Method for unlocking an aerosol generating device and apparatus for performing the method

Abstract

A method for unlocking an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes the operations of establishing a wireless channel with the aerosol generating device using short-range wireless communication, performing age authentication for a user of a user terminal, outputting an interface for unlocking the aerosol generating device via a display when age authentication is completed, and transmitting an unlock command to the aerosol generating device via the wireless channel when an unlock input is received via the interface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The following embodiments relate to techniques for unlocking electronic devices, and more particularly to techniques for unlocking functions of electronic devices. [Background technology]

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

[0003] One embodiment provides a method for unlocking an aerosol generating device once authentication for the user is complete.

[0004] One embodiment is to provide a user terminal that unlocks the aerosol generating device once authentication for the user is complete. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, a method for unlocking an aerosol generating device performed by a user terminal includes an operation of establishing a wireless channel with the aerosol generating device using short-range wireless communication, an operation of performing age authentication for a user of the user terminal, an operation of outputting an interface for unlocking the aerosol generating device via a display when the age authentication is completed, and an operation of sending an unlocking command to the aerosol generating device via the wireless channel when an unlocking input is received via the interface.

[0006] The operation of performing age authentication for the user of the user terminal may include an operation of determining that age authentication for the user has been performed if the user logs in to a pre-configured server as an adult.

[0007] Age authentication for the user of the user terminal can be performed using an API (application programming interface) of an age authentication application.

[0008] The short-range wireless communication may be Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

[0009] The method for unlocking the aerosol generating device further includes an operation of receiving a target identification number of the aerosol generating device via the wireless channel, and an operation of associating the user with the target identification number if the age authentication is completed, and if the number of target identification numbers associated with the user is less than a predetermined number, the interface for unlocking the aerosol generating device may be output.

[0010] The unlock command may be configured to unlock the aerosol generating device.

[0011] The unlock command can be configured to activate a heating function for aerosol generation.

[0012] In one embodiment, a user terminal includes a processor that executes a program for unlocking an aerosol generating device and a memory that stores the program, and the processor includes operations of establishing a wireless channel with the aerosol generating device using short-range wireless communication, performing age authentication for the user of the user terminal, outputting an interface for unlocking the aerosol generating device via a display when the age authentication is completed, and transmitting an unlock command to the aerosol generating device via the wireless channel when an unlock input is received via the interface.

[0013] An unlocking method performed by an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include an operation of establishing a wireless channel with a user terminal using short-range wireless communication, an operation of receiving an unlocking command from the user terminal via the wireless channel when age authentication for the user of the user terminal is completed, and an operation of unlocking in response to the unlocking command.

[0014] The unlocking operation can include activating a heating function for generating the aerosol. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] By unlocking the aerosol generating device only for authenticated users, it is possible to provide limited use of the aerosol generating device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an example of an aerosol-generating device according to various embodiments, with an aerosol-generating article inserted therein. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an example of an aerosol-generating device according to various embodiments, with an aerosol-generating article inserted therein. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows an example of an aerosol-generating device according to various embodiments, with an aerosol-generating article inserted therein. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an aerosol-generating article according to various embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an aerosol-generating article according to various embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a system for unlocking an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for unlocking an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for outputting an interface for unlocking an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a system for unlocking an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 1 to 3 are diagrams showing an example of an aerosol generating device with a cigarette inserted therein.

[0024] Referring to Fig. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. A cigarette 2 may be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0025] The components of this embodiment are shown in the aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3. Therefore, it will be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field of this embodiment that the aerosol generating device 1 further includes other general-purpose components in addition to the components shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0026] 2 and 3 show the aerosol generating device 1 including the heater 13, but the heater 13 may be omitted if necessary.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Fig. 2 also shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Fig. 3 also shows that the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in Figs. 1 to 3. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0028] When a cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, the aerosol generation device 1 can activate the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 is transmitted through the cigarette 2 to the user.

[0029] If desired, the aerosol generating device 1 can heat the heater 13 even when no cigarette 2 is inserted in the aerosol generating device 1 .

[0030] 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, etc. provided in the aerosol generation device 1.

[0031] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 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 generator 1. The control unit 12 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generator 1 to determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operable state.

[0032] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be realized by an array of a large number of logic gates, or may be realized 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 realized by different forms of hardware.

[0033] 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 within the cigarette.

[0034] The heater 13 may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated by passing an electric current through the electrically 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 pre-set in the aerosol generating device 1, or may be set by the user.

[0035] Alternatively, the heater 13 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive coil for inductively heating the cigarette, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.

[0036] 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 interior or exterior of the cigarette 2 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0037] Furthermore, a plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged in the aerosol generating 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 Figures 1 to 3, and various shapes can be manufactured.

[0038] The vaporizer 14 can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can travel along an airflow passage in the aerosol generating device 1, which can be configured to allow the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 to be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 the vaporizer 14, or may be configured as an integral part of the vaporizer 14.

[0041] For example, the liquid composition may contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring, or vitamin mixture. Flavoring may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, etc. Flavoring may include ingredients that can provide the user with various 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.

[0042] The liquid transfer means is an element for heating the liquid composition in the liquid storage portion, and may be, for example, but not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0043] The heating element can be an element configured to heat the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element can be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heating element can also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and can be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element can be heated by supplying an electric current and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0044] For example, but not limited to, the vaporizer 14 may be called a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0045] Meanwhile, the aerosol generator 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and 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 detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or a cigarette insertion detection sensor). Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may be constructed so that external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out even when a cigarette 2 is inserted.

[0046] Although not shown in Figures 1 to 3, the aerosol generator 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 generator 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 are coupled together.

[0047] The cigarette 2 may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2 may be divided into a first portion containing an aerosol-forming material and a second portion containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 2 may also contain an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0048] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part, or the entire first part and a part of the second part, may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1. A user can inhale the aerosol while biting the second part in their mouth. In this case, 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.

[0049] For example, external air can flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the opening and / or size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1 can be adjusted by the user. This allows the user to adjust the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, etc. For another example, external air can flow into the cigarette 2 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette 2.

[0050] An example of a cigarette 2 will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0051] 4 and 5 are diagrams showing examples of cigarettes.

[0052] Referring to Figure 4, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3 includes the tobacco rod 21, and the second portion includes the filter rod 22.

[0053] 4, the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment, but is not limited to this. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the 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, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function.

[0054] The cigarette 2 may have a diameter in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm and a length of approximately 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may have a length of approximately 12 mm, the first segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of approximately 10 mm, the second segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of approximately 14 mm, and the third segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of approximately 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0055] The cigarette 2 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole formed therein to allow external air to enter or internal gas to escape. As an example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped in a single wrapper 24. As another example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped in two or more wrappers 24 stacked one on top of the other. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped in a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 may be wrapped in wrappers 242, 243, and 244. Alternatively, the entire cigarette 2 may be rewrapped in a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped in a wrapper 242, 243, and 244.

[0056] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can 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 can also be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum-clad paper wrapping material.

[0057] The third wrapper 243 can 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 may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0058] The fourth wrapper 244 can be made of a grease-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 may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0059] The fifth wrapper 245 can be made of a 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 245 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 and preferably 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0060] A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 245. Examples of the predetermined material include, but are not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., no oxidation), resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0061] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 may burn. Specifically, if the temperature of any of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 31 rises above the ignition point, the cigarette 2 may burn. Even in such a case, the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible substance, so the cigarette 2 can be prevented from burning.

[0062] Furthermore, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the holder from being contaminated by substances produced in the cigarette 2. When a user puffs, a liquid substance can be produced within the cigarette 2. For example, a liquid substance (such as water) can be produced when the aerosol produced in the cigarette 2 is cooled by the outside air. By wrapping the cigarette 2 with the fifth wrapper 245, the liquid substance produced within the cigarette 2 can be prevented from leaking out of the cigarette 2.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in a sheet or a strand. Alternatively, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from shredded tobacco sheets. The tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity of the tobacco rod, 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 in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 can include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0065] The filter rod 22 may be 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 tube-type rod having 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.

[0066] The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. When the heater 13 is inserted through the first segment, it can prevent the material inside the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed backward and also produce 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.

[0067] 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 may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of plasticizer 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 inside (e.g., hollow).

[0069] 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 cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0070] 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 can be appropriately set within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0071] The second segment can be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the fragrance liquid can be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment can be made by weaving the polymer fibers together with separate fibers to which the fragrance liquid has been applied. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed by a wound polymer sheet.

[0072] 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.

[0073] By forming the second segment from woven polymer fibers or wound polymer sheets, the second segment can include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where channel refers to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) can pass.

[0074] For example, the second segment of wound polymer sheet can be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as between about 10 μm and about 250 μm, and the total surface area of ​​the second segment can be less than about 300 mm 2 / mm and approximately 1000mm 2 / mm. Furthermore, the aerosol cooling element may have a specific surface area of ​​between about 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100mm 2 It can be made from materials between 1 / 2 mg.

[0075] The second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor component, which may be, but is 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.

[0076] The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be 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.

[0077] During the manufacturing process of the third segment, the third segment can 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 can 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 via 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 can be achieved.

[0078] Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform the function of generating a flavor or the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 23 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0079] Referring to Figure 5, the cigarette 3 may further include a shear plug 33. The shear plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside, and may also prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device (Figures 1 to 3).

[0080] Filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, first segment 321 corresponds to the first segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 4, and second segment 322 corresponds to the third segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 4.

[0081] The diameter and length of cigarette 3 correspond to the diameter and length of cigarette 2 of Figure 4. For example, but not limited to, the length of shear plug 33 may be about 7 mm, the length of tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, the length of first segment 321 may be about 12 mm, and the length of second segment 322 may be about 14 mm.

[0082] The cigarette 3 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole formed therein to allow external air to enter or internal gas to escape. For example, the shear plug 33 may be wrapped in a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped in a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped in a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped in a fourth wrapper 354. The entire cigarette 3 may also be rewrapped in a fifth wrapper 355.

[0083] In addition, at least one perforation 355 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, but not limited to, the perforation 355 may be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 31. The perforation 355 serves to transfer heat generated by the heater 13 shown in Figures 1 and 3 to the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0084] Furthermore, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform the function of generating a flavor or the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 34 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0085] The first wrapper 351 may be made by bonding a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, to a common filter wrapping paper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably 6.3 μm. Furthermore, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 50 g / m 2 ~55g / m 2 and preferably 53 g / m 2 may be.

[0086] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be made of common filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper.

[0087] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 and preferably 23.5 g / m 2 may be.

[0088] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be within a range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 and preferably 21 g / m 2 may be.

[0089] The fourth wrapper 354 can be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper means a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and another paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in 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 may be.

[0090] The fifth wrapper 355 can be made of a 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 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0091] A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 355. An example of the predetermined material may be, 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., no oxidation), resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0092] The shear plug 33 can be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 33 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be 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 shear plug 33 may be 5.0. The cross section of the filaments constituting the shear plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 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 shear plug 33 may be 28,000.

[0093] Also, if desired, the shear plug 33 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be varied.

[0094] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond 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.

[0095] The first segment 321 can be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment can be a tube-shaped structure with a hollow interior. The first segment 321 can 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 can be the same as the mono-denier and total denier of the shear plug 33.

[0096] The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be 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 may be 9.0. The cross section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably 25,000.

[0097] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 400 according to another embodiment.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 400 (for example, the aerosol generating device 1 in FIGS. 1 to 3) includes a control unit 410, a detection unit 420, an output unit 430, a battery 440, a heater 450, a user input unit 460, a memory 470, and a communication unit 480. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 400 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 6. That is, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment 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 400.

[0099] The detection unit 420 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 400 or the state around the aerosol generating device 400 and transmit the detected information to the control unit 410. Based on the detected information, the control unit 410 can control the aerosol generating device 400 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 450, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0100] The detection unit 420 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 422, an insertion detection sensor 424, and a puff sensor 426, but is not limited to these.

[0101] The temperature sensor 422 detects the temperature of the heater 450 (or the aerosol-generating material). The aerosol-generating device 400 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater 450, or the heater 450 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 422 may be disposed near the battery 440 to monitor the temperature of the battery 440.

[0102] The insertion detection sensor 424 detects the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 424 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 can detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article.

[0103] The puff sensor 426 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, for example, the puff sensor 426 may detect a user's puff based on any of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0104] The detection unit 420 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 above-described sensors 422 to 426. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a skilled artisan from its name, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0105] The output unit 430 may output and provide to a user information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 400. The output unit 430 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 432, a haptic unit 434, and an audio output unit 436. When the display unit 432 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 432 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0106] The display unit 432 can visually provide a user with information about the aerosol generating device 400. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 400 can mean various information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 440 of the aerosol generating device 400, the preheating status of the heater 450, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol product, or a status in which use of the aerosol generating device 400 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 432 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 432 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. Alternatively, the display unit 432 can be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0107] The haptic unit 434 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 400. For example, the haptic unit 434 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0108] The acoustic output unit 436 can audibly provide the user with information relating to the aerosol generating device 400. For example, the acoustic output unit 436 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0109] The battery 440 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 400. The battery 440 can supply power to heat the heater 450. The battery 440 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device 400 (e.g., the detection unit 420, the output unit 430, the user input unit 460, the memory 470, and the communication unit 480). The battery 440 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 440 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0110] The heater 450 can heat the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 440. Although not shown in Fig. 6, the aerosol-generating device 400 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 440 and supplies it to the heater 450. Furthermore, when the aerosol-generating device 400 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 400 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 440 into AC power.

[0111] The control unit 410, the detection unit 420, the output unit 430, the user input unit 460, the memory 470, and the communication unit 480 can function by receiving power from the battery 440. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 440 and supplies it to each component.

[0112] In one embodiment, heater 450 may be formed from any suitable electrically resistive material, including, 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 450 may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0113] In another embodiment, heater 450 may be an induction heater. For example, heater 450 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0114] In one embodiment, heater 450 may include multiple heaters. For example, heater 450 may include a first heater for heating the cigarette and a second heater for heating the liquid phase.

[0115] The user input unit 460 can receive information input by a user and output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 460 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 detection 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 400 can further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and can connect to other external devices via the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 440.

[0116] The memory 470 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 400 and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 410 and data to be processed by the control unit 410. The memory 470 can include 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 470 can store various information related to the operation of the aerosol generating device 400, such as, but not limited to, the operating time of the aerosol generating device 400, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0117] The communication unit 480 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices, such as a near field communication unit 482 and a wireless communication unit 484.

[0118] The short-range wireless communication unit 482 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wideband Local Area Network) communication unit, a Zigbee 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.

[0119] The wireless communication unit 484 may include, 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 484 may use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 400 within the communication network.

[0120] The control unit 410 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 400. In one embodiment, the control unit 410 can include 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 processor may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0121] The control unit 410 can control the temperature of the heater 450 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 440 to the heater 450. For example, the control unit 410 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 440 and the heater 450. As another example, a heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater 450 in response to a control command from the control unit 410.

[0122] The control unit 410 can analyze the result detected by the detection unit 420 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 410 can control the power supplied to the heater 450 so that the operation of the heater 450 starts or ends based on the result detected by the detection unit 420. As another example, the control unit 410 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 450 and the time for which the power is supplied based on the result detected by the detection unit 420 so that the heater 450 is heated to a predetermined temperature or can maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0123] The control unit 410 can control the output unit 430 based on the result detected by the detection unit 420. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 426 reaches a preset number, the control unit 410 can notify the user through at least one of the display unit 432, the haptic unit 434, and the audio output unit 436 that the aerosol generating device 400 will soon be shut down.

[0124] In one embodiment, the control unit 410 can control the time and / or amount of power supplied to the heater 450 depending on the state of the aerosol product detected by the detection unit 420. For example, when the aerosol product is in an overly humid state, the control unit 410 can control the time of power supply to the induction coil to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol product is in a normal state.

[0125] An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. A computer-readable recording medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media, and both detachable and non-detachable media. Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium may include both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage medium includes both volatile and non-volatile, detachable and non-detachable media embodied in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal, such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and includes any information delivery medium.

[0126] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a system for unlocking an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the system 700 includes a server 710, a user terminal 720, and an aerosol generating device 730.

[0128] For example, the aerosol generation device 730 is the aerosol generation device 1 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 or the aerosol generation device 400 described above with reference to FIG.

[0129] For example, the server 710 may be a server operated by the company that manufactured the aerosol generating device 730, or a server operated by an operator associated with the company.

[0130] For example, the user terminal 720 may be a mobile communication terminal that supports cellular wireless communication and short-range wireless communication. The user terminal 720 can exchange data with the server 710 or the aerosol generating device 730 using software or applications installed on the user terminal 720.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the state of the aerosol generating device 730 may be locked or unlocked. For example, when the aerosol generating device 730 is in a shipping mode, the state of the aerosol generating device 730 is locked. The locked state of the aerosol generating device 730 is unlocked when the user of the aerosol generating device 730 is authenticated. For example, when the user is registered as an adult in the server 710, the aerosol generating device 730 is unlocked. For example, when the user is authenticated as an adult using the user terminal 720, the aerosol generating device 730 may be unlocked. When the aerosol generating device 730 is in the locked state, functions other than the function for wireless communication with the user terminal 720 (e.g., a heating function) may not operate.

[0132] A method for unlocking the aerosol generating device 730 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0133] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for unlocking an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments.

[0134] The following operations 810, 820, 830, 840 and 850 may be performed by the user terminal 720 described above with reference to FIG. 7, and operations 815, 860 and 870 may be performed by the aerosol generating device 730 described above with reference to FIG.

[0135] In operation 810, the user terminal 720 establishes a wireless channel with the aerosol generating device 730 using short-range wireless communication. For example, the short-range wireless communication may be Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or near field communication (NFC).

[0136] In operation 815, the aerosol-generating device 730 establishes a wireless channel with the user terminal 720 using short-range wireless communication. The function for short-range wireless communication with the aerosol-generating device 730 can operate even when the aerosol-generating device 730 is in a locked state. For example, the aerosol-generating device 730 may transmit a beacon to the user terminal 720 for establishing a wireless channel. The user terminal 720, which receives the beacon from the aerosol-generating device 730, can establish a wireless channel with the aerosol-generating device 730 based on the connection command received from the user.

[0137] In operation 820, the user terminal 720 performs age authentication on the user of the user terminal 720 (or the aerosol generating device 730).

[0138] According to one embodiment, the user terminal 720 can perform age authentication using an application programming interface (API) of an age authentication application.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the user terminal 720 transmits an identifier (ID) and password for a user to the server 710 and receives from the server 710 information on whether the user with the corresponding ID is an adult. If the user terminal 720 receives information from the server 710 that the user is an adult, it can determine that age authentication for the user has been completed. For example, the user may register as a member in advance using the server 710, and age authentication may be performed separately for membership registration. The server 710 may store information on whether the user is recognized as an adult. If the user logs in to the server 710 as an adult, the user terminal 720 determines that age authentication for the user has been completed.

[0140] In operation 830, when the user's age authentication is completed, the user terminal 720 outputs an interface for unlocking the aerosol generating device 730 via the display of the user terminal 720. For example, the interface for unlocking the lock may be an unlock button.

[0141] In operation 840, the user terminal 720 receives an unlock input from the user via the interface. For example, the user can communicate the unlock input to the user terminal 720 by touching the unlock interface.

[0142] In operation 850, the user terminal 720 transmits an unlock command to the aerosol generating device 730 over a wireless channel if an unlock input is received from the user.

[0143] In operation 860, the aerosol generating device 730 receives an unlock command from the aerosol generating device 730 via a wireless channel if age verification for the user of the user terminal 720 is completed (e.g., successful) in operation 820.

[0144] In operation 870, the aerosol generation device 730 unlocks if an unlock command is received. For example, when the lock is released, a locked function of the aerosol generation device 730 may be activated. For example, when the aerosol generation device 730 is unlocked, a heating function for aerosol generation is activated.

[0145] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for outputting an interface for unlocking an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments.

[0146] According to one embodiment, after the operation 820 described above with reference to Figure 8 is performed, the following operations 910 and 920 are further performed. The operations 910 and 920 may be performed by the user terminal 720 described above with reference to Figure 7.

[0147] In operation 910, the user terminal 720 receives the target identification number of the aerosol generating device 730 from the aerosol generating device 730 via a wireless channel. For example, the target identification number may be the serial number or ID of the aerosol generating device 730 and is not limited to the described embodiment. The target identification number is only transmitted from the aerosol generating device 730 to the user terminal 720 and is not transmitted to the server 710. That is, the user terminal 720 does not transmit the target identification number to the server 710.

[0148] In operation 920, if age verification for the user is completed, the user terminal 720 associates the user with a target identification number. For example, the user terminal 720 can associate one or more identification numbers with the user. If the user has multiple aerosol generating devices, the user can register the multiple aerosol generating devices to the user terminal 720 via multiple target identification numbers for management of the multiple aerosol generating devices.

[0149] According to one embodiment, operation 830 described above with reference to FIG. 8 includes the following operation 930.

[0150] In operation 930, the user terminal 720 outputs an interface for unlocking the aerosol generating device 730 only if the number of target identification numbers associated with the user is less than a preset number. That is, if the number of target identification numbers associated with the user is equal to or greater than the preset number, the interface for unlocking the aerosol generating device 730 is not output.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the user terminal 720 can output an interface for unlocking the aerosol generating device 730 only if the number of aerosol generating devices currently unlocked among the multiple aerosol generating devices associated with the user is less than a preset number.

[0152] FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a system for unlocking an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the system 1000 includes a server 1010 and a user terminal 1020. A user 1015 may be the owner of the user terminal 1020 and the aerosol generating device 1030.

[0154] For example, the aerosol-generating device 1030 may be the aerosol-generating device 1 described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2 or the aerosol-generating device 400 described above with reference to Figure 6. Unlike the system 700 described above with reference to Figure 7, data communication may not be performed between the user terminal 1020 and the aerosol-generating device 1030.

[0155] For example, the server 1010 may be a server operated by the company that manufactured the aerosol generating device 1030, or a server operated by an operator associated with the company.

[0156] For example, the user terminal 1020 may be a mobile communication terminal supporting cellular wireless communication and short-range wireless communication. The user terminal 720 can exchange data with the server 710 using software or applications installed on the user terminal 720.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the server 1010 may store information regarding the target identification number and password of the aerosol generating device 1030. For example, when the aerosol generating device 1030 is manufactured, a target identification number and a password for the target identification number may be set in the aerosol generating device 1030. The server 1010 may store a list of target identification numbers and passwords for multiple aerosol generating devices, including the aerosol generating device 1030.

[0158] The user 1015 of the aerosol generating device 1030 can check the target identification information of the aerosol generating device 1030 stored in the aerosol generating device 1030. For example, the aerosol generating device 1030 can output the target identification information via a display in response to a request from the user 1015. As another example, the target identification information may be provided in the form of a sticker attached to the aerosol generating device 1030, or may be engraved on the aerosol generating device 1030.

[0159] The user 1015 may transmit target identification information to the server 1010 via the user terminal 1020. When the server 1010 completes age authentication of the user 1015, the server 1010 may provide a password corresponding to the received target identification information to the user 1015 via the user terminal 1020. The description of operation 820 described above with reference to FIG. 8 may similarly apply to the description of age authentication of the user 1015.

[0160] The user 1015 enters a password into the aerosol generating device 1030. For example, the user 1015 may enter the password into the aerosol generating device 1030 using a user interface of the aerosol generating device 1030. The user interface of the aerosol generating device 1030 may include one or more buttons or a touch display. The user can use the user interface to enter a number of characters, a drag pattern, Morse code, or the like as the password. For example, if the user interface includes one button, the user can press the button seven times in succession to enter "76," and if the aerosol generating device 1030 vibrates, the user can additionally press the button six times in succession. The vibration of the aerosol generating device 1030 indicates that one digit has been recognized.

[0161] The aerosol generating device 1030 can unlock the aerosol generating device 1030 if the password received from the user 1015 corresponds to a pre-set password.

[0162] 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 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 above hardware devices may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiments, or vice versa.

[0163] 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 or provide instructions or data to a 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.

[0164] 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.

[0165] Accordingly, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims are intended to fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. The method for unlocking an aerosol generating device performed by a user terminal includes: establishing a wireless channel with the aerosol generating device using short-range wireless communication; an operation of performing age authentication for a user of the user terminal; When the age authentication is completed, an operation of outputting an interface for unlocking the aerosol generating device through a display; transmitting an unlock command to the aerosol generating device via the wireless channel if an unlock input is received via the interface; A method for unlocking an aerosol generating device, comprising:

2. A method for unlocking an aerosol generating device as described in claim 1, wherein the operation of performing age authentication for the user of the user terminal includes an operation of determining that age authentication for the user has been performed if the user is logged in to a pre-configured server as an adult.

3. The method for unlocking an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein age authentication for the user of the user terminal is performed using an API (application programming interface) of an age authentication application.

4. The method for unlocking an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the short-range wireless communication is Bluetooth or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

5. receiving a target identification number of the aerosol generating device via the wireless channel; If the age authentication is completed, associating the user with the target identification number; further comprising The method for unlocking an aerosol generating device as described in claim 1, wherein the interface for unlocking the aerosol generating device is output if the number of target identification numbers associated with the user is less than a predetermined number.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the unlocking instruction is configured to unlock the aerosol generating device.

7. The method for unlocking an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the unlocking command is configured to activate a heating function for aerosol generation.

8. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the method according to claim 1.

9. The user terminal a processor that executes a program to unlock the aerosol generating device; a memory for storing the program; Including, The processor: establishing a wireless channel with the aerosol generating device using short-range wireless communication; an operation of performing age authentication for a user of the user terminal; When the age authentication is completed, an operation of outputting an interface for unlocking the aerosol generating device through a display; transmitting an unlock command to the aerosol generating device via the wireless channel if an unlock input is received via the interface; a user terminal including:

10. The unlocking method performed by the aerosol generating device is as follows: An operation of establishing a wireless channel with a user terminal using short-range wireless communication; receiving an unlock command from the user terminal via the wireless channel when age authentication for the user of the user terminal is completed; an operation of unlocking in response to the unlock command; Including unlocking methods.

11. The unlocking method according to claim 10 , wherein the unlocking operation includes activating a heating function for generating an aerosol.

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