Aerosol generating device and unlocking method thereof

Abstract

An aerosol generating device in one embodiment may include a housing, a battery disposed within the housing and supplying power, an aerosol generating unit that receives power from the battery and activates aerosol generation, a biometric information acquiring unit at least a portion of which is exposed outside the housing and acquires biometric information of a user, and a control unit that controls the battery, the biometric information acquiring unit, or the aerosol generating unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The following example relates to an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] As the demand for aerosol generating devices increases, the functions of the aerosol generating devices are continuously developed. For example, Patent Publication No. 10-2309201 discloses an aerosol delivery device and a personal health status assessment system. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can only be activated by an authenticated, genuine user.

[0004] The aerosol generating device according to one embodiment can ensure that it is used by a genuine user through two-step authentication.

[0005] The aerosol generating device according to one embodiment can further verify whether the aerosol generating device is in an area where it can be activated based on the user's current location information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a housing, a battery disposed within the housing and supplying power, an aerosol generating unit receiving power from the battery and activating aerosol generation, a biometric information acquiring unit at least a portion of which is exposed to the outside of the housing and acquiring biometric information of a user, and a control unit that controls the battery, the biometric information acquiring unit, or the aerosol generating unit, wherein the control unit determines activation of the aerosol generating unit based on the biometric information, and activation of the aerosol generating unit is performed through at least a two-step authentication procedure.

[0007] In one embodiment, the control unit may further include a communication unit that enables linkage between the control unit and a user terminal, and the control unit may perform a first authentication step of authenticating whether the user is a genuine user through the user terminal and a second authentication step of authenticating whether the user is a genuine user through the biometric information.

[0008] In the first authentication step, the user can be authenticated as an adult through an authorized adult authentication application on the user terminal.

[0009] Alternatively, in the first authentication step, the user's identity can be authenticated through biometric information of the user acquired from the user terminal.

[0010] In one embodiment, the device may further include a communication unit that enables the control unit to link with a user terminal, and the control unit may perform a first authentication step of authenticating whether the aerosol generation unit can be activated based on location information from the user terminal, and a second authentication step of authenticating whether the user is a genuine user based on the biometric information.

[0011] The control unit can perform the first authentication step by determining whether the user is located in a smoking area based on location information of the user terminal.

[0012] The control unit can provide information about smoking areas around the user based on location information of the user terminal.

[0013] In one embodiment, the biometric information acquisition unit may include at least one of a fingerprint recognition sensor, an iris recognition sensor, a vein recognition sensor, and a lip pattern recognition sensor.

[0014] A method for unlocking an aerosol generating device in one embodiment may include a step of registering biometric information data of a genuine user in the aerosol generating device, a step of acquiring the user's biometric information from a biometric information acquisition unit provided in the aerosol generating device, an authentication step of authenticating whether the user is a genuine user based on the acquired biometric information, and a step of unlocking the aerosol generating device if the user is authenticated as a genuine user.

[0015] In one embodiment, the step of registering the biometric information data of the genuine user in the aerosol generating device may include a step of confirming whether the genuine user is an adult through an authorized adult authentication application on the user terminal, a step of transmitting the adult authentication result to the aerosol generating device, and a step of registering the biometric information data of the genuine user in the aerosol generating device by the biometric information acquisition unit.

[0016] In one embodiment, the authentication step may include a first authentication step in which the user terminal authenticates whether the user is a genuine user, and a second authentication step in which the user terminal authenticates whether the user is a genuine user by comparing the acquired biometric information with registered biometric information.

[0017] In one embodiment, the authentication step may include a first authentication step in which whether the aerosol generating device can be activated is authenticated based on location information from the user terminal, and a second authentication step in which whether the user is a genuine user is authenticated by comparing the acquired biometric information with registered biometric information.

[0018] In one embodiment, the step of obtaining biometric information is performed by recognizing at least one of a fingerprint, an iris, a vein, or a lip pattern of the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to one embodiment, only authenticated and genuine users can use the aerosol generating device.

[0020] According to one embodiment, use by a genuine user can be guaranteed through at least a two-step authentication procedure.

[0021] According to one embodiment, it may be further verified whether the aerosol generating device is in an activation area based on the user's current location information.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the user may be provided with information about areas around the user's current location where the aerosol generating device can be activated.

[0023] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of particular embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of other cigarettes according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of other cigarettes according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart showing a method for unlocking an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment based on personal authentication at a user terminal. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart embodying step S11 of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for unlocking an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment based on location information in a user terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The terms used in the examples are generally used as widely as possible while taking into consideration the functions in the examples, but this may change depending on the intentions of engineers in the field, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, the meanings thereof will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the names of the terms.

[0026] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain element, this does not mean that it excludes other elements, but that it may further include other elements, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the terms "module," "unit," etc. used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be realized by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0027] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least any" precedes an array of components, it modifies all of the components, not each and every occurrence of the array. For example, the phrase "at least any of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0028] 1 to 3 are diagrams showing an example of an aerosol generating device with a cigarette inserted therein.

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

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

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

[0032] Fig. 1 shows that the battery 11, control unit 12, and heater 13 are arranged in a row. Fig. 2 shows that the battery 11, control unit 12, vaporizer 14, and heater 13 are arranged in a row. Fig. 3 shows that the vaporizer 14 and 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, control unit 12, heater 13, and vaporizer 14 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

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

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

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

[0036] 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.

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

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

[0039] 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 as an electric current flows 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.

[0040] Alternatively, as another example, 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.

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

[0042] Furthermore, a plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged in the aerosol 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. The shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1 to 3, and various shapes can be produced.

[0043] The vaporizer 14 can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which is then 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 is configured to allow the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 to pass through the cigarette 2 and be transmitted to the user.

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

[0045] The liquid reservoir 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 reservoir may be detachable from the vaporizer 14, or may be integral with the vaporizer 14.

[0046] 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. Furthermore, the liquid composition may contain an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

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

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

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

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

[0051] 1 to 3, the aerosol generator 1 may form 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 heat the aerosol generator 1 while the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 are coupled together.

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

[0053] 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 by 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.

[0054] 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.

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

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

[0057] 4, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 may include the tobacco rod 21, and the second portion may include the filter rod 22.

[0058] Although the filter rod 22 is shown in Figure 4 as a single segment, this is not limiting. 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. Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function, if desired.

[0059] 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 to these. 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 to these.

[0060] The cigarette 2 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole formed therein, allowing external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out. As an example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped in one 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, or 244.

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

[0062] The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be within a range of 88 g / m² to 96 g / m², and preferably within a range of 90 g / m² to 94 g / m². The thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be within a range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0063] The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within a range of 88 g / m² to 96 g / m², and preferably within a range of 90 g / m² to 94 g / m². The thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within a range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0064] The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within the range of 57 g / m2 to 63 g / m2, and preferably 60 g / m2. The thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0065] A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 245. 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., 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.

[0066] 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 21 rises above the ignition point, the cigarette 2 may burn. Even in such a case, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the cigarette 2 from burning because it contains a non-combustible substance.

[0067] Furthermore, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the holder from being contaminated by substances produced in the cigarette 2. A liquid substance can be produced within the cigarette 2 when the user puffs. For example, a liquid substance (such as moisture) can be produced when the aerosol produced in the cigarette 2 is cooled by external air. As the fifth wrapper 245 wraps the cigarette 2, it can prevent the liquid substance produced within the cigarette 2 from leaking out of the cigarette 2.

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

[0069] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in a sheet or a strand. Alternatively, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from shredded tobacco sheets. Furthermore, 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 taste. Furthermore, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 can further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0070] 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 tubular rod having a hollow interior. The filter rod 22 may also be a concave rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be formed in a different shape.

[0071] 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. The first segment can prevent the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed backward when the heater 13 is inserted, and can also produce a cooling effect on the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow interior of the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] The length of the first segment can 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 can be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

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

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

[0075] The length or diameter of the second segment is determined in various ways depending on the shape of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment may 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.

[0076] The second segment may be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the scented liquid may be applied to the fibers made of the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be made by weaving the fibers made of the polymer together with separate fibers to which the scented liquid has been applied. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed by a wound polymer sheet.

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

[0078] 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) passes.

[0079] For example, the second segment, which may be a wound polymer sheet, may be formed from a material having a thickness of between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Further, the total surface area of the second segment may be between about 300 mm2 / mm and about 1000 mm2 / mm. Furthermore, the aerosol cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area of between about 10 mm2 / mg and about 100 mm2 / mg.

[0080] Meanwhile, the second segment includes a thread containing a volatile flavor component, which may be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread is loaded with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide at least 1.5 mg of menthol to the second segment.

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

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

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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 prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device (1 in FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0085] Filter rod 32 can include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, first segment 321 can correspond to the first segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 4, and second segment 322 can correspond to the third segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 4.

[0086] The diameter and overall length of cigarette 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall 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.

[0087] 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. Alternatively, the entire cigarette 3 may be rewrapped in a fifth wrapper 355.

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

[0089] 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.

[0090] The first wrapper 351 may be made by bonding a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, to a typical filter wrapper. 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 within a range of 50 g / m2 to 55 g / m2, and preferably 53 g / m2.

[0091] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may 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.

[0092] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be, but is not limited to, 35,000 CU. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be within a range of 70 μm to 80 μm, preferably 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be within a range of 20 g / m to 25 g / m, preferably 23.5 g / m.

[0093] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be, but is not limited to, 24000 CU. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be within a range of 60 μm to 70 μm, preferably 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be within a range of 20 g / m2 to 25 g / m2, preferably 21 g / m2.

[0094] The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper refers to 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 within a range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be within a range of 80 g / m2 to 100 g / m2, and preferably 88 g / m2.

[0095] The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be within the range of 57 g / m2 to 63 g / m2, and preferably 60 g / m2. The thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0096] A predetermined substance may be added to the fifth wrapper 355. An example of the predetermined substance 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., resistance to various chemicals), water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any substance other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0097] The shear plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 33 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow 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. Furthermore, 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.

[0098] Additionally, if desired, the shear plug 33 can include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be made to vary.

[0099] 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.

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

[0101] 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.

[0102] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0103] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a biometric information acquiring unit 120, a heater 130, a control unit 150, an output unit 160, a battery 170, a communication unit 180, a memory 192, and a user input unit 194. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 6. That is, it will be understood by a person skilled in the art of 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 100.

[0104] The biometric information acquisition unit 120 can sense biometric information of a user who has accessed the aerosol generating device 100 and transmit the sensed biometric information to the control unit 150. At this time, the control unit 150 can control the aerosol generating device 100 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation (lock / unlock) of the heater 196 and displaying notifications.

[0105] The biometric information acquisition unit 120 may include at least one of a fingerprint recognition sensor, an iris recognition sensor, a vein recognition sensor, a face recognition sensor, and a lip pattern recognition sensor.

[0106] In addition to the above-mentioned sensors, the aerosol-generating device 100 may further include at least one of a temperature sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a puff sensor, a 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. The temperature sensor can detect the temperature to which the heater 130 (or the aerosol-generating material) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 100 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater 130, or the heater 130 itself may function as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may be disposed around the battery 170 to monitor its temperature. The insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The puff sensor can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change. The functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from their names, so detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0107] The output unit 160 can output and provide to a user information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 100. The output unit 160 can include, but is not limited to, at least one of a display 162, a haptic unit 164, and an audio output unit 166. When the display 162 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display 162 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0108] The display 162 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 100 in addition to information about the inhalation of the functional substance. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 100 can mean various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 170 of the aerosol generating device 100, the preheating status of the heater 130, 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 162 can output the information to the outside. The display 162 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display 162 can also be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.

[0109] The haptic unit 164 can convert 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 164 can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0110] The acoustic output unit 166 can audibly provide the user with functional substance inhalation information as well as information about the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the acoustic output unit 166 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0111] The battery 170 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 170 can supply power to heat the heater 130. The battery 170 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., the bioinformation acquisition unit 120, the output unit 160, the memory 192, the user input unit 194, and the communication unit 180). The battery 170 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 170 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to these.

[0112] The heater 130 can heat the functional material by receiving power from the battery 170. Although not shown in Fig. 6, the aerosol-generating device 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 170 and supplies it to the heater 130. Furthermore, when the aerosol-generating device 100 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 100 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 170 into AC power.

[0113] The biometric information acquisition unit 120, the control unit 150, the output unit 160, the communication unit 180, the user input unit 194, and the memory 192 can function by receiving power from the battery 170. Although not shown in FIG. 6, a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 170 and supplies it to each component may be further included.

[0114] In one embodiment, the heater 130 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys, including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The heater 130 may also be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with an electrically conductive track, a ceramic heating element, etc. In other embodiments, the heater 130 may be omitted from the aerosol generating device 100.

[0115] In other embodiments, heater 130 may be an induction heater. For example, heater 130 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0116] In one embodiment, heater 130 may include multiple heaters. For example, heater 130 may include a first heater for heating the cigarette and a second heater for heating the liquid.

[0117] The user input unit 194 can receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 194 can be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., a contact-type capacitance type, a pressure-type resistive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, a piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 6 , the aerosol generating device 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 170.

[0118] The memory 192 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 100 and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 150 and data to be processed by the control unit 150. The memory 192 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 192 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0119] The communication unit 180 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices (e.g., user terminals). For example, the communication unit 180 may include a short-range communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

[0120] The short-range wireless communication unit 182 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) 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.

[0121] The wireless communication unit 184 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 184 may also use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 100 within the communication network.

[0122] The control unit 150 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 150 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 executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the controller 150 may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0123] The control unit 150 can control the temperature of the heater 130 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 170 to the heater 130. For example, the control unit 150 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 170 and the heater 130. As another example, a heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater 130 according to a control command from the control unit 150.

[0124] The control unit 150 may analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit (sensor) and then control the process to be performed. For example, the control unit 150 may control the power supplied to the heater 130 so that the operation of the heater 130 starts or ends based on the results sensed by the sensing unit. As another example, the control unit 150 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 130 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the sensing unit.

[0125] The control unit 150 may control the output unit 160 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor reaches a preset number, the control unit 150 may notify the user through at least one of the display unit 162, the haptic unit 164, and the audio output unit 166 that the aerosol generating device 100 will soon be shut down.

[0126] In one embodiment, the control unit 150 may control the duration and / or amount of power supply to the heater 130 depending on the state of the aerosol-generating article sensed by the sensing unit. For example, if the aerosol-generating article is in an overly humid state, the control unit 150 may control the duration of power supply to the induction coil to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol-generating article is in a normal state.

[0127] 7 and 8 show a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0128] 7, an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment may include a housing 110, a biometric information acquiring unit 120 at least a portion of which is exposed to the outside of the housing 110 and capable of acquiring biometric information of a user, an aerosol generating unit disposed within the housing 110 and activating aerosol generation, a controller 150 for controlling the biometric information acquiring unit 120 or the aerosol generating unit, and a battery 170 for supplying power to the aerosol generating unit or the controller. The controller 150 may determine activation of the aerosol generating unit based on the biometric information of the user.

[0129] In one example, the aerosol generating unit may include a heater 130, which may be heated by power supplied from a battery 170. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, the heater 130 may be located outside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 130 can increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the cigarette. Also, a plurality of heaters 130 may be disposed in the aerosol generating device 100. In this case, the plurality of heaters 130 may be disposed so as to be inserted inside the cigarette, or may be disposed outside the cigarette.

[0130] As another example, the aerosol generating unit may include a vaporizer. The vaporizer may heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which is then delivered to the user through the cigarette, or may aerosolize a nicotine-containing liquid composition and deliver it directly to the user without passing through the cigarette. For example, the vaporizer may include a liquid reservoir, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element. The liquid reservoir may store the 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 delivery means may deliver the liquid composition from the liquid reservoir to the heating element. For example, the liquid delivery means may be a wick made of, but not limited to, cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, or the like. The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like, but is not limited to these. The heating element may also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element may be heated by supplying an electric current, and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated. For example, a vaporizer may be called, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0131] The biometric information acquisition unit 120 may include any one of a fingerprint recognition sensor, an iris recognition sensor, and a vein recognition sensor, or may include two or more of these. Alternatively, if a cartridge is provided to be housed in the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment, the cartridge may also be equipped with a sensor capable of recognizing biometric information (e.g., a lip pattern recognition sensor).

[0132] In one embodiment, immediately after a user purchases the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may be in a shipping mode, which may be an inactive state in which power from the battery 170 is not provided to other components (e.g., the heater 130 and the control unit 150). The user can cancel the shipping mode and change it to a normal mode. At this time, the user can store the user's biometric information in the aerosol generating device 100 via the biometric information acquisition unit 120 by following instructions in a user manual or on a display (e.g., the display 162 in FIG. 6). As a result, the biometric information data of the genuine user can be stored in the memory (e.g., the memory 192 in FIG. 6) of the aerosol generating device 100. Here, the genuine user can be defined as a registered user who is allowed to use the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0133] Thereafter, a user who wishes to use the aerosol generating device 100 can activate the aerosol generating device (unlock the aerosol generating device 100) after authentic user authentication by the biometric information acquiring unit 120. For example, if the biometric information acquiring unit 120 includes a fingerprint recognition sensor, the fingerprint of the user can be acquired by the fingerprint recognition sensor, and the control unit 150 can compare the acquired fingerprint information of the user with the biometric information (e.g., fingerprint information) of the registered authentic user, and if the two pieces of data match, unlock the aerosol generating device 100, or if the opposite, keep the aerosol generating device 100 locked.

[0134] 8, the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may further include a communication unit 180. For example, the communication unit 180 may include a short-range communication unit (e.g., the short-range communication unit 182 in FIG. 6) that enables communication with a user terminal (200; e.g., a mobile communication terminal), and the control unit 150 may unlock the aerosol generating device 100 through at least a two-step authentication procedure based on information from the user terminal 200.

[0135] In one embodiment, the control unit 150 may perform a first authentication step of authenticating whether the user is a genuine user through the user terminal 200 and a second authentication step of authenticating whether the user is a genuine user through the user's biometric information. In this case, in the first authentication step, the user may be authenticated as an adult through an authorized adult authentication application in the user terminal 200. For example, after initially purchasing the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment, the user may install an authorized adult authentication application in the user terminal 200 according to instructions in the manual. The communication unit 180 may transmit program information read by a near field communication (NFC) sensor of the user terminal 200, and the program information may be data related to a target program (authorized adult authentication application) that can be stored (or installed) in the user terminal 200. As another example, the program information may be a target uniform resource locator (URL) address where the data of the target program is stored. With the aerosol generating device 100 and the user terminal 200 connected via the communication unit 180, the adult authentication result completed by the user terminal 200 can be transmitted to the aerosol generating device 100. Next, the control unit 150 can define only users who have completed the adult authentication as genuine users and perform two-step authentication using biometric information authentication.

[0136] In one embodiment, the control unit 150 may perform a first authentication step of authenticating whether the user is a genuine user through the user terminal 200 and a second authentication step of authenticating whether the user is a genuine user through the user's biometric information. In this case, in the first authentication step, user identity authentication is first performed in the user terminal 200. For example, the user may authenticate whether the user is the genuine user through fingerprint, iris, or facial recognition in the user terminal 200, and the result of the genuine user authentication completed by the user terminal 200 may be transmitted to the control unit 150 via the communication unit 180. Next, the control unit 150 may perform two-step authentication by comparing the user's biometric information acquired from the biometric information acquisition unit 120 with the biometric information data of the genuine user that has already been stored, and then determine whether to unlock the device.

[0137] In one embodiment, the control unit 150 may perform a first authentication step of authenticating whether the aerosol generating device 100 can be activated based on location information from the user terminal 200, and a second authentication step of authenticating whether the user is a genuine user based on biometric information. For example, the control unit 150 may perform the first authentication step of determining whether the user is located in a smoking area based on location information from the user terminal 200. For example, when a connection between the aerosol generating device 100 and the user terminal 200 is established via the communication unit 180, if the user's current location confirmed by the GPS sensor of the user terminal 200 is determined to be a non-smoking area (e.g., indoors or a no-smoking area where a school / kindergarten / children's home is located within a certain radius), the control unit 150 may maintain the locked state based only on the result of the first authentication.

[0138] Furthermore, the control unit 150 can provide information about smoking areas around the user based on the location information of the user terminal 200. In one example, the control unit 150 can display guidance information about smoking areas (e.g., smoking booths) on a display (e.g., display 162 in FIG. 5 ) or the user terminal 200 based on GPS information and surrounding map information from the user terminal 200.

[0139] Hereinafter, the unlocking method by two-step authentication linked with the user terminal 200 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 9, to unlock the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment, personal authentication by a user terminal and authentic user authentication by comparing biometric information are performed.

[0141] The biometric information data of the genuine user can be registered in the aerosol generating device 100 (S11). For example, the genuine user can register his / her biometric information (e.g., fingerprint, iris, vein, face, lip pattern information, etc.) in the aerosol generating device 100 via a biometric information acquiring unit (e.g., the biometric information acquiring unit 120 in FIG. 8).

[0142] In one embodiment, the registration procedure is performed after adult authentication. In particular, referring to FIG. 10, whether or not the genuine user is authenticated as an adult can be confirmed through an adult authentication application in the user terminal 200 (S111). The result of the adult authentication in the user terminal 200 can be transmitted to the aerosol generating device 100 via the communication unit 180 (S112). Only if the genuine user is confirmed as an adult is the genuine user's biometric information data acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 120 registered (S113), and the registered biometric information of the genuine user can be stored in the memory of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., memory 192 in FIG. 8).

[0143] For example, after initially purchasing the aerosol generating device 100, a user can install an authorized adult authentication application in the user terminal 200 by following the instructions in the manual. A communication unit (e.g., communication unit 180 in FIG. 8) can transmit program information read by a near field communication (NFC) sensor of the user terminal 200, and the program information can be data related to the adult authentication application that can be stored (or installed) in the user terminal 200. As another example, the program information can be a target uniform resource locator (URL) address where data related to the adult authentication application is stored. The result of the adult authentication performed by the user terminal 200 is transmitted back to the aerosol generating device 100, and a control unit (e.g., control unit 150 in FIG. 8) determines the user as a genuine user and registers the biometric information data of the genuine user in the aerosol generating device 100 only if the user is authenticated as an adult.

[0144] Referring again to FIG. 9, biometric information of a user who wishes to use the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment can be acquired through the biometric information acquiring unit 120 (S12).

[0145] Next, as a first authentication step, an authentication procedure is performed in the user terminal 200 to authenticate that the current user is a genuine user (S13). For example, the user terminal 200 can authenticate the user as a genuine user based on a program that can authenticate genuine users.

[0146] If the authentic user authentication is completed in the user terminal 200, the control unit (for example, the control unit 150 in FIG. 8) will perform a secondary authentication step; otherwise, the control unit 150 will continue to maintain the locked state.

[0147] In the secondary authentication step, the control unit 150 compares the user's biometric information with the registered biometric information of the genuine user to determine whether or not the user is a genuine user (S14). If the user's biometric information does not match the registered biometric information of the genuine user, the control unit 150 deactivates the aerosol generating unit to maintain the locked state, and if the two pieces of information match, the control unit 150 can unlock the aerosol generating device 100 (S15).

[0148] Previously, the order of step (S12) in which the biometric information of the user is acquired from the biometric information acquisition unit 120 is followed by step (S13) in which the user terminal 200 performs personal authentication has been described, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, step (S12) may be performed after step (S13). Also, step (S13) may be performed after step (S14).

[0149] Referring to FIG. 11, the control unit 150 can also perform authentication of a genuine user through a primary authentication based on location information of the user terminal and a secondary authentication based on a comparison of biometric information.

[0150] Biometric information data of a genuine user is registered in the aerosol generating device 100 (S21), and the biometric information of the user is acquired from the biometric information acquiring unit 120 (S22).

[0151] At this time, the registration step (S21) is performed after passing through adult authentication, which has been described above with reference to Figure 10, and therefore will not be described in detail for the sake of brevity.

[0152] Next, one-step authentication is performed, which is step S23 of authenticating whether the aerosol generating device 100 can be activated based on the location information of the user terminal 200. For example, if the user's location from the GPS sensor of the user terminal 200 corresponds to a no-smoking area indoors or near a children's / youth facility (e.g., a child's home, kindergarten, school, etc.), the control unit 150 continues to maintain the locked state, and only in the opposite case can the control unit 150 perform primary unlock authentication.

[0153] Furthermore, if the user is within a certain radius of a smoking booth based on the GPS location information and map information of the user terminal 200, the control unit 150 can perform a smoking area notification function.

[0154] After the primary authentication is completed based on the location information from the user terminal 200, the control unit 150 can authenticate the authentic user by comparing the acquired biometric information of the user with the biometric information of the registered authentic user (S24). Only when the user is authenticated as the authentic user through such secondary authentication, the control unit 150 can release the lock (S25).

[0155] According to an embodiment of the aerosol generating device 100 and its unlocking method, unlocking can only be performed by a registered authentic user, and since at least a two-step authentication procedure is required, misuse of the device can be reliably prevented. Furthermore, since authentication is performed not only based on the user's biometric information but also based on the user's current location, whether or not the user is an adult, or other user identity authentication, more stable device use can be expected.

[0156] The above description of the embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the contents described in the claims should be construed as falling within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0157] The features and aspects of any of the above-described embodiments may be combined with the features and aspects of any of the other embodiments unless this results in an obvious technical conflict.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device equipped with a locking function, Housing and a battery disposed within the housing and configured to provide electrical power; an aerosol generating unit that receives power from the battery and activates aerosol generation; a biometric information acquisition unit, at least a portion of which is exposed to the outside of the housing and which acquires biometric information of a user who accesses the aerosol generating device; a control unit that controls the battery, the biological information acquisition unit, or the aerosol generation unit; Including, the control unit determines activation of the aerosol generation unit based on the biometric information, and activation of the aerosol generation unit is performed through an authentication procedure of at least two steps; The at least two-step authentication procedure includes a first authentication step in which the user terminal authenticates whether the user is an adult through an authorized adult authentication application, and a second authentication step in which the aerosol generating device authenticates whether the user is a genuine user through the biometric information after completing the adult authentication in the first authentication step. Aerosol generator.

2. Further comprising a communication unit that enables linkage between the control unit and the user terminal, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

3. Further comprising a communication unit that enables linkage between the control unit and the user terminal; The at least two-step authentication procedure includes a third authentication step of authenticating whether the aerosol generation unit can be activated based on location information from the user terminal. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

4. the control unit determines whether the user is located in a smoking area based on location information of the user terminal and performs the third authentication step. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3.

5. The control unit provides smoking zone information around the user based on location information of the user terminal. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4.

6. The biometric information acquisition unit includes at least one of a fingerprint recognition sensor, an iris recognition sensor, a vein recognition sensor, and a lip pattern recognition sensor. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

7. 1. A method for unlocking an aerosol generating device, comprising: a step of registering biometric information data of a genuine user in the aerosol generating device; a step of acquiring biometric information of a user who has accessed the aerosol generating device from a biometric information acquisition unit provided in the aerosol generating device; an authentication step in which it is authenticated whether the user is a genuine user based on the acquired biometric information; unlocking the aerosol generating device if authenticated as a genuine user; Including, The authentication step includes: a first authentication step in which the user terminal authenticates whether the user is an adult through an authorized adult authentication application; a second authentication step in which, after completing the adult authentication in the first authentication step, the aerosol generating device authenticates whether the user is a genuine user by comparing the acquired biometric information with registered biometric information; Including, How to unlock.

8. The step of registering the biometric information data of the genuine user in the aerosol generating device includes: confirming whether the user is an adult through an authorized adult authentication application on the user terminal; a step of transmitting to the aerosol generating device whether or not the person is an adult; If the user is confirmed to be an adult, the biometric information acquisition unit registers the biometric information data of the genuine user in the aerosol generating device; Including, The unlocking method according to claim 7.

9. The authentication step includes: a third authentication step of authenticating whether the aerosol generating device can be activated based on location information from the user terminal; Including, The unlocking method according to claim 7.

10. The step of acquiring biometric information is performed by at least one of a fingerprint recognition, an iris recognition, a vein recognition, or a lip pattern recognition of the user. The unlocking method according to claim 7.

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