Aroma visualization method, aroma visualization device, aroma visualization system, and aroma visualization program

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide an aroma visualization method, an aroma visualization device, an aroma visualization system, and an aroma visualization program that can express the image that an aroma evokes in a user. [Solution] The scent visualization method of the present invention includes steps of memorizing at least the shape, color, and transparency associated with the scent based on the results of a sensory survey of multiple users who smelled the target scent, forming an object having the memorized shape, color, and transparency, and displaying the object on a display unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a scent visualization method, a scent visualization device, a scent visualization system, and a scent visualization program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, methods for expressing the image that a product's scent or a scent added to a product evokes in a user have been studied. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for evaluating scent characteristics by having subjects answer questions about the scent characteristics they sensed on a category-by-category basis. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-174450 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The method for evaluating specific scents described in Patent Document 1 merely verbalizes the image of the scent, and is not sufficient as a method for expressing the image that the scent evokes in the user.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an aroma visualization method, an aroma visualization device, an aroma visualization system, and an aroma visualization program that can express the image that an aroma evokes in a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The scent visualization method according to a first aspect of the present invention includes the steps of memorizing at least the shape, color, and transparency associated with a target scent based on the results of a sensory survey of multiple users who have smelled the scent, forming an object having the memorized shape, color, and transparency, and displaying the object on a display unit.

[0007] The scent visualization method according to the second aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: storing, for each compound, at least a shape, color, and transparency associated with the compound; measuring the compound contained in the target scent; forming an object having the stored shape, color, and transparency according to the measured compound; and displaying the object on a display unit according to the measured amount of the measured compound. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a scent visualization method, a scent visualization device, a scent visualization system, and a scent visualization program that can express the image that a scent evokes in a user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an exemplary functional block diagram of a scent visualization system according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a scent visualization process according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10A is a diagram showing an example of a question for obtaining the results of a sensory survey, in which FIG. 10A is a diagram showing an example of a question about shape, FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a question about color, and FIG. 10C is a diagram showing an example of a question about transparency. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a result of a sentiment survey. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of storing the shape and the like for each fragrance based on the results of a sensory survey. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an object being formed. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an object displayed on the display unit, specifically an object of scent A. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of storing the shape and the like for each fragrance according to the first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an object displayed on the display unit according to the first modification of the first embodiment, and is a diagram showing an object of scent A. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an object displayed on a display unit according to a second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] (a) is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of input / output data in the terminal processing unit in the scent visualization process relating to variant example 3 of embodiment 1, (b) is an example of selection for obtaining sensory survey results related to shape and transparency, and (c) is an example of selection for obtaining sensory survey results related to color. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an object displayed on a display unit according to a third modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an object displayed on a display unit according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an exemplary functional block diagram of a scent visualization system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a scent visualization process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a result of a sentiment survey according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an object displayed on a display unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 10(a) is a diagram showing an example of the measurement results of each compound over time, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing an example of determining the number of objects based on the measurement results. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an object displayed on the display unit after a certain time has elapsed. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a scent visualization process according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is an exemplary functional block diagram of the scent visualization device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The aroma visualization method, aroma visualization device, aroma visualization system, and aroma visualization program according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, please note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but extends to the inventions set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is an exemplary functional block diagram of a scent visualization system 100 according to a first embodiment. The scent visualization system 100 (scent visualization method) stores at least the shape, color, and transparency associated with a target scent based on the results of a sensory survey of multiple users who have smelled the scent, forms an object having the stored shape, color, and transparency, and displays the object on the display unit 12. In one example, the scent visualization system 100 is used to help a user recall an image of a scent in a situation where the user cannot smell the scent of a product or a scent affixed to the product. However, the scent visualization system 100 may also be used in a situation where the user can smell the scent.

[0012] The scent visualization system 100 includes a display device 10, a server 20, and a terminal device 30. The display device 10, the server 20, and the terminal device 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network N, which is the Internet or an intranet.

[0013] The display device 10 is, for example, a monitor. The display device 10 may be a projector, a smartphone or other mobile phone, a tablet information terminal, a personal computer, a wearable device, or the like. The display device 10 includes a display communication unit 11, a display unit 12, a display processing unit 13, and the like. These components are connected via a bus (not shown).

[0014] The display communication unit 11 is configured to enable the display device 10 to communicate with other devices, and has a communication interface circuit that complies with wired / wireless communication standards. The communication interface circuit is, for example, a communication interface circuit for a mobile communication system, a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, LTE (Long Term Evolution), or the like. The display communication unit 11 supplies a signal received via the network N to the display processing unit 13. The display communication unit 11 may transmit the signal supplied from the display processing unit 13 to the server 20 or the terminal device 30.

[0015] The display unit 12 is configured to display an image and includes a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and an output interface circuit that outputs image data to the display. The display unit 12 may also function as an operation interface in the form of a touch panel. The display unit 12 displays an image based on a signal supplied from the display processing unit 13.

[0016] The display processing unit 13 is a device that comprehensively controls the operation of the display device 10, and includes one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. The display processing unit 13 includes, for example, a GPU. The display processing unit 13 may also include a CPU, a DSP, an LSI, an ASIC, an FPGA, etc. The display processing unit 13 controls the operation of each component and executes various processes so that the various processes of the display device 10 are executed in an appropriate order based on a program stored in a display storage unit (not shown).

[0017] The server 20 is an information processing device and includes a server communication unit 21, a server storage unit 22, and a server processing unit 23. These components are connected via a bus (not shown).

[0018] The server communication unit 21 is configured to enable the server 20 to communicate with other devices, and has a communication interface circuit that complies with wired / wireless communication standards. The communication interface circuit is, for example, a communication interface circuit for a mobile communication system, a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, LTE (Long Term Evolution), etc. The server communication unit 21 supplies signals received via the network N to the server processing unit 23, and transmits signals supplied from the server processing unit 23 to the display device 10 or the terminal device 30.

[0019] The server storage unit 22 is configured to store programs and data, and in one example includes a semiconductor memory. The server storage unit 22 stores, as programs, operating system programs, driver programs, application programs, and the like used in processing by the server processing unit 23. In one example, the programs are installed in the server storage unit 22 from a computer-readable, non-transitory, portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. The server storage unit 22 stores the results of a sensory survey of multiple users who smelled the scent of the visualization target. The sensory survey results refer to the results (data) of an investigation into at least the shape, color, and transparency that users associate with the scent of the visualization target. The sensory survey results can also be referred to as sensory data, as they are the results of an investigation into the images (sensations) that the scent of the visualization target evokes in users. Details of the sensory survey results will be described later.

[0020] The server processing unit 23 is a device that comprehensively controls the operation of the server 20, and includes one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. The server processing unit 23 includes, for example, a CPU. The server processing unit 23 may also include a DSP, an LSI, an ASIC, an FPGA, or the like. The server processing unit 23 controls the operation of each component and executes various processes so that the various processes of the server 20 are executed in an appropriate order based on the programs stored in the server storage unit 22.

[0021] The terminal device 30 is, for example, a personal computer. The terminal device 30 may be a smartphone or other mobile phone, a tablet information terminal, a wearable device, or the like. The terminal device 30 includes a terminal communication unit 31, a terminal storage unit 32, a terminal processing unit 33, and the like. These components are connected via a bus B.

[0022] The terminal communication unit 31 is configured to enable the terminal device 30 to communicate with other devices, and has a communication interface circuit conforming to wired / wireless communication standards. The communication interface circuit is, for example, a communication interface circuit for a mobile communication system, a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, LTE (Long Term Evolution), etc. The terminal communication unit 31 supplies a signal received via the network N to the terminal processing unit 33, and transmits a signal supplied from the device processing unit 33 to the display device 10 or the server 20.

[0023] The device storage unit 32 is configured to store programs and data, and in one example includes a semiconductor memory. The device storage unit 32 stores, as programs, an operating system program, a driver program, an application program, and the like used for processing by the device processing unit 33. The programs are installed into the device storage unit 32 from a computer-readable, non-transitory, portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. The programs may be stored in a storage medium owned by a server other than the server storage unit 22 or the server 20, and installed via the network N. The device storage unit 32 stores at least the shape, color, and transparency associated with a scent based on the results of a sensory survey of multiple users who smelled the target scent.

[0024] The device processing unit 33 is a device that comprehensively controls the operation of the terminal device 30, and includes one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. In one example, the device processing unit 33 includes a CPU. The device processing unit 33 may also include a GPU, a DSP, an LSI, an ASIC, an FPGA, etc. The device processing unit 33 controls the operation of each component and executes various processes so that the various processes of the terminal device 30 are executed in an appropriate order based on the programs stored in the terminal storage unit 32.

[0025] The device processing unit 33 includes, as functional blocks, an acquisition unit 331, a determination unit 332, an object formation unit 333, and an image data generation unit 334. Each of these units is a functional module realized based on a program executed by the device processing unit 33. Each of these units may be implemented in the terminal device 30 as firmware.

[0026] The acquisition unit 331 acquires, via the network N, the results of the sentiment surveys of multiple users stored in the server storage unit 22.

[0027] The determination unit 332 determines the shape, color, and transparency associated with each scent to be visualized based on the proportions of the results of the sensory survey of multiple users. The determined shape, color, and transparency data are stored in the device storage unit 32.

[0028] The object forming unit 333 forms an object having a shape, color, and transparency that evokes a scent, based on the shape, color, and transparency data that evokes a scent, which is stored in the device storage unit 32. In other words, the object forming unit 333 calculates the vertex information, color, etc. of the object based on the stored shape, color, and transparency data, and generates object data having a shape, color, and transparency that evokes a scent.

[0029] The image data generation unit 334 generates image data for displaying an object on the display unit 12. The image data includes data such as pixel arrangement and color values ​​for displaying the object as an image. The image data includes still image data and video data.

[0030] [Aroma visualization process of embodiment 1] Fig. 2 is a flow diagram showing an example of the scent visualization process according to embodiment 1. The process shown in Fig. 2 is realized by the display processing unit 13, the server processing unit 23, and the device processing unit 33 working in cooperation with each component of the scent visualization system 100 based on a program stored in the server storage unit 22 and / or the device storage unit 32.

[0031] In step S101, the acquisition unit 331 acquires the sentiment survey results of multiple users stored in the server storage unit 22. The sentiment survey results are transmitted from the server communication unit 21 to the terminal device 30 (terminal communication unit 31).

[0032] In step S102, the device storage unit 32 stores the shape, color, and transparency associated with each scent to be visualized. The shape, color, and transparency associated with the scent are determined by the determination unit 332 based on the results of a sensory survey of multiple users. Details of step S102 will be described later.

[0033] In step S103, the object forming unit 333 forms an object having the stored shape, color, and transparency. In the first embodiment, the object forming unit 333 forms the object based on the proportions of the results of the sentiment surveys of multiple users. The details of step S103 will be described later.

[0034] In step S104, the display unit 12 displays the formed object. Image data for displaying the object on the display unit 12 is generated by the image data generation unit 334 and transmitted to the display device 10 (display communication unit 11). Step S104 will be described in detail later.

[0035] This completes the perfume visualization process of the perfume visualization system 100.

[0036] [[Method of obtaining the results of the sensitivity survey]] 3(a) is a diagram showing an example of questions for acquiring the sensory survey results, including an example question about shape, (b) is a diagram showing an example question about color, and (c) is a diagram showing an example question about transparency. Since the sensory survey results are the result of investigating at least the shape, color, and transparency that are associated with the scent of the visualization target, questions Q1 to Q3 for acquiring the sensory survey results are questions about shape, color, and transparency.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3(a), question Q1 to clarify the shape of the scent asks the user (subject) whether their image of the scent corresponds to a polygon or a circle. Question Q1 is created so that the numbers "1" represent a triangle, "2" a square, "3" a pentagon, "4" a hexagon, "5" a heptagon, "6" an octagon, and "7" a circle, with increasing numbers indicating increasingly circular shapes. The user selects one number (shape) from "1" to "7" that best matches their image of the scent.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3(b), question Q2, which is used to identify the color of the scent, asks the user to select which color corresponds to the image of the scent. Question Q2 is created so that the user can select one color from 127 colors. The user selects one color from the 127 colors that matches the image of the scent.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3(c), question Q3, which clarifies the transparency of the fragrance, asks the user to select the transparency of the fragrance from six options: "0%" (opaque), "20%, "40%, "60%, "80%" and "100%" (transparent). The user selects one of the six options that best suits the image of the fragrance.

[0040] The questions Q1 to Q3 shown in Figure 3 are asked to multiple users who smell the scent of the visualization target, and the results are compiled to form the sensory survey results. Note that the questions Q1 to Q3 shown in Figure 3 are just an example, and the questions used to obtain the sensory survey results may be in a format different from questions Q1 to Q3, as long as they are questions that can investigate at least the shape, color, and transparency associated with the scent of the visualization target. Furthermore, the questions used to obtain the sensory survey results may also include the size of the object associated with the scent and the object's movement speed, etc.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a sensory survey result. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the sensory survey result T1 shows the results of tallying 100 users' impressions of shape, color, and transparency for arbitrary scents A and B, etc. Here, "Question (1)" is the survey result of a question about shape, "Question (2)" is the survey result of a question about color, and "Question (3)" is the question about transparency. Note that the number of people tallied in the sensory survey result T1 shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example, and any number of users may be used to obtain the sensory survey result T1.

[0042] In the sensory survey results T1, for the shape of scent A, 50 users answered "1" (triangle), 30 users answered "2" (square), and 20 users answered "3" (pentagon). Furthermore, for the color of scent A, 50 users answered "blue" and 50 users answered "light blue." Furthermore, for the transparency of scent A, 80 users answered "80%" and 20 users answered "40%."

[0043] On the other hand, for Fragrance B, 80 users answered "7" (circle) and 20 users answered "6" (octagon) for the shape. Also, for Fragrance B, 80 users answered "purple," 10 users answered "red," and 10 users answered "yellow." Furthermore, for Fragrance B, 50 users answered "0%" and 50 users answered "20%" for the transparency.

[0044] The sensory survey results T1 are stored in the server storage unit 22 as data in a table format.

[0045] [Details of Step S102] FIG. 5(a) is a diagram showing an example of when the shape and the like are stored for each fragrance based on the sensory survey result T1 in step S102.

[0046] In the example (table T2) shown in FIG. 5(a), the determination unit 332 determines, for each scent to be visualized, that an object is formed by changing the shape, color, and transparency associated with the scent over time. In the first embodiment, the determination unit 332 determines that the shape, etc. of the object is formed by changing it every predetermined time so as to correspond to the proportion of the results of the sensory surveys of multiple users. Specifically, this is as follows.

[0047] In the sensory survey result T1, the number of users who answered "1" (triangle), "2" (square), and "3" (pentagon) for the shape of scent A was 50, 30, and 20, respectively. Therefore, the determination unit 332 determines that the object will be formed with the shape of scent A being a triangle for 5 seconds, a square for 3 seconds, and a pentagon for 2 seconds. Similarly, the number of users who answered "blue" and "light blue" for the color of scent A was 50, respectively. Therefore, the determination unit 332 determines that the object will be formed with the color of scent A being "blue" for 5 seconds and "light blue" for 5 seconds. Furthermore, the number of users who answered "80%" and "40%" for the transparency of scent A was 80 and 20, respectively. Therefore, the determination unit 332 determines that the object will be formed with the transparency of scent A being "80%" for 8 seconds and "40%" for 2 seconds. The determination unit 332 similarly determines the shape, color, and transparency for scent B, etc.

[0048] The data on the shape, color, and transparency associated with the determined scent is stored in the terminal storage unit 32 as data in a table format.

[0049] [Details of Step S103] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an object formed based on table T2 in step S103, and shows an example of an object corresponding to scent A.

[0050] The object forming unit 333 forms an object for scent A based on the shape, color, and transparency data determined based on Table T2, by displaying it as a "triangle" for 5 seconds, a "square" for 3 seconds, and a "pentagon" for 2 seconds. The object forming unit 333 also forms an object for scent A by displaying it as "blue" for 5 seconds and "light blue" for 5 seconds. The object forming unit 333 also forms an object for scent A by displaying it at 80% transparency for 8 seconds and at 40% transparency for 2 seconds. Therefore, the object is formed so that its shape, color, and transparency change over time.

[0051] [Details of Step S104] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an object displayed on the display unit 12 in step S104, and is a diagram of an object O of scent A displayed based on table T2.

[0052] 7, the object O displayed on the display unit 12 shows the shape, color, and transparency three seconds after the object O is displayed. Since the shape associated with scent A after three seconds has elapsed is stored as shape number "1" (triangle), color "blue," and transparency "80%, the object O displayed on the display unit 12 has a triangle shape, blue color, and transparency of 80%.

[0053] 7 only shows the shape of the object after 3 seconds have elapsed, but in reality, the object O is displayed as a moving image on the display unit 12. This allows the scent visualization system 100 to display the image that the scent evokes in the user by the change in the shape of the object O, etc.

[0054] The scent visualization system 100 (scent visualization method) of embodiment 1 forms an object having a shape, color, and transparency that is reminiscent of a scent and displays it on the display unit 12, thereby concretely expressing the image that the scent evokes in the user. Concretely expressing the image of the scent allows the viewer of the object to visually experience the scent, contributing to, for example, allowing the viewer to sense the complexity of the scent and / or the impression (characteristics) of the scent.

[0055] Furthermore, since the scent visualization system 100 forms and displays objects based on the results of sensitivity surveys of multiple users, it is possible to present an object that closely matches the user's image of a scent. Presenting an object that closely matches the user's image also helps those who view the object to re-recognize a specific image of the scent and to remember the image of the scent in a lasting way.

[0056] Furthermore, in the scent visualization system 100, objects are formed based on the proportions of the sensory survey results of multiple users and displayed on the display unit 12. This allows the scent visualization system 100 to express the image that a scent evokes in the user as an object that is closer to the user's image.

[0057] (Modification 1 of Embodiment 1) Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of storing shapes and the like for each scent according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1, and Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an object displayed on the display unit 12 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1, which is a diagram of object O for scent A. Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 differs from Embodiment 1 in the method used by the determination unit 332 to determine a shape and the like associated with a scent. Note that the scent visualization system according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 has the same configuration as the scent visualization system 100 according to Embodiment 1 except for the differences, and therefore, description of the differences other than the differences will be omitted as appropriate.

[0058] [Details of Step S102] The determination unit 332 determines, for each scent to be visualized, to form an object based on the average value of the results of the sensory surveys of multiple users for the shape and transparency associated with the scent. Furthermore, the determination unit 332 determines, for the color associated with the scent, to form the object with a different color for a proportion of the area corresponding to the proportion of the results of the sensory surveys of multiple users. Specifically, this is as follows.

[0059] In the sensory survey result T1, the number of users who answered "1" (triangle), "2" (square), and "3" (pentagon) for the shape of scent A was 50, 30, and 20, respectively. Therefore, the determination unit 332 calculates the sum of the values ​​obtained by multiplying each number by the number of users, and then divides the sum by the total number of users. The determination unit 332 determines to form an object using the shape corresponding to the number "2" (i.e., a square). Similarly, the determination unit 332 calculates the transparency of scent A as in the case of determining the shape of scent A to be 72%, and determines to form an object using this. Furthermore, the determination unit 332 determines to form an object using the color of scent A with an area percentage of 50% being "blue" and an area percentage of 50% being "light blue." The determination unit 332 similarly determines the shape, color, and transparency of scent B, etc.

[0060] The device storage unit 32 stores the following for scent A: a square shape, blue and light blue colors each at 50%, and a transparency of 72%. The device storage unit 32 also stores the following for scent B: a round shape, purple, red, and yellow colors each at 80%, 10%, and 10%, and a transparency of 25%.

[0061] [Details of Step S103] Object forming unit 333 forms an object so that its shape is a rectangle, its color is 50% blue and 50% light blue, and its transparency is 72%. Note that object forming unit 333 may form the object as a still image, or as a moving image (for example, a moving image in which the object moves within the screen).

[0062] [Details of Step S104] In Figure 9, the object O displayed on the display unit 12 is an object O for scent A formed based on table T3. The display unit 12 displays an object O that is rectangular, 50% blue and 50% light blue, and 72% transparent. The display unit 12 may also display an object for scent B that is round, 80% purple, 10% red, and 10% yellow, and 25% transparent.

[0063] In the fragrance visualization system (fragrance visualization method) according to variant 1 of embodiment 1, the display unit 12 displays the area of ​​the object O in different colors, in other words, like a pattern, thereby enabling the representation of an object that is closer to the user's image of the fragrance.

[0064] (Modification 2 of Embodiment 1) 10 is a diagram showing an example of an object O displayed on the display unit 12 according to a second modification of the first embodiment. The second modification of the first embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the method of storing shapes associated with scents, the method of forming objects, etc. Note that the scent visualization system according to the second modification of the first embodiment has the same configuration as the scent visualization system 100 according to the first embodiment except for the differences, and therefore, a description of the differences will be omitted as appropriate.

[0065] [Details of Step S102] The device storage unit 32 stores the shape, color, and transparency associated with the scent based on the results of the sensory survey of multiple users for each user. In the second modification of the first embodiment, the determination unit 332 does not determine the shape, color, and transparency associated with the scent based on the ratio of the sensory survey results of the multiple users.

[0066] [Details of Step S103] The object forming unit 333 forms objects having shapes, colors, and transparency levels stored for each user. For example, in the case of the sensory survey result T1 shown in FIG. 4, the object forming unit 333 forms 50 triangular objects, 30 rectangular objects, and 20 pentagonal objects for scent A. In this case, the object forming unit 333 forms colors and transparency levels according to the sensory survey results of each user. For example, if a user answers "shape: triangle, color: blue, transparency: 40%" for scent A, the object forming unit 333 forms an object with a shape of "triangle," a color of "blue," and a transparency of "40%." Because the sensory survey results of multiple users may differ from user to user, the object forming unit 333 forms multiple types of objects.

[0067] When forming objects, the object forming unit 333 may form the objects so that the size, movement speed, or quantity of the objects displayed on the display unit 12 corresponds to the proportion of the sensory survey results of multiple users. For example, if there are a considerable number of users who answered that a certain fragrance is circular, the object forming unit 333 may form circular objects so that they are displayed larger than objects of other shapes. The object forming unit 333 may form circular objects so that they move at a faster or slower speed than objects of other shapes. The object forming unit 333 may form circular objects so that they are displayed in greater quantity than objects of other shapes.

[0068] When forming objects at a moving speed according to the ratio of the sentiment survey results of the multiple users, the object forming unit 333 forms the objects as a moving image. When forming objects with a size or quantity according to the ratio of the sentiment survey results of the multiple users, the object forming unit 333 may form the objects as a still image or may form the objects as a moving image.

[0069] [Details of Step S104] 10, the display unit 12 displays the formed plurality of types of objects O. The plurality of types of objects O are formed based on the results of the sentiment survey of the plurality of users for each user. Furthermore, if the object forming unit 333 forms objects so that the objects are displayed on the display unit 12 with sizes, movement speeds, or quantities that correspond to the proportions of the sentiment survey results of the plurality of users, the plurality of types of objects O are displayed on the display unit 12 with sizes, movement speeds, or quantities that correspond to the proportions of the sentiment survey results of the plurality of users.

[0070] In the scent visualization system (scent visualization method) according to the second modification of the first embodiment, multiple types of objects are created based on the results of a sensitivity survey of multiple users for each user. This allows the scent visualization system to express the images that scents evoke in users as objects for each image evoked by each user.

[0071] Furthermore, in the scent visualization system according to the second modification of the first embodiment, the multiple types of objects are displayed on the display unit 12 with sizes, movement speeds, or quantities that correspond to the proportions of the results of the sensory surveys of the multiple users. This allows the scent visualization system to express the image that the scent evokes in the user as an object that is closer to the image of the user.

[0072] (Modification 3 of Embodiment 1) FIG. 11(a) is a diagram schematically illustrating input / output data within the device processing unit 33 in the scent visualization process according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1; (b) is a selection example OP1 for acquiring sensory survey results related to shape and transparency; and (c) is a selection example OP2 for acquiring sensory survey results related to color. Modification 3 of Embodiment 1 differs from Embodiment 1 in that it converts the sensory survey results and stores shapes and other data associated with scents. Note that the scent visualization system according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1 has the same configuration as the scent visualization system 100 according to Embodiment 1 except for the differences, and therefore, a description of the differences will be omitted as appropriate. To avoid cluttering the drawing, FIG. 11(a) illustrates data being sent from the determination unit 332 to the object formation unit 333. In the description of Modification 3 of Embodiment 1, it is assumed that the device storage unit 32 stores the determined shape, color, and transparency.

[0073] [[Method of obtaining the results of the sensitivity survey]] 11(a), the acquisition unit 331 acquires item data indicating "texture" corresponding to shape data, item data indicating the HSV color space (hue, saturation, brightness) corresponding to color data, and item data indicating "texture" corresponding to transparency data. Each of these data is used when the object formation unit 333 forms an object based on the shape, color, and transparency associated with a scent. The acquisition unit 331 may further acquire item data related to a color representation method (for example, data representing a scent by different colors of areas as shown in FIG. 9).

[0074] The selection example OP1 shown in Figure 11(b) is, in one example, displayed on a display unit provided in the terminal device 30 or on the display unit 12 of the display device 10, and is selected by the user or a third party other than the user (such as a user of the scent visualization system).

[0075] Selection example OP1 for acquiring item data indicating "texture" corresponding to shape data, for example, allows the user to select a predetermined position from a selection axis such as "sharp, cool" and "mellow, soft." "Sharp, cool" and "mellow, soft" are positioned at opposite poles of the selection axis, and any position can be selected from the axis between "sharp, cool" and "mellow, soft." The selected position is used as shape data when forming an object of a predetermined shape. In other words, the selected position data is converted into shape data associated with a fragrance.

[0076] Selection example OP1 for obtaining item data indicating "texture" as transparency data, for example, allows the user to select a predetermined position from a selection axis such as "rich, refreshing" and "fresh, refreshing." "Rich, refreshing" and "fresh, refreshing" are positioned at opposite ends of the selection axis, and any position can be selected from the axis between "rich, refreshing" and "fresh, refreshing." The selected position is used as data when forming an object of a predetermined transparency. In other words, the selected position data is converted into transparency data that is associated with a fragrance.

[0077] The selection items of "sharp, cool" and "mellow, soft" are not limited to those shown in Fig. 11(b), and may be in a format in which either "sharp, cool" or "mellow, soft" is selected. Similarly, the selection items of "rich, refreshing" and "fresh, clean" may be in a format in which either "rich, refreshing" or "fresh, clean" is selected.

[0078] Selection example OP2 shown in FIG. 11(c) is, for example, displayed on a display unit provided in the terminal device 30 or the display unit 12 of the display device 10, and is selected by the user or a third party other than the user. Selection example OP2 for acquiring data related to the HSV color space as color data prompts the user to select hue (color tone), saturation (vividness), and value (brightness). The positions of the selected hue, saturation, and value are used as data when forming an object of a specified color. In other words, the position data of the selected hue, saturation, and value is converted into color data associated with a fragrance.

[0079] [Details of Step S102] The determination unit 332 determines a shape that evokes a fragrance by making the selected position closer to a polygon (a triangle in the example of FIG. 11(b)) the more "sharp, cool" the selected position is. Also, the determination unit 332 determines a shape that evokes a fragrance by making the selected position closer to a mellow, softer shape (for example, by changing from a triangle to a square, or from a square to a pentagon, etc.) with rounded corners. That is, the determination unit 332 determines a shape that evokes a fragrance by converting the selected position data into shape data according to the selected position data.

[0080] The determination unit 332 determines a transparency level that evokes a fragrance by lowering the transparency level the closer the selected position is to "rich and refreshing." Also, the determination unit 332 determines a transparency level that evokes a fragrance by increasing the transparency level the closer the selected position is to "fresh and refreshing." That is, the determination unit 332 determines a transparency level that evokes a fragrance by converting the selected position data into transparency data according to the data.

[0081] The determination unit 332 determines a color associated with a fragrance based on the selected hue, saturation, and brightness. That is, the determination unit 332 determines a color associated with a fragrance by converting the selected hue, saturation, and brightness into color data according to the positional data.

[0082] [Details of Step S104] 12 is a diagram showing an example of an object O displayed on the display unit 12 according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1. The object O is displayed on the display unit 12 with a shape, color, and transparency according to each item data selected in selection examples OP1 and OP2. The object O may be displayed as a still image or a moving image.

[0083] In the scent visualization system (scent visualization method) according to the third modification of the first embodiment, the determination unit 332 converts the results of the sensory assessment into a shape, color, and transparency that are associated with the scent, and determines the shape, color, and transparency that are associated with the scent. Since the determination unit 332 converts the results of the sensory assessment into a predetermined shape, the scent visualization system can use various sensory assessment results, and can form an object that better reflects the user's image of the scent.

[0084] In the scent visualization system according to the third modification of the first embodiment, the sensory survey results are obtained by selecting shapes, etc. that evoke scents from selection examples OP1 and OP2. However, the scent visualization system may also determine shapes, etc. that evoke scents by combining questions Q1, Q2, etc. and selection examples OP1 and OP2 shown in FIG.

[0085] (Fourth Modification of First Embodiment) 13 is a diagram showing an example of an object O displayed on the display unit 12 in the scent visualization process according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 1. Modification 4 of Embodiment 1 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the object is displayed by combining the scent visualization processes according to Modifications 2 and 3 of Embodiment 1. Note that the scent visualization system according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 1 has the same configuration as the scent visualization system 100 according to Embodiment 1 except for the differences, and therefore, a description of the differences other than the differences will be omitted as appropriate.

[0086] [Details of Step S102] The determination unit 332 determines the shape, color, and transparency associated with the fragrance using the method for determining the shape, etc. according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1. That is, the determination unit 332 converts the shape, color, and transparency into those corresponding to the results of the sensory survey, and determines the shape, color, and transparency associated with the fragrance. In this case, the determination unit 332 determines the shape, color, and transparency based on the results of the sensory survey of multiple users, for each user.

[0087] [Details of Step S103] The object forming unit 333 forms an object by the object forming method according to the second modification of the first embodiment. That is, the object forming unit 333 forms an object with a size, a moving speed, or a quantity according to the ratio of the results of the sentiment surveys of the multiple users. A specific example of object formation is the same as the example explained in step S102 according to the second modification of the first embodiment.

[0088] In the scent visualization system (scent visualization method) according to the third modification of the first embodiment, the determination unit 332 converts the results of the sensory surveys of multiple users into a shape, color, and transparency corresponding to the results, and determines a shape, color, and transparency associated with a scent, and the object formation unit 333 displays objects on the display unit 12 with a size, movement speed, or quantity corresponding to the ratio of the sensory survey results of the multiple users. This allows the scent visualization system to use various sensory survey results and to represent the image that a scent evokes in the user as an object that is closer to the image of the user.

[0089] (Embodiment 2) 14 is an exemplary functional block diagram of an aroma visualization system 200 according to embodiment 2. The aroma visualization system 200 according to embodiment 2 differs from the aroma visualization system 100 according to embodiment 1 in that it stores, for each compound, a shape, color, and transparency associated with the compound, is equipped with a measurement device 40, and measures and displays compounds contained in the aroma to be visualized after a predetermined time has elapsed. Note that the same components as those in embodiment 1 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0090] The scent visualization system 200 includes a display device 10, a server 20, a terminal device 30, and a measurement device 40. The display device 10, the server 20, the terminal device 30, and the measurement device 40 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network N, which is the Internet or an intranet.

[0091] In one example, the measuring device 40 is a scent sensor that measures the concentration of compounds that make up a scent. In embodiment 2, the measuring device 40 measures the concentration of compounds that make up scent F from the scent F of perfume applied to hand H. The scent measured by the measuring device 40 may be the scent of perfume alone, the scent of cosmetics, or other scents. The scent sensor may also be a scent sensor using a metal oxide semiconductor, a scent sensor using an organic semiconductor, or a scent sensor using a quartz crystal oscillator. Furthermore, the measuring device 40 may be a gas chromatograph.

[0092] [Aroma visualization process of embodiment 2] Fig. 15 is a flow diagram showing an example of the scent visualization process according to embodiment 2. The process shown in Fig. 15 is realized by the display processing unit 13, the server processing unit 23, and the device processing unit 33 working in cooperation with each component of the scent visualization system 200 based on a program stored in the server storage unit 22 and / or the device storage unit 32.

[0093] In step S201, the acquisition unit 331 acquires the sentiment survey results of multiple users stored in the server storage unit 22. The sentiment survey results of multiple users are transmitted from the server communication unit 21 to the terminal device 30 (terminal communication unit 31).

[0094] In step S202, the device storage unit 32 stores, for each compound, at least the shape, color, and transparency associated with the compound in advance. The shape, color, and transparency associated with the compound are determined by the determination unit 332 based on the results of a sensory survey of multiple users. Details of step S202 will be described later.

[0095] In step S203, the measurement device 40 measures compounds contained in the scent F to be visualized and generates measurement results (measurement data). The measurement device 40 transmits the measurement results to the terminal device 30 (terminal communication unit 31) via the network N.

[0096] In step S204, the object forming unit 333 forms an object having the stored shape, color, and transparency for each measured compound according to the measured amount of the compound. At this time, the object forming unit 333 forms the object based on the proportions of the results of the sensory survey of multiple users. The details of step S204 will be described later.

[0097] In step S205, the display unit 12 displays the formed object. Image data for displaying the object is generated by the image data generation unit 334 and transmitted to the display device 10 (display communication unit 11). Step S205 will be described in detail later.

[0098] In step S206, the measurement device 40 measures the compounds contained in the scent F to be visualized after a predetermined time (10 minutes in one example) has elapsed. The measurement device 40 transmits the measurement results to the terminal device 30 via the network N. Note that the measurement device 40 may measure the compounds at predetermined time intervals and transmit the measurement results.

[0099] In step S207, the terminal storage unit 32 stores the change in the measurement amount over time based on the transmitted measurement result.

[0100] In step S208, the display unit 12 displays the object O in accordance with the change in the measurement quantity. Image data for displaying the object is generated by the image data generation unit 334 based on the object formed by the object formation unit 333. Details of step S208 will be described later.

[0101] This completes the perfume visualization process of the perfume visualization system 200.

[0102] [[Method of obtaining the results of the sensitivity survey]] The sensory survey results in the second embodiment are the results of a sensory survey of multiple users who smelled the scent of a compound. That is, the sensory survey results are obtained for each "compound" rather than for each "scent." The sensory survey results are obtained by having users answer the example questions shown in FIG. 3. Note that the sensory survey results may be obtained by having users select from the example choices shown in FIGS. 11(b) and 11(c) instead of or in addition to the example questions shown in FIG. 3.

[0103] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a sensory survey result according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 16, the sensory survey result T4 is a survey result for each compound. The sensory survey result T4 is stored in the server storage unit 22 as data in a table format.

[0104] [Details of Step S202] The determination unit 332 determines, for each compound, at least the shape, color, and transparency associated with the compound based on the results of the sensory surveys of multiple users, by processing similar to that of step S102 according to the first embodiment. Data on the determined shape, color, and transparency associated with the compound is stored as table-format data in the terminal storage unit 32. Note that the determination unit 332 may determine at least the shape, color, and transparency associated with the compound by processing similar to that of step S102 according to the first modification of the first embodiment.

[0105] [Details of step S204] The object forming unit 333 compares the compounds included in the measurement results with the compounds stored in the device storage unit 32, and when a compound included in the measurement results matches a stored compound, forms the matching compound as an object having the shape, color, and transparency of the stored compound. When the measurement results include multiple compounds and each of the multiple compounds matches a stored compound, the object forming unit 333 forms an object for each measured compound.

[0106] When forming an object for each measured compound, the object forming unit 333 forms the object so that the number of objects corresponding to the measured amount of the compound is displayed on the display unit 12. For example, if the determining unit 332 determines that the shape of compound A is rectangular based on the results of the sensitivity survey, and the measured amount of compound A included in the measurement results is large, the object forming unit 333 forms rectangular objects so that a larger number of objects are displayed than objects of other shapes. Note that the object forming unit 333 may form objects so that the size or movement speed of the objects corresponds to the measured amount of the compound is displayed on the display unit 12.

[0107] [Details of Step S205] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an object O displayed on the display unit 12 in step S205. Fig. 17 shows an example in which an object is formed by a method similar to the object formation method based on table T2. As shown in Fig. 17, the display unit 12 displays multiple types of objects O. In addition, the display unit 12 displays the objects O in a quantity corresponding to the measured amount of the compound.

[0108] [Details of Step S208] FIG. 18(a) is a diagram showing an example of the measurement results of each compound over time, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of determining the number of objects based on the measurement results.

[0109] 18(a) (table T5) shows the measured amounts of compound A, compound B, etc. at the start of measurement and 10 minutes after the start of measurement. Table T5 is stored in the terminal storage unit 32 as data in table format.

[0110] 18(b) (table T6) shows the number of objects to be displayed on the display unit 12 based on table T5, and the number after 10 minutes is 1 compound A and 4 compounds B. The object forming unit 333 forms objects in accordance with changes in the measured quantities stored in the terminal storage unit 32 so that there is 1 compound A and 4 compounds B.

[0111] 19 is a diagram showing an example of objects displayed on the display unit 12 after a certain time has elapsed in step S208. In the example shown in Fig. 19, the display unit 12 displays one object O(A) of compound A and four objects O(B) of compound B.

[0112] The scent visualization system 200 (scent visualization method) of embodiment 2 forms an object having a shape, color, and transparency that is reminiscent of the compounds contained in the scent and displays it on the display unit 12, thereby concretely expressing the image that the scent evokes in the user.

[0113] Furthermore, the scent visualization system 200 measures compounds contained in the target scent and forms and displays an object according to the measured compounds. This allows the scent visualization system 200 to display an object including various compounds contained in the scent, and more specifically express the image that the scent evokes in the user.

[0114] Furthermore, in the scent visualization system 200, the pre-stored shape, color, and transparency for each compound are determined based on the results of a sensory survey of multiple users who have smelled the scent of the compound, allowing the scent visualization system 200 to represent an object that is close to the user's image of the scent.

[0115] Furthermore, in the scent visualization system 200, an object is created for each measured compound, and is displayed on the display unit 12 with a size, movement speed, or quantity that corresponds to the measured amount of the compound. Generally, users are more likely to sense the scent of compounds that are present in large amounts among the compounds contained in a scent, and therefore the scent visualization system 200 can present an object that is closer to the user's image of the scent.

[0116] Furthermore, the scent visualization system 200 records changes in the measured amount of compounds contained in the target scent over time, and displays objects on the display unit 12 according to the changes in the measured amount of the compounds over time. Scents change over time; for example, perfumes may be adjusted so that a specific scent remains after a certain period of time has passed. Even in this case, the scent visualization system 200 displays objects according to the measured amount of compounds over time, and therefore can more specifically express the image that the scent evokes in the user.

[0117] (Modification 1 of Embodiment 2) 20 is a flow diagram showing an example of the scent visualization process according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2. The scent visualization process according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 2 in that the shape, color, and transparency stored in advance for each compound are determined based on the feature quantities of the compound. Note that the scent visualization system according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 has the same configuration as the scent visualization system 200 according to Embodiment 2 except for the differences, and therefore, a description of the differences will be omitted as appropriate.

[0118] [Aroma visualization process according to modified example 1 of embodiment 2] The processing shown in Figure 20 is realized by the display processing unit 13, the server processing unit 23, and the terminal processing unit 33 working together with each component of the scent visualization system 200 based on a program stored in the server memory unit 22 and / or the terminal memory unit 32.

[0119] In step S301, the device storage unit 32 stores the shape, color, and transparency of each compound based on the feature amount of the compound. The feature amount is a value including at least one of the molecular weight, structural formula, functional group, boiling point, vapor pressure, and binding receptor of the compound. Step S301 will be described in detail later.

[0120] In step S302, the measurement device 40 measures compounds contained in the scent F to be visualized. The measurement device 40 transmits the measurement results to the terminal device 30 via the network N.

[0121] In step S303, the object forming unit 333 forms an object having the stored shape, color, and transparency according to the compound. Step S303 will be described in detail later.

[0122] In step S304, the display processing unit 13 displays the formed object on the display unit 12. Image data for displaying the object on the display unit 12 is generated by the image data generation unit 334 and transmitted to the display device 10 (display communication unit 11). An example of the object displayed on the display unit 12 is shown in FIG. 17.

[0123] In step S305, the measurement device 40 measures the compounds contained in the scent F to be visualized after a predetermined time (10 minutes in one example) has elapsed. The measurement device 40 transmits the measurement results to the terminal device 30 via the network N.

[0124] In step S306, the terminal storage unit 32 stores the change in the measurement amount over time based on the transmitted measurement result.

[0125] In step S307, the display unit 12 displays the object O in accordance with the change in the measurement quantity. Image data for displaying the object is generated by the image data generation unit 334 based on the object formed by the object formation unit 333. In one example, the object O displayed on the display unit is shown in Fig. 19. This completes the aroma visualization process of the aroma visualization system.

[0126] [Details of Step S301] In a first modification of the second embodiment, the shape, color, and transparency stored in the device storage unit 32 are based on the feature quantities of the compound. Regarding the relationship between the stored shape, color, and transparency and the feature quantities of the compound, in one example of shape, the device storage unit 32 stores a predetermined functional group A as a square shape and a predetermined functional group B as a round shape. In one example of color, the device storage unit 32 stores a color such that the smaller the molecular weight, the higher the saturation and / or brightness of the color. In one example of transparency, the device storage unit 32 stores a color such that the higher the boiling point and / or vapor pressure, the lower the transparency. The relationship between the stored shape, color, and transparency and the feature quantities of the compound is not limited to the above example, and various combinations are possible.

[0127] [Details of Step S303] As in step S204 in embodiment 2, the object formation unit 333 compares the compounds included in the measurement results with the compounds stored in the terminal memory unit 32, and if the compound included in the measurement results matches the stored compound, forms the matching compound as an object having the shape, color, and transparency of the stored compound.

[0128] When forming an object for each measured compound, the object forming unit 333 may form the object so that the object is displayed on the display unit 12 with a size, movement speed, or quantity that corresponds to the measured amount of the compound. An example of forming the object is the same as the example described in step S204 according to the second embodiment.

[0129] In the aroma visualization system (aroma visualization method) according to Variation 1 of Embodiment 2, the pre-stored shape, color, and transparency for each compound are determined based on the feature quantities of the compound. This aroma visualization system forms objects without obtaining the results of a sensory survey, making it easier to express the image that the aroma evokes in the user.

[0130] In the scent visualization system according to Variation 1 of Embodiment 2, the feature quantity is a value including at least one of the molecular weight, structural formula, functional group, boiling point, vapor pressure, and binding receptor of the compound. This scent visualization system forms an object in association with the molecular weight of the compound, etc., and can therefore more specifically express the image that the scent evokes in the user's mind.

[0131] Furthermore, the scent visualization system according to the first modification of the second embodiment records changes in the measured amount of compounds contained in the target scent over time, and displays an object on the display unit 12 in accordance with the changes in the measured amount of the compound over time. This allows the scent visualization system to present an object that is closer to the user's image of the scent.

[0132] (Embodiment 3) 21 is an exemplary functional block diagram of a scent visualization device 300 according to embodiment 3. The scent visualization device 300 according to embodiment 3 is configured as a single terminal device, which is the scent visualization system 100 made up of the display device 10, the server 20, and the terminal device 30. The scent visualization device 300 may function as the scent visualization system 200 by connecting to a measurement device 40 (not shown). Note that the same components as those in embodiment 1 above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0133] The scent visualization device 300 is, for example, a personal computer. The scent visualization device 300 may be a smartphone or other mobile phone, a tablet information terminal, a wearable device, or the like. The scent visualization device 300 includes a terminal communication unit 31, a terminal storage unit 32, a terminal processing unit 33, and a terminal display unit 34. These components are connected via a bus B.

[0134] The terminal communication unit 31 further has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus standard such as USB, and is connected to an external device for communication to transmit and receive various data. When the terminal communication unit 31 is connected to an external device having a storage area (for example, a USB), it acquires the results of sentiment surveys of multiple users stored in the device.

[0135] The terminal storage unit 32 stores the results of the sentiment survey of multiple users acquired by the terminal communication unit 31.

[0136] The terminal display unit 34 is configured to display images and includes a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and an output interface circuit that outputs image data to the display. The terminal display unit 34 may also function as an operation interface in the form of a touch panel. The terminal display unit 34 displays images based on image data (image signals) supplied from the device processing unit 33.

[0137] The scent visualization device 300 performs scent visualization processing similar to that of embodiment 1, variations 1 to 4 of embodiment 1, embodiment 2, or variation 1 of embodiment 2, and displays an object on the terminal display unit 34. In one example, the terminal display unit 34 displays an object having at least a shape, color, and transparency that is associated with the scent to be visualized. The terminal display unit 34 may display an object having a shape, color, and transparency that are stored according to the compound.

[0138] In the scent visualization device 300 of embodiment 3, the terminal memory unit 32 stores the sensory survey results and the terminal display unit 34 displays objects, so that, for example, the scent visualization device 300 can be carried around and used, and scents can be visualized in various locations.

[0139] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the above-described embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 100, 200 Scent Visualization System 300 Aroma Visualization Device 10 Display device 12 Display section 20 servers 22 Server storage unit 30 Terminal Equipment 32 Terminal memory section 33 Terminal processing section 331 Acquisition Department 332 Decision Section 333 Object Formation Department 334 Image data generation unit 34 Terminal display unit (display unit) 40 Measuring Equipment

Claims

1. Based on the results of sensory surveys conducted by multiple users who smelled the target fragrance, the system memorizes at least the shape, color, and transparency associated with that fragrance. Form an object having the stored shape, color, and transparency, The object is displayed on the display unit. A method for visualizing scents, including the process involved.

2. The scent visualization method according to claim 1 , wherein the object is formed based on a ratio of the sensory survey results of the plurality of users and is displayed on the display unit.

3. Multiple types of the aforementioned object are formed based on the results for each user of the sentiment survey results of the multiple users. The scent visualization method according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of types of objects are displayed on the display unit with sizes, movement speeds, or quantities that correspond to the proportions of the sensory survey results of the plurality of users.

4. For each compound, at least the shape, color, and transparency associated with that compound are stored in advance. We measure the compounds contained in the target fragrance. Depending on the measured compound, an object having the stored shape, color, and transparency is formed. The object is displayed on the display unit according to the measured amount of the compound. A method for visualizing scents, including the process involved.

5. 5. The scent visualization method according to claim 4, wherein the pre-stored shape, color, and transparency for each compound are determined based on the results of a sensory survey of multiple users who smelled the scent of the compound.

6. 5. The scent visualization method according to claim 4, wherein the object is formed for each measured compound and is displayed on the display unit with a size, a movement speed, or a quantity according to the measured amount of the compound.

7. 6. The scent visualization method according to claim 5, wherein the objects are formed based on a ratio of the sensory survey results of the plurality of users, and are displayed on the display unit with a size, a movement speed, or a quantity according to the measured amount of the compound.

8. Furthermore, the change in the measured amount of the compound contained in the target fragrance over time is recorded. The aroma visualization method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the object is displayed on the display unit in accordance with a change in the measured amount of the compound over time.

9. The fragrance visualization method according to claim 4, wherein for each compound, the shape, color, and transparency stored in advance are determined based on the characteristic quantities of the compound.

10. The method for visualizing fragrance according to claim 9, wherein the characteristic quantity is a value that includes at least one of the molecular weight, structural formula, functional group, boiling point, vapor pressure, and binding acceptor of the compound.

11. The fragrance visualization method according to claim 9, wherein the object is formed for each measured compound and is displayed on the display unit in a size, movement speed, or quantity corresponding to the measured amount of the compound.

12. Furthermore, the change in the measured amount of the compound contained in the target fragrance over time is recorded. The fragrance visualization method according to claim 11, wherein the object is displayed on the display unit in accordance with the change in the measured amount of the compound over time.

13. An acquisition unit that obtains the results of a sensory survey of multiple users who smelled the target fragrance, Based on the results of the aforementioned sensory survey of multiple users, a determination unit determines at least the shape, color, and transparency that evoke the scent, A storage unit that stores the determined shape, color, and transparency, An object forming unit that forms an object having the stored shape, color, and transparency, An image data generation unit that generates image data for displaying the aforementioned object on a display unit, A fragrance visualization device that includes [details omitted].

14. For each compound, there is a determination unit that predetermines at least the shape, color, and transparency associated with that compound, A storage unit that stores the determined shape, color, and transparency, An object forming unit that forms an object having a stored shape, color, and transparency according to the measured compound contained in the target fragrance, An image data generation unit generates image data for displaying the object on a display unit according to the measured amount of the compound, A fragrance visualization device that includes [details omitted].

15. A fragrance visualization system comprising a server, terminal device, and display device, The server A server memory unit that stores the results of sensory surveys conducted by multiple users who smelled the target fragrance, A server communication unit that transmits the results of the aforementioned survey of multiple users' feelings to the terminal device, The aforementioned terminal device is An acquisition unit that acquires the results of the sentiment survey conducted by the aforementioned multiple users, Based on the results of the aforementioned sensory survey of multiple users, a determination unit determines at least the shape, color, and transparency that evoke the scent, a storage unit that stores the determined shape, color, and transparency; An object forming unit that forms an object having the stored shape, color, and transparency, An image data generation unit that generates image data for displaying the aforementioned object on a display unit, a terminal communication unit that transmits the generated image data to the display device, The display device includes: a display communication unit that receives the transmitted image data; a display unit that displays the object based on the received image data, Scent visualization system.

16. A scent visualization system comprising a server, a measurement device, a terminal device, and a display device, The server a server storage unit that stores, for each compound, at least a shape, a color, and a transparency associated with the compound; a server communication unit that transmits the stored shape, color, and transparency to the terminal device; The aforementioned terminal device is an object forming unit that forms an object having the stored shape, color, and transparency in accordance with the compound measured by the measurement device and contained in the target scent; An image data generation unit generates image data for displaying the object on a display unit according to the measured amount of the compound, a terminal communication unit that transmits the generated image data to the display device, The display device includes: a display communication unit that receives the transmitted image data; a display unit that displays the object based on the received image data, Scent visualization system.

17. For the scent visualization device, Based on the results of a sensitivity survey of a plurality of users who have smelled the target scent, at least the shape, color, and transparency associated with the scent are stored; creating an object having said stored shape, color, and transparency; generating image data for displaying the object on a display unit; A scent visualization program that includes the process.

18. For the scent visualization device, For each compound, at least the shape, color, and transparency associated with the compound are stored in advance; forming an object having a shape, color, and transparency that is stored in accordance with the measured compounds contained in the target scent; generating image data for displaying the object on a display unit in accordance with the measured amount of the compound; A scent visualization program that includes the process.

Images