Method and system for unlocking an aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The application discloses a method for unlocking an aerosol generating device based on a user terminal and a system for unlocking the aerosol generating device. The method comprises: obtaining website information carried on or associated with the aerosol generating device, and sending a first webpage request to an authentication server based on the website information; receiving a webpage file of an authentication login webpage returned by the authentication server in response to the first webpage request, and displaying the authentication login webpage; jumping to an authentication identification webpage in response to a login operation of a user, the authentication identification webpage being used to verify whether the age of the user reaches a legal use age of the aerosol generating device; establishing a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device, sending authentication result information to the aerosol generating device, so that the aerosol generating device is converted to an unlocked state based on the authentication result information. Therefore, the application can realize age verification of a user who purchases the aerosol generating device, and does not need to use an age verification APP.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of aerosol generating device technology, and in particular to a method and system for unlocking an aerosol generating device. Background Technology

[0002] To strengthen the protection of minors and ensure their physical and mental health, an increasing number of countries have stipulated the legal age for the use of aerosol generating devices, requiring sellers to verify the age of potential buyers. Current technology establishes a Bluetooth connection between the aerosol generating device and a smartphone, with an age verification app installed on the smartphone. Users complete the age verification by following the instructions on the app.

[0003] However, the apps related to aerosol generation devices are affected by factors such as app stores, smartphone operating systems, and laws and regulations in various countries, resulting in their inability to be listed, downloaded, or used. This makes it impossible for existing age verification schemes to be practically applied or commercially available. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application aims to provide a method and system for unlocking aerosol generating devices, which can verify the age of users who purchase aerosol generating devices without the need for an age verification app.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for unlocking an aerosol generating device based on a user terminal, wherein the user terminal has a browser application installed, the aerosol generating device has a locked state and an unlocked state, the aerosol generating device is prohibited from generating aerosols in the locked state, and is allowed to generate aerosols in the unlocked state, the method comprising:

[0006] Obtain the URL information carried by or associated with the aerosol generating device, and send a first webpage request to the authentication server based on the URL information;

[0007] Receive the webpage file of the authentication login webpage returned by the authentication server in response to the first webpage request, and display the authentication login webpage;

[0008] In response to the user's login operation, the user is redirected to an authentication and identification webpage, which is used to verify whether the user's age has reached the legal age for use of the aerosol generating device.

[0009] Establish a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device, and send authentication result information to the aerosol generating device so that the aerosol generating device can change from a locked state to an unlocked state or remain in a locked state based on the authentication result information.

[0010] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device, its packaging, or its instruction manual carries an coded identifier generated from the URL information.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method further includes scanning the encoded identifier to obtain the URL information.

[0012] In some embodiments, the step of responding to a user's login request and redirecting to an authentication and identification webpage includes:

[0013] In response to the registration operation received by the authentication login webpage, register an account and password;

[0014] In response to the login operation based on the account and password received by the authentication login webpage, a second webpage request is sent to the authentication server;

[0015] The system receives the webpage file of the authentication identification webpage returned by the authentication server in response to the second webpage request, and redirects to the authentication identification webpage.

[0016] In some embodiments, before responding to the registration operation received by the authentication login webpage and registering the account and password, the method further includes: responding to the authorization operation received by the authentication login webpage and obtaining user authorization.

[0017] In some embodiments, the authorization operation includes checking the agreement terms set on the authentication login webpage.

[0018] In some embodiments, after redirecting to the authentication and identification webpage, the method further includes:

[0019] Obtain identity authentication information and send the identity authentication information to the authentication server;

[0020] The system receives the first identification information returned by the authentication server after processing the identity authentication information, triggering entry into the image acquisition webpage.

[0021] In response to the image acquisition operation received by the image acquisition webpage, image authentication information is acquired and the image authentication information is sent to the authentication server;

[0022] The system receives second identification information returned by the authentication server after processing the image authentication information, and generates authentication result information based on the second identification information.

[0023] In some embodiments, prior to establishing a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device, the method further includes:

[0024] When the authentication result is successful, the user is redirected to the first prompt webpage, which displays the successful authentication result and prompts the user to establish a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device.

[0025] When the authentication result is an authentication failure, the user is redirected to a second prompt webpage, which displays the authentication failure result and prompts the user to re-authenticate.

[0026] In some embodiments, establishing a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device and sending authentication result information to the aerosol generating device includes:

[0027] In response to establishing a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device, a third webpage request is sent to the aerosol generating device;

[0028] The device receives the webpage file of the device webpage returned by the aerosol generating device in response to the third webpage request, and displays the device webpage, which is used to display the device parameter information and device status information of the aerosol generating device.

[0029] Send authentication result information to the aerosol generating device.

[0030] In some embodiments, the browser application pre-sets the URL information corresponding to the webpage file of the device's webpage.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method further includes: when the aerosol generating device is in an unlocked state, in response to an input operation received by the device webpage, sending a control command to the aerosol generating device to cause the aerosol generating device to perform a corresponding operation based on the control command.

[0032] In some embodiments, the method further includes: when the aerosol generating device is in an unlocked state, responding to a fingerprint enrollment operation received by the device page, and redirecting to a fingerprint enrollment webpage, the fingerprint enrollment webpage being used to display the process of the aerosol generating device enrolling fingerprint information.

[0033] In some embodiments, the method further includes: when the aerosol generating device is in an unlocked state, responding to a fingerprint management operation received by the device webpage, and redirecting to a fingerprint management webpage, the fingerprint management webpage being used to add or delete fingerprint information.

[0034] In a second aspect, embodiments of this application provide a system for unlocking an aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0035] The user terminal has a browser application installed. The user terminal is configured to: obtain URL information carried by or associated with the aerosol generating device and send a first webpage request to the authentication server based on the URL information; receive a webpage file of an authentication login webpage returned by the authentication server in response to the first webpage request, and display the authentication login webpage; redirect to an authentication identification webpage in response to the user's login operation, the authentication identification webpage being used to verify whether the user's age meets the legal age for use of the aerosol generating device; and send authentication result information to the aerosol generating device.

[0036] An authentication server is configured to establish an Internet communication connection with the user terminal, and to receive a first webpage request sent by the user terminal; to respond to the first webpage request and return the webpage file of the authentication login webpage to the user terminal; and to respond to the user's login operation and return the webpage file of the authentication recognition webpage to the user terminal.

[0037] The aerosol generating device is capable of establishing a local area network communication connection with the user terminal. The aerosol generating device is configured to receive authentication result information sent by the user terminal, and based on the authentication result information, to change the aerosol generating device from a locked state to an unlocked state, or to keep it in a locked state.

[0038] In some embodiments, a network database is also included, which is communicatively connected to the authentication server and is used to interact with the authentication server for user data.

[0039] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: the user terminal sends a first webpage request to the authentication server; receives the webpage file of the authentication login webpage returned by the authentication server in response to the first webpage request, and displays the authentication login webpage; in response to the login operation received by the authentication login webpage, the user terminal is redirected to the authentication identification webpage, which is used to verify whether the user's age has reached the legal age for use of the aerosol generating device; a local area network communication connection is established with the aerosol generating device, and authentication result information is sent to the aerosol generating device, so that the aerosol generating device can change from a locked state to an unlocked state or remain in a locked state based on the authentication result information. Therefore, this application can realize age verification for users who purchase aerosol generating devices, and does not require the user terminal to install an age verification APP for aerosol generating devices, thus avoiding the problems caused by the restrictions of age verification APPs. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the application environment of an aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a method for unlocking an aerosol generating device based on a user terminal, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 3 This is provided by the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 The flowchart of step S13 is shown below;

[0044] Figure 4 The embodiments provided in this application are in Figure 3 The control method further includes a method flowchart based on the above;

[0045] Figure 5 This is another embodiment provided in this application. Figure 2 The flowchart of step S14 is shown below;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a system for unlocking an aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of communication between systems for unlocking an aerosol generating device, provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0050] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the application environment of an aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of this application. The application environment includes a user terminal 10, an authentication server 20, an aerosol generating device 30, and a network database 40.

[0052] User terminal 10 and authentication server 20 can establish an Internet communication connection, that is, user terminal 10 communicates with authentication server 20 via the Internet. User terminal 10 can establish an Internet communication connection with authentication server 20 via wired or wireless means. User terminal 10 is configured to use communication standards such as GSM, SMART, or LTE to conduct data communication with authentication server 20 via the Internet.

[0053] The user terminal 10 is equipped with a browser application that displays authentication login webpages, authentication identification webpages, and device webpages. The authentication identification webpage verifies whether the user's age meets the legal age requirement for using the aerosol generating device. Therefore, the user terminal 10 also has a display device and operating system to display the authentication identification webpage and complete the age verification process on it. It can be understood that if facial recognition is used to verify the user's age on the authentication identification webpage, the user terminal 10 also includes a camera.

[0054] Therefore, the user terminal 10 can be an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, or smart home device that has local area network communication and internet communication functions and is equipped with browser applications, display devices, and operating systems.

[0055] In some embodiments, the authentication server 20 is a web server. A web server is a computer system or device that provides services and resources to other computers (clients) in a computer network. A web server can process requests from web clients such as browsers and return corresponding responses, store web page files for connected devices to browse and access, and store data files for connected devices to download.

[0056] In a specific example, user terminal 10 establishes a network communication connection with authentication server 20. The browser application of user terminal 10 accesses the URL information used for age verification in aerosol generating device 30. Based on the IP address and default HTTP port in the URL information, the browser application sends a first webpage request to authentication server 20. This first webpage request includes a requirement to obtain an authentication login webpage. Authentication server 20 parses the first webpage request according to network protocol specifications, extracts key information, determines the request type and the required operation, and, based on the request type, invokes the corresponding service or program to process the first webpage request, obtains the authentication login webpage file, and returns it to user terminal 10. Based on this, user terminal 10 responds to various operations on the authentication login webpage, and user terminal 10 and authentication server 20 repeat the above-described similar interaction process.

[0057] The authentication server 20 is a remote server. In actual applications, the authentication server 20 can be a single server or a server cluster consisting of multiple servers.

[0058] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 30, its packaging, or its instruction manual carries an coded identifier generated from the URL information corresponding to the webpage file of the authenticated login webpage. The aerosol generating device 30 and the user terminal 10 can establish a local area network communication connection, thereby enabling the transmission of authentication result information, device parameter information, device status information, control commands, etc. between the aerosol generating device 30 and the user terminal 10.

[0059] The aerosol generating device 30 and the user terminal 10 establish a local area network communication connection using the IEEE 802.11 wireless protocol standard. Therefore, both the aerosol generating device 30 and the user terminal 102 have a Wi-Fi module.

[0060] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device 30 has a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the aerosol generating device 30 is prohibited from generating aerosols, and in the unlocked state, it is allowed to generate aerosols. The initial state of the aerosol generating device 30 is locked. If the user's age is verified to be within the legal age range for using the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device 30 switches from the locked state to the unlocked state, allowing aerosol generation. If the user's age is verified to be below the legal age range for using the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device 30 remains locked, prohibiting aerosol generation.

[0061] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 30 includes a power supply circuit, a local area network (LAN) communication module, and a controller. The power supply circuit provides power, the LAN communication module is connected to the power supply circuit and includes a Wi-Fi module, and the controller is connected to both the power supply circuit and the LAN communication module. In some optional embodiments, the aerosol generating device 30 further includes a switching component connected to the controller, configured to control the on / off state of the LAN communication module. In some optional embodiments, the aerosol generating device 30 further includes a fingerprint module connected to both the power supply circuit and the controller, configured to collect fingerprint information or control the on / off state of the LAN communication module and collect fingerprint information. In some optional embodiments, the aerosol generating device 30 further includes an NFC module electrically connected to the controller, configured to establish a near-field communication connection with a user terminal.

[0062] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 30 further includes a main body and an atomizing component. The main body can be a cigarette holder, smoking device, cigarette case, etc., and is configured to at least partially house the atomizing component and provide power to the atomizing component. The atomizing component is used to heat the aerosol generating matrix to generate aerosol in the unlocked state. In some optional embodiments, a WIFI module is disposed within the main body. In some optional embodiments, the WIFI module is external and the main body is provided with a communication interface capable of connecting to the WIFI module. In some optional embodiments, an NFC module is disposed on the atomizing component, and when the atomizing component is inserted into the main body, the NFC module is also configured to establish a near-field communication connection with the main body to read data from the atomizing component or to implement anti-counterfeiting functions of the atomizing component.

[0063] The network database 40 and the authentication server 20 can establish an Internet communication connection, which refers to a database system that stores, manages, and accesses data through a network.

[0064] In some embodiments, the network database 40 is used to store user data sent by the authentication server 20. For example, the user data includes account password information, identity authentication information, image authentication information, etc. Storing user data is beneficial for the user age verification process. For example, an already registered account password can be compared with the account password entered on the authentication login webpage and the account password stored in the network database 40, allowing direct login to the authentication recognition webpage without having to register the account password again.

[0065] In some other application environments, a network database 40 may not be included. In this case, user data may be stored on the authentication server 20 or no user data may be stored at all.

[0066] Please see Figure 2This application provides a method for unlocking an aerosol generating device based on a user terminal. The user terminal has a browser application installed. The aerosol generating device has a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the aerosol generating device is prohibited from generating aerosols, and in the unlocked state, it is allowed to generate aerosols. The method can be applied to... Figure 1 The application environment shown. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the method for unlocking the aerosol generating device based on the user terminal includes steps S11-S14, as detailed below:

[0067] Step S11: Obtain the URL information carried by or associated with the aerosol generating device, and send a first webpage request to the authentication server based on the URL information.

[0068] User terminals and authentication servers can establish network communication connections and support HTTP or HTTPS network protocols.

[0069] The first webpage request is either an HTTP request or an HTTPS request. HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, and HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Security Protocol. Both are protocols used for transmitting data over the Internet, belonging to the application layer and built on top of the TCP / IP protocol stack. They can be used for communication between the user's browser application and the authentication server. The first webpage request includes the URL information corresponding to the webpage file of the authentication login page.

[0070] Web page files reside at the application layer. Since the user terminal establishes a network communication connection with the authentication server, the first web page request sent by the user terminal is of the type of HTTP request or HTTPS request, which belongs to the application layer protocol. Therefore, web page files can be transferred between the user terminal's browser application and the authentication server, meaning that the user terminal can access the authentication server's web page files.

[0071] The authentication server stores the webpage files and other resources for the authentication login page. The first webpage request carries URL information, which is a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) used to specify the location of the webpage files and other resources for the authentication login page; in other words, it's used to locate the webpage files and other resources for the authentication login page. For example, if the location of the webpage files for the authentication login page is http: / / 192.168.4.1, the first webpage request includes the URL information http: / / 192.168.4.1. It's understandable that, depending on the actual needs, other resources may include CSS files (Cascading Style Sheets), JavaScript files, image resources, etc.

[0072] As an example, the URL information is carried in the aerosol generating device.

[0073] In one specific embodiment, the aerosol generating device, its packaging, or its instruction manual carries an coded identifier generated from the URL information.

[0074] Encoding identifiers include QR codes, barcodes, or other graphic codes. Taking QR codes as an example, website information is converted into black and white patterns on a two-dimensional plane based on specific geometric shapes and rules. QR codes can be printed on any easily observable location on the aerosol generating device's body, or on its packaging, such as the internal or external packaging material, or on the instruction manual. It is also understood that QR codes can be attached to the aerosol generating device's body through methods such as pasting, spraying, etching, or injection molding.

[0075] Based on this, the method further includes: scanning the encoded identifier to obtain URL information.

[0076] The user's browser application scans the QR code at the above location, parses the QR code to obtain the URL information, generates a first webpage request based on the URL information, and sends the first webpage request to the authentication server.

[0077] As an example, the URL information is associated with the aerosol generating device, but is not carried on the aerosol generating device.

[0078] In one specific embodiment, the aerosol generating device, its packaging, or its instruction manual directly displays the website address information.

[0079] The URL information is obtained through the aerosol generating device, its packaging, or its instruction manual. Then, the URL information is entered into the browser application on the user's terminal. Based on the URL information, a first webpage request is generated and sent to the authentication server.

[0080] Step S12: Receive the authentication login webpage file returned by the authentication server in response to the first webpage request, and display the authentication login webpage.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first webpage request includes a request to obtain an authentication login webpage. The authentication server receives the first webpage request, parses it, extracts key information, determines the type of request and the operation to be performed, and, based on the type of request, invokes the corresponding service or program to process the first webpage request, obtains the webpage file of the authentication login webpage, and returns it to the user terminal so that the user terminal can display the authentication login webpage.

[0082] In some embodiments, the authentication login webpage includes a title area, an account and password input area, and a login area. In a specific example, the title area includes phrases such as "Start Age Authentication" and "Let's Vertify Your Age," the account and password input area includes an account input box and a password input box, and the login area includes a "Login" or "SIGN IN" button.

[0083] In some other embodiments, the authentication login webpage also includes a "Forgot Password" prompt. Clicking or touching the "Forgot Password" prompt redirects the user terminal to a "Forgot Password" webpage, which is used to reset the password. The user then follows the instructions on the "Forgot Password" webpage to reset the password. In other embodiments, the authentication login webpage also includes a "Register Account" prompt. Clicking or touching the "Register Account" prompt redirects the user terminal to a "Register Account" webpage, which is used to register an account and set a password. The user then follows the instructions on the "Register Account" webpage to register an account.

[0084] Step S13: In response to the user's login operation, redirect to the authentication and identification webpage. The authentication and identification webpage is used to verify whether the user's age has reached the legal age for use of the aerosol generating device.

[0085] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 In response to the user's login operation, the system redirects to the authentication and identification webpage, including steps S131-S133, as follows:

[0086] Step S131: Response to the registration operation received by the authentication login webpage, register account and password.

[0087] Step S132: In response to the login operation based on account and password received by the authentication login webpage, send a second webpage request to the authentication server.

[0088] Step S133: Receive the webpage file of the authentication identification webpage returned by the authentication server in response to the second webpage request, and redirect to the authentication identification webpage.

[0089] In some embodiments, the above registration and login operations are performed by the user on the authentication login webpage.

[0090] In a specific example, the authentication login webpage also includes a prompt for registering an account. When the user clicks or touches this prompt, the user terminal, responding to the click or touch operation received by the authentication login webpage, is redirected to the account registration webpage, where an account and password are registered. Then, the user returns to the authentication login webpage, enters their account and password in the account and password input boxes respectively, and clicks or touches the "Login" or "SIGN IN" button. The user terminal, responding to the login operation based on the account and password received by the authentication login webpage, sends a second webpage request to the authentication server. Finally, the second webpage request includes a requirement to obtain the authentication identification webpage. The authentication server receives the second webpage request, parses it, extracts key information, determines the request type and the required operation; based on the request type, it calls the appropriate service or program to process the second webpage request, obtains the authentication identification webpage file, and returns it to the user terminal, thus redirecting the user terminal from the authentication login webpage to the authentication identification webpage.

[0091] If the account and password are already available, step S131 can be omitted.

[0092] If an account already exists and the password has been forgotten, step S131 is updated to: respond to the forgotten password operation received by the authentication login webpage and reset the password of the existing account.

[0093] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 Before registering an account and password upon receiving a registration request from the authentication login webpage, the method further includes:

[0094] Step S134: Respond to the authorization operation received by the authentication login webpage and obtain user authorization.

[0095] In some embodiments, the authorization process includes checking the agreement terms set on the authentication login page.

[0096] In a specific example, user authorization can include third-party login authorization, data permission authorization, and program call authorization. By granting compliant user authorization, the legal risks of obtaining user privacy information can be avoided; at the same time, collecting user information through compliant authorization allows for precise user profiling, enabling the provision of personalized services.

[0097] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 4 After redirecting to the authentication and identification webpage, the method further includes:

[0098] Step S135: Obtain identity authentication information and send the identity authentication information to the authentication server.

[0099] The identity verification information may include photos of ID cards, passports, driver's licenses, etc.

[0100] Step S136: Receive the first identification information returned by the authentication server after processing the identity authentication information, triggering entry into the image acquisition webpage.

[0101] In some embodiments, the authentication server identifies the identity authentication information to obtain identity information and avatar information, and determines the user's age based on the identity information. First identification information is generated based on the user's age and the legal age of use.

[0102] The identity information includes a year field, and the user's age is determined by the difference between the current year and the year field. For example, if the identity information is 1234562000XXXXXXXX, where 2000 is the year field, and the current year is 2024, then the user's age is 2024-2000=24 years old.

[0103] It's understandable that different countries and regions have different legal age requirements for use.

[0104] If the user's age is greater than or equal to the legal age of use, the user terminal receives the first identification information returned by the authentication server after processing the identity authentication information, triggering access to the image acquisition webpage. If the user's age is less than the legal age of use, the user terminal receives the first identification information returned by the authentication server after processing the identity authentication information, indicating that the identity authentication information recognition failed.

[0105] Step S137: In response to the image acquisition operation received by the image acquisition webpage, obtain image authentication information and send the image authentication information to the authentication server.

[0106] The image acquisition operation can be either obtaining image authentication information from the phone's gallery or obtaining image authentication information by opening the phone's camera.

[0107] Step S138: Receive the second identification information returned by the authentication server after processing the image authentication information, and generate authentication result information based on the second identification information.

[0108] In some embodiments, the second identification information includes similarity information. The authentication server compares the avatar information in the image authentication information and the identity authentication information to obtain similarity information. If the similarity information is greater than or equal to a preset similarity threshold, the authentication result information generated based on the similarity information is a successful authentication result; if the similarity information is less than the preset similarity threshold, the authentication result information generated based on the similarity information is a failed authentication result.

[0109] As can be seen, the authentication server processes the identity authentication information sent by the user terminal to generate first identification information, and returns it to the user terminal, causing the user terminal to trigger the entry into the image acquisition webpage. The user terminal responds to the image acquisition operation received by the image acquisition webpage, acquires the image authentication information, and sends the image authentication information to the authentication server. The authentication server processes the image authentication information to generate second identification information, and returns it to the user terminal, causing the user terminal to generate authentication result information based on the second identification information.

[0110] In other embodiments, after redirecting to the authentication and identification webpage, the method further includes: obtaining identity authentication information and image authentication information, and forwarding them to the authentication server; receiving first identification information returned by the authentication server after processing the identity authentication information, and second identification information returned by the authentication server after processing the image authentication information; and generating authentication result information based on the first identification information and the second identification information.

[0111] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 4 Before establishing a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device, the method further includes:

[0112] Step S139: When the authentication result is successful, the system redirects to the first prompt webpage, which displays the successful authentication result and prompts the system to establish a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device.

[0113] Step S1310: When the authentication result is an authentication failure, redirect to the second prompt webpage. The second prompt webpage is used to display the authentication failure result and prompt for re-authentication.

[0114] A successful authentication message indicates that the user is of legal age to use the aerosol generating device, while a failed authentication message indicates that the user is not of legal age to use the aerosol generating device.

[0115] After verifying whether the user's age meets the legal age requirement for using the aerosol generator and obtaining the authentication result information, the user selects path A1-A1. If the authentication result is successful, the user is redirected to the first prompt webpage, which displays the successful authentication result and prompts the user to establish a local area network (LAN) communication connection with the aerosol generator. The user then establishes the LAN communication connection and sends the authentication result information to the aerosol generator, enabling the aerosol generator to switch from a locked state to an unlocked state based on the authentication result. If the user selects path A2-A21 and the authentication result is unsuccessful, the user is redirected to the second prompt webpage, which displays the unsuccessful authentication result and prompts the user to re-authenticate. Steps S135-S138 are then repeated. Select path A2-A22. When the authentication result is "authentication failed," redirect to the second prompt webpage. The second prompt webpage displays the authentication failure result and prompts for re-authentication. Establish a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device and send the authentication result information to the aerosol generating device so that the aerosol generating device remains locked based on the authentication result information.

[0116] Step S14: Establish a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device and send authentication result information to the aerosol generating device so that the aerosol generating device can change from a locked state to an unlocked state or remain in a locked state based on the authentication result information.

[0117] The aerosol generating device can switch from a locked state to an unlocked state based on successful authentication information, and can remain in a locked state based on failed authentication information.

[0118] In this embodiment, after the aerosol generating device switches from a locked state to an unlocked state, age verification is no longer required; that is, age verification is a one-time process. Subsequently, the device is activated by the airflow sensor detecting user inhalation, causing the aerosol generating device to produce aerosols. Alternatively, the device can be activated via a button or fingerprint sensor, causing the aerosol generating device to produce aerosols when the user inhales.

[0119] In some other embodiments, if no user inhalation is detected within a preset time after the aerosol generating device changes from a locked state to an unlocked state, the aerosol generating device will be changed from an unlocked state to a locked state, and age verification will need to be performed again the next time the aerosol generating device is used.

[0120] In some embodiments, by configuring the aerosol generating device to a network so that the aerosol generating device can also be connected to the Internet, the aerosol generating device can receive authentication result information sent by the authentication server.

[0121] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 Establish a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device and send authentication result information to the aerosol generating device, which is achieved through steps S141-S143:

[0122] Step S141: In response to establishing a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device, a third webpage request is sent to the aerosol generating device.

[0123] Step S142: Receive the webpage file of the device webpage returned by the aerosol generating device in response to the third webpage request, and display the device webpage. The device webpage is used to display the device parameter information and device status information of the aerosol generating device.

[0124] The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge, and its parameter information includes the cartridge's flavor, resistance, manufacturing date, remaining e-liquid volume, and remaining vaping time, as well as the remaining battery power of the aerosol generating device. Device status information includes the aerosol generating device's charging status, vaping status, and error status.

[0125] Understandably, the device's webpage is also used to display other information about the aerosol generating device, such as its operating mode and version number.

[0126] The device parameter information and device status information of the aerosol generating device are displayed on the user terminal, realizing human-computer interaction and improving user experience.

[0127] In some embodiments, the browser application pre-sets the URL information corresponding to the webpage file of the device's webpage. Therefore, when the aerosol generating device turns on its Wi-Fi hotspot and a local area network communication connection is established between the user terminal and the aerosol generating device, the user terminal automatically redirects to the device's webpage based on the URL information.

[0128] Step S143: Send the authentication result information to the aerosol generating device.

[0129] In some embodiments, the method further includes: when the aerosol generating device is in an unlocked state, in response to an input operation received by the device webpage, sending a control command to the aerosol generating device so that the aerosol generating device performs a corresponding operation based on the control command.

[0130] The user terminal and aerosol generation device transmit device web pages and control commands based on the WebSocket protocol. WebSocket is a protocol for full-duplex communication over a single TCP connection, offering advantages such as stability, security, and speed.

[0131] In one example, the control commands include power regulation commands.

[0132] The device's webpage includes a power adjustment drop-down menu with multiple power levels. Selecting a power level from the drop-down menu generates a power adjustment command, which is then sent to the aerosol generator. The aerosol generator receives the command and adjusts its current power to the specified level. Alternatively, the webpage includes a power input box. Entering a power level in the input box generates a power adjustment command, which is then sent to the aerosol generator. The aerosol generator receives the command and adjusts its current power to the specified level.

[0133] In one example, the control commands include atomization heating commands.

[0134] The device webpage includes a drop-down menu for atomization heating, which lists all the heating elements of the aerosol generating device. By selecting one or more heating elements from the drop-down menu, an atomization heating command is generated and sent to the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device receives the atomization heating command and controls the corresponding heating element of the aerosol generating device to be powered on for heating based on the atomization heating command.

[0135] Controlling the aerosol generator to perform corresponding operations via a user terminal can save on the need for input devices such as buttons in the aerosol generator, which is beneficial for the miniaturization design of the aerosol generator.

[0136] In some embodiments, the method further includes: when the aerosol generating device is in an unlocked state, responding to a fingerprint enrollment operation received by the device page, and redirecting to a fingerprint enrollment webpage, the fingerprint enrollment webpage being used to display the process of the aerosol generating device enrolling fingerprint information.

[0137] When a user reaches the legal age for using the aerosol generator, the device is unlocked. Fingerprint information is then recorded, allowing for easy unlocking of the device during subsequent use. This prevents unauthorized use and avoids the possibility of minors using the device if the purchaser and user are separated. The fingerprint recording process is displayed on the user's terminal, allowing the user to adjust their finger position, improving recording efficiency, especially for devices with small fingerprint areas. In some optional embodiments, after fingerprint recording is complete, the user's terminal stores the fingerprint information and sets it as the administrator's fingerprint.

[0138] In some embodiments, the method further includes: when the aerosol generating device is in an unlocked state, responding to a fingerprint management operation received by the device webpage, and redirecting to the fingerprint management webpage, which is used to add or delete fingerprint information.

[0139] In a specific example, when the aerosol generating device is in the unlocked state, it responds to the fingerprint management webpage by receiving an add fingerprint operation, and then records other fingerprint information. The fingerprint registration webpage is also used to display the process of the aerosol generating device recording other fingerprint information; and / or, responds to the fingerprint management webpage by receiving a delete fingerprint operation, generates a delete instruction, and sends the delete instruction to the aerosol generating device so that the aerosol generating device deletes the target fingerprint based on the delete instruction.

[0140] By allowing administrators to add or delete non-administrator fingerprints, the risk of shared use of aerosol generating devices can be reduced. Furthermore, since administrators are age-verified, adding or deleting non-administrator fingerprints allows administrators to monitor and prevent minors from using aerosol generating devices.

[0141] In summary, the control method for the aerosol generating device provided in this application involves: sending a first webpage request to an authentication server via a user terminal; receiving and displaying the authentication login webpage returned by the authentication server in response to the first webpage request; redirecting to an authentication identification webpage in response to a login operation received from the authentication login webpage, the authentication identification webpage being used to verify whether the user's age meets the legal age for use of the aerosol generating device; establishing a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device and sending authentication result information to the aerosol generating device, so that the aerosol generating device can change from a locked state to an unlocked state or remain in a locked state based on the authentication result information. Therefore, this application embodiment can realize age verification for users who purchase the aerosol generating device without requiring the user terminal to install an age verification APP for the aerosol generating device, thus avoiding the problems caused by the limitations of age verification APPs.

[0142] Please see Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a system for unlocking an aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 As shown, the control system 100 includes a user terminal 10, an authentication server 20, and an aerosol generating device 30.

[0143] User terminal 10 is equipped with a browser application and is configured to: obtain URL information carried on or associated with aerosol generating device 30 and send a first webpage request to authentication server 20 based on the URL information; receive the webpage file of authentication login webpage returned by authentication server 20 in response to the first webpage request and display the authentication login webpage; redirect to authentication identification webpage in response to user login operation, the authentication identification webpage being used to verify whether the user's age has reached the legal age for use of aerosol generating device 30; and send authentication result information to aerosol generating device 30.

[0144] The authentication server 20 is capable of establishing an Internet communication connection with the user terminal 10. The authentication server 20 is configured to receive a first webpage request sent by the user terminal 10, respond to the first webpage request and return the webpage file of the authentication login webpage to the user terminal 10; and respond to the user's login operation and return the webpage file of the authentication recognition webpage to the user terminal 10.

[0145] In some embodiments, the authentication server 20 responds to a first webpage request and returns webpage files of an authentication login webpage and an authentication identification webpage to the user terminal 10, thereby redirecting the user terminal 10 to the authentication identification webpage in response to the user's login operation. The aerosol generating device 30 is capable of establishing a local area network communication connection with the user terminal 10. The aerosol generating device 30 is configured to receive authentication result information sent by the user terminal 10, and based on the authentication result information, to change the aerosol generating device 30 from a locked state to an unlocked state, or to remain in a locked state.

[0146] In some embodiments, the control system 100 further includes a network database 40, which is communicatively connected to the authentication server 20, and the network database 40 is used to interact with the authentication server 20 for user data.

[0147] Please see Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the communication between the control systems of an aerosol generation device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 As shown, the communication process between user terminal 10, authentication server 20, and aerosol generating device 30 is as follows:

[0148] Step S71: Obtain the URL information carried in or associated with the aerosol generating device 30, and send a first webpage request to the authentication server 20 based on the URL information.

[0149] The first webpage request includes URL information corresponding to the webpage file of the authentication login webpage. The aerosol generating device 30, its packaging, or its instruction manual is provided with an coded identifier generated from the URL information.

[0150] In a specific example, user terminal 10 establishes an Internet communication connection with authentication server 20. The browser application of user terminal 10 scans the coded mark on aerosol generating device 30 or its packaging or instruction manual, parses the QR code to obtain the URL information, generates a first webpage request based on the URL information, and sends the first webpage request to authentication server 20.

[0151] Step S72: In response to the first webpage request, return the webpage file of the authentication login webpage to the user terminal 10.

[0152] Step S73: Receive the authentication login webpage file and display the authentication login webpage.

[0153] Step S74: Respond to the authorization operation received by the authentication login webpage and obtain user authorization.

[0154] Step S75: Response to the registration operation received by the authentication login webpage, register account and password.

[0155] Step S76: In response to the login operation based on account and password received by the authentication login webpage, send a second webpage request to the authentication server 20.

[0156] Step S77: In response to the second webpage request, return the webpage file containing the authentication and identification webpage to the user terminal 10.

[0157] Step S78: Receive the webpage file of the authentication and identification webpage and redirect to the authentication and identification webpage.

[0158] Step S79: Obtain identity authentication information.

[0159] Step S710: Send the identity authentication information to the authentication server 20.

[0160] Step S711: Process the identity authentication information to obtain the first identification information.

[0161] Step S712: Return the first identification information to the user terminal 10.

[0162] Step S713: Based on the first recognition information, trigger entry into the image acquisition webpage.

[0163] Step S714: In response to the image acquisition operation received by the image acquisition webpage, obtain image authentication information.

[0164] Step S715: Send the image authentication information to the authentication server 20.

[0165] Step S716: Process the image authentication information to obtain the second recognition information.

[0166] Step S717: Return the second identification information to the user terminal 10.

[0167] Step S718: Generate authentication result information based on the second identification information.

[0168] In some other embodiments, after redirecting to the authentication and identification webpage, steps S79-S718 can also be implemented in the following way: the user terminal 10 obtains identity authentication information and image authentication information, and forwards them to the authentication server 20; receives the first identification information returned by the authentication server 20 after processing the identity authentication information, and the second identification information returned by the authentication server 20 after processing the image authentication information; and generates authentication result information based on the first identification information and the second identification information.

[0169] Step S719: Establish a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device 30.

[0170] In a specific example, the aerosol generating device 30 turns on its WIFI hotspot, the user terminal 10 turns on its WIFI switch, automatically searches for nearby networks, selects the WIFI hotspot of the aerosol generating device 30, clicks to connect, and the user terminal 10 displays the WIFI connection status with the aerosol generating device 30.

[0171] In some embodiments, before establishing a local area network (LAN) communication connection with the aerosol generating device 30, if the authentication result information indicates successful authentication, the user terminal 10 redirects to a first prompt webpage. The first prompt webpage displays the successful authentication result and prompts the user to establish a LAN communication connection with the aerosol generating device. If the user terminal 10 determines that the authentication result information indicates failed authentication, it redirects to a second prompt webpage. The second prompt webpage displays the failed authentication result and prompts the user to re-authenticate.

[0172] When the authentication result is a failure, the user terminal 10 can continue to establish a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device 30, or repeat the age verification operation until the authentication result is a success.

[0173] Step S720: Send the authentication result information to the aerosol generating device 30.

[0174] In some embodiments, establishing a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device 30 and sending authentication result information to the aerosol generating device 30 includes: in response to establishing a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device 30, sending a third webpage request to the aerosol generating device 30; receiving the webpage file of the device webpage returned by the aerosol generating device 30 in response to the third webpage request, and displaying the device webpage, which is used to display device parameter information and device status information of the aerosol generating device; and sending authentication result information to the aerosol generating device 30.

[0175] The browser application pre-sets the URL information corresponding to the webpage file of the device's webpage. When the user terminal 10 establishes a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device 30, it triggers the sending of a third webpage request to the aerosol generating device 30.

[0176] Step S721: Based on the authentication result information, the aerosol generating device 30 is changed from a locked state to an unlocked state, or remains in a locked state.

[0177] When the authentication result is successful, the aerosol generating device 30 is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state based on the authentication result. When the authentication result is unsuccessful, the aerosol generating device 30 remains in the locked state based on the authentication result.

[0178] In some embodiments, when the aerosol generating device 30 is in an unlocked state, the user terminal 10 responds to the input operation received by the device webpage and sends a control command to the aerosol generating device 30 so that the aerosol generating device 30 performs the corresponding operation based on the control command.

[0179] In some embodiments, when the aerosol generating device 30 is in an unlocked state, in response to the fingerprint enrollment operation received by the device page, the user is redirected to a fingerprint enrollment webpage, which displays the process of the aerosol generating device 30 enrolling fingerprint information.

[0180] In some embodiments, when the aerosol generating device 30 is in an unlocked state, in response to the fingerprint management operation received by the device webpage, the user is redirected to the fingerprint management webpage, which is used to add or delete fingerprint information.

[0181] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for unlocking an aerosol generating device based on a user terminal, wherein the user terminal has a browser application installed, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device has a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the aerosol generating device is prohibited from generating aerosols, and in the unlocked state, it is permitted to generate aerosols. The method includes: Obtain the URL information carried by or associated with the aerosol generating device, and send a first webpage request to the authentication server based on the URL information; Receive the webpage file of the authentication login webpage returned by the authentication server in response to the first webpage request, and display the authentication login webpage; In response to the user's login operation, the user is redirected to an authentication and identification webpage, which is used to verify whether the user's age has reached the legal age for use of the aerosol generating device. Establish a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device, and send authentication result information to the aerosol generating device so that the aerosol generating device can change from a locked state to an unlocked state or remain in a locked state based on the authentication result information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device, its packaging, or its instruction manual carries an coded identifier generated from the URL information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes scanning the encoded identifier to obtain the URL information.

4. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of responding to a user's login request and redirecting them to an authentication and identification webpage includes: In response to the registration operation received by the authentication login webpage, register an account and password; In response to the login operation based on the account and password received by the authentication login webpage, a second webpage request is sent to the authentication server; The system receives the webpage file of the authentication identification webpage returned by the authentication server in response to the second webpage request, and redirects to the authentication identification webpage.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Before responding to the registration operation received by the authentication login webpage and registering the account and password, the method further includes: responding to the authorization operation received by the authentication login webpage and obtaining user authorization.

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The authorization process includes checking the agreement terms set on the authentication login webpage.

7. The user terminal according to claim 4, characterized in that, After the redirection to the authentication and identification webpage, the method further includes: Obtain identity authentication information and send the identity authentication information to the authentication server; The system receives the first identification information returned by the authentication server after processing the identity authentication information, triggering entry into the image acquisition webpage. In response to the image acquisition operation received by the image acquisition webpage, image authentication information is acquired and the image authentication information is sent to the authentication server; The system receives second identification information returned by the authentication server after processing the image authentication information, and generates authentication result information based on the second identification information.

8. The user terminal according to claim 7, characterized in that, Before establishing a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device, the method further includes: When the authentication result is successful, the user is redirected to the first prompt webpage, which displays the successful authentication result and prompts the user to establish a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device. When the authentication result is an authentication failure, the user is redirected to a second prompt webpage, which displays the authentication failure result and prompts the user to re-authenticate.

9. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of establishing a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device and sending authentication result information to the aerosol generating device includes: In response to establishing a local area network communication connection with the aerosol generating device, a third webpage request is sent to the aerosol generating device; The device receives the webpage file of the device webpage returned by the aerosol generating device in response to the third webpage request, and displays the device webpage, which is used to display the device parameter information and device status information of the aerosol generating device. Send authentication result information to the aerosol generating device.

10. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The browser application pre-sets the URL information corresponding to the webpage file of the device's webpage.

11. The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: when the aerosol generating device is in an unlocked state, in response to an input operation received by the device's webpage, sending a control command to the aerosol generating device so that the aerosol generating device performs a corresponding operation based on the control command.

12. The control method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The method further includes: when the aerosol generating device is in an unlocked state, responding to the fingerprint enrollment operation received by the device page, and jumping to the fingerprint enrollment webpage, the fingerprint enrollment webpage being used to display the process of the aerosol generating device enrolling fingerprint information.

13. The control method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: when the aerosol generating device is in an unlocked state, responding to the fingerprint management operation received by the device webpage, and jumping to the fingerprint management webpage, which is used to add or delete fingerprint information.

14. A system for unlocking an aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: The user terminal has a browser application installed. The user terminal is configured to obtain URL information carried by or associated with the aerosol generating device and send a first webpage request to the authentication server based on the URL information. Receive the webpage file of the authentication login webpage returned by the authentication server in response to the first webpage request, and display the authentication login webpage; In response to the user's login operation, the user is redirected to an authentication and identification webpage, which is used to verify whether the user's age has reached the legal age for use of the aerosol generating device. And send authentication result information to the aerosol generating device; An authentication server is configured to establish an Internet communication connection with the user terminal, and to receive a first webpage request sent by the user terminal and, in response to the first webpage request, return the webpage file of the authentication login webpage to the user terminal. In response to the user's login operation, the webpage file of the authentication and identification webpage is returned to the user terminal; The aerosol generating device is capable of establishing a local area network communication connection with the user terminal. The aerosol generating device is configured to receive authentication result information sent by the user terminal, and based on the authentication result information, to change the aerosol generating device from a locked state to an unlocked state, or to keep it in a locked state.

15. The user terminal according to claim 14, characterized in that, It also includes a network database, which is communicatively connected to the authentication server, and the network database is used to interact with the authentication server for user data.

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