Scent output control device, scent output control system and method, and program

Abstract

An apparatus and method are disclosed for controlling the output of a fragrance based on various information acquired by an information acquisition unit. The apparatus includes a fragrance output control unit that performs fragrance output control, and a fragrance output unit that performs fragrance output under the control of the fragrance output control unit. The fragrance output control unit selects a fragrance to be output according to input information from the information acquisition unit, and outputs the selected fragrance via the fragrance output unit. The fragrance output control unit selects information for fragrance selection from the input information according to a preset pattern, and selects the fragrance to be output according to the selected input information. For example, the control of the output fragrance may be based on user speech or information such as region and facility.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fragrance output control device, a fragrance output control system and method, and a program. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a fragrance output control device, a fragrance output control system and method, and a program that output various fragrances according to a situation in a vehicle such as an automobile. BACKGROUND

[0002] For example, users of automobiles such as passenger cars often install a perfume in their automobiles in order to emit a fragrance in the interior of the automobile.

[0003] There are various kinds of perfumes such as lavender, lemon, jasmine, and the like, and users can install a perfume in their vehicles in order to emit a favorite fragrance in their vehicles.

[0004] Furthermore, a configuration has been proposed in which a passenger such as a driver is informed of guidance information using a fragrance.

[0005] For example, Patent Literature 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-349739) discloses a fragrance release configuration for guiding a passenger such as a driver of an automobile to a place, a facility, or the like.

[0006] In a case where the automobile approaches a specific place, a facility, or the like, a specific fragrance is automatically released, thereby guiding the driver or the like.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Literature 2 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-111315) discloses a configuration in which a fragrance is released in accordance with a change in display of a traffic signal light, to inform the display of the traffic signal light has changed using the fragrance.

[0008] LIST OF CITATIONS

[0009] PATENT LITERATURE

[0010] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-349739

[0011] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-111315 SUMMARY

[0012] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0013] As described above, there are various conventional technologies that disclose a notification process using a fragrance. However, the configuration described in Patent Literature 1 merely discloses a fragrance release configuration that relies only on map information.

[0014] In addition, Patent Literature 2 merely discloses a fragrance release configuration that is linked to display of a traffic signal light.

[0015] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a scent output control device, a scent output control system and method, and a program that enable control of the timing and interval of output of a scent, and further analyze various input information, such as the speech content of a user such as a driver and an occupant of an automobile or a word as a topic acquired from a network, to control a scent to be released.

[0016] Solution to the problem

[0017] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a scent output control device including:

[0018] a scent output control unit configured to perform scent output control; and

[0019] a scent output unit configured to perform scent output under the control of the scent output control unit,

[0020] wherein the scent output control unit is configured to

[0021] select a scent to be output in accordance with input information from an information acquisition unit, and output the selected scent via the scent output unit, and

[0022] select information for scent selection from input information in accordance with a preset pattern, and select a scent to be output in accordance with the selected input information.

[0023] Further, a second aspect of the present disclosure provides a scent output control system including: a scent output control device configured to perform scent output processing; and a scent output pattern determination server configured to determine a scent to be output in the scent output control device,

[0024] wherein the scent output control device transmits information acquired by an information acquisition unit to the scent output pattern determination server,

[0025] the scent output pattern determination server determines a scent to be output in accordance with information received from the scent output control device, and transmits information about the determined scent to the scent output control device,

[0026] the scent output control device is configured to output a scent determined by the scent output pattern determination server via a scent output unit, and

[0027] The fragrance output control device selects information for fragrance selection from the information acquired by the information acquisition unit in a predetermined pattern, and transmits the selected information to the fragrance output pattern determination server.

[0028] Further, a third aspect of the present disclosure provides a fragrance control method executed in a fragrance output control device,

[0029] The fragrance output control device includes:

[0030] a fragrance output control unit configured to execute fragrance output control; and

[0031] a fragrance output unit configured to execute fragrance output under the control of the fragrance output control unit, and

[0032] The fragrance output control unit

[0033] executes processing of selecting a fragrance to be output in accordance with input information from the information acquisition unit, and outputs the selected fragrance via the fragrance output unit, and

[0034] selects information for fragrance selection from the input information in a predetermined pattern, and selects a fragrance to be output in accordance with the selected input information.

[0035] Further, a fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a fragrance output control method executed in a fragrance output control system including a fragrance output control device configured to execute fragrance output processing, and a fragrance output pattern determination server configured to determine a fragrance output in the fragrance output control device,

[0036] wherein the fragrance output control device selects information for fragrance selection from information acquired by an information acquisition unit in a predetermined pattern, and transmits the selected information to the fragrance output pattern determination server,

[0037] the fragrance output pattern determination server determines a fragrance to be output in accordance with information received from the fragrance output control device, and transmits information about the determined fragrance to the fragrance output control device, and

[0038] the fragrance output control device outputs the fragrance determined by the fragrance output pattern determination server via a fragrance output unit.

[0039] Further, a fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides a program for causing a fragrance output control device to execute fragrance output control,

[0040] wherein the scent output control device includes:

[0041] a scent output control unit configured to perform scent output control; and

[0042] a scent output unit configured to perform scent output under control of the scent output control unit, and

[0043] the program causes the scent output control unit to:

[0044] perform processing of selecting a scent to be output in accordance with input information from the information acquisition unit, and outputting the selected scent via the scent output unit; and

[0045] select information for scent selection from input information in accordance with a pre-set pattern, and select a scent to be output in accordance with the selected input information.

[0046] Note that the program of the present disclosure is, for example, a program that can be provided to an information processing device, an image processing device, or a computer system capable of executing various program codes by a storage medium or a communication medium provided in a computer-readable format. By providing such a program in a computer-readable format, processing in accordance with the program is implemented on the information processing device or the computer system.

[0047] Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Note that in the present specification, a system is a logical collection of a plurality of devices, and is not limited to a system in which various constituent devices are located within the same housing.

[0048] According to the configuration of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a device and a method of controlling a scent to be output based on various information acquired by an information acquisition unit are realized.

[0049] Specifically, for example, a scent output control unit that performs scent output control, and a scent output unit that performs scent output under control of the scent output control unit are included, and the scent output control unit selects a scent to be output in accordance with input information from the information acquisition unit, and outputs the selected scent via the scent output unit. The scent output control unit selects information for scent selection from input information in accordance with a pre-set pattern, and selects a scent to be output in accordance with the selected input information. For example, based on information of a user utterance or a region, a facility, or the like, control of a scent to be output is performed.

[0050] With this configuration, a device and a method of controlling a scent to be output based on various information acquired by an information acquisition unit are realized.

[0051] Note that the effects described in the present specification are merely examples and are not limited. Other effects can be obtained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0052] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a use case of the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a use case of the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information acquired by the information acquisition unit.

[0056] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of the fragrance output control unit of the fragrance output control device.

[0057] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data displayed on an input / output unit (UI).

[0058] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a setting mode of the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a fragrance output control process in a current place corresponding mode.

[0060] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of a location and facility corresponding fragrance database used in the current place corresponding mode.

[0061] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating configuration data of a fragrance output mode recorded in a mode corresponding fragrance database such as the location and facility corresponding fragrance database.

[0062] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a fragrance output control process in a current place corresponding mode.

[0063] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating a fragrance output control process in a word corresponding mode.

[0064] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of a word corresponding fragrance database used in the word corresponding mode.

[0065] Figure 14is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a fragrance output control device having a system configuration in which processing is performed on the server side.

[0066] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a fragrance output control device having a system configuration in which processing is performed on the server side of the present disclosure.

[0067] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating a processing sequence performed by the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure.

[0068] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating a processing sequence performed by the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure.

[0069] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the fragrance output control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] The details of the fragrance output control device, fragrance output control system and method, and program of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the description will be given in the following items.

[0071] 1. Configuration and processing of the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure

[0072] 2. Configuration and processing performed by the fragrance output control unit

[0073] 3. Specific example of fragrance output control performed by the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure

[0074] 3-(1) Example of fragrance output control in a current place corresponding mode

[0075] 3-(2) Example of fragrance output control in a word corresponding mode

[0076] 4. Configuration example of performing fragrance output mode determination processing in an external server

[0077] 5. Sequence of processing performed by the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure

[0078] 6. Business expansion example using the fragrance output control processing of the present disclosure

[0079] 7. Hardware configuration example of the fragrance output control device

[0080] 8. Summary of the configuration of the present disclosure

[0081] [1. Configuration and processing of the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure]

[0082] Reference will be made to Figure 1The configuration and processing of the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0083] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a use case of the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure. As Figure 1 illustrated in, the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure is mounted on a mobile device such as a passenger car. Note that the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure is not limited to a vehicle such as a passenger car, but can be mounted on various mobile devices such as a train, a motorcycle, and a bicycle.

[0084] Hereinafter, as a representative example, an embodiment in a case where the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile such as a passenger car will be described.

[0085] Asillustrated in , a fragrance output unit that outputs (sprays) a fragrance component is mounted on each seat of the vehicle. Figure 1

[0086] The fragrance output unit 1 outputs a fragrance component to an occupant of the right front seat of the vehicle, for example, a driver.

[0087] The fragrance output unit 2 outputs a fragrance component to an occupant of the left front seat of the vehicle.

[0088] The fragrance output unit 3 outputs a fragrance component to an occupant of the right rear seat of the vehicle.

[0089] The fragrance output unit 4 outputs a fragrance component to an occupant of the left rear seat of the vehicle.

[0090] The fragrance output control device of the present disclosure controls the output of fragrance from each of these fragrance output units 1 to 4.

[0091] Note that the number and arrangement of the fragrance output units can be set in various ways.

[0092] For example, as illustrated in , one fragrance detection unit 1 can be provided at the center of the ceiling of the vehicle to selectively output fragrance to each seat. Figure 2

[0093] Note that in the configuration of the present disclosure, the fragrance output unit has a configuration capable of selectively outputting various fragrances such as a fragrance of a forest, a fragrance of ramen, a fragrance of a hamburger, and a fragrance of a cosmetic in addition to fragrances such as lavender, lemon, and jasmine.

[0094] Although details will be described later, the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure is capable of controlling the output timing and output interval of the fragrance, and also has a function of analyzing various input information such as the content of the user's utterance such as the driver and the passenger of the vehicle, the words as the topic obtained from the network, and the like, to control the composition of the released fragrance.

[0095] The fragrance output unit stores various different fragrance components in separate cartridges, and the control unit of the fragrance output control device performs control of selecting one cartridge and outputting (spraying) the fragrance component in the cartridge to the outside.

[0096] The fragrance output unit is controlled by the fragrance output control unit. The fragrance output control unit performs processing of selecting the kind of the output fragrance, and also performs start / stop processing of the fragrance output. In addition, the remaining amount of the fragrance component in the cartridge can be detected, and in the case where the remaining amount becomes small, alarm output and the like are performed.

[0097] Note that an example of the composition of the conventional fragrance output unit is AROMASTIC manufactured by Sony Corporation. AROMASTIC manufactured by Sony Corporation outputs fragrance using the Scentents (registered trademark) technology unique to Sony. Specifically, this method is a method of imparting fragrance to air itself by a gas diffusion method using a blower process of blowing dry air into a cartridge.

[0098] The fragrance output unit of the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure is, for example, a fragrance output unit using such a scheme, and the control unit performs switching of the fragrance kind of each unit, control of the fragrance output intensity, and the like.

[0099] Figure 3 An example of the composition of the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0100] As Figure 3 As illustrated in the middle drawing, the fragrance output control device 100 includes an environment sensor 101, a vehicle operation sensor 102, a biological sensor 103, a microphone 104, a communication unit 105, a storage unit 106, an information acquisition unit 110, a fragrance output control unit 120, an input / output unit (UI) 130, and a fragrance output unit 150.

[0101] The information acquisition unit 110 includes an environment information acquisition unit 111, an operation information acquisition unit 112, a biological information acquisition unit 113, a voice information acquisition unit 114, a network, broadcast (TV, radio, web, SNS, and the like) information acquisition unit 115, a position information acquisition unit (GNSS) 116, and an advertisement information acquisition unit 117.

[0102] The fragrance output unit 150 includes a blower driving unit 151, a flow path control unit 152, and a fragrance selection output unit 153.

[0103] Note that one or more fragrance output units 150 are provided.

[0104] Reference will be made to Figure 4 The information acquired by each component of the information acquisition unit 110 will be described.

[0105] Figure 4 Examples of information acquired by each component of the information acquisition unit 110, i.e., the environment information acquisition unit 111, the operation information acquisition unit 112, the biological information acquisition unit 113, the voice information acquisition unit 114, the network, broadcast (TV, radio, Web, SNS, etc.) information acquisition unit 115, the position information acquisition unit (GNSS, etc.) 116, and the advertisement information acquisition unit 117 will be illustrated.

[0106] The environment information acquisition unit 111 receives various environment information from the environment sensor 101.

[0107] The environment sensor 101 includes, for example, various sensors such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a clock, and the like. The environment information acquisition unit 111 inputs the detection information of these various sensors, and based on the input information, acquires or generates information to be output to the fragrance output control unit 120.

[0108] Specifically, as Figure 4 illustrated in FIG. 2, the environment information acquisition unit 111 acquires information of temperature, humidity, weather, season, day, and time from the input information from the environment sensor 101, or generates these information based on the input information, and outputs these information to the fragrance output control unit 120.

[0109] The operation information acquisition unit 112 receives various vehicle operation information from the vehicle operation sensor 102.

[0110] The vehicle operation sensor 102 includes, for example, various sensors such as a speed sensor provided in the vehicle, and a sensor that detects operation information of operation units such as an accelerator, a brake, and a steering wheel. The operation information acquisition unit 112 inputs the detection information of these various sensors, and based on the input information, acquires or generates information to be output to the fragrance output control unit 120.

[0111] Specifically, as Figure 4As shown in the middle diagram, the operation information acquisition unit 112 acquires vehicle operation information such as speed, inclination, acceleration, deceleration, and traction control information from input information from the vehicle operation sensor 102, or generates these information based on the input information, and outputs these information to the scent output control unit 120.

[0112] The biological information acquisition unit 113 inputs various biological information from the biological sensor 103.

[0113] The biological sensor 103 includes, for example, various sensors such as a pulse sensor, a respiration sensor, and a pupil sensor. The biological information acquisition unit 113 inputs detection information of these various sensors, and acquires or generates information to be output to the scent output control unit 120 based on the input information.

[0114] Specifically, as Figure 4 As shown in the middle diagram, the biological information acquisition unit 113 acquires biological information such as pulse, blink, pupil, respiration, and brain wave from input information from the biological sensor 103, or generates the biological information based on the input information, and outputs the biological information to the scent output control unit 120.

[0115] The voice information acquisition unit 114 receives various voice information from the microphone 104.

[0116] For example, the microphone 104 acquires utterances of a driver or an occupant of the vehicle. The voice information acquisition unit 114 inputs these voice information, and acquires or generates information to be output to the scent output control unit 120 based on the input information.

[0117] Specifically, as Figure 4 As shown in the middle diagram, the voice information acquisition unit 114 acquires these information of conversation content and emotion information based on conversation from input information from the microphone 104, or generates these information based on the input information, and outputs these information to the scent output control unit 120.

[0118] The network and broadcast (TV, radio, web, SNS, etc.) information acquisition unit 115 inputs various information from a television, a radio, a smart phone, a navigation system via the communication unit 105, and from an external server, a smart phone, other vehicles, and the like.

[0119] For example, various information is input from a television, a radio, a smart phone, a navigation system, or a server connected via the communication unit 105, a communication device such as a smart phone, or an external device used in a vehicle such as other vehicles, and information to be output to the scent output control unit 120 is acquired or generated based on the input information.

[0120] Specifically, as Figure 4As illustrated in the middle diagram, the network and broadcast (TV, radio, web, SNS, etc.) information acquisition unit 115 acquires and analyzes information such as news, disaster information, SNS trend information, SNS sentiment information, nearby topic information, third-party recommendation information, and the like, acquired from TV, radio, SNS, and web, and outputs the information to the scent output control unit 120.

[0121] The position information acquisition unit 116, for example, inputs a global navigation satellite system (GNSS / global positioning satellite system) signal acquired from a satellite or a Wi-Fi signal via the communication unit 105, analyzes a current position, and acquires or generates information to be output to the scent output control unit 120.

[0122] Specifically, as Figure 4 As illustrated in the middle diagram, the position information acquisition unit 116 acquires information such as GNSS (GPS) and Wi-Fi from input information or generates information based on input information, and outputs the information to the scent output control unit 120.

[0123] The advertisement information acquisition unit 117 inputs advertisement information acquired from an advertisement distribution server, broadcast, or network via the communication unit 105, advertisement information pre-stored in the storage unit 106, and the like, and acquires or generates information to be output to the scent output control unit 120 based on input information.

[0124] As Figure 4 As illustrated in the middle diagram, the advertisement information acquisition unit 117 acquires advertisement information acquired from an advertisement distribution server, broadcast, or network from input information or generates information based on input information, and outputs the information to the scent output control unit 120.

[0125] The communication unit 105 performs communication with an advertisement distribution server, a scent management server, other vehicles, other communication devices (such as a smart phone), which are external servers. Note that, in addition to being input to the information acquisition unit 110, communication information is also input to the scent output control unit 120.

[0126] The storage unit 106 functions as a storage area of map information and advertisement information in addition to a storage area of various information acquired by the information acquisition unit 110, for example, as described above. Further, a processing program, a processing parameter, and the like executed by the scent output control device 100 are also stored. Figure 4

[0127] ​The input / output unit (UI) 130 includes an input unit for various processing requests of the user, a user interface (UI) as an output unit of information to the user, and the like. Note that specific examples of the information display example and the information input example via the input / output unit (UI) 130 will be described later.

[0128] The fragrance output control unit 120 controls the fragrance output units 150-1 to n based on various information input from the information acquisition unit 110, user instruction information input via the input / output unit (UI) 130, and the like, and executes control of outputting various fragrances.

[0129] The fragrance output control unit 120 controls each of the blower control unit 151, the flow path control unit 152, and the fragrance selection output unit 153 in each of the various fragrance output units 150 to execute selection processing of the kind of fragrance to be output, control of the output intensity and the output time of the fragrance to be output, the output flow path of the fragrance, and the like.

[0130] For example, the fragrance selection output unit 153 executes control of selecting one cartridge from a large number of cartridges in which various different fragrances are stored and outputting the fragrance of the cartridge to the vehicle.

[0131] [2. Configuration of the fragrance output control unit and processing executed]

[0132] Next, the configuration of the fragrance output control unit 120 of the fragrance output control device 100 and the processing to be performed will be described with reference to Figure 3

[0133] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of the fragrance output control unit 120 of the fragrance output control device 100. This will be described below.

[0134] As Figure 5 As illustrated in

[0135] The fragrance output mode determination unit 121 determines the fragrance output mode based on input information from the information acquisition unit 110, user setting information input via the UI control unit 122, and the like.

[0136] As described above with reference to Figure 3 ​The information acquisition unit 110 includes an environment information acquisition unit 111, an operation information acquisition unit 112, a biological information acquisition unit 113, a voice information acquisition unit 114, a network, broadcast (TV, radio, web, SNS, etc.) information acquisition unit 115, a position information acquisition unit (GNSS, etc.) 116, and an advertisement information acquisition unit 117.

[0137] The fragrance output mode determination unit 121 determines a fragrance output mode based on information input from each of these components, user setting information input via the UI control unit 122, and the like.

[0138] The UI control unit 122 generates display information to be presented to the user, outputs the display information to the input / output unit (UI) 130, and analyzes user input to the input / output unit (UI) 130. The analysis information is input to the fragrance output mode determination unit 121.

[0139] The fragrance output unit control unit 123 controls the fragrance output unit 150 in accordance with the fragrance output mode determined by the fragrance output mode determination unit 121, to output various fragrances from the fragrance output unit 150.

[0140] Note that, as described above with reference to Figure 3 The respective fragrance output units 150 include a blower driving unit 151, a flow path control unit 152, and a fragrance selection output unit 153, and the fragrance output unit control unit 123 inputs a control signal to each of these components of the fragrance output unit 150 to perform selection of the kind of fragrance to be output and output control.

[0141] Next, with reference to Figure 6 , an example of information presented to the user by the UI control unit 122 is described.

[0142] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of UI data displayed on a display unit constituting the input / output unit (UI) 130 by the UI control unit 122, that is, information presented to the user.

[0143] As illustrated in Figure 5 , as display data, the UI control unit 122 displays display data including a mode selection unit 131, a fragrance selection unit 132, a mode selection unit scroll icon 133, a fragrance selection unit scroll icon 134, and the like on the input / output unit (UI) 130.

[0144] The mode selection unit 131 is a mode selection unit capable of selecting various modes such as a "current place corresponding mode (place mode)" and a "word corresponding mode (word mode)".

[0145] By scrolling the icon 133 with the touch mode selection unit, various mode selection units are displayed on the display unit, and the user can select the touched mode by touching one of the displayed mode selection units.

[0146] Reference Figure 7 Examples of modes that can be set in the fragrance output control device 100 of the present disclosure, and specific examples of the fragrance output mode in each mode, are described.

[0147] As illustrated in Figure 7 , as modes that can be set in the fragrance output control device 100 of the present disclosure, for example, the following modes are given.

[0148] (1) Current location corresponding mode

[0149] (2) Word corresponding mode

[0150] (3) Environment corresponding mode

[0151] (4) Operation state corresponding mode

[0152] (5) Biological state corresponding mode

[0153] (6) Advertisement corresponding mode

[0154] (7) All acquired information corresponding mode

[0155] (1) The current location corresponding mode is a mode that outputs a fragrance corresponding to the current location of the vehicle equipped with the fragrance output control device 100. Specifically, for example, this mode is a mode that outputs a fragrance selected based on the current position acquired by the position information acquisition unit 116, facilities at the current position, or the like.

[0156] (2) The word corresponding mode is a mode that outputs a fragrance selected based on the words uttered by the occupant of the vehicle equipped with the fragrance output control device 100, the words or music output from devices such as a television, a radio, or a smart phone, the input / output words of a navigation system, the input / output words of a network-connected device, words that are a topic in an SNS, or the like.

[0157] For example, the fragrance selection processing is performed based on the acquired information of the voice information acquisition unit 114, the network and broadcast information acquisition unit 115.

[0158] (3) The environment corresponding mode is a mode that outputs a fragrance selected based on the external environment of the vehicle equipped with the fragrance output control device 100, such as the weather, the temperature, or the like.

[0159] For example, the fragrance selection processing is performed based on the information acquired by the environment information acquisition unit 111.

[0160] (4) The operation status corresponding mode is the mode that outputs the fragrance selected based on the operation status of the vehicle equipped with the fragrance output control device 100.

[0161] For example, fragrance selection processing is performed based on the information obtained by the operation information acquisition unit 113.

[0162] (5) The biological state corresponding mode is a mode that outputs a fragrance based on the biological state of the occupants of the vehicle equipped with the fragrance output control device 100.

[0163] For example, fragrance selection processing is performed based on the information acquired by the bioinformation acquisition unit 114.

[0164] (6) The advertising response mode output is based on the fragrance mode selected from external advertisements, advertisements detected by devices such as televisions, radios or smartphones, or advertisement information pre-recorded in the storage unit.

[0165] (7) All information acquisition modes are the modes used to execute all the above modes (1) to (6). In order to prevent different fragrances from being selected repeatedly in different modes, the priority is preset according to the execution order of the modes, and the fragrance selected by the mode with higher priority is output first.

[0166] Note that after selecting Figure 6 After selecting a mode selection unit 131 on the display screen of the input / output unit (UI) 130 shown in the diagram, the user can also select a fragrance from the fragrance selection unit 132 at the bottom of the screen.

[0167] The fragrance selection unit 132 displays a variety of different fragrance output candidates selected according to the user's chosen mode.

[0168] On the left and right sides of the fragrance selection unit 132, a fragrance selection unit scrolling icon 134 is also displayed. When there are a large number of fragrance output candidates, the large number of fragrance output candidates can be displayed sequentially by touching the scrolling icon.

[0169] Each of the fragrance output candidates displayed in the fragrance selection unit 132 corresponds to a fragrance box, and the fragrance component information and the remaining amount information of each fragrance component contained in each fragrance box are displayed together.

[0170] Users can also check the remaining balance display to determine if the box needs to be replaced.

[0171] The user touches a kind of fragrance selected from the plurality of fragrance output candidates displayed on the fragrance selection unit 132. User selection information generated by the touch is input to the fragrance output mode determination unit 121 via the UI control unit 122.

[0172] The fragrance output mode determination unit 121 notifies the fragrance output unit control unit 123 of the fragrance selected by the user, and the fragrance output unit control unit 123 controls the fragrance output unit 150 to output the fragrance selected by the user.

[0173] Note that if the selection by the user is not made within a prescribed time, a cartridge having a predetermined high priority is selected, for example Figure 6 The recommended cartridge at the right end in the diagram is used as the use cartridge.

[0174] [3. Specific example of fragrance output control performed by the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure]

[0175] Next, a specific example of fragrance output control performed by the fragrance output control device 100 of the present disclosure will be described. Hereinafter, a specific example of fragrance output control when the following two modes are set will be described.

[0176] (1) Current place corresponding mode

[0177] (2) Word corresponding mode

[0178] (3-(1) Example of fragrance output control in the current place corresponding mode)

[0179] First, an example of fragrance output control in the current place corresponding mode will be described.

[0180] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the processing performed by the fragrance output control unit 120 in the case where the mode setting of the fragrance output control device 100 of the present disclosure is the current place corresponding mode.

[0181] In the current place corresponding mode, the fragrance output mode determination unit 121 of the fragrance output control unit 120 inputs the current place information of the vehicle from the position information acquisition unit 116 of the information acquisition unit 110.

[0182] The fragrance output mode determination unit 121 of the fragrance output control unit 120 also acquires a map, facility data 171, a position and facility corresponding fragrance database 172 from the data providing server 200 or the storage unit 106 connected via the communication unit 105.

[0183] The map and facility data 171 is data in which map information and facility information are recorded, and the scent output control unit 120 can check the current position on the map, the facility information in the vicinity, and the like, based on the current vehicle position information input from the position information acquisition unit 116.

[0184] In the position and facility corresponding scent database 172, the optimum scent output candidate, the scent output mode information, and the like, corresponding to the position and the facility on the map are recorded.

[0185] Reference is made to Figure 9 for a concrete example of the recorded data of the position and facility corresponding scent database 172.

[0186] As illustrated in Figure 9 , in the position and facility corresponding scent database 172, the following data are recorded in association with each other.

[0187] (A) Position (latitude, longitude)

[0188] (B) Area and facility information in the vicinity

[0189] (C) Kind of scent to be output

[0190] (D) Scent cartridge to be used

[0191] (E) Scent output area,

[0192] (F) Scent output interval

[0193] (G) Scent output mode

[0194] Note that the user can freely change the registration information. For example, the kind of scent to be output, the cartridge to be used, the scent output area, the interval, the mode, and the like, can be changed in accordance with the user's preference.

[0195] (A) Position (latitude, longitude) is used as, for example, collation data with the current position information of the vehicle input from the position information acquisition unit 116.

[0196] The scent output mode determination unit 121 of the scent output control unit 120 selects the entry in which the position information closest to the current position information of the vehicle input from the position information acquisition unit 116 is recorded, and performs the presentation processing of the UI information and the scent output control in accordance with the information recorded in the selected entry.

[0197] Note that the various scent output mode information corresponding to the respective entries is recorded in (G) scent output mode.

[0198] (G) Figure 10 A concrete example of the kind of recorded data of the scent output mode is illustrated in

[0199] As Figure 10 As

[0200] (1) the kind of fragrance, (2) the mixing recipe, (3) the concentration, the amount, (4) the direction time, (5) the intensity, (6) the duty ratio, (7) the diffusion, (8) the distance, (9) the change of the intensity with time, (10) the change of the tone with time, (11) the progression / weakness

[0201] These data are various data for determining the output mode of the fragrance, and are set and recorded in advance for each entry.

[0202] For example, in a case where the entry in which the location information closest to the current location information of the vehicle input from the location information acquisition unit 116 is recorded is entry (1), the presentation processing of the UI information and the fragrance output control are performed in accordance with the information recorded in entry (1).

[0203] The information of (B) to (F) of entry (1) is as follows.

[0204] (B) the vicinity of the area, facility information = the vicinity of Kagawa Prefecture

[0205] (C) the kind of fragrance to be output = the fragrance of udon noodles

[0206] (D) the fragrance cartridge to be used = cartridges B, F, and Q

[0207] (E) the fragrance output area = within Kagawa Prefecture

[0208] (F) the fragrance output interval = output at the time of entering the area and every 1 hour thereafter

[0209] The fragrance output mode determination unit 121 of the fragrance output control unit 120 determines that the vicinity of the current location is Kagawa Prefecture on the basis of the registration data of entry (1) in which the (A) location information closest to the current location information of the vehicle input from the location information acquisition unit 116 is recorded.

[0210] Further, it is determined on the basis of the registration data that the fragrance to be output is the fragrance of udon noodles, and that cartridges B, F, and Q are the best cartridges for outputting the fragrance of udon noodles.

[0211] The fragrance output mode determination unit 121 notifies the UI control unit 122 of the registered cartridge information of cartridges B, F, and Q.

[0212] The UI control unit 122 outputs list data in which cartridges B, F, and Q are set as candidates for fragrance selection to the fragrance selection unit 132 display area, which is the display area described above with reference toFigure 6 The UI data described is composed of data.

[0213] Users can choose the scent to be output from boxes B, F, and Q, which include scents similar to udon noodles.

[0214] The fragrance output mode determination unit 121 of the fragrance output control unit 120 determines the selected box as the box to be used according to the user selection information input via the UI control unit 122, and notifies the fragrance output unit control unit 123 of the selected box information.

[0215] In addition, the fragrance output pattern determination unit 121 determines the following information registered in the location and facility corresponding fragrance database 172:

[0216] (E) Fragrance output area = within Kagawa Prefecture

[0217] (F) Fragrance output interval = Output upon entering the area and once every 1 hour thereafter.

[0218] (G) Fragrance Output Mode

[0219] This information is also communicated to the fragrance output unit control unit 123.

[0220] The fragrance output unit control unit 123 applies the input information from the fragrance output mode determination unit 121, namely, the type of box to be used (identifier) ​​and the aforementioned information (E) to (G), and performs fragrance output control according to the aforementioned information (E) to (G).

[0221] Next, we will refer to Figure 11 This indicates that the application is being carried out. Figure 9 The diagram shows an example of how to handle item (4). Figure 11 The diagram shows an example of how the fragrance output of the user-selected fragrance box is executed when the vehicle enters an area within 1 kilometer of the football field.

[0222] Figure 9 The entry (4) shown in the diagram is the entry used when a vehicle equipped with the fragrance output control device 100 of this disclosure approaches a football field.

[0223] Figure 9 The data entry (4) is the registration data.

[0224] (D) Boxes P, K, M

[0225] (E) Fragrance output area = 1 km from the stadium

[0226] (F) Scent output interval = output at the time of entering the area and then every 20 minutes

[0227] These are the registration data.

[0228] The scent output mode determination unit 121 first notifies the UI control unit 122 of the registered cartridge information of the cartridges P, K, and M.

[0229] The UI control unit 122 outputs the list data in which the cartridges P, K, and M are set as scent selection candidates to the scent selection unit 132 display area, which is the above-mentioned constitution data of the UI data. Figure 6

[0230] The user selects a scent to be output.

[0231] The scent output mode determination unit 121 of the scent output control unit 120 determines the selected cartridge as the cartridge to be used in accordance with the user selection information input via the UI control unit 122, and notifies the scent output unit control unit 123 of the selected cartridge information.

[0232] Further, the scent output mode determination unit 121 determines the following information registered in the location and facility corresponding scent database 172:

[0233] (E) Scent output area = 1 km from the stadium

[0234] (F) Scent output interval = output at the time of entering the area and then every 20 minutes

[0235] (G) Scent output mode,

[0236] This information is also notified to the scent output unit control unit 123.

[0237] The scent output unit control unit 123 applies the input information from the scent output mode determination unit 121, i.e., the kind (identifier) of the cartridge to be used and the above-mentioned respective information (E) to (G), and performs scent output control in accordance with the above-mentioned respective information (E) to (G).

[0238] Specifically, as illustrated in the diagram, Figure 11 at the stage at which the vehicle enters an area within 1 km from the stadium, scent output of the scent cartridge selected by the user is performed. Further, scent output is performed every 20 minutes thereafter.

[0239] Through this control, the user, i.e., the occupant of the vehicle, can know that the vehicle is approaching the stadium based on the scent.

[0240] (3―(2) Example of scent output control in the word corresponding mode) ​

[0241] Next, an example of the scent output control in the word corresponding mode will be described.

[0242] As described above with reference to Figure 7 the word corresponding mode is a mode in which a scent is selected based on a word uttered by an occupant of a vehicle equipped with the scent output control device 100, a word or music output from a device such as a television set, a radio, or a smart phone, and a word of a network-connected device, such as a word that is a topic in an SNS, and the like.

[0243] For example, the scent selection processing is performed based on the acquired information of the voice information acquisition unit 114, the network and broadcast information acquisition unit 115.

[0244] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the processing performed by the scent output control unit 120 in a case where the mode of the scent output control device 100 of the present disclosure is set to the word corresponding mode.

[0245] In the case of the word corresponding mode, the scent output mode determination unit 121 of the scent output control unit 120 inputs information such as a word uttered by an occupant of a vehicle equipped with the scent output control device 100, a word or music output from a device such as a television set, a radio, or a smart phone, and a word of a network-connected device, such as a word that is a topic in an SNS, from the voice information acquisition unit 114, the network or broadcast information acquisition unit 115 of the information acquisition unit 110.

[0246] The scent output mode determination unit 121 of the scent output control unit 120 also acquires a map, facility data 171, a location, and a word corresponding scent database 173 from the data providing server 200 or the storage unit 106 connected via the communication unit 105.

[0247] The map and facility data 171 is data in which map information and facility information are recorded, and based on the current vehicle location information input from the location information acquisition unit 116, the scent output control unit 120 can check the current position on the map, facility information in the vicinity, and the like.

[0248] The word corresponding scent database 173 is data in which a word uttered by an occupant of a vehicle, a word or a word included in music output from a device such as a television set, a radio, or a smart phone, and a word of a network-connected device, such as a word that is a topic in an SNS, are recorded in association with the best scent output candidate, scent output mode information, and the like.

[0249] Referring to Figure 13 , a specific example of the recorded data of the word corresponding scent database 173 will be described.

[0250] As Figure 13 illustrated in the diagram, in the word-to-scent database 173, the following data are recorded in association with each other.

[0251] (A) word

[0252] (B) kind of scent to be output

[0253] (C) scent cartridge to be used

[0254] (D) scent output timing, area

[0255] (E) scent output interval

[0256] (F) scent output pattern

[0257] Note that the user can freely change the registration information. For example, the kind of scent to be output, the cartridge to be used, the scent output timing, area, interval, pattern, and the like can be changed according to the user's preference.

[0258] (A) word For example, used as a comparison data with the word input from the voice information acquisition unit 114, the network or broadcast information acquisition unit 115, that is, the word contained in the utterance of the occupant of the vehicle, the word in the utterance or music output from a device such as a television set, a radio, or a smart phone, and the word of the network-connected device, for example, the word as a topic in SNS, and the like.

[0259] The scent output pattern determination unit 121 of the scent output control unit 120 selects the entry in which the word closest to the input word is recorded, and performs the presentation processing of the UI information and the scent output control according to the information recorded in the selected entry.

[0260] Note that in (G) scent output pattern, various scent output pattern information corresponding to each entry is recorded, and the following information described above with reference to Figure 10

[0261] (1) kind of scent, (2) mixture formula, (3) concentration, amount, (4) direction time, (5) intensity, (6) duty ratio, (7) diffusion, (8) distance, (9) change in intensity over time, (10) change in scent tone over time, (11) gradual / gradual weakening

[0262] These data are various data for determining the output pattern of the scent, and are set and recorded in advance for each entry.

[0263] For example, in the case where the entry in which the word closest to the word input from the voice information acquisition unit 114, the network or broadcast information acquisition unit 115 is recorded is entry (1), the presentation processing of the UI information and the scent output control are performed according to the information recorded in entry (1).​

[0264] The information of (A) to (F) of item (1) is as follows.

[0265] (A) Word = home, house, own house, my house

[0266] (B) Type of scent to be output = scent to relax

[0267] (C) Scent cartridge to be used = cartridges P, Q, R

[0268] (D) Scent output area = at the time of word detection

[0269] (E) Scent output interval = output at the time of word detection and continuous output thereafter

[0270] The scent output mode determination unit 121 of the scent output control unit 120 performs processing of setting UI output information, processing of determining a scent to be output, and the like, based on the registration data of item (1) in which the word (A) most close to the word input from the voice information acquisition unit 114, the network or broadcast information acquisition unit 115 is recorded.

[0271] First, based on the registration data of item (1), it is determined based on the registration data that the scent to be output is the scent to relax, and the cartridges P, Q, and R are the cartridges most suitable for outputting such a scent.

[0272] The scent output mode determination unit 121 notifies the UI control unit 122 of the registered cartridge information of the cartridges P, Q, and R.

[0273] The UI control unit 122 outputs list data in which the cartridges P, Q, and R are set as scent selection candidates to the scent selection unit 132 display area, which is the constituent data of the UI data described above with reference to Figure 6 FIG. 6.

[0274] The user can select a scent to be output from the cartridges P, Q, and R having the scent to relax.

[0275] The scent output mode determination unit 121 of the scent output control unit 120 determines the selected cartridge as the cartridge to be used in accordance with the user selection information input via the UI control unit 122, and notifies the scent output unit control unit 123 of the selected cartridge information.

[0276] Further, the scent output mode determination unit 121 stores the following information registered in the word-to-scent database 173:

[0277] (D) Scent output area = at the time of word detection

[0278] (E) Scent output interval = output at the time of word detection and continuous output thereafter

[0279] (F) Scent output mode

[0280] This information is also notified to the scent output unit control unit 123.

[0281] The scent output unit control unit 123 applies the input information from the scent output mode determination unit 121, i.e., the kind (identifier) of the cartridge to be used and the above-mentioned respective information (D) to (F), and performs scent output control in accordance with the above-mentioned respective information (D) to (F).

[0282] Note that, with reference to Figures 8-13 ,

[0283] (1) Current place corresponding mode

[0284] (2) Word corresponding mode

[0285] Specific examples of the above-mentioned two modes are described, but as modes that can be set in the scent output control apparatus 100 of the present disclosure, for example, the following modes exist as described above:

[0286] (1) Current place corresponding mode

[0287] (2) Word corresponding mode

[0288] (3) Environment corresponding mode

[0289] (4) Operation state corresponding mode

[0290] (5) Biological state corresponding mode

[0291] (6) Advertisement corresponding mode

[0292] (7) All acquired information corresponding mode

[0293] The output mode determination unit 121 of the scent output control unit 120 of the scent output control apparatus 100 of the present disclosure acquires the use cartridge information, scent output mode information, etc. corresponding to the respective modes from the database by using different scent databases in accordance with the respective modes, and performs control in accordance with the acquired information.

[0294] (3) In the case where the mode is set to the environment compatible mode, processing is performed with reference to the registration data of the environment compatible scent database in which the kinds of scents associated with temperature, weather, season, etc., the scent cartridge to be used, the scent output timing, the area, the interval, and the scent output mode are registered.

[0295] (4) In a case where the operation state corresponding mode is set, the processing is executed with reference to the registration data of the vehicle operation corresponding fragrance database in which the kinds of fragrances associated with vehicle operations such as start, stop, acceleration, deceleration, and turning, the fragrance cartridges to be used, the fragrance output timing, the area, the interval, and the fragrance output mode are registered.

[0296] (5) In a case where the biological state corresponding mode is set, the processing is executed with reference to the registration data of the biological information corresponding fragrance database in which the kinds of fragrances associated with the heartbeat, the pupil, and the like of the occupant, the fragrance cartridges to be used, the fragrance output timing, the area, the interval, and the fragrance output mode are registered.

[0297] (6) In a case where the advertisement corresponding mode is set, the processing is executed with reference to the registration data of the advertisement corresponding fragrance database in which the kinds of fragrances associated with the advertisement content and the like, the fragrance cartridges to be used, the fragrance output timing, the area, the interval, and the fragrance output mode are registered.

[0298] As described above, the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure switches and uses the mode corresponding fragrance database to be used in accordance with the set mode. The fragrance output control device of the present disclosure selects the fragrance cartridge registered in the selected mode corresponding fragrance database in association with the information acquired in accordance with various modes, and executes the presentation processing of the UI information and the fragrance output control.

[0299] [4. Configuration example regarding execution of fragrance output mode determination processing in an external server]

[0300] Next, a configuration example regarding execution of fragrance output mode determination processing in an external server will be described.

[0301] Reference Figures 1-13 The fragrance output control device 100 described executes the UI output information setting processing, the output fragrance determination processing, and the like based on the input information from each of the components of the information acquisition unit 110, that is, the environmental information acquisition unit 111, the operation information acquisition unit 112, the biological information acquisition unit 113, the voice information acquisition unit 114, the network, broadcast (TV, radio, web, SNS, and the like) information acquisition unit 115, the position information acquisition unit (GNSS) 116, and the advertisement information acquisition unit 117.

[0302] The setting processing of the UI output information and the determination processing of the fragrance to be output can be executed in an external server.

[0303] For example, as illustrated in Figure 14 the fragrance output control unit 120 and the external server, that is, the fragrance output control server 200, are connected via the network 300. Figure 14The fragrance output mode determination server 210 communicates, receives the UI output information and the determination information of the fragrance to be output, which are determined by the fragrance output mode determination server 210, from the fragrance output mode determination server 210, and performs the UI output and the fragrance output control.

[0304] The fragrance output control device 100 selects information for fragrance selection from the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 110 in accordance with the set mode, and transmits the selected information to the fragrance output mode determination server 210.

[0305] The processing of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 15

[0306] Figure 15 The configuration of the fragrance output control unit 120 and the fragrance output determination server 210 will be described with reference to

[0307] First, the fragrance output mode determination unit 121 of the fragrance output control unit 120 inputs information from the information acquisition unit 110. Specifically, information from any one of the environment information acquisition unit 111, the operation information acquisition unit 112, the biological information acquisition unit 113, the voice information acquisition unit 114, the network, broadcast (TV, radio, web, SNS, etc.) information acquisition unit 115, the position information acquisition unit (GNSS) 116, and the advertisement information acquisition unit 117 is input.

[0308] The fragrance output mode determination unit 121 transmits the input information from the information acquisition unit 110 to the fragrance output mode determination server 210 via the communication unit 105.

[0309] Note that the fragrance output mode determination unit 121 of the fragrance output control device 100 selects information for fragrance selection from the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 110 in accordance with the set mode, and transmits the selected acquired information and the set mode information to the fragrance output mode determination server 210.

[0310] The fragrance output mode determination server 210 holds the map, facility data 171, the position and facility correspondence management database 172 described above with reference to Figure 8 and 9 The word correspondence fragrance database and the fragrance database corresponding to various modes described above with reference to Figure 12 and 13 The word correspondence fragrance database and the fragrance database corresponding to various modes described above with reference to

[0311] That is, it is the fragrance database corresponding to various modes in which the kind of fragrance corresponding to various modes, the fragrance cartridge to be used, the fragrance output timing, the area, the interval, and the fragrance output mode are registered. ​

[0312] (1) Current place corresponding mode

[0313] (2) Word corresponding mode

[0314] (3) Environment corresponding mode

[0315] (4) Operation state corresponding mode

[0316] (5) Biological state corresponding mode

[0317] (6) Advertisement corresponding mode

[0318] When the input information from the information acquisition unit 110 is input from the scent output mode determination unit 121 of the scent output control unit 120, the scent output mode determination server 210 refers to the mode corresponding scent database, acquires the kind of scent corresponding to each mode, the scent cartridge to be used, the scent output timing, the area, the interval, and the scent output mode information, and transmits the acquired information to the scent output mode determination unit 121 of the scent output control device 100.

[0319] The scent output mode determination unit 121 determines the UI output information based on the information received from the scent output mode determination server 210, and outputs the UI output information to the input / output unit (UI) 130 via the UI control unit 122. Further, based on the user selection information input to the input / output unit (UI) 130, the cartridge to be used is determined, the scent output control mode is notified to the scent output unit control unit 124 based on the information received from the scent output mode determination server 210, and thus the scent output control is executed.

[0320] As described above, in the scent output mode determination server 210, the processing of determining the UI output information and the control mode of the scent to be output is executed, so that the processing load of the scent output control device 100 can be reduced, and the data to be held can also be reduced. That is, it is not necessary to hold the scent database corresponding to each mode, so that the storage capacity of the storage unit can be reduced.

[0321] [5. Sequence of the processing executed by the scent output control device of the present disclosure]

[0322] Next, the sequence of the processing executed by the scent output control device 100 of the present disclosure will be described.

[0323] The sequence of the processing executed by the scent output control device 100 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the flowcharts illustrated in Figure 16 and 17

[0324] According to Figures 16-17 and 17 ​The processing of the flow illustrated in FIG. 13 is, for example, processing that is executed under the control of a CPU or the like having a program execution function in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit of the scent output control device 100, and can be executed under the control of the data processing unit of the scent output control device 100 of the present disclosure, that is, the data processing unit including the CPU having a program execution function.

[0325] The processing of each step of the flow illustrated in FIG. 13 will be described in order. Figure 7

[0326] (Step S101)

[0327] First, in step S101, the scent output control unit 120 of the scent output control device 100 presents UI information to the user and waits for the user to input mode selection information.

[0328] Note that the modes that can be set in the scent output control device 100 of the present disclosure are, for example, the following modes described above with reference to Figure 6

[0329] (1) Current place corresponding mode

[0330] (2) Word corresponding mode

[0331] (3) Environment corresponding mode

[0332] (4) Operation state corresponding mode

[0333] (5) Biological state corresponding mode

[0334] (6) Advertisement corresponding mode

[0335] (7) All acquired information corresponding mode

[0336] The scent output control unit 120 of the scent output control device 100 displays the UI information described above with reference to Figure 6 on the input / output unit (UI) 130, that is, displays the mode selection unit 131 in the upper area of the display unit. The mode selection unit 131 can be scrolled by touching the mode selection unit scroll icon 133, and thus the user can select any one of the modes (1) to (7).

[0337] (Step S102)

[0338] Next, in step S102, the scent output control unit 120 determines whether the user has input mode selection information within a predefined period of time.

[0339] When it is confirmed that the user has input mode selection information within a predetermined time, the processing proceeds to step S103. ​​

[0340] On the other hand, when it is not confirmed that the user has input the mode selection information within a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0341] (Step S103)

[0342] In step S102, when it is confirmed that the user has input the mode selection information within a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0343] In this case, in step S103, the fragrance output control unit 120 sets the mode to the user selection mode.

[0344] (Step S104)

[0345] On the other hand, in step S102, when it is not confirmed that the user has input the mode selection information within a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0346] In this case, in step S104, the fragrance output control unit 120 sets the mode to a default setting mode, for example, a mode in which all the acquired information corresponds to the mode.

[0347] As described above, the mode in which all the acquired information corresponds to the mode is a mode in which all the above-described modes (1) to (6) are executed. In order to prevent different fragrances from being repeatedly selected in time in different modes, priorities are set in advance in the order of execution of the modes, and the selected fragrances are output in priority to the modes having higher priorities.

[0348] When the mode setting is completed through the process in step S103 or step S104, the process proceeds to step S151.

[0349] (Step S151)

[0350] Next, in step S105, the fragrance output control unit 120 inputs information from the information acquisition unit 110.

[0351] In step S105, the fragrance output control unit 120 inputs information from components of the information acquisition unit 110, that is, the environment information acquisition unit 111, the operation information acquisition unit 112, the biological information acquisition unit 113, the voice information acquisition unit 114, the network, broadcast (TV, radio, web, SNS, etc.) information acquisition unit 115, the position information acquisition unit (GNSS) 116, and the advertisement information acquisition unit 117.

[0352] (Step S152)

[0353] Next, in step S152, the scent output control unit 120 selects a scent database to be referred to, based on the information input from the information acquisition unit 110 in step S151 and the set mode. Further, referring to the selected scent database, scent cartridge list data for scent selection unit display to be displayed on the input / output unit (UI) 130 is generated and displayed.

[0354] That is, scent cartridge list data to be displayed in the scent selection unit 132 to be displayed on the input / output unit (UI) 130 described above with reference to Figure 9 is generated and displayed.

[0355] Note that the scent cartridges to be displayed are acquired from the scent database corresponding to the mode.

[0356] For example, when the mode is the "current place corresponding mode", the identifiers of the scent cartridges to be displayed are acquired from the record data of the place and facility corresponding scent database 172 having the data configuration described above with reference to Figure 6 .

[0357] First, an entry in which the "(A) place information" closest to the current place information input from the place information acquisition unit 116 of the information acquisition unit 110 is registered is selected from the place and facility corresponding scent database 172. Next, the cartridge identifiers registered in the "(D) available scent cartridges" of the selected entry are selected, and cartridge list data containing the contents of the selected cartridges is generated and displayed.

[0358] Note that, as described above with reference to Figure 10 , the cartridge list data displayed on the input / output unit (UI) 130 includes the scent component information contained in each scent cartridge, and the remaining amount information of each scent component.

[0359] (Step S153)

[0360] Next, in step S153, the scent output control unit 120 determines whether or not user selection information with respect to the displayed scent cartridge list data has been input within a prescribed time.

[0361] When user selection information with respect to the displayed scent cartridge list data has been input within the prescribed time, the process proceeds to step S154.

[0362] On the other hand, when user selection information with respect to the displayed scent cartridge list data has not been input within the prescribed time, the process proceeds to step S155.

[0363] (Step S154)

[0364] When the user selection information for the displayed scent cartridge list data is input within the prescribed time, the process proceeds to step S154.

[0365] In this case, in step S154, the scent output control unit 120 selects the scent (scent cartridge) selected by the user, acquires the scent output region, timing, interval, and scent output mode corresponding to the selected scent from the mode corresponding scent database, and outputs the scent in the scent output mode corresponding to the acquired information.

[0366] (Step S155)

[0367] On the other hand, when the user selection information for the displayed scent cartridge list data is not input within the prescribed time, the process proceeds to step S155.

[0368] In this case, in step S155, the scent output control unit 120 selects the default scent specified for the deep grass summer (aroma summer) pinch, for example, the recommended scent cartridge, acquires the scent output region, timing, interval, and scent output mode corresponding to the selected scent from the mode corresponding scent database, and outputs the scent in the scent output mode corresponding to the acquired information.

[0369] Thus, the scent output control device of the present disclosure can output the optimal scent corresponding to various information input from the information acquisition unit 110 in accordance with the mode, specifically, the definition of the scent output timing, region, interval, and other detailed scent output mode recorded in the mode corresponding scent database.

[0370] Note that the scent output mode recorded in the mode corresponding scent database includes each of the information described above with reference to Figure 18 the various information, namely, (1) the kind of scent, (2) the mixing formula, (3) the concentration, amount, (4) the direction time, (5) the strength, (6) the duty ratio, (7) the diffusion, (8) the distance, (9) the change in strength over time, (10) the change in tone over time, and (11) the gradual / gradual weakening. The scent output control device of the present disclosure performs scent output control in accordance with these information.

[0371] [6. Business expansion example using the scent output control process of the present disclosure]

[0372] Next, a business expansion example using the scent output control process of the present disclosure will be described.

[0373] As described above, the fragrance output control device 100 of the present disclosure performs input of information from each of the constituent elements of the information acquisition unit 100, i.e., the environmental information acquisition unit 111, the operation information acquisition unit 112, the biological information acquisition unit 113, the voice information acquisition unit 114, the network, broadcast (TV, radio, web, SNS, etc.) information acquisition unit 115, the position information acquisition unit (GNSS) 116, the advertisement information acquisition unit 117, and outputs control of various fragrances corresponding to the mode setting based on these information.

[0374] The setting of the fragrance cartridge that outputs the fragrance can be set differently.

[0375] For example, a plurality of fragrances can be collectively switched and output to the fragrance cartridge, one or a plurality of cartridges can be used so that a fragrance cartridge set for touring specialty products in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, a fragrance cartridge set for traveling in France, a fragrance cartridge set for hunting at a soccer stadium, etc. can be used, and a process of wearing and using a fragrance cartridge corresponding to the purpose of the user's travel can be performed.

[0376] For example, by using the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure, the following processes can be performed.

[0377] By acquiring position information using a GNSS or a navigation system, a fragrance is output when approaching a target position.

[0378] When the occupant of a vehicle says "udon" or inputs "udon" as a search word to the navigation system, the fragrance of udon is output.

[0379] Thus, by using the device of the present disclosure, various fragrance outputs based on various information can be performed.

[0380] For example, as a sales strategy of the fragrance cartridge, the following processes can be performed.

[0381] By cooperating with fashion brands, fragrances suitable for stores around the world are determined, and cartridges including various fragrances are sold. Furthermore, services such as product introduction through the network, navigation systems, etc. can be developed.

[0382] In addition, in the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure, fragrance output control is performed in accordance with various mode settings, and these fragrance output controls are executed as processes corresponding to the registration information in the mode corresponding fragrance database.

[0383] As described above, the registration information of the mode corresponding fragrance database can be freely changed by the user, so that a fragrance corresponding to the user's preference can be output.

[0384] For example, in a case where the user approaches a "workplace", a scent for improving "concentration" is set to be output, and in a case where the user approaches a "home", a scent desired by the user can be output according to the situation, such as a scent for relaxing people.

[0385] As described above, by using the scent output control apparatus of the present disclosure, a new sense of three-dimensionality, daily interaction, and further entertainment can be realized by a scent.

[0386] By outputting a scent suitable for an environment and a scent related to surrounding information, a new value can be added to movement of a vehicle. For example, in a case where it is necessary to attract a large number of tourists or customers, such as a regional group (tourist spot) or a store, by registering a location of the regional group (tourist spot) or the store in advance in a location-to-scent database, a scent for each region or store can be output.

[0387] [7. Example of hardware configuration of scent output control apparatus]

[0388] Next, a specific example of hardware configuration of the scent output control apparatus that executes the above-described processing will be described with reference to Figure 18 This is an example of hardware configuration suitable for a scent output control apparatus mounted on a vehicle. Note that the scent output mode determination server can also be implemented as an apparatus having a hardware configuration as illustrated in Figure 18

[0389] ​ is a diagram illustrating an example of hardware configuration of a scent output control apparatus.

[0390] A central processing unit (CPU) 301 functions as a data processing unit that executes various processing according to programs stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 302 or a storage unit 308. For example, processing corresponding to the sequence described in the above-described embodiment is executed. A random access memory (RAM) 303 stores programs, data, and the like executed by the CPU 301. The CPU 301, the ROM 302, and the RAM 303 are interconnected by a bus 304.

[0391] The CPU 301 is connected to an input / output interface 305 via the bus 304, and the input / output interface 305 is connected to an input unit 306 including various switches, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, a microphone, a data acquisition unit such as a sensor, a camera, a GPS, or a GNSS, and the like, and an output unit 307 including a display, a speaker, and the like.

[0392] Note that the scent output unit is also a component of the output unit 307.

[0393] ​The CPU 301 inputs a command, status data, and the like input from the input unit 306, executes various processes, and outputs a processing result to, for example, the output unit 307.

[0394] The storage unit 308 connected to the input / output interface 305 includes, for example, a hard disk or the like, and stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data. The communication unit 309 functions as a transmission / reception unit of data communication via a network such as the Internet or a local area network, and communicates with an external device.

[0395] The drive 310 connected to the input / output interface 305 drives a detachable medium 311 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory such as a memory card, and records or reads data.

[0396] [8. Summary of the configuration of the present disclosure]

[0397] The above describes the embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to specific examples. However, it is obvious that modifications and substitutions of the embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. That is, the present invention is disclosed by way of example, and should not be interpreted in a limiting manner. In order to determine the gist of the present disclosure, the claims should be referred to.

[0398] Note that the technology disclosed in this specification can have the following configuration.

[0399] (1) A fragrance output control device including:

[0400] a fragrance output control unit configured to execute fragrance output control; and

[0401] a fragrance output unit configured to execute fragrance output under the control of the fragrance output control unit,

[0402] wherein the fragrance output control unit is configured to

[0403] select a fragrance to be output in accordance with input information from an information acquisition unit, and output the selected fragrance via the fragrance output unit, and

[0404] select information for fragrance selection from input information in accordance with a pre-set pattern, and select a fragrance to be output in accordance with the selected input information.

[0405] (2) The fragrance output control device according to (1), wherein the fragrance output unit is configured to output a fragrance into a vehicle.

[0406] (3) The fragrance output control device according to (2), wherein the information acquisition unit includes at least two of

[0407] (a) an environment information acquisition unit configured to acquire environment information;

[0408] (b) an operation information acquisition unit configured to acquire operation information of the vehicle;

[0409] (c) a biological information acquisition unit configured to acquire biological information of an occupant in the vehicle;

[0410] (d) a voice information acquisition unit configured to acquire voice information;

[0411] (e) a network and broadcast information acquisition unit configured to acquire at least one of network information or broadcast information;

[0412] (f) a position information acquisition unit configured to acquire position information; and

[0413] (g) an advertisement information acquisition unit configured to acquire advertisement information.

[0414] (4) The scent output control device according to (3), wherein the scent output control unit selects one of the information acquired by the information acquisition units of (a) to (g) according to a preset pattern, and selects a scent to be output according to the selected input information.

[0415] (5) The scent output control device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the scent output control unit

[0416] selects a pattern corresponding scent database according to a preset pattern, and

[0417] performs scent output control according to a scent output pattern registered in the pattern corresponding scent database.

[0418] (6) The scent output control device according to (5), wherein

[0419] an identifier of a scent output cartridge to be applied to scent output is registered in the pattern corresponding scent database, and

[0420] the scent output control unit performs scent output by using the scent output cartridge registered in the pattern corresponding scent database.

[0421] (7) The scent output control device according to (5), wherein

[0422] a plurality of identifiers of scent output cartridges to be applied to scent output are registered in the pattern corresponding scent database, and

[0423] The scent output control unit generates display information for causing a user to select a scent cartridge to be used from among a plurality of scent cartridges registered in the mode corresponding scent database, and displays the generated display information on the display unit.

[0424] (8) The scent output control device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the scent output control unit is a component of the information acquisition unit, and selects a scent to be output according to a keyword of a user utterance acquired by the voice information acquisition unit that acquires voice information, and outputs the selected scent via the scent output unit.

[0425] (9) The scent output control device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the scent output control unit is a component of the information acquisition unit, and

[0426] selects a scent to be output according to a keyword in network or broadcast information acquired by the network and broadcast information acquisition unit that acquires at least one of network information or broadcast information, and outputs the selected scent via the scent output unit.

[0427] (10) The scent output control device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the scent output control unit generates display information for causing a user to select the mode, and displays the generated information on the display unit.

[0428] (11) The scent output control device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the modes settable in the scent output control device include at least two of

[0429] (A) a current place corresponding mode;

[0430] (B) a keyword corresponding mode;

[0431] (C) an environment corresponding mode;

[0432] (D) an operation state corresponding mode;

[0433] (E) a biological state corresponding mode;

[0434] (F) an advertisement corresponding mode;

[0435] (G) an all acquired information corresponding mode.

[0436] (12) A scent output control system including: a scent output control device configured to execute a scent output process; and a scent output mode determination server configured to determine a scent to be output in the scent output control device,

[0437] wherein the fragrance output control device transmits information acquired by the information acquisition unit to the fragrance output mode determination server,

[0438] the fragrance output mode determination server determines a fragrance to be output in accordance with information received from the fragrance output control device, and transmits information about the determined fragrance to the fragrance output control device,

[0439] the fragrance output control device outputs the fragrance determined by the fragrance output mode determination server via a fragrance output unit, and

[0440] the fragrance output control device selects information for fragrance selection from information acquired by the information acquisition unit in accordance with a preset pattern, and transmits the selected information to the fragrance output mode determination server.

[0441] (13) The fragrance output control system according to (12), wherein the information acquisition unit of the fragrance output control device includes at least two of

[0442] (a) an environmental information acquisition unit configured to acquire environmental information;

[0443] (b) an operation information acquisition unit configured to acquire operation information of a vehicle;

[0444] (c) a biological information acquisition unit configured to acquire biological information of an occupant in the vehicle;

[0445] (d) a voice information acquisition unit configured to acquire voice information;

[0446] (e) a network and broadcast information acquisition unit configured to acquire at least one of network information or broadcast information;

[0447] (f) a position information acquisition unit configured to acquire position information; and

[0448] (g) an advertisement information acquisition unit configured to acquire advertisement information, and

[0449] the fragrance output control device selects one of information acquired by the information acquisition units of (a) to (g) in accordance with a preset pattern, and transmits the selected information to the fragrance output mode determination server.

[0450] (14) A fragrance control method executed in a fragrance output control device, wherein

[0451] the fragrance output control device includes:

[0452] a fragrance output control unit configured to perform fragrance output control; and

[0453] a scent output unit configured to execute scent output under the control of the scent output control unit, and

[0454] the scent output control unit

[0455] executes a process of selecting a scent to be output in accordance with input information from the information acquisition unit, and outputs the selected scent via the scent output unit, and

[0456] selects information for scent selection from the input information in accordance with a preset pattern, and selects a scent to be output in accordance with the selected input information.

[0457] (15) A scent output control method executed in a scent output control system including a scent output control device configured to execute a scent output process, and a scent output pattern determination server configured to determine a scent to be output in the scent output control device, wherein

[0458] the scent output control device selects information for scent selection from information acquired by an information acquisition unit in accordance with a preset pattern, and transmits the selected information to the scent output pattern determination server,

[0459] the scent output pattern determination server determines a scent to be output in accordance with the information received from the scent output control device, and transmits information about the determined scent to the scent output control device, and

[0460] the scent output control device outputs the scent determined by the scent output pattern determination server via a scent output unit.

[0461] (16) A program that causes a scent output control device to execute a scent output control process, wherein

[0462] the scent output control device includes:

[0463] a scent output control unit configured to execute scent output control; and

[0464] a scent output unit configured to execute scent output under the control of the scent output control unit, and

[0465] the program causes the scent output control unit to:

[0466] executes a process of selecting a scent to be output in accordance with input information from the information acquisition unit, and outputs the selected scent via the scent output unit; and

[0467] The information for scent selection is selected from the input information in accordance with a preset pattern, and a scent to be output is selected in accordance with the selected input information.

[0468] The series of processes described in the specification can be executed by hardware, software, or a combination of both. In the case of executing the processes by software, a program recording the process sequence can be installed in a memory in a computer incorporated into a dedicated hardware and executed, or the program can be installed in a general-purpose computer capable of executing various processes and executed. For example, the program can be recorded in a recording medium in advance. In addition to being installed from the recording medium to the computer, the program can be received via a network such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet, and installed in a recording medium such as a built-in hard disk.

[0469] Note that the various processes described in the specification can be executed not only in the order described but also in accordance with the processing capacity of the device executing the processes or in parallel or individually when necessary. In addition, in the present specification, a system is a logical collection of a plurality of devices, and is not limited to a system in which various constituent devices are located within the same housing.

[0470] Industrial applicability

[0471] As described above, with the configuration according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a device and a method of controlling a scent to be output based on various information acquired by an information acquisition unit are realized.

[0472] Specifically, for example, a scent output control unit that executes scent output control, and a scent output unit that executes scent output under the control of the scent output control unit are included, and the scent output control unit selects a scent to be output in accordance with input information from the information acquisition unit, and outputs the selected scent via the scent output unit. The scent output control unit selects the information for scent selection from the input information in accordance with a preset pattern, and selects a scent to be output in accordance with the selected input information. For example, based on information of a user utterance or a region, a facility, or the like, control of a scent to be output is executed.

[0473] With this configuration, a device and a method of controlling a scent to be output based on various information acquired by an information acquisition unit are realized.

[0474] List of reference numerals

[0475] 100 scent output control device

[0476] 101 environment sensor

[0477] 102 vehicle operation sensor

[0478] 103 biosensor

[0479] 104 microphone

[0480] 105 communication unit

[0481] 106 storage unit

[0482] 110 information acquisition unit

[0483] 111 environment information acquisition unit

[0484] 112 operation information acquisition unit

[0485] 113 biological information acquisition unit

[0486] 114 voice information acquisition unit

[0487] 115 network, broadcast (TV, radio, web, SNS, etc.) information acquisition unit

[0488] 116 position information acquisition unit (GNSS)

[0489] 117 advertisement information acquisition unit

[0490] 120 fragrance output control unit

[0491] 121 fragrance output mode determination unit

[0492] 122 UI control unit

[0493] 123 fragrance output unit control unit

[0494] 130 input / output unit (UI)

[0495] 150 fragrance output unit

[0496] 151 blower drive unit

[0497] 152 flow path control unit

[0498] 153 fragrance selection output unit

[0499] 171 map and facility data

[0500] 172 position and facility corresponding fragrance database

[0501] 173 word corresponding fragrance database

[0502] 210 fragrance output state determination server

[0503] 301 CPU

[0504] 302 ROM

[0505] 303 RAM

[0506] 304 bus

[0507] 305 input / output interface

[0508] 306 input unit

[0509] 307 output unit

[0510] 308 storage unit

[0511] 309 communication unit

[0512] 310 drive

[0513] 311 detachable medium

Claims

1. A scent output control apparatus comprising: a scent output control unit configured to perform scent output control; and a scent output unit configured to perform scent output under the control of the scent output control unit, wherein the scent output control unit is configured to: select, in accordance with a preset pattern and input information from an information acquisition unit, a corresponding entry in a pattern corresponding scent database in which a plurality of identifiers of a plurality of scent output cartridges to be applied to scent output are registered in each entry, generate display information for causing a user to select a scent output cartridge to be used from among a plurality of scent output cartridges registered in the corresponding entry in the pattern corresponding scent database, in accordance with the identifiers of the scent output cartridges in the selected entry, and display the generated display information on a display unit for user selection, and perform scent output control by using the scent output cartridge selected by the user and in accordance with a scent output pattern registered in the selected entry in the pattern corresponding scent database.

2. The scent output control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scent output unit is configured to output scent into a vehicle.

3. The scent output control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information acquisition unit includes at least two of (a) an environment information acquisition unit configured to acquire environment information; (b) an operation information acquisition unit configured to acquire operation information of a vehicle; (c) a biological information acquisition unit configured to acquire biological information of an occupant in a vehicle; (d) a voice information acquisition unit configured to acquire voice information; (e) a network and broadcast information acquisition unit configured to acquire at least one of network information or broadcast information; (f) a position information acquisition unit configured to acquire position information; and (g) an advertisement information acquisition unit configured to acquire advertisement information.

4. The scent output control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the scent output control unit selects one of the information acquired by the information acquisition units of (a) to (g) in accordance with a preset pattern, and selects a scent to be output in accordance with the selected input information.

5. The scent output control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scent output control unit is one component of the information acquisition unit, and selects a scent to be output in accordance with a user utterance word acquired by the voice information acquisition unit for acquiring voice information, and outputs the selected scent via the scent output unit.

6. The scent output control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scent output control unit is one component of the information acquisition unit, and selects a scent to be output in accordance with a keyword in network, broadcast information acquired by the network and broadcast information acquisition unit for acquiring at least one of network information or broadcast information, and outputs the selected scent via the scent output unit. ​ 7. The scent output control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scent output control unit generates display information for causing a user to select the mode, and displays the generated information on the display unit.

8. The scent output control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the modes settable in the scent output control apparatus include at least two of (A) a current place corresponding mode; (B) a word corresponding mode; (C) an environment corresponding mode; (D) an operation state corresponding mode; (E) a biological state corresponding mode; (F) an advertisement corresponding mode; and (G) an all acquired information corresponding mode.

9. A fragrance output control system comprising: a scent output control apparatus configured to execute a scent output process; and a scent output mode determination server holding a mode corresponding scent database and configured to determine a scent to be output in the scent output control apparatus, wherein the scent output control apparatus selects information for scent selection from information acquired by an information acquisition unit in accordance with a mode set in advance, and transmits the selected information and the mode set in advance to the scent output mode determination server, the scent output mode determination server acquires information on a scent output cartridge and a scent output mode from the mode corresponding scent database in accordance with the information received from the scent output control apparatus and the mode set in advance, and transmits the acquired information to the scent output control apparatus, wherein the information includes a plurality of identifiers of a plurality of scent output cartridges registered in the mode corresponding scent database, the scent output control apparatus generates display information for causing a user to select a scent output cartridge to be used from the plurality of scent output cartridges in accordance with the acquired identifiers of the scent output cartridges, and displays the generated display information on a display unit for user selection, and the scent output control apparatus executes scent output control by using the scent output cartridge selected by the user, and in accordance with a scent output mode registered in the mode corresponding scent database.

10. The scent output control system according to claim 9, wherein the information acquisition unit of the scent output control apparatus includes at least two of (a) an environment information acquisition unit configured to acquire environment information; (b) an operation information acquisition unit configured to acquire operation information of a vehicle; (c) a biological information acquisition unit configured to acquire biological information of an occupant in a vehicle; (d) a voice information acquisition unit configured to acquire voice information; (e) a network and broadcast information acquisition unit configured to acquire at least one of network information or broadcast information; (f) a position information acquisition unit configured to acquire position information; and (g) an advertisement information acquisition unit configured to acquire advertisement information, and the scent output control apparatus selects one of the information acquired by the information acquisition units of (a) to (g) in accordance with a mode set in advance, and transmits the selected information to the scent output mode determination server.

11. A scent output control method executed in a scent output control apparatus, ​ wherein the fragrance output control device includes: a fragrance output control unit configured to perform fragrance output control; and a fragrance output unit configured to perform fragrance output under the control of the fragrance output control unit, and the fragrance output control unit performs the following steps: selecting, in accordance with a pre-set mode and input information from an information acquisition unit, a corresponding entry in a mode corresponding fragrance database in which a plurality of identifiers of a plurality of fragrance output cartridges to be applied to fragrance output are registered in each entry, generating display information for causing a user to select a fragrance output cartridge to be used from a plurality of fragrance output cartridges registered in the corresponding entry in the mode corresponding fragrance database, in accordance with the identifiers of the fragrance output cartridges in the selected entry, and displaying the generated display information on a display unit for user selection, and performing fragrance output control by using the fragrance output cartridge selected by the user and in accordance with the fragrance output mode registered in the selected entry in the mode corresponding fragrance database.

12. A fragrance output control method performed in a fragrance output control system including a fragrance output control device configured to perform fragrance output processing and a fragrance output mode determination server holding a mode corresponding fragrance database and configured to determine a fragrance to be output in the fragrance output control device, the fragrance output control method including: the fragrance output control device selecting, in accordance with a pre-set mode, information to be used for fragrance selection from information acquired by an information acquisition unit, and transmitting the selected information and the pre-set mode to the fragrance output mode determination server, the fragrance output mode determination server acquiring information on fragrance output cartridges and fragrance output modes from the mode corresponding fragrance database in accordance with the information received from the fragrance output control device and the pre-set mode, and transmitting the acquired information to the fragrance output control device, wherein the information includes a plurality of identifiers of a plurality of fragrance output cartridges registered in the mode corresponding fragrance database, and the fragrance output control device generating display information for causing a user to select a fragrance output cartridge to be used from the plurality of fragrance output cartridges, in accordance with the acquired identifiers of the fragrance output cartridges, and displaying the generated display information on a display unit for user selection, and the fragrance output control device performing fragrance output control by using the fragrance output cartridge selected by the user and in accordance with the fragrance output mode registered in the mode corresponding fragrance database.

13. A computer program product including a program causing a fragrance output control device to perform fragrance output control processing, wherein the fragrance output control device includes: a fragrance output control unit configured to perform fragrance output control; and a fragrance output unit configured to perform fragrance output under the control of the fragrance output control unit, and The program causes the scent output control unit to: select, in accordance with a pre-set mode and input information from the information acquisition unit, a mode corresponding scent database in which a plurality of identifiers of a plurality of scent output cartridges to be applied to scent output are registered in each entry of the mode corresponding scent database, generate display information for causing a user to select a scent output cartridge to be used from among the plurality of scent output cartridges registered in the corresponding entry of the mode corresponding scent database, in accordance with the identifiers of the scent output cartridges in the selected entry, and display the generated display information on the display unit for the user to select, and perform scent output control by using the scent output cartridge selected by the user and in accordance with the scent output mode registered in the selected entry of the mode corresponding scent database. The program causes the scent output control unit to: select, in accordance with a pre-set mode and input information from the information acquisition unit, a mode corresponding scent database in which a plurality of identifiers of a plurality of scent output cartridges to be applied to scent output are registered in each entry of the mode corresponding scent database, generate display information for causing a user to select a scent output cartridge to be used from among the plurality of scent output cartridges registered in the corresponding entry of the mode corresponding scent database, in accordance with the identifiers of the scent output cartridges in the selected entry, and display the generated display information on the display unit for the user to select, and perform scent output control by using the scent output cartridge selected by the user and in accordance with the scent output mode registered in the selected entry of the mode corresponding scent database. The program causes the scent output control unit to: select, in accordance with a pre-set mode and input information from the information acquisition unit, a mode corresponding scent database in which a plurality of identifiers of a plurality of scent output cartridges to be applied to scent output are registered

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