Aerosol generating device and payment system including the same

Abstract

The present invention provides an aerosol generating device that can be used to pay for tobacco products used in the aerosol generating device, and a payment system using the same.The aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a heater, a battery that supplies power to the heater, a communication unit that communicates with a seller terminal, and a control unit that receives information about the tobacco products to be paid for from the communication unit, determines whether the tobacco products to be paid for are genuine based on the information about the tobacco products to be paid for, and if it is determined that the tobacco products to be paid for are genuine, transmits payment information to the seller terminal via the communication unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and a payment system including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for methods of generating aerosols by heating an aerosol-generating material, rather than by burning a cigarette. As a result, research into heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generators has been actively conducted.

[0003] Meanwhile, one of the demands for making aerosol generating devices smarter and increasing their usefulness is the demand for a payment system for tobacco products used in aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device that can be used to pay for tobacco products used in the aerosol generating device, and a payment system that uses the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem includes a heater, a battery for supplying power to the heater, a communication unit for communicating with a seller terminal, and a control unit for receiving information on tobacco items to be paid for from the communication unit, determining whether the tobacco items to be paid for are genuine based on the information on the tobacco items to be paid for, and transmitting payment information to the seller terminal via the communication unit if it is determined that the tobacco items to be paid for are genuine.

[0006] A system according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generating device and an external device on which an application is installed, and the external device determines whether the tobacco items to be paid for received from a seller terminal are genuine based on device information received from the aerosol generating device, and if the application determines that the tobacco items to be paid for are genuine, transmits payment information to the seller terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The aerosol generating device and system according to one embodiment checks whether the tobacco product being paid for is genuine, and if the tobacco product being paid for is genuine, the payment is made, thereby preventing the purchase and payment of non-genuine tobacco products.

[0008] The aerosol generating device and system according to one embodiment authenticates the device user and only allows payment if the device user's authentication is confirmed, thereby preventing unauthorized users, such as minors, from purchasing and paying for tobacco products. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a view showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a view showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a view showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a payment method using an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a payment method for a system including an aerosol generating device and an external device according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a payment method for a system including an aerosol generating device and an external device according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a payment method for a system including an aerosol generating device and an external device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device includes a heater, a battery that supplies power to the heater, a communication unit that communicates with a seller terminal, and a control unit that receives information about tobacco items to be paid for from the communication unit, determines whether the tobacco items to be paid for are genuine based on the information about the tobacco items to be paid for, and if it is determined that the tobacco items to be paid for are genuine, transmits payment information to the seller terminal via the communication unit.

[0011] The communication unit includes a chip- or tag-like short-range communication module, and the control unit receives the tobacco product information by tagging the short-range communication module with the seller terminal.

[0012] The communication unit is further configured to communicate with an external device, and the control unit switches the aerosol generating device from an inactive state to an active state based on communication with the external device through the communication unit.

[0013] The external device includes a user terminal that performs user authentication, and the control unit receives a user authentication signal from the user terminal indicating that user authentication has been completed, and switches the aerosol generating device to an activated state based on the user authentication signal.

[0014] The aerosol generating device further includes a user input unit that receives a user input and acquires a user authentication signal, and the control unit switches the aerosol generating device to an activated state based on the user authentication signal.

[0015] The aerosol generating device further includes an output unit including at least one of a display, a speaker, an LED, and a haptic motor, and the control unit outputs the result of determining whether the tobacco product to be paid for is genuine through the output unit.

[0016] The aerosol generating device further includes a memory that stores information on tobacco products compatible with the aerosol generating device, and the control unit matches the tobacco product information stored in the memory with the tobacco product information to be paid for and determines whether the tobacco product to be paid for is genuine.

[0017] A system according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generating device and an external device on which an application is installed, wherein the external device receives information about tobacco articles compatible with the aerosol generating device from the aerosol generating device, and the application determines whether the tobacco articles to be paid for received from a seller terminal are genuine based on the device information, and if it determines that the tobacco articles to be paid for are genuine, transmits payment information to the seller terminal.

[0018] The external device includes a chip- or tag-like near-field communication module, and the external device receives the tobacco product information to be paid for through tagging between the near-field communication module and the seller terminal.

[0019] The aerosol generating device includes a communication unit that communicates with the external device, and a control unit that switches the aerosol generating device from an inactive state to an active state based on communication with the external device through the communication unit.

[0020] The external device includes a user terminal that performs user authentication, and the control unit receives a user authentication signal from the user terminal and switches the aerosol generating device to an activated state based on the user authentication signal.

[0021] The aerosol generating device includes a user input unit that receives a user input and acquires a user authentication signal, and a control unit that switches the aerosol generating device to an activated state based on the user authentication signal.

[0022] The external device further includes an output unit including at least one of a display, a speaker, an LED, and a haptic motor, and the application outputs the result of determining whether the tobacco product to be paid for is genuine through the output unit.

[0023] The external device further includes a memory for storing device information, and compares the device information stored in the memory with the tobacco product information to determine whether the tobacco product is genuine.

[0024] The terms used in the embodiments are currently commonly used terms, and are selected as much as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions or precedents of engineers in the field, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention must be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the names of the terms.

[0025] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, it does not mean that it excludes other components and may further include other components, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "... unit" and "... module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be realized by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0028] 1 to 3 are diagrams showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0029] 1, the aerosol generator 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. 2 and 3, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. A cigarette 2 can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generator 1.

[0030] The components according to this embodiment are shown in the aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3. Therefore, it will be understood by a person skilled in the art that this embodiment may further include other general-purpose components in addition to the components shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0031] 2 and 3 show that the aerosol generating device 1 includes the heater 13, but the heater 13 can be omitted as necessary.

[0032] In Fig. 1, the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are shown arranged in a row. In Fig. 2, the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are shown arranged in a row. In Fig. 3, the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are shown arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in Figs. 1 to 3. That is, the arrangement of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0033] When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 activates the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 to generate aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette 2 and is delivered to the user.

[0034] If necessary, the aerosol generating device 1 can heat the heater 13 even when no cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 .

[0035] The battery 11 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and can supply power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. The battery 11 can also supply power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like provided in the aerosol generation device 1.

[0036] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, but also other components included in the aerosol generation device 1. The control unit 12 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generation device 1 and determine whether the aerosol generation device 1 is in an operable state.

[0037] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the controller 12 may also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0038] The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 13 can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material inside the cigarette.

[0039] The heater 13 may also be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 may include a conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated when a current flows through the conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and may be any heater capable of heating to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generation device 1, or may be set to a desired temperature by a user.

[0040] On the other hand, as another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13 may include a conductive coil for heating the cigarette by induction heating, and the cigarette may include a susceptor heated by the induction heater.

[0041] For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 2 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0042] Furthermore, a plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged in the aerosol generation device 1. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, or may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Furthermore, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Furthermore, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figs. 1 to 3, and various shapes can be produced.

[0043] The vaporizer 14 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which is then transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 travels along an airflow passage in the aerosol generating device 1, and the airflow passage may be configured to allow the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 to pass through the cigarette and be transmitted to the user.

[0044] For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generation device 1 as independent modules.

[0045] The liquid storage unit can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit may be configured to be detachable from / attachable to the vaporizer 14, or may be configured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0046] For example, the liquid composition may contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring, or vitamin mixture. Flavorings include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. Flavorings may include components capable of providing the user with a variety of flavors or tastes. The vitamin mixture may be, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also contain an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0047] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid reservoir to the heating element, for example, but not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0048] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heating element may also be made of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and arranged by being wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element is heated by supplying an electric current and transfers heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol is generated.

[0049] For example, the vaporizer 14 may also be referred to as, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0050] Meanwhile, the aerosol generator 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generator 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generator 1 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, or a cigarette insertion sensor). The aerosol generator 1 may also be constructed so that external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out even when a cigarette 2 is inserted.

[0051] 1 to 3, the aerosol generation device 1 can also be used to configure a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generation device 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generation device 1 are coupled together.

[0052] The cigarette 2 is similar to a typical combustion cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2 is divided into a first portion containing an aerosol-generating material and a second portion containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 2 also contains an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material in granular or capsule form may be inserted into the second portion.

[0053] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. A user inhales the aerosol while holding the second part in their mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0054] As one example, external air may be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the opening and / or closing and / or size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generation device 1 may be adjusted by the user. This allows the user to adjust the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, etc. As another example, external air may be introduced into the cigarette 2 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette 2.

[0055] An example of the cigarette 2 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0056] 4 and 5 are drawings showing examples of cigarettes.

[0057] 4, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion includes the tobacco rod 21 and the second portion includes the filter rod 22, as described above with reference to FIGS.

[0058] Although filter rod 22 is shown in Figure 4 as a single segment, it is not limited to this. That is, filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, filter rod 22 may include a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. If necessary, filter rod 22 may also include at least one additional segment that performs another function.

[0059] The cigarette 2 has a diameter ranging from 5 mm to 9 mm and a length of approximately 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, but not limited to, the tobacco rod 21 has a length of approximately 12 mm, the first segment of the filter rod 22 has a length of approximately 10 mm, the second segment of the filter rod 22 has a length of approximately 14 mm, and the third segment of the filter rod 22 has a length of approximately 12 mm.

[0060] The cigarette 2 may be wrapped using at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. As an example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped using one wrapper 24. As another example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped by two or more wrappers 24 stacked one on top of the other. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped using a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 may be wrapped using wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The entire cigarette 2 may then be re-wrapped using a single fifth wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped using one of the wrappers 242, 243, and 244.

[0061] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of common filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous or non-porous wrapping paper. The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may also be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum-clad wrapping material.

[0062] The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 is 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 and preferably 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2 The thickness of the third wrapper 243 is within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0063] The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 is 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 and preferably 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2 The thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 is within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0064] The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 and preferably 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 is in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0065] A predetermined substance may be added to the fifth wrapper 245. An example of the predetermined substance is, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., resistance to various chemicals), water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any substance other than silicon that has the above properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0066] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the cigarette 2 from being burned. For example, if the tobacco rod 210 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 may be burned. Specifically, if the temperature of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 310 rises above the ignition point, the cigarette 2 may be burned. Even in this case, the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible substance, so the cigarette 2 is prevented from being burned.

[0067] Furthermore, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol generation device 1 from being contaminated by a substance generated in the cigarette 2. A liquid substance can be generated in the cigarette 2 when the user puffs. For example, the aerosol generated in the cigarette 2 is cooled by external air, generating a liquid substance (e.g., moisture). The fifth wrapper 245 wraps the cigarette 2, thereby preventing the liquid substance generated in the cigarette 2 from leaking out of the cigarette 2.

[0068] The tobacco rod 21 contains an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 21 may also contain other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0069] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in the form of a sheet or a strand. Alternatively, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from shredded tobacco, which is a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. The tobacco rod 21 can also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to this. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can uniformly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity of the tobacco rod and thereby improving the tobacco flavor. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can also function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown, the tobacco rod 21 may further include a susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0070] The filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. However, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod with a hollow interior. The filter rod 22 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0071] The first segment of the filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment is a tubular structure having a hollow interior. The first segment prevents the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed backward when the heater 13 is inserted, and also produces a cooling effect on the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow interior of the first segment may be, but is not limited to, a suitable diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm.

[0072] The length of the first segment may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment is 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of plasticizer used during manufacturing of the first segment. The first segment can also be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube made of the same or different material into the interior (e.g., hollow) of the first segment.

[0074] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol that has been cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0075] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined in various ways depending on the form of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment is suitably set within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment is about 14 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0076] The second segment can be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a fragrance liquid can be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment can be made by weaving a separate fiber coated with a fragrance liquid and a polymer fiber together. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed from a crimped polymer sheet.

[0077] For example, the polymer may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0078] The second segment is formed from woven polymer fibers or a crimped polymer sheet, such that the second segment includes one or more longitudinally extending channels, where a channel refers to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0079] For example, the second segment made of a crimped polymer sheet is formed from a material having a thickness of about 5 μm to about 300 μm, for example, about 10 μm to about 250 μm. The total surface area of ​​the second segment is about 300 mm 2 / mm ~ approx. 1000mm 2 / mm. The aerosol cooling element has a specific surface area of ​​approximately 10 mm 2 / mg ~ approx. 100mm 2 / mg of material.

[0080] The second segment, on the other hand, includes a thread containing a volatile flavor component, such as, but not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread may be loaded with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0081] The third segment of the filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately selected within a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0082] During the manufacturing process of the third segment, the third segment may be manufactured so that a flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the third segment. Alternatively, separate fibers coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 is cooled as it passes through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the effect of enhancing the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user may be achieved.

[0083] The filter rod 22 also includes at least one capsule 23. The capsule 23 may function to generate a flavor or aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is surrounded by a coating. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0084] 5, the cigarette 3 may further include a front-end plug 33. The front-end plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The front-end plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside and can prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device 1 (FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0085] The filter rod 32 includes a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 corresponds to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 4, and the second segment 322 corresponds to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG.

[0086] The diameter and overall length of cigarette 3 correspond to those of cigarette 2 in Figure 4. For example, but not limited to, the length of front end plug 33 is approximately 7 mm, the length of tobacco rod 31 is approximately 15 mm, the length of first segment 321 is approximately 12 mm, and the length of second segment 322 is approximately 14 mm.

[0087] The cigarette 3 may be wrapped using at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. For example, the front end plug 33 may be wrapped using a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped using a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped using a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped using a fourth wrapper 354. The entire cigarette 3 may then be repackaged using a fifth wrapper 355.

[0088] In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, but not limited to, the perforation 36 may be formed in a region surrounding the tobacco rod 31. The perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater 13 shown in Figures 2 and 3 to the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0089] The second segment 322 also includes at least one capsule 34. The capsule 34 may function to generate a flavor or may function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a coating surrounds a liquid containing a flavoring agent. The capsule 34 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0090] The first wrapper 351 may be a general filter wrapper with a metal foil such as aluminum foil bonded to it. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 is within the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 is within the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably 6.3 μm. The basis weight of the first wrapper 351 is 50 g / m 2 ~55g / m 2 and preferably 53 g / m 2 is.

[0091] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made of common filter wrapping paper, for example, porous or non-porous wrapping paper.

[0092] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 is 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 is within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 is 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 and preferably 23.5 g / m 2 is.

[0093] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 is 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 is within the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 is 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 and preferably 21 g / m 2 is.

[0094] The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper refers to a three-layer paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and another paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 is within the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 is 80 g / m 2 ~100g / m 2 and preferably 88 g / m 2 is.

[0095] The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 and preferably 60 g / m 2The thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 is within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0096] A predetermined substance may be added to the fifth wrapper 355. An example of the predetermined substance is, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., resistance to various chemicals), water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any substance other than silicon that has the above properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0097] The front end plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the front end plug 33 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow is within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono-denier of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 is 5.0. The cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 is also Y-shaped. The total denier of the front end plug 33 is within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably within the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the front end plug 33 is 28,000.

[0098] Optionally, the front end plug 33 also includes at least one channel, the cross-sectional shape of which can be varied.

[0099] The tobacco rod 31 corresponds to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to Figure 4. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0100] The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate tow with a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin). For example, the mono-denier and total denier of the first segment 321 are the same as those of the front end plug 33.

[0101] The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 is within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono-denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 is 9.0. The cross section of the filaments of the second segment 322 is also Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 is within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably 25,000.

[0102] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 600 according to another embodiment.

[0103] The aerosol generating device 600 includes a control unit 610, a sensing unit 620, an output unit 630, a battery 640, a heater 650, a user input unit 660, a memory 670, and a communication unit 680. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 600 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 6. That is, a person skilled in the art of this embodiment can understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 6 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 600.

[0104] The sensing unit 620 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 600 or the state around the aerosol generating device 600 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 610. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 610 can control the aerosol generating device 600 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 650, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0105] The sensing unit 620 includes at least one of, but is not limited to, a temperature sensor 622, an insertion sensor 624, and a puff sensor 626.

[0106] The temperature sensor 622 can sense the temperature to which the heater 650 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 600 can include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 650, or the heater 650 itself can function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 622 can be disposed around the battery 640 to monitor the temperature of the battery 640.

[0107] The insertion detection sensor 624 can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 624 can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product article.

[0108] The puff sensor 626 can sense a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, such as a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, or a pressure change.

[0109] The sensing unit 620 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor, in addition to the temperature sensor 622, the insertion sensor 624, and the puff sensor 626. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] The output unit 630 can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 600 to provide it to a user. The output unit 630 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 632, a haptic unit 634, and an audio output unit 636. When the display unit 632 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 632 is used as an input device in addition to being an output device.

[0111] The display unit 632 can visually provide a user with information about the aerosol generating device 600. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 600 refers to various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 640 of the aerosol generating device 600, the preheating status of the heater 650, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol product, or a status in which use of the aerosol generating device 600 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 632 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 632 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display unit 632 can also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0112] The haptic unit 634 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generating device 600. For example, the haptic unit 634 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0113] The acoustic output unit 636 can audibly provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 600. For example, the acoustic output unit 636 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0114] The battery 640 can supply power used for operating the aerosol generating device 600. The battery 640 can supply power to heat the heater 650. The battery 640 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 600 (e.g., the sensing unit 620, the output unit 630, the user input unit 660, the memory 670, and the communication unit 680). The battery 640 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 640 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0115] The heater 650 is supplied with power from the battery 640 and can heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Fig. 6, the aerosol-generating device 600 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 640 and supplies it to the heater 650. Furthermore, when the aerosol-generating device 600 generates an aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 600 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 640 into AC power.

[0116] The control unit 610, the sensing unit 620, the output unit 630, the user input unit 660, the memory 670, and the communication unit 680 can function by receiving power from the battery 640. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 640 and supplies it to each component.

[0117] In one embodiment, heater 650 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material, such as, but not limited to, metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Additionally, heater 650 may be embodied as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with a conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0118] In other embodiments, heater 650 is an induction heater. For example, heater 650 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0119] The user input unit 660 can receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 660 can be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., a contact-type capacitance type, a pressure-type resistive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, a piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 6 , the aerosol generating device 600 can further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface to connect to another external device through the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 640.

[0120] The user input unit 660 may constitute a user authentication unit that acquires a user authentication signal. A user can input personal information into the user input unit 660. The aerosol generating device 600 can acquire the user's personal information through the user input unit 660 and perform user authentication. If the user input unit 660 includes a biometric recognition sensor, the user can input their own biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint). The aerosol generating device 600 can acquire the user's biometric information through the user input unit 660 and perform user authentication.

[0121] The memory 670 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 600 and may store data processed by the control unit 610 and data to be processed by the control unit 610. The memory 670 may include at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk, micro multimedia card, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 670 may store data related to the operation time of the aerosol generating device 600, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern. The memory 670 may also store a user authentication signal acquired by receiving a user input. The memory 670 may store information about tobacco articles that are compatible with the aerosol generating device.

[0122] The communication unit 680 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 680 may include a short-range communication unit 682 and a wireless communication unit 684.

[0123] The short-range wireless communication unit 682 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0124] The wireless communication unit 684 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 684 can also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 600 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0125] The control unit 610 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 600. In one embodiment, the control unit 610 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0126] The control unit 610 can control the temperature of the heater 650 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 640 to the heater 650. For example, the control unit 610 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 640 and the heater 650. As another example, a heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater 650 according to a control command from the control unit 610.

[0127] The control unit 610 may analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 620 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 610 may control the power supplied to the heater 650 to start or stop operation of the heater 650 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 620. As another example, the control unit 610 may control the amount of power and the power supply time supplied to the heater 650 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 620 to heat the heater 650 to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0128] The control unit 610 may control the output unit 630 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 620. For example, if the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 626 reaches a preset number, the control unit 610 may notify the user through at least one of the display unit 632, the haptic unit 634, and the audio output unit 636 that the aerosol generating device 600 will soon be shut down.

[0129] As aerosol generating devices become increasingly popular, there is an increasing demand for smarter devices to increase their usefulness. One such demand relates to payment systems for consumables used in aerosol generating devices.

[0130] The aerosol generating device may be communicatively connected to various external devices through the communication unit 680. The external device may be a user terminal using the aerosol generating device, including a mobile terminal, a smartphone, etc. The aerosol generating device may also be communicatively connected to a seller terminal through the communication unit 680. The seller terminal may be an NFC-enabled point-of-sale (POS) terminal located at a seller's counter or at a vending machine company.

[0131] The aerosol generating device can be connected to a seller terminal and can also be connected to an external device such as a smartphone, so that a consumables payment system for the aerosol generating device can be constructed using the aerosol generating device.

[0132] Meanwhile, aerosol generators and consumables used with aerosol generators may be subject to certain restrictions, including age restrictions. In some countries, the purchase and use of aerosol generators and consumables is restricted based on the user's age. Furthermore, if consumables used with an aerosol generator are not compatible with the aerosol generator or are not genuine, they may not be heated by the aerosol generator or their use may be restricted.

[0133] Therefore, a payment system using an aerosol generating device must take such special characteristics into consideration. Hereinafter, a payment method using an aerosol generating device will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 10.

[0134] The tobacco articles shown in Figures 7 to 10 are consumable products that are inserted into an aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, and also correspond to the aerosol producing products, cigarettes, and cartridges shown in Figures 1 to 6.

[0135] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a payment method using an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0136] In step 701, the aerosol generating device receives a user input and acquires a user authentication signal. The user inputs personal information or biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint) into the user input unit, and the aerosol generating device acquires the personal information or biometric information of the user through the user input unit to perform user authentication.

[0137] The aerosol generating device is also in a locked state in which some functions, including the payment function, are deactivated to prevent unauthorized use by minors, etc. Step 702 is a step in which the control unit of the aerosol generating device switches the aerosol generating device from the deactivated locked state to an activated state based on the user authentication signal. In the activated state in which the locked state is released, the aerosol generating device is capable of operating the payment function.

[0138] In step 703, the seller terminal transmits information about the tobacco product to be paid for to the aerosol generating device. The seller terminal may be an NFC-enabled point-of-sale (POS) terminal located at the seller's counter or at a vending machine company. The control unit of the aerosol generating device can receive the information about the tobacco product to be paid for by tagging the near-field communication module of the aerosol generating device with the seller terminal.

[0139] In step 704, the control unit of the aerosol generating device determines whether the tobacco product to be paid for is genuine based on the tobacco product information. In the present invention, the term "genuine" does not necessarily mean that the manufacturer of the aerosol generating device and the manufacturer of the tobacco product are the same, and it is a concept that includes not only tobacco products manufactured by the aerosol generating device, but also tobacco products manufactured by other manufacturers that are compatible with the aerosol generating device.

[0140] The control unit of the aerosol generating device can match the tobacco product information stored in the memory with the tobacco product information to determine whether the tobacco product to be paid for is genuine. For example, the control unit can determine whether the tobacco product is genuine using the manufacturer, product name, product serial number, etc. included in the tobacco product information. Here, an inauthentic tobacco product refers to, but is not limited to, a tobacco product that is not compatible with the aerosol generating device, a tobacco product that is not produced / sold by the manufacturer of the aerosol generating device, etc. If the tobacco product to be paid for is determined to be inauthentic, the processor does not transmit payment information to the seller terminal so that payment cannot be made at the seller terminal.

[0141] The control unit of the aerosol generating device can output the result of the determination of whether the item to be paid for is genuine through the output unit. The output unit can provide the user with information about the result of the determination of whether the item to be paid for is genuine through at least one of visual, auditory, and tactile means. For example, the output unit can provide text such as "Authenticity Confirmed," "Not Genuine," or "Payment Not Accepted."

[0142] In step 705, if the control unit of the aerosol generating device determines that the tobacco product to be paid for is genuine, the control unit transmits payment information to the seller terminal so that payment can be made. The payment information is information required for payment and may include a card number, card company information, user information, card validity period information, card password, etc.

[0143] The control unit of the aerosol generating device can output the result of transmitting the payment information through the output unit. The output unit can provide the user with information about the result of transmitting the payment information through at least one of visual, auditory, and tactile means. For example, the output unit can provide text such as "Payment Completed."

[0144] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a payment method using an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0145] In step 801, the aerosol generating device may acquire a user authentication signal through an external device communicatively coupled to the aerosol generating device.

[0146] The external device includes a user terminal that performs user authentication. Here, the user terminal is a mobile terminal or smartphone owned by the user. For example, user authentication or age authentication is performed on the user terminal to purchase an aerosol generating device. Here, a user authentication application is executed on the user terminal, and after inputting a user authentication signal, if user authentication or adult authentication is completed, the user terminal transmits the user authentication signal to the aerosol generating device. If the control unit of the aerosol generating device receives the user authentication signal, it activates the aerosol generating device. Here, user authentication of the user terminal can be performed using various authentication methods, such as, but not limited to, iPin authentication, phone number authentication, certified certificate authentication, and biometric authentication. Furthermore, when purchasing an aerosol generating device at a store, it goes without saying that user authentication or adult authentication is performed by transmitting and receiving an authentication number issued by the store to the user terminal.

[0147] Step 802 is a step in which the control unit of the aerosol generating device switches the aerosol generating device from a deactivated locked state to an activated state based on the user authentication signal.

[0148] In one embodiment, the control unit of the aerosol generating device can establish a communication network with an external device through the communication unit and switch the aerosol generating device from an inactive state to an active state.

[0149] The control unit of the aerosol generating device can receive a user authentication signal from the external device and switch the aerosol generating device to an activated state based on the user authentication signal.

[0150] Steps 803 to 805 overlap with steps 703 to 705 in FIG. 7, so a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0151] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a payment method for a system including an aerosol generating device and an external device according to one embodiment.

[0152] Steps 901 and 902 are steps in which the aerosol generating device acquires a user authentication signal through an external device and switches the device to an activated state. Since these steps overlap with those in FIG. 8, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0153] Step 903 is a step in which the aerosol generating device transmits device information to an external device. The device information may include information about tobacco articles that are compatible with the aerosol generating device.

[0154] In step 904, the seller terminal transmits information about the tobacco product to be paid for to the external device, which may be communicatively connected to the seller terminal through NFC tagging.

[0155] Step 905 is a step in which an application installed on an external device determines whether the tobacco products to be paid for received from the seller terminal are genuine based on the device information received from the aerosol generating device. The application can match information on the tobacco products compatible with the aerosol generating device with the information on the tobacco products to be paid for to determine whether the tobacco products to be paid for are genuine. Information on the tobacco products compatible with the aerosol generating device can be included in the device information received from the aerosol generating device.

[0156] In one embodiment, the external device may include a memory that stores device information received from the aerosol generating device, which may include information about tobacco articles compatible with the aerosol generating device. The application may match the information about the compatible tobacco articles stored in the memory with the information about the tobacco articles to be paid for and determine whether the tobacco articles to be paid for are authentic.

[0157] In one embodiment, the external device includes an output unit including at least one of a display, a speaker, an LED, and a haptic motor, and the application can output the result of determining whether the item being paid for is authentic through the output unit. The output unit can provide the user with information about the result of determining whether the item being paid for is authentic through at least one of visual, auditory, and tactile means. For example, the output unit can provide text such as "Authenticity Confirmed," "Not Authentic," or "Payment Not Accepted."

[0158] If the application of the external device determines that the tobacco products to be paid for are genuine, it transmits payment information to the seller terminal to make the payment in step 906. The payment information is information required for payment and may include the card number, card company information, user information, card validity period information, card password, etc.

[0159] The application of the external device may output the result of transmitting the payment information through an output unit. The output unit may provide the user with information about the result of transmitting the payment information through at least one of visual, auditory, and tactile means. For example, the output unit may provide text such as "Payment Completed."

[0160] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a payment method for a system including an aerosol generating device and an external device according to one embodiment.

[0161] Step 1001 is a step in which the aerosol generating device receives user input and acquires a user authentication signal, and step 1002 is a step in which the aerosol generating device switches the device to an activated state. Since these steps overlap with steps 701 and 702 of Figure 7, detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0162] Steps 1003 to 1006 overlap with steps 9003 to 9006 in FIG. 9, respectively, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0163] As described above, the aerosol generating device and system according to the embodiment checks whether the tobacco products to be paid for are genuine, and if the tobacco products to be paid for are genuine, payment is made, thereby preventing the purchase and payment of non-genuine tobacco products.

[0164] The aerosol generating device and system according to one embodiment authenticates the device user and only allows payment if the device user's authentication is confirmed, thereby preventing unauthorized users, such as minors, from purchasing and paying for tobacco products.

[0165] An embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are any available media accessible by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and both separate and non-separate media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, separate and non-separate media embodied in any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal, such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0166] The above description of the embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the contents of the claims should be construed as being included in the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A heater and a battery for supplying power to the heater; a communication unit for communicating with a seller terminal; An aerosol generating device including: a control unit that receives information about tobacco items to be paid for from the communication unit, determines whether the tobacco items to be paid for are genuine based on the information about the tobacco items to be paid for, and transmits payment information to the seller terminal through the communication unit if the tobacco items to be paid for are determined to be genuine.

2. the communication unit includes a chip- or tag-like short-range communication module; The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the control unit receives the tobacco product information by tagging between the short-range communication module and the seller terminal.

3. the communication unit is further configured to communicate with an external device; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit switches the aerosol generating device from an inactive state to an active state based on communication with the external device through the communication unit.

4. the external device includes a user terminal that performs user authentication; The aerosol generating device according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit receives a user authentication signal from the user terminal indicating that user authentication has been completed, and switches the aerosol generating device to an activated state based on the user authentication signal.

5. The aerosol generating device further includes a user input unit that receives a user input and acquires a user authentication signal. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit switches the aerosol generating device to an activated state based on the user authentication signal.

6. the aerosol generating device further includes an output unit including at least one of a display, a speaker, an LED, and a haptic motor; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit outputs the result of determining whether the tobacco product to be paid for is genuine through the output unit.

7. The aerosol generating device further includes a memory for storing information about tobacco articles compatible with the aerosol generating device; The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the control unit compares the tobacco item information stored in the memory with the tobacco item information to be paid for, and determines whether the tobacco item to be paid for is genuine.

8. 1. A system including an aerosol generating apparatus and an external device, the external device receives, from the aerosol generating device, device information about tobacco articles compatible with the aerosol generating device; A system in which the application determines whether the tobacco items to be paid for received from the seller terminal are genuine based on the device information, and if it determines that the tobacco items to be paid for are genuine, transmits payment information to the seller terminal.

9. the external device includes a chip or tag-like near-field communication module; The system of claim 8, wherein the external device receives the tobacco product information to be paid for by tagging the short-range communication module with the seller terminal.

10. The aerosol generating device includes: a communication unit that communicates with the external device; The system described in claim 8, further comprising a control unit that switches the aerosol generating device from an inactive state to an active state based on communication with the external device through the communication unit.

11. the external device includes a user terminal that performs user authentication; The system of claim 10 , wherein the control unit receives a user authentication signal from the user terminal and switches the aerosol generating device to an activated state based on the user authentication signal.

12. The aerosol generating device includes: a user input unit for receiving a user input and obtaining a user authentication signal; The system of claim 8, further comprising: a control unit that switches the aerosol generating device to an activated state based on the user authentication signal.

13. the external device further includes an output unit including at least one of a display, a speaker, an LED, and a haptic motor; The system according to claim 8 , wherein the application outputs the result of determining whether the tobacco product to be paid for is genuine through the output unit.

14. the external device further includes a memory for storing the device information; The system of claim 8 , wherein the device information stored in the memory and the tobacco product information to be paid for are compared with each other to determine whether the tobacco product to be paid for is genuine.

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