Device and method for assessing odor perception

Abstract

Methods for assessing olfactory perception, including: - Detecting a gas using a sensor unit; - Comparing a detection pattern detected by the sensor unit with an odor perception pattern on a previously stored database to analyze the detection pattern; - Determining the closest possible odor perception pattern based on comparison; and - Assessing the odor perception of the detection gas based on the specific odor perception pattern; where the odor perception pattern comprises a multitude of pattern data sets for each odor perception, which vary depending on a change in odor intensity; where, in assessing odor perception, the odor intensity and the type of odor perception are determined; and where the olfactory perception felt by a test subject immediately after he or she smells the gas is a name entry into the database to specify the perception of the odor.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device and a method for assessing odor perception (sensibility of smell). In particular, the disclosure relates to a technology for assessing the odor perception of an unknown gas mixture by detecting the unknown mixture and subsequently analyzing a detected sample of the gas. BACKGROUND

[0002] A conventional electronic nose is configured to detect odor molecules using an array of multiple universal detectors and then analyzes the detected result in the form of a pattern, thereby identifying the components.

[0003] For example, Korean patent application KR 10 2003 0 093 682 A (hereinafter referred to as “Reference 1”) discloses a small-scale electronic nose system for detecting and identifying environmentally harmful gas and contaminants contained in the gasoline of a vehicle.

[0004] The electronic nasal system from Reference 1 is configured to have an individual sensor corresponding to the respective gas in the form of an arrangement, and to detect and analyze associated gas by processing information obtained from the sensor with an artificial neural network system.

[0005] However, Reference 1 is intended to solve a problem where a sensor for detecting a specific gas can be affected by other gases, making it difficult to selectively detect the specific gas.

[0006] Therefore, the conventional electronic nose system, as described, is problematic in that it does not take over the function of a human nose, which interacts with the brain when smelling a gas mixture and provides the olfactory perception of an associated gas in the mixture.

[0007] Furthermore, smell is a type of perception that is very broad in its expressible range. Therefore, it is necessary to input data regarding the perception in order to assess the nature of the smell. Since the known electronic nose device is configured to store only the gas component that constitutes the odor, it is impossible to store the perception of the smell itself.

[0008] The odor is caused by the mixing of different gas components and can become a good or bad odor depending on a change in the composition of the gas mixture or a change in the concentration of a single gas within the mixture.

[0009] Therefore, associating a perception with the smell and classifying the perception as data can reveal the original cause of the smell and can be used in various technical fields related to smell.

[0010] Accordingly, there is a need for a technology that assigns a perception to the smell and assesses the perception, in addition to simply detecting the components of a gas mixture.

[0011] The information disclosed above is provided solely for the purpose of improving the background of the disclosure and may therefore contain information that does not represent the state of the art already known to those skilled in the art in this country.

[0012] German utility model DE 92 09 302 U1 discloses an odor biosensor with several odor-perceiving elements arranged in an arrangement for detecting the presence and identifying the nature of odorants.

[0013] German patent application DE 694 168 42 T2 discloses a method and a device for detecting fragrant substances.

[0014] US patent application US 2003 / 0 172 717 A1 discloses an odor measuring device for measuring and analyzing odors. SUMMARY

[0015] The present invention was made in an effort to solve the problems of the prior art described above.

[0016] In one aspect, the present invention provides a device and a method for assigning a perception of an odor and for assessing the perception of the odor when analyzing a gas mixture.

[0017] According to the present invention, a method for assessing the perception of an odor comprises the following: detecting a gas using a sensor unit; comparing a detection pattern detected by the sensor unit with an odor perception pattern on a pre-stored database to analyze the detection pattern; determining the closest possible odor perception pattern based on the comparison; assessing the odor perception of the detection gas based on the determined odor perception pattern; wherein the odor perception pattern comprises a plurality of pattern data sets for each odor perception, which vary depending on a change in odor intensity; and wherein, in assessing the odor perception, the odor intensity and the type of odor perception are determined.wherein the olfactory perception felt by a test subject immediately after he or she smells the gas is a name entry into a database to specify the perception of the odor.;

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the sensor unit can comprise a sensor arrangement including a plurality of sensors, and each odor perception pattern and detection pattern can be a pattern based on detection values ​​from respective sensors of the sensor arrangement.

[0019] In yet another preferred embodiment, each odor perception pattern and detection pattern can be a pattern obtained by radially plotting the detection values ​​of the respective sensors.

[0020] In yet another preferred embodiment, the method may further comprise: selecting a sensor depending on a target to be detected prior to detecting the gas.

[0021] In yet another preferred embodiment, the odor perception pattern can include a plurality of pattern data sets which vary depending on a change in odor intensity for each odor perception, and during evaluation, the odor perception, the odor intensity, and a type of odor perception can be determined.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment, the method may also include inputting odor perception data to the detection pattern and storing the odor perception data in the database after or during the evaluation of the odor perception.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the input and storage of the odor perception data for the detection pattern can only be carried out if it has been determined that no previously stored data record exists for the odor perception pattern that matches the detection pattern.

[0024] In yet another, further preferred embodiment, when determining whether the detection pattern matches the previously stored data of the odor perception pattern, it can be determined that there is no match if a threshold for determining the match is specified and data relating to a pattern where a difference between a value of the previously stored data relating to the odor pattern and a measured value exceeds the threshold are selected as the most obvious data.

[0025] According to the present invention, a device for assessing the perception of an odor comprises: a sensor arrangement having a plurality of sensors; and a control panel which stores data on a plurality of odor perception patterns and compares the stored odor perception pattern with a detection pattern detected by the sensor arrangement, and thus assesses the perception of an odor of a detection gas, wherein the control panel can be configured to determine, based on the comparison, an odor perception pattern which is closest to the detection pattern, and to assess the perception of the odor of the detection gas based on the determined odor perception pattern; and wherein the odor perception pattern comprises a plurality of pattern data sets for each odor perception, which vary depending on a change in odor intensity;and wherein, in assessing odor perception, the odor intensity as well as the type of odor perception are determined; wherein the odor perception felt by a test subject immediately after he or she smells the gas is a name entry into a database to specify the perception of the odor.;

[0026] In yet another, more preferred embodiment, each odor perception pattern and detection pattern can be a pattern that includes detection values ​​from the respective sensors of the sensor arrangement.

[0027] In yet another, more preferred embodiment, each odor perception pattern and detection pattern can be a pattern obtained by radially expressing the detection values ​​of the respective sensors.

[0028] In yet another, more preferred embodiment, the odor perception pattern can include a plurality of pattern data sets that vary depending on a change in odor intensity for each odor perception, and the control panel can assess a type of odor perception as well as the odor intensity.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the respective sensors of the sensor arrangement can have sensors that can detect a major component of the odor to be detected.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment, the sensor arrangement can be a sensor arrangement comprising two or more sensors with detectability for at least one member selected from the group consisting of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), H2S, NH3, H2, EtOH, trimethylamine, alcohol, solvent vapor, methane, CO CFCs, CO2, O3, and NO2.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment, the device may also include a pump that conveys the detection gas to the sensor arrangement, a multi-way distributor for evenly distributing the gas introduced by the pump to the respective sensors of the sensor arrangement; and a blower that removes the introduced gas.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment, the device may also include a display which outputs data relating to an odor perception assessed by the control panel.

[0033] In yet another preferred embodiment, the device may further comprise an input device which inputs the odor perception for the detection gas.

[0034] Other aspects and preferred embodiments of the invention are explained below.

[0035] It should be noted that the term "vehicle" or similar terms used herein include motor vehicles in general, such as passenger vehicles including off-road vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft including various boats and ships, aircraft, and the like, as well as hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other vehicles powered by alternative fuels (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum). When reference is made in this disclosure to a hybrid vehicle, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that has two or more energy sources, for example, vehicles powered by both gasoline and an electric motor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The above-mentioned and other features of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, which are shown in the accompanying drawings, which are shown below for illustrative purposes only, and thus the present disclosure is not limited to these, and wherein: Fig. 1 is a flowchart which schematically represents a method for assessing the perception of an odor, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Fig. Odor patterns 2A to 2C and 3A to 3C illustrate odors emitted by different vehicles. Fig. 4A to 4F is a view of a gas-specific odor pattern analysis. Fig. 5A to 5B is a view of a concentration-specific odor pattern analysis for a specific gas. Fig.Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for assessing a perception of an odor, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 7 is a view illustrating the schematic design of a device for assessing the perception of an odor, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and represent a simplified depiction of various preferred features illustrating the basic principles of the disclosure. The precise design features of the present disclosure as disclosed herein, including, for example, the exact dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, will be determined in part by the specific intended application and the environment of use.

[0038] In the figures, identical reference symbols in all accompanying drawings and figures refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following section refers in more detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the disclosure will be described in connection with exemplary embodiments, it should be noted that the present description does not limit the disclosure to these exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the disclosure intends not only to cover the exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, correspondences, and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of protection as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0040] The present disclosure is directed to implement an electronic nasal device capable of replacing a person's sense of smell and provides a device and a method for assessing odor perception by generating data from the odor properties of an odor and assessing the nature and intensity of the odor based on the data.

[0041] In particular, the present disclosure is characterized in that an odor pattern is implemented as a database, and the perception of the odor of an unknown gas is assessed on the basis of the implemented data, thereby providing information regarding odor perception.

[0042] For this purpose, the present disclosure includes a sensor device for assessing the perception of the odor of the unknown gas. Such a sensor device comprises data relating to the odor pattern in order to identify the odor and a learning algorithm for recognizing a match with the data.

[0043] In particular, in the present disclosure, the term "odor perception" refers to the input of a name into a database in order to specify the perception of the odor, which is not standardized. The term "odor perception pattern" refers to a pattern that expresses inherent properties of odor perception in a predetermined way with respect to a detected value from a sensor.

[0044] Furthermore, the sensor device is equipped with a sensor array comprising a set of sensors with different gas detection characteristics. Preferably, the sensor device is configured to directly extract an odor perception without detecting any component of a gas mixture from the sensor array. The extracted odor perception can include information regarding the type, intensity, and other properties of the odor.

[0045] The device and method for assessing odor perception according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Fig. Figure 1 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates a method for assessing odor perception according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 1, the method for assessing odor perception according to the present disclosure can include a step S10 in which a database for an odor perception pattern is created as a preceding step. Essentially, the method can comprise: a step S20 for detecting gas using the sensor device, a step S230 for analyzing the pattern of a detection gas, and a step S40 for assessing odor perception.

[0048] In particular, the step of analyzing the gas pattern is configured to compare an odor perception pattern on a previously stored database with a detection pattern detected by means of a sensor device and then to assess the closest possible odor perception pattern as the odor perception of the detected gas.

[0049] In this respect, the step of creating the database for odor perception collects and stores data regarding the odor perception pattern stored in the sensor device.

[0050] In this step, the perceived information about the odor matches the results of the odor measured by the sensor. Since this process is repeated, the database for the odor perception pattern is created.

[0051] For example, if an odor present in a vehicle is perceived as being similar to the smell of old books, the perception information for this odor is entered as "old book smell", and a value detected by the sensor for the gas present in a passenger cabin of a corresponding vehicle is stored as a data record for the odor perception pattern.

[0052] People can perceive smells differently. Therefore, by categorizing odor perception, it is possible to create an effective database of odor perception patterns.

[0053] For example, odor perception patterns can be categorized by region, ethnicity, age, gender, or season, and they can be classified to match the conditions for each category. This makes it possible to generate and store independent data on an odor perception pattern.

[0054] If the data relating to the odor perception pattern, which is classified by categories, is used, the step of generating and storing each data record for the perception pattern is carried out. Before the step of detecting gas and analyzing the pattern, a further step of selecting at least one category from region, ethnicity, age, gender, and season, and defining a condition related to the selected category, can be carried out.

[0055] To contribute to a better understanding of the data regarding the odor perception pattern, this will be discussed with reference to the Fig. 2 to 5B explained.

[0056] The Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 illustrates odor patterns formed by odors emitted from different vehicles.

[0057] In particular, the Fig. 2 and Fig.3 Results of measuring gases in the vehicles using a sensor arrangement comprising 23 sensors to measure the odors emitted by the three types of vehicles.

[0058] The 23 sensors used for measurement were selected to be suitable for the gases produced in the vehicles.

[0059] Table 1 shows results of detecting odors in the vehicles using the sensor array including the 23 sensors. Table 1 Type of odor Serial No. Composition of the odor Detected minimum value Analyzed value (Max)ppb limit Gas production Odor generation Chemical formula Detected concentration for the component [ppb] 2 acetaldehyde 1,5 76,5 51,0 ◯ ◯ C2H4O 4 Butylaldehyd 0,67 11,8 17,7 ◯ ◯ 6 Pentanal 0,41 6,5 15,9 ◯ ◯ 11 Trimethylamine 0,032 0,5 15,6 ◯ ◯ C3H9N 3 Propanal 1,0 9,9 9,9 ◯ ◯ C3H6O 17 Methyl isobutyl ketone 17 35,1 2,1 ◯ ◯ C6H 12 A 20 n-Butyric acid 0,19 0,3 1,6 ◯ ◯ 1 ammonia 150 200,0 1,3 ◯ ◯ H3N 18 Butyl acetate 16 12,6 0,8 ◯ × C6H 12 A 15 Styrene 35 26,3 0,8 ◯ × C8H8 13 m,p-Xylene 41 22,6 0,6 ◯ × C8H 10 9 Dimethyl sulfide 3.0 1,1 0,4 ◯ × C2H6O4S 19 Propionic acid 5,7 1,8 0,3 ◯ × C3H6O2 12 toluene 330 64,3 0,2 ◯ × C7H8 16 Methyl ethyl ketone 440 35,6 0,1 ◯ × C4H8O 14 o-Xylene 380 10,6 0,0 ◯ × C8H 10 23 i-Butyl alcohol 26,000 87,4 0,0 ◯ × 5 Isovaleric acid 0,1 0,0 0,0 × × 7 Hydrogen sulfide 0,41 0,0 0,0 × × H2SSensor 8 Methyl mercaptan 0,07 0,0 0,0 × × H2SSensor 10 Dimethyl disulfide 2,2 0,0 0,0 × × 21 n-Valerianic acid 0,037 0,0 0,0 × × 22 i- Valeric acid 0,078 0,0 0,0 × ×

[0060] In the table above, the smallest detected value is a minimum value that can be perceived by a person's nose, the analyzed value is a value that was actually detected by the sensor, and the threshold value is a value obtained by dividing the analyzed value by the detected minimum value and represents the intensity of the odor.

[0061] Referring to Table 1, gas generation was detected by 17 sensors and not by 6 sensors. Odor generation was determined if at least the analyzed value of the detected minimum value was detected and the threshold was equal to 1 or more.

[0062] The analyzed values ​​that meet the above conditions correspond to values ​​detected by 8 of the above sensors.

[0063] Information detected in the three vehicles using this measurement method is contained in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown. In particular, it shows Fig. Two concentration values ​​are displayed, which are to be understood as mechanical output values ​​of the respective sensors. In the case of the in Fig. In the vehicle shown in Figure 2A, it can be seen that the detected value of the second sensor is the largest value, and that the detected value of the twelfth sensor is the second largest value.

[0064] Furthermore, the vehicle can be seen to be made of Fig. 2B, that the detected value of the twelfth sensor is the highest value. In the vehicle from Fig. 2C shows that the detected value of the second sensor is similar to that of the twelfth sensor.

[0065] Meanwhile, there Fig. 3 the detected results of the Fig. 2 as the limit values, specifically as information regarding the odor intensity perceived by the nose. In this case, the information regarding the actual odor is the detection value of the second sensor in Fig. 3A, the detection value of the fourth sensor in Fig. 3B, and the detection values ​​of the second and sixth sensors in Fig. 3C.

[0066] Thus, the pattern containing the information from the detection values ​​of the sensor array can be used as the odor pattern that expresses a specific smell. These data records for the odor pattern are collected and thus form the database.

[0067] The Fig. 4A to 4F and 5A to 5F each show a gas-specific pattern analysis view for a single gas and a concentration-specific pattern analysis view for a related gas as an example to show the tendency of the odor patterns.

[0068] The Fig. 4A to 4F represent a gas-specific view of a pattern analysis, and the Fig. Figures 5A to 5B represent a concentration-specific view of a pattern analysis for a specific gas.

[0069] The measurement was performed using the sensor array comprising 17 sensors, as shown in Table 2. The selected sensor array includes sensors suitable for monitoring the odor in the vehicle. A step of selecting a sensor according to a target to be detected can also be provided prior to the step of gas detection by the sensor device.

[0070] For example, the detection process can be configured to select an optimal sensor to analyze the pattern instead of an output sensor that indicates a conspicuous value among the values ​​of the respective sensors in the sensor array.

[0071] Furthermore, a sensor check can be performed during sensor selection. In this case, a sensor check can be implemented to exclude sensors with low performance due to deterioration (aging) by comparing data that compares an initial sensor value for a reference gas with currently detected values. Table 2 group Serial No. Art Detection gas Detection range 1(3-CH) 1 PID VOCs 0 ~ 50ppm 2 PID VOCs 0 ~ 60ppm 3 PID H2S 0 ~ 100 ppm 2(2-CH) 4 EC H2S 0 ~ 100 ppm 5 EC NH3 0 ~ 100 ppm 3(7-CH) 6 SC H2 1 ~ 30ppm 7 SC EtOH 1 ~ 30ppm 8 SC Trimethylamine, H2S 1 ~ 10ppm 9 SC Alcohol, solvent vapors 50 ~ 5,000ppm 10 SC Methane, CO CH4: 500 ~ 12,500ppmCO: 50 ~ 1,000ppm 11 SC CFC's 5 ~ 100ppm 12 SC NH3, H2S 10 ~ 300ppm 4 13 IR CO2 0 ~ 5,000ppm 5(3-CH) 14 SC O3 10 ~ 1,000ppb 15 SC NO2 0.05 ~ 5ppm 16 SC CO / VOC 1 ~ 1,000ppm 6 17 T&H T / H

[0072] The values ​​detected by the respective sensors can be seen in the diagram of the Fig. 4A to 4F are shown and expressed. As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 4A to 4F, the value detected by the sensor for a single gas can be designed in the form of patterns obtained by combining values ​​detected by different sensors. These patterns can be distinguished from one another, as shown in the Fig. 4A to 4F is shown.

[0073] Since the gas patterns are also applied to the gas mixture in the same way, the pattern for the perception of the odor is generated based on the database, as described in the Fig. 4A to 4F shown, and then stored in the sensor device.

[0074] Furthermore, the Fig. 5A to 5B is an example where the pattern is analyzed according to the concentration of hydrogen sulfide and mercaptan. In the diagram from the Fig. Figures 5A to 5B show that similar pattern shapes expand as the concentration of a relevant gas increases.

[0075] Thus, it can be seen that the pattern for the specific odor retains its shape regardless of an increase or decrease in concentration. This means that, since the shape of the pattern is preserved, it is possible to assess odor perception by adjusting the scaling of the pattern depending on the increase or decrease in concentration.

[0076] However, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to draw an accurate result of the odor perception including the odor intensity by recording data on the extended pattern of odor perception including such a change in concentration.

[0077] In this case, the odor perception pattern comprises a multitude of pattern data sets for each odor perception, which vary depending on changes in odor intensity. It is possible to assess both the odor intensity and the type of odor perception based on these data sets.

[0078] Therefore, the method for assessing odor perception according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention compares the data of the odor perception patterns, which represent the shapes of the Fig. exhibiting 4A to 4F and 5A to 5B, with the odor pattern for the actual detected gas, and thus assesses the perception of the odor.

[0079] In this case, these odor perception patterns are patterns composed of the detected values ​​of the respective sensors that constitute the sensor array. Preferably, they form a pattern obtained by combining the detected values ​​of the respective sensors as shown in the Fig. 4A to 4F are shown to be applied radially.

[0080] However, the odor perception pattern of the present disclosure includes all forms of patterns that can be visualized, for example a graph with dashed lines, a bar chart, etc., without referring to the radial pattern of the Fig. to be limited to 4A to 4F.

[0081] In other words, any form is possible as long as the inherent data that constitute the olfactory perception pattern can be visually expressed.

[0082] In this context, the sensors used to detect the gas react to components that are not part of the target gas. The result of such a reaction is reflected in the detected value.

[0083] In particular, according to the present disclosure, a single sensor for detecting a specific gas or odor is not used individually, but rather a set of sensors, each possessing a detection capability for the specific gas, is used. The detected values ​​of the sensors are collectively aggregated into patterns and used.

[0084] This means that the individual sensors output results that respond to all components of the unknown gas mixture. The pattern is determined based on the combined detections. Thus, if the odor perception for the unknown gas is determined, the resulting odor perception pattern becomes an aggregate pattern derived from the detection values ​​of the multiple sensors. Similarly, the pattern for the gas being measured is also determined by the aggregate detection values ​​of the sensor set in the same way.

[0085] Furthermore, in the step of analyzing the odor pattern, the odor pattern on the generated database is compared with the pattern detected by the sensor array, thereby determining an approximate pattern.

[0086] In this respect, it is possible to use a predefined learning algorithm. Such a self-learning algorithm is implemented as an algorithm that recognizes the similarity of the data in the... Fig. The patterns shown in sections 4A to 4F were checked. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 and 4A to 4F, the learning algorithm can take data from the database of odor perception patterns created in step S10, check for similarity of the patterns and provide the verification results for analysis in step S30.

[0087] Thus, the odor perception for the detection gas is determined by the most obvious pattern on the database in step S40 of the Fig. Rated 1.

[0088] Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for assessing odor perception according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] The embodiment of the Fig. Section 6 further includes a step of directly inputting an odor perception for a detected detection gas. This means that the embodiment is configured to perform steps S10 to S40 in the same way as in the previous embodiment, as described in relation to the Fig. 1 was explained. However, the embodiment of the Fig. 6 is configured after the odor assessment step S40 to immediately input the odor perception felt by a test subject immediately after he or she smells the gas, separately from or together with the odor assessment step in step S50.

[0090] This means that in step S50, a user directly enters the odor perception for the detection gas, and this is then stored as data. Preferably, the data for the entered odor perception, together with the data for the detection pattern, form new data regarding an odor perception pattern. This data constitutes part of the database for odor perception patterns.

[0091] In this context, step S50 is preferably only performed if, during a data matching process, it is found that detected data relating to an odor perception pattern differs slightly from previously stored data relating to an odor perception pattern.

[0092] In this case, in step S40, the most likely pattern is determined for assessing odor perception, as described above. Agreement between data sets is determined by comparing a numerical value of each pattern with a measured value, digitizing any difference between the numerical and measured values, and then comparing that difference to a threshold value to determine agreement.

[0093] For example, if the threshold for determining the match is specified and data from a pattern are selected as the closest match, where the difference between the value of the previously stored data for the odor pattern and the measured value exceeds the threshold, it can be determined that no matching data exists within the set of previously stored data records for the pattern.

[0094] In this case, according to this embodiment, it is preferred that the lack of a match between data is displayed and that a user directly enters the data for the odor perception of an associated gas.

[0095] Furthermore, it illustrates Fig. 7 the schematic configuration of a device for assessing odor perception in order to implement the above-mentioned method for assessing odor perception.

[0096] With reference to Fig. 7 The device for assessing odor perception according to the present disclosure comprises a sensor arrangement 10, which is composed of a set of sensors, and a control panel 20, which assesses odor perception on the basis of data detected by the sensor arrangement 10.

[0097] Furthermore, the device for assessing odor perception according to this embodiment includes a pump 30 which conveys the detection gas to the sensor arrangement 10, a multi-way distributor 50 which is provided on the sensor arrangement 10 to distribute the gas introduced by the pump evenly to the respective sensors of the sensor arrangement 10, and a blower 40 which removes the introduced gas.

[0098] The device further comprises a display 60, which outputs information to the outside as assessed by the control panel 20, and a power source that supplies current to the respective part including the control panel 20.

[0099] In particular, the individual sensors of the sensor array 10 include sensors capable of detecting the main components of the odor to be detected, as explained above. For example, such a sensor array 10 can include 17 sensors, including temperature and humidity sensors, as shown in Table 2, and can employ suitable sensors depending on the odor to be detected. For example, the sensor array 10 can include two or more sensors with a detection capability for at least one member selected from the group consisting of VOCs, H₂S, NH₃, H₂, EtOH, trimethylamine, alcohol, solvent vapors, methane, CO₂, CFCs, CO₂, O₃, and NO₂.

[0100] Thus, the sensor array collects 10 output values ​​from the corresponding sensors to form a detection pattern for a target to be detected.

[0101] Furthermore, the control panel 20 is configured to store data on the multitude of odor perception patterns and to compare the stored odor perception patterns with the detection pattern detected by the sensor arrangement 10, thereby assessing the odor perception of the detection gas.

[0102] This means that after the data output by each sensor of the sensor array 10 has been entered as a detection pattern into the control panel 20, the latter compares the entered detection pattern with various stored odor perception patterns and thus determines the closest odor perception pattern. Since the determined odor perception pattern is the odor perception of the detection gas, the control panel 20 evaluates the odor perception of the detection gas based on the determined data and then outputs this via the display 60.

[0103] Furthermore, as described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the device can also include an input device 70 which is used to directly input the odor perception for the detection gas to be measured.

[0104] The odor perception data entered via the input device 70, together with the data measured by the sensor array, forms new data on the odor perception pattern. This new data is stored in the control panel 20 to build the database.

[0105] As explained above, the device and method according to the present disclosure can store an odor perception and apply it in practice to various technical fields, not by detecting specific gas components contained in an unknown gas mixture, but by assigning an odor perception to the gas mixture itself and sorting the perception based on quantitatively determined data.

[0106] Furthermore, the device and method according to the present disclosure can implement an odor assessment model that is capable of completely replacing the human sense of smell.

[0107] Furthermore, the device and method for assessing the perception of an odor according to the present disclosure are used to perceive an odor generated in a vehicle. Therefore, the disclosure is applicable to finding the source of various types of odors generated in the vehicle and to measures for eliminating the odors.

[0108] The disclosure has been explained in detail with reference to its preferred embodiments. However, a person skilled in the art will know that modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Methods for assessing odor perception, comprising: - Detecting a gas using a sensor unit; - Comparing a detection pattern detected by the sensor unit with an odor perception pattern on a previously stored database to analyze the detection pattern; - Determining the closest possible odor perception pattern based on comparison; and - Assessing the odor perception of the detection gas based on the specific odor perception pattern; where the odor perception pattern comprises a multitude of pattern data sets for each odor perception, which vary depending on a change in odor intensity; where, in assessing odor perception, the odor intensity and the type of odor perception are determined; and where the olfactory perception felt by a test subject immediately after he or she smells the gas is a name entry into the database to specify the perception of the odor. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit comprises a sensor arrangement (10) comprising a plurality of sensors, and each odor perception pattern and detection pattern is a pattern based on detection values ​​from respective sensors of the sensor arrangement (10). [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein each odor perception pattern and detection pattern is a pattern obtained by radially expressing the detection values ​​of the respective sensor. [4] Method according to any of the foregoing claims, further comprising: Selecting a sensor depending on the target to be detected before detecting the gas. [5] Method according to any of the foregoing claims, further comprising: Entering odor perception data for the detection pattern and storing the odor perception data in the database, after or during the evaluation of the odor perception. [6] Method according to claim 5, wherein the input and storage of odor perception data for the detection pattern is only carried out if it is determined that no previously stored data exists for the odor perception pattern that matches the detection pattern. [7] Method according to claim 6, wherein when determining whether the detection pattern matches the previously stored data of the odor perception pattern, it is determined that there is no match if a threshold for determining the match is specified and data relating to a pattern in which a difference between a value of the previously stored data relating to the odor pattern and a measured value exceeds the threshold are selected as the most likely data. [8] Device for assessing an odor perception, comprising: - a sensor arrangement (10) comprising a plurality of sensors; and - a control panel (20) which stores data on a variety of odor perception patterns and compares a stored odor perception pattern with a detection pattern detected by the sensor arrangement (10), and thus assesses the perception of an odor of a detection gas, wherein the control panel (20) is configured to determine, based on the comparison, an odor perception pattern which is closest to the detection pattern, and to assess the odor perception of the detection gas based on the determined odor perception pattern; where the odor perception pattern comprises a multitude of pattern data sets for each odor perception, which vary depending on a change in odor intensity; where, in assessing odor perception, the odor intensity and the type of odor perception are determined; and where the olfactory perception felt by a test subject immediately after he or she smells the gas is a name entry into a database to specify the perception of the odor. [9] Device according to claim 8, wherein each odor perception pattern and detection pattern is a pattern which has detection values ​​from respective sensors of the sensor arrangement (10). [10] Device according to claim 9, wherein each odor perception pattern and detection pattern is a pattern obtained by radially expressing the detection values ​​of the respective sensors. [11] Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the respective sensors of the sensor arrangement (10) comprise sensors that are able to detect a major component of the odor to be detected. [12] Device according to claim 11, wherein the sensor arrangement (10) is a sensor arrangement (10) comprising two or more sensors with detectability for at least one member selected from the group consisting of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), H2S, NH3, H2, EtOH, trimethylamine, alcohol, solvent vapor, methane, CO, CFCs, CO2, O3, and NO2. [13] Device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, further comprising: - a pump (30) that delivers the detection gas to the sensor arrangement (10), - a multi-way distributor (50) for the uniform distribution of the gas introduced by the pump (30) to the respective sensors of the sensor arrangement (10); and - a blower (40) which discharges the introduced gas. [14] Device according to any one of claims 8 to 13, further comprising: a display (60) which outputs data to the outside regarding an odor perception assessed by the control panel (20). [15] Device according to any one of claims 8 to 14, further comprising: an input device (70) which inputs the odor perception for the detection gas.

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