KR20220001955A - Aerosol generating device and controlling method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment includes a heater, a power supply for supplying power to the heater, a communication unit that communicates with an external device, and a control unit that sets a communication network through an external device and a communication unit, and converts the device from an inactive state to an active state By including, the problem of offline incomplete sales can be supplemented.

Description

Aerosol generating device and controlling method thereof

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device capable of user authentication.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods that overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for a method of generating an aerosol as the aerosol generating material in the cigarette or liquid reservoir is heated rather than a method of generating the aerosol by burning a cigarette.

In a conventional aerosol generating device, the device operates simply according to a user's button input. Accordingly, there is a problem that unauthorized use by unauthorized users, for example, minors is possible.

In addition, in the case of selling an aerosol generating device at a store, the store clerk verifies the identity of the buyer and then sells the device after confirming that he or she is an adult. .

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device and a control method thereof that can solve the inconvenience of age authentication and incomplete sales in the offline sales process.

Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an age authentication device for an aerosol generating device capable of age authentication that can replace offline identification verification.

The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the above, and other technical problems can be inferred from the following examples.

An aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for solving the technical problem sets a communication network through a heater, a power supply for supplying power to the heater, a communication unit that communicates with an external device, and the external device and the communication unit, and , a control unit for switching the device from an inactive state to an active state.

Age authentication device for an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure for solving the above technical problem is a communication unit that communicates with the aerosol-generating device, an authentication unit performing age authentication, and when the age authentication is completed, the communication unit and a control unit configured to establish a communication network with the aerosol-generating device through the control unit and transmit an activation signal for switching the aerosol-generating device from an inactive state to an active state.

Age authentication device for an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure for solving the above technical problem When the authentication code received from the communication unit and the outside communicating with the aerosol-generating device is received, the user authentication application is executed and , When the age authentication is completed in the user authentication application, the communication unit and the aerosol-generating device and establishes a communication network through the communication unit, and a control unit that transmits an activation signal for switching the aerosol-generating device from an inactive state to an activated state.

A method of controlling an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure for solving the above technical problem includes the steps of setting a communication network with an external device and converting the aerosol generating apparatus from an inactive state to an active state .

The aerosol generating device of the present invention can solve the inconvenience of age authentication and incomplete sales in the offline sales process.

In addition, the age authentication device for the aerosol generating device can replace the offline ID verification, increasing user convenience.

Effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the present specification and accompanying drawings.

1 to 3 are diagrams illustrating examples in which cigarettes are inserted into an aerosol generating device.
4 and 5 are views showing examples of cigarettes.
6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment.
7 is a schematic diagram of age authentication using the aerosol generating device 100 and the wireless charger 200 according to another embodiment.
8 is a schematic diagram of age authentication using the aerosol generating device 100 and the user terminal 300 according to another embodiment.
9 is a schematic diagram of age authentication using the aerosol generating device 100 and the NFC terminal 400 according to another embodiment.
10 is a schematic diagram of age authentication using the aerosol generating device 100 and the age authentication device 500 according to another embodiment.
11 and 12 are flowcharts for explaining a method of controlling an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

Terms used in the embodiments are selected as currently widely used general terms as possible while considering functions in the present invention, but may vary according to intentions or precedents of those of ordinary skill in the art, emergence of new technologies, and the like. In addition, in a specific case, there is a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the term used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention, rather than the name of a simple term.

In the entire specification, when a part "includes" a certain element, this means that other elements may be further included, rather than excluding other elements, unless otherwise stated. In addition, terms such as "unit" and "module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. have.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those of ordinary skill in the art can easily carry out the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in several different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

In an embodiment, user authentication means confirming that the owner or the owner of the aerosol-generating device is himself/herself. In addition, user authentication means confirming age authentication or adult authentication. In the detailed description or claims, unless it is specifically stated as identity authentication or age authentication, user authentication is defined to include both identity authentication and adult authentication.

Here, the criteria for adults or minors may differ from country to country, and in Korea, those who are 19 years of age or older are defined as adults. In an embodiment, the age defined in the age authentication may mean 19 years of age, which is the age at which an aerosol generating device can be normally purchased or used normally.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 to 3 are diagrams illustrating examples in which cigarettes are inserted into an aerosol generating device.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11 , a control unit 12 , and a heater 13 . 2 and 3 , the aerosol generating device 1 further comprises a vaporizer 14 . In addition, a cigarette 2 may be inserted into the inner space of the aerosol generating device 1 .

The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 shows components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment that other general-purpose components other than those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 may be further included in the aerosol generating device 1 . . In addition, although it is shown that the heater 13 is included in the aerosol generating device 1 in FIGS. 2 and 3 , if necessary, the heater 13 may be omitted.

1 illustrates that the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are arranged in a line. In addition, in FIG. 2 , the battery 11 , the control unit 12 , the vaporizer 14 , and the heater 13 are illustrated as being arranged in a line. Also, FIG. 3 shows that the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 . In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1 , the arrangement of the battery 11 , the control unit 12 , the heater 13 and the vaporizer 14 may be changed.

When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 , the aerosol-generating device 1 may actuate the heater 13 and/or the vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and/or the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette 2 and is delivered to the user. If desired, the aerosol-generating device 1 can heat the heater 13 even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 .

The battery 11 supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1 . For example, the battery 11 may supply electric power so that the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14 can be heated, and may supply electric power required for the control unit 12 to operate. In addition, the battery 11 may supply power required to operate a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 1 .

The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1 . Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of the battery 11 , the heater 13 and the vaporizer 14 , as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device 1 . Also, the control unit 12 may determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state by checking the state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 .

The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. In addition, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains that it may be implemented in other types of hardware.

The heater 13 may be heated by electric power supplied from the battery 11 . For example, if a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 , the heater 13 may be located on the exterior of the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 13 may raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material in the cigarette.

The heater 13 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above-described example, and may be applicable without limitation as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 1 or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

Meanwhile, as another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette in an induction heating manner, and the cigarette may include a susceptor capable of being heated by the induction heating heater. For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, which can be heated inside or outside the cigarette 2 depending on the shape of the heating element. can be heated

In addition, a plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed in the aerosol generating device 1 . In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed to be inserted into the cigarette 2 , or may be disposed outside the cigarette 2 . In addition, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed to be inserted into the cigarette 2 , and the rest may be disposed outside the cigarette 2 . In addition, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shape shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , and may be manufactured in various shapes.

Vaporizer 14 may heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which may be delivered to a user through cigarette 2 . In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 may travel along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 1 , wherein the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette to the user. It can be configured to be For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid reservoir, a liquid delivery means and a heating element. For example, the liquid reservoir, the liquid delivery means and the heating element may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1 as independent modules.

The liquid reservoir may store the liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material comprising a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage unit may be manufactured to be detachably/attached from the vaporizer 14 , or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14 . For example, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavoring, flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, and the like. Flavoring agents may include ingredients capable of providing a user with a variety of flavors or flavors. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Liquid compositions may also include aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid delivery means may deliver the liquid composition of the liquid reservoir to the heating element. For example, the liquid delivery means may be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

The heating element is an element for heating 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, or the like. In addition, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged to be wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element may be heated by supplying an electrical current, and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated. For example, the vaporizer 14 may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11 , the controller 12 , the heater 13 , and the vaporizer 14 . For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one sensor (a puff detection sensor, a temperature sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may be manufactured in a structure that allows external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even in a state in which the cigarette 2 is inserted.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the aerosol generating device 1 may constitute a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used for charging the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1 . Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated in a state in which the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 are coupled.

The cigarette 2 may be similar to a conventional burning cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2 may be divided into a first part comprising an aerosol generating material and a second part comprising a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second part of the cigarette 2 may also contain an aerosol generating material. For example, an aerosol-generating material made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 , and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the whole of the first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while biting the second part with the mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by passing the outside air through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

As an example, external air may be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1 . For example, the opening and closing of the air passage and/or the size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1 may be adjusted by the user. Accordingly, the amount of atomization, the feeling of smoking, and the like can be adjusted by the user. As another example, external air may be introduced into the interior of the cigarette 2 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette (2).

Hereinafter, examples of the cigarette 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 .

4 and 5 are views showing examples of cigarettes.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22 . The first part 21 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 includes a tobacco rod 21 , and the second part 22 includes a filter rod 22 .

4, the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters certain components contained within the aerosol. In addition, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment performing other functions.

The cigarette 2 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24 . At least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas flows may be formed in the wrapper 24 . As an example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped by one wrapper 24 . As another example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped by two or more wrappers 24 overlappingly. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be packaged by the first wrapper 241 , and the filter rod 22 may be packaged by the wrappers 242 , 243 , and 244 . In addition, the entire cigarette 2 may be repackaged by a single wrapper 245 . If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by wrappers 242 , 243 , 244 .

The tobacco rod 21 comprises an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, wetting agents and/or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizing agent can be added to the tobacco rod 21 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21 .

Tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured as a sheet or as a strand. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of cut filler from which the tobacco sheet is chopped. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod by evenly distributing the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, thereby improving the tobacco taste. . Further, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the outside.

The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod including a hollow therein. Also, the filter rod 22 may be a recess type rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

In addition, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23 . Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating flavor, or may perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the cigarette 3 may further include a shear plug 33 . The front plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 opposite to the filter rod 32 . The shear plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from escaping to the outside, and the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking flows into the aerosol generating device ( 1 in FIGS. 1 to 3 ). can be prevented

The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322 . Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 4 , and the second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 4 . can

The diameter and overall length of the cigarette 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the cigarette 2 of FIG. 4 . For example, the length of the shear plug 33 is about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 is about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is about 12 mm, the length of the second segment 322 is about 14 mm. However, it is not limited thereto.

The cigarette 3 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35 . At least one hole through which external air flows or internal gas flows may be formed in the wrapper 35 . For example, the shear plug 33 is wrapped by the first wrapper 351 , the tobacco rod 31 is wrapped by the second wrapper 352 , and the first segment ( 353 ) is wrapped by the third wrapper 353 . 321 may be wrapped, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped by the fourth wrapper 354 . In addition, the entire cigarette 3 may be repackaged by the fifth wrapper 355 .

In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355 . For example, the perforations 36 may be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but are not limited thereto. The perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat formed by the heater 13 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31 .

Also, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34 . Here, the capsule 34 may perform a function of generating flavor, or may perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

In the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 , the cigarette 3 is inserted into the solid in the aerosol generating device 1 and only the cigarette 3 is heated to generate the aerosol, but is not limited thereto. That is, the aerosol generating device 1 in the embodiment is an aerosol generating device in the form of heating a liquid tobacco material to generate an aerosol in addition to inserting a cigarette, e-vapor, vaporizer, CSV (Close System Vaporizer) e-cigarette, liquid electronic cigarette Tobacco and the like may be included.

6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the aerosol generating device 100 includes a communication unit 420 , a storage unit 430 , an output unit 450 , an input unit 460 , a battery 470 , a heater 480 , and a control unit 490 . may include The battery 470 illustrated in FIG. 6 may correspond to the battery 11 of FIGS. 1 to 3 , and the heater 480 may correspond to the heater 13 of FIGS. 1 to 3 . Therefore, the overlapping description will be omitted.

The aerosol generating apparatus 100 establishes a communication network through an external device (not shown) and the communication unit 420 , and converts the device from an inactive state to an active state. Here, the external device is a device provided in a store selling the aerosol generating device 100, and may include a wireless charger, a wired/wireless charger, an NFC terminal, and the like. In addition, the external device may be a user terminal including a mobile terminal, a smart phone, and the like.

When the external device is a device provided at a store, it may be in the form of a kiosk installed in front of a checkout counter at the store. For example, if a sales clerk operates an external device after checking the identity of the buyer or user, the buyer or user unboxes the purchased aerosol generating device and turns on the power button, a communication network is established between the external device and the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating device 100 is in an activated state in an inactive state. Then, the purchaser or the user is placed in a state in which the device 100 can be used normally.

When the external device is a wireless charger, it is switched to an activated state after wireless charging is started in the aerosol generating device 100 through the wireless charger. On the other hand, when the external device is an NFC terminal, when the aerosol generating apparatus 100 is tagged to the NFC terminal, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 is switched to the activated state.

On the other hand, when the external device is a user terminal, age authentication is performed on the user terminal, and when age authentication is completed in the user terminal, when the purchaser or user unboxes the aerosol generating device and then turns on the power button, the aerosol generating device and the user A communication network between terminals is established. When a communication network, for example, Bluetooth is connected, the aerosol-generating device receives an activation signal from the user terminal, and the aerosol-generating device is switched to an activated state based on the activation signal.

A specific age authentication and activation function between the aerosol generating apparatus 100 and an external device will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10 .

The communication unit 420 communicates with an external device or a user terminal (not shown). In an embodiment, the communication unit 420 transmits and receives user authentication information to and from an external device or user terminal. Here, the external device may include a wireless charger, an NFC terminal, and a wired/wireless terminal capable of age authentication. The user terminal may be a mobile terminal or a smart phone, but is not limited thereto, and may include a user terminal capable of short-range communication with the aerosol generating device 100 .

The communication unit 420 includes a short-range communication unit, for example, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy, hereinafter BLE) communication unit, a short-range wireless communication unit (Near Field Communication unit, hereinafter NFC), WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, Zigbee ( Zigbee) communication unit, infrared (Infrared Data Association, hereinafter IrDA) communication unit, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, and may include an Ant+ communication unit, but is not limited thereto.

The storage unit 430 stores information for the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 . Also, when a communication network is established with an external device or user terminal, the storage unit 430 may store a device authentication number for device authentication.

The output unit 450 may include a display 451 , a speaker 452 , and a haptic motor 453 to output the first notification and the second notification. The output unit 450 may output visual, auditory, and tactile information.

The display 451 may visually output various alarm messages generated by the aerosol generating device 100 . For example, the display 451 may output a green light when the remaining amount of the battery 470 is equal to or greater than a preset reference remaining amount, and output an orange light when the remaining amount of the battery 470 is less than a preset reference remaining amount. .

The speaker 452 may audibly output various alarm messages generated by the aerosol generating device 100 . For example, the speaker 452 outputs a beep sound for a preset time when the remaining amount of the battery 470 is greater than or equal to the preset reference residual amount, and when the residual amount of the battery 470 is less than the preset reference residual amount, A beep sound may be output at a preset period.

The haptic motor 453 may tactilely output various alarm messages generated by the aerosol generating device 100 . For example, when the remaining amount of the battery 470 is greater than or equal to the preset reference residual amount, the haptic motor 453 vibrates for a preset time to output a first notification, and the residual amount of the battery 470 is less than the preset reference residual amount. In this case, the second notification may be output by vibrating at a preset period.

The input unit 460 may receive a user input. For example, the input unit 460 may receive a user input for heating the heater 480 . As another example, the input unit 460 may receive a user input for changing the display of the output unit 450 .

The battery 470 supplies power to the heater 480 , and the amount of power supplied to the heater 480 may be adjusted by the controller 490 .

The heater 480 generates heat by resistivity when a current is applied, and when the aerosol generating substrate is in contact (combined) with the heated heater 480, an aerosol can be generated.

The controller 490 may control the power supplied to the heater 480 by transmitting a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to the heater 480 .

The controller 490 may heat the heater 480 when the aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the cavity within a preset time. To this end, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a substrate detection sensor (not shown). According to an embodiment, the controller 490 may heat the heater 480 in response to the opening of the cavity 150 or may heat the heater 480 in response to a user input received by the input unit 460 .

The control unit 490 establishes a communication network through the external device and the communication unit 420 , and switches the device from an inactive state to an active state. Here, the inactive state is a state immediately after purchasing the aerosol generating device 100 , and may be an unboxed state. Also, it may be that the power button is turned on for the first time after purchasing the device. However, the device is in an inactive state in which the device cannot be used immediately even when the power button is turned on for the first time. In an embodiment, even if the device is purchased after adult authentication at the store, it is placed in an inactive state that cannot be used immediately, and the device can be used only after a communication network with an external device is established, that is, through secondary authentication. Therefore, by further strengthening adult authentication, various inconveniences and incomplete sales problems can be solved in the sales process at offline stores.

7 is a schematic diagram of age authentication using the aerosol generating device 100 and the wireless charger 200 according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7 , after the communication network between the aerosol generating device 100 and the wireless charger 200 is established, power from the wireless charger 200 charges the battery of the aerosol generating device 100 . In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 activates the device 100 after the wireless charging is started after the wireless charger 200 and the communication network are established after adult authentication.

In an embodiment, the wireless charger 200 may be in the form of a wireless charging pad, and by placing the aerosol generating device 100 on the wireless charging pad, wireless charging may be initiated. The wireless charging pad has a built-in primary coil, and the aerosol generating device 100 has a built-in secondary coil and a wireless charging circuit, so that the battery of the device 100 is wirelessly charged through mutually induced electromotive force. In an embodiment, the method of wireless charging may use a known technology such as a magnetic induction method, a magnetic resonance (magnetic induction) method, an electromagnetic wave method.

In an embodiment, even if the device is purchased after adult authentication at the store, it is placed in an inactive state that cannot be used immediately, and is placed on a wireless charger, for example, a wireless charging pad provided at the store, that is, the device only through secondary authentication. becomes available for use. Therefore, at the same time as performing the secondary authentication function for offline adult authentication, the device in a low power state or battery discharge state after unboxing can be charged and used at the same time as purchase.

8 is a schematic diagram of age authentication using the aerosol generating device 100 and the user terminal 300 according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the concept of performing age authentication using the aerosol generating device 100 and the user terminal 300 is illustrated. Here, the user terminal 300 may be a mobile terminal or a smart phone possessed by the user. For example, in order to purchase the aerosol generating device 100 , user authentication or age authentication is performed in the user terminal 300 . Here, when the user authentication application is executed in the user terminal 300 , user authentication or adult authentication is completed after inputting user authentication information, the user terminal 300 transmits an activation signal to the device 100 . When the aerosol generating device 100 receives the activation signal, it activates the device 100 . Here, the user authentication of the user terminal 300 may use various authentication methods, for example, i-PIN authentication, phone number authentication, public certificate authentication, biometric information authentication, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, when a device is purchased from a store, of course, user authentication or adult authentication can be performed by transmitting and receiving an authentication number issued by the store to and from the user terminal. In addition, when the user authentication is completed in the user terminal 300, the pre-sale authentication process may be performed by confirming or transmitting the authentication number to the clerk of the store or the terminal of the store.

According to an embodiment, the disadvantage of incomplete sales can be compensated for while solving the inconvenience of authentication of the person or age, such as presenting an identification card, in the offline sales process.

9 is a schematic diagram of age authentication using the aerosol generating device 100 and the NFC terminal 400 according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9 , after tagging the aerosol generating device 100 to the NFC terminal 400 provided in the store, the aerosol generating device 100 is switched to an activated state, and is placed in a use state. The NFC terminal 400 may include an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves, an NFC chip for data processing, and a security module responsible for security. The NFC terminal 400 may utilize the technology defined in the contactless card technology standard (ISO/IEC 14443 A&B, JIS-X 6319-4).

In an embodiment, after adult authentication is performed for a buyer or a user who wants to purchase the device 100 at the store, unboxing the device, turning on the power, and tagging the NFC terminal 400 provided in the store The device is activated and placed in a usable state.

10 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device 100 and an age authentication device 500 according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the age authentication device 500 includes a control unit 510 , a communication unit 520 , an authentication unit 530 , and a charging unit 540 .

In an embodiment, the age verification device 500 may be provided in a store, and a purchaser or a user may purchase and activate the device only through the age verification device. For example, age authentication of the user is performed through the authentication unit 530 of the age authentication device 500 . The authentication unit 530 may perform age authentication by a known age authentication method, for example, by scanning a user's identification card and receiving input user information and user information, or by receiving information of a user terminal to which the user has joined. have.

The communication unit 520 may transmit/receive user information to and from an external certification authority (not shown), or may communicate with the aerosol generating device 100 .

The charging unit 540 may include a wired/wireless charging module, and may charge the aerosol generating device 100 with wired or wireless power.

When the age authentication is completed through the authentication unit 530, the control unit 510 establishes a communication network with the aerosol generating device 100 through the communication unit 520, and switches the aerosol generating device 100 from an inactive state to an activated state. Transmits an activation signal to switch.

The aerosol generating device 100 receives the activation signal transmitted from the age authentication device 500, and activates the device 100 based on this.

In an embodiment, the age authentication device 500 provides an age authentication function, a device activation function, a charging function, and the like, thereby replacing the conventional offline identification check and supplementing offline incomplete sales.

11 and 12 are flowcharts for explaining a method of controlling an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11 , in step 1000, 　 an external device and a communication network are established. Here, the external device may include a wireless charger provided in a retail store, or a mobile terminal or user terminal possessed by the user.

In step 1102, the state is switched from the inactive state to the active state. After purchasing the aerosol-generating device, when the device and the external device and a communication network are established, the device must be activated, but only then the device is put into a usable state.

Referring to FIG. 12 , in step 1200, a wireless charger and a communication network are established. In step 1202, when wireless charging is initiated from the wireless charger, in step 1204, the state is switched from the inactive state to the active state.

Those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that it can be implemented in a modified form within a range that does not deviate from the essential characteristics of the above description. Therefore, the disclosed methods are to be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present invention is indicated in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the present invention.

100: aerosol generating device
420: communication unit
430: storage
490: control
460: input unit
470: battery
480: heater

Claims (15)

heater;
a power supply for supplying power to the heater;
a communication unit for communicating with an external device; and
An aerosol generating apparatus comprising a control unit for setting a communication network through the external device and the communication unit, and converting the device from an inactive state to an activated state. The method of claim 1,
The external device includes a wireless charger,
The control unit is
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that after wireless charging is started from the wireless charger to the power source, the device is switched to an activated state. The method of claim 1,
The external device includes an NFC terminal,
The control unit is
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that receiving an activation signal from the NFC terminal according to the tagging with the NFC terminal, and switching the device to an activation state based on the received activation signal. The method of claim 1,
The external device is
A user terminal for performing age authentication, wherein when the age authentication is completed in the user terminal,
The control unit is
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that receiving an activation signal from the user terminal, and switching the device to an activation state based on the received activation signal. The method of claim 1,
The external device is
including a wired and wireless charger that performs age verification;
The control unit is
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that after charging is started to the power source through the wired or wireless charger, the device is switched to an activated state. 6. The method of claim 5,
In the wired or wireless charger, an aerosol generating device, characterized in that charging is started after the age authentication. The method of claim 1,
The inactive state of the device is
Aerosol generating device, characterized in that the unboxed state. The method of claim 1,
The activation state is
An aerosol-generating device comprising a state in which the device can be used. a communication unit in communication with the aerosol generating device;
an authentication unit that performs age authentication; and
Age for an aerosol-generating device comprising a control unit that, when the age authentication is completed, sets a communication network with the aerosol-generating device through the communication unit, and transmits an activation signal for converting the aerosol-generating device from an inactive state to an active state authentication device. 10. The method of claim 9,
Further comprising a charging unit for charging the power of the aerosol generating device in a wired or wireless manner,
The control unit is
Age authentication device for an aerosol generating device, characterized in that transmitting the activation signal after the charging is started by wire or wireless. 10. The method of claim 9,
The communication unit,
performing NFC communication with the aerosol-generating device;
The control unit is
Age authentication device for an aerosol-generating device, characterized in that transmitting the activation signal when the aerosol-generating device is tagged. a communication unit in communication with the aerosol generating device; and
When the authentication code received from the outside is received, the user authentication application is executed, and when age authentication is completed in the user authentication application, a communication network is established with the aerosol generating device through the communication unit, and the aerosol generating device is deactivated Age authentication device for an aerosol generating device comprising a control unit for transmitting an activation signal for switching from the state to the active state. A method for controlling an aerosol generating device, comprising:
establishing a communication network with an external device; and
A method of controlling an aerosol-generating device comprising the step of switching the aerosol-generating device from an inactive state to an active state. 14. The method of claim 13,
The external device is
Control method of an aerosol generating device comprising a wireless charger, NFC terminal or a user terminal capable of age authentication. 15. The method of claim 14,
When the external device is a wireless charger,
The conversion step is
Control method of an aerosol generating device, characterized in that performed after the wireless charging is started from the wireless charger to the power source of the aerosol generating device.

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