Aerosol generating device and method for performing authentication of detachable battery in aerosol generating device

Abstract

Provided are an aerosol generating device and method for performing the authentication of a detachable battery in the aerosol generating device, wherein: a protection circuit module provided in the detachable battery is accessed by being electrically connecting to the protection circuit module when the detachable battery is newly mounted; authentication information about the detachable battery is obtained from the protection circuit module; whether the detachable battery is an authenticated battery or an unauthenticated battery is determined on the basis of the obtained authentication information; and the operation of the aerosol generating device is controlled in an authenticated mode, in which every function of the aerosol generating device powered by the detachable battery is activated, when the detachable battery is determined to be an authenticated battery, or in an unauthenticated mode, in which some functions of the aerosol generating device powered by the detachable battery are deactivated, when the detachable battery is determined to be an unauthenticated battery.

Description

Method for performing authentication of an aerosol generating device and a removable battery in an aerosol generating device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and a method for performing authentication of a removable battery in the aerosol generating device.

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for methods that generate aerosol by heating aerosol-generating materials, rather than by burning the cigarette itself. Accordingly, research into heated aerosol generators is actively underway.

[0003] Meanwhile, with growing global concern for environmental issues, there is a growing demand for proof of environmental friendliness and safety throughout the entire battery lifecycle, from production to recycling. Accordingly, the e-cigarette industry is also pursuing the development of related technologies, including battery reuse and recycling, and research into detachable batteries is underway.

[0004] If the battery in an aerosol generating device is designed to be easily removable by the user, the use of an uncertified battery may shorten the life of the aerosol generating device or cause it to malfunction, compromising the safety of the device. Therefore, a method is needed to determine whether the battery to be used in an aerosol generating device has been certified by the manufacturer.

[0005] The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems can be inferred from the following examples.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, in order to prevent safety degradation of the aerosol generating device, device failure, etc. due to the use of an uncertified battery, an aerosol generating device having a function that can easily verify whether a removable battery to be used is a product certified by a manufacturer is provided.

[0007] According to one aspect, a method for authenticating a removable battery in an aerosol generating device comprises the steps of: accessing a protection circuit module provided in a removable battery by electrically connecting the protection circuit module to the removable battery when the removable battery is newly mounted in the aerosol generating device; obtaining authentication information of the removable battery from the accessed protection circuit module; determining, based on the obtained authentication information, whether the removable battery is an authorized battery for the aerosol generating device or an unauthorized battery; and controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device in an authorized mode for activating all functions of the aerosol generating device by power supply from the removable battery when the battery is determined to be an authorized battery, or in an unauthorized mode for deactivating some functions of the aerosol generating device by power supply from the removable battery when the battery is determined to be an unauthorized battery.

[0008] According to another aspect, the aerosol generating device includes a battery connection portion electrically coupled to a protection circuit module provided in a removable battery when the removable battery is newly installed in the aerosol generating device; and a processor that accesses the protection circuit module through the battery connection portion to obtain authentication information of the removable battery from the protection circuit module, determines whether the removable battery is an authorized battery or an unauthorized battery for the aerosol generating device based on the obtained authentication information, and controls the operation of the aerosol generating device in an authorized mode in which all functions of the aerosol generating device are activated by power supply from the removable battery when the battery is determined to be an authorized battery, or in an unauthorized mode in which some functions of the aerosol generating device are deactivated by power supply from the removable battery when the battery is determined to be an unauthorized battery.

[0009] According to another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium may include a recording medium having recorded thereon one or more programs including commands for executing the above-described method.

[0010] According to the above, by performing authentication of the removable battery when installing the removable battery and thereby encouraging the use of a certified battery, the use of an uncertified battery can be prevented, and by preventing a failure of the aerosol generating device due to the use of an uncertified battery, the use of the device can be ensured safely.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIGS. 2A to 2E are drawings illustrating embodiments of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 implemented in various types.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a removable battery used in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating mounting a new removable battery on an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a transmission path of authentication information for performing authentication of a removable battery according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a drawing specifically explaining authentication information stored in a protection circuit module according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a detailed flowchart of a method for performing authentication of a removable battery in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an aerosol generating device in an unauthenticated mode according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an aerosol generating device in an authentication mode according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method for performing authentication of a removable battery in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0021] According to one aspect, a method for authenticating a removable battery in an aerosol generating device comprises the steps of: accessing a protection circuit module provided in a removable battery by electrically connecting the protection circuit module to the removable battery when the removable battery is newly mounted in the aerosol generating device; obtaining authentication information of the removable battery from the accessed protection circuit module; determining, based on the obtained authentication information, whether the removable battery is an authorized battery for the aerosol generating device or an unauthorized battery; and controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device in an authorized mode for activating all functions of the aerosol generating device by power supply from the removable battery when the battery is determined to be an authorized battery, or in an unauthorized mode for deactivating some functions of the aerosol generating device by power supply from the removable battery when the battery is determined to be an unauthorized battery.

[0022] The terms used in the examples are selected from widely used, common terms, taking into account the functions of the examples. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of engineers working in the field, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description. Therefore, the terms used in the examples should not be defined simply as names, but rather based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the examples.

[0023] When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies the inclusion of other components, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "-unit" and "-module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0024] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array of elements, not just each individual element. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0025] Below, the present embodiment is described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present embodiment. However, the present embodiment can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0026] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (100) may include a removable battery (110), a heater (120), a processor (130), a user interface (140), a memory (150), a sensor (160), and a battery connection unit (170). However, the hardware components inside the aerosol generating device (100) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 1. Those skilled in the art will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (100), some of the hardware components illustrated in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components (e.g., a communication module, etc.) may be added.

[0029] Below, the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device (100) will be described without limiting the space in which the components are located.

[0030] The removable battery (110) supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device (100). For example, the removable battery (110) may supply power so that the heater (120) may be heated. In addition, the removable battery (110) may supply power required for the operation of other hardware components provided in the aerosol generating device (100), namely, the heater (120), the processor (130), the user interface (140), the memory (150), the sensor (160), or the battery connector (170). The removable battery (110) may be, for example, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery or a lithium ion battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0031] The removable battery (110) is a replaceable type (separate) power source, and can be mounted in or removed from a battery receiving portion provided in the aerosol generating device (100). The removable battery (110) is provided with an electrical contact, and when the removable battery (110) is mounted in the aerosol generating device (100), the electrical contact of the removable battery (110) can be electrically connected to an electrical contact of a battery connection portion (170) provided in the aerosol generating device (100) to provide battery-related data or supply power to the aerosol generating device (100). As another example, the removable battery (110) may be provided with a charging coil (transmitting / receiving coil) for supplying power to the aerosol generating device (100) in a wireless charging manner instead of a separate electrical contact, and in this case, the battery connection portion (170) may be implemented as a transmitting / receiving coil. That is, the power supply method of the removable battery (110) may vary, and the electrical connection method between the removable battery (110) and the battery connection portion (170) of the aerosol generating device (100) may vary depending on the power supply method supported by the removable battery (110).

[0032] The removable battery (110) may be equipped with a charger interface (not shown) that can be connected to an external charger. Power for charging the removable battery (110) may be supplied to the removable battery (110) through the charger interface. The removable battery (110) may be charged by an external charger while connected to the aerosol generating device (100) or while being removed (uninstalled) from the aerosol generating device (100).

[0033] The removable battery (110) may optionally be equipped with a wireless tag, such as an RFID tag or an NFC tag. The wireless tag equipped in the removable battery (110) can be read through a protocol for short-range communication with a wireless module, such as an RFID module or an NFC module. If the removable battery (110) is equipped with a wireless tag, identification information, battery capacity information, etc. related to the removable battery (110) may be recorded in the wireless tag. In this case, the aerosol generating device (100) can acquire various pieces of information about the removable battery (110) by tagging the wireless tag of the removable battery (110).

[0034] The heater (120) receives power from a removable battery (110) under the control of the processor (130). The heater (120) can perform a heating function of heating a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device (100) or heating a cartridge mounted on the aerosol generating device (100) using the power supplied from the removable battery (110). That is, the heater (120) can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material provided in the cigarette or cartridge.

[0035] The heater (120) may be located in the body of the aerosol generating device (100). Alternatively, if the aerosol generating device (100) is composed of a body and a cartridge, the heater (120) may be located in the cartridge. If the heater (120) is located in the cartridge, the heater (120) may be powered by a removable battery (110) located in the body.

[0036] The heater (120) may be implemented as an electrically resistive heating type heater formed of an electrically resistive material. For example, the electrically resistive material may be a metal or metal alloy 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 (120) may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0037] The heater (120) may be implemented as an induction heating heater. The heater (120) may correspond to a heater assembly implemented as a set of an electrically conductive coil and a susceptor for heating a cigarette or cartridge by induction heating.

[0038] The heater (120) can heat a cigarette inserted into a receiving space provided within the aerosol generating device (100). As the cigarette is received in the receiving space of the aerosol generating device (100), the heater (120) can be positioned inside and / or outside the cigarette. Accordingly, the heater (120) can heat an aerosol generating substance within the cigarette to generate an aerosol.

[0039] Meanwhile, the heater (120) may be implemented as a coil heater provided only within the cartridge. The cartridge includes a coil heater, a liquid delivery means, and a liquid storage unit, and can transfer an aerosol generating substance contained in the liquid storage unit through the liquid delivery means, and the coil heater can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the liquid delivery means. For example, if the heater (120) is a coil heater, it can be manufactured from a material such as nickel-chromium and wound around the liquid delivery means or placed adjacent to the liquid delivery means.

[0040] The processor (130) is hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (100). The processor (130) may include at least one processing unit, such as an MCU (Micro Controller Unit). The processor (130) may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the processor (130) may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0041] The processor (130) can analyze the results sensed by the sensor (160) and control subsequent processing based on the sensing results. For example, the processor (130) can control the power supplied to the heater (120) so that the operation of the heater (120) can be started or stopped based on the results sensed by the sensor (160). In addition, the processor (130) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (120) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (120) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the sensor (160).

[0042] The processor (130) can control the operation of the heater (120) based on a pre-stored temperature profile. In addition, the processor (130) can sense the user's puff using the puff sensor in the sensor (160) and then control the temperature of the heater (120). In addition, the processor (130) can count the number of puffs using the puff sensor and then stop supplying power to the heater (120) when the number of puffs reaches a preset number.

[0043] The processor (130) may also control the user interface (140) based on the sensing results. For example, if the number of puffs is counted using a puff sensor and the number of puffs reaches a preset number, the processor (130) may use a lamp, motor, or speaker to notify the user that the aerosol generating device (100) will soon be shut down.

[0044] Meanwhile, the processor (130) can recognize or detect that the removable battery (110) has been detached or mounted via the battery connection portion (170). When the removable battery (110) is newly mounted, the processor (130) can determine whether the removable battery (110) corresponds to a certified product and determine whether to operate the aerosol generating device (100) in either a battery certified mode or a battery non-certified mode. The authentication process of the removable battery (110) will be described in more detail below with reference to other drawings.

[0045] The user interface (140) can provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generating device (100). The user interface (140) can include various interfacing means, such as a display or lamp that outputs visual information (UI (user interface) screen), a motor that outputs tactile information, a speaker that outputs sound information, input / output (I / O) interfacing means (e.g., buttons or touch screens) that receive information input from the user or output information to the user, and terminals for supplying charging power.

[0046] Meanwhile, the user interface (140) may provide a notification indicating that the aerosol generating device (100) is currently operating in an authenticated mode or an unauthenticated mode depending on whether the removable battery (110) is authenticated when the removable battery (110) is newly installed.

[0047] The memory (150) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (100), and the memory (150) can store data processed by the processor (130) and data to be processed. The memory (150) can be implemented in various types, such as random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

[0048] The memory (150) may store various types of information, such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device (100), the maximum number of puffs, the temperature profile, the user's smoking information, and information for battery authentication. Meanwhile, the memory (150) may also store backup and restoration data for performing a backup process and a restoration process to maintain various data within the aerosol generating device (100) before and after battery replacement during the replacement process of the removable battery (110).

[0049] The battery connector (170) is a connector that forms an electrical connection with the removable battery (110) when the removable battery (110) is newly installed in the aerosol generating device (100). Specifically, the battery connector (170) can form an electrical connection with a protection circuit module (PCM) provided in the removable battery (110).

[0050] The aerosol generating device (100) can be powered from a removable battery (110) through a battery connection (170), and can also transmit and receive data by accessing a protection circuit module of the removable battery (110) through the battery connection (170).

[0051] Meanwhile, the removable battery (110) may be coupled to the aerosol generating device (100) by being fixed to a battery receiving portion (not shown) having a hook structure, for example. In another example, the removable battery (110) may be implemented in a manner in which a magnetic body provided in a portion of the battery receiving portion is magnetically coupled to a magnetic body region or an electromagnet region provided in a portion of the battery receiving portion. That is, the manner in which the removable battery (110) according to the present embodiment is mounted to the aerosol generating device (100) is not limited to any one method, and may be implemented in various ways.

[0052] Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (100) may also form an aerosol generating system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to store the aerosol generating device (100) while charging the removable battery (110) of the aerosol generating device (100). That is, the cradle may be a dedicated device for the aerosol generating device (100) that receives power from the battery of the cradle to charge the removable battery (110) of the aerosol generating device (100) while the aerosol generating device (100) is accommodated in the accommodation space within the cradle.

[0053] FIGS. 2A to 2E are drawings illustrating embodiments of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 implemented in various types. Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2E, the aerosol generating device (100) can be implemented as various types of aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e), such as those using an electric resistance heating method or an induction heating method, those additionally equipped with a vaporizer, and those using a cartridge method. Only some elements for explaining the types of aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) are illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2E, and other general-purpose elements may be further included in the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) in addition to the elements illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2E.

[0054] In FIGS. 2a to 2e, the removable battery (110), heater (120a to 120e), and processor (130) are components corresponding to the removable battery (110), heater (120), and processor (130) of FIG. 1, respectively, and can perform the functions of the removable battery (110), heater (120), and processor (130) described above in FIG. 1.

[0055] FIG. 2a is a drawing for explaining an electrical resistance type aerosol generating device (200a) according to an exemplary embodiment. The aerosol generating device (200a) may be a type of aerosol generating device (100).

[0056] Referring to FIG. 2a, the aerosol generating device (200a) may include a removable battery (110), a heater (120a), and a processor (130).

[0057] A cigarette (20a) can be inserted into the receiving space inside the aerosol generating device (200a). When the cigarette (20a) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (200a), the aerosol generating device (200a) can generate an aerosol from the cigarette (20a) by heating the cigarette (20a) using a heater (120a). The generated aerosol passes through the cigarette (20a) and is delivered to the user, so the user can smoke the cigarette (20a).

[0058] The heater (120a) can be heated by power supplied from a removable battery (110). The heater (120a) may be an electrical resistive heater. For example, the heater (120a) includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater (120a) can be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track.

[0059] The electrically conductive track of the heater (120a) is made of an electrically resistive material, so that the heating temperature can be determined according to the power consumption of the resistor, and the resistance value of the electrically conductive track can be set based on the power consumption of the resistor of the electrically conductive track. The resistance value of the electrically conductive track can be set in various ways depending on the constituent material, length, width, thickness, or pattern of the electrically resistive material.

[0060] The internal resistance of an electrically conductive track may increase as the temperature increases, depending on its temperature coefficient of resistance characteristics. For example, the temperature and resistance of the electrically conductive track may be proportional within a given temperature range. Using this principle, a heater (120a) made of an electrically conductive track can heat a cigarette (20a) using electrical resistance.

[0061] The electrically conductive tracks can be made of tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the electrically conductive tracks can be doped with a suitable doping agent and include an alloy.

[0062] The shape of the heater (120a) can be manufactured in various ways, such as a tube shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, or a rod shape. In addition, a plurality of heaters (120a) can be arranged. The heater (120a) can be inserted into the interior of the cigarette (20a) and used as an internal heating method to heat the interior of the cigarette (20a).

[0063] The removable battery (110) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generating device (200a), and when the removable battery (110) is mounted on the aerosol generating device (200a), power can be supplied from the removable battery (110) to the heater (120a) for heating operation of the heater (120d), thereby controlling the temperature of the electrically conductive track.

[0064] The processor (130) can control the heating operation of the heater (120a) by controlling the power supplied to the heater (120a). For example, the processor (130) can control the temperature at which the cigarette (20a) is heated by the heater (120a) according to a temperature profile.

[0065] Figures 2b and 2c are drawings illustrating aerosol generating devices (200b, 200c) additionally equipped with vaporizers (125b, 125c) according to exemplary embodiments. Each of the aerosol generating devices (200b, 200c) may be a type of aerosol generating device (100).

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 2b and 2c, the aerosol generating device (200b, 200c) further includes a vaporizer (125b, 125c). A cigarette (20b, 20c) can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device (200b, 200c).

[0067] In Fig. 2b, the vaporizer (125b) and the heater (120b) are depicted as being arranged in a row. However, in Fig. 2c, the vaporizer (125c) and the heater (120c) are depicted as being arranged in parallel. That is, the aerosol generating devices (200b, 200c) can be distinguished depending on the arrangement of the vaporizer (125b).

[0068] The heater (120b, 120c) can be heated by power supplied from a removable battery (110). The heater (120b, 120c) is an electrical resistive heater and may include, for example, an electrically conductive track.

[0069] Unlike the heater (120a) described in FIG. 2a, the heaters (120b, 120c) of FIGS. 2b and 2c can be implemented in an external heating manner by being placed around the outer periphery of the cigarette (20b, 20c) to heat the outer surface of the cigarette (20b, 20c).

[0070] The vaporizer (125b, 125c) can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through the cigarette (20b, 20c). That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (125b, 125c) can be transported along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device (200b, 200c), and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (125b, 125c) can be delivered to the user through the cigarette (20b, 20c).

[0071] The vaporizer (125b, 125c) may include a liquid storage unit, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element (or vaporization element). However, the liquid storage unit, the liquid delivery means, and the heating element may each be positioned as independent modules in a different location within the aerosol generating device (100) rather than within the vaporizer (125b, 125c).

[0072] The liquid reservoir can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid reservoir can be designed to be detachable from / attached to the vaporizer (125b, 125c), or can be designed as an integral part of the vaporizer (125b, 125c). For example, the liquid composition can include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavoring agent, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. Additionally, the liquid composition can include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0073] The liquid delivery means can deliver the liquid composition from the liquid storage to the heating element. For example, the liquid delivery means can be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0074] The heating element provided in the vaporizer (125b, 125c) is an element for heating (vaporizing) the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc. In addition, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and may be arranged in a structure that is wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element may be heated by a current supply 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. Accordingly, the vaporizer (125b, 125c) may also be referred to by other terms such as a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0075] The removable battery (110) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generating device (200b, 200c), and when the removable battery (110) is mounted on the aerosol generating device (200b, 200c), power can be supplied from the removable battery (110) to the heater (120b, 120c) and the vaporizer (125b, 125c) for heating operation of the heater (120b, 120c) and the vaporizer (125b, 125c).

[0076] The processor (130) can control the heating operation of the heaters (120b, 120c) and the vaporizers (125b, 125c) by controlling the power supplied to the heaters (120b, 120c) and the vaporizers (125b, 125c). For example, the processor (130) can control the temperature at which the cigarettes (20b, 20c) are heated by the heaters (120b, 120c) and the vaporizers (125b, 125c) according to a temperature profile.

[0077] FIG. 2d is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device (200d) of an induction heating type according to an exemplary embodiment. The aerosol generating device (200d) may be a type of aerosol generating device (100).

[0078] Referring to FIG. 2d, the aerosol generating device (200d) may include a heater (120d) including a coil (121d) and a susceptor (122d), a removable battery (110), and a processor (130).

[0079] The aerosol generating device (200d) can generate an aerosol by heating a cigarette (20d) accommodated in the aerosol generating device (200d) using an induction heating method. The induction heating method may refer to a method of heating a magnetic body that generates heat by applying an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically to the magnetic body that generates heat due to an external magnetic field. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device (200d) can release heat energy from the magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic body, and can heat the cigarette (20d) by transferring the heat energy released from the magnetic body to the cigarette. Here, the magnetic body that generates heat due to the external magnetic field may be a susceptor (122d). The susceptor (122d) may be provided in the aerosol generating device (200d). Alternatively, the susceptor (122d) may be provided inside the cigarette (20d) in the shape of a piece, flake, strip, etc. instead of being provided in the aerosol generating device (200d).

[0080] The susceptor (122d) may be formed of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the material of the susceptor (122d) may include a metal or carbon. The material of the susceptor (122d) may include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). In addition, the material of the susceptor (122d) may include at least one of a ceramic such as graphite or zirconia, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), and a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0081] The aerosol generating device (200d) can accommodate a cigarette (20d). A space for accommodating the cigarette (20d) can be formed in the aerosol generating device (200d). A susceptor (122d) can be arranged around the periphery of the space for accommodating the cigarette (20d). For example, the susceptor (122d) can have a cylindrical shape that surrounds the exterior of the cigarette (20d). Accordingly, when the cigarette (20d) is accommodated in the aerosol generating device (200d), the cigarette (20d) can be accommodated in the accommodation space of the susceptor (122d), and the susceptor (122d) can be arranged at a position that surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette (20d). However, the shape of the susceptor (122d) is not limited thereto and can vary.

[0082] The heater (120d) is an induction heating method, and can heat a cigarette (20d) accommodated in an aerosol generating device (200d) by using a susceptor (122d) that generates heat by an external magnetic field generated by a coil (121d).

[0083] The coil (121d) is arranged to be wound along the outer surface of the susceptor (122d), so that an alternating magnetic field can be applied to the susceptor (122d). When power is supplied to the coil (121d) from the aerosol generating device (200d), a magnetic field can be formed in an internal region of the coil (121d). When an alternating current is applied to the coil (121d), the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the coil (121d) can be continuously changed. When the susceptor (122d) is positioned inside the coil (121d) and exposed to an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically, the susceptor (122d) can generate heat, and a cigarette accommodated in the susceptor (122d) can be heated. The shape of the coil (121d) may be a cylindrical shape wound along the length direction of the cigarette (20d), but is not limited thereto, and the coil (121d) may be implemented in various types such as a flat coil.

[0084] The removable battery (110) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generating device (200d), and when the aerosol generating device (200d) is equipped with the removable battery (110), it can supply power to the coil (121d) for heating operation of the heater (120d), for example.

[0085] The processor (130) can control the heating operation of the heater (120d) by controlling the power supplied to the coil (121d). For example, the processor (130) can control the temperature at which the cigarette (20d) is heated by induction heating of the susceptor (122d) by adjusting the strength of the magnetic field induced by the coil (121d) according to the temperature profile.

[0086] Meanwhile, in Fig. 2d, it is assumed that the heater (120d) is implemented by an induction heating method using a coil (121d) and a susceptor (122d), but as another embodiment, the heater (120d) may be implemented by heating the outside of the cigarette (20d) using an electric resistance heater (e.g., a cylindrical film heater) as described in Figs. 2b and 2c. That is, when the heater (120d) is implemented by an electric resistance heater, the aerosol generating device (200d) of Fig. 2d may be implemented by generating an aerosol from the cigarette (20d) using only an electric resistance heater (heater (120d)) without the vaporizers (125b, 125c) of Figs. 2b and 2c.

[0087] FIG. 2e is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device (200e) having a replaceable cartridge (210e) containing an aerosol generating substance (20e) according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0088] The aerosol generating device (200e) of FIG. 2e includes a cartridge (210e) containing an aerosol generating substance (20e) and a main body (220e) supporting the cartridge (210e). The aerosol generating device (200e) may correspond to a type of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 1. At this time, the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 1 may be divided and positioned in the main body (220e) and the cartridge (210e).

[0089] The cartridge (210e) can be coupled to the main body (220e) while containing an aerosol generating substance (20e) therein. The cartridge (210e) can be mounted on the main body (210) by inserting a portion of the cartridge (210e) into a receptacle of the main body (210).

[0090] The cartridge (210e) may contain an aerosol generating substance (20e) of a liquid composition, but is not limited thereto, and may also contain an aerosol generating substance (20e) in any one of a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material.

[0091] The heater (120e) provided within the cartridge (210e) performs a heating operation by an electric signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body (220e). Accordingly, an aerosol can be generated by vaporizing the aerosol generating material (20e) within the cartridge (210e) due to heating by the heater (120e).

[0092] The heater (120e) may be implemented with a conductive filament made of a metal material such as copper, nickel, or tungsten, or a ceramic heating element, etc., to heat an aerosol generating substance delivered to a liquid delivery means by generating heat by electrical resistance, and may be wound around the liquid delivery means or placed adjacent to the liquid delivery means.

[0093] The removable battery (110) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generating device (200e), and when the removable battery (110) is mounted on the aerosol generating device (200e), power can be supplied to the heater (120e) from the removable battery (110) for the heating operation of the heater (120e).

[0094] The processor (130) can control the heating operation of the heater (120e) by controlling the power supplied to the heater (120e). For example, the processor (130) can control the temperature at which the aerosol generating material (20e) is heated by the heater (120e) according to a temperature profile.

[0095] Meanwhile, although not illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2E, the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) may also be configured as a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may store the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) or charge the removable battery (110) of the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e).

[0096] According to various embodiments, the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 1 may be implemented as at least one of the types of aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) of FIGS. 2a to 2e, but is not necessarily limited thereto and may be implemented as other types as well.

[0097] The aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) of FIGS. 2a to 2e can commonly use a removable battery (110) as a power source. The removable battery (110) is a battery that can be replaced by being mounted or detached from the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e).

[0098] However, if the battery is easily removable / installable by the user, the user may intentionally or unintentionally install an uncertified battery into the aerosol generating device. In such cases, the use of an uncertified battery may shorten the life of the aerosol generating device or cause it to malfunction, thereby compromising the safety of the aerosol generating device. Therefore, a method for determining whether the battery to be used in the aerosol generating device is a battery manufactured or certified by the manufacturer is required. In the present embodiment, authentication of a removable battery can be performed by accessing a protection circuit module provided in the removable battery to identify whether the removable battery corresponds to a certified battery. The process for authenticating a removable battery in an aerosol generating device will be described in more detail below.

[0099] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a removable battery used in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 3, a removable battery (110) may include a battery cell (111) and a protection circuit module (PCM) (112).

[0101] The battery cell (111) corresponds to a power supply source that stores electric energy to supply power to drive an electronic device such as an aerosol generating device (100). The battery cell (111) may be composed of a battery using a metal such as lithium (Li), cadmium (Cd), or nickel (Ni), and may correspond to, for example, a Li-Ion battery cell. That is, the battery cell (111) may be a secondary battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged over a certain lifespan. However, the battery cell (111) is not limited thereto and may also be implemented as another type of lithium polymer battery.

[0102] The protection circuit module (112) is an integrated circuit (IC) that can safely protect and manage a battery, and typically has overcharge protection, overdischarge protection, overcurrent blocking, and short-circuit protection functions. Additionally, the protection circuit module (112) may also have a cell balancing function.

[0103] That is, the protection circuit module (112) may include circuit elements and a printed circuit board (PCB) on which the circuit elements are mounted so as to perform various electrical functions (e.g., pre-cutting function) to prevent performance degradation or damage of the battery cell (111). In addition, the protection circuit module (112) may be implemented as a part of a battery management system (BMS) that may perform various functions including measuring the capacity of the battery, measuring the number of charge / discharge cycles, measuring temperature, or measuring voltage.

[0104] The protection circuit module (112) may include a positive contact terminal that contacts the positive tab of the battery cell (111) and a negative contact terminal that contacts the negative tab of the battery cell (111) on the PCB. The protection circuit module (112) may be electrically connected to the battery cell (111) through the positive contact terminal and the negative contact terminal.

[0105] When a removable battery (110) is mounted on the aerosol generating device (100), the processor (130) of the aerosol generating device (100) can control charging and discharging of the battery cell (111) by communicating with the protection circuit module (112) through the battery connection (170), control power supply from the battery cell (111), and also access battery-related data stored in the protection circuit module (112).

[0106] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating mounting a new removable battery on an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device (100) may not currently have a battery installed. This may be because the battery has been removed from the aerosol generating device (100) due to the user's desire to replace it with a new battery, either because the battery's lifespan has expired, because the user desires to use a battery with a different capacity, or for other reasons. In this case, the user may wish to install the first removable battery (110-1) as a new battery in the aerosol generating device (100).

[0108] Here, if the first removable battery (110-1) is a defective / illegal product such as an unsupported battery or an uncertified battery, the aerosol generating device (100) may unintentionally malfunction or experience a performance degradation. Therefore, the aerosol generating device (100) may restrict the normal use of the battery if it is not a certified battery. For example, even if the first removable battery (110-1) is coupled to the aerosol generating device (100) as an uncertified battery, the aerosol generating device (100) may restrict the normal use of the aerosol generating device (100) so that normal power supply from the first removable battery (110-1) is not performed or some functions are disabled even if normal power supply is performed. However, if the first removable battery (110-1) is successfully certified as a certified battery, the aerosol generating device (100) controls the normal use of the first removable battery (110-1).

[0109] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a transmission path of authentication information for performing authentication of a removable battery according to one embodiment.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device (100) can access the protection circuit module (112) by electrically combining with the protection circuit module (112) provided in the removable battery (110) when the removable battery (110) is newly installed.

[0111] Specifically, the connector (1121) of the protection circuit module (112) of the removable battery (110) is coupled to the connector (1701) of the battery connection portion (170), so that the protection circuit module (112) and the battery connection portion (170) can be electrically connected. Accordingly, the processor (130) can access the protection circuit module (112) through the battery connection portion (170).

[0112] An integrated circuit (IC) (1120) within a protection circuit module (112) stores authentication information for authenticating a removable battery (110). Since the protection circuit module (112) is electrically connected to the battery connection (170), the processor (130) can obtain authentication information from the protection circuit module (112) through the battery connection (170).

[0113] That is, the aerosol generating device (100) according to the present embodiment can perform battery authentication by using the protection circuit module (112) provided in the removable battery (110) to authenticate the removable battery (110).

[0114] The authentication information is unique information about the removable battery (110), and refers to battery identification information. That is, the authentication information corresponds to information that can confirm whether the battery product is managed by the manufacturer of the aerosol generating device (100), the battery supplier, or other sales entity. The authentication information may include, for example, information in the form of a product serial number, information in the form of an encrypted code, or information implemented in another form. That is, the type of battery identifier included in the authentication information is not limited to a single type, but may be information implemented in various forms, as long as authentication of the uniqueness of the removable battery (110) can be performed.

[0115] Meanwhile, the electrical connection between the protection circuit module (112) and the battery connector (170) is a path that enables power supply from the battery cell (111) of the removable battery (110) to the hardware components within the aerosol generating device (100), as well as data access such as transmission of authentication information.

[0116] FIG. 6 is a drawing specifically explaining authentication information stored in a protection circuit module according to one embodiment.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 6, the integrated circuit (IC) (1120) of the protection circuit module (112) has a memory (1122).

[0118] The memory (1122) is a memory element integrated with a processing unit provided in an integrated circuit (IC) (1120), and stores battery-related data. The memory (1122) can be implemented with various types of RAM, ROM, EEPROM, etc., such as DRAM, SRAM, etc. The memory (1122) can store specification information of the removable battery (110), such as capacity, voltage / current-related information, manufacturing date, etc. of the battery cell (111) provided in the removable battery (110).

[0119] Meanwhile, the memory (1122) of the protection circuit module (112) stores the authentication information described in FIG. 5.

[0120] The authentication information includes first identification information (601) indicating product-specific information about the protection circuit module (112) itself and second identification information (602) indicating product-specific information about the battery cell (111) currently connected to the protection circuit module (112). For example, at least one of the first identification information (601) and the second identification information (602) may be information of the type of a product serial number, but is not limited thereto, and the identification information (601 or 602) may also be implemented as other types of information for identifying the corresponding product. Meanwhile, the first identification information (601) and the second identification information (602) may be implemented as the same type of information, or may be implemented as different types of information.

[0121] In the removable battery (110), the protection circuit module (112) and the battery cell (111) may be manufactured as an integrated unit. However, since the protection circuit module (112) and the battery cell (111) are only electrically coupled within the removable battery (110), there is a possibility that only the protection circuit module (112) may be separated from the removable battery (110) and replaced with another module, or only the battery cell (111) may be separated and replaced with another battery cell. If battery authentication is performed using only the identification information of the protection circuit module (112), it may not be possible to prevent the battery cell (111) from being replaced with another uncertified battery cell.

[0122] Therefore, in order to ensure reliability of both the protection circuit module (112) and the battery cell (111) provided in the removable battery (110), the protection circuit module (112) obtains second identification information (602) of the battery cell (111) itself through an electrical connection from the currently coupled battery cell (111) and stores it as authentication information in the memory (1122) together with the first identification information (601). Accordingly, if the battery cell (111) is arbitrarily replaced with another battery cell in the removable battery (110), other second identification information for the other battery cell may be stored in the authentication information or the second identification information may be lost.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) can determine whether the removable battery (110) is an authenticated battery by comparing each of the first identification information (601) and the second identification information (602) with authentication identification information pre-stored in the memory (150) of the aerosol generating device (100). Alternatively, the processor (130) can determine whether the removable battery (110) is an authenticated battery by comparing the identification information with identification information stored in an external manufacturer battery database (DB) using a communication means provided in the aerosol generating device (100). The method by which the processor (130) determines whether the removable battery (110) is an authenticated battery using the identification information is not limited to any one, and various means may be employed.

[0124] That is, the aerosol generating device (100) according to the present embodiment can access the protection circuit module (112) provided in the removable battery (110) to authenticate the removable battery (110), obtain authentication information including first identification information (601) and second identification information (602), and perform battery authentication using the same.

[0125] FIG. 7 is a detailed flowchart of a method for authenticating a removable battery in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, the authentication method for a removable battery (110) corresponds to a process that is processed in time series in the drawings described above (e.g., the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 1).

[0126] At step 701, the processor (130) detects that a new removable battery (110) is installed in the aerosol generating device (100) through the battery connector (170).

[0127] At step 702, the processor (130) accesses the protection circuit module (112) by electrically coupling it to the protection circuit module (112) provided in the newly mounted removable battery (110) through the battery connector (170).

[0128] At step 703, the processor (130) obtains authentication information (e.g., first identification information (601) and second identification information (602)) of the removable battery (110) from a protection circuit module (112) (e.g., memory (1122)) of the removable battery (110).

[0129] Here, the first identification information (601) included in the authentication information may represent product-specific information about the protection circuit module (112) itself, and the second identification information (602) may represent product-specific information about the battery cell (111) currently connected to the protection circuit module (112).

[0130] At step 704, the processor (130) performs primary authentication for the protection circuit module (112) based on the acquired first identification information (601).

[0131] For example, the processor (130) can determine whether the first authentication is successful by checking whether the serial number indicated by the acquired first identification information (601) corresponds to a serial number in a format managed by the manufacturer of the aerosol generating device (100), the battery manufacturer, or other sales entities. As another example, if the acquired first identification information (601) is encrypted, the processor (130) can determine whether the first authentication is successful by decrypting the first identification information (601) in a predetermined manner and checking whether the decrypted data indicates that it is an authenticated protection circuit module (112). That is, the method by which the processor (130) determines whether the authentication is successful based on the first identification information (601) is not limited to any one method depending on the type of the first identification information (601), and various methods can be adopted.

[0132] In step 705, the processor (130) controls step 706 to be performed if the primary authentication is successful. However, if the primary authentication fails, the processor (130) controls step 709 to be performed. That is, if the primary authentication fails, the aerosol generating device (100) may be operated in an unauthenticated mode.

[0133] At step 706, if the processor (130) determines that the protection circuit module (112) is an authenticated module through primary authentication, it performs secondary authentication on the battery cell (111) based on the acquired second identification information (602).

[0134] Similar to the primary authentication, the processor (130) can determine whether the secondary authentication is successful by checking whether the serial number indicated by the acquired second identification information (602) corresponds to a serial number in a format managed by the manufacturer of the aerosol generating device (100), the battery manufacturer, or other sales entities. As another example, if the acquired second identification information (602) is encrypted, the processor (130) can determine whether the secondary authentication is successful by decrypting the second identification information (602) in a predetermined manner and checking whether the decrypted data indicates that it is an authenticated battery cell (111). That is, the method by which the processor (130) determines whether the authentication is successful based on the second identification information (602) is not limited to any one method depending on the type of the second identification information (602), and various methods can be adopted.

[0135] In step 707, the processor (130) controls step 708 to be performed if the secondary authentication is successful. That is, if the secondary authentication is successful, the aerosol generating device (100) can be operated in an authenticated mode. However, if the secondary authentication fails, the processor (130) controls step 709 to be performed. That is, if the secondary authentication fails, the aerosol generating device (100) can be operated in an unauthenticated mode.

[0136] At step 708, if the two-step authentication of the first and second authentications is successful, the processor (130) determines that the mounted removable battery (110) is an authenticated battery and controls the aerosol generating device (100) to operate in an authentication mode. Here, the authentication mode means a mode in which all functions of the aerosol generating device (100) can operate normally by normal power supply from the removable battery (110).

[0137] At step 709, if either of the first and second authentication steps fails, the processor (130) determines that the mounted removable battery (110) is an unauthenticated battery and controls the aerosol generating device (100) to operate in an unauthenticated mode. That is, if either of the first identification information (601) and the second identification information (602) is unauthenticated, the processor (130) determines that the currently mounted removable battery (110) is an unauthenticated battery.

[0138] Unauthorized mode means a mode in which normal use of the removable battery (110) in the aerosol generating device (100) is restricted.

[0139] In one example, in unauthenticated mode, the aerosol generating device (100) can cut off power supply from the removable battery (110).

[0140] In another example, in the unauthenticated mode, the aerosol generating device (100) may be partially powered by the removable battery (110), but may disable some functions of the aerosol generating device (100) powered by the removable battery (110). In other words, in the unauthenticated mode, the aerosol generating device (100) may be limited to only a limited number of functions powered by the removable battery (110).

[0141] The aerosol generating device (100) according to the present embodiment performs authentication of the removable battery (110) by performing two-step authentication including first authentication of the protection circuit module (112) provided in the removable battery (110) and second authentication of the battery cell (111) provided in the removable battery (110). This prevents some parts inside the removable battery (110) from being arbitrarily replaced and misused.

[0142] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an aerosol generating device in an unauthenticated mode according to one embodiment.

[0143] Referring to Fig. 8, the explanation will be given assuming that the currently installed second removable battery (110-2) is determined to be an unauthenticated battery by the two-step authentication described in Fig. 7.

[0144] The user interface (140) provides a notification (810) indicating that the second removable battery (110-2) currently mounted in the aerosol generating device (100) corresponds to an unauthorized battery and that the aerosol generating device (100) is currently operating in an unauthorized mode. For example, the notification (810) may include a pop-up window including a message indicating that an unauthorized battery (the second removable battery (110-2)) is currently mounted.

[0145] Meanwhile, the processor (130) may restrict the execution of some functions according to a preset function restriction list so that the aerosol generating device (100) operates in an unauthenticated mode. That is, in the unauthenticated mode, some functions of the aerosol generating device (100) powered by an unauthenticated battery (second removable battery (110-2)) may be deactivated.

[0146] For example, the processor (130) may limit the heating function of the heater (120) in the unauthenticated mode. Specifically, in one example, the processor (130) may block the power supply from the unauthenticated battery (the second removable battery (110-2)) to the heater (120). Accordingly, smoking using the aerosol generating device (100) operating in the unauthenticated mode may be impossible. Conversely, in another example, the processor (130) may control the heater (120) such that only a limited amount of power is supplied from the unauthenticated battery (the second removable battery (110-2)) to the heater (120), thereby preventing only a small amount of aerosol from being generated. Alternatively, in another example, the processor (130) may control the heater (120) based on a preset temperature profile that allows normal power supply from the unauthorized battery (the second removable battery (110-2)) to the heater (120), but may only generate a small amount of aerosol rather than a normal temperature profile. That is, the limited heating function of the heater (120) in the unauthorized mode may mean that the heater (120) is deactivated, or that even if the heater (120) is activated, it operates so that only a small amount of aerosol is generated. Meanwhile, the limitation of the heating function of the heater (120) described above is merely an example, and the heater (120) may also operate with other limited functions.

[0147] For example, the processor (130) may limit the charging speed of the unauthenticated battery (the second removable battery (110-2)) in the unauthenticated mode. In other words, the speed at which the unauthenticated battery (the second removable battery (110-2)) is charged by an external charger in the unauthenticated mode may be limited to be lower than the charging speed in the authenticated mode.

[0148] For example, in an unauthenticated mode, the processor (130) may restrict information on the remaining capacity (charge amount) (SoC, State of Charge) of an unauthenticated battery (second removable battery (110-2)) from being displayed through the user interface (140).

[0149] For example, the processor (130) may, in an unauthenticated mode, restrict information about the performance (e.g., (SoH, State of Health)) of an unauthenticated battery (second removable battery (110-2)) from being displayed through the user interface (140).

[0150] That is, in the unauthenticated mode, the aerosol generating device (100) may have some functions preset in the function restriction list restricted or disabled from being executed.

[0151] However, the restricted functions described above are merely examples for the convenience of explanation, and not all of them must be included in the list of restricted functions. In other words, the functions restricted (disabled) in unauthenticated mode may include only some of the restricted functions described above as examples, and other functions may also be configured to be restricted in various ways. The functions to be restricted in unauthenticated mode may be preset by the manufacturer of the aerosol generating device (100) or may be varied by user manipulation.

[0152] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an aerosol generating device in an authentication mode according to one embodiment.

[0153] Referring to Fig. 9, the explanation will be given assuming that the currently installed third removable battery (110-3) is determined to be an unauthenticated battery by the two-step authentication described in Fig. 7.

[0154] In the authentication mode, the aerosol generating device (100) can operate all functions normally by normal power supply from an authenticated battery (third removable battery (110-3)).

[0155] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, when the aerosol generating device (100) operates in an authentication mode, the processor (130) can adjust the puff configuration that can be supported by the aerosol generating device (100) by identifying the capacity of the battery cell based on the second identification information of the battery cell provided in the authenticated battery (the third removable battery (110-3)).

[0156] Specifically, if the third removable battery (110-3) corresponds to a large-capacity battery, the processor (130) may set the puff settings of the aerosol generating device (100) to be customized for the large-capacity battery. For example, the processor (130) may adjust various settings, such as setting the total number of puffs that can be supported without charging the large-capacity battery (e.g., a total of 400 times), the time for smoking a single time (e.g., a maximum of 5 minutes), or setting a temperature profile optimized for the large-capacity battery, so as to be customized for the large-capacity battery. If the third removable battery (110-3) corresponds to a small-capacity battery, the processor (130) may adjust the settings differently from when it is a large-capacity battery.

[0157] Meanwhile, the types of battery capacities and the types of puff environment settings for each battery capacity described in FIG. 9 are merely examples and are not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating device (100) may be controlled to adjust to various types of puff environment settings by distinguishing various types of battery capacities. However, in the authentication mode, the aerosol generating device (100) may also be capable of operating without setting separate puff environment settings for each battery capacity.

[0158] In the previously described FIGS. 8 and 9, the user interface (140) of the aerosol generating device (100) is exemplified as having a display screen. However, according to another embodiment, the user interface (140) may be implemented as a type that does not have a separate display screen, and in such a case, the user interface (140) may distinguish between an authenticated mode and a non-authenticated mode and notify the user of this through various other means, such as blinking of a light emitting diode (LED), changing the color of an LED, changing the number of LEDs, and making a sound notification.

[0159] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for authenticating a removable battery in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. The method of Figure 10 corresponds to the steps sequentially performed in the drawings described above. Therefore, even if omitted below, the contents described in the drawings above can also be applied to the method of Figure 10.

[0160] At step 1001, the processor (130) accesses the protection circuit module (112) by electrically coupling with the protection circuit module (112) provided in the removable battery (110) when the aerosol generating device (100) is newly equipped with a removable battery (110).

[0161] At step 1002, the processor (130) obtains authentication information of the removable battery (110) from the accessed protection circuit module (112).

[0162] At step 1003, the processor (130) determines, based on the acquired authentication information, whether the removable battery (110) is an authorized battery for the aerosol generating device (100) or an unauthorized battery.

[0163] At step 1004, the processor (130) controls the operation of the aerosol generating device (100) in an authenticated mode that activates all functions of the aerosol generating device (100) powered by the removable battery (110) if the battery is determined to be authenticated, or in an unauthenticated mode that deactivates some functions of the aerosol generating device (100) powered by the removable battery (110) if the battery is determined to be unauthenticated.

[0164] The above-described method can be written as a program that can be executed on a computer, and can be implemented on a general-purpose digital computer that executes the program using a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. In addition, the structure of the data used in the above-described method can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium through various means. The computer-readable recording medium includes storage media such as magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, RAM, USB, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and optical reading media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, etc.).

[0165] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the above-described description. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is set forth in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being encompassed by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for performing authentication of a removable battery in an aerosol generating device, When a removable battery is newly installed in the above aerosol generating device, a step of accessing the protection circuit module by electrically connecting to the protection circuit module provided in the removable battery; A step of obtaining authentication information of the removable battery from the accessed protection circuit module; A step of determining whether the removable battery is an authorized battery or an unauthorized battery for the aerosol generating device based on the acquired authentication information; and Including a step of controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device in an authenticated mode that activates all functions of the aerosol generating device by power supply from the removable battery when the battery is determined to be an authenticated battery, or in an unauthenticated mode that deactivates some functions of the aerosol generating device by power supply from the removable battery when the battery is determined to be an unauthenticated battery. method.

2. In paragraph 1, The steps to obtain the above are From the memory of the protection circuit module, first identification information of the protection circuit module and second identification information of the battery cell provided in the removable battery are obtained. method.

3. In paragraph 2, The above judging step is, A step of performing primary authentication for the protection circuit module based on the first identification information obtained above; and If it is determined that the protection circuit module is an authenticated module through the first authentication, a step of performing a second authentication on the battery cell based on the acquired second identification information is included. If the battery cell is determined to be a certified battery cell through the above secondary authentication, the removable battery is determined to be a certified battery. method.

4. In paragraph 2, The above judging step is, If either of the acquired first identification information and the acquired second identification information is unauthenticated, the removable battery is determined to be an unauthenticated battery. method.

5. In paragraph 2, At least one of the first identification information and the second identification information includes information of the type of product serial number. method.

6. In paragraph 1, Some of the above features are disabled in the above unauthenticated mode. Including a heating function of the heater of the above aerosol generating device, method.

7. In paragraph 1, The speed at which the removable battery is charged by an external charger in the above unauthenticated mode is limited to be lower than the speed at which it is charged in the above authenticated mode. method.

8. In paragraph 1, Further comprising the step of providing a notification through the user interface of the aerosol generating device indicating that the aerosol generating device is currently operating in an unauthenticated mode after the removable battery is newly installed. method.

9. In paragraph 1, When the aerosol generating device operates in the authentication mode, the method further comprises adjusting a puff configuration that can be supported by the aerosol generating device by identifying the capacity of the battery cell based on the second identification information of the battery cell provided in the removable battery. method.

10. In the aerosol generating device, When a removable battery is newly installed in the above aerosol generating device, a battery connection electrically coupled to a protection circuit module provided in the removable battery; and A processor comprising: a processor configured to obtain authentication information of the removable battery from the protection circuit module by accessing the protection circuit module through the battery connection, determine whether the removable battery is an authorized battery or an unauthorized battery for the aerosol generating device based on the obtained authentication information, and control the operation of the aerosol generating device in an authorized mode that activates all functions of the aerosol generating device by power supply from the removable battery if the battery is determined to be an authorized battery, or in an unauthorized mode that deactivates some functions of the aerosol generating device by power supply from the removable battery if the battery is determined to be an unauthorized battery. Aerosol generating device.

11. In paragraph 10, The above processor Obtain first identification information of the protection circuit module and second identification information of the battery cell provided in the removable battery from the memory of the protection circuit module, Performing primary authentication for the protection circuit module based on the first identification information obtained above and secondary authentication for the battery cell based on the second identification information obtained above. Aerosol generating device.

12. In paragraph 11, If the processor determines that the protection circuit module is an authenticated module through the first authentication, the processor performs the second authentication on the battery cell. The processor determines that the removable battery is the certified battery if the battery cell is determined to be a certified battery cell through the secondary authentication. Aerosol generating device.

13. In paragraph 10, Further comprising a heater for heating the aerosol generating material, Some of the functions disabled in the above unauthenticated mode include the heating function of the heater of the aerosol generating device, Aerosol generating device.

14. In paragraph 10, Further comprising a user interface that provides a notification indicating that the aerosol generating device is currently operating in an unauthorized mode after the removable battery is newly installed. Aerosol generating device.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing any one of the provisions of paragraphs 1 to 9 on a computer.

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