Aerosol generator with user authentication

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device that may include a radiator. The radiator may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at at least two distinct frequencies. One of the frequencies may be within the infrared spectrum. The aerosol generating device may further include a detector. The detector may be configured to receive electromagnetic radiation in at least two distinct frequency spectra emitted by the radiator. The aerosol generating device may further include a controller. The controller may be configured to perform face recognition of a user of the aerosol generating device for user authentication based on the detector output. The present invention further relates to a method of performing user authentication in an aerosol generating device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. The present invention further relates to a method for performing user authentication in an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for generating inhalable vapor. Such a device may heat an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilize without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod shape for insertion into a cavity (such as a heating chamber) of the aerosol generating device. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device, a heating element may be disposed in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0003] It may be desirable to have an aerosol generating device that enables user authentication. It may be desirable to have an aerosol generating device with improved user authentication. It may be desirable to have an aerosol generating device that enables user age verification. It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device with improved user age verification.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generator capable of including a radiator is provided. The radiator may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation of at least two distinct frequencies. One of the frequencies may be within the infrared spectrum. The aerosol generator may further include a detector. The detector may be configured to receive electromagnetic radiation in at least two distinct frequency spectra emitted by the radiator. The aerosol generator may further include a controller. The controller may be configured to perform face recognition of a user of the aerosol generator for user authentication based on the detector output.

[0005] The present invention relates to an aerosol generator including a radiator. The radiator is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation of at least two distinct frequencies. One of the frequencies is within the infrared spectrum. The aerosol generator may further include a detector. The detector is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation in at least two distinct frequency spectra emitted by the radiator. The aerosol generator may further include a controller. The controller is configured to perform face recognition of a user of the aerosol generator for user authentication based on the detector output.

[0006] User authentication enhances the safety of the device. For example, it can prevent underage users from accidentally using the device. As a further example, it can prevent unauthorized users from using the device after it has been lost.

[0007] Emitting electromagnetic radiation of at least two distinct wavelengths can improve the user authentication process. For example, when only visible light is used for user authentication, different ambient light conditions can be a problem. By using electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum, user authentication can be improved under low light conditions.

[0008] The controller may be further configured to perform age verification of a user of the aerosol generator based on the detector output.

[0009] Age verification can improve the functionality of the device in order to prevent underage users from using the device.

[0010] The emitter may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within the visible light spectrum. This enables high-precision age verification both at night and in daylight conditions. Electromagnetic radiation within the infrared spectrum may be optimal in low-light conditions such as at night. Electromagnetic radiation within the visible light spectrum may be optimal under bright conditions such as during the day.

[0011] Configuring the emitter to emit electromagnetic radiation within the visible light spectrum may enable the emitter to have a user interface function. The user interface function may, for example, enable notifying the user of the status. This may be facilitated by variations in visible light such as blinking, variations in brightness, or variations in the color of the light. This may be used to visually communicate the status of user authentication to the user.

[0012] The emitter may comprise an LED. The emitter may include an OLED. The emitter may comprise a laser.

[0013] The emitter may be embedded in the housing of the aerosol generator. The emitter may be disposed behind the transparent part of the housing. The emitter may be hermetically sealed behind the transparent part of the housing. The transparent part of the housing may be disposed at the proximal end of the housing. With such an arrangement, the emitter can be protected from external influences.

[0014] The transparent part may act as a diffuser element for the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter.

[0015] The emitter may be overmolded with a polymer compound to embed the emitter within the housing of the aerosol generator. The polymer compound may be transparent so as to act as the transparent part of the housing.

[0016] The radiator may be arranged such that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiator is reflected proximally by the housing of the aerosol generator. Due to this arrangement, the electromagnetic radiation from the radiator may spread more uniformly or may be concentrated within a predetermined range.

[0017] The LED may be used to emit electromagnetic radiation towards the user's face. The user's face may be illuminated by the electromagnetic radiation of the LED. This illumination can be utilized in that its detector can capture image data of the user's face. Next, the detector can output information including the image data information of the user's face.

[0018] The radiator may comprise at least two LEDs.

[0019] The two LEDs may be capable of emitting two distinct wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.

[0020] The radiator may comprise at least one LED for emitting electromagnetic radiation.

[0021] This electromagnetic radiation may be optimal, for example, for user authentication in bright ambient light conditions in sunlight or a well - lit space.

[0022] The radiator may comprise at least one LED capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation within the infrared spectrum.

[0023] This electromagnetic radiation may be optimal for user authentication during low - light conditions, for example, at night or in a space with insufficient lighting.

[0024] A combination of at least one LED capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum and at least one LED capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum may enable the device to perform user authentication under all light conditions. In particular, improved user authentication may be possible not only during daylight conditions but also in low light environments.

[0025] The emitter may comprise at least one LED capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of 700 nm to 1400 nm, preferably 800 nm to 1200 nm, more preferably 820 nm to 890 nm, and most preferably 850 nm.

[0026] This infrared spectrum adjacent to the visible spectrum may be particularly suitable for improving user authentication under typical low light conditions.

[0027] The emitter may include at least two LEDs, a first LED capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum, and a second LED capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum.

[0028] The emitter may comprise an LED ring.

[0029] The LED ring may emit electromagnetic radiation uniformly. As another method or additionally, a diffuser element may be disposed in front of the emitter. A uniform distribution of the emitted electromagnetic radiation may be beneficial for uniformly illuminating the user's face. Uniform illumination of the user's face may improve the quality of the image data received by the detector and thus the quality of the user authentication performed by the controller.

[0030] The emitter may be arranged at the proximal end of the device.

[0031] User authentication may be performed by the user facing the proximal end of the device towards their face. Next, the emitter may illuminate the user's face as described herein.

[0032] The radiator may be disposed to surround the proximal opening of the device.

[0033] The surrounding configuration may be enabled by providing the radiator as a ring-shaped radiator. Exemplarily, as described herein, the radiator may be configured as an LED ring.

[0034] The proximal opening may be configured as the opening of the cavity of the device configured to receive the aerosol-generating article, as will be described in more detail below. The surrounding configuration may allow for user authentication regardless of whether the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity of the device. In both cases, the radiator can emit electromagnetic radiation in the proximal direction of the device.

[0035] The radiator may be disposed to emit electromagnetic radiation in the proximal direction.

[0036] The user's face may be in the vicinity of the device during the user authentication process.

[0037] The detector may be configured as a camera.

[0038] The camera may be configured to detect at least two distinct wavelengths emitted by the radiator. Exemplarily, the user's face irradiated by the radiator may reflect the electromagnetic radiation of the radiator back to the camera, and as a result, the camera may receive image data of the user's face.

[0039] The camera may be a CCD camera or may comprise a CMOS sensor.

[0040] The detector may be disposed at the proximal end of the device.

[0041] The detector may be disposed at the same end of the device where the emitter is disposed. The detector may be disposed near the emitter. The detector may be disposed adjacent to the emitter. The detector may be disposed in contact with the emitter. When the aerosol generator comprises a cavity and each of the openings described herein, the detector may be disposed on a ring-shaped emitter, preferably on the peripheral points and adjacent points of the ring-shaped emitter.

[0042] The detector may have a focal length of 10 cm to 30 cm, preferably 15 cm to 25 cm, more preferably 18 cm to 22 cm.

[0043] This focal length may be selected to obtain improved image data of the user's face. This focal length may be specifically optimized to improve the age confirmation process of the user's face. The age confirmation process of the user's face may be improved by a specific focal length, which may enable accurate measurement of the user's face.

[0044] The age confirmation process may utilize information of the user's face such as the face ratio information of the user's face. The information of the face ratio may include the size or ratio of the user's face compared with the preset face information. The preset face information may include the face size distribution of age groups such as adults, teenagers, and children. The preset face information may include the distribution of face ratios of age groups such as adults, teenagers, and children.

[0045] The preset face information may particularly include one or both of the axial eye length distribution and the body length distribution of the middle sinking region of age groups such as adults, teenagers, and children.

[0046] One or both of the axial eye length and the length of the central region of the human body may be determined by the controller based on the image data captured by the detector. The accuracy of this determination may be improved when the user's image data is acquired at the focal length, as described herein.

[0047] The preset axial eye length distribution may include values of 21 millimeters to 24 millimeters for adults, 19 millimeters to 20 millimeters for teenagers, and 16 millimeters to 18 millimeters for children.

[0048] When it is determined by the controller that the user's axial eye length is less than 18 millimeters, preferably less than 20 millimeters, the controller may prevent the aerosol generator from operating.

[0049] The prevention of the operation of the aerosol generator can be understood as being unable to generate aerosol. Other functions of the aerosol generator, such as user authentication and age confirmation, may still be active.

[0050] The preset body length distribution in the central region may include values of 3 millimeters to 7 millimeters for adults, 2 millimeters to 5 millimeters for teenagers, and 2 millimeters to 5 millimeters for children. A trained detection algorithm may be provided for the age confirmation process. The detection algorithm may use data from a predetermined database. Similar to the axial eye length distribution, when identified as a teenager or a child in the age confirmation process, the operation of the aerosol generator may be prevented.

[0051] The controller of the aerosol generator is provided to analyze the image data of the detector, particularly for the age confirmation process, as shown by "Diagnostic Features for Human Categorization of adult and Childfaces" (Faghel-Soubeyrand S, Kloess JA, Gosselin F, Charest I and woodhams J (2021) Diagnostic Features for Human Categorisation of adult and Childfaces. Front. Psychol. 12:775338. doi: 10.3389 / fpsyg.2021.775338).

[0052] The controller may be configured to control the radiator to emit different colors within the visible spectrum to indicate whether the user can be within the correct focal distance of the detector.

[0053] For example, the controller may control the radiator to emit a specific color when the user's face is at the correct focal distance of the detector. As another method, or additionally, a blinking light signal or other light signal may be emitted by the radiator indicating the correct focal distance between the detector and the user's face. A user at the correct focal distance of the detector may be determined by the controller based on the image data of the detector by any known means.

[0054] To determine whether the user's face is at the correct focal distance of the detector, the aerosol generator may comprise a distance measurement sensor. The distance measurement sensor may comprise an autofocus function. The distance measurement sensor may include a time-of-flight sensor. The distance measurement sensor may be part of the detector. Both the distance measurement of the user's face and the detection of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiator may be facilitated by the detector. As another method, the detector may include a fixed focal distance lens or may be configured as a fixed focal distance camera.

[0055] The controller may be configured to prevent aerosol generation of the device when face authentication can be negative.

[0056] The controller may be configured to enable aerosol generation of the device when face recognition can be positive.

[0057] The controller may include a look-up table containing information on the ratio of the face indicating the user's age. The controller may be configured to perform age verification by comparing the output of the detector with the information in the look-up table.

[0058] The information on the ratio of the face stored in the look-up table may also be referred to as preset face information as described in this specification. The output of the detector may also be referred to as the image data of the detector described in this specification.

[0059] The device may further include a user authentication button. The user authentication button may be configured to start the user authentication process when pressed.

[0060] The authentication button may be disposed on the outer periphery of the aerosol generator.

[0061] Pressing the authentication button may, as described in this specification, lead to the radiator emitting electromagnetic radiation.

[0062] For example, pressing the authentication button may result in the emitter emitting electromagnetic radiation of the first color in the visible spectrum. Thus, the user is notified that authentication has begun. The user may then, as described herein, place their face proximal to the detector within the correct focal distance of the detector. Next, the correct placement of the user's face proximal to the detector and within the correct focal distance of the detector may be indicated by one or both of a second color in the visible spectrum different from the first color or a blinking light. Further visual guides may be provided by the emitter during the authentication process. For example, a third distinct color in the visible spectrum may be emitted by the emitter to indicate ongoing user authentication. This may be useful for indicating to the user that their face should not move relative to the detector. A fourth distinct color in the visible spectrum may be emitted by the emitter after completion of user authentication. The fourth distinct color may provide two distinct colors depending on whether the user authentication is positive and the device can be used, or the user authentication is negative and use of the aerosol generating device is prevented. All colors described herein may be different from each other so that the user can easily distinguish different stages of the authentication process. Alternatively, other visual cues such as blinking lights may be utilized by the emitter for the same purpose.

[0063] The device may comprise a user database. The controller may be configured to compare the output of the detector with user data in the user database for user authentication.

[0064] The user database may contain user information for which use of the aerosol generating device is permitted. The image data of the detector may be compared by the controller with the user information in the user database to check whether the detected user is permitted to use the device.

[0065] As used herein, the term "proximal" is used to describe the relative position of a component or portion of a component of an aerosol generating device in the direction in which a user inhales the aerosol generating device during use thereof.

[0066] The aerosol generating device may comprise a mouth-side end through which, during use, aerosol exits the aerosol generating device and is delivered to the user. The mouth-side end may also be referred to as the proximal end. During use, the user sucks on the proximal end of the aerosol generating device in order to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device comprises a distal end that is opposite the proximal end or the mouth-side end. The proximal end or the mouth-side end of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to as the downstream end, and the distal end of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components or portions of components of the aerosol generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on the relative position of these components or portions of components between the proximal end, the downstream end, or the mouth-side end of the aerosol generating device and the distal end or the upstream end.

[0067] As used herein, an "aerosol generating device" relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, for example part of a smoking article. The aerosol generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. The aerosol generating device may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol generating device may comprise a housing, an electrical circuit, a power source, a heating chamber, and a heating element.

[0068] As used herein with respect to the present invention, the term "smoking" with respect to an apparatus, article, system, substrate, or otherwise does not refer to conventional smoking where the aerosol-forming substrate is completely or at least partially combusted. The aerosol-generating device of the present invention is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate but above the temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released to form an inhalable aerosol.

[0069] The aerosol-generating device may comprise an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of a controller. The electrical circuit may comprise further electronic components. The electrical circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the heating element. The power may be continuously supplied to the heating element following activation of the aerosol-generating device, or may be supplied intermittently, such as for each smoking event. The power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The electrical circuit may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element and, preferably, to control the supply of power to the heating element in response to the electrical resistance of the heating element.

[0070] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power source (typically a battery) within the main body of the aerosol-generating device. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate, or a lithium polymer battery). Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows sufficient energy storage for one or more usage experiences. For example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate an aerosol for a period of approximately six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of smoking events, or discontinuous activation of the heating element.

[0071] The cavity of the aerosol generating device may have an open end into which the aerosol generating article is inserted. The open end may be the proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end on the opposite side of the open end. The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for providing an air opening disposed within the base. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular in shape. The base of the cavity may be disposed upstream of the cavity. The open end may be disposed downstream of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongated extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal direction may be the direction extending between the open end and the closed end along the longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal central axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

[0072] The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol generating article received within the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article.

[0073] The airflow channel may extend through the cavity. Ambient air may be drawn through the airflow channel into the aerosol generating device, into the cavity, and towards the user. Downstream of the cavity, a mouthpiece may be disposed, or the user may directly inhale the aerosol generating article. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece.

[0074] In any aspect of the present disclosure, the heating element may include an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide, etc.), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic materials and metal materials. Such composite materials may include doped ceramics or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum platinum, gold, and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, gold-containing, and iron-containing alloys, as well as nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel-based superalloys, Timetal®, and iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys. In the composite material, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated in, or coated with the thermal insulation material, or vice versa, depending on the required energy transfer kinetics and external physico-chemical properties.

[0075] As described, in any of the aspects of the present disclosure, the heating element may be part of an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may comprise an internal heating element, or an external heating element, or both an internal and an external heating element, where "internal" and "external" are with respect to the aerosol forming substrate. The internal heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. As another method, the internal heater may take the form of a casing or substrate having different conductive or electrically resistive metal tubes. As another method, the internal heating element may be one or more heating needles or rods passing through the center of the aerosol forming substrate. As another alternative, heating wires or filaments, such as Ni-Cr (nickel chromium), platinum, tungsten, or alloy wires or heating plates may be mentioned. Optionally, the internal heating element may be disposed within or on such a rigid carrier material. In such an embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element may be formed using a metal having a clear relationship between temperature and specific resistance. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material such as a ceramic material and then sandwiched in another insulating material such as glass. The heater thus formed may be used for both heating the heating element during operation and monitoring its temperature.

[0076] The external heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate such as polyimide. The flexible heating foil can be shaped to conform to the perimeter of the substrate receiving cavity. As another method, the external heating element may take the form of a metal grid, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded interconnect device (MID), a ceramic heater, a flexible carbon fiber heater, or may be formed using a coating technique such as plasma deposition on a substrate of appropriate shape. The external heating element may also be formed using a metal having a clear relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of a suitable thermal insulation material. The external heating element formed in this way may be used both for heating the external heating element and for monitoring the temperature of the external heating element during operation.

[0077] As an alternative to an electrically resistive heating element, the heating element may be configured as an inductive heating element. The inductive heating element may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. Generally, a susceptor is a material that has the ability to generate heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. When located within the alternating magnetic field, if the susceptor is conductive, typically eddy currents are induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, typically another effect that contributes to heating is generally referred to as hysteresis loss. Hysteresis loss mainly results from the movement of magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor. This is because these magnetic orientations align with the alternating induced magnetic field. Another effect that contributes to hysteresis loss is when the magnetic domains expand or contract within the susceptor. Generally, all of these changes that occur at the nanoscale and below within the susceptor generate heat within the susceptor and are thus referred to as "hysteresis loss". Thus, if the susceptor is both magnetic and conductive, both hysteresis loss and the generation of eddy currents will contribute to heating the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic but not conductive, hysteresis loss will be the only means of heating the susceptor when penetrated by the alternating magnetic field. According to the present invention, the susceptor may be conductive or magnetic, or both conductive and magnetic. The alternating magnetic field generated by one or several induction coils heats the susceptor, which then transfers heat to the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby forming an aerosol. The heat transfer may mainly be by heat conduction. Such heat transfer is best when the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0078] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate having the ability to release a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

[0079] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" relates to a substrate having the ability to release one or more volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, the aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article.

[0080] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol-forming body that is dense and facilitates the formation of a stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming bodies are glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0081] The aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises a homogenized tobacco material, an aerosol-forming body, and water. Providing a homogenized tobacco material may improve aerosol generation and the nicotine content and flavor profile of the aerosol generated during heating of the aerosol-generating article. Specifically, the process of making a homogenized tobacco involves a process of grinding tobacco leaves, which makes it more effective to release nicotine and flavor upon heating.

[0082] The present invention further relates to a method of performing user authentication in an aerosol-generating device as described herein. The method comprises initiating a user authentication process by face recognition of the user of the aerosol-generating device by emitting electromagnetic radiation of at least two distinct frequencies by a radiator; and receiving electromagnetic radiation of at least two distinct frequencies by a detector; and comparing, by a controller, the detector output with user data in a user database for user authentication.

[0083] The present invention further relates to a method of performing user authentication in an aerosol generating device as described herein. The method comprises starting a user authentication process by face recognition of the user of the aerosol generating device by emitting electromagnetic radiation of at least two distinct frequencies by a radiator; receiving electromagnetic radiation of at least two distinct frequencies by a detector; comparing, by a controller, the output of the detector with user data in a user database for user authentication.

[0084] The method may further include an age verification process that includes comparing, by a controller, the detector output with information on the ratio of the face indicating the age of the user from a look-up table for estimating the age of the user.

[0085] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more of the features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0086] Example 1. An aerosol generating device, a radiator configured to emit electromagnetic radiation of at least two distinct frequencies, one of the frequencies being within the infrared spectrum; a detector configured to receive electromagnetic radiation in at least two distinct frequency spectra emitted by the radiator; a controller configured to perform face recognition of a user of the aerosol generating device for user authentication based on the output of the detector.

[0087] Example 2. The aerosol generator according to Example 1, wherein the controller is configured to further perform age verification of the user of the aerosol generator based on the output of the detector.

[0088] Example 3. The aerosol generator according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the emitter includes an LED.

[0089] Example 4. The aerosol generator according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the emitter includes at least two LEDs.

[0090] Example 5. The aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the emitter includes at least one LED for emitting electromagnetic radiation within the visible light spectrum.

[0091] Example 6. The aerosol generator according to any one of the preceding Examples 1 to 8, wherein the emitter includes at least one LED for emitting electromagnetic radiation within the infrared spectrum.

[0092] Example 7. The aerosol generator according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the emitter includes at least one LED capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of 700 nm to 1000 nm, preferably 820 nm to 890 nm, more preferably 850 nm.

[0093] Example 8. The aerosol generator according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the emitter includes at least two LEDs, a first LED capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation within the visible spectrum, and a second LED capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation within the infrared spectrum.

[0094] Example 9. The aerosol generator according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the emitter includes an LED ring.

[0095] Example 10. The aerosol generator according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the emitter is disposed at the proximal end of the device.

[0096] Example 11. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the radiator is disposed so as to surround the proximal opening of the device.

[0097] Example 12. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the radiator is disposed so as to radiate electromagnetic radiation in the proximal direction.

[0098] Example 13. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the detector is configured as a camera.

[0099] Example 14. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the detector has a focal length of 10 cm to 30 cm, preferably 15 cm to 25 cm, more preferably 18 cm to 22 cm.

[0100] Example 15. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to control the radiator to emit different colors within the visible spectrum to indicate whether the user is within the correct focal length of the detector.

[0101] Example 16. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to prevent aerosol generation of the device when face recognition is negative.

[0102] Example 17. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to enable aerosol generation of the device when face recognition is positive.

[0103] Example 18. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller includes a look-up table containing information on the ratio of the face indicating the user's age, and the controller is configured to perform age verification by comparing the output of the detector with the information in the look-up table.

[0104] Example 19. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the device further comprises a user authentication button configured to initiate a user authentication process when the user authentication button is pressed.

[0105] Example 20. An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the device comprises a user database and the controller is configured to compare the output of the detector with the user data in the user database for user authentication.

[0106] Example 21. A method for performing user authentication in an aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising: - starting a user authentication process by face recognition of a user of the aerosol generator by emitting electromagnetic radiation of at least two distinct frequencies by a radiator; - receiving electromagnetic radiation of at least two distinct frequencies by a detector; - comparing, by a controller, the output of the detector with the user data in the user database for user authentication.

[0107] Example 22. A method according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising an age confirmation process, comprising comparing, by a controller, the detector output with information on the ratio of the face indicating the user's age from a look-up table for estimating the user's age.

[0108] Features described with respect to one embodiment may equally apply to other embodiments of the invention.

[0109] The present invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0110]

Figure 1

Figures 2A - 2C

Figures 3A - 3C

[0111] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generator 10. The aerosol generator 10 includes a housing 12. The aerosol generator 10 has a proximal end 14 and a distal end 16. At the proximal end 14 of the aerosol generator 10, an emitter 18 and a detector 20 are disposed. Further, Figure 1 shows a user authentication button 22.

[0112] The emitter 18 and the detector 20 are part of the user authentication function of the aerosol generator 10. Further, the emitter 18 and the detector 20 are part of the age confirmation function of the aerosol generator 10. For this purpose, the aerosol generator 10 further includes a controller disposed within the housing 12 of the aerosol generator 10 and not shown in Figure 1.

[0113] The emitter 18 is configured as a ring-shaped LED. The emitter 18 is disposed surrounding an opening 24 of the aerosol generator 10. The opening 24 enables an aerosol-generating article to be received into a cavity 26 of the aerosol generator 10. In other words, the opening 24 disposed at the proximal end 14 of the aerosol generator 10 is an opening 24 of the cavity 26 of the aerosol generator 10 for receiving an aerosol-generating article including an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0114] The aerosol generator 10 shown in Figure 1 is configured to implement a user confirmation function and an age confirmation function as described below with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0115] Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C show more detailed views of the proximal end 14 of the aerosol generator 10.

[0116] Figure 2A shows a top view of the proximal end 14 of the aerosol generator 10 of FIG. 1. The radiator 18 is shown as a ring-shaped LED surrounding the cavity 26 of the aerosol generator 10. The protrusion 28 is provided at the center of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the cavity 26. The gaps between the individual protrusions 28 further allow for air flow.

[0117] The detector 20 is provided as a camera. The detector 20 is disposed adjacent to the opening 24 by the radiator 18. The detector 20 is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation of the wavelength emitted by the radiator 18.

[0118] The radiator 18 is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation of at least two different wavelengths. FIG. 2B shows a slightly different view of the proximal end 14 of the aerosol generator 10, and FIG. 2C shows the radiator 18 during operation of emitting electromagnetic radiation.

[0119] To execute the user authentication function, the user presses the user authentication button 22. Thereafter, the user aligns the radiator 18 and the detector 20 at the proximal end 14 of the aerosol generator 10 so that the radiator 18 irradiates the user's face. At the same time, the detector 20 collects image data of the user's face.

[0120] This process is shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 further shows that the distance between the detector 20 and the user's face, i.e., the focal length of the detector 20, should be within a specific range to enable the age confirmation function.

[0121] Regarding the user authentication function, the image data of the detector 20 including information about the user's face is processed by the controller of the aerosol generator 10. The image data of the detector 20 is compared with preset face information stored in a lookup table. The preset face information includes user information, that is, which user is granted the right to use the aerosol generator 10. When the controller determines a match between the image data of the detector 20 and the preset face information, the user authentication is positive. During the initial startup of the device, the user may input the preset face information by, for example, taking multiple photos of their own face using the detector 20. This information can be used as basic 30 information for the user authentication function.

[0122] Regarding the age confirmation function, the focal length 32 of the detector 20 is utilized. The user's face needs to be within the optimal focal length 34 of the detector 20. In this case, the processor can determine information such as the length of the human body in the central region of the axial length of the user's eyes. This information can be determined reliably only when the user is at the optimal focal length 34 of the detector 20. This information can be compared with preset face information including one or both of the axial eye length distribution and the human body length distribution in the central region. In this way, the controller can estimate the user's age. When the user is estimated to be an adult, the age confirmation is positive. When the user is estimated to be in their teens, especially when the user is estimated to be a child, the age confirmation is negative.

[0123] When one or both of the user authentication and the age confirmation are negative, the controller prevents the aerosol generator 10 from generating aerosol.

[0124] Figure 3A shows a user having a face that is too far from the detector 20. Figure 3B shows a user having a face at an optimal focal distance 34 that is about 18 cm to 22 cm away from the detector 20. Figure 2C shows that the user is bringing their face too close to the detector 20. At the optimal focal distance 34, the detector 20, together with the controller, can determine the ratio of the user's base 30 and thus estimate the user's age.

[0125] The color of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter 18 can be used to guide the user through user authentication and age verification. For example, when the user presses the user authentication button 22, the emitter 18 can emit a first color to indicate that the aerosol generator 10 is ready to perform user authentication and age verification. The user may then position their face in front of the detector 20. When the user positions their face within the optimal focal distance 34 of the detector 20, the emitter 18 can emit a second color different from the first color to indicate to the user that user authentication and age verification can begin. While user authentication and age verification are in progress, additional distinct colors can be used by the emitter 18 to indicate the ongoing process to the user. The end of user authentication and age verification may be indicated by a further color by the emitter 18.

[0126] The emitter 18 is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum and, separately and simultaneously, emit electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum. This means that user authentication and age verification can be performed during the day and under low light conditions.

Claims

1. An aerosol generator, comprising: a radiator configured to radiate electromagnetic radiation at at least two distinct frequencies, one of the frequencies being within the infrared spectrum and one of the frequencies being within the visible light spectrum; and a detector configured to receive electromagnetic radiation in at least the two distinct frequencies of the spectrum radiated by the radiator; and a controller configured to perform face recognition of a user of the aerosol generator for user authentication based on the detector output.

2. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to perform age verification of a user of the aerosol generator based on the detector output.

3. The aerosol generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radiator comprises at least one LED capable of radiating electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of 700 nm to 1000 nm, preferably 820 nm to 890 nm, more preferably 850 nm.

4. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating element comprises a mesh.

5. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the radiator is disposed so as to surround the proximal end of the device.

6. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the radiator is disposed to radiate the electromagnetic radiation in the proximal direction.

7. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the detector is configured as a camera.

8. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the detector has a focal length of 10 cm to 30 cm, preferably 15 cm to 25 cm, more preferably 18 cm to 22 cm.

9. The aerosol generator according to claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to control the radiator to emit different colors within the visible spectrum to indicate to the user whether the user is within the correct focal distance of the detector.

10. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the controller is configured to prevent aerosol generation of the device when the face recognition is negative.

11. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the controller includes a look-up table containing face ratio information indicating the age of the user, and the controller is configured to perform age confirmation by comparing the output of the detector with the information in the look-up table.

12. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the device further includes a user authentication button, and the user authentication button is configured to start the user authentication process when pressed.

13. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the device includes a user database, and the controller is configured to compare the output of the detector with the user data in the user database for user authentication.

14. A method for performing user authentication in the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising: - Starting a user authentication process by face recognition of the user of the aerosol generating device by emitting electromagnetic radiation of at least two different frequencies by the radiator, wherein one of the frequencies is within the infrared spectrum and one of the frequencies is within the visible light spectrum; - Receiving the electromagnetic radiation of the at least two different frequencies by the detector; - Comparing, by the controller, the output of the detector with user data in a user database for user authentication.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising a controller comparing the output of the detector with information on the ratio of the face indicating the age of the user from a look-up table for estimating the age of the user, further comprising an age confirmation process.

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