KIT FOR OLFACTORY TRAINING AND ASSOCIATED METHOD

Abstract

OLFACTORY TRAINING KIT AND ASSOCIATED METHOD The invention relates to an electronic system comprising software and / or hardware means for implementing the following steps: the selection of an identifier associated with a receptacle (10) containing an olfactory sample; the display, on a display (22), based on the selected identifier, of a group of labels (23); the selection, by the user, of at least one label (23) from among the plurality of labels. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: KIT FOR OLFACTORY TRAINING AND ASSOCIATED METHOD Scope of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a kit for olfactory training. The invention also relates to a computer program product for implementing an olfactory training method and a data carrier comprising such a program. Prior art

[0002] The senses of smell (ortho- and retro-olfaction) play a vital role in sensory perception and contribute significantly to optimal quality of life. However, various etiologies, primarily rhinosinusitis and respiratory viral infections, can lead to alterations in these senses, resulting in olfactory and retro-olfactional disorders of varying degrees and durations. The pathogens involved, such as rhinoviruses, influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial viruses, adenoviruses, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-1), are responsible for more than 70% of these cases. Impairment of olfaction and retro-olfaction not only disrupts quality of life but can also lead to complications such as nutritional deficiencies, adjustment disorders, depression, and anxiety.

[0003] The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light a new facet of these sensory disorders. Initially dominated by fever and cough, the symptoms of COVID-19 have been complemented by the frequent presence of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions. Studies across various countries have revealed a significant prevalence of these disorders in patients infected with the virus, with estimates ranging from 17% to 98% for olfactory impairment and from 15% to 85% for gustatory impairment. Although most patients partially recover their olfactory function within 60 days of the disappearance of symptoms, a considerable number continue to experience persistent olfactory disorders six months and one year post-infection.

[0004] In addition, a large number of other pathologies affecting olfaction exist such as Parkinson's disease, head injuries, idiopathic olfactory losses, post-viral non-COVID olfactory losses or even depression.

[0005] There are methods of olfactory training consisting of making a subject smell known odors on a daily or several times a day, sometimes regularly changing the odors to be smelled.

[0006] However, this method generally requires several months before an effect is observed and may even prove ineffective on a number of subjects.

[0007] The invention therefore aims to provide a solution for improving anosmia more effectively and overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to an electronic system. Said system comprises software and / or hardware means for implementing the following steps of selecting an identifier associated with a receptacle comprising an olfactory sample; displaying on a display, from the selected identifier, a group of labels; and selecting, by the user, at least one label from among the plurality of labels.

[0009] In one embodiment, each label in the group of labels is associated with a proximity index with the selected identifier and in that the software and / or hardware means are configured to implement, furthermore, a step of generating a score based on the proximity index or indices of the label(s) selected by the user.

[0010] In one embodiment, the software and / or hardware means of the system are configured to implement, in addition, a step of transmitting to the user an instruction including the designation of the receptacle associated with said selected identifier.

[0011] In one embodiment, each label of the plurality of labels comprises at least one image.

[0012] In one embodiment, each label of the plurality of labels comprises at least one word or at least one concept.

[0013] In one embodiment, each proximity index of each label is a function of the semantic distance between the label and a predetermined odor.

[0014] In one embodiment, the step of selecting at least one label is executed by the user via a user interface

[0015] In one embodiment, a predetermined odor is an odor from an olfactory sample of said identified receptacle.

[0016] In one embodiment, the selection of an identifier is implemented by: detecting an identifier associated with a selected receptacle; and identifying a selected receptacle identifier from the detected identifier.

[0017] According to another aspect, the invention relates to an olfactory training kit comprising a plurality of receptacles each comprising an individual olfactory sample and an electronic system according to the invention.

[0018] In one embodiment, each receptacle includes an individual identifier designed to be detected by the electronic system according to the invention.

[0019] In one embodiment, the identifier comprises a visual code, such as a barcode or a QR code, and in that the electronic system comprises an optical sensor for acquiring an image of said QR code.

[0020] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a therapeutic treatment method.

[0021] Said method comprises: - the selection of a receptacle from a plurality of receptacles; each receptacle of the plurality of receptacles being associated with a predetermined odor and comprising an individual olfactory sample; - the display on a screen, based on the predetermined smell associated with the selected receptacle, of a group of labels; - the selection, by the user, of at least one label from among the plurality of labels.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method includes the implementation of an electronic system and / or a kit according to the invention.

[0023] In one embodiment, the method is a therapeutic treatment method for olfactory and / or retro-olfactory disorders, particularly in subjects suffering from semantic memory disorders, especially subjects with Alzheimer's disease or disorders following a concussion.

[0024] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a computer program product comprising code instructions.

[0025] In one embodiment, the code instructions lead an electronic system to execute the following steps: - the selection of an identifier associated with a receptacle containing an olfactory sample; - displaying a group of labels on a screen, based on the selected identifier; - the selection, by the user, of at least one label from among the plurality of labels.

[0026] In one embodiment, the code instructions lead an electronic system to execute the steps of the method according to the invention.

[0027] In one embodiment, the code instructions lead an electronic system according to the invention to execute said steps.

[0028] According to a final aspect, the invention relates to a computer-readable medium on which the computer program product according to the invention is recorded. Brief description of the figures

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate:

[0030] [Fig.1]: a schematic view of a receptacle comprising an odorant material according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] [Fig.2]: a schematic view of a receptacle and a lid according to a mode of realization of the invention.

[0032] [Fig.3]: a schematic view of a kit according to an embodiment of the invention comprising a plurality of receptacles and an electronic system.

[0033] [Fig.4]: a schematic view of the device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0034] [Fig. 5]: a flowchart illustrating the different steps of a method according to a method of execution of the invention.

[0035] [Fig.6]: a flowchart illustrating the different steps of a method according to a execution method of the invention in which a performance score is generated based on user-selected labels. Description of the invention

[0036] An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to figures 1 to 4.

[0037] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a kit comprising a plurality of receptacles and an electronic system.

[0038] An example of a receptacle is illustrated in [Fig.1] and in [Fig.2] when it is covered with a lid.

[0039] The receptacle comprises a main body 11, preferably elongated and thin. The receptacle is preferably made from materials such as plastic, glass, or any other suitable material. The materials used in the manufacture of the device are non-reactive and non-allergenic to ensure the safety and comfort of the user during its use.

[0040] The main body 11 has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is designed to be held by the user during use of the receptacle, while the distal end is intended to be inserted into the user's nasal cavity or to be presented in close proximity to the user's nasal cavity.

[0041] The receptacle further comprises an odorant sample. The odorant sample may comprise a pure compound or a mixture of odorous raw materials.

[0042] In one embodiment, the receptacle includes a controlled-release mechanism that allows the odor to be delivered precisely and in a measured dose when the receptacle is used. This mechanism may be user-operated or automatic. This mechanism may take various forms, such as a porous membrane, a valve, or any other suitable mechanism.

[0043] The receptacle includes a capacity sufficient to contain an appropriate amount of odorant sample in the volume of the main body 11, thus allowing several uses without requiring frequent refills.

[0044] The odorant sample used in the receptacle is selected to represent a range of representative and standardized odors.

[0045] The odorant sample may consist of a single pure odorant substance or a complex mixture of odors, depending on the specific needs of the olfactory evaluation. The odorants used are generally volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with distinct odorant properties.

[0046] The odorant sample is prepared according to strict quality standards to ensure homogeneous composition and odor stability over time. Quality control procedures are in place to verify the purity, concentration, and consistency of the odorant sample.

[0047] The odorant sample can represent a variety of odors commonly encountered in everyday life, such as floral, fruity, spicy, herbaceous odors, or more complex odors such as those associated with specific foods or natural environments.

[0048] Odor samples are selected based on their ability to stimulate different aspects of olfactory function, including olfactory sensitivity, the ability to identify odors and the discrimination between different odors.

[0049] The odorant samples are chosen for their stability in the capsule and their ability to maintain their characteristic odor for a prolonged period, thus ensuring reliable and reproducible results during the olfactory evaluation.

[0050] The odorant samples used in the receptacles may include, but are not limited to, odorant samples of rose, lemon, cinnamon, mint, vanilla, coffee, orange and / or pine.

[0051] The receptacle, in particular its distal part, preferentially comprises a plurality of openings 14 for the release of odorant substances.

[0052] The receptacle is preferably equipped with a lid that allows the receptacle openings to be hermetically sealed. One advantage of enclosing the sample in a closed volume is that it reduces the volatilization of the odor sample between uses. This ensures that the odor remains intact and preserved in the capsule until it is deliberately released during use of the device and also guarantees longer preservation of the sample without significant alteration of its characteristic odor. The hermetic seal of the capsule also prevents any contamination of the odor sample by external contaminants such as dust, airborne particles, or other potentially interfering substances.

[0053] Preferably, the kit according to the invention comprises a plurality of receptacles as described above.

[0054] Each receptacle in the plurality of receptacles is associated with a predetermined odor based on the olfactory sample it carries. Preferably, each receptacle is associated with a different odor from the other receptacles.

[0055] In one embodiment, each receptacle includes an identification means capable of being read by the electronic system. This identifier may be unique for each receptacle or unique for each receptacle carrying the same odorant sample.

[0056] In one embodiment, the identification means comprises a visual identifier such as a QR code, a barcode, or any other visual element affixed to the body of the receptacle. Preferably, the identification means is encoded so that a user cannot identify the odor of the odorant sample from the receptacle by seeing the identification means without the aid of an electronic means for reading said identification means.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, the identification means comprises a code that is configured to be read by one or more sensors of the electronic system. Any identification means, such as electromagnetic means or radio frequency means, may be considered.

[0058] The identification means is configured to provide information to be read by one or more sensors and interpreted by a computer and the associated software.

[0059] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the means of identification is designed to be viewed by the user as a number, a letter or any uncoded distinctive sign.

[0060] Preferably, the sign does not include any link with the odor associated with the receptacle, ensuring that the user does not know the odor of the receptacle a priori.

[0061] The electronic system of the kit is now described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0062] In this embodiment, the electronic system 20 comprises a reader 21 designed to read the identification means 13 of the receptacle. The reader 21 preferably comprises an optical sensor for acquiring an image of the visual identifier 13.

[0063] The optical sensor may include a camera, a video camera or a laser reader.

[0064] Reader 21 is connected to a CALC computer, for example to transmit the captured signal.

[0065] The electronic system 20 further includes a means of communication for transmitting information to the user. The means of communication may to understand any means of transmitting visual, auditory, haptic information to the user.

[0066] In one embodiment, the communication means includes a display. The display is connected to the computer and is configured to display an image according to an instruction transmitted by the computer. The display preferably comprises a screen or any other means of displaying information known to a person skilled in the art.

[0067] The electronic system finally includes an INT user interface. The INT user interface preferentially allows the user to interact with the electronic system, for example to select an object displayed on the display.

[0068] The INT user interface is configured to allow the user to enter data or commands in order to interact with the programs according to the invention. The INT user interface includes, for example, a keyboard or a pointing interface, such as a mouse, a light pen, a touchpad, a remote control, a speech recognition device, or a haptic device.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 3], the user interface includes a touchpad capable of detecting user pressure on the screen and the position of the pressure on the screen. The display can be the INT user interface, for example, in the case of a touchscreen.

[0070] The electronic system 20 may include a computing system, an example of which is illustrated in [Fig. 4]. The computing system may include the various units described. To this end, the computing system may include one or more CALC processors interacting with a computer program product, in particular to implement any one of the methods according to the invention described later.

[0071] The electronic system 20 may include a computer, for example, a microcomputer, a network of computers, an electronic component, a tablet, a smartphone or a personal digital assistant (PDA).

[0072] The electronic system 20 comprises a computing module 25. This computing module 25 comprises, for example, one or more CALC processors capable of interpreting instructions in the form of a computer program, a programmable logic circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD) and / or programmable logic arrays (PLAs), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), an electronic board in which steps of the method according to the invention are implemented in hardware elements. The processing can be executed by one processor, simultaneously or sequentially, or by another method, by one or more processors.

[0073] The calculation module 25 includes, a CALC data processing module for performing calculations, a MEM memory, operationally coupled to the data processing circuit, a computer-readable medium and optionally a reader adapted to read the computer-readable medium.

[0074] Each function of the system 20 is executed by causing the CALC data processing module to read a predetermined program on hardware such as MEM memory so that the data processing module performs calculations, controls communications carried out by the electronic system 1 and reads and / or writes data in MEM memory and computer-readable media.

[0075] The method(s) according to the invention are executed on a single computer or on a system distributed among several computers.

[0076] MEM memory is a computer-readable storage medium and can be configured with, for example, at least one of the following: a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), and other suitable storage media. MEM memory may include an operating system and load the programs according to the invention. It includes registers adapted to store parameter variables created and modified during the execution of the aforementioned programs.

[0077] The program product may include the computer-readable recording medium which is a tangible device, not being a transient signal in itself, and may be configured with, for example, at least one of the following: a removable medium, such as, for example, but not limited to, a magneto-optical disc (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc or DVD, a removable disk, a hard disk drive, a smart card, a flash memory device (e.g., a card, a key), a magnetic tape, a database, a server, and other suitable storage media.

[0078] Alternatively, the program instructions are obtained from an external source and downloaded via a network. This is particularly the case for applications. In this case, the computer program product includes a computer-readable data carrier on which the program instructions are stored or a data carrier signal on which the program instructions are encoded.

[0079] The invention relates to a computer program product comprising computer-readable media containing instructions which, when executed by the circuit, lead the electronic system 20 to implement the steps of one or more methods according to the invention.

[0080] The form of program instructions is, for example, a form of source code, a computer-executable form, or any intermediate form between source code and a computer-executable form, such as the form resulting from the conversion of source code via an interpreter, assembler, compiler, linker, or locator. Alternatively, program instructions are microcode, firmware instructions, state definition data, integrated circuit configuration data (e.g., VHDL), or object code. Program instructions are written in any combination of one or more programming languages, for example, an object-oriented programming language (C++, Java, Python), a procedural programming language (e.g., C).

[0081] According to one aspect, the invention relates to a method of olfactory training.

[0082] Said method is preferably implemented with a kit, one or more receptacles, and / or an electronic system as described above.

[0083] Preferably, the electronic system and its computing module 25 are configured to implement said method.

[0084] An embodiment of the method according to the invention is now described with reference to [Fig.5] and [Fig.6].

[0085] Said first step may include the selection, detection, or determination of an identifier. Said identifier is associated with one of the plurality of receptacles. The identifier preferentially allows the system to identify a receptacle and / or an odor associated with one of the receptacles.

[0086] In a first preferred execution mode, the identifier is selected from a group of identifiers stored in memory. An instruction can then be transmitted to the user via the communication means to indicate which receptacle to pick up from among the plurality of receptacles.

[0087] Preferably, the electronic system can transmit a message to the user indicating the visual identifier of the receptacle to be taken. The instruction may include the transmission of the uncoded visual identifier.

[0088] Alternatively, the electronic system may include an augmented reality device and the instruction includes pointing on the screen of the augmented reality device at the receptacle whose visual identifier is associated with the selected identifier.

[0089] In a second embodiment, the receptacle is selected by the user and the electronic device is configured to detect which receptacle has been selected by the user. In this embodiment, the receptacle includes an identifier as described above.

[0090] The method then includes a step of reading the identifier of a receptacle among the plurality of receptacles.

[0091] The selected receptacle is placed by the user so as to allow the reader 21 to detect the identifier of the receptacle. The reader 21 then detects the identifier of the selected receptacle and generates an index associated with said receptacle from said detection.

[0092] In one embodiment, the receptacle is placed so that the optical sensor of the electronic system 20 can capture an image of the visual identifier 13 on the body of the receptacle 10.

[0093] The reading step then includes a substep of acquiring an image comprising the visual identifier of the receptacle.

[0094] Preferably, the acquired image is then analyzed to determine, from the image including the visual identifier, an identifier associated with said selected receptacle.

[0095] Said determination may, for example, include issuing a query including data extracted from the analysis of the identifier to a database which transmits in return an identifier associated with said selected receptacle.

[0096] The method further includes the generation of a group of labels.

[0097] The label group is preferentially generated based on the identifier of the selected receptacle.

[0098] In one execution mode, the label group is generated from a list of labels stored in memory.

[0099] Labels may include semantic terms, character sequences, images and / or sounds.

[0100] The labels in the generated label group are presented to the user, preferably in response to the detection of the selected receptacle. Preferably, no label includes a designation of the odor sample from the selected receptacle. For example, if the odor sample is a characteristic vanilla odor, no label in the label group includes the character string "VANILLA", an image of vanilla, or the sound of the word "VANILLA".

[0101] The label group comprises at least two or three labels, preferably at least four labels.

[0102] The labels in the label group are presented to the user via the electronic system's communication means. In an example where the labels include sequences of characters or images, the labels are displayed on the electronic system's display 22.

[0103] The method includes a step SEL2, whereby the user selects at least one label from the group of labels. Preferably, this step is implemented through the INT user interface.

[0104] In the example illustrated in [Fig.3] where the user interface is a touch screen, the user can press on the label of their choice to select it.

[0105] One advantage is to allow the user, when inhaling an odorous substance from a receptacle, to be offered a choice of different labels. Preferably, at least one label draws on the lexical field of the odorous substance from the selected receptacle and at least one label in the label group does not.

[0106] In one execution mode, the label group includes at least one target label and at least one distractor label not having a direct link with the odor of the selected receptacle.

[0107] Since the user does not know the odor of the odor sample from the selected receptacle, they must therefore select at least one label from the group of labels, attempting to select the label(s) most consistent with the odor. The user thus seeks to determine which overall semantic field the odor refers to and does not refer to.

[0108] In one execution mode, the labels in the label group include images. The target label can thus represent an image referring to the odor of the selected receptacle. In one example, the selected receptacle contains a fragrant sample of lavender. The target label can then include an image of a lavender field, and the distractor labels can include images of chocolate or fruit.

[0109] In one execution mode, the labels of the label group include words. The target label(s) may include words semantically related to the odor of the selected receptacle or related to contexts in which the odor could be found, for example "provence", "honey", "wardrobe", "violet" and the distractor labels may include words without direct reference to said odor, for example "chocolate", "office", "red".

[0110] In one embodiment of the invention, method 110 further includes a generation step GEN of a performance score 111 based on the number of target labels selected by the user.

[0111] In one execution mode, each label includes a proximity index, and the score is generated based on the proximity index of the selected labels. For example, "target" labels may have a higher score than "distractor" labels. A performance score can thus be generated based on the number of target labels identified.

[0112] For example, the score, each target label can be associated with a proximity index equal to 1 and each distractor label can be associated with a proximity index equal to 0.

[0113] The performance score can be generated by averaging the proximity indices associated with the selected labels. Preferably, the performance score is calculated from the selected labels relating to each receptacle and / or from the selected labels for a plurality of selected receptacles.

[0114] One advantage of performance scoring is that it provides reproducible data, allowing users to track their score over the long term and see their progress. Another advantage is the ability to compare oneself with other users.

[0115] In one execution mode, once an identifier is selected, the method includes a first display of a first group of labels, then a second display of a second group of labels. The labels in the first group of labels may include images, and the labels in the second group of labels may include words or verbal characters.

[0116] In one execution mode, the labels comprise a string of characters forming a question and the user provides an answer via the user interface.

[0117] In one embodiment, the method comprises selecting two receptacles associated with two different odors. The user, via the user interface, can compare each label and indicate, for each label, which receptacle it most closely matches. For example, the user first selects, from among the plurality of labels, the label(s) to be assigned to the first receptacle and then, subsequently, the label(s) to be assigned to the second receptacle.

[0118] The example described below aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an olfactory training kit according to the present invention, implementing the method according to the invention previously described.

[0119] A prospective randomized study enrolling PACS (post-COVID-19 acute syndrome) patients over 14 years of age complaining of post-infectious olfactory dysfunction between November 2021 and June 2022. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups for classical visual-olfactory training (group A) or according to the method of the invention (group B) for 2 months.

[0120] The study assessed patients before and after visual-olfactory training using clinical questionnaires, Sniffin' Sticks tests, and validated French quality-of-life questionnaires. The quality-of-life test is the Short-QOD-NS test described in the article by Mattos JL, Edwards C, Schlosser RJ, et al., “A brief version of the questionnaire of olfactory disorders in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.”

[0121] Surprisingly, a significant ortho-nasal and retro-nasal olfactory improvement was observed after following the training according to the method of the invention.

[0122] In particular, it has been observed that patients suffering from semantic memory disorders and following training according to the method and kit according to the invention showed a greater olfactory improvement than people suffering from semantic memory disorders following classic visual-olfactory training.

[0123] A particular advantage of the invention is therefore to provide a kit, an electronic system, and a therapeutic method for improving olfactory abilities in subjects suffering from olfactory memory disorders, in particular subjects with Alzheimer's disease or disorders following a concussion.

[0124] In addition, better attendance at training was observed in the subjects of group B. The invention therefore allows for more effective training, particularly in the long term, than conventional systems and methods.

[0125] The main advantage of the invention is to provide subjects with olfactory disorders with a training kit and a training method that goes beyond traditional self-rehabilitation. The playful aspect of the invention, the mobilization of semantic knowledge, and in particular the performance monitoring via a performance score, surprisingly lead to greater effectiveness in treating olfactory disorders in subjects with semantic memory impairments and in subjects who have poor adherence to traditional training methods.

Claims

Demands

1. Electronic system comprising software and / or hardware means to implement the following steps: • selection (SEL1) of an identifier associated with a receptacle comprising an olfactory sample; • display (AFF) on a display (22), from the selected identifier, of a group of labels (23); • selection (SEL2), by the user, of at least one label (23) from the plurality of labels.

2. Electronic system according to claim 1, characterized in that each label (23) of the group of labels is associated with a proximity index (102) with the selected identifier and in that the software and / or hardware means are configured to implement, furthermore, a generation step (GEN) of a score (201) based on the proximity index or indices of the label(s) selected by the user.

3. Electronic system according to claim 1 or 2, configured to implement, furthermore, a step of transmitting to the user an instruction including the designation of the receptacle associated with said selected identifier.

4. Electronic system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each label in the plurality of labels comprises at least one image.

5. Electronic system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each label of the plurality of labels comprises at least one word or at least one concept.

6. Electronic system according to claim 2 and one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that each proximity index of each label is a function of the semantic distance between the label and a predetermined odor.

7. Electronic system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the step of selecting at least one label is performed by the user via a user interface.

8. Olfactory training kit comprising: • A plurality of receptacles each containing an individual olfactory substance; • An electronic system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Product computer program comprising code instructions that lead an electronic system to perform the following steps: • selection (SEL1) of an identifier associated with a receptacle comprising an olfactory sample; • display (AFF) on a display (22), from the selected identifier, of a group of labels (23); • selection (SEL2), by the user, of at least one label (23) from the plurality of labels.

10. Computer-readable medium on which is recorded the computer program product according to claim 9.

Images