being misread by the 300 device. In addition to the transition period 530 affecting the ability of the processing circuits 420 to correctly process the unique code, the image playback speed can also have an impact. For example, if the unique code is sent on a device with a slower-than-expected frame rate, the unique code may appear stretched (and therefore different) at the receiving end. Similarly, any fluctuation in playback speed can affect the accuracy of the decoding. Figure 6 illustrates an example of an unlock code sequence 600 associated with the unique code being transmitted on a device. Figure 6 shows a transition threshold 610, which is used to distinguish high signals from low signals, and also shows the timing associated with transmitting the unlock code sequence along the x-axis.As shown in Figure 6, a first region 620 illustrates the normal timing and playback speed for unlock sequence code 600. However, in a second region 630, individual characters are stretched due to a change in playback speed during unlock sequence code 600 communication. This change in playback speed could be due to the processing load associated with other applications or tasks managed by the host device's processor. Regardless of the reason, unlock sequence code 600 does not play back. This timing stretch can cause the code to be incorrectly processed, as the same individual character may not look the same at two different speeds. frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi -31 Changes in ambient lighting during the unlock sequence can cause the measured waveform (in processing circuit 420) to shift up or down. This phenomenon can be problematic when the readings of the black and white portions of the image are very close together. In extreme cases, this can cause the overall waveform to shift by more than the difference between the black and white readings. Figure 7 illustrates a 700 code symbol graph of a 710 unlock code displayed in an environment where ambient lighting conditions are changing. In this respect, the unlock code would normally be expected to define a square wave with all high and low values ​​being the same.However, in Figure 7, the unlock code 710 can be seen changing levels in the middle of several code segments, creating distortions that almost make some of the square waves look like triangular waves. Noise can also affect the optical signal 490. For example, indoors, the lighting provided by lamps may have AC signal noise components that are driven by the frequency at which the lights cycle. Figure 8 illustrates a graphic 800 of code symbols for a received unlock code 810 with a 60 Hz noise component 812 superimposed. For brighter lights, the noise can be even more impactful and can negatively affect the ability of the processing circuit 420 to accurately process the unique code provided by the unlock code 810. To address these and potentially other situations, the adaptive signal detector 400 can employ one or both of the context monitor 430 and the host device evaluator 440 to enable the processing circuitry 420 to adapt to conditions that may affect the reception and processing of the optical signal 490. Adaptations may include adjustments made in response to stimuli that can be detected by the context monitor 430 in some cases. However, in other cases (or additionally), adaptations may include processing strategies and / or enhancements enabled by the host device evaluator 440 to provide improved capability for handling interactions with devices of varying capabilities.Furthermore, in some cases, improvements can be initiated based on knowledge gained about these variable capabilities. In other words, improvements can be made based on an evaluation of the host device's capabilities 330. Thus, for example, the host device evaluator 440 and / or the context monitor 430 can provide information that can form the basis for adjusting the processing circuit 420 to provide greater accuracy in extracting the unlock code from the optical signal 490, regardless of the environment or the host device being used in the PSA process. frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi -32The context monitor 430 can be any means, such as a device or circuit embedded in hardware, or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to allow the adjustment of the processing circuit 420 to extract the unlock code from the optical signal 490 by determining ambient context information, such as information relating to lighting / intensity levels, noise, or changes in lighting or noise during the transmission of the optical signal 490. Thus, for example, the context monitor 430 can be configured to determine a change in ambient lighting that occurs during the transmission of the optical signal 490 (e.g., by comparing the levels at the beginning (e.g., in a preamble) of the transmission with the levels at the end (e.g., in an epilogue)).In one example of a mode, the Context Monitor 430 can be configured to detect edges in the optical signal based on detecting changes in light intensity rather than simply detecting the light intensity levels themselves. In some cases, the Context Monitor can also be configured to detect edges in the optical signal based on automatic threshold detection by comparing the average level of a given number of previous symbols with a threshold defined as a percentage of the average level to consider the context, rather than simply applying the information to a fixed threshold. Change or edge detection can also be performed in other ways. For example, the magnitude of a potential edge can be measured and compared with the magnitude of previously detected edges to determine whether the potential edge should be considered an edge.Thus, for example, edge detection can be performed by comparing the signals to a threshold value, detecting the slope characteristics of potential edges to determine whether such potential edges can be considered a detected edge, and detecting the magnitude of the edges as indicated above. The host device evaluator 440 can be any medium, such as a hardware-embedded device or circuit, or a combination of hardware and software, configured to allow the processing circuit 420 to be adjusted to extract the unlock code from the optical signal 490 by determining the host device's characterizing information. The host device's characterizing information can be any information about the host device, including, for example, information indicative of the device type or the host device's capabilities 330 with respect to reproducing the unlock code within the optical signal. The host device evaluator 440 can be configured to use any of several strategies to determine the host device's characterizing information.For example, the 440 host device evaluator can be configured to determine the host device's characterizing information at the beginning of the optical signal transmission, use that information throughout the transmission, and perform a comparison at the end for success criteria. Alternatively, the 440 host device evaluator can be configured to determine the host device's characterizing information at the beginning of the frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi. -33transmission of the optical signal and a comparison at the end for success criteria. Additionally or alternatively, the characterizing information of the host device could be determined from portions of the signal that can be used to obtain such information, and these signal portions can be distributed anywhere within the optical signal. Additionally or alternatively, a preamble can be used at the beginning of the optical signal to initiate a tuning process that can be dynamically adjusted throughout the transmission of the optical signal. Thus, for example, either or both of a preamble or an epilogue can be used to determine useful information for characterizing the capabilities of the host device 330 to allow the processing circuit 420 to be tuned accordingly.However, it should be noted that the modality examples are not limited to using information at the beginning and end of an unlock code and can encompass the optical signal at any defined point in time. For example, the 440 host device evaluator can be configured to determine a code version used in the unlock code or to perform timing calibration based on a distinct waveform included in the optical signal. As another example, the 440 host device evaluator can be configured to detect start and / or stop symbols at the beginning / end of the unlock code to allow deductive reasoning (either through comparing multiple code transmissions or using a checksum) to be employed to find the missing characters. Other capabilities can also be defined, as described in more detail below. One of the adaptations that the adaptive signal detector 400 can be configured to implement includes the inclusion of a preamble or epilogue in the optical signal 490. The preamble can be a framing layer provided at the beginning of the optical signal 490 to allow an evaluation of the host device's capabilities 330 before the unique code is communicated. The preamble can be processed by the context monitor 430 and / or the host device evaluator 440 to provide feedback to the processing circuit 420, facilitating the processing of the unique code (i.e., the unlock code) within the optical signal 490. As an alternative to, or in addition to, the preamble, an epilogue can be provided at the end of the optical signal 490. The epilogue can also be used for optical signal processing.The epilogue can also be used to evaluate the capabilities of the host device 330 and to compare it with the preamble to determine any context changes that may have occurred during the transmission of the optical signal 490 (for example, large changes in ambient lighting or noise). Additionally, a check within the code can be evaluated and compared again with the preamble / epilogue, or both, within the optical signal 490 to further assess the capabilities of the host device 330. In some cases, the preamble and / or epilogue may include a square wave (or other distinct waveform) that can be sent for timing calibration. If the optical signal 490 is provided with a preamble / epilogue code that is frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi -34 has a specific number of pulses, and the processing circuit 420 (for example, via the host device evaluator 440) uses the same number of pulses for the same expected duration. The processing circuit 420 can use the preamble / epilogue code to calibrate its timing parameters to match the signal. The preamble / epilogue will necessarily be added to the length of the optical signal 490, and therefore could slightly slow down the reception of any single-encoded signal. However, the use of the preamble and / or epilogue can ultimately reduce the overall transfer time due to increased robustness and accuracy (i.e., eliminating the need for multiple PSA efforts). If used, the preamble can also be used to differentiate between different versions of a code. For example, host device 330 can identify itself to age verification system 310, and age verification system 310 can provide a code that is appropriate for host device 330 based on the type classification associated with host device 330's identity. Host device 330 can then provide either a slower or a faster version of the code to device 300. Device 300 can use the preamble to determine which version of the code to expect from host device 330.In this way, device 300 can use the adaptive signal detector 400 to learn something about the code provided in the optical signal 490 before attempting to use the code to unlock device 300. In some cases, the preamble used for code version determination may be shorter than the square wave used for timing calibration, so this use of the preamble may have less impact on users with faster devices. Consequently, the slowest supported device may not affect the code processing time for all faster devices. It should also be noted that the preamble may serve both purposes in some cases (i.e., timing calibration and code version detection). In some examples of the modes, an adaptation that the 400 adaptive signal detector can be configured to implement may include the use of specific symbols to mark the start and end of a given loop or instance of the single code. For example, a prolonged white or black screen could be used to separate transmission instances of the single code. In some cases, the symbol or character that marks the end or beginning may have a predetermined length (for example, 7 time units). Thus, for example, for a 20-frames-per-second code sequence, the start / stop signal may add approximately 350 ms to each code attempt. The start / stop signal may also provide a common point from which synchronization can be achieved (for example, for iterative attempts as described below). frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi -35As already noted, edge detection can affect the accuracy of code processing. In a typical code processing sequence, the system would repeatedly measure the instantaneous light intensity and analyze a group of samples to determine whether the screen is white or black at each time interval. This usually works well under ideal conditions (e.g., when noise and lighting conditions do not change). However, ideal conditions are not always present. Consequently, the processing circuit 420 (e.g., with or via the context monitor 430) can be configured not to measure light intensity, but rather to measure changes in light intensity. A significant change in intensity (i.e., greater than a fixed or dynamic threshold amount) over a short period of time would indicate a change between white / black (on / off, 1 / 0, + / -, etc.).Due to the rise and fall times of the signal, it may not be ideal to examine only the preceding sample when calculating the slope. Comparing a sample to one that is at least a full rise / fall time in the past can eliminate any ambiguity regarding the rise and fall times. Furthermore, if the time difference is selected to synchronize with a typical AC signal, then noise can be eliminated at both the signal frequency and its harmonics. A typical algorithm might be configured to detect a low or high signal by finding the midpoint between the highest and lowest samples over a given period. This strategy allows the algorithm to function when lighting conditions change little. However, if lighting conditions change significantly in a short period, this algorithm will break. To prevent this potential breakdown, processing circuit 420 (for example, via context monitor 430) can be configured to measure the amplitude of the last X symbols, and a threshold of Y percent of the measured value can be used to detect the next symbol. In other words, processing circuit 420 can be configured to compare the average level of a given number of previous symbols with a threshold defined as a percentage of the average level to determine a given symbol level.The values ​​of X and Y can be determined by the designers and can allow the algorithm to adapt to changing environmental conditions while still filtering out noise. This processing paradigm can be called automatic threshold detection. In one example of a mode, the 420 processing circuit can also be configured to use flexible duration limits. In this respect, for example, with code running at 20 frames per second, the expected duration for a code time unit (e.g., the duration of a period and the space between periods / dashes in a character) is 50 ms. By using flexible duration limits, the 420 processing circuit can be configured to use a range of acceptable durations for detecting code symbols. Thus, by frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi -36 For example, using the nominal duration of 50 ms for each character described above, the time unit could be defined as a time window with a duration between approximately 35 and 65 ms. This can ensure that signal stretching due to host device load 330 or other factors does not affect the ability of the processing circuit 420 to effectively utilize the unique code in the optical signal 490 to unlock the device 300. In some modalities, to support a binary protocol, it may not be desirable to target a specific frame rate. Instead, a ratio between edge times can be determined. For example, ratios close to 5:1:2:2 of four consecutive edges can indicate that a start sequence has been detected. The use of ratios between edge times can allow for a greater range of variability among the capabilities of the host devices. In some examples, the processing circuit 420 (for example, via the host device evaluator 440) can also be configured to employ an iterative attempt combination strategy for code processing. For example, if a start / stop signal is used between subsequent unlock attempts (as described above), a clear demarcation can be provided between sequential instances of the single code provided in the optical signal 490. The processing circuit 420 can be configured to evaluate valid portions from multiple failed unlock attempts in order to combine the valid portions to define a complete valid code. In other words, two or more valid portions from multiple failed unlock attempts can be combined to define a single valid code by the processing circuit 420. For example, if the unique unlock code is 12345, which is repeatedly sent to device 300 in low-light conditions, processing circuit 420 might decode 123xx in the first transmission sequence and xx345 in another. Instead of simply accepting both attempts as failures, processing circuit 420 can be configured to deduce, knowing that the code has five characters and that the above sequences were received, that the valid code must be 12345. The start / stop signal provides processing circuit 420 with the ability to determine which characters are in which positions to allow for the deduction described above. However, processing circuit 420 may also be required in some cases to have at least one common character in the sequences being combined.Thus, for example, 123xx could not be combined with xxx45”, but 123xx can be combined with xx345 due to the existence of at least the common character 3 in the third position. As an additional or alternative quality assurance measure, some examples of the methods may employ a checksum and / or a cyclic redundancy check to confirm the data or even allow for the recovery of missing characters. For example, if the unique code is a five-character unlock key, frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi might be appended. -37 a sixth character containing the sum of the other characters (for example, using base-36 mathematics to account for both letters and numbers). As a simple example, if the code is 11111, then the checksum value of 5 would be the sixth character, making the complete transmitted code 111115. In such an example, receiving 111115 can confirm the accuracy of the code 11111. However, receiving 111x15 might allow the processing circuit 420 to deduce that the missing character must be a 1 due to the checksum value of 5 and the other characters in the code sequence. Length checks can also be useful in determining whether a signal has been received correctly with or without checksums and cyclic redundancy checks. Figure 9 illustrates a sample structure for the optical signal 490 according to a sample modality. In this respect, the optical signal 490 may include a preamble 900, which can be used to provide the code version identification and / or timing calibration. A start symbol 910 may then be provided to indicate that an instance of the unique code will follow immediately. A first instance of the unique code 920 (i.e., the unlock code) may be provided. The start symbol 930 may mark the end of the first instance of the unique code 920, or mark the beginning of a second instance of the unique code 940, or both. In addition, there may be separate start and stop symbols, if desired. After the second instance of the unique code 940, a stop symbol 950 may be provided. The stop symbol 950 may be followed by an epilogue 960.As stated above, the optical signal 490 in Figure 9 is simply an example, and other examples of the optical signal 490 could have more or fewer components than those shown in Figure 9. Figure 10 illustrates a block diagram of a method for preventing the unauthorized use of an aerosol generating device according to an example of one modality. The method may include receiving a wireless signal (e.g., an optical or audible signal) that includes an unlock code to unlock the aerosol delivery device in operation 1000. The method may further include processing the wireless signal to determine characterizing information of the host device or environmental context information in operation 1010.The method may also include adjusting processing circuitry to process the unlock code based on host device characterization information or environmental context information in operation 1020, and transitioning the aerosol delivery device from a locked to an unlocked state in response to the unlock code processing in operation 1030. The method may include a number of optional modifications, augmentations, or additions, some of which are described herein. The optional modifications, augmentations, or additions listed below may be added in any desired combination. For example, the processing circuitry adjustment may be performed frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi. -38 in various ways, or include several different steps or operations. For example, the processing circuitry may include comparing an initial light intensity during the transmission of an optical signal preamble with a second light intensity during the transmission of an optical signal epilogue to determine a change in ambient illumination that occurs during the optical signal transmission. Optionally or additionally, the processing circuitry may include detecting changes in light intensity and determining edges in the optical signal based on these changes. Optionally or additionally, the processing circuitry may include using flexible duration limits defined for a window size for each symbol of the unlock code to extract the unlock code from the optical signal.Optionally, the processing circuit configuration may include determining a code version for unlocking and processing the unlock code based on that version. Optionally, the processing circuit configuration may also include calibrating the processing circuit's timing based on the timing associated with a distinct waveform included in the optical signal. Additionally, the processing circuit configuration may include configuring the processing circuits to, in response to a failure to decode all symbols in the unlock code, determine a missing symbol by comparing symbols from multiple iterations of the unlock code based on the start or end symbol, or based on a checksum provided with the unlock code.Some examples of these modalities can provide security against the unauthorized use of an aerosol delivery system. Accordingly, as can be seen from the preceding examples, an aerosol delivery system can be provided. The aerosol delivery system can include an aerosol delivery device configured to interface with a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material, an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material, a locking assembly, and an adaptive signal detector. The locking assembly can be configured to prevent the aerosol generator from operating to generate the aerosol in a locked state and to allow the aerosol generator to operate to generate the aerosol in an unlocked state.The lock assembly can also be configured to transition from the locked to the unlocked state in response to the authentication of an unlock code received via a control signal from a host device communicating with an authentication agent over a network. The adaptive signal detector can be configured to process a control signal received wirelessly from the host device to extract the unlock code. The adaptive signal detector can also be configured to determine the characterizing information of the device frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi. -39host or environmental context information to facilitate the extraction of the control signal unlock code. The aerosol delivery system may include a number of optional modifications, augmentations, or additions, some of which are described herein. The modifications, augmentations, or optional additions listed below may be added in any desired combination. In this context, the system described above may be considered a first modality, and other modalities may be defined for each respective combination of modifications, augmentations, or optional additions. For example, a second modality may be defined where the control signal is an optical signal. The adaptive signal detector may include an optical detector configured to receive the optical signal, and processing circuitry configured to process the optical signal to determine the host device's characterizing information or environmental context information before extracting the unlock code.Alternatively or additionally, a third mode can be defined in which the adaptive signal detector includes a context monitor configured to determine ambient context information. The context monitor can be configured to detect a change in ambient illumination that occurs during the transmission of the optical signal. As an example of a mode, a fourth mode can be defined in which the context monitor is configured to compare an initial light intensity during the transmission of a preamble to the optical signal with a second light intensity during the transmission of an epilogue to determine the change in ambient illumination. The fourth mode can be combined with any or all of modes one through three.In some examples, a fifth mode can be defined where the context monitor can be further configured to detect edges in the optical signal based on changes in light intensity. This fifth mode can be combined with any or all of modes one through four. In one example of a mode, a sixth mode can be defined where the context monitor can be further configured to detect edges in the optical signal based on automatic threshold detection. This involves comparing the average level of a given number of preceding symbols with a threshold defined as a percentage of the average level. This sixth mode can also be combined with any or all of modes one through five.In some examples, a seventh mode can be defined where the adaptive signal detector includes a host device evaluator configured to determine the host device's characterizing information. The host device's characterizing information can be determined from the processing of a preamble to the optical signal. The seventh mode can be combined with any or all of modes one through six. In one example of a mode, an eighth mode can be defined where the host device's characterizing information includes code version information for the unlock code received from the host device based on frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi indicative information. -40 The code version in the preamble. The eighth mode can be combined with any or all of modes one through seven. In some examples, a ninth mode can be defined where one or both of the preambles and epilogues of the optical signal can include a distinct waveform processed by the host device evaluator for timing calibration of the processing circuitry. The ninth mode can be combined with any or all of modes one through eight. In one example mode, a tenth mode can be defined where the host device evaluator can be configured to detect one or both Start and Stop symbols in the optical signal that mark the Start and End, respectively, of the unlock code. The tenth mode can be combined with any or all of modes one through nine.In some examples, an eleventh mode can be defined where the processing circuitry is configured to, in response to a failure to decode all symbols in the unlock code, determine a missing symbol in the unlock code by comparing symbols from multiple iterations of the unlock code based on the start or stop symbol. The eleventh mode can be combined with any or all of modes one through ten. In some examples, a twelfth mode can be defined where the processing circuitry is configured to employ flexible duration limits that define a window size for each symbol in the unlock code. The twelfth mode can be combined with any or all of modes one through eleven.In some examples, a thirteenth mode can be defined where the processing circuitry is configured to, in response to a failure to decode all symbols in the unlock code, determine a missing symbol in the unlock code based on a checksum provided with the unlock code. The thirteenth mode can be combined with any or all of modes one through twelve. A person skilled in the art to which these inventions belong, who benefits from the teachings presented in the preceding descriptions and the associated drawings, will be able to imagine many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein. It should therefore be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments should be included within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, although the preceding descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions can be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.In this respect, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions are also considered, other than those explicitly described above, as can be established in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits, or solutions are described, see frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi. -41 Regarding problems in this document, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits, and / or solutions may be applicable to some examples of the modalities, but not necessarily to all examples of the modalities. Therefore, the advantages, benefits, or solutions described herein should not be considered critical, necessary, or essential for all modalities or for what is claimed herein. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. An aerosol delivery system, comprising: an aerosol delivery device configured to interact with a consumable comprising aerosol generating material; an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material; a locking assembly configured to prevent the aerosol generator from operating to generate the aerosol in a locked state, and to allow the aerosol generator to operate to generate the aerosol in an unlocked state, the locking assembly being configured to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state in response to the authentication of an unlock code received in a control signal from a host device in communication with an authentication agent via a network;and an adaptive signal detector comprising processing circuitry configured to process a control signal received wirelessly from the host device to extract the unlock code, wherein the adaptive signal detector is configured to determine characterizing information of the host device or environmental context information to facilitate the extraction of the unlock code from the control signal.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control signal is an optical signal, and wherein the adaptive signal detector comprises an optical detector configured to receive the optical signal, and processing circuits configured to process the optical signal to determine the host device's characterizing information or environmental context information before extracting the unlock code.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the adaptive signal detector comprises a context monitor configured to determine ambient context information, and wherein the context monitor is configured to determine a change in ambient lighting that occurs during the transmission of the optical signal.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the context monitor is configured to compare a first luminous intensity during the transmission of a preamble of the optical signal with a second luminous intensity during the transmission of an epilogue of the optical signal to determine the change in ambient illumination.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein the context monitor is further configured to detect edges in the optical signal based on the detection of changes in light intensity.

6. The system according to claim 3, wherein the context monitor is further configured to detect edges in the optical signal based on automatic threshold detection comprising a comparison of an average level of a given number of preceding symbols with a threshold defined as a percentage of the average level.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the adaptive signal detector comprises a host device evaluator configured to determine the host device characterizing information, wherein the host device characterizing information is determined from the processing of a control signal preamble.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the characterizing information of the host device comprises information indicative of a code version for the unlock code received from the host device based on information indicative of the code version in the preamble.

9. The system according to claim 7, wherein one or both of the preamble and an epilogue of the optical signal include a distinct waveform processed by the host device evaluator for timing calibration of the processing circuits.

10. The system according to claim 7, wherein the host device evaluator is configured to detect one or both of a start symbol and an end symbol in the control signal that mark a start and an end, respectively, of the unlock code.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to, in response to a failure to decode all symbols of the unlock code, determine a missing symbol of the unlock code based on comparing symbols from multiple iterations of the unlock code based on the start or end symbol. frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi 12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit is configured to employ flexible duration limits that define a window size for each symbol of the unlock code.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit is configured to, in response to a failure to decode all symbols of the unlock code, determine a missing symbol in the unlock code based on a checksum provided with the unlock code.

14. A method for preventing the unauthorized use of an aerosol delivery device, the method comprising: receiving a wireless signal that includes an unlock code to unlock the aerosol delivery device; processing the wireless signal to determine host device characterization information or environmental context information; adjusting processing circuitry to process the unlock code based on the host device characterization information or environmental context information; and transitioning the aerosol delivery device from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to the processing of the unlock code.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the wireless signal is an optical signal, and wherein the adjustment of the processing circuits comprises comparing a first luminous intensity during the transmission of a preamble of the optical signal with a second luminous intensity during the transmission of an epilogue of the optical signal to determine a change in the ambient illumination that occurs during the transmission of the optical signal.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the adjustment of the processing circuits comprises detecting changes in light intensity and determining edges in the optical signal based on the changes in light intensity.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein the adjustment of the processing circuits comprises the use of flexible duration limits defined for a window size for each symbol of the unlock code to extract the unlock code from the wireless signal. frfrQznn / rznz / e / YiAi 18. The method according to claim 13, wherein the adjustment of the processing circuitry comprises determining a code version for unlocking and processing the unlock code based on the determined code version.

19. The method according to claim 13, wherein the adjustment of the processing circuitry comprises performing timing calibration of the processing circuitry based on the timing associated with a distinct waveform included in the wireless signal. 20.The method according to claim 13, wherein the adjustment of the processing circuitry comprises configuring the processing circuitry so that, in response to a failure to decode all symbols of the unlock code, it determines a missing symbol in the unlock code based on one or more of the symbol comparisons of multiple iterations of the unlock code based on the start symbol or the end symbol, based on cyclic redundancy checks, based on length checks, and based on a checksum provided with the unlock code.

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