Aerosol-generating device comprising planar inverted-F antenna and user authentication method

Abstract

According to an example, adult authentication is performed on an aerosol-generating device through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication using a planar inverted F antenna (PIFA), the planar inverted F antenna including a circuit board, a power feed line, an antenna pattern, and a ground line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a device for generating an aerosol, and more particularly, to a method for user identity authentication using a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) included in an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the demand for electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes has continued to grow. The growth in demand for e-cigarettes has also accelerated the continued development of e-cigarette related functions. E-cigarette related functions may include, for example, functions according to the type and characteristics of the e-cigarette. Summary of the invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] One embodiment may provide a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA), which includes a circuit board, a feed line, an antenna pattern, and a ground line.

[0005] According to an embodiment, various forms of antenna patterns may be set according to the entire length of one or more strip lines that is predetermined based on an arrangement relationship between the one or more strip lines and a frequency of a wireless signal.

[0006] According to an embodiment, the adult authentication data may be used to unlock the aerosol generating device via a PIFA communicating via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

[0007] According to an embodiment, when user authentication (eg adult authentication or age authentication) of the aerosol generating device fails, a heating command received from the user may be invalidated.

[0008] One embodiment may provide an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol.

[0009] Solutions to technical problems

[0010] According to one embodiment, a method for authenticating a user performed by an aerosol generating device includes the following steps: using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication to send a beacon for establishing a wireless communication channel; establishing the wireless communication channel with a user terminal based on the beacon; receiving adult authentication data for a user of the aerosol generating device from the user terminal through the wireless communication channel; and authenticating the user of the aerosol generating device based on the adult authentication data.

[0011] The method may further comprise: unlocking the aerosol generating device when the user is authenticated.

[0012] The step of transmitting a beacon for establishing a wireless communication channel using the BLE communication may include: generating beacon information; and transmitting the beacon including the beacon information through a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA).

[0013] The PIFA may include: a circuit board; a feed line formed on an upper surface of the circuit board; an antenna pattern including one or more strip lines electrically connected to the feed line, the antenna pattern being formed on a dielectric substrate of the circuit board; and a ground line electrically connected to the antenna pattern.

[0014] The total length of the one or more strip lines may be predetermined based on an arrangement relationship between the one or more strip lines and a frequency of a wireless signal.

[0015] The frequency of the wireless signal may be 2.4 GHz, and the total length of the one or more strip lines may be 32.08 mm.

[0016] The method may further include: receiving a heating command from the user; and when the user fails to pass the verification, disabling the heating command.

[0017] According to one example, a PIFA of an aerosol generating device for transmitting and receiving wireless signals includes: a circuit board; a feeder line formed on the upper surface of the circuit board; an antenna pattern including one or more strip lines electrically connected to the feeder line, the antenna pattern being formed on a dielectric substrate of the circuit board; and a ground line electrically connected to the antenna pattern, and the total length of the one or more strip lines can be predetermined based on the arrangement relationship between the one or more strip lines and the frequency of the wireless signal.

[0018] The frequency of the wireless signal may be 2.4 GHz, and the total length of the one or more strip lines may be 32.08 mm.

[0019] Beneficial Effects of the Invention

[0020] A PIFA including a circuit board, a feed line, an antenna pattern and a ground line may be provided.

[0021] Various forms of antenna patterns may be set according to the entire length of one or more strip lines, which may be predetermined based on an arrangement relationship between the one or more strip lines and a frequency of a wireless signal.

[0022] The adult authentication data may be used to unlock the aerosol generating device via the PIFA communicating via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

[0023] When adult authentication for a user of the aerosol generating device fails, a heating command received from the user may be overridden.

[0024] An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol may be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing that the cigarette cartridge and the body of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment are separated.

[0028] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the connection between the cigarette cartridge and the body of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a method for user authentication for a user according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an antenna attached to an aerosol generating device according to an example.

[0031] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an antenna pattern for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication according to an example.

[0032] Figure 8 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an antenna pattern for BLE communication according to another example.

[0033] Fig. 9 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an antenna pattern for BLE communication according to yet another example.

[0034] Fig.10 is a flow chart illustrating a process of controlling an aerosol generating device according to a heating command of a user according to an example.

[0035] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following specific structure or function description is provided only as an example, and various changes and modifications may be made to the examples. Here, the embodiments should not be interpreted as being limited to the present disclosure, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents or substitutes within the technical scope of the present concept and the present disclosure.

[0037] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. are used to explain various components, the components are not limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, within the scope of the present disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, or similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component.

[0038] When a component is described as being “connected,” “coupled” or “linked” to another component, it should be understood that a third component may be “connected,” “coupled” or “linked” between the first and second components, but the first component may also be directly connected, coupled or linked to the second component.

[0039] In the absence of special instructions in the content, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural meaning. In this specification, the terms "include / comprise" and / or "include / comprises" are used to express the existence of the recorded features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, and / or components, and do not exclude the existence or presence of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components and / or their combinations.

[0040] In the absence of other definitions, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the meanings commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Commonly used terms that are the same as dictionary definitions should be understood to have meanings consistent with the usual content of the relevant technology and should not be overly idealized or interpreted as formal meanings unless explicitly mentioned in this application.

[0041] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the process of describing the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same components and the repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0042] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0043] According to one embodiment, Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 may include a controller 110, a sensing unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery 140, an atomizer 150, a user input unit 160, a memory 170, and a communication unit 180. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to Figure 1 As shown. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the aerosol generating device 100 may be omitted according to different designs. Figure 1 Some of the components shown may be further added with other components.

[0044] The sensing unit 120 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 100 or the surrounding state of the aerosol generating device 100, and transmit the sensing information obtained by the sensing to the controller 110. The controller 110 can control the aerosol generating device 100 based on the sensing information to control the operation of the atomizer 150, restrict smoking, determine whether to insert an aerosol generating product (e.g., an aerosol generating product, a cigarette cartridge, etc.), display a notification, and perform other functions.

[0045] The sensing unit 120 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 122, an insertion detection sensor 124, and a suction sensor 126. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0046] The temperature sensor 122 can sense the temperature of the atomizer 150 (or the aerosol generating substance). The aerosol generating device 100 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the atomizer 150, or the atomizer 150 itself may be used as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may be disposed around the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[0047] The insertion detection sensor 124 can detect whether the aerosol generating article is inserted and / or removed. For example, the insertion detection sensor 124 can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, and an infrared sensor, which can detect signal changes when the aerosol generating article is inserted and / or removed.

[0048] The puff sensor 126 can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 126 can detect the user's puff based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change, and pressure change.

[0049] In addition to the above-mentioned sensors 122 to 126, the sensing unit 120 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a position sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a red, green, and blue (RGB) sensor (e.g., an illumination sensor). Since a person of ordinary skill in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from the name, a detailed description is omitted.

[0050] The output unit 130 may output information about the state of the aerosol generating device 100 to the user. The output unit 130 may include at least one of a display unit 132, a tactile unit 134, and a sound output unit 136. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. When the display unit 132 and the touch panel are arranged in a stacked structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 132 may be used not only as an output device but also as an input device.

[0051] The display unit 132 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 100 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 100 may include the charging / discharging state of the battery 140 of the aerosol generating device 100, the state of the atomizer 150, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the use restriction state of the aerosol generating device 100 (for example, abnormal items are detected), etc., and the display unit 132 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 132 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display unit 132 can also be a light emitting diode (LED) device.

[0052] The haptic portion 134 may convert the electrical signal into a mechanical stimulation or an electrical stimulation to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the haptic portion 134 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0053] The sound output unit 136 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 100 through sound. For example, the sound output unit 136 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the converted sound signal to the outside.

[0054] The battery 140 can provide the power required for the aerosol generating device 100 to operate. The battery 140 can supply power to operate the atomizer 150. In addition, the battery 140 can supply the power required for other components (e.g., the sensing unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180) included in the aerosol generating device 100 to operate. The battery 140 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 140 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0055] The nebulizer 150 may receive power from the battery 140 to nebulize the aerosol generating substance. Figure 1Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC) to DC (DC / DC) converter) that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies the converted power to the atomizer 150. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 100 adopts an ultrasonic vibration method to generate aerosol, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a DC to alternating current (AC) (DC / AC) converter to convert the direct current of the battery 140 into alternating current.

[0056] The controller 110, the sensing unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180 may receive power from the battery 140 to implement functions. Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage stabilization circuit, which converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies the power to the various components.

[0057] In one embodiment, the atomizer 150 may include a vibrator that generates ultrasonic vibrations by an applied signal (e.g., electricity). For example, the material of the vibrator may include piezoelectric ceramics. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The vibrator may include a piezoelectric body. According to one embodiment, the piezoelectric body may be a conversion element that can convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and can generate ultrasonic vibrations under the control of the controller 110. In one embodiment, when alternating current is applied to the piezoelectric body that has been polarized, the piezoelectric body may repeatedly expand and contract. When the piezoelectric body repeatedly expands and contracts, the vibrator may vibrate at a characteristic frequency. When a signal is applied to the vibrator, a short high-frequency vibration may be generated, and the generated vibration may break the aerosol-generating substance into small particles and atomize the aerosol-generating substance into an aerosol.

[0058] The user input unit 160 may receive information input by a user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 160 may include a keyboard, a dome switch, a touch pad (e.g., a contact capacitance type, a pressure resistance film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an overall tension measurement type, a piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a roller, a roller switch, etc. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. In addition, although Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 100 may also include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and can be connected to other external devices through the connection interface such as the USB interface to send and receive information, or to charge the battery 140.

[0059] The memory 170 is a hardware for storing various data processed by the aerosol generating device 100, and can store data processed by the controller 110 and data to be processed by the controller 110. The memory 170 may include at least one type of storage medium of the following types: flash memory type memory, hard disk type memory, multimedia card micro type memory, card type memory (such as SD or XD memory, etc.), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, optical disk. The memory 170 may store the running time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature curve, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0060] The communication unit 180 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 180 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184 .

[0061] The short-range wireless communication unit 182 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) (wireless fidelity technology (Wi-Fi)) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, and an Ant+ communication unit. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0062] The wireless communication unit 184 may include, for example, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, etc. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The wireless communication unit 184 may confirm and authenticate the aerosol generating device 100 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0063] The controller 110 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the controller 110 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a program executable by the microprocessor. In addition, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the processor may be other forms of hardware.

[0064] The controller 110 may control the operation of the atomizer 150 by controlling the power supply from the battery 140 to the atomizer 150. For example, the controller 110 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element of the driving circuit 138 between the battery 140 and the atomizer 150.

[0065] The controller 410 may analyze the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 120 and control the subsequent process. For example, the controller 110 may control the power to be supplied to the atomizer 150 according to the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 120, thereby starting and shutting down the atomizer 150. For another example, the controller 110 may control the amount of power supplied to the atomizer 150 and the power supply time according to the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 120, so that the atomizer 150 can vibrate at a predetermined frequency or maintain an appropriate vibration frequency.

[0066] The controller 110 may control the output unit 130 according to the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 120. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 126 reaches a preset number, the controller 110 may inform the user through at least one of the display unit 132, the tactile unit 134, and the sound output unit 136 that the aerosol generating device 100 is about to stop.

[0067] In one embodiment, the controller 110 may control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the atomizer 150 by controlling the driving circuit 138 according to the state of the aerosol generating product sensed by the sensing unit 120. For example, the controller 110 may control the vibration frequency of the vibrator of the atomizer 150 according to the type or remaining amount of the aerosol generating product.

[0068] One embodiment may be implemented as a storage medium, which includes instructions executable by a computer, such as a program module executable by a computer. Computer-readable media may be any available media accessible by a computer, and include all volatile media, non-volatile media, and removable media, non-removable media. In addition, computer-readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include all volatile / non-volatile media and removable / non-removable media for storing information of computer-readable instruction codes, data structures, program modules or other data implemented by any method or technology. Communication media typically include other data of modulated data signals (modulated data signals) of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other transmission mechanisms, and include any information transmission media.

[0069] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0070] Reference Figure 2 , aerosol generating device 200 (e.g., Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 100 may include a cartridge 220 containing an aerosol generating substance and a body 210 connected to the cartridge 220 .

[0071] The cartridge 220 of the aerosol generating device 200 may be coupled to the body 210 while containing an aerosol generating substance therein. For example, when at least a portion of the cartridge 220 is inserted into the body 210, the cartridge 220 and the body 210 may be coupled. In another example, when at least a portion of the body 210 is inserted into the cartridge 220, the cartridge 220 and the body 210 may be coupled.

[0072] The cartridge 220 and the body 210 may be connected by at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a threaded connection method, a magnetic connection method, or an interference fit method, but the connection method between the cartridge 220 and the body 210 is not limited to the above examples.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the cigarette cartridge 220 may include a housing 222 , a mouthpiece 224 , a storage portion 230 , a transmission portion 240 , a vibrator 250 , and an electrical terminal 260 .

[0074] The housing 222 of the aerosol generating device 200 can constitute the overall appearance of the cartridge 220 together with the mouthpiece 224, and the components used for the operation of the cartridge 220 can be arranged inside the housing 222. For example, the housing 222 can be formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, but the shape of the housing 222 is not limited to the above embodiment. According to one embodiment, the housing 222 can be formed in the shape of a polygonal column (for example, a triangular column or a pentagonal column) or a cylindrical column.

[0075] The mouthpiece 224 of the aerosol generating device 200 may be disposed in an area of ​​the housing 222, and may include an outlet 224e for discharging the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating substance to the outside. For example, the mouthpiece 224 may be disposed in another area of ​​the cartridge 220 opposite to an area coupled to the body 210, and when the user contacts the mouthpiece 224 with the aerosol and inhales the aerosol, the user may receive the aerosol from the cartridge 220.

[0076] Due to the user's inhalation or suction operation, a pressure difference may be generated between the outside of the cartridge 220 and the inside of the cartridge 220, and due to the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the cartridge 220, the aerosol generated in the cartridge 220 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 through the outlet 224e. That is, when the user contacts the mouthpiece 224 with the mouthpiece and inhales the aerosol, the user can receive the aerosol discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 through the outlet 224e.

[0077] The storage part 230 of the aerosol generating device 200 may be disposed in the internal space of the housing 222, and may contain an aerosol generating substance. In the present disclosure, the expression "the storage part contains the aerosol generating substance" means that the storage part 230 simply performs the function of containing the aerosol generating substance, such as the purpose of a container, and the storage part 230 includes an element impregnated (containing) with the aerosol generating substance, such as a sponge, cotton, cloth, or a porous ceramic structure. In addition, the above expression may be used as the same meaning below.

[0078] The storage unit 230 may contain the aerosol generating substance in any one of a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, and a gel state.

[0079] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco material containing volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

[0080] For example, the liquid composition may include any one of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, spices, flavoring agent and vitamin mixture or a mixture of these ingredients. Spices may include menthol, mint, spearmint oil, various fruity ingredients, etc. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0081] The flavoring agent may include ingredients that provide various flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, or vitamin E. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0082] For example, the liquid composition can include glycerol and propylene glycol to which nicotine salts are added in any weight ratio. The liquid composition can also include two or more nicotine salts. Nicotine salts can be formed by adding appropriate acids, including organic or inorganic acids, to nicotine. Nicotine can be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine, and nicotine has a concentration of any suitable weight relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0083] The acid forming the nicotine salt can be appropriately selected according to factors such as the absorption rate of nicotine in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 200, the aroma or taste, and the solubility. For example, the acid used to form the nicotine salt may include a single acid selected from the following or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the following: benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0084] The transmission part 240 of the aerosol generating device 200 may absorb the aerosol generating substance. For example, the aerosol generating substance stored or contained in the storage part 230 may be transferred from the storage part 230 to the vibrator 250 through the transmission part 240, and the vibrator 250 may generate an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance of the transmission part 240 or the aerosol generating substance received from the transmission part 240. In this case, the transmission part 240 may include at least one of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but the transmission part 240 is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the transmission part 240 may be disposed adjacent to the storage part 230 to receive the liquid aerosol generating substance from the storage part 230. For example, the aerosol generating substance stored in the storage part 230 may be discharged to the outside of the storage part 230 through a liquid supply port formed in a region of the storage part 230 facing the transmission part 240, and the transmission part 240 may absorb at least a portion of the aerosol generating substance discharged from the storage part 230, thereby absorbing the aerosol generating substance discharged from the storage part 230.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the cigarette cartridge 220 may further include an absorbent, which is arranged to cover at least a portion of the vibrator 250 for generating aerosol, and transmit the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the transmission part 240 to the vibrator 250. The absorbent may be made of a material capable of absorbing aerosol generating substances. For example, the absorbent may include at least one material of SPL 30 (H), SPL 50 (H) V, NP 100 (V8), SPL 60 (FC) and melamine. Since the cigarette cartridge 220 also includes an absorbent, the aerosol generating substance can be absorbed not only in the transmission part 240, but also in the absorbent, thereby increasing the amount of aerosol generating substance absorbed.

[0087] The vibrator 250 of the aerosol generating device 200 may be disposed inside the housing 222 and generate aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 220. For example, the vibrator 250 may generate aerosol by heating or vibrating the aerosol generating material.

[0088] In addition, since the absorbent is provided to cover at least a portion of the vibrator 250, the absorbent can act as a physical barrier to prevent particles that are not fully atomized from being "sprayed" during the aerosol generation process and directly discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 200. Here, "spraying" can mean that particles of relatively large size in the aerosol generating substance are not fully atomized and are discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220. Since the cartridge 220 also includes the absorbent, the possibility of "spraying" can be reduced, thereby improving the smoking satisfaction of the user.

[0089] In one embodiment, the absorbent may be disposed between the transmission part 240 and one surface of the vibrator 250 that generates the aerosol, and transmit the aerosol provided to the transmission part 240 to the vibrator 250. For example, one area of ​​the absorbent may be in contact with an area of ​​the transmission part 240 that faces the −z direction, and another area of ​​the absorbent may be in contact with an area of ​​the vibrator 250 that faces the +z direction. That is, the absorbent may be disposed on the upper surface (e.g., +z direction) of the vibrator 250, and provide the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the transmission part 240 to the vibrator 250.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the vibrator 250 of the aerosol generating device 200 can change the phase of the aerosol generating substance by using an ultrasonic vibration method, which uses ultrasonic vibration to atomize the aerosol generating substance. For example, the vibrator 250 can generate short-period vibrations, and the vibrations generated by the vibrator 250 can be ultrasonic vibrations. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations can be in the range of about 100 kilohertz (kHz) to about 10 megahertz (MHz) (preferably in the range of about 100kHz to 3.5MHz). However, the embodiment is not limited to this. When the vibrator generates ultrasonic vibrations in the above-mentioned frequency band, the vibrator can vibrate along the longitudinal direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the cigarette cartridge 220 or the housing 222. However, the embodiment is not limited to the direction of the vibration of the vibrator, and the direction of the vibration of the vibrator can be changed to various directions (e.g., any one of the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction and the z-axis direction or a combination thereof). The aerosol generating substance provided from the storage unit 230 to the vibrator 250 can be vaporized and / or changed into particles and atomized into an aerosol by the vibration with a short period generated by the vibrator 250.

[0091] For example, the vibrator 250 may include piezoelectric ceramics, which may be a functional material that can generate electricity (voltage) through physical force (pressure) and generate vibration (mechanical force) when electricity is applied thereto, thereby converting electricity and mechanical force into each other. That is, when electricity is applied to the vibrator 250, vibration with a short period (physical force) may be generated, and the generated vibration may break the aerosol-generating substance into small particles and atomize it into an aerosol.

[0092] The vibrator 250 may be electrically connected to other components of the aerosol generating device 200 through an electrical terminal 260. The electrical terminal 260 may be disposed on one surface of the cartridge 220. For example, the electrical terminal 260 may be disposed on a connection surface of the cartridge 220 where the cartridge 220 is connected to the body 210 of the aerosol generating device 20. The electrical terminal 260 may be disposed on one surface of the housing 222 opposite to the mouthpiece 224.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the vibrator 250 may be electrically connected to at least one of the driving circuit 212 , the controller 214 , or the battery 216 of the body 210 via an electrical terminal 260 disposed inside the housing 222 of the cigarette cartridge 220 .

[0094] For example, the vibrator 250 can be electrically connected to the electrical terminal 260 disposed inside the cartridge 220 through the first conductor, and the electrical terminal 260 can be electrically connected to the driving circuit 212 of the body 210 through the second conductor. That is, the vibrator 250 can be electrically connected to the components of the body 210 through the electrical terminal 260.

[0095] The vibrator 250 can receive power from the battery 216 of the body 210 through the electrical terminal 260 to generate ultrasonic vibrations. In addition, the vibrator 250 can be electrically connected to the controller 214 of the body 210 through the electrical terminal 260, and the controller 214 can control the operation of the vibrator 250 through the driving circuit 212.

[0096] For example, the electrical terminal 260 may include at least one of a pogo pin, a wire, a cable, a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), or a C-clip. However, the electrical terminal 260 is not limited to the above examples.

[0097] In one embodiment, the vibrator 250 can be implemented as a mesh-shaped or plate-shaped vibration accommodating portion, which performs the function of absorbing the aerosol-generating substance and maintaining the aerosol-generating substance in an optimal state for conversion into an aerosol, and also performs the function of transmitting vibration to the aerosol-generating substance to generate an aerosol, without the need for a separate transmitting portion 240.

[0098] The aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 can be discharged to the outside of the cigarette cartridge 220 through the airflow path 223 and provided to the user.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the airflow path 223 may be provided inside the cartridge 220, and may be connected to the vibrator 250 and the outlet 224e of the mouthpiece 224. Thus, the aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 may flow along the airflow path 223, and may be discharged through the outlet 224e to the outside of the cartridge 220 or the aerosol generating device 200. When the user brings the mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 224 and inhales the aerosol discharged from the outlet 224e, the user may receive the aerosol.

[0100] Although not shown in the figure, the airflow path 223 may include at least one inlet through which air outside the cartridge 220 is introduced into the interior of the cartridge 220. The inlet may be provided on at least a portion of the housing 222 of the cartridge 220. For example, the inlet may be provided on a coupling surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the cartridge 220 where the cartridge 220 is coupled to the body 210.

[0101] Since at least one gap may be formed in a portion where the cartridge 220 is coupled to the body 210 , external air may be introduced through the gap between the cartridge 220 and the body 210 and enter into the interior of the cartridge 220 through the inlet.

[0102] The air flow path 223 may be connected from the inlet to the space where the vibrator 250 generates the aerosol, and may be connected from the corresponding space to the outlet 224e.

[0103] Thus, the air introduced through the inlet may be transferred to the vibrator 250 , and the transferred air may move to the outlet 224 e together with the aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 , thereby allowing air inside the cartridge 220 to circulate.

[0104] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the airflow path 223 may be arranged such that its outer peripheral surface is surrounded by the storage portion 230 in the housing 222. In another example, at least a portion of the airflow path 223 may be arranged between the inner wall of the housing 222 and the outer wall of the storage portion 230. The arrangement structure of the airflow path 223 is not limited to the above example, and the airflow path 223 may be arranged in various structures to allow airflow to flow between the inlet, the vibrator 250, and the outlet 224e.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the body 210 may include a driving circuit 212, a controller 214, and a battery 216 therein, and one end of the body 210 may be connected to one end of the cartridge 220. For example, the body 210 may be connected to the bottom surface or the connection surface of the cartridge 220.

[0106] When the vibrator 250 of the cigarette cartridge 220 is electrically connected to the drive circuit 212 through the electrical terminal 260, the drive circuit 212 can supply power to the vibrator 250. For example, the amount of power supplied to the vibrator 250 can be determined by the controller 214. The vibration frequency of the vibrator 250 can be controlled by the amount of power. According to one embodiment, the drive circuit 212 can be in the form of a class E power amplifier circuit, a half-bridge circuit, or a full-bridge circuit. However, the embodiments are not limited to the above embodiments.

[0107] The controller 214 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the controller 214 may control the amount of aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 216 to the vibrator 250. For example, the controller 214 may control the power supplied to the vibrator 250 so that the vibrator 250 may vibrate at a predetermined frequency.

[0108] The controller 214 may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. In addition, those skilled in the art of the present disclosure should understand that the controller 214 may be implemented in other types of hardware.

[0109] The controller 214 analyzes the sensing result obtained by at least one sensor included in the aerosol generating device 200, and controls the subsequent process execution. For example, the controller 214 can control the power supply to the vibrator 250 to start or end the operation of the vibrator 250 according to the sensing result obtained by the at least one sensor. In addition, the controller 214 can also control the amount of power to be supplied to the vibrator 250 and the power supply time, so that the vibrator 250 can generate an appropriate amount of aerosol according to the sensing result obtained by the at least one sensor.

[0110] The battery 216 can provide power for operating the aerosol generating device 200. For example, when the body 210 is electrically connected to the cartridge 220, the battery 216 can supply power to the vibrator 250.

[0111] The battery 216 may supply power required to operate other hardware components (eg, sensors, user interface, memory, and controller 214) included in the aerosol generating device 200. The battery 216 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

[0112] For example, the battery 216 may include a nickel-based battery (eg, a nickel metal hydride battery or a nickel cadmium battery) or a lithium-based battery (eg, a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium ion battery, or a lithium polymer battery).

[0113] In one embodiment, the shape of the cross section of the aerosol generating device 200 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 220 and / or the body 210 may be circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or various polygonal shapes. However, the cross-sectional shape of the cartridge 220 and / or the body 210 is not limited to the above shapes, nor is it limited to a shape that extends linearly when the aerosol generating device 200 extends in the longitudinal direction.

[0114] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 200 may extend in a streamlined shape in length or be bent at a predetermined angle in a specific area to make it easier for the user to hold in the hand, and the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 200 may change along the longitudinal direction.

[0115] Figure 3 is a three-dimensional diagram of a cigarette cartridge and a main body of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention being separated. Figure 4 It is a stereoscopic view of the connection between the cigarette cartridge and the main body of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0116] according to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The aerosol generating device 300 of the illustrated embodiment may be Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 200 (or Figure 1 An improved example of an aerosol generating device 100) and according to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cigarette cartridge 220-1 and the body 210-1 of the embodiment shown can be Figure 2 The illustrated cigarette cartridge 220 and the body 210 are improved examples, and therefore repeated descriptions will be omitted below.

[0117] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cartridge 220-1 may be detachably coupled to the body 210-1. For example, the cartridge 220-1 may be coupled to the body 210-1 because at least a portion of the cartridge 220-1 is inserted into the interior of the body 210-1.

[0118] The cartridge 220-1 may include a mouthpiece 10m that can move between an open position and a closed position. For example, the mouthpiece 10m may be opened and closed by rotating the mouthpiece 10m between the open position and the closed position.

[0119] The body portion 10b of the cigarette cartridge 220-1 can be coupled to the mouthpiece 10m via a rotating shaft. In one example, the mouthpiece 10m can be positioned in an open position. The open state of the mouthpiece 10m may refer to a state in which the mouthpiece 10m is stretched in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette cartridge 220-1 to facilitate the user to contact the mouth with the mouthpiece 10m. Here, the longitudinal direction may refer to the direction in which the cigarette cartridge 220-1 extends the longest in several directions. In another example, the mouthpiece 10m can be positioned in a closed position. The closed state of the mouthpiece 10m may refer to a state in which the mouthpiece 10m is folded in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cigarette cartridge 220-1, so that the mouthpiece 10m is accommodated in the body 210-1 of the aerosol generating device 300.

[0120] The cartridge 220-1 may include a body portion 10b including various components required to generate aerosol and discharge the generated aerosol. For example, the body portion 10b may include at least a portion of each of a storage portion, a vibrator, and an airflow path.

[0121] The body 210-1 may include a coupling portion 20a, to which the cartridge 220-1 may be coupled. For example, the body 210-1 may include a receiving groove 20a-1, which may accommodate at least a portion of the cartridge 220-1. The body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 may be inserted into the interior of the receiving groove 20a-1. For example, the body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 may have a shape that is roughly in the shape of a rectangular column, and the four corners of the rectangular column may be chamfered or rounded. However, the shape of the body portion 10b of the cartridge 220-1 is not limited to the above examples, and may also be in the shape of a cylindrical or polygonal column.

[0122] As mentioned above Figure 2 The cartridge 220-1 and the body 210-1 may be connected by at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a screw connection method, a magnetic connection method, or an interference fit method. For example, the cartridge 220-1 may include a first magnetic body, and the body 210-1 may include a second magnetic body, whereby the cartridge 220-1 and the body 210-1 may be connected by magnetic force. However, the strength of the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body may be designed taking into account the ease of installation and disassembly of the cartridge 220-1 and the body 210-1 and / or the operational stability of the aerosol generating device 300.

[0123] The body 210-1 may include a button 20b. The button 20b may be disposed on a surface of the body 210-1. For example, the button 20b may be disposed on a surface of the body 210-1 corresponding to an end 20c-1 of the cover 20c. The user may use the button 20b to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 300 when using the aerosol generating device 300.

[0124] The body 210-1 may further include a receiving portion 20s, which can receive the mouthpiece 10m of the cartridge 220-1 when the mouthpiece 10m is moved to the closed position. The receiving portion 20s may be disposed on a surface of the body 210-1 and may have a shape or size corresponding to the mouthpiece 10m.

[0125] like Figure 4 As shown, the mouthpiece 10m moved to the closed position can minimize the portion protruding from the aerosol generating device 100 in the closed position (ie, the portion protruding outward from the outer side surface of the body 210-1), thereby improving portability.

[0126] In one embodiment, the body 210-1 may further include a cover 20c coupled to a portion of the body 210-1. The cover 20c may be coupled to at least one surface of the body 210-1. For example, the cover 20c may be coupled to a side of the body 210-1 where the coupling portion 20a is located. In addition, the cover 20c may also be coupled to a side of the body 210-1 where the receiving portion 20s is located.

[0127] The cover 20c may include an opening 20c-o. The cover 20c may include an opening 20c-o having a size corresponding to the size of the mouthpiece 10m. For example, the opening 20c-o may have a predetermined length and width. Here, the width of the opening 20c-o may be less than or equal to the width of the body of the cartridge 220-1, and may be greater than or equal to the width of the mouthpiece 10m. The length of the opening 20c-o may be greater than or equal to the length of the mouthpiece 10m.

[0128] The cover 20c may extend from one end 20c-1 to the other end 20c-2 to be disposed on the seating portion 20c' of the body 210-1. For example, the seating portion 20c' may have a size and shape corresponding to that of the cover 20c. The seating portion 20c' may be a portion extending from the inlet side portion of the coupling portion 20a and the accommodating portion 20s in two directions and recessed to a predetermined depth so that the cover 20c can be coupled to the seating portion.

[0129] When the cartridge 220-1 is coupled to the body 210-1, the cover 20c may be coupled to the body 210-1 after the cartridge 220-1 is coupled to the body 210-1. The cover 20c may be coupled to one side of the body 210-1 by at least one of a snap fit method, an interference fit method, or a magnetic coupling method. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0130] Since the cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o for the mouthpiece 10m to pass through, it can protect the cigarette cartridge 220-1 without interfering with the opening and closing operation of the mouthpiece 10m when the cigarette cartridge 220-1 is connected to the body 210-1, and maintain the connection between the cigarette cartridge 220-1 and the body 210-1.

[0131] Figure 4 The aerosol generating device 300 is shown in which both the cartridge 220-1 and the cover 20c are coupled to the body 210-1 and the mouthpiece 10m is in a closed position. As shown in the figure, since the body 210-1 includes a receiving portion 20s having a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the mouthpiece 10m, and a seating portion 20c' having a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the cover 20c, and the cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o having a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the mouthpiece 10m, the overall surface of the aerosol generating device 300 is solid and smooth.

[0132] When separating the cartridge 220-1 from the body 210-1, the cover 20c may be separated from the body 210-1 first, and then the cartridge 220-1 may be separated from the body 210-1. As described above, the cover 20c and the cartridge 220-1 may be separated from the body 210-1 or coupled to the body 210-1 in sequence.

[0133] Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a method for user authentication for a user according to an embodiment.

[0134] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device (e.g. Figure 1 aerosol generating device 100, Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 200 or Figure 3 and Figure 4 The aerosol generating device 300) can use any one of a chip antenna or a planar inverted F antenna (PIFA) that performs BLE communication to send and receive wireless signals for adult authentication (e.g., user identity authentication) of a user to an external device (e.g., a user terminal). The aerosol generating device can perform adult authentication using the wireless signal received from the external device. The following working steps 501 to 504 can be performed by the aerosol generating device to perform adult authentication on the user.

[0135] In working step 501, the aerosol generating device may transmit (or propagate) a beacon for establishing a wireless communication channel to the surrounding environment of the aerosol generating device using BLE communication. The aerosol generating device may generate beacon information. For example, the aerosol generating device may transmit the beacon by outputting the beacon information via a PIFA or chip antenna.

[0136] According to one embodiment, when the aerosol generating device is operated for the first time, the aerosol generating device may establish a wireless communication channel with a user terminal owned by the same user. For example, the aerosol generating device may establish a wireless communication channel with the user terminal through BLE communication when the user uses the aerosol generating device for the first time after purchasing the aerosol generating device.

[0137] In working step 502 , the aerosol generating device may receive adult authentication data for a user of the aerosol generating device from a user terminal via a wireless communication channel.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the adult authentication data may include personal information that can objectively identify the user, a multi-digit identification code (e.g., a personal information number (PIN)), or a verification code. For example, the personal information may be the user's ID number including the user's date of birth; the identification code may be a 4 to 8 digit password used to identify the user. The verification code may be a number used to confirm or prove identity.

[0139] According to an embodiment, the user may perform adult authentication in advance through an application installed in the user terminal and provided by the aerosol generating device manufacturer, and the user terminal may generate adult authentication data.

[0140] When a wireless communication channel with a user terminal is established based on the beacon, the aerosol generating device may receive adult authentication data of a user of the aerosol generating device from the user terminal through the wireless communication channel.

[0141] In working step 503, the aerosol generating device may confirm whether the adult authentication of the user is successfully performed based on the adult authentication data received from the user terminal. The aerosol generating device may restrict or block the use of the aerosol generating device by minors according to the authentication result. The aerosol generating device may check whether the adult authentication data is deceived, leaked or mismatched.

[0142] When the user's age is authenticated (operation step 503: yes), the aerosol generating device may unlock the aerosol generating device in operation step 504. For example, the aerosol generating device may unlock the aerosol generating device with respect to heating operation. Unlocking the aerosol generating device may indicate unlocking of one or more functions required for smoking among the numerous functions of the aerosol generating device.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can not only unlock the heating operation of the aerosol generating product, but also unlock the insertion or removal function of the aerosol generating product (e.g., cigarettes or cigarette cartridges). For example, in order to prevent minors from using the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device can unlock the cover only for users who have completed adult authentication to allow the user to insert or remove the aerosol generating product.

[0144] When the user fails to pass the verification (operating step 503: No), the aerosol generating device may request the user terminal to retransmit the adult authentication data via the antenna. The aerosol generating device may transmit the unverified state of the aerosol generating device to the user terminal.

[0145] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an antenna attached to an aerosol generating device according to an example.

[0146] Reference Figure 6, controller 610 (eg, Figure 1 The controller 110 of the present invention may communicate with the short-range wireless communication unit 620 (eg, Figure 1 The antenna 630 of the short-range wireless communication unit 182 of the aerosol generating device sends a beacon for establishing a wireless communication channel to the user terminal. The wireless communication channel may refer to a frequency band in which signals are transmitted between the user terminal and the aerosol generating device.

[0147] According to an embodiment, the antenna 630 may include a chip antenna or a PIFA. For example, the chip antenna may be a built-in antenna made of a microchip. For example, a PIFA is an antenna whose antenna pattern changes when installed on a horizontal plane. The antenna pattern may change according to a design method, and the PIFA may have a structure with enhanced portability.

[0148] More specifically, refer to Fig.11 , when H+L is about 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the supplied signal, PIFA will resonate, and the input impedance characteristics will change according to the position of the feeding point and the thickness of the feeding line. By adjusting the position W of the feeding point, PIFA can obtain the desired antenna characteristics.

[0149] In the present disclosure, the main design variables of the width and length of each line of the PIFA can be configured so as to adjust the electrical length of the antenna to transmit and receive signals with a frequency of 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz, taking into account the relationship between the wavelength of the frequency and the length of the antenna. According to the main design variables, the antenna pattern of the PIFA can be configured in a variety of ways. Figures 7 to 9 Describe the antenna pattern of PIFA in detail.

[0150] For example, the antenna 630 may be attached to the inner surface of the upper end or the inner surface of the side of the aerosol generating device.The antenna 630 may receive adult authentication data through a wireless communication channel established with the user terminal.

[0151] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an antenna pattern for BLE communication according to an example.

[0152] Reference Figure 7 , the PIFA may include: a circuit board; a feed line formed on the upper surface of the circuit board; an antenna pattern including one or more strip lines electrically connected to the feed line, the antenna pattern being formed on a dielectric substrate of the circuit board; and a ground line electrically connected to the antenna pattern. For example, the total length of the one or more strip lines may be predetermined based on the arrangement relationship between the one or more strip lines and the frequency of the wireless signal. The frequency of the wireless signal may be 2.4 GHz, and the total length of the one or more strip lines may be 32.08 mm.

[0153] Here, the design variables of the antenna pattern for BLE communication can be divided into the width of the stripline Vertical length ⑦, horizontal length ①, and the gaps between strip lines or between the circuit board and the strip lines ②, ⑩, The length of the stripline on the circuit board ⑧、④、 ③、⑤ and The sum of the electrical length of the antenna can be set to 32.08 mm, which is 1 / 4 of the wavelength corresponding to the lower limit frequency of the Bluetooth frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz). Set to be larger than the width between the feed line and the ground The total length of the strip line can be determined by the following mathematical formula 1.

[0154] Mathematical formula 1

[0155]

[0156] Referring to Mathematical Formula 1, C may represent the speed of light, f may represent the frequency of a signal, and λ may represent the wavelength of a signal. The minimum length of the antenna capable of transmitting and receiving can be represented by . The design variables of the antenna pattern optimized by the above process can be shown in Table 1 below.

[0157] [Table 1]

[0158]

[0159] Figure 8 A diagram illustrating an antenna pattern for BLE communication according to another example.

[0160] Reference Figure 8 , the design variables of the antenna pattern for BLE communication can be divided into the width of the stripline Vertical length Horizontal length and gap between striplines or between board and stripline The length of the stripline can be taken as the electrical length of the antenna The sum of is set to 32.08 mm, which is 1 / 4 of the wavelength corresponding to the lower limit frequency of the Bluetooth usage band (eg, 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz). Therefore, the design variables of the antenna pattern can be optimized as shown in Table 2 below.

[0161] [Table 2]

[0162]

[0163] Fig. 9A diagram illustrating an antenna pattern for BLE communication according to another example.

[0164] Reference Fig. 9 , the antenna can be configured with an antenna pattern including one or more strip lines electrically connected to the feed line. The optimized dimensions of the antenna can include a width of 15.2 mm, a length of 5.7 mm, and the strip lines can be designed into various patterns on the circuit board so that the total length of the strip lines is 32.08 mm. The total length of the one or more strip lines can be predetermined based on the arrangement relationship between the one or more strip lines and the frequency of the wireless signal.

[0165] Fig.10 4 is a flow chart illustrating a process of controlling an aerosol generating device according to a heating command of a user according to an example.

[0166] The following working steps 1001 to 1005 can be performed by an aerosol generating device (e.g., Figure 1 aerosol generating device 100, Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 200 or Figure 3 and Figure 4 aerosol generating device 300).

[0167] In working step 1001, the aerosol generating device may receive a heating command from a user. The aerosol generating device may include an input element capable of receiving user input. For example, the input element may include a button, a crown, and a touch screen. The aerosol generating device may drive a display of the aerosol generating device to present an image related to an application installed or executable on the aerosol generating device. The executable application may be displayed on the display of the aerosol generating device in the form of an icon. The executable application may include games, documents, music, etc., and other applications not specifically mentioned above may also be installed and executed.

[0168] The aerosol generating device may receive a heating command for forming an aerosol from a user while executing an application according to a user input.

[0169] In working step 1002, the aerosol generating device may determine the verification status of the aerosol generating device, which verification status indicates whether adult authentication has been performed between the user terminal and the aerosol generating device. For example, when receiving a heating command, the aerosol generating device may confirm in advance whether adult authentication has been successfully performed based on the user's adult authentication data.

[0170] In working step 1003 , the aerosol generating device may differentiate the operation of the aerosol generating device based on the authentication status of the aerosol generating device.

[0171] When the verification status indicates that the user verification (ie, adult authentication) has been completed (operating step 1003: Yes), in operating step 1004, the aerosol generating device may heat the aerosol generating article by applying power to the vibrator of the aerosol generating device according to the heating command.

[0172] When the verification status indicates that the adult authentication is not completed (operation step 1003: No), the aerosol generating device may invalidate the heating command in operation step 1005. For example, invalidating the heating command may mean refusing or stopping the application of power to the vibrator for forming the aerosol. The aerosol generating device may activate the application that was running before receiving the heating command by invalidating the heating command, thereby maintaining the input environment.

[0173] The method according to the above example can be recorded in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, which includes a program executed to implement various working steps of the above example. The computer-readable medium can also include program commands, data files, data structures, etc. in a single or combined form. The program instructions recorded in the medium can be instructions specially designed and constructed to implement the example embodiments, or instructions known or available to ordinary technicians in the field of computer software. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable recording media include: magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and tapes; optical media such as CD-ROM discs, DVDs and / or Blu-ray discs; magneto-optical media such as optical discs; and hardware devices specially constructed for storing and executing program commands similar to read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory (such as USB flash drive, memory card, memory stick, etc.). Examples of program instructions include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also files containing high-level codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter. The above device can be configured to act as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the above embodiments, and vice versa.

[0174] Software can include a computer program, a code segment, instructions, or some combination thereof, to independently or collectively instruct a processing device or configure a processing device to operate in a desired manner. Software and data can be embodied permanently or temporarily in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual device, computer storage medium or device, or in a propagating signal wave that can provide instructions or data to or be interpreted by a processing device. Software can also be distributed on computer systems connected by a network so that the software is stored or executed in a distributed manner. Software and data can be stored in one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0175] Although the exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications in form and details may be made to these exemplary embodiments without departing from the concept and scope of the claims and their equivalents. For example, if the techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if the components in the described systems, architectures, devices or circuits are combined in a different way, and / or these components are replaced or supplemented with other components or their equivalents, appropriate results can also be obtained.

[0176] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments and equivalents of the claims are all within the scope of the above claims.

Claims

1. A method for authenticating a user performed by an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication to send beacons for establishing a wireless communication channel; Establishing the wireless communication channel with a user terminal based on the beacon; receiving adult authentication data for a user of the aerosol generating device from the user terminal via the wireless communication channel; as well as The user of the aerosol generating device is authenticated based on the adult authentication data.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: When the user is authenticated, the aerosol generating device is unlocked.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Using the BLE communication to send the beacon for establishing the wireless communication channel includes: generating beacon information; and The beacon including the beacon information is transmitted through a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The PIFA comprises: Circuit boards; a feed line formed on an upper surface of the circuit board; an antenna pattern, the antenna pattern comprising one or more strip lines electrically connected to the feed line, the antenna pattern formed on a dielectric substrate of the circuit board; and A ground wire is electrically connected to the antenna pattern.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: The total length of the one or more strip lines is predetermined based on an arrangement relationship between the one or more strip lines and a frequency of a wireless signal.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The frequency of the wireless signal is 2.4 GHz, and the total length of the one or more strip lines is 32.08 mm.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving a heating command from the user; as well as When the user fails to pass the verification, the heating command is invalidated.

8. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method according to claim 1.

9. A planar inverted F antenna (PIFA) for transmitting and receiving wireless signals of an aerosol generating device, the PIFA comprising: Circuit boards; a feed line formed on an upper surface of the circuit board; an antenna pattern, the antenna pattern comprising one or more strip lines electrically connected to the feed line, the antenna pattern formed on a dielectric substrate of the circuit board; as well as a ground wire, the ground wire being electrically connected to the antenna pattern, The total length of the one or more strip lines is predetermined according to an arrangement relationship between the one or more strip lines and a frequency of the wireless signal.

10. The PIFA according to claim 9, wherein: The frequency of the wireless signal is 2.4 GHz, and the total length of the one or more strip lines is 32.08 mm.

Images