Aerosol-generating device and method for authenticating aerosol-generating device

Abstract

Problem: To further improve user convenience while ensuring correctness of authentication performed using biometric information. Solution: An aerosol generating device, comprising: a biosensor for acquiring biometric information of a user; a communication unit for transmitting the biometric information to a server and for receiving association information from the server, the association information indicating that the transmitted biometric information is associated with personal information of a user stored in the server; an authentication unit for authenticating the user by matching biometric information of the user authenticated by the association information with biometric information acquired by the biosensor; and a device control unit for unlocking the aerosol generating function when the user has successfully authenticated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus and a certification method for the aerosol generating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Inhalation devices, such as e-cigarettes and atomizers, which produce substances to be inhaled by users, are widely used. These devices generate aerosols by heating an aerosol source. This allows users to inhale the aerosol produced by the device and enjoy its flavor.

[0003] In recent years, there have been investigations into adapting inhalation devices to biosensors capable of sensing biometric information. For example, PTL 1 below discloses the use of biosensors installed in e-cigarette devices to perform user authentication. Furthermore, PTL 2 below indicates that biometric information is acquired by a wearable terminal wirelessly connected to an inhalation device used to generate aerosols, and that the operation of the inhalation device is controlled based on biometric authentication performed using the acquired biometric information.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] PTL 1: US 2019 / 0175846 A1

[0007] PTL 2: WO 2023 / 026473 A1 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] However, in the invention disclosed in PTL 1 above, it cannot be guaranteed that the biometric information obtained by the biosensor is the actual user's biometric information, and therefore it is difficult to ensure the correctness of user authentication performed using biometric information.

[0010] The invention disclosed in PTL 2 above uses biometric information acquired by a wearable terminal worn by the user, thereby ensuring that the acquired biometric information is that of the actual user. However, when using biometric information to perform user authentication, the invention disclosed in PTL 2 requires connecting the wearable terminal or similar device to an external device.

[0011] Therefore, this disclosure provides a novel and improved aerosol generating device that further enhances user convenience while ensuring the correctness of authentication performed using biometric information, and also provides an authentication method for the aerosol generating device.

[0012] Solution to the problem

[0013] This disclosure provides an aerosol generating device, comprising: a biosensor for acquiring a user's biometric information; a communication unit for sending the biometric information to a server and receiving associated information from the server, the associated information indicating that the sent biometric information is associated with a user's personal information stored on the server; an authentication unit for authenticating a user by matching the user's biometric information, authenticated by the associated information, with the biometric information acquired by the biosensor; and a device control unit for unlocking the aerosol generating function when the user has successfully authenticated.

[0014] The aerosol generating device may further include a non-volatile memory unit for storing biometric information of a user authenticated by association information, and the biometric information may be written to the memory unit only when a connection to the server is present.

[0015] The memory unit can store the biometric information of multiple individuals (including users) that have been authenticated by association information, and the authentication unit can authenticate the multiple individuals by using the biometric information of the multiple individuals stored in the memory unit.

[0016] Once each of the multiple individuals, including the user, has successfully authenticated, the device control unit can unlock the aerosol generation function.

[0017] When a pre-selected individual different from the user has successfully completed authentication, the device control unit can output a notification to the user's terminal device.

[0018] When the biosensor acquires new biometric information while the user has already been successfully authenticated, the authentication unit can treat the new biometric information as the biometric information of a temporarily authenticated individual. When authentication is successful due to matching the biometric information of the temporarily authenticated individual with the biometric information acquired by the biosensor, the device control unit can unlock the aerosol generation function.

[0019] The authentication unit may treat new biometric information as the biometric information of a temporarily authenticated individual only for a predetermined period of time starting from the time the new biometric information is acquired.

[0020] The authentication unit can treat new biometric information as the biometric information of a temporarily authenticated individual only within a predetermined range around the location where the new biometric information was acquired.

[0021] The device control unit can lock the aerosol generation function if it is not used within a predetermined time period.

[0022] The communication unit can directly send data to the server / receive data from the server.

[0023] The communication unit can send data to the server and receive data from the server via the user's terminal device.

[0024] Biometric information can be information related to fingerprints.

[0025] This disclosure also provides an authentication method for an aerosol generating device, the authentication method comprising: acquiring a user's biometric information via a biosensor; sending the biometric information to a server; receiving association information from the server, the association information indicating that the sent biometric information is associated with a user's personal information stored on the server; authenticating a user by matching the user's biometric information authenticated by the association information with the biometric information acquired by the biosensor; and unlocking the aerosol generating function when the user has successfully authenticated.

[0026] Advantages of the present invention

[0027] This disclosure enables further improvements in user convenience while ensuring the accuracy of authentication performed using biometric information. Attached Figure Description

[0028] [ Figure 1A [Illustrated diagram showing a first configuration example of the inhalation device]

[0029] [ Figure 1B [Illustrated diagram showing a second configuration example of the inhalation device]

[0030] [ Figure 2 [ ] is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system according to a first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0031] [ Figure 3 [ ] is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation flow of a system according to the same embodiment.

[0032] [ Figure 4 [ ] is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of an inhalation device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] [ Figure 5 [ ] is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of an inhalation device according to the same embodiment.

[0034] [ Figure 6 [ ] is an explanatory diagram showing a third example of an inhalation device according to the same embodiment.

[0035] [ Figure 7A[ ] is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth example of an inhalation device according to the same embodiment.

[0036] [ Figure 7B [ ] is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth example of an inhalation device according to the same embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same reference numerals will be assigned to components having substantially the same functional configuration in the specification and drawings to avoid repetitive descriptions.

[0038] <1. Example of an inhalation device configuration>

[0039] An inhalation device is a device used to generate a substance to be inhaled by a user. Hereinafter, the substance generated by an inhalation device will be described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by an inhalation device may be a gas.

[0040] (1) First Configuration Instance

[0041] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of the inhalation device. (As shown) Figure 1A As shown, the inhalation device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavored cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply unit 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a memory unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, and a control unit 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121A, a liquid guiding section 122, and a liquid storage section 123. The flavored cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An airflow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavored cartridge 130.

[0042] Power supply unit 111A stores electricity. Power supply unit 111A then supplies power to each component of inhalation device 100A according to control executed by control unit 116A. Power supply unit 111A may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion secondary battery).

[0043] Sensor unit 112A acquires various types of information related to inhalation device 100A. As an example, sensor unit 112A is configured with a pressure sensor (e.g., a capacitive microphone, flow sensor, or temperature sensor) and acquires values ​​associated with inhalation performed by the user. As another example, sensor unit 112A is configured with an input device (e.g., a button or switch) for accepting information input from the user.

[0044] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. For example, the notification unit 113A may be configured with a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, etc.

[0045] Memory unit 114A stores various types of information for operating the suction device 100A. For example, memory unit 114A is configured with a non-volatile storage medium (e.g., flash memory).

[0046] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communications compliant with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards that can be used include: Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication, mobile communication (such as 4G or 5G), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area Network), etc.

[0047] The control unit 116A serves as an arithmetic processing and control device, and controls the overall operation within the inhalation device 100A according to various programs. For example, the control unit 116A is implemented by a CPU (central processing unit) and electronic circuitry (e.g., a microprocessor).

[0048] The liquid storage section 123 stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. For example, the aerosol source is a polyol (such as glycerol or propylene glycol) or a liquid (such as water). The aerosol source may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler (such as a nebulizer), the aerosol source may include a drug.

[0049] The liquid guiding section 122 guides and contains the aerosol source from the liquid storage section 123, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage section 123. For example, the liquid guiding section 122 is a wicking element formed of a twisted fibrous material (such as glass fiber) or a porous material (such as porous ceramic). In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage section 123 is guided by the capillary action of the wicking element.

[0050] Heating unit 121A heats the aerosol source to atomize it, thereby generating an aerosol. Figure 1AIn the illustrated example, heating unit 121A is configured as a coil wound around liquid guiding portion 122. When heating unit 121A generates heat, an aerosol source held in liquid guiding portion 122 is heated and atomized, thereby generating an aerosol. Heating unit 121A generates heat when supplied with power from power supply unit 111A. As an example, power can be supplied from power supply unit 111A to heating unit 121A when sensor unit 112A has detected that the user has begun inhalation and / or has entered predetermined information. Furthermore, power supply from power supply unit 111A to heating unit 121A can be stopped when sensor unit 112A has detected that the user has completed inhalation and / or has entered predetermined information.

[0051] Flavor source 131 is a component used to impart flavor components to an aerosol. Flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

[0052] Airflow path 180 is the flow path for air to be inhaled by the user. Airflow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181 and an air outlet 182 at both ends. The air inlet is the entrance for air into airflow path 180, and the air outlet is the exit for air leaving airflow path 180. Midway through airflow path 180, a liquid guide portion 122 is located on the upstream side (closer to the air inlet 181), while a flavor source 131 is located on the downstream side (closer to the air outlet 182). When inhaled by the user, air flowing in through air inlet 181 mixes with the aerosol generated by heating unit 121A and is conveyed through flavor source 131 to air outlet 182, as indicated by arrow 190. As the aerosol-air mixture passes through flavor source 131, flavor components contained in flavor source 131 are added to the aerosol.

[0053] The mouthpiece 124 is a component that is held in the user's mouth during inhalation. An air outlet 182 is provided in the mouthpiece 124. The user holds the mouthpiece 124 in their mouth and inhales, making it possible to draw a mixture of aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0054] The configuration examples of the inhalation device 100A have been described above. Of course, the inhalation device 100A is not limited to the configurations described above, and can adopt various configurations, such as those shown in the examples below.

[0055] As an example, the inhalation device 100A does not need to include the flavored tobacco cartridge 130. In this case, the tobacco cartridge 120 is provided with a mouthpiece 124.

[0056] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from these sources can mix within the airflow path 180 to induce a chemical reaction, thereby generating even more other types of aerosols.

[0057] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating performed by the heating unit 121A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0058] (2) Second configuration instance

[0059] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the inhalation device. (As shown) Figure 1B As shown, the inhalation device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a memory unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a holding part 140, and a heat insulation part 144.

[0060] The power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, memory unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B are each substantially the same as the corresponding components included in the inhalation device 100A in the first configuration example.

[0061] The holding portion 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the rod-shaped substrate 150, while accommodating a portion of the rod-shaped substrate 150 within the internal space 141. The holding portion 140 has an opening 142, thereby allowing communication between the internal space 141 and the outside, and the holding portion holds the rod-shaped substrate 150 that has been inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the holding portion 140 is cylindrical, including the opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 serving as a bottom surface, and defining a cylindrical internal space 141. The holding portion 140 also functions to define a flow path for air supplied to the rod-shaped substrate 150. For example, an air inlet is provided in the bottom portion 143, which is an inlet for air to the flow path. Meanwhile, the opening 142 forms an air outlet, which is an outlet for air exiting the flow path.

[0062] The rod-shaped matrix 150 includes a matrix portion 151 and a nozzle portion 152. The matrix portion 151 contains an aerosol source. It should be noted that the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, but can also be a solid in this configuration example. With the rod-shaped matrix 150 held in the holding portion 140, at least a portion of the matrix portion 151 is contained in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the nozzle portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Then, when a user takes the nozzle portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 into their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 through an inlet hole (not shown in the figures) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the matrix portion 151.

[0063] Heating unit 121B has the same configuration as heating unit 121A according to the first configuration example. However, in Figure 1B In the example shown, the heating unit 121B is configured in the shape of a film and is arranged to cover the outer circumference of the holding portion 140. Thus, when the heating unit 121B generates heat, the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150 is heated from the outer periphery, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0064] The heat insulation portion 144 prevents heat from being transferred from the heating unit 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulation portion 144 is made of vacuum insulation material or aerogel insulation material.

[0065] The configuration examples of the inhalation device 100B have been described above. Of course, the inhalation device 100B is not limited to the configurations described above, and can adopt various configurations, such as those shown below by way of examples.

[0066] As an example, the heating unit 121B may be in the form of a blade and may be arranged to protrude from the bottom portion 143 of the retaining portion 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121B is inserted into the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150 and heated from the inside of the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150. As another example, the heating unit 121B may be arranged to cover the bottom portion 143 of the retaining portion 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B may be configured by a combination of two or more of the following: a first heating unit covering the outer circumference of the retaining portion 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom portion 143 of the retaining portion 140.

[0067] For example, the retaining portion 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism (such as a hinge) for opening / closing a portion of the housing forming the internal space 141. By opening / closing the housing, the retaining portion 140 can then clamp the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, a heating unit 121B may be disposed on the clamping portion of the retaining portion 140 and can heat the rod-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0068] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating performed by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

[0069] Furthermore, the inhalation device 100B may additionally include a heating unit 121A, a liquid guiding portion 122, a liquid storage portion 123, and an airflow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air outlet 182 of the airflow path 180 may also serve as an air inlet for the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141, and further mixes with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the user's oral cavity.

[0070] <2. First Embodiment>

[0071] (2.1. Configuration Example)

[0072] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of system 1 according to a first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, the system 1 according to this embodiment includes at least an inhalation device 100 and a server 300. The inhalation device 100 and the server 300 can communicate directly or via a terminal device 200.

[0073] The inhalation device 100 is an aerosol generating device that can employ either the first or second configuration example described above. The inhalation device 100 generates aerosols using a matrix comprising at least one of an aerosol source and a flavor source, the aerosol source being the source for generating the aerosol, and the flavor source being the source for generating flavor to impart to the aerosol. For example, the tobacco cartridge 120, flavored tobacco cartridge 130, and stick matrix 150 described above are each examples of the matrix in this embodiment. Furthermore, the combination of the power supply unit 110, tobacco cartridge 120, and flavored tobacco cartridge 130 in the first configuration example can be considered an aerosol generating system, since aerosols can be generated by combining the power supply unit 110, tobacco cartridge 120, and flavored tobacco cartridge 130. Similarly, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and stick matrix 150 in the second configuration example can be considered an aerosol generating system, since aerosols can be generated by combining the inhalation device 100 and stick matrix 150. Furthermore, System 1 as a whole can also be considered an aerosol generating system.

[0074] Server 300 stores a database in which the personal information of users of inhalation device 100 is registered. Examples of personal information of users registered in the database include: user identification information that can identify an individual (name, date of birth, age, gender, and address, etc.), and personal attribute information (information related to preferences).

[0075] Terminal device 200 is an information processing device owned by the user of inhalation device 100. For example, terminal device 200 may be a smartphone or tablet computer terminal. Terminal device 200 is capable of sending / receiving data between inhalation device 100 and server 300 via wireless communication.

[0076] The inhalation device 100 can send data to / receive data from the terminal device 200 via Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark), infrared communication, or Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc. Alternatively, the inhalation device 100 can directly send data to / receive data from the server 300 via mobile communication such as 4G or 5G, or via wide area communication such as LPWA (Low Power Wide Area Network).

[0077] The inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment can send the user's acquired biometric information to the server 300, and can ensure that the acquired biometric information is the user's biometric information by associating the user's biometric information with the user's personal information registered in the server 300. In this way, the inhalation device 100 can authenticate the user using biometric information by matching the biometric information that guarantees it is the user's biometric information with newly acquired biometric information.

[0078] The inhalation device 100 more specifically includes: a biosensor 161, a communication unit 115, a memory unit 114, an authentication unit 162, and a device control unit 163. It should be noted that the authentication unit 162 and the device control unit 163 can be configured as a single authentication control unit. In this case, the authentication control unit can perform processing on both the authentication unit 162 and the device control unit 163, as will be described below. Furthermore, when the inhalation device 100 is connected to the server 300 via the communication unit 115, the function of the authentication unit 162 can be performed by the server 300.

[0079] Biosensor 161 is a sensor capable of sensing a user's biometric information. For example, biosensor 161 can be a sensor for sensing biometric information such as fingerprints, which enables individual identification. Furthermore, biosensor 161 can also be a sensor for sensing biometric information such as palm prints, veins, voiceprints, irises, or facial shapes.

[0080] Communication unit 115 is a communication interface used to send data to / receive data from terminal device 200 or server 300. As an example, communication unit 115 may be a communication interface capable of sending data to / receiving data from terminal device 200 using wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE, infrared communication, or WUSB (Wireless USB). As another example, communication unit 115 may be a communication interface capable of sending data to / receiving data from server 300 using mobile communication such as 4G or 5G, or wide area communication such as LPWA (Low Power Wide Area Network). Communication unit 115 sends the user's biometric information acquired by biosensor 161 to server 300, and also receives association information from server 300 indicating that the sent biometric information is associated with the user's personal information.

[0081] Memory unit 114 stores biometric information, which is guaranteed to be the user's biometric information because server 300 associates it with the user's personal information. For example, memory unit 114 may be a non-volatile semiconductor storage device, such as flash memory. The biometric information stored in memory unit 114 is used to authenticate the user of inhalation device 100. Therefore, memory unit 114 is preferably capable of writing biometric information only when inhalation device 100 is connected to server 300.

[0082] The authentication unit 162 authenticates the user by matching the biometric information acquired by the biometric sensor 161 with the biometric information stored in the memory unit 114. Specifically, the authentication unit 162 matches the biometric information stored in the memory unit 114 after associating it with the user's personal information in the server 300 with the biometric information acquired by the biometric sensor 161, and determines that the user has been successfully authenticated when the two sets of information match. Note that well-known methods can be used by the authentication unit 162 to authenticate the biometric information depending on the type of biometric information. For example, if the biometric information is fingerprint-related, the authentication unit 162 can determine whether the fingerprints match by comparing the feature points present on each fingerprint.

[0083] The authentication unit 162 is capable of performing authentication with high accuracy by using biometric information associated with the user's personal information and guaranteed to be the user's biometric information. Furthermore, by storing the biometric information associated with the user's personal information in the memory unit 114, the authentication unit 162 can perform authentication with high accuracy even without a connection to the server 300.

[0084] The device control unit 163 controls the operation of the inhalation device 100 based on the authentication result from the authentication unit 162. Specifically, when the aerosol generation function of the inhalation device 100 is not used within a predetermined time period, the device control unit 163 locks the aerosol generation function, and when the user has successfully authenticated through the authentication unit 162, the device control unit unlocks the aerosol generation function. In this way, the inhalation device 100 can prevent another person from using the aerosol generation function by locking it after the user has finished inhaling the aerosol. Simultaneously, when the user has successfully authenticated using biometric information, the inhalation device 100 allows the user to begin inhaling the aerosol by unlocking the aerosol generation function.

[0085] The server 300 more specifically includes a communication unit 315, a memory unit 314, and an association unit 310.

[0086] Communication unit 315 is a communication interface for sending data to / receiving data from inhalation device 100 or terminal device 200. For example, communication unit 315 may be a communication interface capable of sending data to / receiving data from inhalation device 100 or terminal device 200 via wireless communication. Communication unit 315 receives biometric information of the user acquired by biosensor 161 from inhalation device 100 and sends association information to inhalation device 100 indicating that the received biometric information is associated with the user's personal information.

[0087] Memory unit 314 is a data storage device in which a database is created and registered with the user's personal information. In other words, memory unit 314 stores the user's personal information. Specifically, the database registers user identification information (name, date of birth, age, gender, and address, etc.) and user attribute information related to the individual (information related to preferences). Memory unit 314 can be configured with magnetic storage devices such as HDDs (hard disk drives), semiconductor storage devices, optical storage devices, or magneto-optical storage devices.

[0088] The association unit 310 associates the user's biometric information received from the inhalation device 100 with the user's personal information stored in the memory unit 314. For example, when a user logs into the server 300, the association unit 310 can have the user send biometric information from the inhalation device 100 to the server 300, and thereby associate the logged-in user's personal information with the sent biometric information. Furthermore, the association unit 310 can register the identification information of the inhalation device 100 used by the user as the user's personal information in the database, and thereby associate the user's personal information with the biometric information sent from the inhalation device 100 with the registered identification information.

[0089] When the association unit 310 has associated the user's personal information with the sent biometric information, the server 300 sends association information to the inhalation device 100 indicating that the user's personal information has been associated with the sent biometric information. Furthermore, the server 300 may send biometric information already associated with the user's personal information (also referred to as association information) to the inhalation device 100.

[0090] With the above configuration, System 1 according to this embodiment can ensure that the biometric information acquired by the inhalation device 100 is the user's biometric information by associating the acquired biometric information with the user's personal information stored in the server 300. Furthermore, System 1 according to this embodiment can perform user authentication using biometric information without connecting to the server 300 by associating the biometric information stored in the inhalation device 100 with the user's personal information, thus ensuring that the biometric information is the user's biometric information.

[0091] (2.2. Operational Examples)

[0092] Figure 3 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation flow of System 1 according to this embodiment. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the system 1 according to this embodiment is implemented through the cooperation of the inhalation device 100 and the server 300.

[0093] like Figure 3 As shown, the biometric information of user U is first sensed by the biosensor 161 in the inhalation device 100 (S101). For example, the biometric information may be information related to user U's fingerprint. Then the sensed biometric information is sent from the inhalation device 100 to the server 300 (S103).

[0094] Next, the association unit 310 in server 300 associates the sent biometric information with the personal information of user U stored in memory unit 314 (S105). For example, server 300 can use user U to log in, and thereby associate the personal information of the currently logged-in user U with the sent biometric information. Then, association information indicating that the sent biometric information has been associated with the stored personal information of user U is sent from server 300 to inhalation device 100 (S107). Therefore, inhalation device 100 stores the biometric information guaranteed by the association information as the biometric information of user U in memory unit 114 (S109).

[0095] When the inhalation device 100 subsequently authenticates the user U, the biosensor 161 in the inhalation device 100 senses the biometric information of the user U (S111). Then, the authentication unit 162 in the inhalation device 100 matches the sensed biometric information with the biometric information stored in the memory unit 114 (S113). When the sensed biometric information matches the biometric information stored in the memory unit 114, the authentication unit 162 determines that the user U has successfully authenticated (S115). Therefore, the aerosol generation function of the inhalation device 100 is unlocked by the device control unit 163 (S117). By notifying the user U of the unlock (S119), the inhalation device 100 allows the user U to begin using the inhalation device 100 to inhale aerosols (S121).

[0096] Based on the above operational examples, the system 1 according to this embodiment can authenticate user U by using only the biometric information obtained by the inhalation device 100 (the inhalation device is not connected to the server 300) in the following manner: authenticating by associating the biometric information of user U with the personal information of user U stored in the server 300.

[0097] (2.3. Variant Instances)

[0098] Next, a variant example of System 1 according to the embodiment will be described. In the variant example of System 1 according to the embodiment, biometric information of multiple individuals, including the user, is stored in the memory unit 114 of the inhalation device 100. The inhalation device 100 is capable of performing various types of operations, which will be described below, by authenticating the biometric information of multiple individuals, including the user.

[0099] (First variant instance)

[0100] For example, the device control unit 163 can unlock the aerosol generation function when each of the multiple individuals, including the user, has successfully authenticated. Specifically, the biometric information of the multiple individuals, including the user, is stored in the memory unit 114 of the inhalation device 100, and the authentication unit 162 matches the stored biometric information of the multiple individuals, including the user, with the biometric information sensed by the biosensor 161. In this way, the device control unit 163 can unlock the aerosol generation function when all of the multiple individuals, including the user, have successfully authenticated.

[0101] As an example, the biometric information of multiple individuals, including users, stored in the storage unit 114 can be associated with the personal information of each of the multiple individuals stored in the storage unit 314 of the server 300. In this case, the personal information of each of the multiple individuals, including users, is registered in a database created in the storage unit 314 of the server 300, and the biometric information of the multiple individuals is associated with the registered personal information of the multiple individuals respectively.

[0102] As another example, biometric information of multiple individuals, including the user, stored in storage unit 114 can be associated with the user's personal information stored in storage unit 314 of server 300. In this case, the user's personal information is registered in a database created in storage unit 314 of server 300, and biometric information of one or more individuals other than the user (e.g., the user's family members, etc.) is associated with the user's registered personal information.

[0103] According to the first variant example, when a user inhales the aerosol, the user, whose biometric information is stored in the memory unit 114, and one or more other persons (e.g., family members of the user) must successfully authenticate themselves. In other words, the user needs the consent of another person or other individuals to inhale the aerosol. Therefore, the inhalation device 100 can control the frequency at which the user inhales the aerosol with the consent of others.

[0104] (Second variant instance)

[0105] For example, when a predetermined individual different from the user has successfully completed authentication, the device control unit 163 can output a notification to the user's terminal device 200 to inform the user that the predetermined individual has been authenticated. Specifically, the biometric information of the predetermined individual different from the user is stored in the memory unit 114 of the inhalation device 100, and the authentication unit 162 matches the stored biometric information of the predetermined individual different from the user with the biometric information sensed by the biosensor 161. In this way, when a predetermined individual different from the user has successfully completed authentication, the device control unit 163 can output a notification to the user's terminal 200 to inform the user that the predetermined individual has been authenticated. The aerosol generation function of the inhalation device 100 remains locked at this time.

[0106] As an example, biometric information of a predetermined individual, different from that of a user, stored in memory unit 114 can be associated with personal information of a related individual stored in memory unit 314 of server 300. In this case, the personal information of the related individual is registered in the database stored in memory unit 314 of server 300, and the biometric information of the predetermined individual is associated with the registered personal information of the related individual.

[0107] As another example, biometric information of a predetermined individual different from the user, stored in memory unit 114, can be associated with the user's personal information stored in memory unit 314 of server 300. In this case, the user's personal information is registered in a database created in memory unit 314 of server 300, and biometric information of a predetermined individual different from the user (e.g., the user's family members, etc.) is associated with the user's registered personal information.

[0108] According to a second variant example, for instance, when a user's family member has touched the inhalation device 100, a notification can be output to the user's terminal device 200 to inform the user that the relevant family member has been authenticated. In this way, the inhalation device 100 can alert the user to reconsider how to store and manage the inhalation device 100 by providing a notification that a family member has touched it. Therefore, the inhalation device 100 can further enhance the safety of others around the user.

[0109] (Third variant instance)

[0110] For example, when biosensor 161 senses new biometric information while the user has already been successfully authenticated, authentication unit 162 can treat the new biometric information as the biometric information of a temporarily authenticated individual. The biometric information treated as the temporarily authenticated individual is temporarily stored in memory unit 114. Inhalation device 100 can treat the biometric information temporarily stored in memory unit 114 as biometric information with the same validity as the biometric information associated with the user's personal information in server 300, provided that this action is completed within a predetermined time period and / or a predetermined location range. With this configuration, when authentication is successfully completed by matching the biometric information temporarily stored in memory unit 114 with the biometric information acquired by biosensor 161, device control unit 163 can unlock the aerosol generation function.

[0111] In other words, once the user has successfully authenticated, the inhalation device 100 can temporarily grant another person with new biometric information sensed by the biosensor 161 rights equivalent to those of the user. This allows the user to temporarily lend the inhalation device 100 to another person for a predetermined time period and / or within a predetermined location.

[0112] For example, when the user has successfully authenticated, "within a predetermined time period" could be a predetermined time period (e.g., 2-3 hours) starting from the time when new biometric information is acquired from biosensor 161. Furthermore, for example, when the user has successfully authenticated, "within a predetermined location range" could be a predetermined range around the location where the new biometric information was acquired (e.g., within a diameter of several tens of meters).

[0113] According to the third variant instance, it is easier for a user to share the inhalation experience of using the inhalation device 100 with another person because the user can temporarily lend the inhalation device 100 to another person.

[0114] <3. Second Embodiment>

[0115] An example of an inhalation device 100 according to a second embodiment of this disclosure will be described below. The inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment is capable of authenticating a user using biometric information and sending the authentication result to an external device.

[0116] (First example)

[0117] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of the inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, the inhalation device 100 can communicate with the management server 300A via a terminal device 200 owned by the user of the inhalation device 100.

[0118] The management server 300A is a server that manages the heating profile of the matrix used to generate aerosols. When a user is authenticated using biometric information obtained by the inhalation device 100 and the inhalation device 100 is also connected to the management server 300A, the management server 300A can change the heating profile of the matrix provided by the inhalation device 100 according to the authenticated user.

[0119] Specifically, the management server 300A can obtain information from the inhalation device 100, such as the substrate brand information, inhalation experience history information, or charging history information of the inhalation device 100, and can change the heating curve of the substrate based on the user-specific information already obtained. Furthermore, the management server 300A can change the heating curve of the substrate based on the user's personal information stored in the server 300.

[0120] It should be noted that matrix brand information can be obtained, for example, by sensing the matrix using sensors (cameras, etc.) installed in the inhalation device 100. Matrix brand information can be information related to recently used matrix brands, or it can be information obtained by counting matrix brands used over a predetermined past time period. Inhalation experience history information can be, for example, information related to the interval between inhalation experiences, the inhalation (puffing) intervals during a single inhalation experience, the time of inhalation experiences within a day, or the duration of a single inhalation experience. The charging history information of the inhalation device 100 can be, for example, information related to the charging interval, the duration of a single charging session, or the time of charging within a day. User personal information can be, for example, user attribute information, such as the user's gender or age.

[0121] By taking this information into account, the management server 300A can generate a more suitable substrate heating profile tailored to the user who has been authenticated through biometric information. The management server 300A can then use the generated heating profile to heat the substrate in the inhalation device 100, providing the user with a more satisfying inhalation experience.

[0122] (Second example)

[0123] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of the inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, the inhalation device 100 can send matrix brand information sensed from the matrix to an external device. For example, the inhalation device 100 can send the matrix brand information to equipment 410A for selling the matrix, or to a vending machine 410B.

[0124] Various brands of matrix are visible in the device 410A or vending machine 410B. When the user is authenticated using biometric information obtained by using the inhalation device 100 and the inhalation device 100 is also connected to the device 410A or vending machine 410B, the device 410A or vending machine 410B can process the purchase of the most recently used matrix brand.

[0125] For example, the inhalation device 100 includes: a sensor capable of acquiring matrix brand information by sensing the matrix; and a checkout function that enables the purchase of goods or services. In this way, the inhalation device 100 can send brand information sensed from the recently used matrix to the device 410A or vending machine 410B, thereby enabling the matrix indicated by the sent brand information to be purchased from the device 410A or vending machine 410B via the checkout function.

[0126] Furthermore, the inhalation device 100 can be connected to a cash handling device to send brand information sensed from recently used substrates to such devices, such as cash dispensers. This allows users to more efficiently transmit the brand information of the substrates they wish to purchase to the staff operating the cash handling device.

[0127] The inhalation device 100 can also send the brand information of the recently used matrix to the user's terminal device 200. In this case, the user can use the terminal device 200 to obtain information on the inventory of matrix at nearby sales outlets via the Internet, or to list information on the brands of matrix currently being sold. This allows the user to easily identify the brand of the matrix they are using, and makes it easier for them to know the sales outlets that sell the brand of the matrix they are using, as well as the inventory status at those outlets.

[0128] (Third example)

[0129] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing a third example of the inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, the inhalation device 100 is capable of communicating with the storage tank 420 used to store the substrate.

[0130] Storage box 420 is a container for storing the substrate used in inhalation device 100. Storage box 420 is configured such that it can be locked to prevent removal of the substrate by anyone other than the user. For example, storage box 420 can be unlocked by interacting with inhalation device 100, which has authenticated the user using biometric information.

[0131] Alternatively, similar to the inhalation device 100, a storage container 420 can be provided to authenticate the user using biometric information acquired using a biosensor. In this case, the storage container 420 can be unlocked by successfully authenticating the user using the biometric information acquired by the storage container 420. At this time, the storage container 420 can send the fact that the user has been successfully authenticated using the biometric information to the inhalation device 100, thereby eliminating the need for user authentication using the biometric information stored in the inhalation device 100.

[0132] This allows users to more securely store the substrate used with the inhalation device 100 in the lockable storage compartment 420. This enables users to more reliably prevent the substrate used with the inhalation device 100 from being manipulated by another person or accidentally ingested.

[0133] (Fourth example)

[0134] Figure 7A and Figure 7BThis is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth example of the inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the inhalation device 100 is capable of communicating with a device for managing entry into / exit from the regulated space 430, within which access to inhale aerosols is controlled.

[0135] Managed space 430 is an indoor space such as a restaurant, shop, rest area, dining room, or conference room, and access to inhaled aerosols within it is controlled through time intervals, user attributes, or administrator settings. For example, user entry and exit from managed space 430 can be managed by using key cards for authentication. Furthermore, managed space 430 can also manage the entry and exit of users possessing inhalation devices 100 by communicating with the devices, which have been authenticated using biometric information.

[0136] like Figure 7A As shown, for example, suppose aerosol inhalation inside the controlled space 430 is disabled. In this case, if authentication is performed using the inhalation device 100 upon entering the controlled space 430, the device for managing entry / exit from the controlled space 430 can lock the aerosol generation function of the inhalation device 100. Furthermore, if authentication is performed using the inhalation device 100 upon leaving the controlled space 430, the device for managing entry / exit from the controlled space 430 can unlock the aerosol generation function of the inhalation device 100. Additionally, as another example, if authentication is performed using the inhalation device 100 upon entering the controlled space 430, the device for managing entry / exit from the controlled space 430 can refuse entry to the user S of the inhalation device 100.

[0137] In this way, the device for managing entry / exit from the controlled space 430 can physically prevent the inhalation of aerosols inside the controlled space 430. Therefore, the device for managing entry / exit from the controlled space 430 can implement a setting to disable the inhalation of aerosols inside the controlled space 430.

[0138] At the same time, such as Figure 7BAs shown, assuming aerosol inhalation within the controlled space 430 is enabled, if authentication is performed using the inhalation device 100 upon entering the controlled space 430, the device for managing entry / exit from the controlled space 430 can allow the user S, acting as the user of the inhalation device 100, to enter without locking the aerosol generation function of the inhalation device 100. Simultaneously, if a user who does not wish to inhale aerosols has already been authenticated and entered the controlled space 430, the device for managing entry / exit from the controlled space 430 can notify the relevant user that the controlled space 430 is configured to allow aerosol inhalation within it. Furthermore, as another example, if a user who does not wish to inhale aerosols has already been authenticated and entered the controlled space 430, the device for managing entry / exit from the controlled space 430 can refuse the relevant user entry into the controlled space 430.

[0139] Therefore, when the authority to inhale aerosols within the controlled space 430 is controlled, the device for managing entry into / exit from the controlled space 430 can appropriately manage the entry and exit of the user S, who is the user of the inhalation device 100. Thus, the device for managing entry into / exit from the controlled space 430 can prevent unintentional passive inhalation of aerosols within the controlled space 430 by a person who does not wish to inhale aerosols.

[0140] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to these examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous variations or modifications within the scope of the technical concepts disclosed in the claims will be conceived, and it should be understood that any such variations or modifications fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0141] Furthermore, the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification can be implemented using software, hardware, or any combination of software and hardware. For example, the program constituting the software is pre-stored on a recording medium (non-transitory medium) located inside or outside each device. For example, when the program constituting the software is executed by a computer, the program is read into RAM and executed by a processor (such as a CPU). The recording medium storing the program can be, for example, a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or flash memory. Furthermore, the program can be distributed, for example, via a network, instead of being stored on a recording medium.

[0142] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. (1)

[0144] An aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising:

[0145] A biosensor used to acquire a user's biometric information;

[0146] A communication unit is used to send biometric information to a server and to receive associated information from the server, the associated information indicating that the sent biometric information is associated with the user's personal information stored on the server.

[0147] An authentication unit is used to authenticate a user by matching the biometric information of a user authenticated by association information with biometric information acquired by a biosensor; and

[0148] Device control unit, which is used to unlock the aerosol generation function when the user has successfully authenticated. (2)

[0150] As disclosed in (1) above, the aerosol generating device,

[0151] It further includes a non-volatile memory unit for storing the biometric information of a user authenticated by association information, wherein,

[0152] Biometric information is written to the memory unit only when a connection to the server exists. (3)

[0154] As disclosed in (2) above, the aerosol generating device, wherein,

[0155] The memory unit stores biometric information of multiple individuals (including users), each of whom has been authenticated through associated information, and

[0156] The authentication unit authenticates multiple individuals by using the biometric information of multiple individuals stored in the memory unit. (4)

[0158] As disclosed in (3) above, the aerosol generating device unlocks the aerosol generating function when each of the multiple individuals, including the user, has been successfully authenticated. (5)

[0160] As disclosed in (3) or (4) above, in an aerosol generating device, when a predetermined individual different from the user has been successfully authenticated, the device control unit outputs a notification to the user's terminal device. (6)

[0162] As disclosed in any of (1) to (5) above, in the aerosol generating device, when the biosensor acquires new biometric information while the user has already been successfully authenticated, the authentication unit treats the new biometric information as the biometric information of a temporarily authenticated individual, and

[0163] When authentication is successfully performed by matching the biometric information of a temporarily certified individual with the biometric information acquired by the biosensor, the device control unit unlocks the aerosol generation function. (7)

[0165] As disclosed in (6) above, the aerosol generating device, wherein the authentication unit regards the new biometric information as the biometric information of the temporarily authenticated individual only for a predetermined period of time starting from the time when the new biometric information is acquired. (8)

[0167] As disclosed in (6) or (7) above, the aerosol generating device, wherein the authentication unit regards the new biometric information as the biometric information of a temporarily authenticated individual only within a predetermined range around the location where the new biometric information is acquired. (9)

[0169] As disclosed in any of (1) to (8) above, the aerosol generating device locks the aerosol generating function when the aerosol generating function is not used within a predetermined time period. (10)

[0171] As disclosed in any of (1) to (9) above, the aerosol generating apparatus wherein the communication unit directly sends data to / receives data from the server. (11)

[0173] As disclosed in any of (1) to (10) above, the aerosol generating apparatus wherein the communication unit sends data to / receives data from the server via a terminal device owned by the user. (12)

[0175] As disclosed in any of (1) to (11) above, the aerosol generating device contains biometric information related to fingerprints. (13)

[0177] A certification method for an aerosol generating device, the certification method comprising:

[0178] The steps of acquiring a user's biometric information using biosensors;

[0179] The steps of sending biometric information to the server;

[0180] The step of receiving associated information from the server, which indicates that the sent biometric information is associated with the user's personal information stored on the server;

[0181] The step of authenticating a user by matching the biometric information of a user authenticated through association information with biometric information acquired by a biosensor; and

[0182] The steps to unlock the aerosol generation function after the user has successfully completed authentication.

[0183] List of reference numerals

[0184] 1 System

[0185] 100 Inhalation Device

[0186] 114 memory cells

[0187] 115 Communication Unit

[0188] 161 Biosensors

[0189] 162 Authentication Units

[0190] 163 Device Control Unit

[0191] 200 terminal devices

[0192] 300 server

[0193] 310 Associated Unit

[0194] 314 memory cells

[0195] 315 Communication Unit

[0196] 300A Management Server

[0197] 410A Equipment

[0198] 410B Vending Machine

[0199] 420 storage box

[0200] 430 Management Space.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: A biosensor used to acquire a user's biometric information; A communication unit is used to send the biometric information to a server and to receive associated information from the server, the associated information indicating that the sent biometric information is associated with the user's personal information stored on the server; An authentication unit is used to authenticate a user by matching the biometric information of the user authenticated by the associated information with the biometric information acquired by the biosensor. as well as Device control unit, which is used to unlock the aerosol generation function when the user has successfully authenticated.

2. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1, It further includes a non-volatile memory unit for storing the biometric information of the user authenticated by the association information, wherein, The biometric information is written to the memory unit only when a connection to the server exists.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein, The memory unit stores biometric information of multiple individuals (including the user), each of whom has been authenticated using this associated information, and The authentication unit authenticates the multiple individuals by using the biometric information of the multiple individuals stored in the memory unit.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 3, wherein, Once each of the multiple individuals, including the user, has successfully authenticated, the device control unit unlocks the aerosol generation function.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein, When a pre-selected individual different from the user has successfully completed authentication, the device control unit outputs a notification to the terminal device owned by the user.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, When the biosensor acquires new biometric information after the user has successfully authenticated, the authentication unit treats this new biometric information as the biometric information of a temporarily authenticated individual, and When authentication is successfully completed by matching the biometric information of the temporarily certified individual with the biometric information acquired by the biosensor, the device control unit unlocks the aerosol generation function.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 6, wherein, The authentication unit will only consider the new biometric information as the biometric information of the temporarily authenticated individual for a predetermined period of time starting from the time the new biometric information is acquired.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 6 or 7, wherein, The authentication unit will only consider the new biometric information as the biometric information of the temporarily authenticated individual within a predetermined range around the location where the new biometric information was acquired.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, When the aerosol generation function is not used within a predetermined time period, the device control unit locks the aerosol generation function.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The communication unit directly sends data to the server / receives data from the server.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The communication unit sends data to / receives data from the server via the user's terminal device.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, This biometric information is related to fingerprints.

13. A certification method for an aerosol generating device, the certification method comprising: The steps of acquiring a user's biometric information using biosensors; The steps to send the biometric information to the server; The step of receiving associated information from the server, wherein the associated information indicates that the sent biometric information is associated with the user's personal information stored on the server; The step of authenticating a user by matching the biometric information of the user authenticated by the associated information with the biometric information obtained by the biosensor; as well as The steps to unlock the aerosol generation function when the user has successfully completed authentication.

Images