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

Abstract

Adult verification of the aerosol generating device is performed via BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low energy) communication using a PIFA (Planar Inverted-F Antenna) including an example circuit board, power supply line, antenna pattern, and ground line.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The following embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to a method for performing user authentication using a PIFA included in the aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, the demand for electronic cigarettes has been gradually increasing. In addition, as the demand for electronic cigarettes has increased, the functions related to electronic cigarettes have been continuously developed. In particular, the functions related to the types and characteristics of electronic cigarettes have been continuously developed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] One embodiment provides a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) including a circuit board, a feed line, an antenna pattern, and a ground line.

[0004] In one embodiment, various antenna patterns are set according to the total length of one or more predetermined striplines based on the arrangement of each of the one or more striplines and the frequency of the radio signal.

[0005] One embodiment is to unlock the aerosol generating device using adult verification data via a PIFA communicating via Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low energy (BLE).

[0006] One embodiment is to invalidate a heating command received from a user if user authentication (e.g., adult verification or age verification) for the aerosol generating device fails.

[0007] One embodiment provides an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A user authentication method performed by an aerosol generating device in one embodiment includes the steps of transmitting a beacon for establishing a wireless communication channel using BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication, establishing the wireless communication channel with a user terminal based on the beacon, receiving adult verification data for a user of the aerosol generating device from the user terminal via the wireless communication channel, and authenticating the user of the aerosol generating device based on the adult verification data.

[0009] In one example, the method can further include unlocking the aerosol generating device if the user is authenticated.

[0010] In one example, the step of transmitting a beacon for establishing a wireless communication channel using the BLE communication may include generating beacon information and transmitting the beacon including the beacon information via a PIFA (Planar Inverted-F Antenna).

[0011] In one example, the PIFA may include a circuit board, a feed line formed on an upper surface of the circuit board, an antenna pattern including one or more strip lines electrically connected to the feed line (the antenna pattern is formed on a dielectric substrate of the circuit board), and a ground line electrically connected to the antenna pattern.

[0012] In one example, the total length of the one or more striplines can be predetermined based on the arrangement of each of the one or more striplines and the frequency of the radio signal.

[0013] In one example, the frequency of the radio signal may be 2.4 GHz and the total length of the one or more striplines may be 32.08 mm.

[0014] An example user authentication method may further include receiving a heating command from the user, and invalidating the heating command if the user is not authenticated.

[0015] In one embodiment, a PIFA (Planar Inverted-F Antenna) of an aerosol generating device for transmitting and receiving radio signals includes a circuit board, a power feed line formed on the upper surface of the circuit board, an antenna pattern including one or more strip lines electrically connected to the power feed line (the antenna pattern is formed on a dielectric substrate of the circuit board), and a ground line electrically connected to the antenna pattern, and the total length of the one or more strip lines can be predetermined based on the arrangement relationship of each of the one or more strip lines and the frequency of the radio signal.

[0016] In one example, the frequency of the radio signal may be 2.4 GHz and the total length of the one or more striplines may be 32.08 mm. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] A planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) can be provided, including a circuit board, a feed line, an antenna pattern, and a ground line.

[0018] Various types of antenna patterns can be set depending on the total length of the one or more striplines, and the total length of the one or more striplines can be predetermined based on the arrangement of each of the one or more striplines and the frequency of the radio signal.

[0019] The aerosol generating device can be unlocked using adult verification data via PIFA communicating via Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low energy (BLE).

[0020] If the adult verification of the user for the aerosol generating device fails, the heating command received from the user may be invalidated.

[0021] An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an example. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example aerosol generating device; FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an aerosol generating device in which a cartridge and a main body are separated. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of an example of an aerosol generating device in which a cartridge and a main body are joined together. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a user authentication method for a user according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an antenna attached to an aerosol generating device according to an example. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 illustrates an antenna pattern for BLE communication according to an example. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an antenna pattern for BLE communication according to another example. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an antenna pattern for BLE communication according to another example. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling an aerosol generating device in response to a heating command from a user according to an example. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates a PIFA according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and may be modified in various forms. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed forms, and the scope of this specification includes modifications, equivalents, or alternatives that fall within the technical ideas described in the embodiments.

[0024] Although terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe multiple components, such terms should be construed only to distinguish one component from the other components. For example, a first component may be designated as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be designated as a first component.

[0025] When any component is referred to as being "connected" to another component, it is directly linked or connected to the other component, but it should be understood that there may be other components in between.

[0026] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, the words "comprise" or "have" and the like indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Commonly used, predefined terms should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined herein.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, the same components will be given the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 shown in Fig. 1 includes a control unit 110, a detection unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery 140, an atomization unit 150, a user input unit 160, a memory 170, and a communication unit 180. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. That is, a person skilled in the art will understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0031] The detection unit 120 detects the state of the aerosol generation device 100 or the state around the aerosol generation device 100, and transmits the detected information to the control unit 110. Based on the detected information, the control unit 110 can control the aerosol generation device 100 to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the atomization unit 150, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol-generating article (e.g., an aerosol-generating article, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0032] The detection unit 120 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 122, an insertion detection sensor 124, and a puff sensor 126, but is not limited to these.

[0033] The temperature sensor 122 detects the temperature of the atomizing unit 150 (or the aerosol-generating material). The aerosol-generating device 100 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the atomizing unit 150, or the atomizing unit 150 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may be disposed near the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[0034] The insertion detection sensor 124 detects the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 124 may 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 may detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article.

[0035] The puff sensor 126 detects a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, for example, the puff sensor 126 may detect a user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0036] The detection unit 120 further includes at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an atmospheric 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 above-mentioned sensors 122 to 126. The function of the angle sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0037] The output unit 130 outputs and provides to a user information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 100. The output unit 130 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 132, a haptic unit 134, and an audio output unit 136. When the display unit 132 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 132 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0038] The display unit 132 visually provides a user with information about the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 100 may include various information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 140 of the aerosol generating device 100, the preheating status of the atomizing unit 150, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol-generating article, or a status in which use of the aerosol generating device 100 is restricted (e.g., abnormal article detection), and the display unit 132 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 132 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an induced light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display unit 132 may also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0039] The haptic unit 134 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the haptic unit 134 includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0040] The acoustic output unit 136 audibly provides the user with information relating to the aerosol generation device 100. For example, the acoustic output unit 136 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0041] The battery 140 supplies power used for operation of the aerosol generation device 100. The battery 140 supplies power to enable operation of the nebulization unit 150. The battery 140 may also supply power necessary for operation of other components provided within the aerosol generation device 100 (e.g., the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180). The battery 140 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 140 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0042] The atomization unit 150 atomizes the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 140. Although not shown in Fig. 1, the aerosol generation device 100 further includes a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies the converted power to the atomization unit 150. In addition, when the aerosol generation device 100 generates aerosol using an ultrasonic vibration method, the aerosol generation device 100 further includes a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 140 into AC power.

[0043] The control unit 110, the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180 can function by receiving power from the battery 140. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the device further includes a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to each component.

[0044] In one embodiment, the atomization unit 150 includes a vibrator that generates ultrasonic vibrations in response to an applied signal (e.g., power). For example, the vibrator may be made of, but is not limited to, piezoelectric ceramic. The vibrator may also include a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element according to one embodiment is a conversion element that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, and can generate ultrasonic vibrations under the control of the control unit 110. In one embodiment, when AC power is applied to a polarized piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element repeatedly expands and contracts. The expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element allows the vibrator to vibrate at a characteristic frequency. When a signal is applied to the vibrator, short, high-frequency vibrations are generated, and the generated vibrations can break down the aerosol-generating substance into small particles and atomize them into aerosol.

[0045] The user input unit 160 can receive information input by a user and output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 160 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), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the aerosol generating device 100 can further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via the connection interface such as the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 140.

[0046] The memory 170 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generation device 100 and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 110 and data to be processed by the control unit 110. The memory 170 includes at least one type of storage 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 170 may store the operating time of the aerosol generation device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0047] The communication unit 180 includes at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices, such as a short-range communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

[0048] The short-range wireless communication unit 182 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.

[0049] The wireless communication unit 184 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 184 may use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 100 within the communication network.

[0050] The control unit 110 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 includes at least one processor. The processor may be realized as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be realized as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment pertains that the processor may be realized in other forms of hardware.

[0051] The control unit 110 can control the operation of the atomization unit 150 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 140 to the atomization unit 150. For example, the control unit 110 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element of the drive circuit 138 located between the battery 140 and the atomization unit 150.

[0052] The control unit 110 analyzes the results detected by the detection unit 120 and controls the processes to be executed thereafter. For example, the control unit 110 can control the power supplied to the atomization unit 150 so that the operation of the atomization unit 150 starts or ends based on the results detected by the detection unit 120. As another example, the control unit 110 can control the amount of power supplied to the atomization unit 150 and the time for which the power is supplied based on the results detected by the detection unit 120 so that the atomization unit 150 vibrates at a predetermined frequency or maintains an appropriate vibration frequency.

[0053] The control unit 110 controls the output unit 130 based on the result detected by the detection unit 120. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 126 reaches a preset number, the control unit 110 can notify the user via at least one of the display unit 132, the haptic unit 134, and the audio output unit 136 that the aerosol generating device 100 will immediately shut down.

[0054] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the time and / or amount of power supply to the atomizing unit 150 by controlling the drive circuit 138 depending on the state of the aerosol product detected by the detection unit 120. For example, the control unit 110 can control the vibration frequency of the vibrator of the atomizing unit 150 depending on the type or remaining amount of the aerosol product.

[0055] An embodiment may also be realized in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media may be any solvent-compatible medium that can be accessed by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and both separable and non-separable media. Computer-readable media also includes both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and non-volatile, separable and non-separable media implemented by any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an example.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device 200 (eg, the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1) includes a cartridge 220 that holds an aerosol generating substance and a main body 210 that is connected to the cartridge 220.

[0058] The cartridge 220 of the aerosol generating device 200 can be coupled to the main body 210 while containing an aerosol-generating substance therein. For example, the cartridge 220 and the main body 210 may be coupled together by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge 220 into the main body 210. As a different example, the cartridge 220 and the main body 210 may be coupled together by inserting at least a portion of the main body 210 into the cartridge 220.

[0059] The cartridge 220 and the main body 210 can be connected by at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a screw-fit method, a magnetic coupling method, or a forced fitting method, but the method of connecting the cartridge 220 and the main body 210 is not limited to the examples given above.

[0060] According to one embodiment, cartridge 220 includes a housing 222 , a mouthpiece 224 , a storage portion 230 , a transmission portion 230 , a vibrator 250 , and an electrical terminal 260 .

[0061] The housing 222 of the aerosol generating device 200, together with the mouthpiece 224, can form the overall appearance of the cartridge 220, and components for operating the cartridge 220 can be arranged inside the housing 222. For example, the housing 222 may be formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, but the shape of the housing 222 is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, the housing 222 may be formed in the shape of a polygonal prism (e.g., a triangular prism, a pentagonal prism) or a cylinder.

[0062] The mouthpiece 224 of the aerosol generating device 200 is disposed in one region of the housing 222 and includes an outlet 224e for discharging the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material to the outside. For example, the mouthpiece 224 is disposed in another region of the cartridge 220 located opposite to one region of the cartridge 220 that is coupled to the main body 210, and the user can receive the aerosol from the cartridge 220 by contacting the mouthpiece 224 with the oral cavity and inhaling.

[0063] A pressure difference occurs between the outside of cartridge 220 and the inside of cartridge 220 due to the user's inhalation or puffing action, and aerosol generated inside cartridge 220 due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of cartridge 220 can be discharged to the outside of cartridge 220 through outlet 224e. That is, when the user inhales by contacting the mouthpiece 224 with the oral cavity, aerosol can be supplied to the outside of cartridge 220 through outlet 224e.

[0064] The storage unit 230 of the aerosol generating device 200 is located in the internal space of the housing 222 and can store an aerosol-generating substance. In this disclosure, the expression "the storage unit stores an aerosol-generating substance" means that the storage unit 230 simply functions to hold the aerosol-generating substance, as in the case of a container, and also means that the storage unit 230 includes an element impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating substance, such as a sponge, cotton, cloth, or porous ceramic structure, inside the storage unit 230. The above expressions will also be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

[0065] The storage section 230 may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, a gel state, or the like.

[0066] In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming material may comprise a liquid phase composition, which may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing non-tobacco material.

[0067] The liquid phase composition may contain any one or a mixture of ingredients, such as water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavorings, and vitamin blends, including, but not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavorings.

[0068] The flavoring agent may include ingredients that can provide various flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid phase composition may also include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0069] For example, the liquid phase composition may comprise a glycerin and propylene glycol solution with a nicotine salt added thereto in any weight ratio. The liquid phase composition may comprise two or more nicotine salts. The nicotine salt may be formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic acid or an inorganic acid, to nicotine. The nicotine may be naturally occurring or synthetic nicotine in any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid phase composition.

[0070] The acid for forming the nicotine salt can be appropriately selected taking into consideration the blood nicotine absorption rate, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 200, the flavor or taste, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt may be, but is not limited to, a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharinic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group.

[0071] The transfer unit 240 of the aerosol generating device 200 can absorb the aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material stored or accommodated in the storage unit 230 can be transferred from the storage unit 230 to the vibrator 250 via the transfer unit 240, and the vibrator 250 can atomize the aerosol-generating material in the transfer unit 240 or the aerosol-generating material transferred from the transfer unit 240 to generate an aerosol. Here, the transfer unit 240 includes at least one of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and porous ceramic, but the transfer unit 240 is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0072] According to one embodiment, transfer unit 240 is disposed adjacent to storage unit 230, and a liquid-phase aerosol-generating substance can be supplied from storage unit 230. For example, the aerosol-generating substance stored in storage unit 230 is discharged to the outside of storage unit 230 through a liquid-phase supply port formed in a region of storage unit 230 facing transfer unit 240, and transfer unit 240 can absorb at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substance discharged from storage unit 230, thereby absorbing the aerosol-generating substance from storage unit 230.

[0073] According to one embodiment, cartridge 210 may further include an absorber (not shown) disposed to cover at least a portion of transducer 250, where the aerosol is generated, and which transmits the aerosol-generating substance absorbed by transmission unit 240 to transducer 250. The absorber may be made of a material capable of absorbing the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the absorber may include at least one of SPL30(H), SPL50(H)V, NP100(V8), SPL60(FC), and melamine. By further including an absorber in cartridge 220, the aerosol-generating substance is absorbed not only by transmission unit 240 but also by the absorber, thereby improving the amount of aerosol-generating substance absorbed.

[0074] The vibrator 250 of the aerosol generating device 200 is located inside the housing 222 and can generate an aerosol by changing the phase of the aerosol generating material stored inside the cartridge 220. For example, the vibrator 250 can generate an aerosol by heating or vibrating the aerosol generating material.

[0075] Furthermore, by arranging the absorber so as to cover at least a portion of the vibrator 250, the absorber functions as a physical barrier that prevents particles that are not sufficiently atomized during the aerosol generation process from "scattering," which is the direct discharge to the outside of the aerosol generation device 200. Here, "scattering" refers to relatively large particles of the aerosol-generating material that are not sufficiently atomized being discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220. The inclusion of an absorber in the cartridge 220 reduces the possibility of liquid scattering, thereby improving the user's smoking satisfaction.

[0076] In one embodiment, the absorber is located between one surface of the oscillator 250 where the aerosol is generated and the transmitter 240, and can transmit the aerosol supplied to the transmitter 240 to the oscillator 250. For example, one region of the absorber may be in contact with one region of the transmitter 240 facing in the -z direction, and another region of the absorber may be in contact with one region of the oscillator 250 facing in the +z direction. That is, the absorber is located on the upper surface (e.g., in the +z direction) of the oscillator 250, and can supply the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the transmitter 240 to the oscillator 250.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the vibrator 250 of the aerosol generating device 200 can convert the phase of the aerosol-generating substance by using an ultrasonic vibration method that atomizes the aerosol-generating substance using ultrasonic vibration. For example, the vibrator 250 may generate short-period vibrations, and the vibrations generated by the vibrator 250 may be ultrasonic vibrations. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations may be within the range of about 100 kHz to about 10 MHz (preferably, about 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz), but is not limited thereto. When the vibrator generates ultrasonic vibrations in the above-mentioned frequency band, the vibrator vibrates along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) of the cartridge 220 or the housing 222. However, the embodiment is not limited by the direction in which the vibrator vibrates, and the vibration direction of the vibrator may be changed to various directions (e.g., any one of the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, and the z-axis direction, or a combination of these directions). The aerosol-forming substance supplied from storage section 230 to oscillator 250 by the short-period vibrations generated by oscillator 250 is vaporized and / or atomized into an aerosol.

[0078] For example, vibrator 250 may include a piezoelectric ceramic, which may be a functional material capable of converting between electrical and mechanical forces by generating electrical power (voltage) when a physical force (pressure) is applied and, conversely, generating vibrations (mechanical force) when electrical power is applied. That is, when electrical power is applied to vibrator 250, short-period vibrations (physical force) are generated, and the generated vibrations can break down the aerosol-generating substance into small particles and atomize them into an aerosol.

[0079] The vibrator 250 is electrically connected to other components of the aerosol generation device 200 via the electrical terminal 260. The electrical terminal 260 may be arranged on one surface of the cartridge 220. For example, the electrical terminal 260 may be arranged on a coupling surface of the cartridge 220 where the cartridge 220 couples with the main body 210 of the aerosol generation device 20. The electrical terminal 260 may be arranged on one surface of the housing 222 facing the mouthpiece 224.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the vibrator 250 can be electrically connected to at least one of the drive circuit 212, the control unit 214, and the battery 216 of the main body 210 via electrical terminals 260 located inside the housing 222 of the cartridge 220.

[0081] For example, the vibrator 250 may be electrically connected to an electrical terminal 260 located inside the cartridge 220 via a first conductor, and the electrical terminal 260 may be electrically connected to the driving circuit 212 of the body 210 via a second conductor. That is, the vibrator 250 may be electrically connected to the components of the body 210 via the electrical terminal 260.

[0082] The vibrator 250 is supplied with power from the battery 216 of the main body 210 via an electrical terminal 260 and is capable of generating sonic vibrations. The vibrator 250 is also electrically connected to the control unit 214 of the main body 210 via the electrical terminal 260, and the control unit 214 can control the operation of the vibrator 250 via the drive circuit 212.

[0083] For example, the electrical terminal 260 may include at least one of a pogo pin, a wire, a cable, a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), and a C-clip, but the electrical terminal 260 is not limited to the above examples.

[0084] In one embodiment, the vibrator 250 can be realized as a mesh-shaped or plate-shaped vibration container that does not use a separate transmission unit 240 and performs both the function of absorbing the aerosol-generating material and maintaining it in an optimal state for converting it into an aerosol, and the function of transmitting vibrations to the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol.

[0085] The aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 via the airflow passage 223 and supplied to the user.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the airflow passage 223 may be located inside the cartridge 220 and connected to the vibrator 250 and the outlet 224e of the mouthpiece 224. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the vibrator 250 flows along the airflow passage 223 and is discharged to the outside of the cartridge 220 or the aerosol generation device 200 through the outlet 224e. The user may receive the aerosol by contacting the mouthpiece 224 with the oral cavity and inhaling the aerosol discharged from the outlet 224e.

[0087] Although not shown in the drawings, the airflow passage 223 may include at least one inlet through which air from outside the cartridge 220 flows into the interior of the cartridge 220. The inlet is disposed in at least a portion of the housing 222 of the cartridge 220. For example, the inlet may be disposed in a joining surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the cartridge 220 where the cartridge 220 and the main body 210 are joined.

[0088] At least one gap is formed where the cartridge 220 and the main body 210 are joined, so that external air flows in through the gap between the cartridge 220 and the main body 210 and moves into the cartridge 220 through the inlet.

[0089] The airflow passage 223 is connected at its inlet to a space where aerosol is generated by the vibrator 250, and is connected from the space to the outlet 224e.

[0090] Therefore, air flowing in through the inlet is transmitted to the vibrator 250, and the transmitted air moves to the outlet 224e together with the aerosol generated by the vibrator 250, allowing airflow to circulate inside the cartridge 220.

[0091] According to one example, at least a portion of airflow passage 223 may be arranged such that its outer circumferential surface is surrounded by storage portion 230 inside housing 222. According to another example, at least a portion of airflow passage 223 may be provided between an inner wall of housing 222 and an outer wall of storage portion 230. The arrangement structure of airflow passage 223 is not limited to the above example, and airflow passage 223 may be arranged in various structures that allow airflow to circulate between the inlet, vibrator 250, and outlet 224e.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the main body 210 includes a drive circuit 212, a control unit 214, and a battery 216 therein, and one end of the main body 210 can be coupled to one end of the cartridge 220. For example, the main body 210 may be coupled to the bottom surface or coupling surface of the cartridge 220.

[0093] When the vibrator 250 of the cartridge 220 is electrically connected to the drive circuit 212 via the electrical terminal 260, the drive circuit 212 can supply power to the vibrator 250. For example, the magnitude of the power supplied to the vibrator 250 is determined by the control unit 214. The vibration frequency of the vibrator 250 can be controlled depending on the magnitude of the power. The form of the drive circuit 212 according to one embodiment may be a class E power amplifier circuit, a half-bridge circuit, or a full-bridge circuit, and is not limited to the described embodiment.

[0094] The control unit 214 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the control unit 214 can control the power supplied from the battery 216 to the vibrator 250 and control the amount of aerosol generated by the vibrator 250. For example, the control unit 214 may control the power supplied to the vibrator so that the vibrator 250 can vibrate at a predetermined frequency.

[0095] The control unit 214 may be realized by an array of multiple logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the control unit 214 may also be realized by other forms of hardware.

[0096] The control unit 214 analyzes the results detected by at least one sensor included in the aerosol generating device 200 and controls the processes to be subsequently executed. For example, the control unit 214 may control the power supplied to the vibrator 250 so as to start or end the operation of the vibrator 250 based on the results detected by the at least one sensor. Furthermore, the control unit 214 can control the amount of power supplied to the vibrator 250 and the time for which the power is supplied based on the results detected by the at least one sensor so that the vibrator 250 can generate an appropriate amount of aerosol.

[0097] The battery 216 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the battery 216 electrically couples the main body 210 to the cartridge 220 and can supply power to the vibrator 250.

[0098] The battery 216 can provide the power necessary for the operation of other hardware elements (e.g., sensors, a user interface, memory, and the control unit 214) included in the aerosol generating device 200. The battery 216 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

[0099] For example, battery 216 may include a nickel-based battery (e.g., a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery) or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium-phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium-ion battery, or a lithium-polymer battery).

[0100] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the cartridge 220 and / or the main body 210 of the aerosol generation device 200 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction may be a circle, an ellipse, a square, a rectangle, or any of various polygonal shapes. However, the cross-sectional shape of the cartridge 220 and / or the main body 210 is not limited to the above-mentioned shapes, and does not necessarily have to be formed into a structure that extends linearly when the aerosol generation device 200 extends in the longitudinal direction.

[0101] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 200 may be streamlined and curved to make it easier for a user to grip in their hand, or may be bent at a predetermined angle in certain areas and extended, and the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 200 may vary along its length.

[0102] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of an aerosol generation device in which the cartridge and the main body are separated, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of an aerosol generation device in which the cartridge and the main body are joined together.

[0103] The aerosol generating device 300 relating to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 is a modified example of the aerosol generating device 200 shown in Figure 2 (or the aerosol generating device 100 in Figure 1), and the cartridge 220-1 and main body 210-1 relating to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 are modified examples of the cartridge 220 and main body 210 shown in Figure 2, respectively, and duplicate content will be omitted below.

[0104] 3 and 4, the cartridge 220-1 may be detachably coupled to the main body 210-1. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge 220-1 may be coupled to the main body 210-1 by being inserted into the main body 210-1.

[0105] The cartridge 220-1 may include a mouthpiece 10m that is movable between an open position and a closed position. For example, the mouthpiece 10m may be opened and closed by rotating between the open position and the closed position.

[0106] The main body 10b of the cartridge 220-1 can be coupled to the mouthpiece 10m via a rotation axis. As an example, the mouthpiece 10m may be positioned in an open position. The open state of the mouthpiece 10m refers to a state in which the mouthpiece 10m is extended in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 220-1 so that the mouthpiece 10m can easily contact the user's mouth. Here, the longitudinal direction refers to the direction in which the cartridge 220-1 extends the longest among various directions. As another example, the mouthpiece 10m may be positioned in a closed position. The closed state of the mouthpiece 10m refers to a state in which the mouthpiece 10m is folded in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 220-1 so as to be accommodated in the main body 210-1 of the aerosol generation device 300.

[0107] Cartridge 220-1 includes a main body 10b that includes multiple components necessary for generating aerosol and discharging the generated aerosol. For example, main body 10b may include a housing, a vibrator, and at least a portion of an airflow passage.

[0108] The main body 210-1 includes a coupling portion 20a to which the cartridge 220-1 can be coupled. For example, the main body 210-1 may include a receiving groove 20a-1 in which at least a portion of the cartridge 220-1 is received. The main body 10b of the cartridge 220-1 can be inserted into the receiving groove 20a-1. For example, the main body 10b of the cartridge 220-1 may be in the form of a substantially rectangular prism, and the corners of the rectangular prism may be chamfered or rounded. However, the shape of the main body 10b of the cartridge 220-1 is not limited to the above example and may be in the form of a cylinder or a polygonal prism.

[0109] 2, the cartridge 220-1 may be coupled to the main body 210-1 by at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a screw-fit method, a magnetic coupling method, and a forced-fit method. For example, the cartridge 220-1 may include a first magnetic body, and the main body 210-1 may include a second magnetic body, and the cartridge 220-1 and the main body 210-1 may be coupled to each other by magnetic force. However, the strength of the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body may be designed in consideration of ease of attachment and detachment of the cartridge 220-1 and the main body 210-1 and / or operational stability of the aerosol generation device 300.

[0110] The main body 210-1 includes a button 20b. The button 20b may be arranged on one surface of the main body 210-1. For example, the button 20b may be arranged on one surface of the main body 210-1 corresponding to the first step 20c-1 of the cover 20c. When using the aerosol generation device 300, a user can use the button 20b to operate the aerosol generation device 300.

[0111] The main body 210-1 further includes a storage section 20s that can store the mouthpiece 10m of the cartridge 220-1 when the mouthpiece 10m is moved to the closed position. The storage section 20s is located on one side of the main body 210-1 and has a shape or size that corresponds to the mouthpiece 10m.

[0112] As shown in Figure 4, when the mouthpiece 10m is moved to the closed position, the portion that protrudes outside the aerosol generating device 100 in the closed position, i.e., the portion that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the main body 210-1, is minimized, thereby improving portability.

[0113] In one embodiment, the main body 210-1 may further include a cover 20c coupled to a portion of the main body 210-1. The cover 20c may be coupled to at least one surface of the main body 210-1. For example, the cover 20c may be coupled to one side of the main body 210-1 where the coupling portion 20a is located. Alternatively, the cover 20c may be coupled to one side of the main body 210-1 where the storage portion 20s is located.

[0114] The cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o. The cover 20c has an opening 20c-o of a size corresponding to the mouthpiece 10m. For example, the opening 20c-o may have a predetermined length and width. Here, the width of the opening 20c-o may be smaller than or the same as that of the main body of the cartridge 220-1 and larger than or the same as that of the mouthpiece 10m. The length of the opening 20c-o may be longer than or the same as that of the mouthpiece 10m.

[0115] The cover 20c extends from one end 20c-1 to the other end 20c-2 and can be placed on the mounting portion 20c' of the main body 210-1. For example, the mounting portion 20c' has a size and shape corresponding to the cover 20c. The mounting portion 20c' is recessed to a predetermined depth and extends in both directions from the entrance side of the coupling portion 20a and the storage portion 20s so that the cover 20c can be coupled thereto.

[0116] When the cartridge 220-1 is coupled to the main body 210-1, the cover 20c can be coupled to the main body 210-1 after the cartridge 220-1 is coupled to the main body 210-1. The cover 20c can be coupled to one side of the main body 210-1 by at least one of a snap fit, a forced fit, or a magnetic coupling, but is not limited to these.

[0117] The cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o through which the mouthpiece 10m can pass, thereby protecting the cartridge 220-1 while not interfering with the opening and closing operation of the mouthpiece 10m when the cartridge 220-1 is connected to the main body 210-1, and maintaining the connection between the cartridge 220-1 and the main body 210-1.

[0118] 4 shows the aerosol generation device 300 in which the cartridge 220-1 and the cover 20c are all coupled to the main body 210-1, and the mouthpiece 10m is in the closed position. As shown in the figure, the main body 210-1 includes a storage section 20s having a size and shape corresponding to the mouthpiece 10m and a mounting section 20c' having a size and shape corresponding to the cover 20c, and the cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o having a size and shape corresponding to the mouthpiece 10m, thereby completing the overall closure of the aerosol generation device 300 in a strong and elegant manner.

[0119] When the cartridge 220-1 is separated from the body 210-1, the cover 20c is separated from the body 210-1 first, and then the cartridge 220-1 is separated from the body 210-1. In this manner, the cover 20c and the cartridge 220-1 can be sequentially separated from or coupled to the body 210-1.

[0120] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a user authentication method according to an embodiment.

[0121] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 200 of FIG. 2, or the aerosol generating device 300 of FIGS. 3 and 4) can transmit and receive wireless signals for verifying that a user is an adult (e.g., user authentication) to and from an external device (e.g., a user terminal) using either a chip antenna that performs BLE communication or a PIFA. The aerosol generating device can perform adult verification using the wireless signal received from the external device. The following steps 501 to 504 can be executed by the aerosol generating device for verifying that a user is an adult.

[0122] In step 501, the aerosol generating device transmits (or transmits radio waves) a beacon for establishing a wireless communication channel to the vicinity of the aerosol generating device using BLE communication. The aerosol generating device can generate beacon information. For example, the aerosol generating device can transmit the beacon by outputting the beacon information via a Planar Inverted-F Antenna (PIFA) or a chip antenna.

[0123] According to one embodiment, when an aerosol generating device is operated for the first time, the aerosol generating device may establish a wireless communication channel with a user terminal owned by the same user. For example, when a user uses the aerosol generating device for the first time after purchasing the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device may establish a wireless communication channel with the user terminal via BLE communication at the time of the first operation.

[0124] In step 502, the aerosol generating device receives adult verification data for a user of the aerosol generating device from a user terminal via a wireless communication channel.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the adult verification data may include personal information that objectively identifies the user, a multi-digit verification code (e.g., a personal information number (PIN)), or a verification code. As an example, the personal information may be the user's resident registration number including date of birth, and the verification code may be a typical four- to eight-digit password used to identify the user. The verification code may be a number used to verify or prove identity.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the user can perform adult verification in advance via an application supplied by the manufacturer of the aerosol generating device and installed on the user terminal, and the user terminal can generate adult verification data.

[0127] When the aerosol generating device establishes a wireless communication channel with the user terminal based on the beacon, the aerosol generating device receives adult verification data for the user of the aerosol generating device from the user terminal via the wireless communication channel.

[0128] In step 503, the aerosol generating device determines whether the adult verification of the user has been successfully performed based on the adult verification data received from the user terminal. The aerosol generating device restricts or blocks access by minors to the aerosol generating device based on the verification result. The aerosol generating device can determine whether the adult verification data has been stolen, leaked, or contains inconsistencies.

[0129] If the user's age is verified (step 503: YES), the aerosol generating device unlocks the aerosol generating device in step 504. For example, the aerosol generating device may unlock the aerosol generating device from a heating operation. Unlocking the aerosol generating device may also unlock one or more functions of the aerosol generating device that are required for smoking.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can unlock functions for inserting or removing an aerosol-generating article (e.g., a cigarette or cartridge) as well as heating the aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol generating device may unlock a lock set in the cover so that only users who have completed adult verification are allowed to insert or remove the aerosol-generating article, in order to prevent minors from using the aerosol generating device.

[0131] If the user is not authenticated (step 503: No), the aerosol generating device may request retransmission of adult verification data from the user terminal via the antenna. The aerosol generating device may transmit an unauthenticated status for the aerosol generating device to the user terminal.

[0132] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an antenna attached to an aerosol generating device according to an example.

[0133] 6, a control unit 610 (e.g., the control unit 110 in FIG. 1) transmits a beacon for establishing a wireless communication channel to a user terminal via an antenna 630 of a short-range communication unit 620 (e.g., the short-range communication unit 182 in FIG. 1). The wireless communication channel refers to a frequency band for transmission and reception as a path along which a signal travels between the user terminal and the aerosol generating device.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the antenna 630 may be a chip antenna or a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA). For example, a chip antenna may be an internal antenna made of a very small chip. For example, a PIFA may be an antenna with a variable antenna pattern mounted on a horizontal surface. The antenna pattern varies depending on the design method, and the PIFA may have a structure that enhances portability.

[0135] 11, the PIFA resonates when H+L is approximately 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the supplied signal, and the input impedance characteristics can vary depending on the location of the feed point and the thickness of the feed line. The PIFA can obtain desired antenna characteristics by adjusting the location of the feed point W.

[0136] In the present invention, the main design variables for the width and length of each line of the PIFA can be adjusted to allow the antenna electrical length to transmit or receive signals at 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz frequencies, taking into account the relationship between the wavelength of the frequency and the antenna length. The antenna pattern of the PIFA can be configured in various ways depending on the main design variables. Such antenna patterns of the PIFA will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0137] For example, the antenna 630 may be attached to the inside surface of the upper stage or the inside surface of the side of the aerosol generating device. The antenna 630 receives the adult verification data via a wireless communication channel established with the user terminal.

[0138] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an antenna pattern for BLE communication according to an example.

[0139] 7, the PIFA includes a circuit board, a feed line formed on the upper surface of the circuit board, an antenna pattern including one or more striplines electrically connected to the feed line (the antenna pattern is formed on a dielectric substrate of the circuit board), and a ground line electrically connected to the antenna pattern. For example, the total length of the one or more striplines may be predetermined based on the relative positions of the one or more striplines and the frequency of the radio signal. The frequency of the radio signal may be 2.4 GHz, and the total length of the one or more striplines may be 32.08 mm.

[0140] Here, the design variables of the antenna pattern for BLE communication are classified into the stripline width ((15)), vertical length ((7)), horizontal length ((1)), and the spacing between striplines or between the circuit board and the stripline ((2), (10), (11)). The sum of the lengths of the striplines on the circuit board ((14), (8), (4), (13), (15), (3), (5), (11)) is the electrical length of the antenna and may be set to 32.08 mm, which is 1 / 4 of the wavelength corresponding to the lower limit frequency (e.g., 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz) of the Bluetooth® frequency band. The feed line width ((16)) may be set narrower than the width between the feed line and ground ((17)). The sum of the lengths of the striplines is determined by the following equation 1.

[0141]

number

[0142] Referring to Equation 1, C represents the speed of light, f represents the signal frequency, and λ represents the signal wavelength. λ / 4 represents the minimum antenna length for transmission and reception. The design variables for the antenna pattern optimized through the above process are shown in Table 1 below.

[0143] [Table 1]

[0144] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an antenna pattern for BLE communication according to another example.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 8, the design variables of the antenna pattern for BLE communication are classified into the width ((B)) of the stripline, the vertical length ((A)), the horizontal length, and the spacing between the striplines or between the circuit board and the stripline ((H), (I)). The sum of the lengths of the striplines ((C), (D), (E), (F), (G)) is the electrical length of the antenna and may be set to 32.08 mm, which is ¼ of the wavelength corresponding to the lower limit frequency (e.g., 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz) of the frequency band used by Bluetooth®. Therefore, the design variables of the antenna pattern can be optimized as shown in Table 2 below.

[0146] [Table 2]

[0147] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an antenna pattern for BLE communication according to another example.

[0148] 9, the antenna may be configured with an antenna pattern including one or more striplines electrically connected to a feed line. The optimized antenna size may be 15.2 mm wide and 5.7 mm high, and the striplines may be designed on a circuit board in various patterns with a total length of 32.08 mm. The total length of the one or more striplines may be predetermined based on the relative positions of each of the one or more striplines and the frequency of the radio signal.

[0149] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for controlling an aerosol generating device in response to a user's heating command according to an example.

[0150] The following steps 1001 to 1005 can be performed by an aerosol generation apparatus (for example, the aerosol generation apparatus 100 in FIG. 1, the aerosol generation apparatus 200 in FIG. 2, or the aerosol generation apparatus 300 in FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0151] In step 1001, the aerosol generating device receives a heating command from a user. The aerosol generating device includes an input element capable of receiving user input. For example, the input element may include a button, a crown, or a touchscreen. The aerosol generating device may drive a display of the aerosol generating device to render an image related to an executable application installed on the aerosol generating device. The executable application may be displayed in the form of an icon on the display of the aerosol generating device. Executable applications include games, documents, music, etc., and other applications not specifically mentioned above may also be installed and executed.

[0152] The aerosol generating device receives a heating command to form an aerosol from a user in the course of executing a user-input application.

[0153] In step 1002, the aerosol generating device determines the authentication status of the aerosol generating device, which indicates whether adult verification between the user terminal and the aerosol generating device has been performed. For example, when a heating command is received, the aerosol generating device may check whether adult verification based on adult verification data for the user has been successfully performed in advance.

[0154] In step 1003, the aerosol generating device differentiates the operation of the aerosol generating device based on the authentication status of the aerosol generating device.

[0155] If the authentication status indicates that user authentication (e.g., adult verification) is complete (step 1003: Yes), in step 1004, the aerosol generating device heats the aerosol-generating article by applying power to the vibrator of the aerosol generating device in accordance with the heating command.

[0156] If the application status indicates that adult verification has not been completed (step 1003: No), the aerosol generating device disables the heating command in step 1005. For example, disabling the heating command means refusing or ceasing to apply power to the vibrator for aerosol formation. By disabling the heating command, the aerosol generating device can maintain the input environment by activating the application that was running before the heating command was received.

[0157] The methods according to the present invention may be embodied in the form of program instructions that can be executed by various computer means and stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like, alone or in combination. The storage medium and program instructions may be specially designed and constructed for the purposes of the present invention, or they may be well-known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable storage media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include not only machine code, such as generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code executed by a computer using an interpreter, for example. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations described in the present invention, or vice versa.

[0158] Software includes computer programs, codes, instructions, or a combination of one or more thereof, which can configure a processing device to operate as desired or can independently or in combination instruct the processing device. The software and / or data can be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual device, computer storage medium or device, or transmitted signal wave to be interpreted by the processing device or to provide instructions or data to the processing device. The software can be distributed across computer systems coupled to a network and stored and executed in a distributed manner. The software and data can be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0159] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to limited drawings, those skilled in the art may apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above description. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or combined in a different manner than described, and may be replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents, while still achieving suitable results.

[0160] Accordingly, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. The user authentication method performed by the aerosol generating device includes: transmitting a beacon for establishing a wireless communication channel using BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication; establishing the wireless communication channel with the user terminal based on the beacon; receiving adult verification data for a user of the aerosol generating device from the user terminal via the wireless communication channel; authenticating the user of the aerosol generating device based on the adult verification data; A user authentication method, including

2. The user authentication method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of unlocking the aerosol generating device if the user is authenticated.

3. The step of transmitting a beacon for establishing a wireless communication channel using the BLE communication includes: generating beacon information; transmitting the beacon including the beacon information via a Planar Inverted-F Antenna (PIFA); The user authentication method of claim 1 , comprising:

4. The PIFA is A circuit board; a power supply line formed on the upper surface of the circuit board; an antenna pattern including one or more strip lines electrically connected to the feed line, the antenna pattern being formed on a dielectric substrate of the circuit board; a ground line electrically connected to the antenna pattern; The user authentication method of claim 3 , comprising:

5. The user authentication method according to claim 4 , wherein the total length of the one or more striplines is determined in advance based on the arrangement of the one or more striplines and the frequency of the radio signal.

6. 6. The user authentication method according to claim 5, wherein the frequency of the radio signal is 2.4 GHz, and the total length of the one or more striplines is 32.08 mm.

7. receiving a heating command from the user; Disabling the heating command if the user is not authenticated; The user authentication method of claim 1 , further comprising:

8. A computer program stored on a computer-readable recording medium for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in combination with hardware.

9. The aerosol generating device PIFA (Planar Inverted-F Antenna) for transmitting and receiving radio signals is A circuit board; a power supply line formed on the upper surface of the circuit board; an antenna pattern including one or more strip lines electrically connected to the feed line, the antenna pattern being formed on a dielectric substrate of the circuit board; a ground line electrically connected to the antenna pattern; Including, A PIFA, wherein the total length of the one or more striplines is predetermined based on the arrangement of each of the one or more striplines and the frequency of the radio signal.

10. 10. The PIFA of claim 9, wherein the frequency of the radio signal is 2.4 GHz and the total length of the one or more striplines is 32.08 mm.

Images