Olfactory stimulation device

Abstract

The invention provides an olfactory stimulation device, which belongs to the technical field of medical detection, and comprises a gas chamber controllably communicated with a carrier gas supply unit and an odor liquid supply unit; the atomized odorous gas generation unit is arranged in the gas chamber and used for carrying out ultrasonic atomization on the odorous liquid in the gas chamber so as to generate atomized odorous gas, and the atomized odorous gas and the carrier gas are mixed to generate target atomized odorous gas; the input end of the odor gas output unit is connected to the output end of the gas chamber, and the output end of the odor gas output unit is connected to the tested end; and the electronic control unit is electrically connected with the carrier gas supply unit, the atomized odorous gas generation unit and the odorous gas output unit respectively. The device has the beneficial effects that continuous, stable and consistent transmission of odor concentration and flow can be realized by adopting an ultrasonic atomization mode; in addition, due to the fact that the odorous liquid in the air chamber is atomized, the situation that the concentration is affected due to volatilization of the solution in the odorous liquid supply unit is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of medical detection technology, and in particular to an olfactory stimulation device. Background Art

[0002] Smell is the unique smell emitted by an object. Humans and other organisms perceive smell through the olfactory system, which plays an important role in human cognition and behavior. Smell can be used to identify the type of object, etc. Smell also has a certain impact on perception, learning, sleep, memory, attention, mood and fatigue.

[0003] Odor perception usually changes with the concentration of the odor and time. Odors can only be perceived at a certain concentration. In olfactory research and stimulation applications, it is crucial to provide an olfactory stimulation device with a continuous, stable and adjustable concentration.

[0004] Traditional olfactory stimulation devices mostly use wash bottles or cotton swabs to guide the smell. Specifically, the wash bottle method usually places liquid or solid in the wash bottle, and the volatile droplets or molecules of the liquid mixture are carried by the flowing air or special gas to transfer them to the olfactory system of the organism. Another method is to insert a cotton swab into the odor liquid bottle to guide the volatile odor, and then the volatile droplets or molecules are carried by the flowing air or special gas to transfer them to the olfactory system of the organism.

[0005] However, in actual applications, it is found that when the volatility of the liquid is high, the amount of gas that needs to pass is small, and it is often necessary to use base gas to assist in concentration adjustment or dilute the liquid into a solution, which is cumbersome and has low precision. When the volatility of the liquid is low, a larger carrying gas flow rate or heating of the liquid in the washing bottle is required to increase volatility, but high-flow gas will cause discomfort to organisms, and the heating process may affect the authenticity of the smell, and it is still difficult to fine-tune the concentration.

[0006] In addition, when using multi-channel odorants for stimulation measurement, the sense organs will feel obvious changes in airflow when the air delivery reaches the olfactory system, resulting in sensory interference in stimulation measurement. Moreover, when the solubility and volatility of the components of the solution are different, as time goes by and the solution evaporates, the components with high volatility in the solution will decrease, and the concentration delivered to the biological olfactory system will change over time. Summary of the invention

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides an olfactory stimulation device.

[0008] The technical problem solved by the present invention can be achieved by adopting the following technical solutions:

[0009] An olfactory stimulation device, comprising:

[0010] A carrier gas supply unit, used for providing carrier gas;

[0011] an odor liquid supply unit, used for providing odor liquid;

[0012] An air chamber, the input ends of which are controllably connected to the carrier gas supply unit and the odor liquid supply unit;

[0013] an atomized odor gas generating unit, disposed in the gas chamber, for ultrasonically atomizing the odor liquid in the gas chamber to generate an atomized odor gas, wherein the atomized odor gas is mixed with the carrier gas to generate a target atomized odor gas;

[0014] An odor gas output unit, wherein the input end of the odor gas output unit is connected to the output end of the gas chamber, and the output end of the odor gas output unit is connected to the test end;

[0015] An electronic control unit is electrically connected to the carrier gas supply unit, the atomized odor gas generating unit and the odor gas output unit respectively.

[0016] Preferably, the carrier gas supply unit comprises at least one carrier gas channel, and each of the carrier gas channels comprises:

[0017] An electromagnetic control valve, wherein the control end of the electromagnetic control valve is connected to the electronic control unit, the input end of the electromagnetic control valve is connected to a carrier gas source through a filter, and the output end of the electromagnetic control valve is connected to the first input end of the gas chamber through a first one-way valve.

[0018] Preferably, each of the carrier gas channels further comprises:

[0019] A flow meter is connected between the electromagnetic control valve and the first one-way valve, and is used to measure the flow of the carrier gas in the corresponding carrier gas channel.

[0020] Preferably, the carrier gas source is any one of an air compressor, a fan, an oil-free air pump, and an oxygen tank.

[0021] Preferably, the scent liquid supply unit comprises:

[0022] At least one scent liquid bottle, each of which contains the scent liquid, and the at least one scent liquid bottle is connected to the second input end of the air chamber through a siphon valve.

[0023] Preferably, the scent liquid bottle is placed upside down on the air chamber.

[0024] Preferably, the scent liquid supply unit further comprises:

[0025] A liquid level detector is electrically connected to the electronic control unit, and a detection head of the liquid level detector extends into the air chamber.

[0026] Preferably, the air chamber comprises:

[0027] a base, the base comprising a chamber and a first portion and a second portion connected to the chamber, the first portion being controllably connected to the scent liquid supply unit;

[0028] The air chamber upper cover is covered on the second part to enclose the air chamber with the base.

[0029] Preferably, the atomized odor gas generating unit comprises:

[0030] An ultrasonic atomizer is arranged at the bottom of the air chamber and is electrically connected to the electronic control unit.

[0031] Preferably, the odor gas output unit comprises:

[0032] a second one-way valve, wherein an input end of the second one-way valve is connected to an output end of the air chamber;

[0033] A concentration meter is connected between the output end of the second one-way valve and the test end, and the concentration meter is electrically connected to the electronic control unit.

[0034] The advantages or beneficial effects of the technical solution of the present invention are:

[0035] The present invention ultrasonically atomizes the odor liquid, and the atomized odor gas is carried by the flowing carrier gas to transfer it to the biological olfactory system at the test end. The ultrasonic atomization method can achieve continuous, stable and consistent transfer of odor concentration and flow rate; moreover, since the odor liquid in the air chamber is atomized, the volatilization of the solution in the odor liquid supply unit to affect the concentration is avoided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 It is a structural block diagram of an olfactory stimulation device in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an olfactory stimulation device in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic control unit in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0041] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but they are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, based on the above problems existing in the prior art, an olfactory stimulation device is provided. Figure 1 As shown, including:

[0043] A carrier gas supply unit 1, used for providing carrier gas;

[0044] An odor liquid supply unit 2, used for providing odor liquid;

[0045] The air chamber 3, the input ends of the air chamber 3 are controllably connected to the carrier gas supply unit 1 and the odor liquid supply unit 2;

[0046] The atomized odor gas generating unit 4 is disposed in the air chamber 3 and is used to ultrasonically atomize the odor liquid in the air chamber 3 to generate atomized odor gas, and the atomized odor gas is mixed with the carrier gas to generate the target atomized odor gas;

[0047] An odor gas output unit 5, wherein an input end of the odor gas output unit 5 is connected to an output end of the gas chamber 3, and an output end of the odor gas output unit 5 is connected to a test end 6, for delivering the target odor gas to the test end 6;

[0048] The electronic control unit 7 is electrically connected to the carrier gas supply unit 1, the atomized odor gas generating unit 4 and the odor gas output unit 5 respectively.

[0049] Specifically, conventional olfactory stimulation devices use a gas washing bottle or a cotton swab to guide the smell, and the gas flow rate is difficult to control when the volatility of the liquid changes, and there is also the problem of concentration changes caused by different solubility and volatility of solution components.

[0050] In this embodiment, the olfactory stimulation device is composed of a carrier gas supply unit 1, an odor liquid supply unit 2, an air chamber 3, an atomized odor gas generating unit 4, an odor gas output unit 5, and an electronic control unit 7. The air chamber 3 includes a first input end and a second input end, the first input end is used to controllably connect to the carrier gas supply unit 1, and the second input end is used to controllably connect to the odor liquid supply unit 2. The carrier gas supply unit 1 is used to provide carrier gas to the middle of the air chamber 3, and the odor liquid supply unit 2 is used to provide odor liquid to the air chamber 3. The odor liquid flows to the air chamber 3 and is ultrasonically atomized by the atomized odor gas generating unit 4 at the bottom of the air chamber 3. After atomization, the odor liquid is suspended in the carrier gas in the form of tiny particles, thereby ensuring the uniformity and stability of the odor concentration.

[0051] The carrier gas carries the atomized odor gas (i.e., the target atomized odor gas) and is transmitted to the biological olfactory system at the test end through the odor gas output unit 5 to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the experimental results.

[0052] The electronic control unit 7 is the brain of the entire device, and is electrically connected to the carrier gas supply unit 1, the atomized odor gas generating unit 4 and the odor gas output unit 5. The electronic control unit 7 can control the working state and parameters of each unit, such as the supply control of the carrier gas, the flow rate of the carrier gas, the duration and intensity of the atomization process, the concentration of the target atomized odor gas, etc.

[0053] The embodiment of the present invention adopts ultrasonic atomization to ensure the continuous, stable and consistent transmission of odor concentration and flow rate; moreover, since the odor liquid is not open to the carrier gas atmosphere, but is gradually added to the gas chamber 3 according to the original solution ratio, the liquid is simultaneously vibrated and atomized by ultrasonic vibration, which avoids the volatilization of the solution in the odor liquid supply unit 2 and affects the concentration, and there will be no concentration changes. In addition, the concentration and flow rate of the output target atomized odor gas are continuously stable and reliable.

[0054] As a preferred embodiment, the carrier gas supply unit 1 includes at least one carrier gas channel.

[0055] In this embodiment, the carrier gas supply unit 1 may be provided with one carrier gas channel.

[0056] In this embodiment, the carrier gas supply unit 1 can also be provided with multiple carrier gas channels, which are arranged in parallel. Each carrier gas channel is an independent carrier gas source, which controls and provides the required carrier gas flow rate to meet the needs of multi-channel stimulation, thereby improving the flexibility and adaptability of the system.

[0057] As a preferred embodiment, wherein Figure 2 As shown, each carrier gas channel includes:

[0058] The electromagnetic control valve 13, the control end J1 of the electromagnetic control valve 13 is connected to the electronic control unit 7, the input end of the electromagnetic control valve 13 is connected to the carrier gas source 11 through the filter 12, and the output end of the electromagnetic control valve 13 is connected to the first input end of the gas chamber 3 through the first one-way valve 15.

[0059] Specifically, in order to ensure the uniformity and ease of management of the system, the various carrier gas channels in this embodiment adopt the same structural design, which simplifies the complexity of the system and facilitates subsequent maintenance and operation.

[0060] Taking one of the carrier gas channels as an example, the carrier gas source 11, the filter 12, the electromagnetic control valve 13 and the first one-way valve 15 are arranged in sequence to form a complete carrier gas channel path.

[0061] The carrier gas source 11 is responsible for providing a stable and continuous supply of carrier gas.

[0062] The filter 12 is disposed after the carrier gas source 11 and is used to filter out impurities, such as particles, in the carrier gas to ensure that the carrier gas entering the gas chamber 3 has high purity and avoid adverse effects on subsequent processes or experiments.

[0063] The electromagnetic control valve 13 is a key control device of the carrier gas channel, and its control terminal J1 is electrically connected to the electronic control unit 7. The electronic control unit 7 sends a control instruction to the electromagnetic control valve 13 according to the preset instruction or the real-time monitoring data to control the electromagnetic control valve 13 to control the stimulation and detection time according to the timing switch, realize the on-off control of the carrier gas supply, improve the automation degree of the device, and ensure the accuracy and flexibility of the carrier gas supply.

[0064] The first one-way valve 15 is arranged at the end of the carrier gas channel, close to the gas chamber 3, to ensure that the carrier gas can only flow to the gas chamber 3 in one direction, to prevent the backflow of the gas, thereby ensuring the stability and safety of the system.

[0065] Furthermore, in order to cope with the diverse carrier gas requirements and complex environmental conditions in practical applications, the various carrier gas channel structures in this embodiment can also be adaptively adjusted according to actual needs. For example, according to the specific requirements and characteristics of the carrier gas, key components in each carrier gas channel, such as flow controllers, pressure sensors, etc., can be flexibly increased, decreased or replaced to enhance the flexibility of the device, so that it can cope with a variety of application scenarios, while also ensuring the stable operation and high-efficiency performance of the device in complex environments.

[0066] As a preferred embodiment, each carrier gas channel further comprises:

[0067] The flow meter 14 is connected between the electromagnetic control valve 13 and the first one-way valve 15 and is used to measure the flow rate of the carrier gas in the corresponding carrier gas channel.

[0068] Specifically, a flow meter 14 is set in each carrier gas channel. The flow meter 14 can be set between the electromagnetic control valve 13 and the first one-way valve 15 to ensure that the flow of the carrier gas passing through the channel can be accurately measured, providing the system with real-time flow data, thereby providing a data basis for subsequent precise control.

[0069] Furthermore, the flow meter 14 is electrically connected to the electronic control unit 7. The flow meter 14 can measure the flow rate of the carrier gas in real time and accurately through sensing technology, and transmit these data to the electronic control unit 7 in the form of electrical signals.

[0070] After receiving the flow data of the carrier gas, the electronic control unit 7 will perform a series of analysis and processing, and then send control instructions to the relevant components in each carrier gas channel according to the preset control strategy, such as controlling the valve opening of the electromagnetic control valve 13, so as to realize real-time and accurate control of the carrier gas flow, thereby improving the degree of automation of the system and reducing the frequency of manual intervention and the difficulty of operation.

[0071] As a preferred embodiment, the carrier gas source 11 is selected from any one of an air compressor, a fan, an oil-free air pump, and an oxygen tank.

[0072] Specifically, the carrier gas source 11 may include, but is not limited to, an air compressor, a fan, an oil-free air pump, and an oxygen tank. The air compressor is suitable for scenarios that require a stable, high-pressure gas supply and can provide continuous and reliable gas pressure. The fan is suitable for scenarios that do not require high gas pressure but require a large amount of gas circulation. It has a simple structure and is easy to maintain. The oil-free air pump does not produce oil stains and can ensure the cleanliness of the gas. It is suitable for scenarios that require high gas purity. The oxygen tank is suitable for scenarios that require specific gas components (such as pure oxygen) to provide a stable and pure oxygen supply for the system.

[0073] Through a variety of carrier gas source options, the system can flexibly select the most suitable gas supply method according to different application scenarios and needs, thus ensuring the flexibility and applicability of the device.

[0074] As a preferred embodiment, the odor liquid supply unit 2 includes:

[0075] At least one odor liquid bottle 21 , each odor liquid bottle 21 contains odor liquid, and at least one odor liquid bottle 21 is connected to the second input end of the air chamber 3 through a siphon valve 22 .

[0076] Specifically, the odor liquid supply unit 2 can be provided with one odor liquid bottle 21, or can be extended to multiple odor liquid bottles 21. When multiple odor liquid bottles 21 are provided, these odor liquid bottles 21 are arranged in parallel to form a multi-channel composite odor stimulation system, so that the device can provide multiple different odor stimulations at the same time, thereby improving the flexibility of the system.

[0077] In this embodiment, each scent liquid bottle 21 contains a specific scent liquid. The scent liquids contained in different scent liquid bottles 21 may have the same or different scents. The scent liquid may be any one or more combinations of mint, lavender, vanilla or other scents. Users may select a suitable scent liquid for supply according to specific application requirements.

[0078] The odor liquid bottle 21 is connected to the air chamber 3 through the siphon valve 22, so as to realize the stable supply of the odor liquid. The siphon valve 22 can make the liquid be sucked into the air chamber 3 by siphoning without external power, thereby avoiding the influence of vaporization on the concentration of the solution in the bottle and ensuring that the concentration of the solution in the bottle does not change.

[0079] In this embodiment, the scent liquid bottle 21 can be selected with different capacities or larger capacities as required, and the continuous gas supply time is long and stable.

[0080] As a preferred embodiment, the scent liquid bottle 21 is placed upside down on the air chamber 3 .

[0081] Specifically, the odor liquid bottle 21 is an inverted liquid bottle with a siphon bottle mouth, which is arranged in an inverted manner on the air chamber 3. The odor liquid is balanced in the odor liquid bottle 21 by the atmospheric pressure. Under the action of gravity, the odor liquid continues to flow from the bottle to the surface of the ultrasonic oscillator at a lower position until the liquid levels inside and outside the odor liquid siphon bottle are equal and the atmospheric pressure is balanced. At the same time, the surface of the ultrasonic oscillator is submerged below the liquid level, so that the odor liquid at a certain height is always maintained on the upper surface of the oscillator.

[0082] The embodiment of the present invention can utilize the natural principle of the siphon effect to suck the odor liquid in the bottle into the air chamber 3 without the need for external power, without relying on an additional power source for driving, which is energy-saving and efficient and can fully utilize the device space.

[0083] At the same time, in order to prevent the liquid from leaking or volatilizing, the connection part between the scent liquid bottle 21 and the siphon valve 22 will be sealed.

[0084] As a preferred embodiment, the odor liquid supply unit 2 further includes:

[0085] The liquid level detector 23 is electrically connected to the electronic control unit 7 , and a detection head of the liquid level detector 23 extends into the air chamber 3 .

[0086] Specifically, in order to monitor the liquid level information of the odor liquid in the air chamber 3 in real time, the odor liquid supply unit 2 further includes a liquid level detector 23. The liquid level information of the odor liquid in the air chamber 3 is detected by the liquid level detector 23, and an advance alarm is given through sound and light display when the liquid level is too low. At the same time, the electronic control unit 7 can also automatically control the ultrasonic oscillator to stop working and stop supplying the carrier gas according to the real-time liquid level information to ensure the stable operation of the system.

[0087] Furthermore, the liquid level detector 23 is disposed on the liquid surface between the odor liquid bottle 21 and the ultrasonic oscillator. When the liquid surface drops and there is no liquid, the liquid level detector 23 transmits a signal to the host computer 71 to control the ultrasonic oscillator to stop working. By detecting the height change of the liquid surface in real time and accurately, it is ensured that the system can respond to the change of the liquid level in time and avoid operation failure caused by too low a liquid level.

[0088] In this embodiment, the liquid level detector 23 can be preferably implemented by a photoelectric liquid level sensor. The photoelectric liquid level sensor is a contact liquid level measurement and control device developed by using the principle of light reflection and refraction at the interface of two different media, or a liquid level output signal that uses light to transmit and receive signals. The output signal of the liquid level is related to whether the photoelectric probe is in contact with the liquid surface, and has nothing to do with parameters such as the temperature and density of the liquid. It has the characteristics of accurate detection and fast response speed.

[0089] In addition, a transmission detection method can also be used, that is, measuring the changes in the intensity of light received by the receiver when the light source emits light through the liquid and when there is liquid and no liquid, and measuring the liquid level by the changes in light intensity.

[0090] As a preferred embodiment, the air chamber 3 includes:

[0091] A base 31, the base 31 comprises a chamber and a first part and a second part connected to the chamber, the first part being controllably connected to the scent liquid supply unit 2;

[0092] The air chamber upper cover 32 covers the second portion to enclose the air chamber 3 with the base 31 .

[0093] Specifically, the air chamber 3 includes two main parts: a base 31 and an air chamber upper cover 32. The base 31 is designed with a chamber, which is connected to the external unit through its first part and second part. The first part is designed to communicate with the odor liquid bottle 21 to ensure that the odor liquid can enter the air chamber 3 as needed. The second part is reserved as a joint with the air chamber upper cover 32.

[0094] In this embodiment, the chamber of the base 31 has a liquid inlet, which can be set to one or more, and the one or more liquid inlets are all located at the first part, serving as the second input end of the air chamber 3, connected to the odor liquid bottle 21, allowing the odor liquid in the bottle to be sucked into the air chamber 3. The specific number of the liquid inlets can be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs.

[0095] In this embodiment, an air inlet and an air outlet are designed on the air chamber upper cover 32. The air inlet is used as the first input end of the air chamber to connect to the carrier gas supply unit 1 to ensure that there is enough carrier gas entering the air chamber 3 to carry the odor molecules in the odor liquid. The air outlet is located at the top of the air chamber 3 and serves as the output end of the air chamber 3 to output the mixed target atomized odor gas to the odor gas output unit 5.

[0096] In this embodiment, the air inlet is arranged on the air chamber upper cover 32, and its position is higher than that of the liquid inlet, so as to avoid direct mixing interference between the carrier gas and the odor liquid in the air chamber 3, and also provide favorable conditions for the uniform distribution of the atomization of the odor liquid in the air chamber 3.

[0097] As a preferred embodiment, the atomized odor gas generating unit 4 includes:

[0098] The ultrasonic atomizer 41 is disposed at the bottom of the air chamber 3 and is electrically connected to the electronic control unit 7 .

[0099] In this embodiment, in order to meet the installation requirements of the ultrasonic atomizer 41 , an atomizer cavity is designed at the bottom of the air chamber 3 to provide a stable accommodation environment for the atomizer 41 .

[0100] Furthermore, the ultrasonic atomizer 41 is preferably implemented by an ultrasonic oscillator. The ultrasonic oscillator uses ultrasonic atomization technology to amplify the energy of the oscillation circuit signal under the action of the power amplifier, thereby driving the piezoelectric chip transducer to work. After receiving the electrical energy, the piezoelectric chip converts it into ultrasonic energy, which exists in the form of ultrasonic waves of different wavelengths with frequencies such as KHZ to MHz.

[0101] When ultrasonic energy acts on the odor liquid, it will produce a strong cavitation effect and impact force, atomizing the odor liquid on the surface of the ultrasonic oscillator into micron-sized mist particles. These mist particles are sprayed on the surface of the piezoelectric chip to form a fine mist gas to achieve an efficient and stable atomization effect.

[0102] The ultrasonic atomization process can be controlled by an adjustable atomization electronic circuit combined with a host computer program. The size of the atomized droplets and the amount of odor liquid atomized can be adjusted. The ultrasonic atomization amount can also be automatically adjusted by the PID photoionization gas sensor control connected to the host computer. The ultrasonic oscillation frequency can be selected according to the size of the oscillating piece and the type of atomized liquid.

[0103] The odor supply with stable concentration is formed by ultrasonic oscillator atomization, combined with liquid supply and liquid level control. Compared with the traditional gas washing bottle that needs to use corresponding heating devices and temperature control devices according to the volatility of different odor solutions, the ultrasonic atomization method directly atomizes the liquid through the energy of ultrasound, without relying on heating devices to increase the volatility of the odor solution, and without using temperature control devices to maintain a stable volatilization speed, which simplifies the system structure, reduces system complexity and energy consumption, and improves the convenience of operation.

[0104] As a preferred embodiment, the odor gas output unit 5 includes:

[0105] A second one-way valve 51, the input end of the second one-way valve 51 is connected to the output end of the air chamber 3, and is used to ensure that the gas flows from the air chamber 2 to the odor gas output unit 5, and prevent the gas from flowing back to the air chamber 3;

[0106] The concentration meter 52 is connected between the output end of the second one-way valve 51 and the test end 6. The concentration meter 52 is electrically connected to the electronic control unit 7 and is used to measure the concentration data of the target atomized odor gas.

[0107] Specifically, in this embodiment, the concentration meter 52 is located between the one-way valve and the test end 6 , measures the concentration of the gas flowing through, and feeds back the measured concentration data to the electronic control unit 7 .

[0108] The electronic control unit 7 can intelligently regulate the supply of carrier gas according to these concentration data. The carrier gas can carry and dilute the odor gas. The electronic control unit 7 can dynamically adjust the flow rate of the carrier gas according to the preset concentration requirements to ensure that the concentration of the output target atomized odor gas is always kept within the target range.

[0109] In addition, the electronic control unit 7 can also perform intelligent regulation on the ultrasonic atomizer 41. As a key component for converting liquid into tiny particles, the working state of the ultrasonic atomizer 41 directly affects the uniformity and stability of the output gas. The electronic control unit 7 can finely adjust the working parameters of the ultrasonic atomizer 41 according to the concentration data and system requirements, such as adjusting the vibration frequency of the ultrasonic atomizer 41, to ensure that the odor gas can be output in the best form and concentration, and to ensure that the odor gas output unit 5 can continuously and stably output gas that meets the preset concentration requirements, providing a solid foundation for subsequent testing or application.

[0110] The electronic control unit 7 also provides a setting interface for the user to adjust the concentration and flow rate of the output target atomized odor gas according to actual needs to achieve personalized operating needs.

[0111] Further, such as Figure 3 As shown, the electronic control unit 7 includes a host computer 71 and a liquid level measurement and solenoid valve control execution device 72 , an ultrasonic generator 73 and a concentration control device 74 electrically connected to the host computer 71 .

[0112] The electronic and electrical control of the olfactory stimulation device includes a microprocessor, a single-channel or multi-channel relay, the above-mentioned electromagnetic control valve, the above-mentioned flow meter and a PID photoionization gas sensor. The electromagnetic control valve 13 of each carrier gas channel is connected to the relay, and the relay is connected to the microprocessor. The flow meter and the PID photoionization gas sensor are also connected to the microprocessor and connected to the host computer 71.

[0113] The atomizer control board is connected to the relay, and the liquid level detector control board is also connected to the host computer to automatically control and adjust the atomization amount and the presence or absence of liquid.

[0114] The host computer 71 is the brain of the electronic control unit 7. It is controlled by a computer and installed with control software to automatically control, display, record, store and analyze data. It can also be used in conjunction with related software to perform comprehensive control and data analysis. It has a friendly interface, is easy for users to operate, and can display system status and various parameters in real time.

[0115] The host computer 71 is used to receive the real-time liquid level information from the liquid level detector 23, and control the working state of the ultrasonic atomizer 41 accordingly, to ensure that the liquid level of the system fluctuates within a safe range, thereby ensuring the supply demand of the odor liquid during the atomization process. The on-off state and valve opening of the electromagnetic control valve 13 can also be controlled according to the flow data of the carrier gas collected in real time by the flow meter 14, to ensure that the flow of the carrier gas supply meets the preset requirements.

[0116] The host computer 71 is also used to drive the ultrasonic atomizer 41 and adjust the working parameters of the ultrasonic atomizer 41 to ensure the quality and efficiency of atomization.

[0117] The host computer 71 is also used to monitor the actual concentration of the target atomized odor gas in real time, and compare it with the preset concentration requirement, and intelligently adjust the operating parameters of the system, such as the valve opening of the solenoid control valve 13 or the working intensity of the ultrasonic atomizer 41, to achieve precise control of the concentration.

[0118] The embodiment of the present invention is only for liquid odorants, and adopts the mature ultrasonic atomization technology and liquid level control and carrier gas control to form a higher precision continuous stable and adjustable concentration olfactory stimulation device, which can also form multi-channel stimulation and perform multiple odor stimulations and analyses on the same device.

[0119] At the same time, through the control of the host computer 71, it can be combined with a variety of electroencephalogram and electromyography measurement devices (such as EEG, CT, FMRI, Fnirs...) to study the impact of odor on brain neural activities.

[0120] In the above preferred embodiment, the olfactory stimulation device of the present invention is used in conjunction with an electroencephalogram (EEG) to test and analyze the activity state of the brain area under odor stimulation, and the operation process is as follows:

[0121] Select an odor solution (such as vanilla essential oil) that may affect the corresponding brain area or select multiple odor solutions (such as peppermint and lavender essential oils), mix them into odor liquid in corresponding proportions, and pour them into the odor liquid bottle 21.

[0122] The carrier gas is generated in the form of compressed air, etc. A multi-channel carrier gas supply unit 1 is formed by a parallel connection of carrier gas channels and a quick-connect pipeline.

[0123] The photoelectric liquid level sensor is a contact type liquid level measurement and control device based on the principle of reflection and refraction at the interface of two different media.

[0124] The ultrasonic oscillator confirms that the oscillator frequency is 108KHz according to the concentration of the essential oil used.

[0125] Bottles of various scent liquids (mint, lavender, vanilla) are respectively inverted on the fixing frame of the base 31 until the scent liquids flow out into the corresponding atomizer cavities.

[0126] Connect to the host computer 71 to start the control program, set the execution system single-channel or multi-channel relay to control the solenoid valve switch to achieve the required stimulation and detection time, set the flow of the electronic flow meter and monitor the measured flow; at the same time, turn on the nebulizer control board and the liquid level detector control board to automatically control the atomization amount and the presence of liquid. The corresponding stimulation gear parameters have been calibrated in advance by PID. At this time, PID is not required and it is completely controlled by the host computer 71.

[0127] The host computer 71 is simultaneously connected to the EEG system, reads the EEG status of the creature wearing the EEG cap when the odor is stimulated, displays the stimulation status synchronously, and can adjust the odor concentration of the olfactory stimulation according to the stimulation status.

[0128] During the test, the host computer 71 control software automatically controls the system, displays, records, stores and analyzes data.

[0129] After the test is completed, the stored data can be processed and analyzed in the host computer 71, and the effect of the odor stimulation can be analyzed through the brain area activity.

[0130] The advantages or beneficial effects of adopting the above technical solution are:

[0131] (1) The odor liquid bottle can be selected with different or larger capacity as needed, and the continuous gas supply time is long and stable;

[0132] (2) The odor liquid in the odor liquid bottle is not open to the carrier gas atmosphere, but is gradually added into the atomizer cavity according to the original solution ratio. The ultrasonic atomizer generates ultrasonic oscillation to make the odor liquid vibrate and atomize at the same time, without concentration changes. The concentration flow rate is continuous, stable and reliable;

[0133] (3) The atomization amount can be adjusted through the host computer and the oscillation circuit, thereby controlling the concentration of the output target atomized odor gas;

[0134] (4) The atomization volume is adjusted by cooperating with the host computer through the flow rate of the carrier gas, and the concentration of the output target atomized odor gas is coordinated to maintain the stability of the airflow, reduce sudden changes in the airflow state, and avoid sensory interference;

[0135] (5) The liquid level is detected by a liquid level detector. When the liquid level drops, an audible and visual display can be used to warn of the odorous liquid in advance. At the same time, the host computer can also automatically control and adjust the gas supply switch of the carrier gas.

[0136] (6) Multiple groups can be used together to form multi-channel stimulation; multiple mixed odors can also be used to stimulate measurement and analysis simultaneously.

[0137] (7) When necessary, PID can be used to calibrate the gas flow rate, ultrasonic oscillator energy and carrier gas flow rate corresponding to the gas delivery odor concentration, and set different gas delivery concentration levels; PID real-time testing can be omitted during normal testing and analysis, which increases the service life of PID and facilitates stimulation analysis.

[0138] (8) The entire device is controlled by a host computer program, and tracks, records and stores data such as stimulation test concentration and time. It can also be connected to other test equipment (such as EEG, CT, FMRI, Fnirs...) for multi-dimensional simultaneous testing and analysis.

[0139] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation methods and protection scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should be aware that all solutions obtained by equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made using the contents of this specification and illustrations should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An olfactory stimulation device, characterized in that: include: A carrier gas supply unit, used for providing carrier gas; an odor liquid supply unit, used for providing odor liquid; An air chamber, wherein input ends of the air chamber are controllably connected to the carrier gas supply unit and the odor liquid supply unit; an atomized odor gas generating unit, disposed in the gas chamber, for ultrasonically atomizing the odor liquid in the gas chamber to generate an atomized odor gas, wherein the atomized odor gas is mixed with the carrier gas to generate a target atomized odor gas; An odor gas output unit, wherein an input end of the odor gas output unit is connected to an output end of the gas chamber, and an output end of the odor gas output unit is connected to a test end; An electronic control unit is electrically connected to the carrier gas supply unit, the atomized odor gas generating unit and the odor gas output unit respectively.

2. The olfactory stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that The carrier gas supply unit includes at least one carrier gas channel, and each of the carrier gas channels includes: An electromagnetic control valve, wherein the control end of the electromagnetic control valve is connected to the electronic control unit, the input end of the electromagnetic control valve is connected to a carrier gas source through a filter, and the output end of the electromagnetic control valve is connected to the first input end of the gas chamber through a first one-way valve.

3. The olfactory stimulation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the carrier gas channels also includes: A flow meter is connected between the electromagnetic control valve and the first one-way valve, and is used to measure the flow of the carrier gas in the corresponding carrier gas channel.

4. The olfactory stimulation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The carrier gas source is selected from any one of an air compressor, a fan, an oil-free air pump, and an oxygen tank.

5. The olfactory stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The scent liquid supply unit comprises: At least one scent liquid bottle, each of which contains the scent liquid, and the at least one scent liquid bottle is connected to the second input end of the air chamber through a siphon valve.

6. The olfactory stimulation device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The scent liquid bottle is placed upside down on the air chamber.

7. The olfactory stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The scent liquid supply unit also includes: A liquid level detector is electrically connected to the electronic control unit, and a detection head of the liquid level detector extends into the air chamber.

8. The olfactory stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air chamber comprises: a base, the base comprising a chamber and a first portion and a second portion connected to the chamber, the first portion being controllably connected to the scent liquid supply unit; The air chamber upper cover is covered on the second part to enclose the air chamber with the base.

9. The olfactory stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The atomized odor gas generating unit comprises: An ultrasonic atomizer is arranged at the bottom of the air chamber and is electrically connected to the electronic control unit.

10. The olfactory stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The odor gas output unit comprises: a second one-way valve, wherein an input end of the second one-way valve is connected to an output end of the air chamber; A concentration meter is connected between the output end of the second one-way valve and the test end, and the concentration meter is electrically connected to the electronic control unit.

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