Aroma management system

Abstract

To solve the problem that although a database is searched for an aroma close to an aroma requested to a user device to emit the aroma by a device, data configurations and databases have no room for mechanisms for circulation on the market, and it is not definite to secure authenticity of data, protect copyright holders, and so on.SOLUTION: A header or payload storage part of a data row packet structure for aroma generation transmitted through the Internet consists of: an aroma kind information identification holding region of predetermined size for holding aroma kind identification information for identifying the kind of an aroma to be generated by a diffuser device; and an aroma attribute information holding region of predetermined size for holding aroma attribute information as information showing attributes of the aroma. The data row packet structure for aroma generation further has an NFT information holding region holding NFT information. Authenticity of data can be secured by block chain technology and the copyright can be protected by NFT.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the digitization of aromas and to a management system for aroma data of digitized aromas. [Background technology]

[0002] Research is being conducted into sensors to mechanize the five human senses, and the digitalization of the five senses is progressing. Regarding the sense of smell, which has been the least researched, it has been discovered that humans have nearly 400 olfactory receptors that detect smells and fragrances, but the digitalization of smells is still in progress. There are movie theaters that have cartridges containing specific smells and generators installed in the seats, but a standard mechanism for synthesizing smells by combining elemental components has not yet been put to practical use.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for deriving scent generation information for an input signal indicative of a situation in which a particular scent is desired based at least on a searchable database, and operating a digitally controllable scent delivery device to generate and deliver the selected scent. The database stores scent descriptions and tagged ingredients and accompanying formulations, chemical parameters, consumer or individual data preferences, tastes and perceptions, and / or regulatory constraints, limitations, parameters, or conditions governing the use or delivery of scent ingredients or compositions to a user. Examples are given of information held in the database that includes information other than tagged ingredients and accompanying formulations as described above. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special table number 2018-516719 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 allows a user to request the scent they want from a device, which then releases a scent close to the request, but the format of the requested information, the format of the information used to search for scents based on this, and the format of the scent information are all black boxes. Therefore, there is no room for creativity to be added to the scent, or for the scent itself to evolve and become more realistic or more pleasurable. This is because, as mentioned above, scent information is black-boxed and fixed in a predefined database, leaving no room for a mechanism for market distribution.

[0006] In addition, the technology of Patent Document 1 describes that information regarding regulations on the use of raw materials and compositions, and related regulatory constraints for wired or wireless commands (transmission) to other user devices (i.e., limited use of chemicals or chemical concentrations for transmission) is included in the data, but there are issues in that the authenticity of the data, restrictions on the transmission of scent data that complies with legal regulations but may cause discomfort to people, and copyrights and usage rights of the data are not disclosed.

[0007] Therefore, in the present invention, the aroma generation data string packet structure is limited to a predetermined format that can be distributed via the Internet. By limiting the format to one that can be distributed via the Internet, the aroma generation data string packet structure can be distributed in the market, allowing many users to use and evaluate it, and as long as the data is created in the same format, anyone can create their own original aroma generation data string packet structure, allowing many users to incorporate their originality and individuality into the aroma generation data string packet structure. In other words, a mechanism has been created that allows the world of aroma to constantly progress.

[0008] Regarding smells and fragrances (hereinafter referred to as aromas in this specification), the present invention provides an aroma generation data string packet structure for reproducing aromas, which includes aroma attribute information, which is information indicating the attributes of the aroma, in addition to information regarding blending.The present invention also provides an aroma generation data string packet structure that further holds NFT information as information regarding the originality of the data and usage rights.The present invention provides an aroma management system that includes a diffuser device that uses such an aroma generation data string packet structure, an aroma generation data string packet structure server device, an NFT verification server device, a storage device alone, and an aroma generation data string packet structure generation device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems related to aroma management systems, the present application As a first invention, A data string packet structure for aroma generation of a predetermined size written in a readable and executable manner by a diffuser device (A) which is a computer, the header or payload storage section of the packet structure includes: an aroma type identification information storage area of ​​a predetermined size for storing aroma type identification information for identifying the type of aroma to be generated by the diffuser device (A); an aroma attribute information storage area of ​​a predetermined size for storing aroma attribute information that is information indicating the attributes of the aroma; The present invention provides an aroma generating data string packet structure for transmission via the Internet, the data string packet structure having the following structure:

[0010] As a second invention, based on the first invention, An aroma generating data string packet structure is provided, which further has an NFT information storage area for storing NFT information.

[0011] As a third invention, based on either the first or second invention, The present invention provides a data string packet structure for aroma generation, which further has a diffuser device (A) control information holding area used for control information of a control information output section (AF) of the diffuser device (A) described below.

[0012] As a fourth invention, an aroma-generating raw material holding unit (AA) for holding an aroma-generating raw material, which is a raw material for mixing and generating a plurality of types of aromas; an external spray section (AB) for spraying the aroma generating raw material stored therein to the outside; An external spray control unit (AC) that controls the external spray unit for each generated raw material; An aroma generation data string packet structure acquisition unit (AD) for acquiring the aroma generation data string packet structure according to the first or second aspect of the present invention; an aroma type identification information acquisition unit (AE) for acquiring aroma type identification information included in the acquired aroma generation data string packet structure; a control information output unit (AF) that outputs control information to an external spray control unit (AC) based on the acquired aroma type identification information; A communications unit (AG) for network communications; A diffuser device (A) is provided.

[0013] As a fifth invention, An aroma generation data string packet structure storage unit (BA) that stores the aroma generation data string packet structure according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention; an aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (BB) for outputting the stored aroma generation data string packet structure to the diffuser device (A) according to claim 3 via a network; The present invention provides an aroma generating data string packet structure server device (B) having the above structure.

[0014] As a sixth invention, based on the fifth invention, An aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) is provided which further has an aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit (BC) which registers an aroma generation data string packet structure in an aroma generation data string packet structure holding unit (BA).

[0015] As a seventh invention, an NFT information acquisition unit (CA) that acquires the NFT information of the second invention; An NFT information verification unit (CB) that verifies the acquired NFT information and obtains the verification results; A verification result output unit (CC) that outputs the obtained verification results; An NFT verification server device (C) having the above configuration is provided.

[0016] As an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aroma generation data string packet structure storage unit (DA) for storing the aroma generation data string packet structure according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention; and an aroma generation data string packet structure output section (DB) for outputting the stored aroma generation data string packet structure to the diffuser device (A) of the fourth invention.

[0017] As a ninth invention, there is provided an aroma management system comprising a diffuser device (A) of the fourth invention and an aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) of either the fifth or sixth invention.

[0018] As a tenth invention, A control information input unit (EA) that inputs control information to the external spray control unit (AC); A control information storage unit (EB) for storing control information; a control information editor (EC) for editing the held control information; an aroma generation data string packet structure generating unit (ED) for generating an aroma generation data string packet based on the stored control information; an aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (EE) for outputting the generated aroma generation data string packet structure for registration in an aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit; The present invention provides an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) having the above structure.

[0019] As an eleventh invention, based on the tenth invention, The aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) further comprises a user identification information storage unit (EF) for storing user identification information for identifying a user.

[0020] As a twelfth invention, based on either the tenth or eleventh invention, a usage authority information acquisition unit (EG) for acquiring usage authority information, which is information regarding the usage authority of a user identified by user identification information for the aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E), in association with the user identification information; a usage control unit (EH) for controlling the usage of one or more of the control information editing unit (EC), the aroma generation data string packet structure generating unit (ED), and the aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (EE) based on the acquired usage authority information; The present invention provides an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) further comprising:

[0021] As a thirteenth invention, based on any one of the tenth to twelfth inventions, an aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition unit (EJ) for acquiring an aroma generation data string packet structure via a network; A transfer unit (EK) for transferring the aroma generating data string packet structure acquired via the network to the diffuser device (A); an evaluation input receiving unit (EL) for receiving an input of an evaluation regarding the transferred aroma generation data string packet structure; an evaluation output unit (EM) that outputs the received evaluations via a network; The present invention provides an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) further comprising:

[0022] As a fourteenth invention, based on any one of the tenth to thirteenth inventions, The evaluation output unit (EM) provides an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) having a non-anonymous evaluation output means (EN) for outputting the evaluation in association with user identification information.

[0023] As a fifteenth invention, a method for producing a semiconductor device according to any one of the tenth to fourteenth inventions, An aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) is provided which further includes an evaluation acquiring unit (EO) for acquiring an evaluation of the aroma generation data string packet structure acquired via a network.

[0024] Furthermore, there are also provided operation methods and operation programs readable by each of the above-mentioned diffuser device (A) which is a computer, aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) which is a computer, NFT data server device (C) which is a computer, storage device (D) which is a computer, aroma management system which is a computer, and aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) which is a computer. Each operation program may be recorded on a storage medium. Effect of the Invention

[0025] In the present invention mainly having the above-mentioned configuration, by limiting the format to one that can be distributed via the Internet, the aroma generating data string packet structure can be distributed in the market, and many users can use and evaluate it. Also, as long as data is created in the same format, anyone can create their own original aroma generating data string packet structure, and many users can put their originality and individuality into the aroma generating data string packet structure. Regarding smells and fragrances (hereinafter referred to as aromas in this specification), an aroma generating data string packet structure for reproducing aromas is provided that includes aroma attribute information, which is information indicating the attributes of the aroma, in addition to information regarding blending. Also provided is an aroma generating data string packet structure that further holds NFT information as information regarding the originality of the data and the right to use it. The present invention provides a diffuser device that uses such a data string packet structure for aroma generation, a server device for the data string packet structure for aroma generation, an NFT verification server device, a standalone memory device, and an aroma management system consisting of a diffuser device and a server device for the data string packet structure for aroma generation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a data string configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a data string configuration according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a data string configuration according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Functional block diagram of the invention according to embodiment 4 [Diagram 5] Operational flow chart of the invention according to the fourth embodiment [Figure 6] Hardware diagram of the invention according to the fourth embodiment [Figure 7] Functional block diagram of the invention according to embodiment 5 [Figure 8] Operational flow chart of the invention according to the fifth embodiment [Figure 9]Hardware diagram of the invention according to the fifth embodiment [Figure 10] Functional block diagram of the invention according to embodiment 6 [Figure 11] Operational flow chart of the invention according to the sixth embodiment [Figure 12] Hardware diagram of the invention according to the sixth embodiment [Figure 13] Functional block diagram of the invention according to embodiment 7 [Figure 14] Operational flow chart of the invention according to the seventh embodiment [Figure 15] Hardware diagram of the invention according to embodiment 7 [Figure 16] Functional block diagram of the invention according to embodiment 8 [Figure 17] Operational flow chart of the invention according to embodiment 8. [Figure 18] Hardware diagram of the invention according to embodiment 8 [Figure 19] Functional block diagram of the invention according to embodiment 9 [Figure 20] Operational flow chart of the invention according to the ninth embodiment [Figure 21] 9 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of an aroma management system according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] Functional block diagram of the invention according to embodiment 10 [Diagram 23] Operational flow chart of the invention according to the tenth embodiment [Figure 24] Hardware diagram of the invention according to embodiment 10 [Diagram 25] Functional block diagram of the invention according to embodiment 11 [Figure 26] Operational flow chart of the invention according to embodiment 11. [Figure 27] Hardware diagram of the invention according to embodiment 11 [Figure 28] Functional block diagram of the invention according to embodiment 12 [Figure 29] Operational flow chart of the invention according to embodiment 12 [Diagram 30]Hardware diagram of the invention according to embodiment 12 [Diagram 31] Functional block diagram of embodiment 13 of the invention [Diagram 32] Operational flow chart of the invention according to embodiment 13. [Diagram 33] Hardware diagram of the invention according to embodiment 13 [Diagram 34] Functional block diagram of the invention according to embodiment 14 [Diagram 35] Operational flow chart of the invention according to the fourteenth embodiment [Diagram 36] Hardware diagram of the invention according to embodiment 14 [Figure 37] Functional block diagram of the invention according to embodiment 15 [Figure 38] Operational flow chart of the invention according to the fifteenth embodiment [Figure 39] Hardware diagram of the invention according to embodiment 15 [Diagram 40] 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of the aroma management system of the present invention; [Diagram 41] A diagram showing examples of hardware of the diffuser device (A), aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B), NFT verification server device (C), storage device (D), and aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E) of the present invention. [Diagram 42] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of control information according to the present invention; [Diagram 43] Schematic diagram 1 showing the process flow of the invention according to embodiment 8. [Diagram 44] Schematic diagram 2 showing the process flow of the invention according to embodiment 8. [Diagram 45] Example of a top screen of an aroma management system application according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 46] An example of an aroma playback screen of an aroma management system application according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 47] Example of library search screen of aroma management system application according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 48] An example of a library arrangement screen of an aroma management system application according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 49] Example 1 of an aroma recipe purchase screen of an aroma management system app according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 50] Example 2 of an aroma recipe purchase screen of the aroma management system app according to the embodiment of the present invention [Figure 51] Example 3 of an aroma recipe purchase screen of the aroma management system app according to the embodiment of the present invention [Figure 52] Example 1 of an aroma recipe creation screen of an aroma management system app according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 53] Example 2 of an aroma recipe creation screen of the aroma management system app according to the embodiment of the present invention [Figure 54] Example of an aroma evaluation screen of the aroma management system app according to the embodiment of the present invention DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] <Prerequisites for the explanation of all embodiments> <Hardware that can constitute the present invention> The present invention is, in principle, an invention that utilizes a computer, but at least a part of it is realized by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. In this case, the software uses hardware resources to perform various calculations and realizes various functions through the required data and information. It can be said that information processing by software is specifically realized using hardware resources.

[0028] Hardware that realizes all or part of the constituent elements of the present invention is composed of the basic components of a computer, such as a CPU, memory, a bus, an input / output device, various peripheral devices, a user interface, etc. The various peripheral devices may include a storage device, an internet interface, an internet device, a LAN device, a Wifi (registered trademark) device, a display, a display interface, a keyboard, a mouse, a speaker, a microphone, a camera, a video, a television, a CD device, a DVD device, a Blu-ray device, a USB memory, a USB memory interface, a removable hard disk, a general hard disk, a projector device, an SSD, a telephone, a fax, a copy machine, a printer, a movie editing device, various sensor devices, etc. Some home appliances, such as diffusers, have simple built-in computers. These computers are designed for specific functions and control purposes, but their general structure and elements are as follows: Microcontroller: A microcontroller integrates a CPU, memory, input / output ports, timers, serial communication interfaces, etc., into a single chip. It controls specific tasks and functions based on the software (firmware) embedded in the program memory (flash memory). Input devices: In home appliances, buttons, touch panels, remote controls, etc. are common input devices. These devices receive user input. Output devices: There are output devices according to the function of the home appliance, such as LED display, LCD display, audio output, and motor control. The computer controls these output devices to display information and control operation. Sensors such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, light sensors, and acceleration sensors are used to obtain ambient conditions and input information. The computer interprets the data from the sensors and uses it for control. Control algorithm: The computer of the home appliance operates based on a pre-programmed control algorithm. For example, it performs specific functions and tasks such as temperature control, time control, and analysis of sensor data. These elements combine to allow the computer of the home appliance to realize a specific function. For example, the computer of the diffuser controls the heating time and the amount of spray.

[0029] The system does not necessarily have to be made up of a single unit, but may be made up of multiple units connected by communication. The communication may be LAN, WAN, Wifi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication, or ultrasonic communication, and some of the units may be installed across borders.

[0030] <Fulfillment of the Laws of Nature in All Embodiments of the Present Invention>

[0031] The present invention functions in cooperation with a computer and software. In the present invention, an aroma management system is provided in which an aroma generation data string packet structure management server device (B) and a diffuser device (A) that reproduces aromas are connected via a general Internet line or a dedicated line, and the aroma generation data string packet structure is sent by communication between the aroma generation data string packet structure management server device (B) and the aroma reproduction diffuser device (A) and data is queried. Regarding data queries, particularly for aroma generation data string packet structures to which NFT information has been added, authentication is exchanged with an NFT verification server device (C). The storage device (D) outputs the stored aroma generation data string packet structure to the diffuser device (A). The aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E) outputs and acquires the aroma generation data string packet structure and outputs an evaluation via a network. Since the invention includes processing unique to ICT, it is considered a so-called business model patent. From this perspective, if the present invention is judged based on the matters described in the claims and specification, and the common general technical knowledge related to those matters, then the present invention utilizes the laws of nature.

[0032] <Applicant's understanding of the significance of utilizing the laws of nature required by patent law>

[0033] The use of the laws of nature required by the Patent Law is required to ensure that the invention can be used industrially from the viewpoint that the invention must have industrial applicability and contribute to the development of industry based on the purpose of the law. In other words, it is required that the invention be industrially useful, that is, the effect of the invention declared at the time of application can be reproduced with a certain degree of certainty by the implementation of the invention. From this perspective, the use of the laws of nature is interpreted as the function of each of the invention-specific matters (invention constituent elements), which are the components of the invention to achieve the effect of the invention, being achieved by utilizing the laws of nature. Furthermore, the effect of an invention should be that it has the potential to provide a certain usefulness to the user who uses the invention, and should not be viewed from the perspective of how the user feels or thinks about that usefulness. Therefore, even if the effect that users of the diffuser device (A) that generates aroma using a data string packet structure for aroma generation, users of the data string packet structure generation device for aroma generation (E), users of the memory device (D), the manager and operator of the data string packet structure server device for aroma generation (B), the manager and operator of the NFT verification server device (C), the manager and operator that transmits the data string packet structure for aroma generation, the creator of the data, and the outputter of the evaluation obtain from this aroma management system is a psychological effect (such as a sense of security), the effect itself is not a subject of the judgment as to whether or not the desired utility of the law of nature is available.

[0034] <Hardware configuration> FIG. 40 shows an outline of the overall configuration of the aroma management system (4050) of the present invention. The diffuser device (A) (4010), aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) (4020), NFT verification server device (C) (4030), storage device (D) (not shown), and aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) (4060) of the present system are connected by wire or wirelessly (Wifi (registered trademark) or mobile phone network, etc.) via an Internet line (which may be another commercial line or a dedicated line). Aroma generation data string packet structures are transmitted and received and processed via the Internet line (which may be another commercial line or a dedicated line). The above-mentioned devices used by users and managers of the aroma management system of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as the present system) are described in this specification as having a configuration similar to that of a PC, but are not limited to the configuration of a PC. The devices other than the diffuser device (A) may be composed of information devices such as notebook PCs, desktop PCs, smartphones, tablets, etc. (having Internet connection capabilities and sufficient performance to use this system) and software (apps) that run on those devices.

[0035] The diffuser device (A) (4010), aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) (4020), NFT verification server device (C) (4030), storage device (D) (not shown), and aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E) (4060) constituting the aroma management system of the present invention will be described herein mainly using a configuration similar to that of a PC, unless otherwise specified. FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration similar to that of a PC for each device in an embodiment of the present invention. Also, the aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E) may have a configuration similar to that of a smartphone, but is basically similar to that of a PC, so its description will be omitted.

[0036] As shown in this figure, the computer is composed of a chipset, a CPU, a non-volatile memory, a main memory, various buses, a BIOS (or UEFI), various peripheral devices such as USB and LAN, interfaces for connecting to communication lines, a real-time clock, etc., and expansion cards such as a graphic card, which are configured on a motherboard. These operate in cooperation with an operating system, device drivers (for various interfaces such as USB, cameras, microphones, speakers or headphones, and various devices such as displays), various programs, etc. The various programs and various data constituting the present invention are configured to execute various processes by efficiently utilizing these hardware resources, also using input signals such as a keyboard and mouse connected via a USB terminal (or PS / 2 port). The computer is connected to an Internet line through a LAN terminal or the like. The connection to the Internet line may be made using WiFi (registered trademark) or via a mobile phone line network.

[0037] The following describes examples of main components constituting a computer as hardware, although the present invention is not limited to these examples. Chipset

[0038] A "chipset" is a set of large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs) that are mounted on the motherboard of a computer and integrate a communication function between the external bus of the CPU and a standard bus that connects non-volatile memory and peripheral devices mounted on the motherboard, that is, a bridge function. In the past, it was a two-chip configuration consisting of a north bridge that was connected to the CPU and performed processing that required high speed, such as between the main memory and a graphics card equipped with a chip (GPU) for graphics processing, and a south bridge that was connected to the north bridge and performed processing between a relatively slow interface. In recent years, the north bridge function has been integrated into the CPU, and only the previous south bridge remains, but it is still called a chipset. In this specification, we will explain the single-chip configuration of only the south bridge with the north bridge function built into the CPU. The effects of the present invention will not change whether it is a two-chip configuration of a north bridge and a south bridge as described above, or if there is no chipset with the south bridge function integrated into the CPU.

[0039] (South Bridge) When the chipset is a single chip configuration, the south bridge is responsible for I / O functions such as PCI Express interface (slot), SATA (Serial ATA) or eSATA interface, USB interface, LAN (Ethernet) interface, real-time clock, and sound functions. When the chipset is a single chip configuration, it is the chip that controls interfaces such as displays, external connections such as USB / LAN terminals, SATA for connecting to HDDs and SSDs, and PCI Express, and is connected to the CPU via a point-to-point hardware interface (for example, DMI: Direct Media Interface). Some chips support RAID (Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks: a technology that recognizes and displays multiple HDDs as a single drive) for non-volatile memory (such as HDDs). In addition, to support devices that are rarely used in recent years and where high-speed operation is not required or possible, such as PS / 2 ports, floppy disk drives, serial ports such as RS-232C, parallel ports such as IEEE1284 for printers, and ISA buses, a separate LSI called a super I / O chip is used, which connects to the south bridge via a low pin count bus.

[0040] <Bus> There are parallel buses and serial buses. A parallel bus prepares signal lines for the number of bits and transmits data in synchronization with a clock. A dedicated line for the clock signal is set up in parallel with the data line, and synchronizes data demodulation on the receiving side. A serial bus transfers data one bit at a time. A bus is used to connect peripheral devices and various control units on the motherboard to the CPU (MPU). The internal bus connects the CPU core to cache memory and other internal memory, while the external bus connects the CPU to memory outside the CPU. The external bus that connects the memory controller built into the CPU to the main memory is a 64-bit parallel bus in the case of a DDR4 standard that uses DDR4-SDRAM (Double-Data-Rate4 Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory). For example, if the DDR4-3200 memory standard is supported, the bandwidth is 3200MHz maximum memory operating frequency x 64 (bit) bus width ÷ 8 (bit → byte conversion) = 25.6 (GB / s). The connection between the CPU and the south bridge is a point-to-point connection such as DMI (Direct Media Interface) as mentioned above. External expansion buses such as PCI Express and SATA are connected by chipsets. Parallel buses include GPIB, IDE / (parallel)ATA, SCSI, PCI, etc. A serial bus transfers data one bit at a time. Because there is a limit to how fast it can be, the improved version of PCI, PCI Express, uses point-to-point wiring and a serial transfer method. USB and SATA also transfer data serially.

[0041] CPU

[0042] The CPU reads a sequence of instructions called a program in main memory in order, interprets and executes them, and outputs information consisting of signals to the main memory. The CPU functions as the center of calculations within a computer. The CPU is composed of the CPU core, which is the center of calculations, and its peripheral parts, and includes registers, cache memory (primary, secondary, tertiary), an internal bus that connects the cache memory to the CPU core, a memory controller, a timer, and an interface with the connection bus to the south bridge. If the CPU has an integrated graphics function (GPU), it also includes a graphics interface and an internal bus that connects to the CPU core. If an external graphics board is used with a CPU with a built-in GPU, it is connected to the graphics interface (PCI Express, etc.) built into the CPU. Note that a single CPU (chip) may have multiple CPU cores. The embodiment is described as a two-core type, but is not limited to this. Also, a configuration may be provided with multiple CPU chips. A program may also be built into the CPU.

[0043] <Non-volatile memory>

[0044] (HDD)

[0045] The basic structure of a hard disk drive consists of a magnetic disk, a magnetic head, and an arm on which the magnetic head is mounted. External interfaces include SATA (previously ATA) and SAS (Serial Attached SCSI, previously SCSI). HDD interfaces are broadly divided into the ATA and SCSI types mentioned above. The ATA type is a method of sending data unilaterally to the physically connected device, and since it relies on the BIOS (or UEFI) on the motherboard, it constantly requires CPU processing time. The SCSI type is a method of sending data accurately while checking the status of the connected device, and since the HDD has a control system inside, the load on the CPU can be reduced. The ATA type is inexpensive and has a large capacity, but the SCSI type evolved from a system for servers, and is excellent in terms of speed and expandability, and since it can process SCSI commands in multithreading, it is highly reliable even under high-load environments. HDDs have an excellent cost per unit of capacity, but as mentioned above, they contain moving parts which take time to access and there is the risk of mechanical failure. Therefore, for server equipment that requires high reliability, RAID can be used to distribute reading and writing to multiple HDDs simultaneously, or the same file can be written to multiple HDDs.

[0046] (Flash memory) Currently, two types of flash memory are commonly used: NAND flash memory and NOR flash memory. Although there are pros and cons regarding read / write speed, NAND flash memory is more advantageous for high integration and is used for data storage. Compared to hard disk drives, it is small because it has no moving parts and does not generate vibration or noise during operation. However, the cost per capacity has not yet fallen to the point where it can replace hard disk drives. Although it is more expensive than hard disk drives, it has the advantage of being compact and resistant to shocks. Smartphones and mobile information terminals usually have a memory capacity of around 64GB to 256GB for data storage purposes, so flash memory is used to make them smaller and lighter. In PCs and other devices, solid-state drives (SSDs) made of flash memory are beginning to be used for frequently accessed drives that store the OS and application software.

[0047] Diffuser device The device contains aroma-generating raw materials, and generates aroma by vaporizing or releasing the aroma substance as fine particles from the aroma-generating raw materials (which may be liquid, powder, solid, gel, etc.) by heating or vibration shock (including but not limited to ultrasonic generation elements), and then spraying the aroma into the atmosphere on a carrier gas that transports the aroma, allowing it to reach the user's nostrils and be perceived as aroma. The aroma-generating raw materials may be a cartridge containing multiple raw materials that can be used a specified number of times, or may be in a form in which each type of raw material is stored in a separate container. The aroma can be generated according to the inkjet method, which is a known technology.

[0048] The most typical structure is to prepare wells for aroma-generating raw materials that generate aromas that are sensed by the number of human olfactory receptors, and to release the aroma-generating raw materials as vapor or fine particles from the wells that correspond to the human olfactory receptors that correspond to specific aromas. It is said that there are about 400 types of human olfactory receptors, but it is not necessary to prepare 400 wells, and it is sufficient to prepare wells that correspond to the main olfactory receptors that compose the main aromas that humans sense. For example, the number of wells corresponding to the main aromas is about 50 to 100 types. In addition, since there are wells that are commonly used across multiple aromas, it is preferable to design such wells to have a higher capacity to accommodate aroma-generating raw materials than other wells.

[0049] The transport gas may be constructed so that ambient air is taken in by an intake fan or compressed by a compressor and then blown out as the transport gas, or a high-pressure nitrogen cylinder or the like may be built into or connected to the diffuser device and used as the transport gas. When ambient air is used, the supply of transport gas is virtually endless, but the intake fan, compressor, etc. produce operating noise and require energy (electricity) to operate. When a high-pressure gas such as a nitrogen cylinder is used, no energy is required to operate the fan, etc. and there is almost no operating noise, but the amount of transport gas is finite and the cylinder must be replaced periodically. It is desirable for the transport gas to be odorless, but it may also be constructed so that it contains a base fragrance and is mixed with the aroma generated from the aroma-generating raw material to produce the desired aroma.

[0050] <Diffuser device: control information> The diffuser device is provided with a cartridge having a plurality of wells for the aroma-generating raw material as described above, or with individual containers for each well, and controls the aroma-generating raw material to be vaporized or released as fine particles from each well. For this purpose, the external spray control unit of the diffuser device outputs control information to the external spray unit for each generating raw material. The control information will be explained using an example in FIG. 42. In FIG. 42, the horizontal axis indicates the time axis (0 at the left end), the vertical axis indicates the external spray intensity, and the depth indicates the type of aroma-generating raw material (1 to 5 from front to back). In this specification, the external spray intensity is the amount of aroma-generating raw material sprayed to the outside per unit time. The external spray intensity is adjusted by increasing the amount of aroma-generating raw material vaporized or released as fine particles per unit volume of transport gas, or by increasing the amount of transport gas while keeping the amount of aroma-generating raw material vaporized or released as fine particles per unit volume of transport gas constant.

[0051] FIG. 42 shows a profile showing the change in external spray intensity over time for each aroma-generating raw material. Aroma-generating raw material 1 is the solid line graph at the front, and among the five raw materials, the external spray intensity peaks earliest, after which the external spray intensity drops. Aroma-generating raw material 2 (dotted line) starts spraying a little later than at time 0, and reaches a low external spray intensity peak later than aroma-generating raw material 1, but even after passing the peak, the spray intensity does not become 0 but gradually decreases. As a result of superimposing the external spray intensity profiles of the five aroma-generating raw materials shown in FIG. 42, a specific aroma is generated. Information consisting of the external spray intensity profile for each aroma-generating raw material over time required to generate one aroma, as shown in FIG. 42, is the control information. In this way, the external spray section for each generating raw material of the diffuser device is controlled by the control information.

[0052] <Main memory>

[0053] The CPU directly accesses and executes various programs in main memory. Main memory is a volatile memory that uses DRAM. Programs in main memory are expanded from non-volatile memory to main memory upon receiving a program start command. The CPU then executes the program according to various execution commands and execution procedures within the program.

[0054] Operating System (OS)

[0055] An operating system is used to manage the resources available to applications on a computer, to manage various device drivers, and to manage the computer itself (the hardware). In small computers, firmware may be used as the operating system.

[0056] ≪UEFI≫

[0057] In recent years, UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), which plays a similar role as an evolved successor to the previously used BIOS, has been used. UEFI is also stored in a flash ROM and installed on the motherboard, just like BIOS. A flash ROM chip containing UEFI causes the CPU to execute procedures to start up the computer hardware and run the operating system, and is most typically the hardware that the CPU reads first when it receives a computer startup command. This contains the addresses of the operating system stored on the disk (non-volatile memory), and the operating system is sequentially loaded into main memory by the UEFI loaded into the CPU and becomes operational. UEFI also has a check function that checks the presence or absence of various devices connected to the bus. The check results are stored in main memory and are made available to the operating system as appropriate. UEFI may also be configured to check external devices, etc.

[0058] As shown in the figure, the present invention can basically be configured with a general-purpose computer program and various devices. The computer basically operates in a form in which a program recorded in a non-volatile memory is loaded into the main memory, and processing is executed by the main memory, the CPU, and various devices. Communication with the devices is performed via an interface connected to a bus line. Possible interfaces include a display interface, USB, a LAN terminal, a PCI Express interface, and a communication buffer.

[0059] <Terminology used in the present invention>

[0060] "Identification information" refers to symbols, letters, codes, etc. used to identify something. However, there may be cases where the identification information itself is the information being identified. For example, the identification information that identifies character string record A may be character string record A itself. Thus, the aroma type identification information may be a mere symbol, letter, code, or the name of an aroma identified by that symbol, letter, code, etc., or the name of the creator of a data string packet structure for aroma generation. However, from the perspective of protecting personal information, it is not desirable to include personal information such as a name in identification information that may be made public.

[0061] The term "association" is used in this specification to mean not only a case where two or more pieces of information are directly associated with each other, but also a case where two or more pieces of information are indirectly associated with each other via one or more other pieces of information. An indirect association is not necessarily limited to an association within one device (a device having a single housing), but also includes a case where the association is made across multiple devices.

[0062] "Based on" includes both cases where it is based on the subject itself and cases where it is based on the subject after some processing has been performed. For example, "B based on information A" includes cases where "B" is based on "A" itself, and cases where "B" is based on information after processing such as multiplying "A" by a certain ratio (e.g. 1.1 times).

[0063] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the illustrated examples. In this specification, the word "aroma" is used as a general term for scent, fragrance, aroma, and smell. In the description, the two-letter code attached to the configuration, step, or program indicates which device the configuration, step, or program is related to. For example, the external spray section (AB) for each generated raw material relates to the diffuser device (A), the external spray step (ab) for each generated raw material relates to the operation method of the diffuser device (A), and the external spray program (ab) for each generated raw material relates to a program that can be read and operated by the diffuser device (A). In addition, the four-digit code in the functional block diagram in the figure is a code that combines the upper two digits indicating the drawing number and the lower two digits that are assigned as unique numbers to each part in this specification.

[0064] <Overview of embodiment 1> Mainly claim 1 The data string packet structure for aroma generation in embodiment 1 is characterized in that it has, in addition to an aroma type identification information holding area that holds aroma type identification information for identifying the type of aroma to be generated by the diffuser device (A), an aroma attribute information holding area that holds aroma attribute information, which is information indicating the attributes of this aroma.

[0065] <Functional configuration of embodiment 1> 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an aroma generation data string packet structure of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the aroma generation data string packet structure (0100) of embodiment 1 is composed of an aroma type identification information holding area (0101) and an aroma attribute information holding area (0102).

[0066] The above configuration is merely an example for carrying out the present invention, and functions may be omitted or new functions may be added as appropriate within the scope that does not contradict the problems to be overcome by the present invention and its effects. The same applies to the description of the second and third embodiments described below.

[0067] <Description of the configuration of embodiment 1> <Embodiment 1: Aroma type identification information storage area (0101)> The “aroma type identification information storage area” (0101) is configured within the aroma generation data string packet structure as a predetermined size for storing aroma type identification information for identifying the type of aroma to be generated by the diffuser device (A).

[0068] The "aroma type identification information" is information for identifying the type of aroma in order to reproduce and generate the aroma in the diffuser device (A). For example, for a cherry blossom-scented aroma, the information may be a variety name such as "Somei-Yoshino", "Kanhizakura", "Kawazuzakura", "Keiozakura", or "Azuma-Shiki", a variety and time such as "Somei-Yoshino-full bloom" or "Somei-Yoshino-beginning to fall", a variety and location such as "Somei-Yoshino-Yoshinoyama" or "Somei-Yoshino-Shiraishigawa-bank", or a simple character string of letters or numbers, or information for identifying control information corresponding to the type of aroma and / or aroma attribute information described below. The aroma identification information may be the control information itself for generating the corresponding aroma.

[0069] A case will be described in which the aroma identification information is control information for spraying aroma to the outside from the external spray section (AB) for each aroma generating raw material using the aroma generating raw material described below. The control information is information consisting of the type of aroma generating raw material used and the profile of spraying from each aroma generating raw material within the aroma generating period. For example, when two types of aroma generating raw materials, A and B, are used, aroma A sprayed from aroma generating raw material A from the start of aroma generation maintains a constant intensity after reaching a predetermined intensity, and stops spraying at the same time as the aroma generating period ends. Aroma B sprayed from aroma generating raw material B starts spraying a predetermined time after aroma A, and after reaching a predetermined intensity, the amount of spray is reduced at a predetermined attenuation rate and stopped at a predetermined time before the aroma generating period ends.

[0070] An example of the predetermined size of the aroma type identification information storage area when aroma type identification information is combined with control information will be described. It is generally said that humans have about 400 types of olfactory receptors that detect smells (humans are said to have genes for 396 functioning olfactory receptors). If aroma-generating raw materials were prepared to generate the elemental odors of aromas that stimulate one type of olfactory receptor, then about 400 types, the same number as the number of olfactory receptors, would be required. Considering a case in which the intensity (amount) of aroma generated using one type of aroma-generating raw material is controlled in 16 stages, with 15 at the maximum capacity of the diffuser device (A) and 0 when no aroma is generated, the amount of information indicating the intensity at a certain point in time will be 4 bits per type.

[0071] If the time required to generate an aroma once is assumed to be 5 seconds, and it is controlled every 1 ms, then the amount of information for one type of aroma-generating raw material will be 4 bits x 5000 = 20000 bits = 2500 bytes. If the aroma generation continues for more than 5 seconds, the aroma may be repeatedly generated to deal with the problem. In the above example, the amount of information required to control all the aroma-generating raw materials will be 2500 bytes x 400 = 1 MB. The specified size can be reduced if there are fewer than 400 types of aroma-generating raw materials, or if the control is performed every 10 ms instead of every 1 ms.

[0072] It is also possible to define multiple types of aroma generation modes depending on the type of aroma-generating raw material set, the division unit of the time axis, etc., and to configure them to be included in the aroma type identification information or the aroma attribute information described below. The diffuser device (A) that has acquired the aroma generation mode identification information, which is information for identifying the aroma generation mode, generates an aroma based on the aroma type identification information in an aroma generation mode corresponding to the identification information. A mode that uses multiple types of aroma-generating raw materials and has a large number of divisions on the time axis can reproduce the aroma with high accuracy, but the amount of data is large and multiple types of aroma-generating raw materials are consumed, resulting in high costs. On the other hand, a mode that limits the types of aroma-generating raw materials and has a small number of divisions on the time axis will result in an aroma with low reproducibility, but the amount of data is small and fewer types of aroma-generating raw materials are consumed, resulting in economical use at a reduced cost.

[0073] Although the aroma type identification information has been described above as the control information itself for generating aroma in the diffuser device (A), the information for identifying the control information may simply be a name for identifying the aroma type, a code combining alphanumeric characters, etc., as described above. Alternatively, the aroma type identification information may be information indicating the location (such as an address in non-volatile memory) where the corresponding aroma generation data sequence packet structure is stored, which is stored in the aroma generation data sequence packet structure storage unit (BA) of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) described below.

[0074] <Embodiment 1: Aroma attribute information storage area (0102)> The 'aroma attribute information storage area' (0102) is configured in the aroma generation data string packet structure as a predetermined size for storing aroma attribute information, which is information indicating the attributes of this aroma.

[0075] The "aroma attribute information" may be the aroma name, the coordinates in the aroma space (n-dimensional, n≧2), the name of the creator who created the aroma type identification information of the data string packet structure for aroma generation in the present invention (the company name if created by a company), the name of the aroma creator or the name of the aroma data creator if the aroma creator who created the original aroma itself is different from the creator of the aroma type identification information that digitized the aroma, the aroma right holder identification information or the aroma data right holder identification information (which may be the right holder name itself) that identifies the owner if the owner of the ownership of the aroma or aroma type identification information is different from the creator, the creation date or registration date of the aroma type identification information, the corresponding diffuser device (A) type or diffuser device OS, information indicating whether it is for a sample or for the actual product, the initial price, the current price, etc. A predetermined size of about 100kbytes is considered for recording such attribute information.

[0076] <Embodiment 1: Aroma attribute information storage area: Aroma attribute information: Permission to use> In addition, when using the data string packet structure for aroma generation, it is possible to configure it to hold aroma usage authority information, which is information regarding the authority to use the data string packet structure for aroma generation. Information regarding the usage authority may be configured to be included in the aroma attribute information. Examples of information included in the aroma usage authority information include legal conditions for aroma generation (restrictions on target persons, such as target age), regulations when allergens are included, restrictions on the location of generation such as restricting generation in public places, and permission conditions for use of aroma type identification information (remaining amount available, number of times available, expiration date of use, number of times available for resale, copy and transfer conditions within private homes, etc.). It is possible to configure it to control the user's use of the corresponding data string packet structure for aroma generation based on user identification information that identifies the user described later and aroma usage authority information. It is also possible to configure it to control the use of the data string packet structure for aroma generation based on user attribute information that indicates the attributes of the user identified by the user identification information rather than the user identification information, and aroma usage authority information.

[0077] The aroma attribute information can be configured to include information on the authority of use for samples and for the actual product. The difference between the aroma generation data string packet structure for samples for advertising and for the actual product for sale is the amount of aroma generated or the duration of aroma generation, and one diffuser device (A) can generate aroma only a specified number of times. To distinguish between samples and actual products, a data string (flag, bit, etc.) for identifying whether it is for a sample or for the actual product may be provided in the header of the aroma generation data string packet structure. The aroma generation data string packet structure for samples may be NFT-free.

[0078] <Embodiment 1: Aroma attribute information storage area: Aroma attribute information: Ownership authority> The data string packet structure for aroma generation can be configured to hold aroma ownership authority information indicating the authority to own the data string packet structure for aroma generation. Instead of holding the aroma ownership authority information itself in the data string packet structure for aroma generation, aroma ownership authority identification information, which is information for identifying the type of aroma ownership authority, may be held instead. The authority that a normal user acquires when using a data string packet structure for aroma generation is the authority to use. The authority to use can also be resold. A person who owns the data string packet structure for aroma generation can be configured to receive a share of the usage fee paid by the user (regardless of whether it is a lump sum payment, a payment each time, or a periodic payment), like a copyright holder. One or more owners can be set, and the distribution rate is not limited to an equal distribution. The ownership authority can be bought and sold independently of the usage authority. When the owner is changed, it is preferable to prevent the usage authority from being changed for users who have already obtained the usage authority. The owner is, for example, the creator of the data string packet structure for aroma generation, or the person (such as a corporation or an individual) who employs the creator.

[0079] <Embodiment 1: Aroma generation data string packet structure (0100)> The "aroma generation data string packet structure" (0100) is a data string packet structure for aroma generation of a predetermined size written in a manner readable and executable by the diffuser device (A), which is a computer, and the header or payload storage section of this packet structure is configured to have an aroma type identification information holding area (0101) and an aroma attribute information holding area (0102). In the above sense, the data string packet structure can be said to be a type of program. As described above, the aroma generation data string packet structure has an aroma type identification information holding area and an aroma attribute information holding area, but it has at least these two types of areas and is not limited to these two types. For example, it may further have an area for holding aroma usage authority information.

[0080] When transmitting the data string packet structure for aroma generation using an Internet line, the data string packet structure for aroma generation can be stored in the payload of an IP packet and transmitted. Alternatively, the data string packet structure for aroma generation can be stored in the header of data to be transmitted for aroma generation, and other data, for example, information about the blockchain, can be stored in the payload portion and transmitted. Also, each data area can include a checksum for checking whether the data transmission was performed properly.

[0081] An example of the size of the payload when transmitting an aroma generation data string packet structure over an Internet line is about 1480 bytes for one IP packet and about 1460 bytes for one TCP packet. In the above-mentioned example of the predetermined size of the aroma generation data string packet structure, the aroma type identification information holding area and the aroma attribute information holding area will be about 1100 kbytes combined, so the structure will be divided into just under 800 packets when transmitted over the Internet. By placing information indicating the start of the information in the aroma generation data string packet structure at the beginning of the header, and information indicating the end of the structure at the end of the structure, it is possible to detect whether the structure has been fully restored at the receiving end.

[0082] The header of the data string packet structure for aroma generation may contain editing authority type identification information indicating the type of editing authority for the structure. The structure sold for a fee is considered to be the responsibility of the seller or creator for improvement, but the structure distributed free of charge can generate a higher quality aroma by being improved by volunteers. Alternatively, the structure can be a derivative product that generates an aroma of approximately the same level at a lower cost.

[0083] Therefore, it is desirable to set editing authority type identification information so that the free structure can be edited. There are at least two types of editing authority, editing prohibited and editing allowed, but editing authority types can also be set so that authority is granted based on age, the presence or absence of qualifications, or the type of qualification. Editing software that edits the information of the aroma generation data string packet structure or the control information acquired based on the aroma generation data string packet structure can be made public or sold (the form is not limited to a one-time sale or monthly usage fee). Attending a course on how to use this editing software, or a course on the aroma generation data string packet structure, or a course on how to use the aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E) described below may also be one of the qualifications.

[0084] The header of the data string packet structure for aroma generation can include repeated playback permission information, which is information on whether the data string packet structure for aroma generation permits repeated playback of the corresponding aroma. Since it is aroma type identification information of a predetermined size, the aroma generation time (playback time) is a predetermined length of time, for example, a short time such as 5 seconds per time. Therefore, if one wishes to smell the aroma at a leisurely pace, it will be played repeatedly. In other words, repeated playback is permitted, which can be said to treat successive repeated playbacks as one playback.

[0085] The header of the data string packet structure for aroma generation may include cartridge type identification information, which is identification information indicating the type of cartridge holding a plurality of aroma-generating raw materials. The cartridge has the aroma-generating raw materials arranged in an array, and is equipped with a heating coil, a heating element, or an ultrasonic generating element for vaporizing or atomizing the aroma from each aroma-generating raw material. The cartridge type identification information may be configured to be included in the aroma attribute information.

[0086] Possible types of cartridges include high-cost, high-performance cartridges that have many types of aroma-generating raw materials and can finely control the vaporization and particle emission by the heating coil, heating element, or ultrasonic generating element in multiple stages, and low-cost, low-performance cartridges that have fewer types of aroma-generating raw materials and cannot finely control the vaporization and particle emission by the heating coil, heating element, or ultrasonic generating element (e.g., only two options: release / not release). It is preferable to standardize the types and grades of such cartridges and also standardize the method of identifying the types. This is because appropriate aromas cannot be generated unless the type of such cartridge is identified and control information suitable for the cartridge is applied. As an example of a cartridge type, a high-performance cartridge is a higher-grade compatible product of a low-performance cartridge, and can generate all aromas that can be generated by a low-performance cartridge and can also generate aromas that cannot be generated by a low-performance cartridge.

[0087] In the example of the two types of cartridges mentioned above, a high-cost, high-performance type and a low-cost, low-performance type, it is natural that when the high-cost, high-performance cartridge is used, one will be able to detect the difference in aroma between red wine from Bordeaux and red wine from Burgundy, or the difference in the aroma of coffee from Kilimanjaro and mocha, but when the low-cost, low-performance cartridge is used, there will likely be a performance difference such that one will only be able to detect the aroma of wine or the aroma of coffee.

[0088] The diffuser device (A) obtains the same control information based on the same aroma generation data string packet structure for both high-performance cartridges and low-performance cartridges, but the device driver that mediates between the diffuser device (A) and the aroma generation data string packet structure can be configured to absorb the differences between the cartridges (as well as the differences between the diffuser devices (A)). By having the device driver correspond to the type of cartridge, absorb the differences between the cartridges, and translate and process the control information for each cartridge type, for example, even if a low-performance cartridge is attached to a diffuser device (A) that has obtained control information for a high-performance cartridge, it is possible to prevent the diffuser device (A) from not working, and to prevent the generation of an aroma completely different from that of wine or coffee, as in the above example.

[0089] According to this embodiment, a data string packet structure for aroma generation can be operated which has aroma type identification information for identifying the type of aroma and aroma attribute information which is information indicating the attributes of the aroma. By including information about the creator or copyright holder, for example, in the aroma attribute information, the creator can transmit and use the packet structure while taking into consideration the copyright holder.

[0090] <Overview of the Second Embodiment> Mainly Claim 2 The second embodiment is characterized in that, compared to the aroma generating data string packet structure of the first embodiment, it further comprises an NFT information storage area for storing NFT information.

[0091] <Functional configuration of embodiment 2> 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an aroma generation data string packet structure of this embodiment based on embodiment 1. As shown in the figure, the aroma generation data string packet structure (0200) of embodiment 2 is configured to further include an NFT information holding area (0203) compared to embodiment 1. Therefore, only the NFT information holding area (0203) will be described.

[0092] <Description of the configuration of embodiment 2> <Embodiment 2 NFT information storage area (0203)> The 'NFT information storage area' (0203) is configured within the aroma generation data string packet structure so as to store NFT information.

[0093] "NFT information" is information for making NFT (Non-Fungible Token) and is information using blockchain technology to prove that the aroma generating data string packet structure is original. It can also include information indicating who the owner or copyright holder is (in the case of data for aroma generation, who the data creator is), and information including the number of pieces that can be distributed (information such as an edition number indicating which data is which out of a limited number). By using blockchain technology, it is possible to prevent tampering with information indicating the owner or copyright holder, information including the number of pieces that can be distributed, and information indicating that one's own data is true (including cases where multiple pieces of true data exist), and to improve reliability.

[0094] In this embodiment, by adding NFT information to the aroma generating data string packet structure, the originality of the NFTed aroma generating data string packet structure can be easily determined.

[0095] <Overview of the Third Embodiment> Mainly Claim 3 The data string packet structure for aroma generation of embodiment 3 is configured such that the data string packet structure for aroma generation of either embodiment 1 or embodiment 2 further has a diffuser device (A) control information holding area used for control information of the control information output section (AF) of the diffuser device (A) described below.

[0096] <Functional configuration of embodiment 3> 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an aroma generation data string packet structure of this embodiment based on embodiment 1. As shown in the figure, the aroma generation data string packet structure (0300) of embodiment 3 is configured to further include a diffuser device (A) control information holding area (0304) compared to embodiment 1. Therefore, only the diffuser device (A) control information holding area (0304) will be described. Note that the same effect can be obtained even if embodiment 2 is used as a base.

[0097] <Description of the configuration of embodiment 3> <Embodiment 3 Diffuser device (A) control information storage area (0304)> The 'diffuser device (A) control information holding area' (0304) is configured within the aroma generation data string packet structure so as to be used for control information of the control information output section (AF) of the diffuser device (A) described below.

[0098] The "control information" is information output by the control information output unit (AF) to the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A) described later, and is information for the external spray control unit (AC) to control the external spray unit (AB) for each generating raw material for externally spraying the stored aroma-generating raw material. More specifically, when the diffuser device (A) is equipped with a cartridge containing several aroma-generating raw materials, the information is configured to have control information for each aroma-generating raw material, such as the strength and duration of spraying of each aroma-generating raw material to generate one aroma (see FIG. 42). One aroma-generating data string packet structure may have one piece of control information or multiple pieces of control information (including the case where there is no control information).

[0099] The control information for aroma generation contained in the data string packet structure for aroma generation can be configured to have two types: control information for standard aroma generation, which is a basic aroma, and control information for extended aroma generation that satisfies the specifications of an individual diffuser device. Each type of control information is identified by aroma type identification information (or the control information identification information for identifying the control information may be stored in association with the aroma type identification information). The control information for standard aroma generation is information that allows all diffuser devices (A) to generate the corresponding aroma. The control information for extended aroma generation is control information that allows an aroma to be generated only when a diffuser device corresponding to the control information and a cartridge that holds an aroma generating raw material corresponding to the control information are used, and allows a unique aroma to be generated. The control information for extended aroma generation may have multiple standards depending on the required specifications required for the diffuser device and the cartridge. If the multiple types of standards are classified by the suffixes A, B, and C, it is preferable that the order of upward compatibility is standard aroma generation control information, extended aroma generation control information A, extended aroma generation control information B, and extended aroma generation control information C. Extended aroma generation control information C corresponds to standard aroma generation control information, extended aroma generation control information A, extended aroma generation control information B, and extended aroma generation control information C, which is its own standard.

[0100] In this embodiment, by adding control information to the data string packet structure for aroma generation, the data string packet structure can have the control information for aroma generation.

[0101] <Overview of embodiment 4> Mainly claims 4, 16, and 28 The diffuser device (A) of the fourth embodiment is configured to be able to read and execute the aroma generating data string packet structure of any one of the first to third embodiments.

[0102] Each of the functional blocks constituting the aroma management system described below can be realized by hardware, software, or both. Specifically, if a computer is used, the hardware components include a CPU, main memory, GPU, image memory, graphic board, bus, or secondary storage device (such as a hard disk, non-volatile memory, storage media such as CDs and DVDs, and read drives for those media), input devices such as operation buttons used for inputting information, a mouse, a touch panel, an electronic pen used exclusively for touching a touch panel, a joystick or a joystick-like pointer position input device, and other external peripheral devices, as well as interfaces for those external peripheral devices, a GPS receiving interface, a GPS arithmetic unit, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a rotation detection sensor, a processing device for the signals of these sensors, a camera, an image file processing circuit, a speaker, a microphone, an audio file processing circuit, a communication interface, a barcode reader, an electronic card reader, a POS terminal, a face authentication device, an encryption device, a biometric authentication device such as a fingerprint authentication device, a palm print authentication device, and a retina authentication device, a diffuser unit, and driver programs and other application programs for controlling those hardware. In particular, it utilizes smartphones, tablet devices, mobile phones, smart watches, personal computers, data center server equipment, wired and wireless networks and interfaces.

[0103] The CPU performs arithmetic processing according to the program deployed on the main memory, and processes and stores data input from input devices and other interfaces and held in the memory or hardware, and generates commands for controlling the hardware and software. The above programs may be realized as multiple modularized programs, or may be realized as a single program by combining two or more programs.

[0104] The present invention may also be partially configured as software. Furthermore, storage media on which such software is recorded are naturally included within the technical scope of the present invention (this is not limited to this embodiment, but applies throughout the entire specification).

[0105] <Functional Configuration of Fourth Embodiment> 4 shows a functional block diagram of a diffuser device (A) of embodiment 4 capable of reading the aroma generation data string packet structure of any one of embodiments 1 to 3. The diffuser device (A) (0400) of embodiment 4 has an aroma generating raw material holding section (AA) (0411), an external spray section for each generating raw material (AB) (0412), an external spray control section (AC) (0413), an aroma generation data string packet structure acquisition section (AD) (0414), an aroma type identification information acquisition section (AE) (0415), a control information output section (AF) (0416), and a communication section (AG) (0417).

[0106] The above functional blocks are merely an example for implementing the present invention, and functions may be omitted or new functions may be added as appropriate within the scope that does not contradict the problems to be overcome by the present invention and its effects. The same applies to the following description of the fifth embodiment and subsequent embodiments.

[0107] <Description of the Configuration of the Fourth Embodiment> <Embodiment 4: Aroma-generating raw material storage section (AA) (0411)> The 'aroma-generating raw material holding section (AA)' (0411) is configured to hold aroma-generating raw materials, which are raw materials for mixing and generating multiple types of aromas.

[0108] An "aroma-generating raw material" is a raw material for generating a specific aroma, and multiple types are held in order to generate various aromas by combining them. Alternatively, at least one aroma-generating raw material prepared for each type of aroma to be generated may be held. For example, a standard set containing multiple aroma-generating raw materials is used to generate a rose aroma by combining different raw materials in the standard set. To generate a cherry blossom aroma different from the rose aroma, a standard set of the same type as the set that generated the rose aroma is used to generate the cherry blossom aroma by combining different raw materials from the rose aroma. Alternatively, an aroma-generating raw material for generating only the rose aroma and an aroma-generating raw material for generating only the cherry blossom aroma may be held separately. A dedicated raw material for generating a single aroma may be composed of one type of raw material, or may be a set of multiple aroma-generating raw materials.

[0109] <Embodiment 4 External spray unit for different raw materials (AB) (0412)> The "external spray section (AB) for each aroma-generating raw material" (0412) is configured to spray the aroma-generating raw material held therein to the outside.

[0110] External spraying is performed by heating the aroma-generating raw material, or by vaporizing the raw material by applying ultrasonic vibration or impact if the raw material is in liquid form. If the aroma-generating raw material is in liquid form, it can be atomized using known inkjet printer technology or ultrasonic vaporization technology. A separate transport gas can be supplied at an appropriate flow rate to transport the fine particles generated from the aroma-generating raw material to the outside for spraying. The transport gas can be obtained by sucking in the air around the diffuser device (A) using an intake fan or compressor. Alternatively, a high-pressure gas cylinder filled with a gas such as nitrogen that is harmless to the human body and the environment can be built into the diffuser device (A) or connected to a pipe from the outside. It is preferable that the transport gas is odorless.

[0111] The aroma-generating raw material held in the aroma-generating raw material holding section (AA) (0411) is sent through a flow pipe to the external spray section for separate generating raw material (AB) (0412) for external spraying as shown in Fig. 4. The aroma-generating raw material holding section (AA) is tubular in shape and holds the aroma raw material therein, and the aroma is generated by applying heat or ultrasonic vibration (or impact) to the flow pipe connected to the tubular aroma-generating raw material holding section (AA) to generate the aroma, which is then sprayed externally. The aroma-generating raw material holding section (AA) and the flow pipe may be integrally configured, and / or the flow pipe and the external spray section for separate generating raw material (AB) may be integrally configured.

[0112] <Embodiment 4 External spray control unit (AC) (0413)> The "external spray control unit (AC)" (0413) is configured to control the external spray units (AB) (0412) for each generated raw material.

[0113] The external spray intensity (amount) for each unit raw material of the multiple aroma-generating raw materials is controlled per unit time according to a specified profile. Not only is the generation intensity (amount) of the unit aroma from each unit aroma-generating raw material controlled, but the flow rate of the transport gas can also be controlled to control the external spray. If the diffuser device (A) is a freestanding or wall-mounted type, it may be configured to also control the spray direction from the external spray port. The amount of aroma received by the user can be varied by spraying directly toward the user or shifting the spray direction to the side of the user depending on the situation.

[0114] The control information for controlling the external spray unit for each generated raw material (AB) is not issued from the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A), but can be configured so that the external spray control unit (AC) acquires an aroma generation data string packet structure including control information issued from an external device (e.g., the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) described below) via the communication unit (AG) and controls the external spray unit for each generated raw material (AB). If the external device can output the control information required to directly control the external spray unit for each generated raw material (AB), the control information can be acquired from the communication unit (AG) and spraying can be performed directly from the external spray unit for each generated raw material (AB) to the outside.

[0115] When video content such as movies or television programs is being played, for example, in a scene where someone is cooking in the kitchen or eating, an aroma generating data string packet structure including control information is output from the video content, which is acquired by the communication unit (AG) of the diffuser device (A), and the aroma of flambé made with brandy or the aroma of steak on a hot iron plate served at the dinner table that corresponds to the scene in the video content is generated. The sense of realism can be enhanced by perceiving the aroma related to the scene while watching the video content.

[0116] It is not limited to video content, but can generate aromas that evoke images when playing audio content such as music software or environmental sound software, and when reading an e-book, it can generate aromas related to the scene in the same way as video software, increasing the sense of realism. Or, during mindfulness meditation, it can generate aromas that are suitable for meditation and audio content together with audio content.

[0117] Alternatively, instead of the aroma generation data string packet structure including the control information, aroma type identification information may be output from an external device to the diffuser device (A). For example, while video content is being played, the diffuser device (A) attached to a television receives aroma type identification information from a user's smartphone or smart remote control and generates an aroma corresponding to the video scene.

[0118] <Embodiment 4: Aroma generation data string packet structure acquisition unit (AD) (0414)> The 'acquiring unit for aroma generation data string packet structure (AD)' (0414) is configured to acquire the aroma generation data string packet structure of any one of the first to third embodiments.

[0119] The aroma generation data string packet structure of any one of the first to third embodiments may be acquired from an aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) outside the diffuser device (A) via an internet line or the like. Alternatively, the diffuser device (A) may be configured to store the data by connecting to or providing a non-volatile memory (hard disk drive, SSD, etc.). When the data is stored in the diffuser device (A), it is preferable to associate the data with diffuser device identification information that individually identifies the diffuser device (A) so that the data can be used only by the diffuser device (A) that stored the data.

[0120] Alternatively, the aroma generation data string packet structure can be read and acquired from a USB memory or memory card, an image of a printed matter on which a URL (or a two-dimensional code including a URL) of a website where the aroma generation data string packet structure can be acquired can be captured and the aroma generation data string packet structure can be acquired from the website via an internet line, or a user of diffuser device (A) can access a website from the printed matter with their own smartphone or the like, acquire the aroma generation data string packet structure and send it to diffuser device (A). If the aroma generation data string packet structure can be contained in the printed matter, such as a two-dimensional code, the aroma generation data string packet structure acquisition unit (AD) of diffuser device (A) can directly acquire the aroma generation data string packet structure from the printed matter using a barcode reader or camera.

[0121] It can also be configured to acquire the information by short-distance wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication, WiFi (registered trademark), wireless communication by mobile phone communication, or by NFC if the external medium holding the aroma generation data string packet structure is an IC card with an NFC function. It can also be configured so that the information (aroma generation data string packet structure, NFT information, aroma type identification information, etc.) acquired by the mobile information terminal from the Internet line is transmitted by using short-distance wireless communication between the user's mobile information terminal and the diffuser device (A) without providing the diffuser device (A) with a direct connection function to the Internet line.

[0122] <Embodiment 4: Aroma type identification information acquisition unit (AE) (0415)> The 'acquiring unit for aroma type identification information (AE)' (0415) is configured to acquire the aroma type identification information contained in the acquired data string packet structure for aroma generation.

[0123] The aroma type identification information included in the data string packet structure for aroma generation is obtained, and if it is not the control information for aroma generation itself but information for identifying the control information, the control information for aroma generation is obtained based on the aroma type identification information. The diffuser device (A) may be configured to store aroma type identification information within the diffuser device (A) for aromas once generated by the diffuser device (A). The diffuser device (A) may be configured to store basic aroma type identification information of multiple types in an aroma type identification information storage section provided within the diffuser device (A) when the device is purchased.

[0124] It is also possible to configure the system so that, before acquiring the aroma type identification information, the aroma attribute information is acquired, and if it is determined based on the aroma attribute information that the acquired aroma generation data string packet structure is original, the system proceeds to the process after acquiring the aroma type identification information. By first checking the originality of the data, it is possible to check whether the data has been tampered with by a third party or whether the data has been illegally copied. If the data has been tampered with, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an aroma that is unexpected for the user (when the user was expecting a pleasant aroma, but the data has been tampered with to produce a foul odor such as a putrid odor). By checking whether the data has been illegally copied, it is also possible to protect the rights that the right holder should receive. Alternatively, if information regarding the authority of the aroma is included in the aroma generation data string packet structure, it is possible to refer to the information and confirm whether the user and the diffuser device (A) have the authority to generate the corresponding aroma, and to generate the aroma only if the user has the authority. If the aroma generation data string packet structure has an NFT information storage area, it is also possible to determine whether the acquired aroma generation data string packet structure is original based on the NFT information instead of the aroma attribute information, and to perform the above process.

[0125] <Embodiment 4: Control information output unit (AF) (0416)> The 'control information output unit (AF)' (0416) is configured to output control information to the external spray control unit (AC) (0413) based on the acquired aroma type identification information.

[0126] The "control information" is information for controlling the process of spraying the aroma-generating raw materials to the outside from the external spray section (AB) for each generating raw material to generate aroma. The control information is information consisting of the type of aroma-generating raw material used, the external spray intensity profile for each time during which each aroma-generating raw material is sprayed to the outside during the generation period, and the like. Figure 42 shows an example in which five types of aroma-generating raw materials (No. 1 to No. 5) are used. In Figure 42, the horizontal axis shows the time axis (the left end is 0: the start time of aroma generation), the vertical axis shows the external spray intensity, and the depth shows the types of aroma-generating raw materials (No. 1 to No. 5). Figure 42 shows a profile showing the transition of the external spray intensity over time for each aroma-generating raw material. Aroma-generating raw material 1 is the solid line graph at the front, and spraying begins when aroma generation starts, and the external spray intensity peaks earliest among the five raw materials, but the intensity then drops rapidly. Aroma-generating raw material 2 (dotted line) does not start spraying at the start of aroma generation but rather a little later, and reaches a lower peak later than aroma-generating raw material 1, but even after passing the peak the spray intensity does not become 0 but gradually decreases, and some spray is still remaining even at the end of aroma generation, forming a so-called lingering aroma. By carrying out such control and superimposing the external spray intensity profiles of the five types of aroma-generating raw materials shown in Figure 42, a specific aroma is generated.

[0127] An example of the predetermined size of the aroma type identification information storage area will be described. It is generally said that humans have about 400 types of olfactory receptors that detect odors (humans are said to have 396 functioning olfactory receptor genes). If aroma-generating raw materials were to be prepared that generate the elemental odors of aromas that stimulate one type of olfactory receptor, then about 400 types, the same number as the number of olfactory receptors, would be required. If we consider a case in which the intensity (amount) of aroma generated using one type of aroma-generating raw material is controlled in 16 stages, with 15 at the maximum capacity of the diffuser device (A) and 0 when no aroma is generated, the amount of information indicating the intensity at a certain point in time will be 4 bits per type.

[0128] If the time required to generate an aroma once is assumed to be 5 seconds, and it is controlled every 1 ms, then the amount of information for one type of aroma-generating raw material will be 4 bits x 5000 = 20000 bits = 2500 bytes. If the aroma generation continues for more than 5 seconds, the aroma may be repeatedly generated to deal with the problem. In the above example, the amount of information required to control all the aroma-generating raw materials will be 2500 bytes x 400 = 1 MB. The specified size can be reduced if there are fewer than 400 types of aroma-generating raw materials, or if the control is performed every 10 ms instead of every 1 ms.

[0129] It is also possible to define multiple types of aroma generation modes depending on the type of aroma-generating raw material set, the division unit of the time axis, etc., and to configure them to be included in the aroma type identification information or the aroma attribute information described below. The diffuser device (A) that has acquired the aroma generation mode identification information, which is information for identifying the aroma generation mode, generates an aroma based on the aroma type identification information in an aroma generation mode corresponding to the identification information. A mode that uses multiple types of aroma-generating raw materials and has a large number of divisions on the time axis can reproduce the aroma with high accuracy, but the amount of data is large and multiple types of aroma-generating raw materials are consumed, resulting in high costs. On the other hand, a mode that limits the types of aroma-generating raw materials and has a small number of divisions on the time axis will result in an aroma with low reproducibility, but the amount of data is small and fewer types of aroma-generating raw materials are consumed, resulting in economical use at a reduced cost.

[0130] Based on the aroma generation data string packet structure, control information required for aroma generation from multiple aroma-generating raw materials is output. For example, in an aroma-generating raw material storage unit that stores 10 aroma-generating raw materials, if five of the aroma-generating raw materials are used to generate the desired aroma, the control information controls the timing, intensity (amount) of spraying of the five raw materials, and the timing to stop spraying from each raw material.

[0131] <Embodiment 4 Communications Department (AG) (0417)> The "communication unit (AG)" (0417) is configured to perform network communication. The network communication may be Internet communication, communication using TCP / IP, or communication using wireless technology such as WiFi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) or mobile phone communication. The network communication may be wired communication. Even if the communication unit (AG) is not a network but communication with a USB memory via a USB terminal, communication with a memory card, or communication with a storage medium using SATA or other connection terminals, the same effect can be obtained as long as the aroma generation data string packet structure is held in the storage medium.

[0132] The communication unit (AG) performs communication to obtain a data string packet structure for aroma generation and to output NFT information and obtain verification results.

[0133] <Embodiment 4 Diffuser device (A) (0400)> The "diffuser device (A)" (0400) has an aroma generating raw material holding section (AA) (0411), an external spray section for each generating raw material (AB) (0412), an external spray control section (AC) (0413), an aroma generation data string packet structure acquisition section (AD) (0414), an aroma type identification information acquisition section (AE) (0415), a control information output section (AF) (0416), and a communication section (AG) (0417), and is configured to generate aroma based on the aroma generation data string packet structure.

[0134] The diffuser device (A) communicates to obtain a data string packet structure for aroma generation. If the data string packet structure for aroma generation contains NFT information using blockchain technology, it is possible to distinguish whether the data string is original or copied. Based on the aroma type identification information, a predetermined one of the multiple aroma generating raw materials held is sprayed to the outside under predetermined conditions (intensity, amount, time, generation timing, order, etc.) to generate aroma.

[0135] The diffuser device (A) may take various forms, such as a tabletop type or wall-mounted type for spraying into the indoor atmosphere in a living room, bathroom, sauna, toilet, bedroom, etc.; a type built into air conditioners and other air conditioning equipment; a type built into air conditioning equipment in automobiles and other means of transportation; a type built into video equipment such as televisions and monitors for entertainment purposes (for watching television programs, playing video software, playing games, etc.); a type built into VR goggles, AR glasses, helmets, etc.; a type built into massage chairs or sofas; a type built into or as an external expansion device for connecting to mobile information terminals such as smartphones, a small portable diffuser device (including wearable types); a diffuser device used by connecting to devices with USB terminals for connecting to PCs, TVs, etc. via a USB terminal; and a type built into dressing tables and full-length mirrors for use in selling perfume online.

[0136] The communication unit of the diffuser device (A) can be configured to obtain a new aroma generation data string packet structure from an external server device or the like via an Internet line, or it can be configured to operate as a stand-alone device without connecting to an Internet line and send and receive data via a memory card, to have a camera or barcode reader installed and read necessary data from a barcode on a printed matter, to send and receive data directly from an NFC card, or to send and receive data via one-to-one short-range communication with another device. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access from outside.

[0137] The diffuser device (A) can be configured so that when it reads a data string packet structure for aroma generation in order to generate aroma, the diffuser device (A) inquires of an aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) described below about whether or not it is possible to perform regeneration (generation of aroma) using the data string packet structure for aroma generation or the aroma type identification information contained in said structure before execution. The possibility of regeneration (generation of aroma) refers to whether or not the data string packet structure for aroma generation or the aroma type identification information contained in said structure is genuine information, whether or not it is information with the authority for regeneration (right of use, number of times of use, qualification for use, etc.), whether or not it is information suitable for the diffuser device (A) to be regenerated (which may also include cartridge identification information), etc. Regeneration is performed after obtaining a response that it is possible to perform.

[0138] Furthermore, the diffuser device (A) may be configured to send diffuser identification information for identifying the diffuser device (A) (information for identifying both the model and the individual diffuser device (A) by combining information for identifying the model of the diffuser device (A) with individual identification information such as a serial number for identifying the individual device) to the server device (B) to inquire whether regeneration (aroma generation) is possible. It is possible to determine whether the diffuser device (A) is a genuine device registered in this system and whether the diffuser device (A) corresponds to the aroma type identification information before regeneration (aroma generation) is performed, and regeneration (aroma generation) can be performed with the corresponding information if the diffuser device is genuine. Note that instead of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B), a server device for verifying the aroma generation data string packet structure or the aroma type identification information, or a server device for authenticating the diffuser device (A) may be provided. These server devices may be integrated with other server devices as appropriate.

[0139] <Embodiment 4: Example of aroma generation using diffuser device (A)> <Embodiment 4 Aroma Management System: App> Using Figures 45 to 51, an example will be described in which a user uses an aroma management system app running on their smartphone to generate aroma in a diffuser device (A) used by the user (in the following explanation of the app, generating aroma may be referred to as "playing"). An app that is client software for the aroma management system runs on the smartphone used by the user, and the smartphone communicates with the diffuser device (A), causing the app to output a data string packet structure for aroma generation to the diffuser device (A) and to instruct the diffuser device (A) to play the aroma. The following explanation will be given by using a method in which a website is accessed using a browser rather than an app on a smartphone, and similar effects can be obtained.

[0140] In the explanation using Fig. 45 to Fig. 51, the user performs personal authentication using the smartphone used by the user (the smartphone is configured so that the user can use the smartphone after personal authentication), and the application on the smartphone accesses the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) described in the embodiment described later via a network, and acquires the aroma generation data string packet structure that the user has the authority to use and wants to reproduce from the server device (B) via the network. An example of a configuration in which the smartphone outputs the data string packet structure to the diffuser device (A) via a network or close-proximity wireless communication will be described (not limited to this example). Note that the diffuser device (A) can also be configured to directly acquire and hold the aroma generation data string structure via a network and accept instructions for aroma generation.

[0141] <Embodiment 4 Aroma Management System: App: TOP Screen> FIG. 45 is a top screen of the smartphone application of the aroma management system. As shown at the bottom of the screen, the user is Takuya Sato, and his membership number is S12345678. In the initial registration (not shown) when using this application, Takuya Sato's name, email address, and the payment method (credit card, in-app purchase, prepaid card, electronic money ID, etc.) for purchasing the aroma generation data string packet structure are entered, and a nickname is also registered if the individual name is not to be disclosed. When registration is performed, user identification information (membership number S12345678 in this example), which is information for identifying the user, is associated with the user (Takuya Sato in this example). In the explanation of FIGS. 45 to 50, the user identification information is an alphanumeric character string assigned by this system, but since it is sufficient to uniquely identify the user, it is also possible to adopt user identification information input by the user, such as an email address, or user attribute information indicating the user's attributes.

[0142] Furthermore, the serial number, etc. of the diffuser device (A) used by the user is also registered. When registering the serial number, it is convenient to configure the device to read the number by taking a picture of the serial number-stamped sticker (which may also have a two-dimensional code including the serial number) with the smartphone camera. When the serial number is acquired, it can be configured to associate it with diffuser device identification information that identifies the diffuser device (A) and user identification information, and to store it in the user identification information storage unit described below.

[0143] The TOP screen has buttons for transitioning to screens for aroma playback, aroma library (acquired data string packet structures for aroma generation), aroma recipe purchase (purchasing a data string packet structure for aroma generation), aroma recipe creation (corresponding to the data string packet structure generation device (E) for aroma generation described in an embodiment below), evaluation (corresponding to evaluation of a data string packet structure for aroma generation described in an embodiment below), and my page (editing registered personal information (user attribute information), canceling membership, etc.).

[0144] <Embodiment 4 Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Playback Screen> <Embodiment 4 Aroma management system: application: aroma playback screen: configuration> When the aroma playback button is pressed on the top screen of the app, the screen transitions to the aroma playback screen in Fig. 46. On the aroma playback screen, the aroma type identification information (recipe number) and aroma attribute information (recipe name, remaining quantity) contained in the already acquired aroma generation data string packet structure are displayed in a table. The user's smartphone or the diffuser device (A) may be configured to have an aroma generation data string packet structure storage unit, but it is preferable to have an aroma type identification information storage unit that does not store the aroma generation data string packet structure itself but only stores the included aroma type identification information and aroma attribute information in association with each other. In the latter configuration, the control information used to actually generate the aroma is not left on the user's hand (on their smartphone or diffuser unit (A)), and the administrator of the system can centrally manage the control information (the control information is obtained each time the aroma is played as a data string packet structure for aroma generation, output to the diffuser device (A), and the control information is erased after the aroma is generated).

[0145] <Embodiment 4 Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Playback Screen: Screen Description> In the example of Figure 46, Mr. Sato has already acquired nine aroma recipes (aroma generation data string packet structures) (both paid and free), which are displayed as a list. If the number of acquired aroma recipes is too large to display on one screen, the user can scroll or turn the screen to display the rest. In the example of Figure 46, the third from the top, "Kilimanjaro Coffee," has been selected. To play the selected aroma, the user presses the "Play" button at the bottom right of the screen.

[0146] <Embodiment 4 Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Playback Screen: Evaluation> When a user smells the played aroma and has a positive or favorable impression of the aroma, a "Like" button can be placed on the screen where playback was instructed to be performed so that the user can press it to indicate that they think the aroma is good, or a "Dislike" button can be placed on the screen where playback was instructed to be performed so that the user can press it to indicate that they have a negative impression of the aroma (not shown, but a configuration having only a "Like" button is also possible). It is preferable to configure the screen so that either the "Like" button or the "Dislike" button can be pressed once per aroma playback. It is preferable to configure the screen so that the number of times the "Like" or "Dislike" button has been pressed, including by other users, can be displayed so that the user can refer to it when selecting an aroma to play. This can be achieved by configuring the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) to further have an aroma generation data string packet structure evaluation holding section which holds an evaluation of the aroma generation data string packet structure in association with aroma identification information, and by configuring the diffuser device (A), the aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E), or a mobile information terminal used by the user to acquire the evaluation held in the aroma generation data string packet structure evaluation holding section when attempting to acquire the aroma generation data string packet structure.

[0147] <Embodiment 4 Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Playback Screen: Information Flow> After pressing the play button, a play request is sent from the app on the smartphone via the network to a data string packet structure server device for aroma generation (described below) in association with the aroma type identification information of the aroma recipe (aroma generation data string packet structure) desired to be played and the user identification information. Upon receiving the play request, the data string packet structure server device for aroma generation (B) outputs an aroma generation data string packet structure corresponding to the aroma identified by the aroma type identification information associated with the play request to the smartphone of the user or to the diffuser device (A) used by the user.

[0148] The data string packet structure for aroma generation output from the data string packet structure server device (B) may be acquired by the user's smartphone via a network and transmitted to the diffuser device (A), or the diffuser device (A) may acquire it directly via the network. In the former configuration, the diffuser device (A) does not need to be equipped with a function for connecting to a network, and only needs to have a function for communicating with the smartphone used by the user. The diffuser device (A), which has acquired the transmitted data string packet structure for aroma generation, outputs control information from the external spray control unit (AC) to the external spray unit for each generating raw material (AB). The external spray unit for each generating raw material (AB) sprays the stored aroma generating raw material to the outside, and the aroma is reproduced.

[0149] If the aroma generation data string packet structure to be reproduced has an NFT information storage area that stores NFT information, it is selected as the object to be reproduced and reproduction is instructed, and then the NFT information acquisition unit (CA) of the NFT verification server device (C) described later acquires the NFT information stored in the NFT information storage area of ​​the aroma generation data string packet structure. The NFT information verification unit (CB) acquires the verification result of the NFT information, and the verification result output unit (CC) outputs the verification result. The aroma generation data string packet structure target server device (B), which acquires the verification result via the network, outputs the target aroma generation data string packet structure to the aroma management system app on the smartphone used by the user who is trying to reproduce the aroma, if the verification result indicates that the data is appropriate. After the app acquires the aroma generation data string packet structure, the aroma is reproduced in accordance with the explanation of the example in which the NFT information is not used.

[0150] Furthermore, the verification result from the NFT verification server device (C) may also be obtained by an aroma management system app on the smartphone used by the user, and if the verification result is appropriate, the aroma generation data string packet structure may be output to the diffuser device (A). An appropriate verification result is one in which the information was obtained in an appropriate manner, the data is genuine and not an illegal copy, and the user attempting to play the data has the right to use the data (including the remaining number of times it can be used).

[0151] <Embodiment 4 Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Playback Screen: Correct (Reduce) Number of Uses> When the external spray control unit of the diffuser device (A) outputs control information to the external spray unit (AB) for each generated raw material, the application on the user's smartphone is notified that the control information has been output, and the application is configured to reduce the remaining number of times the aroma recipe can be used by one. It is also preferable to configure the application to output a regeneration report to the data string packet structure server device (B) for aroma generation in association with the aroma type identification information and the user identification information. The server device (B) can know that the aroma has actually been regenerated.

[0152] <Embodiment 4 Aroma management system: App: Aroma playback screen: After playback> The remaining number for "Coffee Kilimanjaro" shown in Figure 46 is displayed as 1 / 10, indicating that the aroma recipe acquired with 10 usable times has already been played 9 times, and only 1 remaining time at the time of selection, so that if it is played this time, it will be 0. For aroma recipes with no more usable times, the aroma type identification information may be deleted so that they are not displayed in the future, or they may be configured to remain displayed as 0 times and transition to a purchase screen for the target aroma recipe when selected for playback.

[0153] <Embodiment 4 Aroma Management System: Application: Aroma Library> <Embodiment 4 Aroma Management System: Application: Library Search> Figure 47 shows the library search screen which is accessed when "Library Search" in the aroma library is pressed on the top screen. This is used to search for the desired aroma recipe when the number of aroma recipes acquired by the user becomes too large to display on one screen. In Figure 47, Mr. Sato selects "Drinks" as the major category and "Coffee and Tea" as the medium category to narrow down the search. The search results are the three results at the bottom of the screen. In Figure 47, "Earl Grey Black Tea" has been selected. To play it, press the "Play" button at the bottom right. After pressing the play button, information is sent and received in the same way as explained above for aroma playback.

[0154] <Embodiment 4 Aroma Management System: Application: Library Organization> Figure 48 is a screen for organizing (deleting) acquired aroma recipes. Select and delete aroma recipes (aroma generation data string packet structures) that are no longer needed. For example, select and delete aroma recipes that have not been played for a long time since they were last played, or aroma recipes that you do not intend to play in the future.

[0155] <Embodiment 4 Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Recipe Purchase: Selection> FIG. 49 shows an example of a screen when searching for aroma recipes in a field of interest when purchasing an aroma recipe. The aroma recipe is a data string packet structure for aroma generation held in the data string packet structure server device for aroma generation (B), and aroma type identification information (recipe number) and related aroma attribute information (recipe name, etc.) are acquired for the aroma recipe purchase, and are viewed by the application on the smartphone of Mr. Sato, the user. In the example of FIG. 49, the categories "nature" and "forest" are selected, and seven search results are displayed. As for the top one, "Meiji Shrine grounds," which has already been acquired by Mr. Sato, the check box on the left side is crossed out and cannot be checked (it may be configured so that already acquired aroma recipes can be purchased one after another to increase the remaining number available). Mr. Sato selects "Kiryu River source forest" at the bottom. He presses the "Next" button to move to the purchase confirmation screen.

[0156] When purchasing an aroma recipe (aroma generation data string packet structure), the number of times the "Like" or "Dislike" button was pressed can be displayed for the candidate aroma recipes (aroma generation data string packet structure) displayed on the selection screen as shown in Fig. 49. For example, two additional columns for displaying the number of times "Like" or "Dislike" was pressed can be displayed on the right side of the search result list on the aroma recipe purchase screen in Fig. 49. Users considering a purchase can refer to the number of times "Like" or "Dislike" was pressed.

[0157] <Embodiment 4 Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Recipe Purchase: Purchase Decision> FIG. 50 is a purchase decision screen for the selected aroma recipe. A detailed description of the selected aroma recipe is displayed, and the purchase price is displayed as 1000 yen. Pressing the "Sample" button allows the user to generate a trial aroma and smell it before purchasing. The number of times the aroma generation data string packet structure can be used at this time is limited to one time, and the playback time can also be configured to be short. It is preferable to configure the "Sample" to be limited to one time per user or one diffuser device (A), or to be limited to one time within a specified period. If there is no limit, there is a possibility that some users will use only the "Sample" without paying for it. It is not necessary to provide a sample scent for all aroma recipes, and it is also possible to provide no sample scent. However, if no sample scent is provided, some users may hesitate to purchase. If the user wishes to purchase the product, the user presses the "Purchase" button. If a payment method has already been registered in the app, the payment will be made using the registered payment method. If the payment method has not been registered, the user will be transferred to a screen for inputting the payment method (not shown).

[0158] <Embodiment 4 Aroma management system: App: Aroma recipe purchase: When not supported> FIG. 51 is an example of a warning message that is displayed when an aroma recipe is purchased and the diffuser device (A) used by the user or the aroma cartridge that holds the aroma generating raw materials installed at the time of purchase does not allow aroma reproduction. In this system, if the administrator knows the type of diffuser device (A) used by the user and the type of aroma cartridge installed, a warning like that in FIG. 51 can be displayed, preventing the user from purchasing an aroma recipe that cannot be used. Aroma cartridges are not limited to one type, and multiple types may be provided, such as a basic cartridge that generates a basic aroma and an advanced cartridge that generates an aroma with a more complex configuration or a basic aroma with a higher degree of reproduction. For example, the aroma generating data string packet structure server device (B) can be configured to have a user information storage unit that stores user identification information, which is information for identifying a user, user diffuser device identification information, which is information for identifying the diffuser device (A) used by the user, and aroma generating raw material storage unit identification information, which is information for identifying the aroma generating raw material storage unit (AA) (aroma cartridge) possessed by the diffuser device (A) used by the user, in association with each other, thereby making it possible to display a warning such as that described above.

[0159] <Processing flow of embodiment 4> Fig. 5 is a flowchart of the operation process of the diffuser device (A) which is a computer of embodiment 4 capable of reading and executing the aroma generating data string packet structure of any one of embodiments 1 to 3. As shown in this figure, the operation method of the diffuser device (A) which is a computer of embodiment 4 includes an aroma generating raw material holding step (aa) (SA0501), a communication step (ag) (SA0502), an aroma generating data string packet structure acquisition step (ad) (SA0503), an aroma type identification information acquisition step (ae) (SA0504), a control information output step (af) (SA0505), an external spray control step (ac) (SA0506), and an external spray step (ab) (SA0507) for each generated raw material.

[0160] Here, the operation method of the diffuser device (A) which is a computer is as follows: The aroma-generating raw material holding step (aa) (SA0501) is a process for holding an aroma-generating raw material, which is a raw material for mixing and generating a plurality of types of aromas, The communication step (ag) (SA0502) performs processing for network communication, The aroma generation data string packet structure acquisition step (ad) (SA0503) performs a process of acquiring an aroma generation data string packet structure according to any one of the first to third embodiments, The aroma type identification information acquisition step (ae) (SA0504) performs a process of acquiring aroma type identification information included in the acquired aroma generation data string packet structure, A control information output step (af) (SA0505) performs processing for outputting control information to an external spray control step (ac) (SA0506) based on the acquired aroma type identification information, The external spray control step (ac) (SA0506) performs processing to control the external spray step (ab) (SA0507) for each generated raw material, The external spraying step (ab) (SA0507) of each aroma-generating raw material performs a process for externally spraying the aroma-generating raw material held therein. This is an operating method for causing a diffuser device (A) which is a computer to execute such a series of processes.

[0161] <Embodiment 4: Description of Hardware> The hardware configuration of a diffuser device (A) in embodiment 4 that can read and execute the aroma generating data string packet structure of any one of embodiments 1 to 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0162] 6 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the diffuser device (A) in this embodiment 4. As shown in this figure, the diffuser device (A) in this embodiment 4 is equipped with a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" that performs various arithmetic processing, a "chipset", a "main memory", a "non-volatile memory" that holds various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller", a "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.", a "BIOS (UEFI)", a "PCI Express slot", a "real-time clock", and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These are then connected to each other by a data communication path such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0163] The various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are expanded into the main memory when the diffuser device (A) is started, and upon receiving an execution command, the CPU sequentially executes the programs to perform calculations using the data.

[0164] When the diffuser device (A) is started, the various programs and data (information) stored in the "non-volatile memory" are read, expanded, and stored in the "main memory," which also provides a work area for those programs. By receiving execution commands, the "CPU" sequentially executes the programs using the data to perform calculations. Note that multiple addresses are assigned to the "main memory" and "non-volatile memory," and the programs executed by the "CPU" can exchange data between them and perform processing by identifying and accessing those addresses.

[0165] In this embodiment 4, the programs stored in the "main memory" are an aroma generating raw material holding program (aa), an aroma generating raw material specific external program spray program (ab), an external spray control program (ac), an aroma generating data string packet structure acquisition program (ad), an aroma type identification information acquisition program (ae), a control information output program (af), and a communication program (ag). The "main memory" and "non-volatile memory" also store an aroma generating data string packet structure, aroma type identification information, control information, and the like.

[0166] The "CPU" performs the following processes: An aroma-generating raw material storage program (aa) stored in the "main memory" is executed to store aroma-generating raw materials, which are raw materials for mixing and generating multiple types of aromas. The aroma generating raw material specific external spray program (ab) stored in the "main memory" is executed to externally spray the aroma generating raw material held therein. The external spray control program (ac) stored in the "main memory" is executed to control the external spray section (AB) for each generated raw material. An aroma generating data string packet structure acquisition program (ad) stored in the "main memory" is executed to acquire an aroma generating data string packet structure of any one of the first to third embodiments. An aroma type identification information acquisition program (ae) is executed in the "main memory" to acquire the aroma type identification information contained in the acquired aroma generation data string packet structure. A control information output program (af) stored in the "main memory" is executed, and control information is output to the external spray control unit (AC) based on the acquired aroma type identification information. The communication program (ag) stored in the "main memory" is executed to communicate over the network via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc."

[0167] According to this embodiment, the diffuser device (A) can generate aroma based on the data string packet structure for aroma generation.

[0168] <Overview of embodiment 5> Mainly claims 5, 17, and 29 The aroma generating data string packet structure server device (B) of embodiment 5 is configured to hold the aroma generating data string packet structure of any one of embodiments 1 to 3 and output it to the diffuser device (A) of embodiment 4.

[0169] <Functional configuration of embodiment 5> 7 shows a functional block diagram of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) of embodiment 5. The aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) (0720) of embodiment 5 has an aroma generation data string packet structure holding unit (BA) (0721) and an aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (BB) (0722).

[0170] <Description of the configuration of embodiment 5> <Embodiment 5: Aroma generation data string packet structure storage unit (BA) (0721)> The 'aroma generation data string packet structure holding unit (BA)' (0721) is configured to hold any one of the aroma generation data string packet structures of the first to third embodiments.

[0171] A possible business model is that each diffuser device (A) is manufactured and sold at the lowest possible cost, and the manager and operator of this system makes profits by selling aroma generating raw materials and aroma generating data string packet structures, and collecting usage fees. If the diffuser device (A) does not have an aroma generating data string packet structure storage unit and the user does not possess an aroma generating data string packet structure, the user of the diffuser device (A) can generate aroma by connecting to an aroma generating data string packet structure server device (B) installed outside the diffuser device (A) via an Internet line or the like, and requesting that the aroma generating data string packet structure stored in the aroma generating data string packet structure server device (B) be output to the diffuser device (A). Upon receiving the request, the aroma generating data string packet structure server device (B) outputs the structure from an aroma generating data string packet structure output unit (BB) described below. The output structure is transmitted directly or indirectly to the diffuser device (A). "Indirectly" refers to the case where the structure is transmitted via a user's mobile information terminal (which may be the aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) described below). In the following explanation, an example of direct communication with the diffuser device (A) is described, but the same effect can be obtained even with indirect communication via the user's mobile information terminal.

[0172] <Embodiment 5: Aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (BB) (0722)> The aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (BB) (0722) is configured to output the stored aroma generation data string packet structure to the diffuser device (A) of embodiment 4 via the network.

[0173] The aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) outputs an aroma generation data string packet structure to the diffuser device (A), and can be configured to output the data string packet structure upon request from the diffuser device (A) as described above, or can be configured to automatically output (distribute) one or more aroma generation data string packet structures on a regular basis in return for a specified amount of money, such as in a monthly distribution system.

[0174] <Embodiment 5: Aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) (0720)> The "aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B)" (0720) has an aroma generation data string packet structure holding unit (BA) (0721) and an aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (BB) (0722), and is configured to hold any one of the aroma generation data string packet structures of embodiments 1 to 3 and output it to the diffuser device (A) of embodiment 4.

[0175] <Processing flow of embodiment 5> 8 is a flowchart of the operation process of aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B), which is a computer of embodiment 5 that holds an aroma generation data string packet structure of any one of embodiments 1 to 3 and outputs it to diffuser device (A) of embodiment 4. As shown in this figure, the operation method of aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B), which is a computer of embodiment 5, includes an aroma generation data string packet structure holding step (ba) (SB0801) and an aroma generation data string packet structure output step (bb) (SB0802).

[0176] The aroma generating data stream packet structure server device (B), which is a computer, operates as follows: The aroma generation data string packet structure holding step (ba) (SB0801) performs a process of holding the aroma generation data string packet structure of any one of the first to third embodiments, The aroma generating data string packet structure output step (bb) (SB0802) performs processing for outputting the retained aroma generating data string packet structure to the diffuser device (A) of embodiment 4 via the network. This is an operating method for causing an aroma generating data string packet structure server device (B), which is a computer, to execute such a series of processes.

[0177] <Embodiment 5: Description of Hardware> The hardware configuration of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) in embodiment 5, which holds the aroma generation data string packet structure of any one of embodiments 1 to 3 and outputs it to the diffuser device (A) of embodiment 4, will be described with reference to Figure 9.

[0178] 9 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) in this embodiment 5. As shown in this diagram, the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) in this embodiment 5 includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" that performs various arithmetic processing, a "chipset", a "main memory", a "non-volatile memory" that stores various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller", "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.", "BIOS (UEFI)", "PCI Express slot", "real-time clock", and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These are then interconnected by a data communication path such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0179] The various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are expanded into the main memory when the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) is started, and upon receiving an execution command, the CPU sequentially executes the programs to perform calculations using the data.

[0180] When the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) is started, the various programs and data (information) stored in the "non-volatile memory" are read, expanded, and stored in the "main memory," which also provides a work area for those programs. By receiving execution commands, the "CPU" sequentially executes the programs using the data to perform calculations. Note that multiple addresses are assigned to this "main memory" and "non-volatile memory," and the programs executed by the "CPU" can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing those addresses.

[0181] In this embodiment 5, the programs stored in the "main memory" are an aroma generation data string packet structure holding program (ba) and an aroma generation data string packet structure output program (bb). The "main memory" and "non-volatile memory" also store aroma generation data string packet structures and the like.

[0182] The "CPU" performs the following processes: An aroma generation data string packet structure holding program (ba) stored in the "main memory" is executed to hold the aroma generation data string packet structure according to any one of the first to third embodiments. An aroma generation data string packet structure output program (bb) stored in the "main memory" is executed, and the retained aroma generation data string packet structure is output to the diffuser device (A) of embodiment 4 via the network through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc."

[0183] According to this embodiment, the aroma generating data string packet structure can be held outside the diffuser device (A).

[0184] <Overview of embodiment 6> Mainly claims 6, 18, and 30 The aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) of embodiment 6 based on embodiment 5 is configured to further include an aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit (BC) for registering aroma generation data strings.

[0185] <Functional configuration of embodiment 6> 10 shows a functional block diagram of an aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) of embodiment 6 based on embodiment 5. The aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) (1020) of embodiment 6 has an aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit (BC) (1023) in addition to the configuration of embodiment 5. Therefore, only the aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit (BC) (1023) will be described.

[0186] <Description of the configuration of embodiment 6> <Embodiment 6: Aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit (BC) (1023)> The 'aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit (BC)' (1023) is configured to register the aroma generation data string packet structure in the aroma generation data string packet structure holding unit (BA) (1021).

[0187] For example, it is used when additionally registering a newly created aroma generation data string packet structure in the aroma generation data string packet structure holding unit (BA) of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B). At the time of registration, in addition to the aroma type identification information, which is information for identifying the aroma type, the creator of the aroma generation data string packet structure, the owner, the creation date and time of the aroma generation data string packet structure, the period during which the aroma generation data string packet structure can be used, the area in which the aroma generation data string packet structure can be used, the target age for using the aroma generation data string packet structure, the fee for using the aroma generation data string packet structure, the total number of times the aroma generation data string packet structure can be used, etc. can also be configured to be registered together using blockchain technology.

[0188] <Processing flow of embodiment 6> 11 is a flowchart of the operation process of aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B), which is a computer of embodiment 6 based on embodiment 5. As shown in this figure, the operation method of aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B), which is a computer of embodiment 6, comprises an aroma generation data string packet structure registration step (bc) (SB1101), an aroma generation data string packet structure retention step (ba) (SB1102), and an aroma generation data string packet structure output step (bb) (SB1103).

[0189] The aroma generating data stream packet structure server device (B), which is a computer, operates as follows: The aroma generation data string packet structure registration step (bc) (SB1101) performs a process of registering an aroma generation data string packet structure of any one of the first to third embodiments in the aroma generation data string packet structure retention step (ba) (SB1102) described below; The aroma generation data string packet structure holding step (ba) (SB1102) performs processing for holding the aroma generation data string packet structure of any one of the first to third embodiments, The aroma generation data string packet structure output step (bb) (SB1103) performs processing for outputting the stored aroma generation data string packet structure to the diffuser device (A) of embodiment 4 via the network. This is an operating method for causing an aroma generating data string packet structure server device (B), which is a computer, to execute such a series of processes.

[0190] <Embodiment 6: Description of Hardware> The hardware configuration of the aroma generating data string packet structure server device (B) in the sixth embodiment based on the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0191] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) in this embodiment 6. As shown in this diagram, the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) in this embodiment is equipped with a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" that performs various arithmetic processing, a "chipset", a "main memory", a "non-volatile memory" that stores various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller", "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.", "BIOS (UEFI)", "PCI Express slot", "real-time clock", and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These are then interconnected by a data communication path such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0192] The various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are expanded into the main memory when the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) is started, and upon receiving an execution command, the CPU sequentially executes the programs to perform calculations using the data.

[0193] When the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) is started, the various programs and data (information) stored in the "non-volatile memory" are read, expanded, and stored in the "main memory," which also provides a work area for those programs. By receiving execution commands, the "CPU" sequentially executes the programs using the data to perform calculations. Note that multiple addresses are assigned to this "main memory" and "non-volatile memory," and the programs executed by the "CPU" can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing those addresses.

[0194] In this embodiment 6, the programs stored in the "main memory" are an aroma generation data string packet structure holding program (ba), an aroma generation data string packet structure output program (bb), and an aroma generation data string packet structure registration program (bc). The "main memory" and "non-volatile memory" also store aroma generation data string packet structures and the like.

[0195] The "CPU" performs the following processes: An aroma generation data string packet structure holding program (ba) stored in the "main memory" is executed to hold the aroma generation data string packet structure of any one of the first to third embodiments. An aroma generation data string packet structure registration program (bc) stored in the "main memory" is executed to register an aroma generation data string packet structure of any one of the embodiments 1 to 3 in an aroma generation data string packet structure retention program (ba). An aroma generation data string packet structure output program (bb) stored in the "main memory" is executed, and the retained aroma generation data string packet structure is output to the diffuser device (A) of embodiment 4 via the network through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc."

[0196] According to this embodiment, the aroma generating data string packet structure can be registered in the aroma generating data string packet structure server device (B).

[0197] <Overview of embodiment 7> Mainly claims 7, 19, and 31 The NFT verification server device (C) of embodiment 7 is configured to obtain NFT information of embodiment 2 or embodiment 3 based on embodiment 2, and output a verification result that is the result of the verification.

[0198] <Functional configuration of embodiment 7> 13 shows a functional block diagram of the NFT validation server device (C) of embodiment 7. The NFT validation server device (C) (1330) of embodiment 7 has an NFT information acquisition unit (CA) (1331), an NFT information validation unit (CB) (1332), and a validation result output unit (CC) (1333).

[0199] <Description of the configuration of embodiment 7> <Embodiment 7 NFT information acquisition unit (CA) (1331)> The 'NFT information acquisition unit (CA)' (1331) is configured to acquire NFT information of embodiment 2 or embodiment 3 based on embodiment 2.

[0200] The NFT information included in the aroma generating data string packet structure of embodiment 2 or embodiment 3 based on embodiment 2 is acquired. After acquiring the aroma generating data string packet structure, if the data includes NFT information, the diffuser device (A) can be configured to output the NFT information to the NFT verification server device (C) and request verification. By requesting verification from the NFT verification server device (C) for verifying the NFT information, the load on the diffuser device (A) can be reduced, thereby lowering costs.

[0201] <Embodiment 7 NFT information verification unit (CB) (1332)> The 'NFT information verification unit (CB)' (1332) is configured to verify the acquired NFT information and obtain the verification result.

[0202] The NFT information requested for verification by the diffuser device (A) is verified, and a verification result is obtained. It is possible to verify whether the aroma generation data string packet structure acquired by the diffuser device (A) is original or not and has not been tampered with based on the requested NFT information. When verifying the originality, it is also possible to check the edition number indicating that the data is within a limited number specified for each data. If the NFT information contains information about the conditions of the usage authority, the attribute information of the user of the diffuser device (A) may be checked and confirmed from the user identification information of the user of the diffuser device (A). In this case, a user identification information storage unit, a user attribute information storage unit, and a user attribute information verification unit may be provided in either the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B), the NFT verification server device (C), or a user management server device that manages users who use this aroma management system, and the verification result of the conditions of the usage authority of the user verified therein may be output to the NFT verification server device (C) and / or the diffuser device (A).

[0203] <Seventh embodiment: Verification result output unit (CC) (1333)> The 'verification result output unit (CC)' (1333) is configured to output the acquired verification result.

[0204] The verification result is output to the diffuser device (A). If the verification result indicates copying or tampering, it is preferable to display an error message to the user and control the device so that the aroma is not emitted.

[0205] <Seventh embodiment NFT verification server device (C) (1330)> The "NFT verification server device (C)" (1330) has an NFT information acquisition unit (CA) (1331), an NFT information verification unit (CB) (1332), and a verification result output unit (CC) (1333), and is configured to acquire NFT information in a data string packet structure for aroma generation and output the verification results.

[0206] <Processing flow of embodiment 7> Fig. 14 is a flowchart of the operation process of the NFT validation server device (C), which is a computer of embodiment 7. As shown in this figure, the operation method of the NFT validation server device (C), which is a computer of embodiment 7, includes an NFT information acquisition step (ca) (SC1401), an NFT information verification step (cb) (SC1402), and a verification result output step (cc) (SC1403).

[0207] Here, the operation method of the NFT verification server device (C), which is a computer, is as follows: The NFT information acquisition step (ca) (SC1401) performs a process of acquiring NFT information in the aroma generating data string packet structure of the second embodiment or the third embodiment based on the second embodiment, The NFT information verification step (cb) (SC1402) verifies the acquired NFT information and performs a process to obtain a verification result. The verification result output step (cc) (SC1403) performs processing to output the obtained verification result. This is an operating method that causes an NFT verification server device (C), which is a computer, to execute a series of such processes.

[0208] <Embodiment 7: Description of Hardware> The hardware configuration of the NFT validation server device (C) in this embodiment 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0209] 15 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the NFT validation server device (C) in this embodiment 7. As shown in this diagram, the NFT validation server device (C) in this embodiment 7 includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" that performs various arithmetic processing, a "chipset", a "main memory", a "non-volatile memory" that stores various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller", "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.", "BIOS (UEFI)", "PCI Express slot", "real-time clock", and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These are then interconnected by a data communication path such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0210] The various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are expanded into the main memory when the NFT verification server device (C) is started, and the CPU is configured to sequentially execute the programs and perform calculations using the data by accepting execution commands.

[0211] When the NFT verification server device (C) is started, the various programs and data (information) stored in the "non-volatile memory" are read, expanded, and stored in the "main memory," which also provides a work area for the programs. By accepting execution commands, the "CPU" sequentially performs calculations using the data in the programs. Note that multiple addresses are assigned to this "main memory" and "non-volatile memory," and the programs executed by the "CPU" can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing those addresses.

[0212] In this embodiment, the programs stored in the "main memory" are an NFT information acquisition program (ca), an NFT information verification program (cb), and a verification result output program (cc). In addition, the "main memory" and the "non-volatile memory" store NFT information, verification results, and the like.

[0213] The "CPU" performs the following processes: An NFT information acquisition program (ca) stored in the "main memory" is executed to acquire NFT information of embodiment 2 or embodiment 3 based on embodiment 2. The NFT information verification program (cb) stored in the "main memory" is executed to verify the acquired NFT information and obtain the verification result. The verification result output program (cc) stored in the "main memory" is executed, and the obtained verification results are output to the network via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc."

[0214] According to this embodiment, the NFT information in the aroma generating data string packet structure can be verified to determine its authenticity and obtain the result. Then, the aroma generating operation can be controlled based on the result.

[0215] <Overview of embodiment 8> Mainly claims 8, 20, and 32 The memory device (D) of embodiment 8 is configured to hold the aroma generation data string packet structure of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, and to output the aroma generation data string packet structure to the diffuser device (A) of embodiment 4.

[0216] <Functional Configuration of Embodiment 8> 16 shows a functional block diagram of the storage device (D) of embodiment 8. The storage device (D) (1640) of embodiment 8 has an aroma generation data string packet structure holding unit (DA) (1641) and an aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (DB) (1642).

[0217] <Description of Configuration of Embodiment 8> <Embodiment 8: Aroma generation data string packet structure storage unit (DA) (1641)> The 'aroma generation data string packet structure holding unit (DA)' (1641) is configured to hold any one of the aroma generation data string packet structures of the first to third embodiments.

[0218] The data string packet structure for aroma generation according to any one of the first to third embodiments can be configured to be stored in a memory card, a USB memory, or an IC card with built-in NFC. The diffuser device (A) of the fourth embodiment reads such a highly portable medium, and the diffuser device (A) acquires the data string packet structure for aroma generation. The device required for reading the medium is appropriately mounted in the diffuser device (A). Alternatively, a QR code (registered trademark) printed on the surface of a card such as a trading card may be configured to hold information on the source of acquisition of the data string packet structure for aroma generation (URL or information on the storage location on the storage medium). One QR code (registered trademark) model 2 can contain up to 2953 bytes of information, but for stable reading, a size of 0.28 mm or more is required for each cell forming the code. In the case of the one-cell size described above, the size of one code is 51.8 mm or more on one side. If one were to try to store information for an aroma generation data string packet structure (e.g. 1100kbytes) in a QR code (registered trademark), more than 370 of the above codes with each side measuring 51.8mm or more would be required, making it unrealistic as a physical object.

[0219] <Embodiment 8: Aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (DB) (1642)> The "aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (DB)" (1642) is configured to output the aroma generation data string packet structure of any one of the embodiments 1 to 3 that is stored therein to the diffuser device (A) of embodiment 4.

[0220] In the description of the process flow and hardware of this embodiment 8 below, the hardware of the storage device (D) will be described taking as an example a configuration similar to that of a PC, but it may also be a memory card or hard disk equipped with a non-volatile memory, an optical disk, a printed matter with a QR code (registered trademark), etc. In these cases, the aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (DB) can be considered to "output" the aroma generation data string packet structure of any one of embodiments 1 to 3 (keeping it in a readable state) so that it can be acquired by the aroma generation data string packet structure acquisition unit (AD) of the diffuser device (A).

[0221] The aroma generating data string packet structure is output from the storage medium to a diffuser device (A) equipped with a corresponding reading device. A camera or barcode reader is used to read QR codes (registered trademark) printed on paper or the like. In the case of a QR code (registered trademark) as described above, information on the source from which the aroma generating data string packet structure is obtained (URL or information on the storage location on the storage medium) may be output, and the diffuser device (A) that has obtained the information may then obtain the aroma generating data string packet structure from the source.

[0222] <Embodiment 8 Storage Device (D) (1640)> The "memory device (D)" (1640) has an aroma generation data string packet structure holding unit (DA) (1641) and an aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (DB) (1642), and is configured to hold a data string packet structure for aroma generation of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, and to output the held data string packet structure for aroma generation to the diffuser device (A) of embodiment 4.

[0223] The entity holding the aroma generating data string packet structure may be in the form of a storage medium such as a memory card, USB memory, or NFC-compatible IC card, or a magnetic card or optical disk (can be in the form of a card instead of a disk). When purchasing such an entity, the card owner is assured that he or she is the true owner by the NFT information, and the consideration for the purchase of the card is paid to the copyright holder of the aroma data. When there are multiple persons equivalent to the copyright holders of the data, the system can be configured to distribute the copyright fee at a predetermined ratio or a predetermined amount by prior agreement between the above-mentioned copyright holders.

[0224] The actual object may be a product (e.g., paper cards, posters, folding fans, hand fans, etc.) that does not have a storage medium such as a semiconductor element, magnetic material, or optical disk, and has a two-dimensional code or the like printed on its surface that records the URL of the source where the aroma generating data string packet structure can be obtained or the address of the storage location on a storage device (server device, etc.).In this case, the configuration is such that purchaser information and a password are separately registered in a management server device of the seller to identify the purchaser, and the two-dimensional code printed on the surface of the product is used to access the storage device, and the purchaser information and password are used for authentication before downloading.

[0225] Although the storage device (D) has been described above as a physical object, the same effect can be achieved even if it is an intangible information body as NFT art using NFT. It may be sold and distributed as NFT art combining photo or video data and an aroma generation data string packet structure, or the aroma generation data string packet structure alone may be sold and distributed as NFT art.

[0226] As the storage device (D), a case of a trading card in the form of an IC card that holds the aroma generation data string packet structure and a case where the trading card does not hold the aroma generation data string packet structure itself (a two-dimensional code containing information on the acquisition destination is printed) will be described as an example. After being read into the diffuser device (A), the aroma generation data string packet structure as an example is monitored for tampering using blockchain technology, and the usage authority and number of uses of the aroma generation data string packet structure purchased by a certain user are managed. Although a trading card will be described as an example, other product forms and storage media may be used, or the aroma generation data string packet structure itself may be purchased on the Internet, stored in a mobile information terminal (such as a smartphone) used by the user, and communicated with the diffuser device (A) and processed. It may also be configured as an NFT art form that includes the aroma generation data string packet structure and NFT information.

[0227] <Example 1: When the trading card is an IC card and holds the aroma generation data string packet structure itself> This will be explained using Figure 43.

[0228] (1) A user of the diffuser device (A) purchases a trading card in the form of an IC card that holds a data string packet structure for aroma generation. As described above, it is sold as a physical card, and is a limited edition item with an edition number assigned as NFT information.

[0229] (2) The user reads the purchased trading card with the IC card reader (or NFC communication device) of the diffuser device (A). It is recommended to provide a reading section like the slit section on the front of the diffuser device (A) in the figure.

[0230] (3) The diffuser device (A), which has read the aroma generating data string packet structure by the IC card reader, acquires the NFT information contained in the packet structure and outputs a verification request for the aroma generating data string packet structure to the NFT verification server device (C) via an internet line. The diffuser device (A) may be provided with an NFT information acquisition unit, an NFT information verification request output unit, and an NFT information verification result acquisition unit.

[0231] (4) The NFT verification server device (C) receives the NFT information received from the diffuser device (A) and performs verification. The NFT verification server device (C) outputs the verification result to the diffuser device (A).

[0232] (5) The diffuser device (A) obtains the verification result from the NFT verification server device (C). If the obtained verification result is satisfactory, such as that the data is original (or that the quantity is limited and the edition number is genuine), that there is no usage restriction, and that there is no problem with the current number of uses and the upper limit of the number of uses (if a playback limit is specified, the upper limit has not been reached), the diffuser device (A) generates aroma based on the aroma type identification information included in the aroma generation data string packet structure.

[0233] <Example 2: When a trading card does not have a data string packet structure for aroma generation, but has a two-dimensional code printed on it that holds the information required to obtain it> A trading card is a card with a QR code (registered trademark) printed on the surface of paper or thin plastic. The surface of the QR code (registered trademark) is covered with an opaque film to hide the code so that it cannot be read before purchase. When the film is peeled off, a message such as "peeled" or "USED" remains on the surface of the card other than the part with the code printed on it, which can prevent unauthorized removal of the film in stores to read the code or unauthorized resale of a code that has already been read.

[0234] This will be explained using Figure 44. The QR code (registered trademark) printed on the trading card does not include the aroma generation data string packet structure itself, which contains information for generating aroma, but contains aroma generation data string packet structure identification information, which is information for identifying the aroma generation data string packet structure, and NFT information, which certifies that the identification information is original. The aroma generation data string packet structure identification information is output to the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B), and in return, the aroma generation data string packet structure is obtained.

[0235] (1') A user of the diffuser device (A) purchases a trading card printed with a QR code (registered trademark) (not shown) that contains aroma generation data string packet structure identification information and NFT information. This is sold as a physical trading card, and is a limited edition item with an edition number assigned as NFT information.

[0236] (2') The user reads the QR code (registered trademark) on the purchased trading card with the barcode reader of the diffuser device (A). It is advisable to provide a reading section like the slit section on the front of the diffuser device (A) in the figure.

[0237] (3') The diffuser device (A) reads the information contained in the QR code (registered trademark) with a barcode reader and sends the read aroma generation data string packet structure identification information and NFT information to the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) as an NFT information verification request and aroma generation data string packet structure identification information. This is output to the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) as an "aroma generation data string packet structure output request."

[0238] (4') The aroma generating data string packet structure server device (B) sends the acquired NFT information to the NFT verification server device (C) and requests verification of the NFT information.

[0239] (5') The NFT verification server device (C) acquires the NFT information received from the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) and performs verification. The NFT verification server device (C) outputs the verification result to the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B).

[0240] (6') The aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) obtains the verification result from the NFT verification server device (C). If the obtained verification result indicates that there are no problems with aroma generation, such as that the data is original, that it is not subject to usage restrictions, and that there are no problems with the current number of uses and the upper limit of the number of uses (if a playback limit is specified, the upper limit has not been reached), the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) sends to the diffuser device (A) the aroma generation data string packet structure identified by the aroma generation data string packet structure identification information.

[0241] (7') The diffuser device (A) generates aroma based on the aroma type identification information included in the data string packet structure for aroma generation acquired from the data string packet structure server device for aroma generation (B).

[0242] Instead of the process in (3') above, the diffuser device (A) may obtain the aroma generation data string packet structure as follows: The diffuser device (A) outputs an NFT information verification request to the NFT verification server device (C). The NFT verification server device (C) verifies the NFT information and outputs the verification result to the diffuser device (A). If the obtained verification result is acceptable, the diffuser device (A) outputs aroma generation data string packet structure identification information to the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) and obtains the aroma generation data string packet structure. This is the process.

[0243] An aroma generation data string packet structure storage unit may be provided in the diffuser device (A) or the user's mobile information terminal so as to store about 10 to 20 types of aroma generation data string packet structures once read by the diffuser device (A). Data that has been read once and verified by the NFT verification server device (C) may be configured to generate aroma without sending a verification request to the NFT verification server device (C) each time an aroma is generated. In addition to the purchase price of the trading card, a fee may be charged each time an aroma is generated using the aroma generation data string packet structure stored on the card. The NFT verification server device (C) may also function as a charge management server, or a separate dedicated charge management server may be provided.

[0244] The NFT information can include the payment destination of the sales price of the trading card collected from the user and the charge for each use of the data string packet structure for aroma generation. The payment destination can be the administrator of this system, the seller of the card, and the copyright holder of the data string packet structure for aroma generation. The copyright holder is not limited to one person, and if there are multiple copyright holders, the payment is not limited to equal distribution. For example, in the example of Figures 43 and 44, the trading card is "Shrine Forest", an aroma that allows you to enjoy the atmosphere of the shrine forest in a certain city. The copyright holder of the card can be a local government that has jurisdiction over the city or a religious corporation that operates the shrine, and the charging profit obtained from the sale of the card and the use of the data string packet structure for aroma generation can be distributed. It can be useful for revitalizing local towns and boosting tourism.

[0245] The storage device (D) may not be a physical card, but may be NFT art stored in non-volatile memory on a server device on an Internet line or on a user's information terminal such as a smartphone or PC. The NFT art, which is information, also includes an aroma generation data string packet structure. In this case, the storage device (D) may correspond to the server device or user's information terminal that stores the NFT art.

[0246] <Processing flow of embodiment 8> Fig. 17 is a flowchart of the operation process of the storage device (D) which is a computer of embodiment 8. As shown in this figure, the operation method of the storage device (D) which is a computer of embodiment 8 includes an aroma generation data string packet structure holding step (da) (SD1701) and an aroma generation data string packet structure output step (db) (SD1702).

[0247] Here, the operation method of the storage device (D) which is a computer is as follows: The aroma generation data string packet structure holding step (da) (SD1701) performs processing for holding an aroma generation data string packet structure according to any one of the first to third embodiments, The aroma generating data string packet structure output step (db) (SD1702) performs processing for outputting the retained aroma generating data string packet structure to the diffuser device (A) of the fourth embodiment. This is an operating method for making a storage device (D), which is a computer, execute such a series of processes.

[0248] The storage device (D) may not be a computer, but may be a printed matter in which information on the target aroma generation data sequence packet structure, or address information for accessing and acquiring the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) that holds the aroma generation data sequence packet structure, is stored in a two-dimensional barcode. Alternatively, it may be a USB memory, a memory card, or an IC chip card that employs NFC (Near Field Communication). Alternatively, instead of a tangible storage device (D) that holds only the target data, the aroma generation data sequence packet structure that also has NFT information may be stored in a storage device on the Internet used by the owner.

[0249] <Embodiment 8 Hardware Description> The hardware configuration of the storage device (D) in the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0250] The hardware of the storage device (D) in the following embodiment 8 will be described using an example of a configuration similar to that of a PC, but it may also be a memory card or hard disk equipped with a non-volatile memory, or a card-shaped device with a QR code (registered trademark) printed thereon. In these cases, the aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (DB) can be considered to be "outputting" the act of preparing (making readable) the aroma generation data string packet structure so that it can be acquired by the aroma generation data string packet structure acquisition unit (AD) of the diffuser device (A).

[0251] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the storage device (D) in this embodiment 8. As shown in this diagram, the storage device (D) in this embodiment 8 includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" that performs various arithmetic processing, a "chipset", a "main memory", a "non-volatile memory" that stores various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller", "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.", "BIOS (UEFI)", "PCI Express slot", "real-time clock", and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These are then interconnected by a data communication path such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0252] The various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are expanded into the main memory when the storage device (D) is started up, and upon receiving an execution command, the CPU sequentially executes the programs to perform calculations using the data.

[0253] When the storage device (D) is started, the various programs and data (information) stored in the "non-volatile memory" are read, expanded, and stored in the "main memory," which also provides a work area for those programs. By accepting execution commands, the "CPU" sequentially executes the programs using the data to perform calculations. Note that multiple addresses are assigned to this "main memory" and "non-volatile memory," and the programs executed by the "CPU" can identify and access these addresses to exchange data with each other and perform processing.

[0254] In this embodiment, the programs stored in the "main memory" are an aroma generation data string packet structure holding program (da) and an aroma generation data string packet structure output program (db). The "main memory" and "non-volatile memory" also store aroma generation data string packet structures and the like.

[0255] The "CPU" performs the following processes: An aroma generation data string packet structure holding program (da) stored in the "main memory" is executed to hold the aroma generation data string packet structure of any one of the first to third embodiments. An aroma generation data string packet structure output program (db) stored in the "main memory" is executed, and the retained aroma generation data string packet structure is output to the diffuser device (A) of embodiment 4 via the network via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc."

[0256] According to this embodiment, the storage device (D) can be distributed, bought and sold, etc. In particular, by configuring it to have NFT information, it is possible to identify the original and ensure its uniqueness, thereby guaranteeing its value when buying and selling.

[0257] <Overview of embodiment 9> Mainly claims 9, 21, and 33 The aroma management system of the ninth embodiment is composed of the diffuser device (A) of the fourth embodiment and the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) of the fifth or sixth embodiment.

[0258] <Functional Configuration of Embodiment 9> Fig. 19 shows a functional block diagram of an aroma management system of embodiment 9. The aroma management system (1950) of embodiment 9 has a diffuser device (A) (1910) of embodiment 4, and an aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) (1920) of embodiment 5 or 6. Note that the configuration may include one or more of the NFT verification server device (C) of embodiment 7, the memory device (D) of embodiment 8, and an aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E) of any one of embodiments 10 to 15 described below.

[0259] <Description of Configuration of Embodiment 9> <Embodiment 9 Diffuser device (A) (1910)> The "diffuser device (A)" (1910) has an aroma generating raw material holding section (AA) (1911), an external spray section for each generating raw material (AB) (1912), an external spray control section (AC) (1913), an aroma generating data string packet structure acquisition section (AD) (1914), an aroma type identification information acquisition section (AE) (1915), a control information output section (AF), and a communication section (AG), and is configured to generate an aroma based on the aroma generating data string packet structure.

[0260] <Embodiment 9: Aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) (1920)> The "aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B)" (1920) has an aroma generation data string packet structure holding unit (BA) and an aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (BB), and is configured to hold an aroma generation data string packet structure and output it to the diffuser device (A).

[0261] <Embodiment 9: Aroma Management System (1950)> The "aroma management system" (1950) is configured to have a diffuser device (A) (1910) of embodiment 4 and an aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) (1920) of either embodiment 5 or 6.

[0262] A user of this system uses a diffuser device (A) (1910) that the user uses to obtain an aroma generation data string packet structure from an aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) (1920) and generate aroma. If the packet structure includes NFT information, the system can be configured to further include an NFT verification server device (C). The system can also be configured to further include an aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) described below for generating an aroma generation data string packet structure. The system can also be configured to include a memory device (D).

[0263] <Embodiment 9 Aroma Management System: Other Aspect 1: EC Site> The aroma management system may also include an aroma generation data string packet structure EC server device on which an EC site for buying and selling aroma generation data string packet structures operates. This EC site is configured so that not only those who make (manufacture) and sell aroma generation data string packet structures, but also general consumers who have purchased aroma generation data string packet structures can sell the data string structures that they no longer need. Alternatively, it may be configured so that aroma generation data string packet structures made by amateurs in accordance with a standard can be distributed free of charge or for a fee.

[0264] <Embodiment 9 Aroma Management System: Other Aspect 2: Aroma Usage History Management Server Device> The aroma management system may be configured to include an aroma usage history management server device that holds the usage history (e.g., number of times, date and time of use) of the data string packet structure for aroma generation by associating diffuser device identification information, which is information for individually identifying the diffuser device (A), aroma type identification information, which is information for identifying the data string packet structure for aroma generation, and user identification information for identifying the user. The aroma usage history management server device may be configured integrally with the data string packet structure server device for aroma generation (B). An example of the diffuser device identification information is a code that combines the product model name of the diffuser device (A) and the serial number of each product. The system may be further configured to include a diffuser device management server device having a diffuser device identification information storage unit that stores the diffuser device identification information in association with the user identification information. The diffuser device management server device may be configured integrally with one or more of the data string packet structure server device for aroma generation (B), the user management server device, and the aroma usage history management server device.

[0265] <Embodiment 9 Aroma Management System: Other Aspect 3: Aroma Detection Sensor> The diffuser device (A) used by the user, the data string packet structure generating device (E) for aroma generation described later, and the mobile information terminal (e.g., smartphone) used by the user may be equipped with an aroma sensing sensor, and configured to have an aroma sensing data acquisition unit, an aroma sensing data analysis unit, and a control information generating unit. Based on the aroma sensing data sensed by the aroma sensing sensor, control information may be generated, and the diffuser device (A) may generate aroma. For example, when eating a delicious meal at a restaurant on a trip, not only a photo but also the aroma of the food may be recorded. Alternatively, a search may be performed based on the aroma sensing data of the aroma sensed by the aroma sensing sensor, and information on similar aromas or a data string packet structure for aroma generation may be obtained. This is effective when a mobile information terminal is used that does not have the processing power to sense aromas or generate control information for aroma generation by itself. The search destination may be on the Internet, or the data string packet structure server device for aroma generation (B) in this aroma management system may be searched. In addition, the sensed and generated control information can be edited by an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) described below.

[0266] <Processing flow of embodiment 9> Fig. 20 is a flowchart of the operation process of the aroma management system which is a computer of embodiment 9. As shown in this figure, the aroma management system of embodiment 9 operates in cooperation with the diffuser device (A) of embodiment 4 and the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) of embodiment 5 or 6. The left side of Fig. 20 shows a flowchart of the operation method of the diffuser device (A), and the right side shows a flowchart of the operation method of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B).

[0267] <Embodiment 9: Processing flow of diffuser device (A)> The left column of Fig. 20 shows a flowchart of the operation process of the diffuser device (A), which is the computer of embodiment 4 in the aroma management system, which is the computer of embodiment 9. As shown in this figure, the operation method of the diffuser device (A), which is the computer, includes an aroma-generating raw material holding step (aa) (SA2001), a communication step (ag) (SA2002), an aroma generation data string packet structure acquisition step (ad) (SA2003), an aroma type identification information acquisition step (ae) (SA2004), a control information output step (af) (SA2005), an external spray control step (ac) (SA2006), and an external spray step (ab) (SA2007) for each generated raw material.

[0268] Here, the operation method of the diffuser device (A) which is a computer is as follows: The aroma-generating raw material holding step (aa) (SA2001) is a process for holding an aroma-generating raw material, which is a raw material for mixing and generating a plurality of types of aromas; The communication step (ag) (SA2002) performs processing for network communication, An aroma generation data string packet structure acquisition step (ad) (SA2003) performs processing to acquire an aroma generation data string packet structure of any one of embodiments 1 to 3 from an aroma generation data string packet structure output step (bb) (SB2002) of an aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) of any one of embodiments 5 or 6; The aroma type identification information acquisition step (ae) (SA2004) performs a process of acquiring aroma type identification information contained in the acquired aroma generation data string packet structure, The control information output step (af) (SA2005) performs processing to output control information to the external spray control step (ac) (SA2006) based on the acquired aroma type identification information, The external spray control step (ac) (SA2006) performs processing to control the external spray step (ab) (SA2007) for each generated raw material, The external spraying step (ab) (SA2007) for each aroma-generating raw material performs a process for external spraying of the aroma-generating raw material held therein. This is an operating method for causing a diffuser device (A) which is a computer to execute such a series of processes.

[0269] <Embodiment 9: Processing flow of aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B)> The right column of Fig. 20 shows a flowchart of the operation processing of aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B), which is a computer of either embodiment 5 or 6 of the aroma management system, which is a computer of embodiment 9. As shown in this figure, the operation method of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B), which is a computer, includes an aroma generation data string packet structure retaining step (ba) (SB2001) and an aroma generation data string packet structure output step (bb) (SB2002).

[0270] The aroma generating data stream packet structure server device (B), which is a computer, operates as follows: The aroma generation data string packet structure holding step (ba) (SB2001) performs a process of holding the aroma generation data string packet structure of any one of the first to third embodiments, The aroma generation data string packet structure output step (bb) (SB2002) performs processing to output the retained aroma generation data string packet structure to the aroma generation data string packet structure acquisition step (ad) (SA2003) of the diffuser device (A) of embodiment 4 via a network. This is an operating method for causing an aroma generating data string packet structure server device (B), which is a computer, to execute such a series of processes.

[0271] <Embodiment 9: Description of Hardware> The aroma management system, which is a computer of the ninth embodiment, is composed of a diffuser device (A) which is the computer of the fourth embodiment, and an aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) which is the computer of either the fifth embodiment or the sixth embodiment. The hardware configuration of each device has already been explained in the fourth embodiment (FIG. 6, etc.), the fifth embodiment (FIG. 9, etc.) or the sixth embodiment (FIG. 12), so it will not be described here. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a schematic overall configuration of an aroma management system composed of a diffuser device (A) and an aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) connected via an Internet line. At least one diffuser device (A) is connected to the Internet line, and one or more aroma generation data string packet structure server devices (B) are connected to configure the aroma management system. A mobile information terminal (a user's smartphone is shown in FIG. 21) and a PC (not shown) used by a user who uses the diffuser device (A) are also connected to the Internet line. This aroma management system may be connected to one or more NFT verification server devices (C) or aroma generation data string packet structure generating devices (E) described below, or the memory device (D) may be connected to the Internet line directly or indirectly via a reading device for reading the aroma generation data string packet structure held by the memory device (D) to become part of the aroma management system.

[0272] According to this embodiment, an aroma management system can be obtained.

[0273] <Overview of embodiment 10> Mainly claims 10, 22, and 34 The aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) of embodiment 10 inputs control information to be input to the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A) of embodiment 4, retains the input control information, edits the retained control information, generates an aroma generation data string packet structure based on the retained control information, and outputs the generated aroma generation data string packet structure.

[0274] <Functional configuration of embodiment 10> 22 shows a functional block diagram of the aroma generation data string packet structure generator (E) of embodiment 10. The aroma generation data string packet structure generator (E) (2260) of embodiment 10 is configured to have a control information input unit (EA) (2261), a control information storage unit (EB) (2262), a control information editing unit (EC) (2263), an aroma generation data string packet structure generator (ED) (2264), and an aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (EE) (2265).

[0275] <Description of the Configuration of the Tenth Embodiment> <Embodiment 10: Control Information Input Unit (EA) (2261)> The 'control information input unit (EA)' (2261) is configured to input control information to the external spray control unit (AC).

[0276] <Embodiment 10: Control Information Input Unit (EA): Control Information> The "control information" is information input to the external spray control unit (AC) to control the external spray unit for each generating raw material (AB) for externally spraying the stored aroma-generating raw material. It is information describing which of the multiple types of aroma-generating raw materials stored in the aroma-generating raw material storage unit (AA) is to be sprayed to the outside, with what intensity and at what timing to produce the desired aroma. For example, when the aroma-generating raw material storage unit (AA) stores 10 raw materials, i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, and three types of aroma-generating raw materials, 1, 3, and 8, are used to generate the desired aroma, the following set of control information can be considered as an example.

[0277] Examples of the control information include a set of aroma-generating raw material identification information that identifies the aroma-generating raw materials identified by numbers 1, 3, and 8 among the 10 raw materials, a set of aroma cartridge identification information that identifies the cartridge if the 10 aroma-generating raw materials 1 to 10 are held in a set of cartridge-like containers, and a set of aroma-generating raw material identification information of the aroma-generating raw material to be used, and in addition to the above, a set of external spray intensity, generation timing, time change in generation intensity, and time change in stop timing and stop intensity for each aroma-generating raw material when the aroma-generating raw material generates a desired aroma (i.e., information indicating an external spray profile for each aroma-generating raw material, with the horizontal axis being the time axis and the vertical axis being the external spray intensity). In particular, since element aromas generated from one or more aroma-generating raw materials of which aroma is an element are mixed and generated, it is most preferable to use information indicating the external spray profile as the control information.

[0278] <Embodiment 10: Control Information Input Unit (EA): Input of Control Information> A user inputs control information into an aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) that the user uses in order to input control information into the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A) that the user uses. The control information edited and created by the user in a control information editing unit (EC) described below is input from a control information input unit (EA) of the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) to the diffuser device (A) that the user uses, and the user can smell the aroma generated based on the control information edited or created by the user to check the quality of the aroma. Based on the control information that has been checked, an aroma generation data string packet structure is generated as described below, and output to be registered in an aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit (BC) of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B).

[0279] Rather than the control information itself, a data string packet structure for aroma generation in which the control information is stored in a control information holding area of ​​the diffuser device (A) may be output, acquired by an aroma type identification information acquisition unit (AE) of the diffuser device (A), and the control information may be output from the control information output unit (AF) to the external spray control unit (AC) based on the acquired aroma type identification information.

[0280] <Embodiment 10: Control Information Storage Unit (EB) (2262)> The 'control information storage unit (EB)' (2262) is configured to store control information.

[0281] The control information retained includes control information created by the user, control information edited by the user, control information obtained from the diffuser device (A) used by the user, control information obtained from a data string packet structure for aroma generation that includes control information obtained from the diffuser device (A) used by the user, and control information obtained from a data string packet structure for aroma generation that includes control information obtained from a data string packet structure server device for aroma generation (B).

[0282] <Embodiment 10: Control Information Editor (EC) (2263)> The 'control information editor (EC)' (2263) is configured to edit the held control information.

[0283] "Editing" refers to the addition, deletion, and modification of the control information stored in the control information storage unit (EB) by the control information editing unit (EC). Addition and deletion refer to the contents of the control information. For example, when three types of aroma-generating raw materials such as 1, 3, and 8 are used as described above, "addition" refers to adding aroma-generating raw material 4, and "deletion" refers to stopping the use of aroma-generating raw material 3 among 1, 3, and 8 and using only aroma-generating raw materials 1 and 8. "Modification" refers to using 4 instead of 3 among the three aroma-generating raw materials, or changing the intensity or time conditions in the external spray profile (external spray intensity for each hour of each aroma-generating raw material) of each aroma-generating raw material. Editing is not limited to control information created or edited by the user himself, but can also be performed on control information included in an aroma-generating data string packet structure provided by other users or administrators obtained via a network (including cases where the information is provided by a company that specializes in creating aroma-generating data string packet structures), as long as the user has the permission to edit the information.

[0284] "Editing" may include "adding" new control information for generating aroma from aroma-generating raw materials Nos. 1, 3, and 8 to the control information storage unit (EB) of the aroma generation data string packet structure generator (E) used by the user, or conversely, "deleting" control information already stored in the control information storage unit (EB). "Modifying" may also be configured to change the control information identification information, which is information that identifies the control information stored in the control information storage unit (EB).

[0285] <Embodiment 10: Aroma generation data string packet structure generating unit (ED) (2264)> The 'aroma generation data string packet structure generating unit (ED)' (2264) is configured to generate an aroma generation data string packet structure based on the held control information.

[0286] An aroma type identification information holding area of ​​a predetermined size for holding aroma type identification information for identifying the type of aroma to be generated by the diffuser device (A), and an aroma attribute information holding area of ​​a predetermined size for holding aroma attribute information which is information indicating the attributes of the aroma are added to the control information held in the control information holding unit (EB), and preferably further an NFT information holding area and / or a diffuser device (A) control information holding area are added to generate a data string packet structure for aroma generation.

[0287] <Embodiment 10: Aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (EE) (2265)> The 'aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (EE)' (2265) is configured to output the generated aroma generation data string packet structure for registration in the aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit (BC) (2263).

[0288] It is preferable that the data string packet structure for aroma generation is output in association with user identification information when output to the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B), or that the data string packet structure for aroma generation generation unit (ED) is configured to generate the data string packet structure for aroma generation so as to include user identification information as aroma attribute information. This makes it possible to clarify who the user who created or edited the control information is.

[0289] An aroma generation data string packet structure based on control information edited or created by a user is output to an aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) via a network and stored in an aroma generation data string packet structure storage unit (BA) of said server device (B). An aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit (BC) of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) registers the aroma generation data string packet structure in the aroma generation data string packet structure storage unit (BA), thereby enabling a user other than the registered user to acquire the registered aroma generation data string packet structure and generate aroma. When registering an aroma generation data string packet structure or acquiring the registered packet structure, it is preferable to configure so that a user with usage authority can acquire the packet structure by referring to usage authority information, which is information regarding the user's usage authority associated with user identification information, which is information identifying the user, as described below.

[0290] When an aroma generation data string packet structure based on control information edited or created by a user is output to an aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) via a network, the aroma generation data string packet structure is not directly registered in the aroma generation data string packet structure holding unit (BA), but can be configured to further have an aroma generation data string packet structure confirmation unit that confirms the contents of the aroma generation data string packet structure before registering it.

[0291] When a user creates or edits a data string packet structure for aroma generation due to an intentional or careless mistake, or a mistake due to a lack of experience or knowledge, it is possible to check whether or not the aroma generated using the data string packet structure for aroma generation has the potential to cause unpleasant odors such as a foul or irritating smell. In particular, when aroma information (e.g., citrus scent, forest scent, etc.) is described as aroma attribute information, it is possible to check whether the aroma is significantly different from the aroma actually generated. The check is performed, for example, by the manager or a person instructed by the manager, and registration is performed after determining that there are no problems. Alternatively, it may be configured to be released as a provisional registration with a clear indication that it is on trial, and users are widely asked to evaluate it, and if there are no problems, it is registered as a permanent registration.

[0292] Alternatively, the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) or another server device may be configured to have an inappropriate aroma information storage unit that stores inappropriate aroma information showing examples of combinations of aroma generation raw materials and control information that are inappropriate and produce a foul or irritating odor that makes people who smell them uncomfortable, and an aroma generation data string packet structure verification unit that verifies whether the aroma generation data string packet structure is inappropriate or not based on the stored inappropriate aroma information. When a user or a company that creates aroma generation data string packet structures applies for registration of an aroma generation data string packet structure, the aroma generation data string structure is verified to be inappropriate in content, and inappropriate ones can be excluded and not registered. The inappropriate aroma information storage unit is configured to appropriately accept reports of inappropriate aroma information from users and others, and if it is determined to be inappropriate aroma information as a result of verifying the content, it is stored. The inappropriate aroma information can be expanded as appropriate.

[0293] <Embodiment 10 Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Recipe Creation> <App: Aroma Recipe Creation> An example of a user creating or editing control information using the data string packet structure generating device for aroma generation (E) will be described with reference to Figs. 52 and 53. Fig. 52 is an example of a screen where the user creates or edits control information using an application of an aroma management system on a smartphone used by the user. The smartphone used by the user and the application of the aroma management system running on the smartphone correspond to the data string packet structure generating device for aroma generation (E). In the example of Fig. 52, control information for generating a desired aroma is created using three types of aroma generating raw materials, No. 1, No. 3, and No. 8, of the cartridge (aroma generating raw material holding section (AA)) of the diffuser device (A) used by the user. In each column, the horizontal axis indicates the time axis (the left end indicates the start time of aroma generation, and the right end indicates the end time), and the vertical axis indicates the external spray intensity. In Fig. 52, the profile for generating aroma is corrected for the aroma generating raw material No. 3, which is the second from the top. The small black circles in the figure represent modifiable points for each profile (modifiable points can be added or deleted), and the profile shape is modified by moving the small black circles indicated by the arrows. Figure 52 shows the state during modification, but existing control information can also be modified, or new control information can be created from scratch. If there are a large number of aroma-generating raw materials used and the profiles cannot be displayed on a single screen, the profile display can be scrolled or the screen can be switched to accommodate this.

[0294] Once the control information has been finalized to a certain extent, the user can press the "Try Scent" button in the bottom center of the screen in Fig. 52 to temporarily generate a data string packet structure for aroma generation and output it to the diffuser device (A), generate the aroma, and check the results. If the diffuser device (A) is used by the user himself, the control information may be output from the user's aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) and input to the diffuser device (A).

[0295] When creating or editing control information, it is preferable to specify the usage rights described below so that the control information contained in the aroma generation data string packet structure provided through another user or administrator obtained via the network cannot be edited. If the creator of the control information and the aroma generation data string packet structure containing it allows other users to edit it, it is also possible to configure it so that the usage rights are specified in accordance with the creator's intentions. It is configured so that editing is permitted only to users who satisfy certain conditions. For example, users who have paid a large amount of money, or other creators who have already created a certain number or more of control information and aroma generation data string packet structures containing it (it can also be configured so that editing rights are granted to general users in general).

[0296] <Embodiment 10 Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Recipe Creation> <App: Aroma Recipe Registration> Figure 53 is an example of the screen for registering created or edited control information into this system. Set a category to help other users when searching, and enter the aroma recipe name. Set the desired price and number of times limit. In Figure 53, like category selection, the desired price and number of times limit are selected from a pull-down menu, but the price and number of times can also be entered directly, or set using a drum dial. You can also choose to provide it free of charge, or an unlimited number of times. When you have finished setting up and wish to register, press the "Register" button at the bottom right of the screen. If you wish to cancel, press the "Quit" button to return to the previous screen, or press the "TOP" button to discard the editing results and return to the TOP screen.

[0297] <Processing flow of embodiment 10> Fig. 23 is a flowchart of the operation process of the aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E), which is a computer of embodiment 10. As shown in this figure, the operation method of the aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E), which is a computer of embodiment 10, comprises a control information input step (ea) (SE2301), a control information holding step (eb) (SE2302), a control information editing step (ec) (SE2303), an aroma generation data string packet structure generation step (ed) (SE2304), and an aroma generation data string packet structure output step (ee) (SE2305).

[0298] The operation method of the aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E), which is a computer, is as follows: The control information input step (ea) (SE2301) performs a process of inputting control information to an external spray control unit (AC) (not shown) of the diffuser device (A), A control information holding step (eb) (SE2302) performs a process of holding the control information, A control information editing step (ec) (SE2303) performs a process of editing the held control information, An aroma generation data string packet structure generating step (ed) (SE2304) performs processing to generate an aroma generation data string packet structure based on the stored control information, The aroma generation data string packet structure output step (ee) (SE2305) performs processing to output the generated aroma generation data string packet structure for registration in the aroma generation data string packet structure registration section (BC) (not shown) of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B). This is an operating method for causing an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E), which is a computer, to execute such a series of processes.

[0299] <Embodiment 10: Description of Hardware> The hardware configuration of the aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) in the tenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0300] Fig. 24 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the data string packet structure generating device (E) for aroma generation in this embodiment 10. As shown in this diagram, the data string packet structure generating device (E) for aroma generation in this embodiment 10 includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" for performing various arithmetic processing, a "chipset", a "main memory", a "non-volatile memory" for storing various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller", "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.", "BIOS (UEFI)", "PCI Express slot", "real-time clock", and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These are then interconnected by a data communication path such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0301] The various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are expanded into the main memory when the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) is started, and upon receiving an execution command, the CPU sequentially executes the programs to perform calculations using the data.

[0302] When the aroma generation data string packet structure generator (E) is started, the various programs and data (information) stored in the "non-volatile memory" are read, expanded, and stored in the "main memory," which also provides a work area for those programs. By receiving execution commands, the "CPU" sequentially executes the programs using the data to perform calculations. Note that multiple addresses are assigned to this "main memory" and "non-volatile memory," and the programs executed by the "CPU" can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing those addresses.

[0303] In this embodiment 10, the programs stored in the "main memory" are a control information input program (ea), a control information holding program (eb), a control information editing program (ec), an aroma generation data string packet structure generation program (ed), and an aroma generation data string packet structure output program (ee). The "main memory" and "non-volatile memory" also store control information, aroma generation data string packet structures, etc.

[0304] The "CPU" performs the following processes: A control information input program (ea) stored in the "main memory" is executed to input control information to the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A). The control information holding program (eb) stored in the "main memory" is executed to hold the control information. A control information editing program (ec) stored in the "main memory" is executed to edit the held control information. An aroma generating data string packet structure generating program (ed) stored in the "main memory" is executed to generate an aroma generating data string packet structure based on the held control information. An aroma generation data string packet structure output program (ee) stored in the "main memory" is executed, and the generated aroma generation data string packet structure is output via a network via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." in order to be registered in the aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit (BC) of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B).

[0305] With the configuration of this embodiment 10, the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) can generate a data string packet structure for aroma generation based on control information that controls the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A), and output it for registration in the aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit (BC) of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B).

[0306] <Overview of embodiment 11> Mainly claims 11, 23, and 35 The aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) of the embodiment 11 based on the embodiment 10 is configured to hold user identification information which is information for identifying a user.

[0307] <Embodiment 11: Functional Configuration> 25 shows a functional block diagram of an aroma generation data string packet structure generator (E) of embodiment 11 based on embodiment 10. The aroma generation data string packet structure generator (E) (2560) of embodiment 11 is configured to further include a user identification information storage unit (EF) (2566) in addition to the configuration of embodiment 10. Since everything other than the user identification information storage unit (EF) (2566) is the same as embodiment 10, only the user identification information storage unit (EF) (2566) will be explained.

[0308] <Embodiment 11: Description of Configuration> <Embodiment 11: User Identification Information Storage Unit (EF) (2566)> The 'user identification information storage unit (EF)' (2566) is configured to store user identification information, which is information for identifying a user.

[0309] The "user" is a person who uses the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) and has the authority to use it. Alternatively, the user may also be a user who uses the diffuser device (A). The diffuser device (A) used by one user may be configured to be available only to that one user, or may be configured to be available to multiple users (for example, a family member, a group of friends, etc.). Furthermore, the user may be a user who uses an aroma management system consisting of the diffuser device (A) of embodiment 4 and one aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) of either embodiment 5 or 6 (which may further include one or more of the NFT verification server device (C), the storage device (D), and the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E)). The same user identification information may be used for the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E), the diffuser device (A), and the aroma management system, but different user identification information may also be used.

[0310] "User identification information" is information that identifies a user. User identification information may be a character string such as symbols, letters, or codes, such as a membership number, used to identify a user, or may be the user's name, telephone number, address, or email address. Alternatively, the identification information may be the information itself that is to be identified. For example, the identification information that identifies a user may be the user's name. Therefore, user identification information may be simply a symbol, letter, or code, and may simultaneously be the user's name, address, telephone number, email address, etc., as described above, that is identified by the symbol, letter, or code. However, from the viewpoint of protecting personal information, it is not preferable to include personal information such as a name or contact details in identification information that may be made public.

[0311] The user identification information may be information for identifying the portable information terminal or aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) used by the user, or information for identifying an application for this aroma management system running on the portable information terminal. Alternatively, the user identification information may be configured to include information for identifying the portable information terminal or information for identifying the application.

[0312] For example, if the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) used by the user is equipped with a camera, microphone, fingerprint authentication sensor, etc., the user identification information may be data for performing biometric authentication using face, retinal pattern, voice, fingerprint, etc.

[0313] The user identification information may be associated with the attributes of the user identified by the user identification information. The user attribute information includes the user's age, occupation, address, type of residence (apartment, detached house, room size, etc.), type of diffuser device (A) used (manufacturer name, model name, applicable aroma generating raw material cartridge type, etc.), type and tendency of favorite aroma, etc. Since some of this information changes over time, it is preferable to periodically update it in chronological order and accumulate it as a history.

[0314] <Embodiment 11 Processing Flow> Fig. 26 is a flowchart of the operation process of the aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E), which is a computer of embodiment 11 based on embodiment 10. As shown in this figure, the operation method of the aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E), which is the computer of embodiment 11, comprises a user identification information holding step (ef) (SE2601), a control information input step (ea) (SE2602), a control information holding step (eb) (SE2603), a control information editing step (ec) (SE2604), an aroma generation data string packet structure generating step (ed) (SE2605), and an aroma generation data string packet structure output step (ee) (SE2606).

[0315] The operation method of the aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E), which is a computer, is as follows: A user identification information retaining step (ef) (SE2601) performs a process of retaining user identification information for identifying a user, The control information input step (ea) (SE2602) performs a process of inputting control information to an external spray control unit (AC) (not shown) of the diffuser device (A), A control information holding step (eb) (SE2603) performs a process of holding the control information, A control information editing step (ec) (SE2604) performs a process of editing the held control information, The aroma generation data string packet structure generating step (ed) (SE2605) performs processing to generate an aroma generation data string packet structure based on the stored control information, The aroma generation data string packet structure output step (ee) (SE2606) performs processing to output the generated aroma generation data string packet structure for registration in the aroma generation data string packet structure registration section (BC) (not shown) of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B). This is an operating method for causing an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E), which is a computer, to execute such a series of processes.

[0316] <Embodiment 11: Description of Hardware> The hardware configuration of an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) in this embodiment 11 based on the embodiment 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0317] Fig. 27 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a data string packet structure generating device (E) for aroma generation in this embodiment 11 based on embodiment 10. As shown in this diagram, the data string packet structure generating device (E) for aroma generation in this embodiment 11 includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" that performs various arithmetic processing, a "chipset", a "main memory", a "non-volatile memory" that stores various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller", "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.", "BIOS (UEFI)", "PCI Express slot", "real-time clock", and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These are then interconnected by a data communication path such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0318] The various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are expanded into the main memory when the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) is started, and upon receiving an execution command, the CPU sequentially executes the programs to perform calculations using the data.

[0319] When the aroma generation data string packet structure generator (E) is started, the various programs and data (information) stored in the "non-volatile memory" are read, expanded, and stored in the "main memory," which also provides a work area for those programs. By receiving execution commands, the "CPU" sequentially executes the programs using the data to perform calculations. Note that multiple addresses are assigned to this "main memory" and "non-volatile memory," and the programs executed by the "CPU" can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing those addresses.

[0320] In this embodiment 11, the programs stored in the "main memory" are a control information input program (ea), a control information holding program (eb), a control information editing program (ec), an aroma generation data string packet structure generation program (ed), an aroma generation data string packet structure output program (ee), and a user identification information holding program (ef). The "main memory" and "non-volatile memory" also store control information, aroma generation data string packet structure, user identification information, etc.

[0321] The "CPU" performs the following processes: A user identification information holding program (ef) stored in the "main memory" is executed to hold user identification information, which is information for identifying a user. A control information input program (ea) stored in the "main memory" is executed to input control information to the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A). The control information holding program (eb) stored in the "main memory" is executed to hold the control information. A control information editing program (ec) stored in the "main memory" is executed to edit the held control information. An aroma generating data string packet structure generating program (ed) stored in the "main memory" is executed to generate an aroma generating data string packet structure based on the held control information. An aroma generation data string packet structure output program (ee) stored in the "main memory" is executed, and the generated aroma generation data string packet structure is output via a network via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." in order to be registered in the aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit (BC) of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B).

[0322] With the configuration of the eleventh embodiment based on the tenth embodiment, the aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) can hold user identification information that identifies a user.

[0323] <Overview of embodiment 12> Mainly claims 12, 24, and 36 The aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) of embodiment 12, which is based on embodiment 11, is configured to obtain usage authority information in association with user identification information, and to control the usage of one or more of the control information editing unit (EC), the aroma generation data string packet structure generating unit (ED), and the aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (EE) based on the usage authority information.

[0324] <Embodiment 12: Functional Configuration> 28 shows a functional block diagram of an aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E) of embodiment 12 based on embodiment 11. The aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E) (2860) of embodiment 12 is configured to further include a usage authority information acquisition unit (EG) (2867) and a usage control unit (EH) (2868) in addition to the configuration of embodiment 11. Since everything other than the usage authority information acquisition unit (EG) (2867) and the usage control unit (EH) (2868) is the same as embodiment 11, only the usage authority information acquisition unit (EG) (2867) and the usage control unit (EH) (2868) will be explained.

[0325] <Description of the Configuration of the Twelfth Embodiment> <Embodiment 12: Usage authority information acquisition unit (EG) (2867)> The usage authority information acquisition unit (EG) (2867) is configured to acquire usage authority information, which is information regarding the usage authority of the aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E) of a user identified by the user identification information, in association with the user identification information.

[0326] <Embodiment 12: Usage authority information acquisition unit (EG): Usage authority information> "Usage authority information" is information indicating the authority for a user to use the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E). As described later, the usage control unit (EH) of the device (E) in particular controls the use of one or more of the control information editing unit (EC), aroma generation data string packet structure generating unit (ED), and aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (EE) based on the usage authority information.

[0327] <Embodiment 12: Usage authority information acquisition unit (EG): Usage authority information: Information usage control> The control of use based on the use authority information may be configured such that, for example, when a user acquires the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) (for a fee or free of charge), the user is granted a certain number of use rights to generate aroma generation data string packet structures (controlling so that the use cannot exceed the certain number of times), or after the certain number of times, the user can purchase a limited number of use rights based on a fee (controlling so that the use cannot be used unless purchased), or the user can obtain a use right to generate aroma generation data string packet structures a certain number of times in a certain period by periodically paying a certain amount to the manager of the aroma management system (time-limited use rights with a limited number of times), or the user can pay a certain amount (e.g., a membership fee) to the manager of the aroma management system to obtain a use right with no limit on the number of times for generating aroma generation data string packet structures. In addition, it may be configured such that, for example, by paying a certain amount per month (the period can be set appropriately, such as weekly, half a year, or quarterly), the user can obtain a use right with an unlimited number of times for generation, or by paying a certain amount for the next period during the period during which the use rights are valid, the use rights can be obtained continuously.

[0328] An example of control based on usage authority information is control in which the control information editing unit (EC) can be used, but the aroma generation data string packet structure generating unit (ED) and aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (EE) cannot be used, so that control information can be edited or created and output only to the diffuser device (A) used by the user, but generation and output of aroma generation data string packet structures for output via a network is not possible. Another example is control to allow or disallow the use of one or more of the control information editing unit (EC), the aroma generation data string packet structure generating unit (ED), and the aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (EE).

[0329] The usage authority information can also be configured to control the editing authority for a specific aroma generation data string packet structure. The usage authority information associated with the user identification information can be configured so that if it matches the information defining the editing authority contained in the aroma attribute information of the aroma generation data string packet structure, editing is possible, but if it does not match, editing is not possible and it can only be used.

[0330] <Embodiment 12: Usage authority information acquisition unit (EG): Usage authority information: Usage control of device / system> The "authority information" can be configured to be used not only to control the use of the functions constituting the aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E), but also to control access to the diffuser device (A) and the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) and the use of the functions constituting the device. For example, it controls the use of the aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (BB) for outputting the aroma generation data string packet structure held in the aroma generation data string packet structure holding unit (BA) of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) to the diffuser device (A) used by the user via a network. In the case where the aroma type identification information or aroma attribute information contained in the aroma generation data string packet structure contains information regarding the authority to use the data string structure (or control information), for example, only users with the appropriate authority are permitted to obtain and use the aroma generation data string packet structure.

[0331] The control of the use of the aroma generation data string packet structure based on the usage authority can be achieved, for example, by using the usage authority information associated with the user identification information that identifies the user as key information so that the control information, aroma type identification information, etc. can be extracted from the aroma generation data string packet structure. The usage authority information may be used as a password for opening, or the usage authority information may be used as one side of a tally.

[0332] <Embodiment 12: Usage control unit (EH) (2868)> The "usage control unit (EH)" (2868) is configured to control the usage of one or more of the control information editing unit (EC), aroma generation data string packet structure generation unit (ED), and aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (EE) based on the acquired usage authority information.

[0333] The above-mentioned "control of use" refers to the execution of a distinction based on the user's usage authority information as to whether a user who uses the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) is permitted to perform a process such as creating or editing control information for the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A), generating an aroma generation data string packet structure based on the created or edited control information, and outputting the data string packet structure for registration in the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) and performing the process, or not permitting the user to perform the process. In particular, when a user is not permitted to use the device and the process is not performed, it is preferable to configure the device to notify the user of this. The notification may be a simple error sound or an error lamp turning on (or blinking), or, if the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) is equipped with a display, an error message may be displayed.

[0334] Even when a user is permitted to use the device, if the usage authority has a limit on the number of times it can be used, it is preferable to display the remaining number of times it has been used. The number of times the usage authority allows is preferably reduced by "1" when one aroma generation data string packet structure is output to the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B). When two aroma generation data string packet structures are output together in one go, the number of times it can be used is reduced by two. The number of times it can be reduced not only when it is output, but also when it is generated. For example, this may be the case when a user who has created or edited the control information is using an aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E) that is configured to be able to output to an aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E) or diffuser device (A) used by another user, rather than to the server device (B).

[0335] <Processing flow of embodiment 12> Fig. 29 is a flowchart of the operation process of the aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E), which is a computer of embodiment 12. As shown in this figure, the operation method of the aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E), which is a computer of embodiment 12, includes a user identification information holding step (ef) (SE2901), a usage authority information acquisition step (eg) (SE2902), a usage control step (eh) (SE2903), a control information input step (ea) (SE2904), a control information holding step (eb) (SE2905), a control information editing step (ec) (SE2906), an aroma generation data string packet structure generation step (ed) (SE2907), and an aroma generation data string packet structure output step (ee) (SE2908).

[0336] The operation method of the aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E), which is a computer, is as follows: A user identification information retaining step (ef) (SE2901) performs a process of retaining user identification information for identifying a user, The usage authority information acquisition step (eg) (SE2902) performs a process of acquiring usage authority information, which is information regarding the usage authority of the aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E) of the user identified by the user identification information, in association with the user identification information, A usage control step (eh) (SE2903) performs processing for controlling the usage of one or more of a control information editing step (ec) (SE2906), an aroma generation data string packet structure generating step (ed) (SE2907), and an aroma generation data string packet structure output step (ee) (SE2908), which will be described later, based on the acquired usage authority information; The control information input step (ea) (SE2904) performs processing to input control information to an external spray control unit (AC) (not shown) of the diffuser device (A), A control information holding step (eb) (SE2905) performs a process of holding the control information, A control information editing step (ec) (SE2906) edits the held control information if the use is permitted based on the use authority information, and skips the process if the use is not permitted. The aroma generation data string packet structure generating step (ed) (SE2907) performs processing to generate an aroma generation data string packet structure based on the control information stored if the aroma generation data is available based on the usage authority information, and skips the processing if the aroma generation data is unavailable. The aroma generation data string packet structure output step (ee) (SE2908) performs processing to output the generated aroma generation data string packet structure for registration in the aroma generation data string packet structure registration section (BC) (not shown) of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) if it is usable based on the usage authority information, and skips the processing if it is not usable. This is an operating method for causing an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E), which is a computer, to execute such a series of processes.

[0337] <Embodiment 12: Description of Hardware> The hardware configuration of an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) in this embodiment 12 based on the embodiment 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0338] Fig. 30 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a data string packet structure generating device (E) for aroma generation in this embodiment 12 based on embodiment 11. As shown in this figure, the data string packet structure generating device (E) for aroma generation in this embodiment 12 includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" that performs various arithmetic processing, a "chipset", a "main memory", a "non-volatile memory" that stores various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller", "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.", "BIOS (UEFI)", "PCI Express slot", "real-time clock", and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These are then interconnected by a data communication path such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0339] The various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are expanded into the main memory when the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) is started, and upon receiving an execution command, the CPU sequentially executes the programs to perform calculations using the data.

[0340] When the aroma generation data string packet structure generator (E) is started, the various programs and data (information) stored in the "non-volatile memory" are read, expanded, and stored in the "main memory," which also provides a work area for those programs. By receiving execution commands, the "CPU" sequentially executes the programs using the data to perform calculations. Note that multiple addresses are assigned to this "main memory" and "non-volatile memory," and the programs executed by the "CPU" can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing those addresses.

[0341] In this embodiment 12, the programs stored in the "main memory" are a control information input program (ea), a control information holding program (eb), a control information editing program (ec), an aroma generation data string packet structure generation program (ed), an aroma generation data string packet structure output program (ee), a user identification information holding program (ef), a usage authority information acquisition program (eg), and a usage control program (eh). In addition, the "main memory" and "non-volatile memory" store control information, aroma generation data string packet structure, user identification information, usage authority information, etc.

[0342] The "CPU" performs the following processes: A user identification information holding program (ef) stored in the "main memory" is executed to hold user identification information, which is information for identifying a user. The usage authority information acquisition program (eg) stored in the "main memory" is executed to acquire usage authority information, which is information regarding the usage authority of the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) of the user identified by the user identification information, in association with the user identification information. The usage control program (eh) stored in the "main memory" is executed to control the usage of one or more of the control information editing program (ec), the aroma generation data string packet structure generation program (ed), and the aroma generation data string packet structure output program (ee), which will be described later, based on the acquired usage authority information. A control information input program (ea) stored in the "main memory" is executed to input control information to the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A). The control information holding program (eb) stored in the "main memory" is executed to hold the control information. If the use is permitted based on the use authority information, a control information editing program (ec) stored in the "main memory" is executed to edit the held control information. If use is permitted based on the usage authority information, an aroma generation data string packet structure generation program (ed) stored in the "main memory" is executed to generate an aroma generation data string packet structure based on the retained control information. If use is permitted based on the usage authority information, the aroma generation data string packet structure output program (ee) stored in the "main memory" is executed, and the generated aroma generation data string packet structure is output via the network via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." in order to be registered in the aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit (BC) of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B).

[0343] With the configuration of the 12th embodiment based on the 11th embodiment, the aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) can be used only by those who have the usage authority.

[0344] <Overview of embodiment 13> Mainly claims 13, 25, and 37 The aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) of embodiment 13 based on any one of embodiments 10 to 12 is configured to obtain a data string packet structure for aroma generation via a network, transfer it to the diffuser device (A), accept an evaluation of the aroma generation data string packet structure related to the aroma generated by the diffuser device (A), and output the evaluation via the network.

[0345] <Functional configuration of embodiment 13> 31 shows a functional block diagram of an aroma generation data string packet structure generator (E) of embodiment 13 based on embodiment 10. The aroma generation data string packet structure generator (E) (3160) of embodiment 13 is configured to further include an aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition unit (EJ) (3169), a transfer unit (EK) (3170), an evaluation input receiving unit (EL) (3171), and an evaluation output unit (EM) (3172) in addition to the configuration of embodiment 10. Since the components other than the aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition unit (EJ) (3169), the transfer unit (EK) (3170), the evaluation input reception unit (EL) (3171), and the evaluation output unit (EM) (3172) are the same as those in the tenth embodiment, only the aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition unit (EJ) (3169), the transfer unit (EK) (3170), the evaluation input reception unit (EL) (3171), and the evaluation output unit (EM) (3172) will be described below. The same effects can be obtained even if either the eleventh or twelfth embodiment is used as a base.

[0346] <Description of the configuration of embodiment 13> <Embodiment 13: Aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition unit (EJ) (3169)> The 'aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition unit (EJ)' (3169) is configured to acquire the aroma generation data string packet structure via the network.

[0347] An aroma generation data string packet structure stored in an aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) or an aroma generation data string packet structure output from an aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) used by another user is acquired via a network. An aroma generation data string packet structure prepared by another user or the administrator of this system (created or edited by the administrator himself or by another person commissioned by the administrator) is acquired, rather than an aroma generation data string packet structure based on control information created or edited by one user himself.

[0348] Since there are limitations in terms of quantity, quality, and field for a single user to create or edit control information, it is beneficial for the user to obtain a data string packet structure for aroma generation based on control information created or edited by another person who may have a different sensibility from the user's own.

[0349] <Embodiment 13: Transfer Unit (EK) (3170)> The "transfer unit (EK)" (3170) is configured to transfer the aroma generation data string packet structure acquired via the network to the diffuser device (A).

[0350] The aroma generating data string packet structure acquired via the network is transferred to the diffuser device (A), which actually generates the aroma and allows the user to experience the aroma. The user who has experienced the aroma has some impression or opinion about the aroma he or she smelled. For example, impressions or opinions may include "I really liked this aroma and would like to experience it again and again," "This aroma was not outstanding but just average," "I don't want to experience this aroma again," "I wish this aroma was a little more refreshing," etc. By having such impressions and opinions, the user evaluates the aroma that he or she has acquired and generated.

[0351] <Embodiment 13: Evaluation Input Receiving Unit (EL) (3171)> The 'evaluation input receiving unit (EL)' (3171) is configured to receive an input of an evaluation regarding the aroma generation data string packet structure transferred to the diffuser device (A).

[0352] The system accepts evaluations of the aromas generated by the diffuser device (A) that are acquired by users via a network and transferred to the diffuser device (A). When receiving the evaluations, it is preferable to associate the evaluations with the aroma type identification information stored in the aroma generation data string packet structure or in the aroma type identification information storage area of ​​the aroma generation data string packet structure.

[0353] The evaluation may be free-form text such as impressions or opinions as described above, evaluation by ABCDE, star numbers, or points, or a combination of free-form text and evaluation by ABCDE, star numbers, or points. By viewing the evaluation by a user who has experienced an aroma, other users who have not yet experienced the aroma can use it as a reference when deciding whether to obtain and experience the aroma, or whether they do not wish to obtain it.

[0354] <Embodiment 13: Evaluation output unit (EM) (3172)> The evaluation output unit (EM) (3172) is configured to output the received evaluation via the network.

[0355] The received evaluation is output via a network. The output evaluation can be configured to be stored, for example, in the aroma generation data string packet structure storage unit (BA) of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) in association with the aroma type identification information stored in the aroma generation data string packet structure or the aroma type identification information storage area of ​​the aroma generation data string packet structure. For this purpose, it is preferable that the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) is configured to have an evaluation acquisition unit that acquires evaluations via the network, and an evaluation registration unit that associates the evaluation acquired via the network with the aroma type identification information stored in the aroma generation data string packet structure or the aroma type identification information storage area of ​​the aroma generation data string packet structure, and registers the evaluation in the aroma generation data string packet structure storage unit (BA). Alternatively, it may be configured to have an evaluation storage unit that stores the evaluation.

[0356] For example, a competition can be held in which users submit their own control information as an aroma generation data string packet structure for other users to evaluate and vote for, or an event can be held in which users vote for one or more aroma generation data string packet structures prepared by the administrator.In such cases, instead of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) that is normally used, a separate aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) for the competition or event can be installed and used to hold the relevant aroma generation data string packet structures and their evaluations.

[0357] The "rating" may be stored in the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) in association with the aroma type identification information stored in the aroma type identification information storage area of ​​the aroma generation data string packet structure or the corresponding aroma generation data string packet structure, but instead may be configured to have a dedicated server device that stores only the rating. In that case, the rating is stored in association with the corresponding aroma type identification information.

[0358] <Embodiment 10 Aroma Management System: Application: Evaluation> FIG. 54 shows an example of a screen in which an evaluation is to be registered in an aroma generation data string packet structure using an aroma management system application that runs on a smartphone used by a user. In FIG. 54, user Takuya Sato is evaluating an aroma with a recipe name of Pop-up Mint. The upper half of the screen is an explanation of the target aroma, and the lower half is Mr. Sato's evaluation. When evaluating, the evaluation can be written in free form as text and a score can be assigned. It is also possible to enter only a score without entering a text. However, it is preferable to make the assignment of a score mandatory. This is because text alone makes it ambiguous as to whether something is good or bad, and even if it is good or bad, the degree of the degree varies depending on the reader, making it unclear and not objective.

[0359] <Embodiment 10 Aroma Management System: App: Evaluation: Name> In the rating registration example of Fig. 54, Mr. Sato Takuya's membership number (user identification information) and nickname are displayed as the evaluator. When a rating is registered, the nickname or the nickname and membership number can be configured to be made public to other users as the evaluator. Although a configuration can be adopted in which the user who registers the rating is anonymous, a configuration in which the user who registers the rating is non-anonymous, as in the embodiment described below, is preferable. This is because it is believed that the credibility of the registered rating can be maintained without the user intentionally raising or lowering the rating.

[0360] <Processing flow of embodiment 13> Fig. 32 is a flow chart of the operation process of the data string packet structure generating device (E) for aroma generation, which is a computer of embodiment 13 based on embodiment 10. As shown in this figure, the operation method of the data string packet structure generating device (E) for aroma generation, which is a computer of embodiment 13, includes a control information input step (ea) (SE3201), a control information holding step (eb) (SE3202), a control information editing step (ec) (SE3203), a data string packet structure generating step (ed) for aroma generation (SE3204), a data string packet structure output step (ee) for aroma generation (SE3205), a data string packet structure for aroma generation via the net acquisition step (ej) (SE3206), a transfer step (ek) (SE3207), an evaluation input receiving step (el) (SE3208), and an evaluation output step (em) (SE3209). The same effects can be obtained based on either embodiment 11 or 12.

[0361] The operation method of the aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E), which is a computer, is as follows: The control information input step (ea) (SE3201) performs a process of inputting control information to an external spray control unit (AC) (not shown) of the diffuser device (A), A control information holding step (eb) (SE3202) performs a process of holding the control information, A control information editing step (ec) (SE3203) edits the held control information, The aroma generation data stream packet structure generating step (ed) (SE3204) performs processing to generate an aroma generation data stream packet structure based on the stored control information, An aroma generation data string packet structure output step (ee) (SE3205) performs processing to output the generated aroma generation data string packet structure for registration in an aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit (BC) (not shown) of an aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B), The aroma generation data stream packet structure via network acquisition step (ej) (SE3206) performs a process of acquiring an aroma generation data stream packet structure via a network, The sending step (ek) (SE3207) transfers the aroma generating data string packet structure acquired via the network to the diffuser device (A) (not shown), The value input reception step (el) (SE3208) receives an input of an evaluation of the transferred aroma generation data string packet structure, The value output step (em) (SE3209) performs processing to output the received evaluation via the network. This is an operating method for causing an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E), which is a computer, to execute a series of processes as described above.

[0362] <Embodiment 13: Description of Hardware> The hardware configuration of an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) in this embodiment 13 based on embodiment 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 33. The same effects can be obtained by using either embodiment 11 or 12 as a base.

[0363] Fig. 33 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a data string packet structure generating device (E) for aroma generation in this embodiment 13 based on embodiment 10. As shown in this diagram, the data string packet structure generating device (E) for aroma generation in this embodiment 13 includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" that performs various arithmetic processing, a "chipset", a "main memory", a "non-volatile memory" that stores various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller", "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.", "BIOS (UEFI)", "PCI Express slot", "real-time clock", and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These are then interconnected by a data communication path such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0364] The various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are expanded into the main memory when the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) is started, and upon receiving an execution command, the CPU sequentially executes the programs to perform calculations using the data.

[0365] When the aroma generation data string packet structure generator (E) is started, the various programs and data (information) stored in the "non-volatile memory" are read, expanded, and stored in the "main memory," which also provides a work area for those programs. By receiving execution commands, the "CPU" sequentially executes the programs using the data to perform calculations. Note that multiple addresses are assigned to this "main memory" and "non-volatile memory," and the programs executed by the "CPU" can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing those addresses.

[0366] In this embodiment 13, the programs stored in the "main memory" are a control information input program (ea), a control information holding program (eb), a control information editing program (ec), an aroma generation data string packet structure generation program (ed), an aroma generation data string packet structure output program (ee), an aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition program (ej), a transfer program (ek), an evaluation input reception program (el), and an evaluation output program (em). Also, the "main memory" and "non-volatile memory" store control information, aroma generation data string packet structures, evaluations, etc.

[0367] The "CPU" performs the following processes: A control information input program (ea) stored in the main memory is executed to input control information to the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A). The control information holding program (eb) stored in the "main memory" is executed to hold the control information. A control information editing program (ec) stored in the "main memory" is executed to edit the held control information. An aroma generating data string packet structure generating program (ed) stored in the "main memory" is executed to generate an aroma generating data string packet structure based on the held control information. An aroma generation data string packet structure output program (ee) stored in the "main memory" is executed, and the generated aroma generation data string packet structure is output via a network via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." in order to be registered in the aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit (BC) of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B). An aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition program (ej) stored in the "main memory" is executed to acquire the aroma generation data string packet structure via the network from "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." A transfer program (ek) stored in the "main memory" is executed to transfer the aroma generating data string packet structure acquired via the network to the diffuser device (A). An evaluation input reception program (el) stored in the "main memory" is executed to receive input of an evaluation regarding the transferred aroma generation data string packet structure. The evaluation output program (em) stored in the "main memory" is executed, and the received evaluation is output via the network via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc."

[0368] According to the configuration of the present embodiment 13 based on any one of embodiments 10 to 12, the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) can output an evaluation of the aroma generation data string packet structure obtained via the network.

[0369] <Overview of embodiment 14> Mainly claims 14, 26, and 38 The aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) of embodiment 14 based on embodiment 13 is configured to have a non-anonymous evaluation output means (EN) in the evaluation output section (EM) that outputs the evaluation in association with user identification information.

[0370] <Functional Configuration of Embodiment 14> 34 shows a functional block diagram of a data string packet structure generating device for aroma generation (E) of embodiment 14 based on embodiment 13. The data string packet structure generating device for aroma generation (E) (3460) of embodiment 14 is configured to further include non-anonymous evaluation output means (EN) (3473) in the evaluation output unit (EM) (3472) in addition to the configuration of embodiment 13. Since everything except the non-anonymous evaluation output means (EN) (3473) is the same as embodiment 10, only the non-anonymous evaluation output means (EN) (3473) will be explained.

[0371] <Description of the configuration of embodiment 14> <Embodiment 14: Non-anonymous evaluation output means (EN) (3473)> The non-anonymous evaluation output means (EN) (3473) is configured in the evaluation output unit (EM) (3472) so as to output the evaluation in association with the user identification information.

[0372] When a user attempts to output, via a network, an evaluation of an aroma generation data string packet structure that was obtained via a network and created or edited by a person other than the user, the evaluation is not made anonymous but is output in association with the user identification information (see FIG. 54). With this configuration, when a user posts an evaluation, it is similar to a situation where an anonymous post is made, so that the user can be expected to output the evaluation responsibly. Furthermore, if the evaluation output is made anonymous, there is a risk that, hiding behind the cloak of anonymity, a person may intentionally give an extremely low evaluation to an aroma generation data string packet structure created or edited by another person, or conversely, intentionally give an extremely high evaluation. These actions are carried out with the purpose of denigrating the user who created or edited the structure by giving a low evaluation, or of inducing profits by giving a high evaluation. Such a situation can be prevented.

[0373] <Processing flow of embodiment 14> FIG. 35 is a flowchart of the operation process of the aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E), which is a computer of the fourteenth embodiment based on the thirteenth embodiment. As shown in this figure, the operating method of the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E), which is the computer of embodiment 14, includes a control information input step (ea) (SE3501), a control information holding step (eb) (SE3502), a control information editing step (ec) (SE3503), an aroma generation data string packet structure generating step (ed) (SE3504), an aroma generation data string packet structure output step (ee) (SE3505), an aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition step (ej) (SE3506), a transfer step (ek) (SE3507), an evaluation input receiving step (el) (SE3508), a non-anonymous evaluation output sub-step (en) (SE3509) within the evaluation output step (em), and an evaluation output step (em) (SE3510).

[0374] The operation method of the aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E), which is a computer, is as follows: The control information input step (ea) (SE3501) performs a process of inputting control information to an external spray control unit (AC) (not shown) of the diffuser device (A), A control information holding step (eb) (SE3502) performs a process of holding the control information, A control information editing step (ec) (SE3503) performs a process of editing the held control information, An aroma generation data string packet structure generating step (ed) (SE3504) performs processing to generate an aroma generation data string packet structure based on the stored control information, An aroma generation data string packet structure output step (ee) (SE3505) performs processing to output the generated aroma generation data string packet structure for registration in an aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit (BC) (not shown) of an aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B), The aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition step (ej) (SE3506) performs a process of acquiring an aroma generation data string packet structure via a network, The transfer step (ek) (SE3507) transfers the aroma generation data string packet structure acquired via the network to the diffuser device (A), The evaluation input receiving step (el) (SE3508) receives an input of an evaluation regarding the transferred aroma generation data string packet structure, A non-anonymous evaluation output sub-step (en) (SE3510) in the evaluation output step (em) (SE3509) performs processing to output the evaluation in association with user identification information. The evaluation output step (em) (SE3509) performs processing to output the evaluation via a network. This is an operating method for causing an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E), which is a computer, to execute such a series of processes.

[0375] <Embodiment 14: Description of Hardware> The hardware configuration of an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) in this embodiment 14, which is based on the embodiment 14, will be described with reference to FIG.

[0376] Fig. 36 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a data string packet structure generating device (E) for aroma generation in this embodiment 14 based on embodiment 13. As shown in this diagram, the data string packet structure generating device (E) for aroma generation in this embodiment 14 includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" that performs various arithmetic processing, a "chipset", a "main memory", a "non-volatile memory" that stores various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller", "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.", "BIOS (UEFI)", "PCI Express slot", "real-time clock", and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These are then interconnected by a data communication path such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0377] The various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are expanded into the main memory when the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) is started, and upon receiving an execution command, the CPU sequentially executes the programs to perform calculations using the data.

[0378] When the aroma generation data string packet structure generator (E) is started, the various programs and data (information) stored in the "non-volatile memory" are read, expanded, and stored in the "main memory," which also provides a work area for those programs. By receiving execution commands, the "CPU" sequentially executes the programs using the data to perform calculations. Note that multiple addresses are assigned to this "main memory" and "non-volatile memory," and the programs executed by the "CPU" can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing those addresses.

[0379] In this embodiment 14, the programs stored in the "main memory" are a control information input program (ea), a control information holding program (eb), a control information editing program (ec), an aroma generation data string packet structure generation program (ed), an aroma generation data string packet structure output program (ee), an aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition program (ej), a transfer program (ek), an evaluation input acceptance program (el), an evaluation output program (em), and a non-anonymous evaluation output sub-program (en). Also, the "main memory" and "non-volatile memory" store control information, aroma generation data string packet structures, evaluations, etc.

[0380] The "CPU" performs the following processes: A control information input program (ea) stored in the "main memory" is executed to input control information to the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A). The control information holding program (eb) stored in the "main memory" is executed to hold the control information. A control information editing program (ec) stored in the "main memory" is executed to edit the held control information. An aroma generating data string packet structure generating program (ed) stored in the "main memory" is executed to generate an aroma generating data string packet structure based on the held control information. An aroma generation data string packet structure output program (ee) stored in the "main memory" is executed, and the generated aroma generation data string packet structure is output via a network via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." in order to be registered in the aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit (BC) of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B). An aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition program (ej) stored in the "main memory" is executed to acquire the aroma generation data string packet structure via the network from "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." A transfer program (ek) stored in the "main memory" is executed to transfer the aroma generating data string packet structure acquired via the network to the diffuser device (A). An evaluation input reception program (el) stored in the "main memory" is executed to receive input of an evaluation regarding the transferred aroma generation data string packet structure. A non-anonymous evaluation output sub-program (en) in an evaluation output program (em) stored in the "main memory" is executed to output the evaluation in association with the user identification information. The evaluation output program (em) stored in the "main memory" is executed, and the evaluation is output via the network through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc."

[0381] With the configuration of the present embodiment 14 based on embodiment 13, the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) can associate the evaluation of the aroma generation data string packet structure obtained via the network with user identification information and output it via the network as a non-anonymous evaluation.

[0382] <Overview of embodiment 15> Mainly claims 15, 27, and 39 The aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) of embodiment 15 based on either embodiment 13 or 14 is further configured to have an evaluation acquisition unit (EO) that acquires an evaluation of the aroma generating data string packet structure acquired via a network.

[0383] <Functional configuration of embodiment 15> 37 shows a functional block diagram of an aroma generation data string packet structure generator (E) of embodiment 15 based on embodiment 13. The aroma generation data string packet structure generator (E) (3760) of embodiment 15 is configured to further include an evaluation acquisition unit (EO) (3774) in addition to the configuration of embodiment 13. Since everything except the evaluation acquisition unit (EO) (3774) is the same as embodiment 10, only the evaluation acquisition unit (EO) (3774) will be explained. Note that the same effect can be obtained even if embodiment 14 is used as a base.

[0384] <Description of the configuration of embodiment 15> <Embodiment 15: Evaluation Acquisition Unit (EO) (3774)> The evaluation acquisition unit (EO) (3774) is configured to acquire an evaluation of the aroma generation data string packet structure acquired via the network.

[0385] By acquiring and viewing the evaluations stored in the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) or another server device via the network, the user can use the evaluations as a basis for deciding whether or not to acquire the aroma generation data string packet structure that is the subject of the evaluation. This is because, for users who are considering purchasing an aroma generation data string packet structure through an EC site or the like, other people's evaluations of the aroma before acquiring it are very helpful.

[0386] <Embodiment 15 Evaluation: Verification of Information> In this embodiment, the evaluations acquired via the network are not limited to evaluations made by other users, but may be evaluations made by the administrator of this system on the target aroma generation data string packet structure. Alternatively, the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B) may further include an aroma generation data string packet structure evaluation rule storage unit that stores aroma generation data string packet structure evaluation rules, which are rules for evaluating aroma generation data string packet structures, an aroma generation data string packet structure verification unit that acquires the results of verifying whether various information included in the aroma generation data string packet structure is appropriate based on the rules, and an aroma generation data string packet structure evaluation result output unit that outputs the verification result in association with aroma type identification information as an evaluation of the verified aroma generation data string packet structure, thereby verifying whether the aroma generation data string packet structure to be registered in this system is appropriate. "Appropriate" here means, for example, that the aroma generated using the included control information does not harm the user (including not only being directly harmful but also not causing discomfort), that it does not harm the devices that make up this system (does not induce malfunctions or contain harmful computer viruses), that it is not a configuration that duplicates information contained in an existing aroma generation data string packet structure, etc. It may be configured to further have an inappropriate aroma information storage unit to verify that it is not inappropriate.

[0387] If the verification result indicates that the information is not appropriate, the corresponding aroma generating data string packet structure is isolated or deleted from the system, and the registered user is notified of this fact.

[0388] <Processing flow of embodiment 15> FIG. 38 is a flowchart of the operation process of the aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E), which is a computer of the fifteenth embodiment based on the thirteenth embodiment. As shown in this figure, the operating method of the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E), which is the computer of embodiment 15, comprises a control information input step (ea) (SE3801), a control information holding step (eb) (SE3802), a control information editing step (ec) (SE3803), an aroma generation data string packet structure generating step (ed) (SE3804), an aroma generation data string packet structure output step (ee) (SE3805), an evaluation acquisition step (eo) (SE3806), an aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition step (ej) (SE3807), a transfer step (ek) (SE3808), an evaluation input acceptance step (el) (SE3809), and an evaluation output step (em) (SE3810). Similar effects can be obtained even if embodiment 14 is used as a base.

[0389] The operation method of the aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E), which is a computer, is as follows: The control information input step (ea) (SE3801) performs processing for inputting control information to an external spray control unit (AC) (not shown) of the diffuser device (A), A control information holding step (eb) (SE3802) performs a process of holding the control information, A control information editing step (ec) (SE3803) performs a process of editing the held control information, An aroma generation data string packet structure generating step (ed) (SE3804) performs processing to generate an aroma generation data string packet structure based on the stored control information, An aroma generation data string packet structure output step (ee) (SE3805) performs processing to output the generated aroma generation data string packet structure for registration in an aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit (BC) (not shown) of an aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B), The evaluation acquisition step (eo) (SE3806) performs a process of acquiring an evaluation of the aroma generation data string packet structure acquired via the network, The aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition step (ej) (SE3807) performs a process of acquiring an aroma generation data string packet structure via a network, The transfer step (ek) (SE3808) transfers the aroma generation data string packet structure acquired via the network to the diffuser device (A), The evaluation input reception step (el) (SE3809) receives an input of an evaluation regarding the transferred aroma generation data string packet structure, The evaluation output step (em) (SE3810) performs processing to output the evaluation via a network. This is an operating method for causing an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E), which is a computer, to execute such a series of processes.

[0390] In the above explanation, an example was given in which evaluation acquisition step (eo) (SE3806) is executed before aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition step (ej) (SE3807), but it may also be configured to be executed at the end after evaluation output step (em) (SE3810). In the above example of the processing flow, after an evaluation of the aroma generation data string packet structure is acquired, the aroma generation data string packet structure is acquired, and the user performs their own evaluation and outputs their own evaluation. If evaluation acquisition step (eo) is executed at the end of the processing flow, an example is given in which no evaluation is acquired, a data string packet structure for aroma generation is acquired, the user's own evaluation is output, and then evaluations from other users are obtained.

[0391] <Embodiment 15 Hardware Description> The hardware configuration of an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) in this embodiment 15 based on embodiment 13 will be described with reference to Fig. 39. Note that the same effect can be obtained even if embodiment 14 is used as a base.

[0392] Fig. 39 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a data string packet structure generating device (E) for aroma generation in this embodiment 15 based on embodiment 13. As shown in this figure, the data string packet structure generating device (E) for aroma generation in this embodiment 15 includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" that performs various arithmetic processing, a "chipset", a "main memory", a "non-volatile memory" that stores various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller", "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.", "BIOS (UEFI)", "PCI Express slot", "real-time clock", and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These are then interconnected by a data communication path such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0393] The various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are expanded into the main memory when the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) is started, and upon receiving an execution command, the CPU sequentially executes the programs to perform calculations using the data.

[0394] When the aroma generation data string packet structure generator (E) is started, the various programs and data (information) stored in the "non-volatile memory" are read, expanded, and stored in the "main memory," which also provides a work area for those programs. By receiving execution commands, the "CPU" sequentially executes the programs using the data to perform calculations. Note that multiple addresses are assigned to this "main memory" and "non-volatile memory," and the programs executed by the "CPU" can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing those addresses.

[0395] In this embodiment 15, the programs stored in the "main memory" are a control information input program (ea), a control information holding program (eb), a control information editing program (ec), an aroma generation data string packet structure generation program (ed), an aroma generation data string packet structure output program (ee), an aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition program (ej), a transfer program (ek), an evaluation input acceptance program (el), an evaluation output program (em), and an evaluation acquisition program (eo). Also, the "main memory" and "non-volatile memory" store control information, aroma generation data string packet structure, evaluations, etc.

[0396] The "CPU" performs the following processes: A control information input program (ea) stored in the "main memory" is executed to input control information to the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A). The control information holding program (eb) stored in the "main memory" is executed to hold the control information. A control information editing program (ec) stored in the "main memory" is executed to edit the held control information. An aroma generating data string packet structure generating program (ed) stored in the "main memory" is executed to generate an aroma generating data string packet structure based on the held control information. An aroma generation data string packet structure output program (ee) stored in the "main memory" is executed, and the generated aroma generation data string packet structure is output via a network via "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." in order to be registered in the aroma generation data string packet structure registration unit (BC) of the aroma generation data string packet structure server device (B). An evaluation acquisition program (eo) stored in the "main memory" is executed to obtain an evaluation of the aroma generation data string packet structure obtained from "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." via the network. An aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition program (ej) stored in the "main memory" is executed to acquire the aroma generation data string packet structure via the network from "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." A transfer program (ek) stored in the "main memory" is executed to transfer the aroma generating data string packet structure acquired via the network to the diffuser device (A). An evaluation input reception program (el) stored in the "main memory" is executed to receive input of an evaluation regarding the transferred aroma generation data string packet structure. A non-anonymous evaluation output sub-program (en) in an evaluation output program (em) stored in the "main memory" is executed to output the evaluation in association with the user identification information. The evaluation output program (em) stored in the "main memory" is executed, and the evaluation is output via the network through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc."

[0397] With the configuration of the present embodiment 15 based on embodiment 13, the aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) can obtain evaluations of the aroma generation data string packet structure by other users via the network.

[0398] <5. Effects> For the aroma management system having the above configuration, by making the aroma generation data string packet structure contain information on the attributes of the data in addition to the data for aroma generation, it is possible to ascertain the authenticity of the aroma generation data. By further including NFT information in the data string, it is also possible to ascertain the number of times the aroma generation data string packet structure has been used and to perform billing, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0399] Aroma generation data stream packet structure···0100 Aroma type identification information storage area: 0101 Aroma attribute information storage area···0102

Claims

1. A control information storage unit (EB) for storing control information; a control information editor (EC) for editing the held control information; an aroma generation data string packet structure generator (ED) for generating an aroma generation data string packet structure based on the stored control information; an aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (EE) for outputting the generated aroma generation data string packet structure; A user identification information storage unit (EF) for storing user identification information for identifying a user; An aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) having the above structure.

2. a usage authority information acquisition unit (EG) for acquiring usage authority information, which is information regarding the usage authority of a user identified by user identification information for the aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E), in association with the user identification information; a usage control unit (EH) for controlling the usage of one or more of the control information editing unit (EC), the aroma generation data string packet structure generating unit (ED), and the aroma generation data string packet structure output unit (EE) based on the acquired usage authority information; 2. The aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The control information includes a set of aroma-generating raw material identification information of the aroma-generating raw material to be used and information on an external spray profile indicating an external spray intensity with respect to time for each aroma-generating raw material.

3. The aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A display screen, displaying the external spray profile for each aroma-generating raw material on the display screen; Editing the control information by accepting modifications to the displayed external spray profile; 4. The aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) according to claim 3.

5. A control information input unit (EA) that inputs control information to an external spray control unit (AC) of a diffuser device (A); and By receiving a predetermined operation, the edited control information or an aroma generation data string packet structure including the edited control information is output to the diffuser device (A), making it possible to confirm the aroma based on the edited control information.

5. The aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) according to claim 4.

6. The aroma generating data string packet structure comprises: Aroma type identification information for identifying the type of aroma to be generated; and aroma attribute information which is information indicating the attributes of the aroma; The aroma attribute information holds aroma use authority information, which is information regarding the authority to use the aroma generation data string packet structure.

3. The aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) according to claim 1 or 2.

7. Controlling a user's use of the aroma generation data string packet structure based on the user identification information for identifying a user and the aroma usage authority information.

7. The aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) according to claim 6.

8. an aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition unit (EJ) for acquiring an aroma generation data string packet structure via a network; A transfer unit (EK) that transfers the aroma generation data string packet structure acquired via the network to the diffuser device (A); an evaluation input receiving unit (EL) for receiving an input of an evaluation regarding the transferred aroma generation data string packet structure; an evaluation output unit (EM) that outputs the received evaluations via a network; 3. The aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

9. 9. The aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) according to claim 8, wherein the evaluation output unit (EM) has a non-anonymous evaluation output means (EN) for outputting the evaluation in association with user identification information.

10. 10. The aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) according to claim 9, further comprising an evaluation acquisition unit (EO) for acquiring an evaluation of the aroma generation data string packet structure acquired via a network.

11. A control information holding step (eb) of holding control information; a control information editing step (ec) of editing the held control information; an aroma generation data string packet structure generating step (ed) for generating an aroma generation data string packet based on the stored control information; an aroma generation data string packet structure output step (ee) for outputting the generated aroma generation data string packet structure; a user identification information retaining step (ef) of retaining user identification information for identifying a user; A method for operating an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) which is a computer having the above-mentioned.

12. a usage authority information acquisition step (eg) of acquiring usage authority information, which is information regarding the usage authority of the aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E) of a user identified by the user identification information, in association with the user identification information; a usage control step (eh) of controlling the usage of one or more of the control information editing step (ec), the aroma generation data string packet structure generating step (ed), and the aroma generation data string packet structure output step (ee) based on the acquired usage authority information; 12. A method for operating an aroma generating data stream packet structure generating device (E) which is a computer according to claim 11, further comprising:

13. The control information includes a set of aroma-generating raw material identification information of the aroma-generating raw materials to be used and information on an external spray profile indicating an external spray intensity with respect to time for each aroma-generating raw material. A method for operating the aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) which is a computer according to claim 11 or 12.

14. A display step of displaying the external spray profile for each aroma-generating raw material on a display screen; A control information editing step (ec) of editing the control information by accepting a correction of the displayed external spray profile; 14. A method for operating an aroma generating data stream packet structure generating device (E) which is a computer according to claim 13, further comprising:

15. A control information input step (ea) of inputting control information to an external spray control step (ac) of the diffuser device (A); a step of outputting the edited control information or an aroma generating data string packet structure including the edited control information to the diffuser device (A) by receiving a predetermined operation; 15. A method for operating an aroma generating data stream packet structure generating device (E) which is a computer according to claim 14, further comprising:

16. The aroma generating data string packet structure comprises: Aroma type identification information for identifying the type of aroma to be generated; and aroma attribute information which is information indicating the attributes of the aroma; The aroma attribute information holds aroma use authority information, which is information regarding the authority to use the aroma generation data string packet structure. A method for operating the aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) which is a computer according to claim 11 or 12.

17. A step of controlling a user's use of the aroma generation data string packet structure based on the user identification information for identifying a user and the aroma usage authority information; 17. A method for operating an aroma generating data stream packet structure generating device (E) which is a computer according to claim 16, further comprising:

18. an aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition step (ej) for acquiring an aroma generation data string packet structure via a network; A transfer step (ek) of transferring the aroma generating data string packet structure acquired via the network to a diffuser device (A); an evaluation input receiving step (el) for receiving an input of an evaluation regarding the transferred aroma generation data string packet structure; an evaluation output step (em) for outputting the received evaluation via a network; 13. A method for operating the aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) which is a computer according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising:

19. 20. A method for operating an aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) which is a computer as described in claim 18, wherein the evaluation output step (em) includes a non-anonymous evaluation output sub-step (en) of outputting the evaluation in association with user identification information.

20. 20. A method for operating an aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E) which is a computer as described in claim 19, further comprising an evaluation acquisition step (eo) of acquiring an evaluation of the aroma generation data string packet structure acquired via a network.

21. A control information holding step (eb) of holding control information; a control information editing step (ec) of editing the held control information; an aroma generation data string packet structure generating step (ed) for generating an aroma generation data string packet based on the stored control information; an aroma generation data string packet structure output step (ee) for outputting the generated aroma generation data string packet structure; a user identification information retaining step (ef) of retaining user identification information for identifying a user; A program for causing an aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E), which is a computer, to execute the above.

22. a usage authority information acquisition step (eg) of acquiring usage authority information, which is information regarding the usage authority of the aroma generation data string packet structure generation device (E) of a user identified by the user identification information, in association with the user identification information; a usage control step (eh) of controlling the usage of one or more of the control information editing step (ec), the aroma generation data string packet structure generating step (ed), and the aroma generation data string packet structure output step (ee) based on the acquired usage authority information; A program for causing an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) which is a computer according to claim 21 to execute the above.

23. The control information includes a set of aroma-generating raw material identification information of the aroma-generating raw materials to be used and information on an external spray profile indicating an external spray intensity with respect to time for each aroma-generating raw material.

23. A program for causing an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) which is a computer according to claim 21 or 22 to execute the program.

24. A display step of displaying the external spray profile for each aroma-generating raw material on a display screen; A control information editing step (ec) of editing the control information by accepting a correction of the displayed external spray profile; A program for causing an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) which is a computer according to claim 23 to execute the above.

25. A control information input step (ea) of inputting control information to an external spray control step (ac) of the diffuser device (A); a step of outputting the edited control information or an aroma generating data string packet structure including the edited control information to the diffuser device (A) by receiving a predetermined operation; A program for causing an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) which is a computer according to claim 24 to execute the above.

26. The aroma generating data string packet structure comprises: Aroma type identification information for identifying the type of aroma to be generated; and aroma attribute information which is information indicating the attributes of the aroma; The aroma attribute information holds aroma use authority information, which is information regarding the authority to use the aroma generation data string packet structure.

23. A program for causing an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) which is a computer according to claim 21 or 22 to execute the program.

27. ​​A step of controlling a user's use of the aroma generation data string packet structure based on the user identification information for identifying a user and the aroma usage authority information; A program for causing an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) which is a computer according to claim 26 to execute the above.

28. an aroma generation data string packet structure via network acquisition step (ej) for acquiring an aroma generation data string packet structure via a network; A transfer step (ek) of transferring the aroma generating data string packet structure acquired via the network to a diffuser device (A); an evaluation input receiving step (el) for receiving an input of an evaluation regarding the transferred aroma generation data string packet structure; an evaluation output step (em) for outputting the received evaluation via a network; A program for causing an aroma generating data string packet structure generating device (E) which is a computer according to claim 21 or 22 to execute the above.

29. The evaluation output step (em) includes a non-anonymous evaluation output sub-step (en) of outputting the evaluation in association with user identification information. A program to be executed by an aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E), which is a computer as described in claim 28.

30. A program for causing an aroma generation data string packet structure generating device (E), which is a computer as described in claim 29, to execute an evaluation acquisition step (eo) of acquiring an evaluation of an aroma generation data string packet structure acquired via a network.

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