Aerosol generating device and payment system including the same

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] On the other hand, one of the requirements for making aerosol generators even smarter and increasing their usefulness is related to the payment system for tobacco products used in aerosol generators. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device and a payment system utilizing the same, which can be used for settling payments for tobacco products used in aerosol generating devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem includes a heater, a battery that supplies power to the heater, a communication unit that communicates with a seller terminal, and a control unit that receives payment-targeted tobacco product information from the communication unit, determines whether the payment-targeted tobacco product is genuine based on the payment-targeted tobacco product information, and, if it is determined that the payment-targeted tobacco product is genuine, transmits payment information to the seller terminal through the communication unit.

[0006] One embodiment of the system includes an aerosol generator and an external device on which an application is installed, wherein the application determines, based on device information received from the aerosol generator, whether the tobacco products subject to payment received from the seller terminal are genuine, and if it determines that the tobacco products subject to payment are genuine, it transmits payment information to the seller terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] An aerosol generating apparatus and system according to one embodiment can prevent the purchase and payment of counterfeit tobacco products by verifying whether the tobacco products to be paid for are genuine and only processing payment if the tobacco products to be paid for are genuine.

[0008] An aerosol generating device and system according to one embodiment can prevent unauthorized users, such as minors, from purchasing tobacco products by verifying the device user and only processing payment once the user's authentication is confirmed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a drawing showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a drawing showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a drawing showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a drawing showing an example of a cigarette according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a drawing showing an example of a cigarette according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows a payment method using an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] A flowchart showing a settlement method of a system including an aerosol generating device and an external device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing a settlement method of a system including an aerosol generating device and an external device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] A flowchart showing a settlement method of a system including an aerosol generating device and an external device according to an embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the aerosol generating device includes a heater, a battery that supplies power to the heater, a communication unit that communicates with a seller terminal, receives settlement target tobacco product information from the communication unit, determines whether the settlement target tobacco product is a genuine product based on the settlement target tobacco product information, and when it is determined that the settlement target tobacco product is a genuine product, a control unit that transmits settlement information to the seller terminal through the communication unit.

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

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

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

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

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

[0016] The aerosol generating device further includes a memory for storing information on tobacco products compatible with the aerosol generating device, and the control unit matches the tobacco product information stored in the memory with the tobacco product information subject to payment to determine whether the tobacco product subject to payment is genuine.

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

[0018] The external device includes a chip or tag-shaped short-range communication module, and the external device receives the payment-eligible tobacco product information by tagging between the short-range communication module and the seller's terminal.

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

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

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

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

[0023] The external device further includes a memory for storing device information, and compares the device information stored in the memory with the information of the tobacco products subject to payment to determine whether the tobacco products subject to payment are genuine.

[0024] The terminology used in the embodiments is selected as widely used and general terms as possible, taking into account the function of the present invention, although this may vary depending on the intent of the articulators in the field, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected terms, in which case their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention are not merely names of terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention.

[0025] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, it means, unless otherwise specified, that it does not exclude other components, but rather that it may include other components. Furthermore, terms such as "...part" and "...module" used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which is embodied by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that they can be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. However, the present invention can also be embodied in various other forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0028] Figures 1 through 3 show examples of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generator.

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

[0030] The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 contains the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment can understand that other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generator 1 in addition to the components shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0031] Furthermore, although Figures 2 and 3 show that the aerosol generator 1 includes a heater 13, the heater 13 can be omitted if necessary.

[0032] Figure 1 shows the battery 11, control unit 12, and heater 13 arranged in a row. Figure 2 shows the battery 11, control unit 12, vaporizer 14, and heater 13 arranged in a row. Figure 3 shows the vaporizer 14 and heater 13 arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to what is shown in Figures 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 generator 1.

[0033] When a cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the aerosol generator 1 activates 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 generator 1 can heat the heater 13 even if the cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generator 1.

[0035] The battery 11 supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and can also supply the power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. In addition, the battery 11 can supply the power necessary for the operation of the display, sensors, motors, etc., provided in the aerosol generator 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, heater 13, and vaporizer 14, but also other components included in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

[0037] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. It will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0038] The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, if a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the heater 13 may be located outside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 13 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material inside the cigarette.

[0039] The heater 13 is also an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 includes a conductive track, and if current flows through the conductive track, the heater 13 can be heated. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and can be any heater that heats up to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generator 1, or it may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

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

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

[0042] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may have multiple heaters 13. In this case, the multiple heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, or they may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Alternatively, some of the multiple heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Also, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1 to 3, and can be manufactured in a variety of shapes.

[0043] The vaporizer 14 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which is then transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 moves along the airflow passage of the aerosol generator 1, and the airflow passage may be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 is transmitted to the user through the cigarette.

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

[0045] The liquid storage section can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage section may be manufactured to detach from / adhere to the vaporizer 14, or it may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0046] For example, the liquid composition may contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, or vitamin mixtures. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. Flavoring agents may include components capable of providing users with a variety of flavors or aromas. Vitamin mixtures may be mixtures of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E, but are not limited to these. The liquid composition may also contain aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0047] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition of the liquid storage section to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be, but is not limited to, a wick made of cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramic.

[0048] A heating element is an element for heating a liquid composition that is transmitted by a liquid transfer means. For example, a heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, or a ceramic heater, but is not limited to these. Alternatively, a heating element may be composed of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element is heated by an electric current supply, and heat is transferred to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol is generated.

[0049] For example, the steam generator 14 is also called a cartomizer or atomizer, but is not limited to these terms.

[0050] On the other hand, 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 in such a way that external air is allowed to flow in or internal gas is allowed to flow out even when a cigarette 2 is inserted.

[0051] Although not shown in Figures 1 to 3, the aerosol generator 1 can also be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can be 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.

[0052] Cigarette 2 is similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, Cigarette 2 is divided into a first part containing an aerosol-generating substance and a second part containing a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second part of Cigarette 2 may also contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance made in granular or encapsulated form may be inserted into the second part.

[0053] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generator 1, while the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generator 1, or both the entire first part and a portion of the second part may be inserted. The user inhales the aerosol with the second part in their mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated as outside air passes through the first part, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user's mouth by passing through the second part.

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

[0055] The following example of cigarette 2 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

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

[0057] Referring to Figure 4, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the first part described above includes the tobacco rod 21, and the second part includes the filter rod 22.

[0058] Figure 4 shows the filter rod 22 as a single segment, but it is not limited to this. That is, the filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering out predetermined components contained in the aerosol. Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may optionally include at least one additional segment that performs other functions.

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

[0060] A cigarette 2 may be packaged by at least one flap 24. The flap 24 may have at least one hole through which external air enters or internal gases exit. As an example, a cigarette 2 may be packaged by one flap 24. As another example, a cigarette 2 may be packaged in layers by two or more flaps 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be packaged by a first flap 241, and the filter rod 22 may be packaged by flap 242, 243, and 244. The entire cigarette 2 may then be repackaged by a single flap, a fifth flap 245. If the filter rod 22 consists of multiple segments, each segment may be packaged by flap 242, 243, and 244.

[0061] The first and second flaps 241 and 242 can be made from general filter paper. For example, the first and second flaps 241 and 242 can be porous or non-porous paper. Alternatively, the first and second flaps 241 and 242 can be made from oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum laminated packaging materials.

[0062] The third flap 243 can be made from hard-wound paper. For example, the basis weight of the third flap 243 is 88 g / m². 2 ~96g / m 2 It falls within the range, preferably 90 g / m² 2 ~94g / m 2 It falls within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm.

[0063] The fourth flap 244 can be made from oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth flap 244 is 88 g / m². 2 ~96g / m 2 It falls within the range, preferably 90 g / m² 2 ~94g / m 2 It falls within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm.

[0064] The fifth wrapper 245 can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) means paper specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 is included within the range of 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 and preferably is 60 g / m 2 . Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 is included within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm and preferably is 67 μm.

[0065] A predetermined substance can be added to the fifth wrapper 245. Here, silicon is an example of the predetermined substance, but it is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that is not oxidized, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any substance having the above-described properties can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

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

[0067] Also, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol generation device 1 from being contaminated by the substances generated by the cigarette 2. Depending on the puff of the user, a liquid substance can be generated inside the cigarette 2. For example, when the aerosol generated by the cigarette 2 is cooled by the external air, a liquid substance (e.g., moisture, etc.) is generated. By the fifth wrapper 245 packaging the cigarette 2, leakage of the liquid substance generated inside the cigarette 2 to the outside of the cigarette 2 is prevented.

[0068] The tobacco rod 21 contains an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance includes, 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. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it.

[0069] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in sheet form or in strand form. Alternatively, the tobacco rod 21 may be made from shredded tobacco obtained by finely cutting a tobacco sheet. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to that. As an example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can uniformly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and thereby improving the tobacco flavor. The heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can also function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the figures, the tobacco rod 21 may also contain further susceptors in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding its exterior.

[0070] The filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod containing 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 segments may be made in a different shape.

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

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

[0073] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by controlling the plasticizer content during its manufacture. Alternatively, the first segment may be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube of the same or different material into its interior (e.g., hollow).

[0074] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated when the heater 13 heats the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable temperature.

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

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

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

[0078] The second segment is formed from woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, and the second segment includes one or more longitudinally extending channels, where channels mean passages through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0079] For example, the second segment, which consists of a crimped polymer sheet, is formed from a material having a thickness of approximately 5 μm to approximately 300 μm, for example, approximately 10 μm to approximately 250 μm. The total surface area of ​​the second segment is approximately 300 mm². 2 / mm ~ approx. 1000mm 2 It becomes / mm. Also, the aerosol cooling element has a specific surface area of ​​approximately 10mm². 2 / mg ~ approx. 100mm 2 Formed from / mg of material

[0080] On the other hand, the second segment contains a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component is menthol, but is not limited to it. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

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

[0082] In the process of manufacturing the third segment, it may be manufactured so that flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid into the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid can be inserted into the interior of 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 transmitted to the user through the third segment. Therefore, if a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the persistence of the flavor transmitted to the user may be enhanced.

[0083] The filter rod 22 also includes at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 is also a structure that surrounds a liquid containing a flavor with a coating. The capsule 23 may be spherical or cylindrical, but is not limited to these.

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

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

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

[0087] A cigarette 3 may be packaged by at least one flap 35. The flap 35 may have at least one hole through which external air enters or internal gases exit. For example, the front plug 33 may be packaged by a first flap 351, the tobacco rod 31 by a second flap 352, the first segment 321 by a third flap 353, and the second segment 322 by a fourth flap 354. The entire cigarette 3 may then be repackaged by a fifth flap 355.

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

[0089] Furthermore, the second segment 322 includes at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform a function of generating flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 is also a structure that surrounds a liquid containing a flavor with a coating. The capsule 34 may, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0090] The first wrapper 351 is also a general filter paper to which a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, is bonded. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 is in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 is in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, preferably 6.3 μm. The basis weight of the first wrapper 351 is 50 g / m². 2 ~55g / m 2 It falls within the range, preferably 53 g / m² 2 That is the case.

[0091] The second and third flaps 352 and 353 can be made from common filter paper. For example, the second and third flaps 352 and 353 can be porous or non-porous paper.

[0092] For example, the porosity of the second flank 352 is 35,000 CU, but is not limited to that. The thickness of the second flank 352 is within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, preferably 78 μm. The basis weight of the second flank 352 is 20 g / m². 2 ~25g / m 2 It falls within the range, preferably 23.5 g / m². 2 That is the case.

[0093] For example, the porosity of the third flank 353 is 24,000 CU, but is not limited to that. The thickness of the third flank 353 is within the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, preferably 68 μm. The basis weight of the third flank 353 is 20 g / m². 2 ~25g / m 2 It falls within the range, preferably 21 g / m² 2 That is the case.

[0094] The fourth flaps 354 can be made from PLA laminate. Here, PLA laminate refers to a three-layer paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and another paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth flaps 354 is within the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, preferably 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth flaps 354 is 80 g / m². 2 ~100g / m 2 It falls within the range, preferably 88 g / m² 2 That is the case.

[0095] The fifth trumpet 355 can be made from sterile paper (MFW). Here, sterile paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth trumpet 355 is 57 g / m². 2 ~63g / m 2 It falls within the range, preferably 60 g / m² 2Furthermore, the thickness of the fifth trumpet 355 is within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0096] The fifth trumpet 355 may have a predetermined substance added to it. Here, an example of a predetermined substance is silicon, but it is not limited to silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that prevents oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any substance having the above-mentioned properties can be applied (or coated) to the fifth trumpet 355 without limitation.

[0097] The front plug 33 can be made from cellulose acetate. For example, the front 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 is in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the front plug 33 is 5.0. The cross-section of the filaments constituting the front plug 33 is also Y-shaped. The total denier of the front plug 33 is in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the front plug 33 is 28,000.

[0098] Furthermore, if necessary, the front plug 33 includes at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be manufactured in a variety of ways.

[0099] The tobacco rod 31 corresponds to the tobacco rod 21 described above, as shown in Figure 4. Therefore, a detailed explanation 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 also be a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. The first segment 321 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the monodenier and total denier of the first segment 321 are the same as the monodenier and total denier of the front plug 33.

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

[0102] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generator 600 according to another embodiment.

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

[0104] The sensing unit 620 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 600 or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol generator 600 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 610. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 610 can control the aerosol generator 600 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 650, restricting smoking, determining whether or not an aerosol product (e.g., cigarettes, cartridges, etc.) has been inserted, and displaying notifications.

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

[0106] The temperature sensor 622 can sense the temperature at which the heater 650 (or the aerosol-generating material) is heated. The aerosol generator 600 may include a separate temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the heater 650, or the heater 650 itself may act as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 622 may be positioned around the battery 640 to monitor its temperature.

[0107] The insertion sensing sensor 624 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 624 includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect signal changes due to the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products.

[0108] The puff sensor 626 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 626 can detect a user's puff based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0109] In addition to the aforementioned temperature sensor 622, insertion sensor 624, and puff sensor 626, the sensing unit 620 may further include at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0110] The output unit 630 can output and provide to the user information about the status of the aerosol generator 600. The output unit 630 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 632, the haptic unit 634, and the acoustic output unit 636. When the display unit 632 and the touchpad form a layered structure and constitute a touchscreen, the display unit 632 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0111] The display unit 632 can visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generator 600. For example, information about the aerosol generator 600 can include various types of information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 640 of the aerosol generator 600, the preheating status of the heater 650, the insertion / removal status of aerosol products, or conditions under which the use of the aerosol generator 600 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal items), and the display unit 632 can output this information to the outside. The display unit 632 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or an LED light-emitting element.

[0112] The haptic unit 634 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli, providing the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 600. For example, the haptic unit 634 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0113] The acoustic output unit 636 can provide the user with auditory information about the aerosol generator 600. For example, the acoustic output unit 636 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

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

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

[0116] The control unit 610, sensing unit 620, output unit 630, user input unit 660, memory 670, and communication unit 680 can function by being powered by the battery 640. Although not shown in Figure 6, the system may further include power conversion circuits, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that convert the power from the battery 640 and supply it to each component.

[0117] In one embodiment, the heater 650 may be formed from any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, suitable electrical resistant materials include, but are 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, and nichrome. The heater 650 may also be embodied by, but are not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which conductive tracks are arranged, or a ceramic heating element.

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

[0119] The user input unit 660 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 660 may include, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact-type capacitive type, pressure-type resistive type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Also, although not shown in Figure 6, the aerosol generator 600 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 640.

[0120] The user input unit 660 can be configured as a user authentication unit that acquires a user authentication signal. The user can input personal information into the user input unit 660. The aerosol generator 600 can acquire the user's personal information through the user input unit 660 and perform user authentication. If the user input unit 660 includes a biometric recognition sensor, the user can input their biometric information (e.g., fingerprints). The aerosol generator 600 can acquire the user's biometric information through the user input unit 660 and perform user authentication.

[0121] Memory 670 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 600, and can store data processed by the control unit 610 and data being processed. Memory 670 includes at least one type of recording medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 670 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 600, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern. User authentication signals obtained by receiving user input can also be stored in Memory 670. Memory 670 may store information about tobacco products compatible with the aerosol generator.

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

[0123] The short-range wireless communication unit 682 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® 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 infrared (IrDA: infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and others.

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

[0125] The control unit 610 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 600. In one embodiment, the control unit 610 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. It will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

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

[0127] The control unit 610 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 620 and control subsequent processing. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 620, the control unit 610 can control the power supplied to the heater 650 so that the heater 650 starts or stops operating. As another example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 620, the control unit 610 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 650 and the power supply time so that the heater 650 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0128] The control unit 610 can control the output unit 630 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 620. For example, if the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 626 reaches a pre-set number, the control unit 610 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 600 will immediately shut down through at least one of the display unit 632, the haptic unit 634, and the acoustic output unit 636.

[0129] Aerosol generators are becoming increasingly common. This has led to a growing demand for smarter devices to enhance their usefulness. One such demand concerns payment systems for consumables used in aerosol generators.

[0130] The aerosol generator can communicate with various external devices via the communication unit 680. These external devices include user terminals that utilize the aerosol generator, such as mobile terminals and smartphones. The aerosol generator can also communicate with a vendor terminal via the communication unit 680. The vendor terminal is an NFC-enabled point-of-sale (POS) terminal located at the vendor's store or installed by the vending machine company.

[0131] Since the aerosol generator can communicate with a sales terminal and also with external devices such as smartphones, it is possible to construct a consumable payment system for the aerosol generator using the aerosol generator itself.

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

[0133] Therefore, payment systems utilizing aerosol generators need to take such unique characteristics into consideration. The following describes a payment method using an aerosol generator with reference to Figures 7 through 10.

[0134] The tobacco products shown in Figures 7 to 10 are consumables that are inserted into an aerosol generator to produce aerosols, and are also compatible with the aerosol products, cigarettes, and cartridges shown in Figures 1 to 6.

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

[0136] Stage 701 is the stage in which the aerosol generator receives user input and obtains a user authentication signal. The user can enter their personal information or biometric information (e.g., fingerprints) into the user input field, and the aerosol generator can obtain the user's personal information or biometric information through the user input field and perform user authentication.

[0137] The aerosol generator is also in a locked state with some functions, including the payment function, deactivated to prevent misuse by minors and others. Stage 702 is the stage in which the control unit of the aerosol generator switches the aerosol generator from the deactivated locked state to the activated state based on the user authentication signal. In the activated state, with the lock released, the aerosol generator's payment function can be operated.

[0138] Stage 703 is the stage in which the seller terminal transmits information about the tobacco products to be paid for to the aerosol generator. The seller terminal is either located at the seller's sales area or is an NFC-enabled point-of-sale (POS) terminal installed by the vending machine company. The control unit of the aerosol generator can receive information about the tobacco products to be paid for through tagging between the aerosol generator's short-range communication module and the seller terminal.

[0139] Step 704 is the step in which the control unit of the aerosol generator determines whether the tobacco articles to be settled are genuine based on the information of the tobacco articles to be settled. In the present invention, "genuine articles" does not necessarily mean that the manufacturer of the aerosol generator and the manufacturer of the tobacco articles are the same, and the concept includes not only tobacco articles manufactured by the aerosol generator but also tobacco articles manufactured by other manufacturers that are compatible with the aerosol generator.

[0140] The control unit of the aerosol generator can match tobacco product information stored in memory with the tobacco product information subject to payment to determine whether the tobacco product subject to payment is genuine. For example, it can determine whether the tobacco product is genuine by using the manufacturer, product name, product serial number, etc., included in the tobacco product information. Here, non-genuine tobacco products mean, but are not limited to, tobacco products that are not compatible with the aerosol generator or tobacco products that are not produced / sold by the manufacturer of the aerosol generator. If it is determined that the tobacco product subject to payment is not genuine, the processor does not transmit the payment information to the seller terminal so that payment is not made at the seller terminal.

[0141] The control unit of the aerosol generator can output the result of determining whether the item to be paid for is genuine through the output unit. The output unit can provide the user with information about the result of determining whether the item to be paid for is genuine through at least one of the following means: sight, hearing, and touch. For example, the output unit can provide text such as "Genuine item confirmed," "Not genuine," or "Payment not possible."

[0142] Stage 705 is the stage in which, if the control unit of the aerosol generator determines that the tobacco product subject to payment is genuine, it transmits payment information so that payment can be made at the seller's terminal. Payment information refers to information necessary at the time of payment and may include card number, card company information, user information, card expiration date information, card password, etc.

[0143] The control unit of the aerosol generator can output the results of the transmission of payment information through the output unit. The output unit can provide information about the results of the transmission of payment information to the user through at least one of the following means: sight, hearing, and touch. For example, the output unit can provide text such as "Payment Complete".

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

[0145] In step 801, the aerosol generator can obtain a user authentication signal through an external device that is communicated with the aerosol generator.

[0146] The external device includes a user terminal that performs user authentication. Here, the user terminal is a mobile device or smartphone owned by the user. For example, user authentication or age authentication is performed on the user terminal when purchasing an aerosol generator. Here, a user authentication application is executed on the user terminal, and after inputting a user authentication signal, if user authentication or age authentication is completed, the user terminal transmits the user authentication signal to the aerosol generator. The control unit of the aerosol generator activates the aerosol generator upon receiving the user authentication signal. Here, user authentication on the user terminal may use, or is not limited to, various authentication methods such as iPIN authentication, telephone number authentication, official certificate authentication, and biometric information authentication. Furthermore, when purchasing an aerosol generator at a retail store, it goes without saying that user authentication or age authentication is performed by sending and receiving an authentication number issued by the retail store to the user terminal.

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

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

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

[0150] Since stages 803 to 805 overlap with stages 703 to 705 in Figure 7, the explanation of the overlap will be omitted.

[0151] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing a settlement method for a system including an aerosol generator and external devices according to one embodiment.

[0152] Steps 901 and 902 are the steps in which the aerosol generator acquires a user authentication signal through an external device and switches the device to an activated state, and since these overlap with Figure 8, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0153] Stage 903 is the stage in which the aerosol generator transmits device information to an external device. The device information may include information about tobacco articles compatible with the aerosol generator.

[0154] Stage 904 is the stage in which the seller terminal transmits information about the tobacco products to be paid for to an external device. The external device and the seller terminal can communicate and connect via NFC tagging.

[0155] Stage 905 is the stage in which an application installed on an external device determines whether the tobacco products subject to payment received from the seller terminal are genuine, based on the device information received from the aerosol generator. The application can match information on tobacco products compatible with the aerosol generator with information on tobacco products subject to payment to determine whether the tobacco products subject to payment are genuine. Information on tobacco products compatible with the aerosol generator may be included in the device information received from the aerosol generator.

[0156] In one embodiment, the external device may include memory. The memory stores device information received from the aerosol generator, and the device information may include information on tobacco articles compatible with the aerosol generator. The application can match the information on compatible tobacco articles stored in memory with the information on tobacco articles to be settled to determine whether the articles to be settled are genuine.

[0157] In one embodiment, the external device includes an output unit comprising at least one of a display, speaker, LED, and haptic motor, and the application can output the result of determining whether the item to be paid for is genuine through the output unit. The output unit can provide the user with information about the result of determining whether the item to be paid for is genuine through at least one of visual, auditory, and tactile means. For example, it can provide text such as "Genuine item confirmed," "Not genuine," or "Payment not possible."

[0158] Stage 906 is the stage in which, if the application on the external device determines that the tobacco product subject to payment is genuine, payment information is transmitted so that payment can be made on the seller's terminal. Payment information refers to information necessary for payment and may include card number, card company information, user information, card expiration date information, card password, etc.

[0159] An application on an external device can output the results of transmitting payment information through an output unit. The output unit can provide information about the results of transmitting payment information to the user through at least one of the following means: sight, hearing, and touch. For example, it can provide text such as "Payment Complete."

[0160] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a settlement method for a system including an aerosol generator and external devices according to one embodiment.

[0161] Step 1001 is the step in which the aerosol generator receives user input and obtains a user authentication signal, and step 1002 is the step in which the aerosol generator switches the device to an activated state. These steps overlap with steps 701 and 702 in Figure 7, respectively, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0162] Since stages 1003 through 1006 overlap with stages 9003 through 9006 in Figure 9, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0163] As described above, the aerosol generating apparatus and system according to the embodiment can prevent the purchase and payment of counterfeit tobacco products by verifying whether the tobacco products to be paid for are genuine and only proceeding with payment if the tobacco products to be paid for are genuine.

[0164] An aerosol generating device and system according to one embodiment can prevent unauthorized users, such as minors, from purchasing tobacco products by verifying the device user and only processing payment once the user's authentication is confirmed.

[0165] One embodiment also embodies a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are also any available media accessed by a computer, and include both volatile and non-volatile media, and isolated and non-isolated media. Furthermore, computer-readable media include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, isolated and non-isolated media, embodied by any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data such as modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms, and include any information transmission medium.

[0166] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative examples, and any person with ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention must be determined by the claims, and all differences that are equivalent to those described in the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. Heater and, A battery that supplies power to the heater, A communication unit that communicates with the seller's terminal, Aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: a control unit that, through communication with the seller terminal via the communication unit, receives information on tobacco products subject to payment from the seller terminal, determines whether the tobacco products subject to payment are genuine based on the information on the tobacco products subject to payment, and, if it is determined that the tobacco products subject to payment are genuine, transmits payment information to the seller terminal via the communication unit.

2. The aforementioned communication unit includes a chip or tag-shaped short-range communication module. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit receives information on the tobacco articles subject to payment by tagging between the short-range communication module and the seller terminal.

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

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

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

6. The aerosol generating apparatus further includes an output unit which includes at least one of a display, a speaker, an LED, and a haptic motor. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs the result of determining whether the tobacco article subject to settlement is a genuine product through the output unit.

7. The aerosol generating device further includes a memory for storing information on tobacco articles compatible with the aerosol generating device, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit compares the information of the tobacco article stored in the memory with the information of the tobacco article subject to payment and determines whether the tobacco article subject to payment is a genuine product.

8. In a system including an aerosol generator and external devices, The external device receives device information from the aerosol generating device regarding tobacco articles compatible with the aerosol generating device. By communicating with the seller's terminal, information on the tobacco products subject to payment is received from the seller's terminal. A system that determines whether the tobacco products to be paid for, received from a seller terminal, are genuine based on the device information and the information on the tobacco products to be paid for, and if it is determined that the tobacco products to be paid for are genuine, transmits payment information to the seller terminal.

9. The external device includes a chip or tag-shaped short-range communication module. The system according to claim 8, wherein the external device receives information on the tobacco products subject to payment by tagging between the short-range communication module and the seller terminal.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus is A communication unit that communicates with the aforementioned external device, The system according to claim 8, further comprising: a control unit that switches the aerosol generating apparatus from an inactive state to an activated state based on communication with an external device via the communication unit.

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

12. The aerosol generating apparatus is A user input unit that receives user input and obtains a user authentication signal, The system according to claim 8, further comprising a control unit that switches the aerosol generator to an activated state based on the user authentication signal.

13. The external device further includes an output section which includes at least one of a display, a speaker, an LED, and a haptic motor. The system according to claim 8, wherein the external device outputs through the output unit the result of determining whether the tobacco product subject to payment is genuine.

14. The external device further includes a memory for storing the device information, The system according to claim 8, which compares the device information stored in the memory with the information of the tobacco products subject to payment to determine whether the tobacco products subject to payment are genuine.

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