Method of acquiring fragrance intensity evaluation parameters

Abstract

To provide a method of acquiring fragrance intensity evaluation parameters, which enables quantitative compassion of fragrance intensity between multiple samples based on volatile substances contained in each sample.SOLUTION: A method of acquiring fragrance intensity evaluation parameters is provided, the method comprising a step S2, or a first step of slicing a sample S, a step S4, or a second step of determining a feature value having a correlation with amounts of volatile substances released from the sliced sample S, and a step S6, or a third step of computing an evaluation parameter by dividing the feature value determined in the step S4 by a value representing the size of a sliced surface Sa1, Sb1 of the sample S.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for obtaining a parameter for evaluating the intensity of a fragrance based on volatile substances contained in a sample.

Background Art

[0002] Fragrance is known to contribute to the taste and quality of food and to affect human nerve activity and mood. As means for analyzing the components and characteristics of fragrance, gas chromatograph devices, gas chromatograph / mass spectrometers, gas sensor devices, etc. are used. By analysis using these devices, the components constituting the fragrance and the characteristics of the fragrance can be identified.

[0003] In order to perform analysis with the above devices, it is necessary to collect volatile substances that are the basis of the fragrance from the sample. As methods for collecting volatile substances, there are methods for directly collecting volatile substances released from the sample to the surroundings, methods for collecting by arranging a carrier that adsorbs volatile substances near the sample, methods for extracting volatile substances in the sample using a solvent, methods for destroying the sample to release the volatile substances contained in the sample, etc.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus for releasing volatile substances by destroying a sample. This apparatus simulates chewing in the oral cavity by crushing and grinding a sample arranged inside a container using a pair of pseudo teeth. By destroying the sample, the volatile substances contained in the sample are released inside the container. These volatile substances are analyzed by gas chromatography.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the amount of volatile substances released from the sample can vary depending on the degree of pulverization and grinding of the sample by the dummy teeth, the size of the sample, etc. For this reason, it has been difficult to quantitatively compare the intensity of the fragrance based on the volatile substances contained in each sample among a plurality of samples using the data obtained by using the apparatus.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a method for obtaining a parameter for evaluating the intensity of a fragrance that enables quantitative comparison of the intensity of the fragrance based on the volatile substances contained in each sample among a plurality of samples.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The present inventors focused on the fact that even for the same sample, the larger the size of the cut surface, the more the release of volatile substances contained in the sample is promoted. The present invention is a method for obtaining a parameter for evaluating the intensity of a fragrance based on the volatile substances contained in a sample, comprising a first step of cutting the sample, a second step of determining a characteristic value having a correlation with the amount of volatile substances released from the cut sample, and a third step of calculating the evaluation parameter by dividing the characteristic value determined in the second step by a value indicating the size of the cut surface of the sample.

[0009] Even when the sizes of the cut surfaces of the respective samples are different and the amount of volatile substances released varies accordingly, according to the above method, it is possible to obtain an evaluation parameter with the influence of the size reduced. As a result, it becomes possible to quantitatively compare the intensity of the fragrance based on the volatile substances contained in each sample among a plurality of samples.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, prior to the first step, there is a preparation step of obtaining a value having a correlation with the amount of volatile substances released from the sample using a measuring instrument, and in the second step, using the measuring instrument, obtaining a value having a correlation with the amount of volatile substances released from the cut sample and determining the difference between the value and the value obtained in the preparation step as the characteristic value.

[0011] According to this method, characteristic values are determined based on the amount of volatile substances increased by cutting the sample. As a result, it becomes possible to quantitatively compare the intensity of the scent based on the volatile substances contained in the sample.

[0012] In the present invention, preferably, in the first step, the sample is cut only once using a blade having a linearly extending cutting edge.

[0013] According to this method, the cut surface of the sample has a shape close to a plane. As a result, for example, compared with the case where the cut surface is curved or has irregularities, it becomes easy to specify the size of the cut surface of the sample, and it becomes possible to quickly obtain evaluation parameters.

[0014] In the present invention, preferably, in the first step, the sample is cut by rotating the blade about a predetermined axis.

[0015] According to this method, it is possible to suppress the vibration of the blade when cutting the sample and make the cut surface of the sample have a shape closer to a plane. As a result, it becomes easy to specify the size of the cut surface of the sample, and it becomes possible to quickly obtain evaluation parameters.

[0016] In the present invention, preferably, in the third step, the characteristic value determined in the second step is divided by the dimension of the cut surface of the sample in the direction in which the cutting edge of the blade extends.

[0017] According to this method, from the cut surface of the sample having a shape close to a plane, the dimension in the direction in which the cutting edge of the blade extends can be easily specified. As a result, it becomes possible to quickly obtain evaluation parameters.

[0018] In the present invention, preferably, in the third step, the characteristic value determined in the second step is divided by the area of the cut surface of the sample.

[0019] According to this method, the evaluation parameter can be based on the shape of the cutting surface not only in the direction in which the cutting edge of the blade extends but also in the direction orthogonal to that direction. As a result, it becomes possible to obtain an evaluation parameter with a reduced influence of the size of the cutting surface.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for obtaining an evaluation parameter for the intensity of a fragrance capable of quantitatively comparing the intensity of the fragrance based on the volatile substances contained in each sample among a plurality of samples.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components in each drawing as much as possible, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0023] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a fragrance measuring device 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "device 1") used in a method for obtaining parameters for evaluating the intensity of fragrance according to an embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "evaluation parameters") will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the device 1, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the container 2 of the device 1. FIG. 2 shows the container 2 from above, showing a state in which the accommodation space 30 described later is open.

[0024] The device 1 is used to obtain evaluation parameters of the sample S. The sample S is an object containing an aromatic volatile substance. When the sample S is broken and the inside of the sample S is exposed, the volatile substance is released into the air from the exposed part, and the fragrance becomes prominent. As the sample S, for example, crude drugs derived from fruits such as cinnamon, mint leaves, sansho peppers, dried tangerine peels, sesame seeds, perilla leaves, and Chinese dates, herbs, bay leaves, coriander, fennel, pepper and other spices derived from fruits, wasabi, chili peppers, perilla, strawberries, citrus fruits, garlic, gummy bears, gums, chocolate, tablets, ice cream, rice, sesame, coffee beans, nuts, mushrooms, meat, fat, tempura, tonkatsu, hamburgers and other foods, plant leaves, stems, roots, flowers, flower petals, fruits, seeds, animal feed, and animal feces can be used.

[0025] <Configuration> The device 1 includes a container 2 and a measuring instrument 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the container 2 has a container body 3 and a lid 4.

[0026] The container body 3 is formed of polypropylene and has a bottom plate 31, side plates 32, and a pair of support plates 33, 33.

[0027] The bottom plate 31 is oval in plan view. A sample placement portion 311 that bulges upward is formed at the center of the bottom plate 31.

[0028] The side plate 32 is provided on the periphery of the upper surface of the bottom plate 31. The side plate 32 extends upward and has a ring shape in a plan view. The upper part of the bottom plate 31 is surrounded by the side plate 32, so that the container body 3 has a storage space 30 with an open upper end.

[0029] The pair of support plates 33, 33 are formed so as to protrude outward from one end of the side plate 32. The pair of support plates 33, 33 face each other with a gap therebetween in the horizontal direction, and each of them has a hole 33a formed therein.

[0030] Tape 8 is placed on the upper surface of sample placement section 311 of bottom plate 31. Tape 8 is strip-shaped and has adhesive sections on both sides. Tape 8 is placed so that the adhesive section on one side faces upward and the adhesive section on the other side adheres to the upper surface of sample placement section 311. In addition, a pair of walls (not shown) may be provided on the upper surface of sample placement section 311, protruding upward and facing each other with tape 8 between them.

[0031] A sealing member 6 is disposed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 31 around the sample placement section 311. The sealing member 6 has an annular shape in a plan view. The sealing member 6 is a member that exhibits a predetermined sealing performance as a whole, and may be, for example, a thick paper, a plurality of thin papers stacked together, or a member using a rubber material.

[0032] The lid body 4 is made of polypropylene, and has a top plate 41, a partition wall 42, and a supported plate 43.

[0033] The top plate 41 has an oval shape in a plan view, and one end thereof is used as a gripping part 411. A partially raised fixing part 412 is formed in the center of one side of the top plate 41, and an opening 41a is formed on the side of the fixing part 412, penetrating the top plate 41 in its thickness direction.

[0034] The partition wall 42 protrudes from one side surface of the top plate 41 and has an annular shape in a front view. The partition wall 42 is disposed at a position outside the opening 41a so as to surround the fixing portion 412 of the top plate 41.

[0035] The supported plate 43 is formed so as to protrude from one side surface of the top plate 41 at a position facing the gripping portion 411 with the center of the top plate 41 interposed therebetween. The thickness of the supported plate 43 is slightly smaller than the width of the gap formed between the pair of support plates 33, 33 of the container body 3. Protrusions (not shown) protruding in opposite directions are formed on both side surfaces of the supported plate 43.

[0036] A blade 5 having a flat plate shape is fixed to the fixing portion 412 of the top plate 41. The blade 5 is formed of, for example, stainless steel. The blade 5 is disposed such that the blade edge 51 extending linearly faces the side opposite to the top plate 41. Further, a plurality of holes 52 penetrating in the thickness direction of the blade 5 are formed in the blade 5. The holes 52 are linearly aligned along the blade edge 51.

[0037] The container 2 is configured by inserting the supported plate 43 of the lid body 4 into the gap formed between the pair of support plates 33, 33 of the container body 3 and disposing the protrusions of the supported plate 43 in the holes 33a, 33a of the support plates 33, 33. The pair of support plates 33, 33 of the container body 3 support the protrusions of the supported plate 43 of the lid body 4 on the inner side surfaces of the holes 33a, 33a. Thereby, the lid body 4 is rotatably supported with respect to the container body 3 in the direction indicated by the arrow A2 in FIG. 2. That is, the container 2 constitutes a hinge portion 21 that rotates the lid body 4 about the axis RA by the pair of support plates 33, 33 and the supported plate 43. The axis RA extends linearly along a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the blade edge 51 of the blade 5 extends.

[0038] The measuring device 7 is a gas sensor that evaluates the relative intensity of the fragrance. Specifically, the measuring device 7 takes in substances contained in the air into the inside of the measuring machine main body 71 through the end portion 72a of the nozzle 72 and is configured to display the concentration of the substances on the display panel 711. The numerical value displayed on the display panel 711 here is an example of the "characteristic value" in the present invention.

[0039] Inside the measuring instrument main body 71, a sensor (not shown) using a semiconductor is disposed. When the operation unit 712 of the measuring instrument 7 is operated, the measuring instrument 7 evaluates the relative intensity of the fragrance based on the change in the electrical resistance value caused by the adhesion of a substance to this sensor. As shown in FIG. 1, the end portion 72a of the nozzle 72 of the measuring instrument 7 is connected to the opening 41a of the container 2. The display panel 711 may continuously display the characteristic values of the fragrance that change over time, or may display only the average value or the maximum value of the characteristic values. Further, the display panel 711 may display a numerical value (for example, the electrical resistance value of the sensor) having a correlation with the concentration of the substance instead of the concentration of the substance. Further, a plurality of sensors may be disposed inside the measuring instrument main body 71, and a plurality of values obtained by each sensor may be displayed on the display panel 711.

[0040] <Method for obtaining evaluation parameters> Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7, a method for obtaining evaluation parameters using the apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the method for obtaining evaluation parameters. FIGS. 4 to 6 are cross-sectional views showing the A-A cross section of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows the container 2 in a state where the upper end of the accommodation space 30 is open, and FIG. 6 shows the container 2 in a state where the lid body 4 shields the upper end of the accommodation space 30. FIG. 5 shows the container 2 during the transition from the state shown in FIG. 4 to the state shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the accommodation space 30, and shows sample pieces Sa and Sb formed by cutting a sample S as will be described later.

[0041] The operator using the apparatus 1 first places the sample S on the sample placement section 311 in step S1 shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the operator places the sample S on the upper surface of the tape 8. As described above, the tape 8 is provided with an adhesive portion on one side surface facing upward. Therefore, the sample S adheres to the upper surface of the tape 8. Since the tape 8 adheres to the upper surface of the sample placement section 311 at the adhesive portion on the other side surface, the sample S is fixed in the accommodation space 30.

[0042] Next, in step S2 shown in FIG. 3, the operator shields the accommodation space 30. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the operator grips the gripping portion 411 of the lid body 4 with fingers and applies a force to the gripping portion 411 to rotate the lid body 4 in the direction indicated by arrow A4. The lid body 4 rotates about the axis RA of the hinge portion 21 and approaches the upper end of the accommodation space 30. As a result, the blade 5 fixed to the lid body 4 also moves while rotating together with the lid body 4 and enters the accommodation space 30.

[0043] When the lid body 4 moves to the vicinity of the upper end of the accommodation space 30, as shown in FIG. 5, the cutting edge 51 of the blade 5 abuts on the upper part of the sample S. In this state, when the operator further applies a force to the gripping portion 411 and rotates the lid body 4 in the direction indicated by arrow A5, the cutting edge 51 generates a shearing force on the upper part of the sample S. As a result, the cutting of the sample S by the blade 5 starts.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, when the operator rotates the lid body 4 until it abuts on the upper end of the container body 3, the upper end of the accommodation space 30 is shielded by the lid body 4. As a result, the accommodation space 30 becomes a closed space. At this time, the lower end of the partition wall 42 of the lid body 4 abuts on the seal member 6. The seal member 6 acts to enhance the airtightness between the lower end of the partition wall 42 by deforming. Due to the approach of the lid body 4, an air flow indicated by arrow A61 is generated in the accommodation space 30.

[0045] Also, the cutting edge 51 of the blade 5 moves to the vicinity of the upper surface of the sample placement portion 311 of the container body 3. As a result, the sample S placed on the sample placement portion 311 is completely cut and divided into a sample piece Sa and a sample piece Sb as shown in FIG. 7. When a pair of wall bodies (not shown) are provided on the upper surface of the sample placement portion 311 as described above, even if the sample pieces Sa and Sb are separated from the tape 8 due to the force received from the blade 5, it is possible to suppress the diffusion of the sample pieces Sa and Sb by the wall bodies. After cutting, volatile substances are released from the cut surface Sa1 of the sample piece Sa and the cut surface Sb1 of the sample piece Sb toward the accommodation space 30.

[0046] Next, the operator connects the measuring instrument 7 (see FIG. 1) to the container 2 in step S3 shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, the operator connects the end 72a of the nozzle 72 of the measuring instrument 7 to the opening 41a of the top plate 41 of the lid body 4.

[0047] Next, the operator measures the concentration of the volatile substance in step S4 shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, the operator operates the operation unit 712 (see FIG. 1) of the measuring instrument 7. Based on this operation, as indicated by the arrow A62 in FIG. 6, the measuring instrument 7 sucks the air in the accommodation space 30 through the end 72a. As a result, the air containing the volatile substance released from the sample pieces Sa and Sb is taken into the inside of the measuring instrument 7, and a predetermined process for measuring the concentration of the volatile substance is executed. The concentration is displayed on the display panel 711 (see FIG. 1).

[0048] Next, the operator obtains the areas of the cut surfaces Sa1 and Sb1 in step S5 shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, the operator opens the accommodation space 30, takes out the sample pieces Sa and Sb from the accommodation space 30, measures the dimensions of the sample pieces Sa and Sb using a scale or the like, and calculates the areas of the cut surfaces Sa1 and Sb1 from the measured values. The areas of the cut surfaces Sa1 and Sb1 can also be estimated from the dimensions of the sample S before being cut. However, considering that the sample S may be compressed and deformed by the blade 5 during cutting, measuring the dimensions of the sample pieces Sa and Sb can obtain a more accurate area of the cut surfaces Sa1 and Sb1.

[0049] Next, the operator calculates the evaluation parameter in step S6 shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, the operator divides the concentration of the volatile substance measured in step S4 by the area of the cut surfaces Sa1 and Sb1 obtained in step S5. As described above, the concentration of the volatile substance is an example of a characteristic value. Therefore, generally speaking, the evaluation parameter is expressed as in the following formula f1.

Equation

[0050] The operator executes steps S1 to S6 for a plurality of samples to obtain evaluation parameters. The evaluation parameters obtained in this way are specific to each sample and are used when quantitatively comparing the intensity of the fragrance of each sample.

[0051] <Effect> Next, the effects based on this embodiment will be described.

[0052] Even when the sizes of the cut surfaces of each sample are different and the amount of volatile substance released changes accordingly, according to the above method, it is possible to obtain evaluation parameters with the influence of the size reduced. As a result, it becomes possible to quantitatively compare the intensity of the fragrance based on the volatile substances contained in each sample among a plurality of samples.

[0053] Also, in step S2, the sample S is cut only once using the blade 5 having the blade edge 51 extending linearly. According to this method, the cut surfaces Sa1 and Sb1 of the sample S will have a shape close to a plane. As a result, for example, compared with the case where the cut surface is curved or has irregularities, it becomes easier to specify the sizes of the cut surfaces Sa1 and Sb1 of the sample S, and it becomes possible to quickly obtain the evaluation parameters.

[0054] Also, in step S2, the sample S is cut by rotating the blade 5 around a predetermined axis RA. According to this method, it is possible to suppress the vibration of the blade 5 when cutting the sample S and make the cut surfaces Sa1 and Sb1 of the sample S have a shape closer to a plane. As a result, it becomes easier to specify the sizes of the cut surfaces Sa1 and Sb1 of the sample S, and it becomes possible to quickly obtain the evaluation parameters.

[0055] Also, in step S6, the concentration of the volatile substance measured in step S4 is divided by the areas of the cut surfaces Sa1 and Sb1 of the sample S. According to this method, the evaluation parameter can be made to take into account the shapes of the cut surfaces Sa1 and Sb1 not only in the direction in which the cutting edge 51 of the blade 5 extends but also in the direction orthogonal to that direction. As a result, it becomes possible to obtain an evaluation parameter with a reduced influence of the size of the cut surfaces Sa1 and Sb1.

[0056] In step S6, instead of the process of dividing the concentration of the volatile substance by the areas of the cut surfaces Sa1 and Sb1 of the sample S, the concentration of the volatile substance may be divided by the length L (see FIG. 7) of the cut surfaces Sa1 and Sb1 in the direction in which the cutting edge 51 of the blade 5 extends. Generalizing this, the evaluation parameter is expressed as in the following formula f2.

Equation

[0057] According to this method, from the cut surfaces Sa1 and Sb1 of the sample S having a shape close to a plane, the length L in the direction in which the cutting edge 51 of the blade 5 extends can be easily specified. As a result, it becomes possible to quickly obtain the evaluation parameter.

[0058] <Specific Example 1 of Obtaining Evaluation Parameter> Next, a specific example of obtaining the evaluation parameter will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the maximum sensor value in obtaining the evaluation parameter for the evaluation of fragrance using the apparatus 1, and FIG. 9 is a table showing the average value and the like of the evaluation parameter.

[0059] In this specific example, three types of citrus peels P1 - P3 were used as the sample S. All of the citrus peels P1 - P3 were torn into multiple pieces with fingers until they became smaller than 2 cm square. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the citrus peel P1 was torn into 8 pieces, the citrus peel P2 was torn into 11 pieces, and the citrus peel P3 was torn into 5 pieces. Further, the citrus peels P1 - P3 were dried over a period of 3 days or more after being torn. Also, as the sensor of the measuring instrument 7, a semiconductor sensor that acquires a value correlated with the concentration of volatile substances is used.

[0060] In this specific example, in step S4 shown in FIG. 3, attention was paid to the maximum sensor value when measured for 60 seconds with a semiconductor sensor. Also, in step S5, instead of the areas of the cut surfaces Sa1, Sb1, the lengths L (see FIG. 7) of the cut surfaces Sa1, Sb1 in the direction in which the cutting edge 51 of the blade 5 extends were measured and acquired with a scale. Further, in step S6, an evaluation parameter was calculated by dividing the maximum sensor value by the length L.

[0061] The results obtained for the citrus peels P1 - P3 were as shown in the graph of FIG. 8. The horizontal axis of the graph shows the lengths of the cut surfaces Sa1, Sb1, and the vertical axis shows the maximum sensor values. The groups of points D1 - D3 correspond to the respective results of the citrus peels P1 - P3. Also, the broken lines C1 - C3 show the approximate straight lines of the groups of points D1 - D3 respectively. From this graph, it can be seen that in the same sample, the larger the length of the cut surface, the greater the tendency for the maximum sensor value to be larger.

[0062] FIG. 9 also shows the average value and standard deviation of the evaluation parameters (sensor maximum value / length of the cut surface) obtained for the citrus peels P1 - P3. When a significance test (Tukey test) was performed on the values of the plurality of evaluation parameters obtained for the citrus peels P1 - P3 at a significance level of 1%, it was shown that the differences between the citrus peels P1 - P3 were statistically significant respectively (p < 0.01). In this case, it was estimated that the intensity of the fragrance was citrus peel P1 > citrus peel P2 > citrus peel P3, indicating the effectiveness of the evaluation parameter.

[0063] <Specific Example 2 of Obtaining Evaluation Parameters> Next, another specific example of obtaining evaluation parameters will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a table showing evaluation parameters and the like.

[0064] In this specific example, samples G1 - G4 collected from the same garlic were used as the sample S. Also, as the measuring instrument 7, a handy monitor OMX - SRM manufactured by Shinei Technology Co., Ltd. was used.

[0065] In this specific example, in order to use the concentration of the volatile substances released by samples G1 - G4 before being cut as a reference, first, the "initial value (A)" was measured. Specifically, the upper end of the accommodation space 30 was shielded by the lid body 4 to such an extent that each sample placed on the sample placement section 311 (see FIG. 2) was not cut by the blade 5, and in this state, the concentration of the volatile substances measured by the measuring instrument 7 was recorded as the "initial value (A)". This process is an example of the "preparation process" in the present invention.

[0066] After measuring the initial value (A), the upper end of the accommodation space 30 was completely shielded by the lid body 4. Then, the maximum value of the concentration of the volatile substances measured by the measuring instrument 7 for each sample cut by the blade 5 was recorded as the "maximum measured value (B)". Further, the "difference intensity (B - A)" obtained by subtracting the initial value (A) from the maximum measured value (B) of each sample was determined as the characteristic value.

[0067] Also, each cut sample was taken out from the accommodation space 30, and the length and height of the cut surface were measured using a scale, and the area of the cut surface was calculated. The area of the cut surface is an approximate value calculated by multiplying the length and height of the cut surface of each sample. Then, by dividing the characteristic value by the area of the cut surface, the evaluation parameter for each sample was calculated.

[0068] The evaluation parameters of samples G1 - G4 calculated in this way were 0.20 - 0.38 as shown in Fig. 10, and the average value was 0.29. This average value may be used to evaluate the intensity of the garlic scent from which samples G1 - G4 were taken. Also, the correlation coefficient between the differential intensity (B - A) and the area of the cut surface was 0.98, confirming a strong correlation.

[0069] According to this method, characteristic values are determined based on the amount of volatile substances increased by cutting the sample. As a result, it becomes possible to quantitatively compare the intensity of the scent based on the volatile substances contained in the sample.

[0070] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. That is, those in which those skilled in the art appropriately make design changes to these specific examples are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. Each element, its arrangement, material, conditions, shape, size, etc. included in each of the above-described specific examples are not limited to those illustrated and can be changed as appropriate.

[0071] For example, in the method for obtaining the above-described evaluation parameters, the measured concentration of the volatile substance is used as a characteristic value having a correlation with the amount of the volatile substance released from the cut sample, but the present invention is not limited to this. As the characteristic value, for example, the value of the concentration of the volatile substance after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of measurement, the time until the value of the measured concentration of the volatile substance reaches a predetermined reference value from the start of measurement, the time change rate of the value of the measured concentration of the volatile substance, the area under the curve obtained by using the value of the measured concentration of the volatile substance as a graph using the time axis, etc. can also be used.

Explanation of Signs

[0072] L: Length (dimension of the cut surface) RA: Axis S: Sample Sa1, Sb1: Cut surface

Claims

1. A method for obtaining a parameter for evaluating the intensity of a fragrance based on volatile substances contained in a sample, comprising: a first step of cutting the sample; a second step of determining a characteristic value having a correlation with the amount of volatile substances released from the cut sample; a third step of calculating an evaluation parameter by dividing the characteristic value determined in the second step by a value indicating the size of the cut surface of the sample. A method for obtaining a parameter for evaluating the intensity of a fragrance.

2. Prior to the first step, a preparation step of obtaining a value having a correlation with the amount of volatile substances released from the sample using a measuring instrument is provided, In the second step, using a measuring instrument, a value having a correlation with the amount of volatile substances released from the cut sample is obtained, and the difference between this value and the value obtained in the preparation step is determined as the characteristic value. The method for obtaining a parameter for evaluating the intensity of a fragrance according to Claim 1.

3. In the first step, the sample is cut only once using a blade having a cutting edge extending linearly. The method for obtaining a parameter for evaluating the intensity of a fragrance according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. In the first step, the sample is cut by rotating the blade about a predetermined axis. The method for obtaining a parameter for evaluating the intensity of a fragrance according to Claim 3.

5. In the third step, the characteristic value determined in the second step is divided by the dimension of the cut surface of the sample in the direction in which the cutting edge of the blade extends. The method for obtaining a parameter for evaluating the intensity of a fragrance according to Claim 3.

6. In the third step, the characteristic value determined in the second step is divided by the area of the cut surface of the sample. The method for obtaining a parameter for evaluating the intensity of a fragrance according to Claim 3.

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