An olfactory stimulation system

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of biological research and application, and particularly relates to an olfactory stimulation system. The present application provides an olfactory stimulation system, comprising: a gas odor generating unit and an electronic control unit, the electronic control unit is connected to the gas odor generating unit, the gas odor generating unit is used for generating odor gas for olfactory test; wherein the gas odor generating unit comprises: an air providing part used for providing required preparation gas; an odor generating part comprising a plurality of channels, the odor generating part is used for generating special odor and mixing with the required preparation gas to obtain the odor gas; and an output terminal part used for conveying and adjusting the odor gas. The present application adopts a multi-channel design, can simultaneously convey different odors, and utilizes software synchronous correction and accurate control, has accurate time control, concentration control and continuous stability control.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of biological research and application, and particularly relates to an olfactory stimulation system. BACKGROUND

[0002] The five senses of human beings are the main sensor organs to contact the outside world, and the smell perceived through the nasal cavity plays an important role in human cognition and behavior. Smell can be used to distinguish food, drink, perfume and flower species, and smell also has a certain influence on memory and emotion. Many diseases can cause abnormal smell, including neurodegenerative diseases. Abnormal brain cognitive degeneration (such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Lewy body disease (LBD), etc.) also gradually intensifies the health hazards to the elderly. In recent years, the number of patients with AD, PD, LBD and other neurodegenerative diseases has increased dramatically worldwide, and the number of AD patients in China is also the highest in the world. In neurodegenerative diseases, the normal aging process leads to olfactory decline and structural and biochemical changes in the brain region related to olfactory function. In patients with olfactory loss and olfactory decline, the brain's response to smell is significantly reduced, and olfactory decline is one of the clinical manifestations of early cognitive decline. The brain's response to smell is also multifaceted; studies have also shown that smell stimulation has many positive effects on the brain, smell enriches the representation of brain place cells, and smell can greatly improve navigation ability as a landmark to further form a long-distance cognitive spatial map. Certain scents also have the functions of calming the mind, relieving emotions, anxiety and fatigue, and helping to improve attention.

[0003] Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalogram (EEG) and other research techniques, the brain's response to smell and the brain's loss of smell are studied, which provides a way to objectively evaluate the state of human brain diseases and the positive and negative factors that stimulate the brain. It is of great significance to study the effect of smell on the olfactory region of the brain and the brain neural network. Eye vision and ear hearing research can present stimuli in a highly precise spatial and temporal manner, and in general, the smell in the environment changes with changes in concentration and time.

[0004] The problem of olfactory research is how to repeatedly and continuously present a stable odor of a substance. In the research, it is essential to provide a continuous and quantitative odor stimulation system for both humans and animals. In the early stage, some olfactory instruments were developed to measure the odor cue behavior response of mice and some insects. Some olfactory identification cards were also designed for human subjects. The present invention considers the limitations of the existing odor delivery device structure, the continuity and repeatability of the device, the simultaneous stimulation of multiple types of odors or the stimulation under the background odor, the self-cleaning function of the gas outlet, the increase of gas humidity, the odor preservation, and the drying of the humidity of the gas inlet system and the display of the humidity value. The device is compatible with existing fMRI, EEG, and other neural technologies for testing, and can synchronize the data collection of neural electrophysiology and neuroimaging data under different odor triggers. At the same time, the device is designed as a multi-channel system, which can simultaneously or superimposedly stimulate and analyze liquid, gas, and solid odors on the same instrument system. SUMMARY

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the defects of the prior art, provide a device that can select the concentration and stimulation time of the stimulus, provide stable odor concentration and repeatability in a short time, accurately control the time, and simultaneously deliver different odors or perform the next different odor stimulation without stopping the stimulation.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention provides an olfactory stimulation system, as shown in Figure 1 The system comprises:

[0007] A gas odor generating unit and an electronic control unit connected to the gas odor generating unit, the gas odor generating unit is used to generate odor gas for olfactory test;

[0008] The gas odor generating unit comprises:

[0009] An air supply part for supplying the required preparation gas;

[0010] An odor generating part comprising a plurality of channels, the input end of each channel is connected to the output end of the air supply part, each channel is used to deliver the required preparation gas and control the flow of the required preparation gas, and at least one channel is used to generate a special odor, the odor generating part mixes the special odor and the required preparation gas to obtain the odor gas;

[0011] An output terminal part, the input end of the output terminal part is connected to the output end of each channel, and the output end of the output terminal part is connected to a subject end, the output terminal part is used to deliver and adjust the odor gas;

[0012] The electronic control unit is used to control the working state of the channel to control the odor generating part to adjust the odor gas.

[0013] Further, the channel comprises a plurality of odor channels, each of the odor channels comprises:

[0014] A first float flow meter, an input end of the first float flow meter serving as an input end of the odor channel, the first float flow meter being used to control the intake flow of the required preparation gas;

[0015] A three-way electromagnetic valve, an input end of the three-way electromagnetic valve being connected to an output end of the first float flow meter, the three-way electromagnetic valve being used to control the on-off of the odor channel, and at the same time, to ensure the stability of the system gas pressure, the three-way electromagnetic valve is used to transfer the required preparation gas to an exhaust end of the three-way electromagnetic valve for exhaust;

[0016] A first check valve, an input end of the first check valve being connected to an output end of the three-way electromagnetic valve, the first check valve being used to prevent gas backflow;

[0017] A sample bottle, the sample bottle being pre-provided with an odor agent, an input end of the sample bottle being connected to an output end of the first check valve, the sample bottle being used to guide the required preparation gas into the odor agent for mixing to obtain the odor gas and then output the odor gas from an output end of the sample bottle;

[0018] A second check valve, an input end of the second check valve being connected to the output end of the sample bottle, an output end of the second check valve serving as an output end of the odor channel, the second check valve being used to prevent gas backflow;

[0019] Further, the sample bottle specifically comprises:

[0020] A first bottle body, the first bottle body being internally pre-provided with the odor agent;

[0021] A first bottle cap, the first bottle cap being arranged above the first bottle body and being used to seal the first bottle body, a plurality of first small holes being respectively arranged on the first bottle cap;

[0022] A first air inlet cannula, one end of the first air inlet cannula serving as the input end of the sample bottle, the other end of the first air inlet cannula extending into the first bottle body through the first small hole and being located in the odor agent;

[0023] A first air outlet cannula, one end of the first air outlet cannula serving as the output end of the sample bottle, the other end of the first air outlet cannula extending into the first bottle body through the first small hole and being located above the odor agent;

[0024] The sample bottle is also provided with a magnetic stirring heater for continuously stirring the odorant to emit the special odor.

[0025] Further, the channel also includes a main gas channel, which includes:

[0026] A second float flow meter, the input end of which is the input end of the main gas channel, is used to control the intake flow of the required preparation gas;

[0027] A third one-way valve, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the second float flow meter, is used to prevent gas backflow;

[0028] A gas washing bottle, which is pre-added with deionized water, has its input end connected to the output end of the third one-way valve, and is used to guide the required preparation gas into the deionized water to adjust the humidity, and then output from the output end of the gas washing bottle;

[0029] A fourth one-way valve, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the gas washing bottle, and the output end of which is the output end of the main gas channel, is used to prevent gas backflow;

[0030] The main gas channel is used to continuously deliver the required preparation gas, adjust the humidity of the required preparation gas through the gas washing bottle, and output the adjusted required preparation gas as the background gas of the odor gas.

[0031] Further, the gas washing bottle specifically includes:

[0032] A second bottle body, which is pre-provided with the deionized water inside;

[0033] A second bottle cap, which is placed above the second bottle body and is used to seal the second bottle body, and is provided with a plurality of second small holes on the second bottle cap;

[0034] A second air inlet cannula, one end of which is the input end of the gas washing bottle, and the other end of which extends into the second bottle body through the second small hole and is in the deionized water;

[0035] A second air outlet cannula, one end of which is the output end of the gas washing bottle, and the other end of which extends into the second bottle body through the second small hole and is above the deionized water;

[0036] The gas washing bottle is also provided with a magnetic stirring heater for heating the deionized water to adjust the temperature of the required preparation gas.

[0037] Further, the channels further include a cleaning channel, the cleaning channel comprising:

[0038] a third float flow meter, an input end of the third float flow meter serving as an input end of the cleaning channel, the third float flow meter being configured to control the intake flow of the required preparation gas;

[0039] a fifth one-way valve, an input end of the fifth one-way valve being connected to an output end of the third float flow meter, the fifth one-way valve being configured to prevent backflow of the gas;

[0040] a plurality of two-way on-off solenoid valves, an input end of each of the two-way on-off solenoid valves being connected to an output end of the fifth one-way valve through a first branch pipeline, an output end of each of the two-way on-off solenoid valves being connected to an output end of a channel other than the cleaning channel through a second branch pipeline, each of the two-way on-off solenoid valves being configured to control the on-off of the cleaning channel, thereby controlling the working state of the gas cleaning of the connected channel.

[0041] Further, the output terminal part comprises:

[0042] a gas adjusting terminal, the gas adjusting terminal serving as an input end of the output terminal part, the gas adjusting terminal comprising a plurality of input ends, each of the input ends being connected to an output end of a corresponding channel, the gas adjusting terminal being configured to adjust the on-off of each of the channels and the output terminal part, thereby adjusting and delivering the odor gas;

[0043] a gas testing device, an input end of the gas testing device being connected to an output end of the gas adjusting terminal, the gas testing device being configured to deliver the odor gas, test the arrival time and concentration value of the odor gas, and output a corresponding result signal as a test result of the odor gas, so as to identify that the odor gas has been delivered to the subject end;

[0044] a delivery device, an input end of the delivery device being connected to an output end of the gas testing device, an output end of the delivery device serving as an output end of the output terminal part, the delivery device being configured to deliver the odor gas to the subject end.

[0045] Further, the delivery device specifically comprises:

[0046] a delivery pipeline, an input end of the delivery pipeline serving as the input end of the delivery device, an output end of the delivery pipeline being connected to a subject equipment;

[0047] The delivery pipeline and the subject equipment are both made of polytetrafluoroethylene material.

[0048] Further, the electronic control unit comprises:

[0049] a heating control device connected to each of the magnetic stirring heaters respectively, for controlling the magnetic stirring heaters respectively;

[0050] an electronic processing device connected to the heating control device and a host computer respectively, for controlling the heating control device according to the instructions issued by the host computer, thereby controlling the magnetic stirring heaters respectively;

[0051] the electronic processing device is further connected to the three-way electromagnetic valve and each of the two-way on-off electromagnetic valves respectively, for controlling the three-way electromagnetic valve and each of the two-way on-off electromagnetic valves respectively according to the instructions issued by the host computer, thereby controlling the on-off of the odor channel and the cleaning channel.

[0052] the electronic processing device is further connected to the gas testing device, for obtaining the test results of the gas testing device;

[0053] the host computer is used for analyzing the test results obtained by the electronic processing device and the feedback results collected through the subject terminal, to obtain the stimulation response of the olfactory stimulation system.

[0054] Further, the air supply part comprises:

[0055] an air compressor, for compressing raw gas;

[0056] a storage tank, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the air compressor, for storing the compressed raw gas;

[0057] an adsorption tank, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the storage tank through an external pipeline gas interface, for adsorbing gas pollutants in the raw gas;

[0058] an external pipeline gas interface, the output end of which is connected to the input end of the adsorption tank, and the input end of which is connected to other gas supply equipment, as a backup compressed raw gas supply interface;

[0059] a filter, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the adsorption tank, for filtering particles in the raw gas;

[0060] a dehumidification tank, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the filter, for dehumidifying the raw gas;

[0061] a pressure stabilizing device, an input end of which is connected to an output end of the moisture removing tank, and an output end of which is used as an output end of the air providing part, the pressure stabilizing device being used to adjust and maintain the pressure of the original gas, thereby preparing the required preparation gas.

[0062] The present application adopts a multi-channel design, can simultaneously deliver different smells, and solves the time control problem by using software synchronous correction control and precise control, and provides stable smell concentration and repeatability by temperature control, and can select stimulants, stimulant concentration, stimulation time and stimulation mode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0063] Figure 1 In a preferred embodiment of the present application, a schematic diagram of a unit structure framework of the olfactory stimulation system is shown.

[0064] Figure 2 In a preferred embodiment of the present application, a schematic diagram of a specific structure of the olfactory stimulation system is shown.

[0065] Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment of the present application, a gas flow stability control diagram when one of the multiple smell channels is used alone is shown.

[0066] Figure 4 In a preferred embodiment of the present application, a gas flow stability control diagram when two of the multiple smell channels are used simultaneously is shown.

[0067] Figure 5 In a preferred embodiment of the present application, a gas flow stability control diagram when one of the multiple smell channels is used as a background smell and another is used as an overlay smell is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative work fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0069] It should be noted that the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0070] The present application will be further described below with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments, but is not limited by the present application.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, an olfactory stimulation system is involved, as shown in Figure 1 the drawings.

[0072] a gas smell generating unit 1 and an electronic control unit 2, the electronic control unit 2 being connected to the gas smell generating unit 1, the gas smell generating unit 1 being used to generate smell gas for olfactory test;

[0073] The gas smell generating unit 1 comprises:

[0074] an air providing part 3, the air providing part 3 being used to provide required preparation gas;

[0075] a smell generating part 4, the smell generating part 4 comprising a plurality of channels, the input end of each channel being connected to the output end of the air providing part 3, each channel being used to transport required preparation gas and control the flow of the required preparation gas, and at least one channel being used to generate special smell, the smell being generated according to the mixing of the special smell and the required preparation gas to obtain smell gas;

[0076] an output terminal part 5, the input end of the output terminal part 5 being connected to the output end of each channel, and the output end of the output terminal part 5 being connected to a subject end 6, the output terminal part 5 being used to transport and adjust smell gas;

[0077] The electronic control unit 2 is used to control the working state of the channels to control the smell generating part 4 to adjust smell gas.

[0078] Specifically, in the embodiment, each channel has the ability to independently close and adjust air flow, which is convenient and fixed to use different flow in test without re-adjustment.

[0079] In the embodiment, the rationality, continuity and repeatability of the smell delivery device structure are considered, and through the multi-channel auxiliary gas, the smell can be provided with continuous and reliable smell stimulation in constant air flow under the action of carrying gas, and the air flow reaching the subject end 6 is stable and not easy to feel.

[0080] In the preferred embodiment of the present application, the above-mentioned channels comprise a plurality of smell channels 16, each smell channel 16 comprising:

[0081] a first float flow meter 25, the input end of the first float flow meter 25 being used as the input end of the smell channel 16, the first float flow meter 25 being used to control the inlet flow of the required preparation gas;

[0082] a three-way electromagnetic valve 26, the input end of the three-way electromagnetic valve 26 being connected to the output end of the first float flow meter 25, the three-way electromagnetic valve 26 being used to control the on-off of the smell channel 16, and at the same time, to ensure the stability of the system gas pressure, the three-way electromagnetic valve 26 converts the required preparation gas to the exhaust end of the three-way electromagnetic valve to exhaust;

[0083] A first one-way valve 27, an input end of the first one-way valve 27 is connected to an output end of the three-way electromagnetic valve 26, and the first one-way valve 27 is used to prevent gas backflow;

[0084] A sample bottle 28, the sample bottle 28 is pre-provided with an odor agent, an input end of the sample bottle 28 is connected to an output end of the first one-way valve 27, and the sample bottle 28 is used to output odor gas after mixing the required preparation gas with the odor agent;

[0085] A second one-way valve 29, an input end of the second one-way valve 29 is connected to an output end of the sample bottle 28, and an output end of the second one-way valve 29 is used as an output end of the odor channel 16, and the second one-way valve 29 is used to prevent gas backflow in itself or other channels;

[0086] Each odor channel 16 is used to continuously transport the required preparation gas, and the required preparation gas is mixed with a special odor generated in the odor agent through the sample bottle 28 to form odor gas.

[0087] Specifically, in the embodiment, the sample bottle 28 specifically includes:

[0088] A first bottle body, the first bottle body is pre-provided with an odor agent inside;

[0089] A first bottle cap, the first bottle cap is arranged above the first bottle body and is used to seal the first bottle body, and a plurality of first small holes are arranged on the first bottle cap;

[0090] A first gas inlet pipe, one end of the first gas inlet pipe is used as an input end of the sample bottle 28, and the other end of the first gas inlet pipe extends into the first bottle body through the first small hole and is located in the odor agent;

[0091] A first gas outlet pipe, one end of the first gas outlet pipe is used as an output end of the sample bottle 28, and the other end of the first gas outlet pipe extends into the first bottle body through the first small hole and is located above the odor agent;

[0092] A magnetic stirring heater 23 is further arranged in the sample bottle 28, and is used to continuously stir the odor agent to release a special odor.

[0093] In the embodiment, the rationality of the structure of the odor transmission device is considered, and the self-cleaning of the gas outlet end, the increase of the humidity and temperature of the gas, the odor insulation, the drying and display of the gas, the odor temperature control, and the continuous concentration magnetic stirring control of the odor source are considered.

[0094] In the embodiment, the sample bottle 28 and the like are made of glass, quartz glass and the like, and the pipeline after the sample bottle 28 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene material and uses a quick connector, so that the durability and the convenience of cleaning are improved.

[0095] In this embodiment, the design of the plurality of odor channels 16 can be used individually.

[0096] In this embodiment, the design of the plurality of odor channels 16 can be used simultaneously with 2 channels.

[0097] In this embodiment, the design of the plurality of odor channels 16 can use one channel as a background gas and another channel as a main stimulation channel to achieve some special odor stimulation under the background odor.

[0098] In the preferred embodiment of the present application, the channel further includes a main gas channel 15, which includes:

[0099] A second float flowmeter 20, the input end of the second float flowmeter 20 serving as the input end of the main gas channel 15, the second float flowmeter 20 being used to control the intake flow of the required preparation gas;

[0100] A third one-way valve 21, the input end of the third one-way valve 21 being connected to the output end of the second float flowmeter 20, the third one-way valve 21 being used to prevent gas backflow;

[0101] A gas washing bottle 22, deionized water being added in the gas washing bottle 22, the input end of the gas washing bottle 22 being connected to the output end of the third one-way valve 21, the gas washing bottle 22 being used to guide the required preparation gas into the deionized water to adjust the humidity and then output from the output end of the gas washing bottle 22;

[0102] A fourth one-way valve 24, the input end of the fourth one-way valve 24 being connected to the output end of the gas washing bottle 22, the output end of the fourth one-way valve 24 serving as the output end of the main gas channel 15, the fourth one-way valve 24 being used to prevent gas backflow;

[0103] The main gas channel 15 is used to continuously deliver the required preparation gas and adjust the humidity of the required preparation gas through the gas washing bottle 22, and the adjusted required preparation gas is used as the background gas of the odor gas.

[0104] Specifically, in this embodiment, the gas washing bottle 22 specifically includes:

[0105] A second bottle body, deionized water being pre-placed in the second bottle body;

[0106] A second bottle cap, the second bottle cap being placed above the second bottle body and being used to seal the second bottle body, a plurality of second small holes being respectively arranged on the second bottle cap;

[0107] A second air inlet cannula, one end of the second air inlet cannula serving as the input end of the gas washing bottle 22, the other end of the second air inlet cannula extending into the second bottle body through the second small hole and being in the deionized water;

[0108] A second gas outlet cannula, one end of the second gas outlet cannula serving as an output end of the gas washing bottle 22, the other end of the second gas outlet cannula extending into the second bottle body through a second small hole and being above the deionized water;

[0109] The gas washing bottle 22 is further provided with a magnetic stirring heater 23 for heating the deionized water and adjusting the temperature of the required preparation gas.

[0110] In the embodiment, the gas washing bottle 22 and the like are made of glass, quartz glass and the like, and the pipeline after the gas washing bottle 22 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene material and uses a quick connector, thereby improving the durability and the convenience of cleaning.

[0111] In the embodiment, the bottle cap is made of engineering plastic, which facilitates opening, cleaning and adding liquid, and the gas inlet cannula is immersed below the horizontal plane to generate a bubbling effect.

[0112] In the embodiment, the magnetic stirrer 23 with heating function can be heated when necessary, and the main gas passage can adjust the temperature and humidity of the required preparation gas through the change of the temperature and flow rate, so as to form a comfortable airflow at the subject end 6.

[0113] In the preferred embodiment of the present application, the passage further comprises a cleaning passage 14, and the cleaning passage 14 comprises:

[0114] A third float flowmeter 17, the input end of the third float flowmeter 17 serving as the input end of the cleaning passage 14, the third float flowmeter 17 being used for controlling the gas inlet flow of the required preparation gas;

[0115] A fifth one-way valve 18, the input end of the fifth one-way valve 18 being connected to the output end of the third float flowmeter 17, the fifth one-way valve 18 being used for preventing the backflow of the gas;

[0116] A plurality of two-way on-off solenoid valves 19, the input end of each two-way on-off solenoid valve 19 being connected to the output end of the fifth one-way valve 18 through a first branch pipeline, the output end of each two-way on-off solenoid valve 19 being connected to the output end of the other passage except the cleaning passage 14 through a second branch pipeline, and each two-way on-off solenoid valve 19 being used for controlling the on-off of the cleaning passage and thereby controlling the working state of the gas cleaning of the connected passage.

[0117] Specifically, in the embodiment, the cleaning passage 14 controls the opening or stopping of pushing the required preparation gas into the pipeline of the gas outlet port part of the connected other passage for cleaning.

[0118] In the embodiment, the cleaning passage 14 is used for blowing the odor gas of the passage with the required preparation gas, and simultaneously cleaning the passage.

[0119] In the embodiment, the cleaning channel 14 has precise functions of starting to deliver the odor and continuously pushing the odor, so as to ensure the continuous amount of the odor required for stimulation, and after ensuring that the remaining gas is pushed to the test end 6, the cleaning channel 14 can clean the pipeline and provide stable airflow, so as to keep the airflow in the nasal cavity constant.

[0120] In the preferred embodiment of the present application, the output terminal part 5 comprises:

[0121] The gas adjusting terminal 30 comprises a plurality of input ends as the output terminal part 5, the gas adjusting terminal 30 comprises a plurality of input ends, each of which is connected to the output end of the corresponding channel, and the gas adjusting terminal 30 is used to adjust the on-off of each channel and the output terminal part 5, so as to adjust and deliver the odor gas;

[0122] The gas testing device 31 has an input end connected to the output end of the gas adjusting terminal 30, and is used to deliver the odor gas, test the arrival time and concentration value of the odor gas, and output the arrival time and concentration value as the test result of the odor gas, so as to identify that the odor gas has been delivered to the test end 6;

[0123] The delivery device 32 has an input end connected to the output end of the gas testing device 31, and an output end as the output end of the output terminal part 5, which is used to deliver the odor gas to the test end 6.

[0124] Specifically, in the embodiment, the delivery device 32 comprises:

[0125] The delivery pipeline has an input end as the input end of the delivery device 32, and an output end connected to a test device, which can be a nasal catheter or a mask;

[0126] The nasal catheter or the mask is used to make the test end 6 better receive the odor gas and obtain feedback.

[0127] The delivery pipeline and the nasal catheter can use polytetrafluoroethylene material.

[0128] In the embodiment, the gas testing device 31 can monitor the gas concentration and calibrate the time synchronization of the odor reaching the sense organs of the test end 6 in real time.

[0129] In the preferred embodiment of the present application, the electronic control unit 2 comprises:

[0130] The heating control device 33 is connected to each magnetic stirring heater 23, and is used to control each magnetic stirring heater 23.

[0131] The electronic processing device 34 is connected to the heating control device 33 and a host computer 35 respectively, and is used to control the heating control device 33 according to the instruction issued by the host computer 35, so as to control the magnetic stirring heater 23.

[0132] The electronic processing device 34 is also connected to the three-way electromagnetic valve 26 and each two-way switch electromagnetic valve 19 respectively, and is used to control the three-way electromagnetic valve 26 and each two-way switch electromagnetic valve 19 respectively according to the instruction issued by the host computer 35, so as to control the on-off of the odor channel 16 and the cleaning channel 14.

[0133] The electronic processing device 34 is also connected to the gas testing device 31, and is used to obtain the test result of the gas testing device 31.

[0134] The host computer 35 is used to analyze the test result obtained by the electronic processing device 34 and the feedback result collected through the subject end 6, so as to obtain the stimulation reaction of the olfactory stimulation system.

[0135] Specifically, in the embodiment, a computer control system is used to control the gas valve, adjust the flow, concentration and temperature, and design the stimulation mode according to the requirement.

[0136] In the embodiment, the time control and time length problem are solved by using software synchronous correction control, precise electromagnetic switch valve control and auxiliary air flow channel.

[0137] In the embodiment, the host computer 35 can be used to analyze the test result obtained by the electronic processing device 34 and the feedback result collected through the subject end 6, so as to obtain the stimulation reaction of the olfactory stimulation system.

[0138] The functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG) testing instruments can also be triggered by the host computer online to perform synchronous odor sensing test, so as to obtain the stimulation reaction of the olfactory stimulation system.

[0139] In the preferred embodiment of the present application, the air supply part 4 comprises:

[0140] The air compressor 7 is used to compress the original gas.

[0141] The storage tank 8 is connected to the output end of the air compressor 7, and is used to store the compressed original gas.

[0142] The adsorption tank 10 is connected to the output end of the storage tank 8, and is used to adsorb the gas pollutants in the required preparation gas.

[0143] An external pipeline gas interface 9, the output end of the external pipeline gas interface 9 is connected to the input end of the adsorption tank 10, and the input end of the external pipeline gas interface 9 is connected to other gas supply equipment as a backup compressed raw gas supply interface;

[0144] A filter 11, the input end of the filter 11 is connected to the output end of the adsorption tank 10, and the filter 11 is used to filter particles in the raw gas;

[0145] A dehumidification tank 12, the input end of the dehumidification tank 12 is connected to the output end of the filter 11, and the dehumidification tank 12 is used to dehumidify the raw gas;

[0146] A pressure stabilizing device 13, the input end of the pressure stabilizing device 13 is connected to the output end of the dehumidification tank 12, and the output end of the pressure stabilizing device 13 is used as the output end of the air supply part 4, and the pressure stabilizing device 13 is used to adjust and maintain the pressure of the raw gas, thereby preparing the required preparation gas.

[0147] Specifically, in the embodiment, the adsorption tank 10 adopts a stainless steel shell with a differential pressure gauge, and activated carbon is used as the adsorbent.

[0148] In the embodiment, the filter 11 adopts a stainless steel shell with a differential pressure gauge, and a fiber filter element air filter 11 is used.

[0149] In the embodiment, the dehumidification tank 12 adopts a transparent shell with replaceable color-changing silica gel particles to absorb moisture, and the color-changing silica gel can be seen to change color, and can be replaced and reused after treatment.

[0150] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, a single odor channel 16 with an added odor agent is used, as shown in Figure 3 .

[0151] 1) The host computer 35 controls the electronic processing device 34 to open the main gas channel 15 at time t0, and adjusts the second float flow meter 20 to make the flow rate of the required preparation gas entering the system be L liters / minute, i.e., the main gas flow rate is L liters / minute, which enters the test end 6 (which can be the nasal cavity of the subject) through the system. At this time, the main gas flow rate remains constant at L liters / minute.

[0152] 2) At the same time, the first odor channel in the plurality of odor channels 16 is opened at time t0, the three-way electromagnetic valve 26 in the first odor channel is opened, and the first float flow meter 25 is adjusted to make the flow rate of the required preparation gas entering the system be x liters / minute. The sample bottle 28 does not add an odor agent, and only this channel is used as a compensation gas flow channel, i.e., the compensation gas flow rate is x liters / minute, and the compensation gas is continuously delivered to the test end 6, so that the gas flow rate generated in the test end 6 is the compensation gas flow rate x liters / minute + the main gas flow rate L liters / minute, i.e., the constant gas flow rate in the test end 6 is x+L liters / minute.

[0153] 3) At time t1, open the second odor channel of the plurality of odor channels 16, open the three-way electromagnetic valve 26 in the second odor channel, add odorant to the sample bottle 28, and adjust the first float flow meter 25 to make the required preparation gas flow into the system at x liters / minute, i.e., the odor gas flow is x liters / minute. At the same time, start to close the channel for compensating gas flow (the first odor channel) at time t1, and completely close the channel for compensating gas flow at time t2, so that the constant gas flow generated in the test end 6 after mixing of the odor gas is x+L liters / minute.

[0154] 4) From time t2 to time t3, continuously deliver the odor gas to the test end 6. According to the adjustment of the stimulus time by the upper computer 35, the test is performed.

[0155] 5) At time t3, start to close the three-way electromagnetic valve 26 of the second odor channel, i.e., close the second odor channel, and completely close the second odor channel at time t4. Adjust the required preparation gas to be discharged from the exhaust port of the three-way electromagnetic valve 26, and at time t3, open the two-way on-off electromagnetic valve 19 connected to the second odor channel on the cleaning channel 14, and continue to push the odor gas at the end of the second odor channel to the test end 6 with the pushing gas, and at time t4, the pushing gas flow is maintained at x liters / minute, and the pushing continues. After the completion of the pushing work, the two-way on-off electromagnetic valve 19 connected to this channel is also kept open to continue cleaning the pipeline, or the two-way on-off electromagnetic valve 19 is closed at time t5 according to the experimental design.

[0156] In another preferred embodiment of the present application, two odor channels 16 for adding odorants are used simultaneously, as shown in Figure 4

[0157] 1) The upper computer 35 controls the electronic processing device 34 to open the main gas channel 15 at time t0, and adjusts the second float flow meter 20 to make the required preparation gas flow into the system at L liters / minute, i.e., the main gas flow is L liters / minute, and enters the test end 6 through the system, and at this time, the main gas flow is kept constant at L liters / minute.

[0158] 2) At the same time, open the first odor channel of the plurality of odor channels 16 at time t0, open the three-way electromagnetic valve 26 in the first odor channel, adjust the first float flow meter 25 to make the required preparation gas flow into the system at x liters / minute, and do not add odorant to the sample bottle 28, but only use this channel as a channel for compensating gas flow, i.e., the compensating gas flow is x liters / minute, and continuously deliver the compensating gas to the test end 6, so that the gas flow generated in the test end 6 is the compensating gas flow x liters / minute + the main gas flow L liters / minute, i.e., x+L liters / minute.

[0159] ​3) At time t1, open the second odor channel of the plurality of odor channels 16, open the three-way electromagnetic valve 26 of the second odor channel, add odorant a to the sample bottle 28, and adjust the first float flow meter 25 to make the required preparation gas reach the flow rate of x liters / minute into the system at time t2, i.e., the flow rate of odor a is x liters / minute. At the same time, start to close the channel for compensating gas flow at time t1, and completely close the channel for compensating gas flow at time t2, so that the constant gas flow generated by the mixed odor gas in the test end 6 is maintained at x+L liters / minute.

[0160] 4) From time t2 to time t3, continuously deliver the odor gas to the test end 6. According to the adjustment of the stimulus time by the upper computer 35, the test is carried out.

[0161] 5) At time t3, start to close the three-way electromagnetic valve 26 of the second odor channel, i.e., close the second odor channel, and completely close the second odor channel at time t4, and adjust the required preparation gas to be discharged from the exhaust port of the three-way electromagnetic valve 26. At the same time, start to open the two-way on-off electromagnetic valve 19 connected to the second odor channel on the cleaning channel 14 at time t3, and continue to push the odor gas at the end of the second odor channel to the test end 6 by the propellant gas, and maintain the flow rate of the propellant gas at x liters / minute at time t4, and continuously push. After the completion of the pushing work, the two-way on-off electromagnetic valve 19 connected to this channel is also kept open to continue to clean the pipeline, or is closed according to the experimental design.

[0162] 6) At time t5, start to close the two-way on-off electromagnetic valve 19 connected to the second odor channel on the cleaning channel 14, i.e., stop the delivery of the propellant gas, and completely stop the propellant gas at time t6. At the same time, open the third odor channel of the plurality of odor channels 16 at time t5, open the three-way electromagnetic valve 26 in the third odor channel, add odorant b (which can be different from the odorant of the second odor channel) to the sample bottle 28, and adjust the first float flow meter 25 to make the required preparation gas reach the flow rate of x liters / minute into the system at time t6, i.e., the flow rate of odor b is x liters / minute, so that the constant gas flow generated by the mixed odor gas in the test end 6 is maintained at x+L liters / minute.

[0163] 7) At t7 time, the three-way electromagnetic valve 26 of the third odor channel is closed, i.e. the third odor channel is closed, and at t8 time, the third odor channel is completely closed, and the prepared gas is adjusted to be discharged from the exhaust port of the three-way electromagnetic valve 26. At the same time, at t7 time, the two-way on-off electromagnetic valve 19 connected to the second odor channel on the cleaning channel 14 is opened, and the propellant gas continues to push the odor gas at the end of the third odor channel to the test end 6, and at t8 time, the propellant gas flow is kept at x L / min, and the pushing continues. After the pushing work is completed, the two-way on-off electromagnetic valve 19 connected to this channel is also kept open to continue cleaning the pipeline, or the two-way on-off electromagnetic valve 19 is closed at t9 time according to the experimental design.

[0164] 8) The above steps can be alternately circulated to stimulate different odors.

[0165] In another preferred embodiment of the present application, one odor channel 16 with added odorant is used as background odor, and the other is used as superimposed odor, for example, as shown in Figure 5

[0166] 1) The host computer 35 controls the electronic processing device 34 to open the main gas channel 15 at t0 time, and adjusts the second float flow meter 20 to make the prepared gas flow into the system at L L / min, i.e. the main gas flow is L L / min, and enters the test end 6 through the system. At this time, the main gas flow is kept constant at L L / min.

[0167] 2) At the same time, at t0 time, the first odor channel in the plurality of odor channels 16 is opened, the three-way electromagnetic valve 26 in the first odor channel is opened, the first float flow meter 25 is adjusted to make the prepared gas flow into the system at x L / min, the sample bottle 28 is not added with odorant, and only this channel is used as a compensation gas flow channel, i.e. the compensation gas flow is x L / min, and the compensation gas is continuously delivered to the test end 6, so that the gas flow generated in the test end 6 is x+L L / min.

[0168] 3) At t1 time, the second odor channel in the plurality of odor channels 16 is opened, the three-way electromagnetic valve 26 of the second odor channel is opened, the sample bottle 28 is added with odorant c (as background odor), and the first float flow meter 25 is adjusted to make the prepared gas reach x L / min into the system at t2 time, i.e. the background gas flow is x L / min at this time. At the same time, at t1 time, the compensation gas flow channel is closed, and at t2 time, the compensation gas flow channel is completely closed, so that the constant gas flow generated in the test end 6 after mixing of the odor gas is kept at x+L L / min.

[0169] ​4) In the time from t2 to t3, the odor gas is continuously delivered to the test end 6. The stimulation time is adjusted according to the host computer 35, and the odor of the second odor channel is tested.

[0170] 5) At t3, the third odor channel in the plurality of odor channels 16 is opened, the three-way electromagnetic valve 26 of the third odor channel is opened, the odor d in the sample bottle 28 is added (which can be an odor different from the odor c, as an overlaid odor), and the first float flow meter 25 is adjusted so that the required preparation gas reaches the flow rate x liters / minute into the system at t4, that is, the overlaid gas flow rate is x liters / minute. At the same time, at t3, the main gas flow rate in the main gas channel 15 is adjusted to be reduced, and the main gas flow rate is reduced by x liters / minute at t4, after which the main gas flow rate is stopped from being reduced, and the main gas flow rate is kept at L-x liters / minute, so that the constant gas flow rate generated by the mixed odor gas in the test end 6 is kept at x+L liters / minute.

[0171] 6) According to the required length of time to be measured, at t5, the three-way electromagnetic valve 26 of the third odor channel is closed, that is, the third odor channel is closed, and at t6, the third odor channel is completely closed. At the same time, at t5, the main gas flow rate in the main gas channel 15 is adjusted to be increased, and the main gas flow rate is increased by x liters / minute at t6, after which the main gas flow rate is stopped from being increased, that is, the main gas flow rate is restored to L liters / minute, so that the constant gas flow rate generated by the mixed odor gas in the test end 6 is kept at x+L liters / minute.

[0172] 7) In the time from t3 to t6, the background odor of the second odor channel is continuously maintained, and according to the length of time designed by the host computer 35, at t7, the second odor channel is closed, and at t8, the second odor channel is completely closed. At the same time, at t7, the two-way on-off electromagnetic valve 19 connected to the second odor channel in the cleaning channel 14 is opened, and the odor gas at the end of the second odor channel is continuously pushed to the test end 6 by the propellant gas, and at t8, the propellant gas flow rate is kept at x liters / minute, and after the propelling work is completed, the two-way on-off electromagnetic valve 19 connected to this channel is kept open to continue cleaning the pipeline, or according to the experimental design, at t9, the two-way on-off electromagnetic valve 19 is closed.

[0173] In summary, the olfactory stimulation system proposed in the present application adopts a multi-channel design, is compatible with liquid, solid and gas odors, can simultaneously deliver different odors, or perform the next step of different odor stimulation without stopping the stimulation, can solve the measurement of concentration perception threshold, has precise time control, concentration control and continuous stability control, and is suitable for both humans and animals.

[0174] The above merely preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the embodiments and protection scope of the present application. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand that any equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made according to the present application description and drawings should be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An olfactory stimulation system, characterized in that, It includes a gas odor generating unit and an electronic control unit, the electronic control unit being connected to the gas odor generating unit, the gas odor generating unit being used to generate odor gas for olfactory testing; The gas odor generating unit includes: An air supply section, wherein the air supply section is used to supply the required preparation gas; The odor generating section includes multiple channels, the input end of each channel is connected to the output end of the air supply section, each channel is used to deliver the required gas and control the flow rate of the required gas, and at least one channel is used to generate a special odor. The odor generating section mixes the generated special odor with the required gas to obtain the odor gas. The output terminal section has its input terminals connected to the output terminals of each of the channels, and its output terminals connected to a test terminal. The output terminal section is used to deliver and regulate the odor gas. The electronic control unit is used to control the working state of the channel, so as to control the odor generating part to regulate the odor gas; The channel also includes a main gas channel; When one of the channels for adding odorant in the odor-generating section is used alone: The main air passage is opened at time t0; At time t0, the first channel in the odor generating section is opened and used as the first channel that generates only compensating airflow without adding an odorant; At time t1, the second channel in the odor-generating section is opened as a second channel for adding odorant, while the first channel is closed starting at time t1 and completely closed at time t2. The odor gas is continuously delivered to the test end during the time interval t2 to t3; The second channel is shut down starting at time t3 and completely shut down at time t4.

2. The olfactory stimulation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The channel includes multiple odor channels, each of which includes: The first float flow meter, the input end of the first float flow meter serves as the input end of the odor channel, and the first float flow meter is used to control the inlet flow rate of the gas to be prepared; A three-way solenoid valve is provided, with its input end connected to the output end of the first float flowmeter. The three-way solenoid valve is used to control the opening and closing of the odor channel. At the same time, in order to ensure the stability of the system gas pressure, the three-way solenoid valve transfers the gas to be prepared to the exhaust end of the three-way solenoid valve for discharge. A first check valve, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the three-way solenoid valve, is used to prevent gas backflow. A sample bottle containing a pre-filled odorant. The input end of the sample bottle is connected to the output end of the first one-way valve, which is used to introduce the gas to be prepared into the odorant for mixing to obtain the odor gas, which is then output from the output end of the sample bottle. The second one-way valve has its input end connected to the output end of the sample bottle, and its output end serves as the output end of the odor channel. The second one-way valve is used to prevent gas backflow.

3. The olfactory stimulation system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The sample vials specifically include: A first bottle body, the first bottle body containing the aforementioned odorant; The first bottle cap is placed above the first bottle body and is used to seal the first bottle body. A plurality of first small holes are provided on the first bottle cap. The first air inlet tube has one end serving as the input end of the sample bottle, and the other end of the first air inlet tube extends into the first bottle body through the first small hole and is in the odorant. The first venting tube has one end serving as the output end of the sample bottle, and the other end of the first venting tube extends into the first bottle through the first small hole and is positioned above the odorant. The sample bottle is also equipped with a magnetic stirrer heater for continuously stirring the odorant to release the special odor.

4. The olfactory stimulation system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The main air passage includes: The second float flow meter, whose input end serves as the input end of the main gas channel, is used to control the inlet flow rate of the gas to be prepared. The third check valve, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the second float flowmeter, is used to prevent gas backflow. A gas washing bottle, in which deionized water is pre-added, has its input end connected to the output end of the third one-way valve, for introducing the gas to be prepared into the deionized water to adjust the humidity and then outputting it from the output end of the gas washing bottle. The fourth one-way valve has its input end connected to the output end of the gas washing bottle, and its output end serves as the output end of the main gas channel. The fourth one-way valve is used to prevent gas backflow. The main gas channel is used to continuously deliver the required gas and adjust the humidity of the required gas through the gas washing bottle, and the adjusted required gas is used as the background gas for the odor gas.

5. The olfactory stimulation system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The gas washing bottle specifically includes: The second bottle contains pre-filled deionized water. The second bottle cap is placed above the second bottle body and is used to seal the second bottle body. The second bottle cap is provided with a plurality of second small holes. The second air inlet tube has one end serving as the input end of the gas washing bottle, and the other end extending into the second bottle body through the second small hole and being immersed in the deionized water. The second gas outlet tube has one end serving as the output end of the gas washing bottle, and the other end extending into the second bottle body through the second small hole and positioned above the deionized water. The gas washing bottle is also equipped with a magnetic stirrer heater, which is used to heat the deionized water and adjust the temperature of the gas to be prepared.

6. The olfactory stimulation system as described in claim 3 or 5, characterized in that, The channel also includes a cleaning channel, which includes: The third float flow meter, the input end of which serves as the input end of the cleaning channel, is used to control the inlet flow rate of the gas to be prepared; The fifth check valve, the input of which is connected to the output of the third float flowmeter, is used to prevent gas backflow. Multiple two-way solenoid valves are provided. The input end of each two-way solenoid valve is connected to the output end of the fifth check valve through a first branch pipe. The output end of each two-way solenoid valve is connected to the output end of other channels besides the cleaning channel through a second branch pipe. Each two-way solenoid valve is used to control the opening and closing of the cleaning channel, thereby controlling the working state of the gas cleaning of the connected channel.

7. The olfactory stimulation system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The output terminal section includes: A gas regulating terminal, which serves as the input terminal of the output terminal section, includes multiple input terminals, each of which is connected to the output terminal of a corresponding channel. The gas regulating terminal is used to regulate the connection and disconnection between each channel and the output terminal section, thereby regulating and delivering the odor gas. A gas testing device, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the gas regulating terminal, is used to deliver the odor gas, and simultaneously test the arrival time and concentration value of the odor gas, and use the arrival time and concentration value as the test result of the odor gas and output a corresponding result signal to indicate that the odor gas has been delivered to the test end; A delivery device, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the gas testing device, the output end of which serves as the output end of the output terminal section, is used to deliver the odor gas to the test end.

8. The olfactory stimulation system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The conveying device specifically includes: A delivery pipeline, wherein the input end of the delivery pipeline serves as the input end of the delivery device, and the output end of the delivery pipeline is connected to a test device; Both the delivery pipeline and the tested equipment are made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

9. The olfactory stimulation system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The electronic control unit includes: A heating control device is connected to each of the magnetic stirring heaters and is used to control each of the magnetic stirring heaters. An electronic processing device is connected to the heating control device and a host computer, respectively, and is used to control the heating control device according to the instructions issued by the host computer, thereby controlling each of the magnetic stirring heaters. The electronic processing device is also connected to the three-way solenoid valve and each of the two-way switch solenoid valves respectively, and is used to control the three-way solenoid valve and each of the two-way switch solenoid valves respectively according to the instructions issued by the host computer, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the odor channel and the cleaning channel. The electronic processing device is also connected to the gas testing device for acquiring the test results of the gas testing device; The host computer is used to analyze the test results obtained by the electronic processing device and the feedback results collected by the test subject to obtain the stimulation response of the olfactory stimulation system.

10. The olfactory stimulation system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The air supply component includes: An air compressor, used to compress raw gas; A storage tank, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the air compressor, is used to store the compressed raw gas; an adsorption tank, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the storage tank, is used to adsorb gaseous pollutants in the raw gas. An external gas pipeline interface is provided, the output end of which is connected to the input end of the adsorption tank, and the input end of which is connected to at least one external gas supply device to provide backup raw gas. A filter, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the adsorption tank, is used to filter particles in the raw gas; A dehumidifier, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the filter, is used to dehumidify the raw gas; A pressure stabilizing device is provided, the input of which is connected to the output of the dehumidifying tank. The output of the pressure stabilizing device serves as the output of the air supply section. The pressure stabilizing device is used to regulate and maintain the pressure of the original gas, thereby preparing the desired gas.

Images