Fragrance recommendation device and system

Abstract

Disclosed are a fragrance recommendation device and system. An aspect of the present embodiment provides a fragrance recommendation system including: a test device attached or mounted to a preset part of a test subject to examine the functional activity of the left and right prefrontal lobes; a fragrance recommendation device that analyzes the results obtained by the test device, and thereby analyzes the subject's preference for or aversion to each of tested fragrances; and a test container that stores each of fragrances that are provided to the test subject in order to be tested, and provides the fragrances to the test subject.

Description

Fragrance recommendation device and system

[0001] The present embodiment relates to a device and system that objectively recommends a fragrance according to an individual's taste or a fragrance requested by an individual.

[0002] The content described in this section merely provides background information for the present embodiment and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] When consumers choose a fragrance, they are typically guided by a salesperson selling perfume or other products in an offline store. The consumer describes the scent they want, and the salesperson recommends products with various scents based on the description.

[0004] However, for consumers who lack extensive knowledge of fragrance, it can be difficult to verbally describe their desired scent to a salesperson. This is especially true for complex fragrances. Depending on the consumer's inaccurate descriptions, salespeople often provide product guidance, and the consumer then samples and selects a few scents.

[0005] Because the environment is not one in which each scent is uniquely provided, the preference for the scent provided depends on the consumer's unquantified judgment, and because the continuous provision of multiple scents can lead to an incomplete evaluation of previously provided scents, consumers are experiencing a decrease in satisfaction when trying to use a scent again later, even if they were satisfied with the scent they chose on the spot.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an objective and quantifiable means of recommending fragrances to consumers.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a device and system that objectifies and quantifies and recommends a scent that an individual's taste or individual's desired scent among various scents.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, a fragrance recommendation system is provided, characterized by including a test device that is attached or mounted on a preset area of ​​a subject to test the functional activity of the left and right prefrontal cortex, a fragrance recommendation device that analyzes the results of the test performed by the test device to analyze the preference or dislike of each fragrance tested by the subject, and a test container that stores each fragrance to be provided to the subject for testing and provides the fragrance to the subject.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the inspection device is characterized in that it is implemented in a form that is mounted on the head of the subject.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the preset area is characterized in that it is near the forehead of the subject.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the scent recommendation device is characterized in that it derives the concentration of hemoglobin that has moved or moved to the left / right prefrontal cortex of the subject, and analyzes the derived result to analyze the subject's preference or dispreference for each scent.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the testing device is characterized by testing the pulse wave of the subject.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the fragrance recommendation device is characterized in that it additionally analyzes the preference or dispreference of the subject for each fragrance from the pulse wave measurement results of the testing device.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, a fragrance recommendation system is provided, characterized by including an image output device that receives an image or image including a situation, environment, or time point related to a fragrance that the subject wants to confirm or remember from an examinee and outputs the image or image to the examinee, an examination device that is attached or mounted to a preset area of ​​the examinee and examines the functional activity of the left and right prefrontal cortex, a fragrance recommendation device that analyzes the results of the examination by the examination device and analyzes the preference or dispreference for the similarity or relationship between each fragrance that the examinee has examined and the fragrance that the examinee wants to confirm or remember, and an examination container that stores each fragrance to be provided to the examinee for examination and provides the fragrance to the examinee.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the scent recommendation device is characterized in that it analyzes the preference or dispreference for the similarity or relationship with the scent that the subject wants to confirm or remember, based on the activity or pulse of the prefrontal lobe of the subject.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the scent recommendation device is characterized in that, when the left prefrontal cortex of the subject is activated, the similarity or relationship between the scent that the subject wants to confirm or remember and the scent currently smelled is analyzed to be relatively low.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the scent recommendation device is characterized in that, when the right prefrontal cortex of the subject is activated, the similarity or relationship between the scent that the subject wants to confirm or remember and the scent currently smelled is analyzed to be relatively high.

[0018] As described above, according to one aspect of the present embodiment, there is an advantage in that among various scents, the scent that each individual likes or desires can be recommended by objectifying and quantifying it.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a fragrance recommendation system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of an inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of a fragrance recommendation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating the test results of a fragrance recommendation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of an inspection tube according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figures 6 and 7 are drawings illustrating inspection results output to a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a fragrance recommendation system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated and described in detail in the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Throughout the description of each drawing, similar reference numerals have been used to designate similar components.

[0027] Terms such as first, second, A, and B may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related items described herein or any of multiple related items described herein.

[0028] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0029] The terminology used in this application is solely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should be understood that terms such as "comprise" or "have" in this application do not preclude the presence or possibility of addition of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0031] Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined in this application.

[0032] In addition, each configuration, process, procedure or method included in each embodiment of the present invention may be shared within a scope that is not technically inconsistent with each other.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a fragrance recommendation system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, a fragrance recommendation system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a test device (110), a fragrance recommendation device (120), a test tube (130), and a display device (140).

[0035] Typically, when a human smells a scent with their olfactory organ, olfactory cells sense the scent and generate (bio)signals corresponding to the scent. The prefrontal cortex receives the signals generated by the olfactory cells, regenerates the signals, and transmits them to the olfactory part of the brain for processing. In particular, the left prefrontal cortex tends to be activated primarily when the subject smells an unpreferred smell, such as a bad smell, while the right prefrontal cortex tends to be activated primarily when the subject smells a preferred, familiar, or desired smell. In addition, when the subject smells a bad smell or scent, their pulse rate also tends to change.

[0036] The scent recommendation system (100) uses these characteristics to determine which prefrontal cortex is activated or which pulse wave changes when a specific scent is provided to the subject, thereby objectifying and quantifying the subject's preference or dispreference for the scent.

[0037] The testing device (110) is attached or mounted on a predetermined area of ​​the subject to test the functional activity or pulse wave of the left / right prefrontal cortex. If the subject is exposed to various scents, the activity of the left / right prefrontal cortex and the pulse wave of the subject may vary depending on the scent provided. The testing device (110) is attached to a predetermined area of ​​the subject to measure each of these.

[0038] The inspection device (110) is attached or mounted on a preset area. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the inspection device (110) may be implemented in a form (e.g., a hairband type) that is mounted on the head of the subject. The inspection device (110) is mounted on the head of the subject, and the inspection area of ​​the inspection device (110) is implemented such that it is located near the forehead of the subject, particularly, the area between the eyebrows. In this way, since the inspection device (110) is implemented in a form that is mounted on the head of the subject, it is possible to minimize discomfort to the subject that may occur during the inspection for recommending a fragrance.

[0039] The testing device (110) measures the concentration of hemoglobin that has moved or already moved to each prefrontal lobe in order to test the functional activity of the left and right prefrontal lobes. Depending on the degree of activation, the concentration of hemoglobin that moves to the prefrontal lobe increases. The testing device (110) measures the concentration of hemoglobin in both locations opposite the left and right prefrontal lobes. The testing device (110) transmits the measurement results to the scent recommendation device (120), so that the scent recommendation device (120) can analyze the subject's preference or dispreference for each scent.

[0040] Meanwhile, the testing device (110) measures the pulse wave of the subject when each scent is provided at the aforementioned location. The pulse wave of the subject will differ depending on whether the provided scent is a scent that the subject prefers or a scent that the subject does not prefer. For example, if the subject is provided with a scent that the subject does not prefer, the subject's heart rate or blood flow may increase. Conversely, if the subject is provided with a scent that the subject prefers, the subject's heart rate or blood flow may decrease. The subject's pulse wave will vary depending on whether the provided scent is preferred or not. The testing device (110) transmits the measurement results for each scent of the subject to the scent recommendation device (120), so that the scent recommendation device (120) can analyze the subject's preference or dispreference for each scent. A detailed description of the structure of the testing device (110) will be described later with reference to FIG. 2.

[0041] Since the test device (110) is in contact with the skin of each subject to perform the measurement, the test device (110) can be detachably connected to the fragrance recommendation device (120). Accordingly, different test devices (110) can be used for each subject, and a separate component (e.g., cloth or tissue, etc.) can be placed between the test device and the subject so as not to interfere with the test at the area where the test device (110) and the subject come into contact.

[0042] The scent recommendation device (120) analyzes the results of the test performed by the test device (110) to analyze the subject's preference or dispreference for each scent.

[0043] The scent recommendation device (120) derives the concentration of hemoglobin (deoxyhemoglobin) that moves (oxyhemoglobin) or has moved to the left / right prefrontal lobe of the subject, and analyzes the derived results to analyze the preference or dispreference of the subject for each scent. Based on the test results of the test device (110), the scent recommendation device (120) derives whether the left or right prefrontal lobe is activated and how much hemoglobin has moved or has moved according to the preference of the subject who smelled a specific scent. Since the activity of each prefrontal lobe is proportional to the concentration of hemoglobin that has moved or has moved, the scent recommendation device (120) can derive the activity of each prefrontal lobe based on the test results of the test device (110). As previously mentioned, the left prefrontal cortex is primarily activated when the subject smells an undesirable odor, such as a foul odor, while the right prefrontal cortex is primarily activated when the subject smells a preferred, familiar, or desired odor. Accordingly, the scent recommendation device (120) derives the activity level of each prefrontal cortex.

[0044] At this time, the (absolute) degree of activation of each prefrontal cortex may vary from individual to individual. While a particular subject may have a relatively low degree of activation for a preferred scent, another subject may have a significantly high degree of activation for his or her preferred scent. Depending on the test results, even if the preferred scents are of the same level, there is a possibility that the analysis may show that a particular subject has a particular preference for the scent. Since this may cause errors in the analysis results, the scent recommendation device (120) calculates the relative activity of the two prefrontal cortices (the difference between the two). As the scent recommendation device (120) calculates the relative activity of the two prefrontal cortices in this way, it can clearly identify the subject's scent preference while also clearly identifying the individual's scent preference. Based on the derived results, the scent recommendation device (120) analyzes the subject's preference or dispreference for each scent.

[0045] The fragrance recommendation device (120) analyzes the subject's preference or dislike for each fragrance based on the subject's pulse wave measured by the testing device (110). According to the above, the subject's heart rate or blood flow may vary, and the pulse wave may also vary, depending on the subject's preference or dislike for each fragrance. The fragrance recommendation device (120) additionally analyzes the subject's preference or dislike for each fragrance based on the pulse wave measurement results.

[0046] Furthermore, the scent recommendation device (120) can recommend the optimal scent for the subject based on the analyzed preference ranking. The scent recommendation device (120) mixes a certain number of scents based on the analyzed preference for each scent, and the scent with the highest preference is used as the base scent (the scent included in the largest proportion), and as the preference decreases, the proportion included is reduced to mix the desired number of scents. The scent recommendation device (120) can adjust the scent to the optimal scent preferred by the subject by using the scent that the subject likes the most as the base and then including relatively less of the preferred scents thereafter. A detailed description of the specific structure of the scent recommendation device (120) will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0047] The test tube (130) stores each scent to be provided to the subject and provides the scent to the subject. As the test tube (130) has the structure illustrated in FIG. 5, it can provide the scent to the subject while minimizing the exposure of each scent to the outside.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of an inspection tube according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5C, an inspection tube (130) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cover (510), a body (520), an opening / closing portion (525), and a fragrance core (530).

[0050] The cover (510) is detachably attached to the open end of the body (520) to open or seal the open portion of the body (520). The cover (510) may not be coupled to the open end of the body (520) so that the fragrance core (530) can be placed inside the body (520). However, when the fragrance core (530) is placed inside the body (520), the cover (510) is coupled to the open end of the body (520) and seals the inside of the body (520) so that the fragrance does not escape outside the body (520) except when the opening / closing portion (525) is opened.

[0051] The body (520) includes an open end and an opening / closing portion (525), and a fragrance core (530) is placed inside.

[0052] The body (520) includes an opening / closing portion (525) at one portion. The opening / closing portion (525) opens / closes by being raised / lowered by an external force, or by including a hinge structure or the like. In this way, the body (520) can minimize fragrance loss or leakage to the outside by including the opening / closing portion (525), while supplying fragrance only to a specific portion when necessary. Accordingly, the subject can receive the necessary amount of fragrance to the desired location without being unnecessarily exposed to excessive fragrance.

[0053] The fragrance core (530) contains or provides a fragrance to be provided for inspection. The fragrance core (530) is placed within the body (520) and provides the fragrance to the outside of the body (520) according to the operation of the opening / closing part (525). The fragrance core (530) may be implemented in any configuration as long as it contains a fragrance and can provide it to the outside.

[0054] Referring back to FIG. 1, the display device (140) outputs the analysis results of the fragrance recommendation device (120). Based on the analysis results of the fragrance recommendation device (120), the display device (140) outputs the subject's preference and / or dislike results for each fragrance. The subject can check the results output from the display device (140) and confirm his / her own objective and quantified results for each fragrance.

[0055] The test for scent recommendation is performed as follows. First, the scent recommendation device (120) determines whether the test device (110) is attached to the subject. If the test device (110) is attached to the subject, a signal type generally obtained from a human can be obtained. On the other hand, if the test device (110) is not attached to the subject, no signal can be obtained or a signal such as excessive light reception can be obtained. Based on the signal type obtained in this way, the scent recommendation device (120) determines whether the test device (110) is attached to the subject.

[0056] If it is determined that the test device (110) is attached or installed on a preset part of the subject, a first scent is provided to the subject for a preset first period of time. Here, the preset first period of time may be approximately 20 seconds. The test device (110) tests or measures the functional activity or pulse wave of the left / right prefrontal cortex during the preset first period of time for the first scent. Thereafter, the subject has a rest period during which no scent is provided for a preset second period of time. Here, the preset second period of time may be approximately 40 seconds. In order to eliminate the influence of the first scent provided first, the subject is provided with a rest period during the preset second period of time. The scent recommendation device (120) analyzes the subject's preference and dislike for the provided first scent based on the test results of the test device (110). After the preset second period of time has elapsed, the aforementioned test is performed on the second scent, and this test is performed on all prepared scents. The fragrance recommendation device (120) objectifies and quantifies all tested fragrances and recommends fragrances to the subject according to the subject's preference and / or dispreference.

[0057] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of an inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, an inspection device (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a light source (210, 215) and a light receiving unit (220, 230, 235).

[0059] A light source (210) is attached to the subject's forehead, particularly between the eyebrows, to irradiate light into the subject's body (prefrontal lobe). The prefrontal lobe, which typically controls olfactory function, is located near the forehead (inward from the forehead toward the body). Therefore, to accurately determine the tissue activity of the prefrontal lobe, the light source (210) is attached to the subject's forehead to irradiate light into the subject's body.

[0060] The light source (210) irradiates light in the near-infrared wavelength range. Light in the near-infrared wavelength range has the property of being absorbed by hemoglobin. If the prefrontal lobe contains a lot of hemoglobin, the amount of near-infrared light absorbed will be large, and the amount of light reflected from the prefrontal lobe will be small. Since hemoglobin is an oxygen carrier unless there are special circumstances (such as carbon monoxide poisoning), hemoglobin must move to the tissue (olfactory organ in one embodiment of the present invention) and its related tissue (prefrontal lobe in one embodiment of the present invention) in order to activate a specific tissue. Therefore, in order to examine the concentration of hemoglobin moving to the prefrontal lobe due to the activation of the subject's olfactory function, the light source (210) irradiates near-infrared light into the patient's body.

[0061] The light source (210) can irradiate two near-infrared lights of different wavelengths. The light source (210) irradiates light in the 730 nm band or light in the 850 nm band. The types of hemoglobin that move to the prefrontal lobe include oxyhemoglobin (Oxy Hb) that provides oxygen to the prefrontal lobe and deoxyhemoglobin (Deoxy Hb) that already provides oxygen to the prefrontal lobe. The light source (210) irradiates at least two near-infrared lights with different wavelengths so that the fragrance recommendation device (120) can derive the concentrations of both types of hemoglobin.

[0062] The light source (210) can operate as follows. In one method, the light source (210) can irradiate light of each wavelength band at intervals. Accordingly, only one wavelength band can be irradiated into the body of the subject, and reflected light according to the light of the corresponding wavelength band can be generated therefrom. In another method, the light source can continuously irradiate light of each wavelength band by including as many light sources as the number of wavelength bands of light to be irradiated, but irradiate light at different frequencies. That is, the light source (210) includes a light source that irradiates light in the 730 nm band and a light source that irradiates light in the 850 nm band, and continuously irradiates light, but adjusts the output frequencies of both sources differently. The frequencies are adjusted to be different from each other within a range of tens to hundreds of kHz. Accordingly, the reflected light also has different frequencies, so that the two types of light can be distinguished from each other by frequency. However, this is not necessarily limited to this, and the light source (210) may operate in any manner as long as it can distinguish and irradiate light of each wavelength band. For example, the light source may operate in a manner such as irradiating light at regular intervals and acquiring the aforementioned information based on the time and intensity it takes for the photons to arrive.

[0063] The light source (215) is positioned adjacent to the light source (210) and irradiates light in the green wavelength band into the body of the subject. The light source (215) irradiates light of about 650 nm, which is a green wavelength band for measuring pulse waves. Since the light in the corresponding wavelength band has the property of being absorbed by oxygen hemoglobin, the reflected light irradiated from the light source (215) and then reflected contains information about the amount of blood flow. The pulse wave can be measured from the information contained in the reflected light. In order to measure the pulse wave in this way, the light source (215) irradiates light in the green wavelength band into the body of the patient.

[0064] The light receiving unit (220) is positioned at a relatively close distance from the light source (210, 215), and the light receiving unit (230, 235) is positioned at a relatively far distance from the light source (210, 215), so as to receive the reflected light reflected from the prefrontal lobe.

[0065] Each light-receiving unit (220, 230, 235) receives the reflected light reflected from the prefrontal cortex a preset number of times per hour. The light-receiving units (220, 230, 235) receive the reflected light that is reflected without being absorbed by hemoglobin among the near-infrared light irradiated to the prefrontal cortex of the subject. Each light-receiving unit (220, 230, 235) transmits the sensed reflected light amount information to the fragrance recommendation device (120), thereby enabling the fragrance recommendation device (120) to derive the hemoglobin concentration based on the reflected light amount. At this time, each light-receiving unit (220, 230, 235) can receive light a preset number of times per hour. For example, each light-receiving unit (220, 230, 235) can receive the reflected light 20 times per second.

[0066] The light receiving portion (230, 235) is positioned at a preset first distance from the light source (210, 215). The distance between the light source and the light receiving portion is proportional to the degree of light penetration emitted by the light source. Since the light emitted from the light source (210) positioned on the forehead of the subject must penetrate at least to the prefrontal lobe of the subject, the light receiving portion (230, 235) is positioned at a preset first distance from the light source (210, 215) as shown in Fig. 2. Here, the preset first distance may be twice the (straight) distance between the normal forehead and the prefrontal lobe.

[0067] In addition, the light-receiving units (230, 235) are arranged to face the left and right brains, respectively. The light-receiving units (230, 235) are not randomly arranged near the forehead (at a first preset distance from the light source), but rather a certain number of light-receiving units are arranged to face the left brain, and the remaining light-receiving units are arranged to face the right brain. The light-receiving units (230, 235) are arranged in this manner so that they can receive reflected light reflected from both the left and right brains.

[0068] Meanwhile, the light receiving unit (220) is positioned at a preset second distance from the light source (210, 215). Here, the preset second distance may be twice the (straight) distance from the forehead to the skull (front). The light receiving unit (220) receives the reflected light reflected from the skin layer rather than the prefrontal cortex at a position at a preset second distance from the light source (210, 215). The light receiving unit (220) receives the reflected light from the light source (210) to the skin layer regardless of the prefrontal cortex and transmits the sensed reflected light amount information to the fragrance recommendation device (120). The reflected light received by the light receiving unit (230, 235) must pass through the skin layer before traveling from the light source to the prefrontal cortex or reflecting from the prefrontal cortex and entering the light receiving unit. Noise may be generated as the light passes through the skin layer. In order to remove noise components due to the skin layer and enable the fragrance recommendation device (120) to accurately detect the reflected light from the prefrontal cortex, the light receiving unit (220) transmits the amount of reflected light reflected from the skin layer to the fragrance recommendation device (120).

[0069] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of a fragrance recommendation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating the inspection results of a fragrance recommendation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3, a fragrance recommendation device (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a power supply unit (310), a control unit (320), an analysis unit (330), and a memory unit (340).

[0071] The power supply unit (310) supplies power to operate each component within the fragrance recommendation device (120). Furthermore, the power supply unit (310) can supply power to the inspection device (110) to operate each component within the inspection device (110).

[0072] The control unit (320) controls the operation of each component in the fragrance recommendation device (120).

[0073] In addition, the control unit (320) controls the operation of the light source within the inspection device (110). The light source (210) must irradiate light of two different wavelength bands. Accordingly, the control unit (320) controls the light source (210) to sequentially irradiate light of the two wavelength bands. Alternatively, when the light source (210) includes multiple (two) light sources that output light of each wavelength band, the control unit (320) controls each light source to have a different frequency and irradiate light of each wavelength band.

[0074] The analysis unit (330) analyzes the subject's preference or dispreference for each scent based on the sensing values ​​sensed by each light receiving unit (230, 235).

[0075] The analysis unit (330) removes noise from the sensing values ​​sensed by the light-receiving units (230, 235). As described above, the light-receiving unit (220) senses the reflected light reflected from the skin layer, so the first analysis unit (530) removes noise from the sensing values ​​sensed by the light-receiving units (230, 235) by taking into account the sensing values ​​of the light-receiving unit (220).

[0076] The analysis unit (330) derives the hemoglobin concentration after the scent for testing is provided to the subject based on the sensing values ​​sensed by each light-receiving unit (230, 235). The analysis unit (330) derives the concentration of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin from the sensing values ​​sensed by each light-receiving unit (230, 235) using various formulas such as the Beer-Lambert law. In order for the analysis unit (330) to derive both the concentrations of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin, the testing device (110) performs the test using a light source that irradiates light of different wavelengths. However, since the values ​​are derived with simple elements such as a light source and a light-receiving unit, the absolute value of the derived hemoglobin concentration is highly likely to be inaccurate. Accordingly, the analysis unit (330) derives the concentration of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin at each time point based on the sensing value, and derives a relative value with respect to the reference value.

[0077] Here, the reference value refers to the average value of the hemoglobin concentration for a preset period of time after the testing device (110) is installed, before the scent is provided to the subject. The analysis unit (330) derives a relative value with respect to the reference value from the absolute value of the hemoglobin concentration while the scent for testing is provided to the subject. Through this process, the analysis unit (330) analyzes the activity of the left prefrontal cortex and the right prefrontal cortex while the scent for testing is provided to the subject.

[0078] The analysis unit (330) calculates the relative activity of the two prefrontal lobes using the activity of the analyzed left and right prefrontal lobes. The analysis unit (330) calculates the relative activity of one (for example, the activity of the right prefrontal lobe) as a standard. If the subject prefers a scent, the activity of the right prefrontal lobe increases, so the relative activity increases (to a positive value). In the opposite case, the activity of the left prefrontal lobe increases, so the relative activity decreases (to a negative value). The analysis unit (330) calculates the relative activity for each scent of the subject in this way. Referring to FIG. 4, the analysis unit (330) analyzes the activity of the left prefrontal lobe and the right prefrontal lobe for each scent provided for the test. Thereafter, the analysis unit (330) calculates the relative activity for each scent. After calculating the relative activity, the analysis unit (330) can calculate the remaining relative activity as a percentage based on the highest relative activity value. In other words, it is possible to determine what percentage the relative activity for a specific scent is compared to the highest relative activity.

[0079] The analysis unit (330) analyzes the preference and / or dispreference of each scent for the examination of the subject based on the relative activity and / or pulse wave changes of the subject. The analysis unit (330) can analyze the preference and / or dispreference of each scent for the examination of the subject based on the relative activity. Alternatively, the analysis unit (330) can analyze the preference and / or dispreference of each scent using the relative activity and pulse wave changes. When the preference and / or dispreference of each scent is analyzed using both the relative activity and pulse wave changes, the analysis unit (330) can analyze the preference and / or dispreference by assigning a weight to each piece of information. For example, the analysis unit (330) can analyze the preference of the subject for each scent for the examination of the subject using the relative activity and pulse wave changes, and can analyze the preference by assigning a weight of 5:5 to the analysis results of each piece of information. The analysis unit (330) can control the display device (140) to output the analysis results (preference and / or dispreference) for each scent.

[0080] The analysis unit (330) can recommend the optimal scent for the subject based on the analyzed preference. The analysis unit (330) can recommend a scent mixed with a preset number of scents according to preset criteria. At this time, the analysis unit (330) can mix a preset number of scents by reducing the included proportion from the scent with the highest preference of the subject as the base scent (the scent included with the highest proportion) as the preference decreases. The scent that the subject likes the most becomes the base, and as the preferred scents are included relatively little by little, the analysis unit (330) can adjust the scent to the optimal scent preferred by the subject.

[0081] The memory unit (340) can store the personal information of each subject, the type of scent tested, and the preference or dislike for each scent tested. The memory unit (340) can store the personal information of the subject tested, more specifically, the gender and age information, by matching them with the type of scent tested and the preference or dislike for each scent tested. By matching and storing these, the memory unit (340) can build big data on preferred or dispreferred scents according to age and gender.

[0082] Figures 6 and 7 are drawings illustrating inspection results output to a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the analysis unit (330) calculates the relative activity as described above, and the display device (140) can output the analysis results of the analysis unit (330). The display device (140) can output the relative activity for each scent tested. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the display device (140) can confirm whether each scent is positive or negative, and can confirm the degree to which each scent is liked or disliked as a percentage.

[0084] As illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b, the analysis unit (330) can analyze the preference for each scent as described above, and the display device (140) can compile and output the analysis results for each scent after the test is completed. In particular, the display device (140) can output the preference (or dislike) for each scent for which the test was conducted as illustrated in FIG. 6, and can also output them in sorted order of preference and / or dislike as illustrated in FIG. 7a.

[0085] The analysis unit (330) can recommend scents as described above, and the display device (140) can output information on the combined scents. The display device (140) can output preferences for each scent (as in FIG. 7a), and accordingly output information on the base scent and scents that are relatively less included therein, and output information on the combined scents.

[0086] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a fragrance recommendation system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 8, a fragrance recommendation system (800) according to another embodiment of the present invention further includes an inspection device (110), an inspection container (130), a display device (140), an image output device (810), and a fragrance recommendation device (820).

[0088] The scent recommendation system (800) can recommend scents that the subject has smelled in a specific situation, environment, or time, allowing them to remember and identify. The operation of the scent recommendation system (800) is similar to that of the scent recommendation system (100), but the subject is additionally provided with visual stimulation through images output from the image output device (810).

[0089] The video output device (810) receives an image or video containing a situation, environment, or time point (regarding a scent that the subject wishes to confirm or remember). The video output device (810) is worn by the subject and outputs the input image or video to the subject. The video output device (810) is worn on the subject's head, such as a head-mounted display device, and outputs the image or video to the subject.

[0090] The scent recommendation device (820) performs the same operation as the scent recommendation device (120). However, the preference or dispreference for a scent analyzed by the scent recommendation device (820) may go beyond the preference or dispreference for the scent itself, and may be a preference or dispreference for the similarity or relationship with a scent that the subject wants to confirm or remember. That is, when the subject smells a scent while watching a video or image provided by the video output device (810), the activity of the left prefrontal cortex may mean that the similarity or relationship between the scent that the subject wants to confirm or remember and the scent that the subject currently smells is relatively low, and the activity of the right prefrontal cortex may mean that the similarity or relationship between the scent that the subject wants to confirm or remember and the scent that the subject currently smells is relatively high. Similarly, pulse waves may also vary depending on the similarity or relationship between the scent that the subject wants to confirm or remember and the scent that the subject currently smells. The scent recommendation device (820) can analyze the preference or dislike for each scent provided for examination and the similarity or relationship between the scent the subject wishes to identify or remember. The display device (140) can output the analysis results of the scent recommendation device (820) in the same manner.

[0091] Accordingly, the subject can receive recommendations for the scent he or she remembers or wishes to identify based on objective and quantitative analysis results.

[0092] The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. Therefore, the present embodiments are not intended to limit the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment, but rather to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present embodiment should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of the present embodiment.

[0093]

[0094] This patent is the result of research (Project ID: 1425179340, Subproject ID: 00274271, Project Name: Development of Digital Artificial Intelligence Technology for Quantifying Olfactory Function Using Near-Infrared Equipment) conducted with support from the Small and Medium Business Technology Information Promotion Agency (SME Information Promotion Agency) funded by the Korean government (Ministry of SMEs and Startups).

[0095]

[0096] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0097] This patent application claims priority under 35 USC § 119(a) to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0110986, filed in Korea on August 24, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. Furthermore, this patent application claims priority in countries other than the United States for the same reasons, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Claims

1. A testing device that is attached or mounted on a predetermined area of ​​the subject and tests the functional activity of the left and right prefrontal lobes; A fragrance recommendation device that analyzes the results of the test conducted by the above-mentioned test device and analyzes the preference or dispreference of each scent tested by the subject; and A test tube that stores each scent to be provided to the subject for examination and provides the scent to the subject A fragrance recommendation system characterized by including:

2. In paragraph 1, The above inspection device, A fragrance recommendation system characterized in that it is implemented in a form that is mounted on the head of the subject.

3. In paragraph 1, The above preset area is, A scent recommendation system characterized by the presence of a scent near the subject's forehead.

4. In paragraph 1, The above fragrance recommendation device is, A fragrance recommendation system characterized by deriving the concentration of hemoglobin that has moved or has moved to the left / right prefrontal cortex of a subject and analyzing the derived results to analyze the subject's preference or dispreference for each fragrance.

5. In paragraph 1, The above inspection device, A fragrance recommendation system characterized by examining the pulse of a subject.

6. In paragraph 5, The above fragrance recommendation device is, A fragrance recommendation system characterized by additionally analyzing the preference or dispreference of each scent of the subject from the pulse wave measurement results of the above-mentioned inspection device.

7. A video output device that receives a video or image from the subject that includes a situation, environment, or time point related to a scent that the subject wants to confirm or remember and outputs it to the subject; A testing device that is attached or mounted on a predetermined area of ​​the subject and tests the functional activity of the left and right prefrontal lobes; A fragrance recommendation device that analyzes the results of the test performed by the above-mentioned test device and analyzes the preference or dispreference for each fragrance tested by the subject and the similarity or relationship between the fragrance that the subject wants to confirm or remember; and A test tube that stores each scent to be provided to the subject for examination and provides the scent to the subject A fragrance recommendation system characterized by including:

8. In paragraph 7, The above fragrance recommendation device is, A fragrance recommendation system characterized in that it analyzes the preference or dispreference for the similarity or relationship with the fragrance that the subject wants to confirm or remember based on the activity or pulse of the prefrontal lobe of the subject.

9. In paragraph 8, The above fragrance recommendation device is, A fragrance recommendation system characterized in that, when the left prefrontal cortex of the subject is activated, the similarity or relationship between the fragrance that the subject wants to confirm or remember and the fragrance currently smelled is analyzed to be relatively low.

10. In paragraph 8, The above fragrance recommendation device is, A fragrance recommendation system characterized in that, when the right prefrontal cortex of the subject is activated, the similarity or relationship between the fragrance that the subject wants to confirm or remember and the fragrance currently smelled is analyzed to be relatively high.

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