Odor classification label

Abstract

We provide an emotion induction device that uses scent to guide people towards desired emotions. [Solution] The present invention is an emotion induction device comprising an estimation means for inferring the current emotion, and an analysis means for obtaining odor information that brings the current emotion closer to the desired emotion, based on a database that associates odor components with the induced emotions that can be generated by these odor components. The emotion induction device may further include an emission means that emits at least one type of odor component based on the odor information. The database is, for example, arranged in association with induced emotions for each odor component. At this time, at least two or more index values ​​(axes) that can distinguish emotions may be used. The emotion induction device is realized by a computer that executes a program in cooperation with measuring instruments and odor emission devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an emotion induction device capable of inducing emotions towards desired emotions (excluding medical acts related to human treatment, etc.).

Background Art

[0002] A person has various emotions depending not only on their own characteristics (such as personality) but also on their physical condition and external environment at each point in time. Emotions affect a person's judgment and actions, etc., but the emotions at each point in time are not always favorable. For example, emotions such as anger and irritation can hinder appropriate judgment and actions, etc., and can also be a cause of danger.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes that by releasing α - pinene (an odor component), the arousal level of workers such as drivers can be increased without giving them discomfort.

[0005] However, Patent Document 1 only shows the relationship between the odor component and the arousal level, and does not describe anything about the influence of the odor component on emotions or emotion induction.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an emotion induction device capable of inducing a person's emotions in a favorable direction.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The inventor, through diligent research to solve this problem, conceived the idea of ​​inducing human emotions through scent and then brought it to fruition. By further developing this, the inventor completed the present invention described below.

[0008] 《Emotion induction device》 (1) The present invention is an emotion induction device comprising: an estimation means for inferring the current emotion; and an analysis means for obtaining odor information that brings the current emotion closer to the desired emotion, based on a database that associates odor components with the emotions that may be induced by the odor components.

[0009] (2) According to the emotion induction device of the present invention (also simply referred to as "the device"), odor information can be obtained that can guide a person's current emotion (present emotion) to a desired emotion (expected emotion). By releasing odor components based on this odor information, it becomes possible to bring a person's current emotion closer to an emotion appropriate to the situation and environment at that time.

[0010] 《Emotion induction method》 The present invention can also be understood as an emotion induction method (or simply "method"). For example, the present invention may be an emotion induction method comprising: an estimation step of inferring the current emotion; an analysis step of obtaining odor information that brings the current emotion closer to the desired emotion based on a database that associates odor components with the emotions that can be induced by the odor components; and an emission step of releasing at least one odor component based on the odor information.

[0011] Database The present invention can also be understood as a database. For example, the present invention may be a database in which odor components are arranged in relation to the emotions that can be induced by those odor components. The classification of induced emotions may be done using at least two or more index values. This database can be used in the emotion induction device or emotion induction method described above.

[0012] Odor Classification Labels The present invention can also be understood as an odor classification display. For example, the present invention may be an odor classification display (also simply called a "display") in which odor components are arranged in relation to the emotions that can be induced by those odor components. The display may be made on a display connected to a computer, or on paper media, etc. Such a display may be made on a coordinate plane consisting of two index axes that can distinguish emotions.

[0013] "others" (1) "Means (parts)" and "steps (processes)" can be interpreted as interchangeable. For example, "~means" obtained by substituting "~step" become a component of "thing" (device, etc.). Also, "~step" obtained by substituting "~means" becomes a component of "method".

[0014] The "means" and "steps" of the present invention are implemented, for example, by executing a program on a computer. The present invention can also be understood as the necessary program, a "data structure" (database) equivalent to the program, and a storage medium that stores them.

[0015] A computer typically comprises at least a memory unit and a control unit. The memory unit stores data necessary for analysis and control. The memory unit may consist of, for example, volatile memory for temporarily storing data, or non-volatile memory or a hard disk for long-term data storage. The control unit may consist of, for example, an arithmetic unit (CPU, etc.) that performs calculations based on data read from the memory unit (e.g., information necessary for inferring emotions, information associating odor components with induced emotions, etc.), or an interface unit that issues commands to a display unit (whether wired or wireless) or external devices (e.g., an odor emitter) connected to the computer based on the calculation results.

[0016] (2) Unless otherwise specified, "x~y" as used herein includes the lower limit x and the upper limit y. Any numerical value included in the various numerical values ​​or ranges of numerical values ​​described herein may be used to create new lower or upper limits, such as a range "a~b". [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a flowchart related to emotion induction processing realized by a computer. [Figure 2A] It is an example of measurement items used for estimating the current emotion. [Figure 2B] It is an example of a database used for analyzing odor information. [Figure 3] It is an example of a process for creating a database consisting of odor components and induced emotions. [Figure 4] It is an example of an odor classification display object.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] One or more components arbitrarily selected from this specification can be added to the components of the present invention described above. The content described in this specification can be appropriately applied to any of the devices, methods, display objects, programs, databases, etc. of the present invention.

[0019] 《Estimation Means / Steps》 Estimate the emotion (current emotion) at the time (current situation) when emotion induction starts. The estimation can be made based on at least one of the biological information of the target person (referred to as the "target person"), the environmental information of the place where the target person is located, the self-information (evaluation, analysis, declaration) of the target person, etc. Specifically, it is as follows.

[0020] Biological information can be obtained, for example, by measuring at least one of electroencephalogram, brain activity, pupil, facial temperature, facial expression, pulse wave, heartbeat, body temperature, respiration, movement, etc. Note that brain activity is measured, for example, by optical topography (NIRS), etc. Heartbeat is measured, for example, by electrocardiogram, etc. Movement can be obtained, for example, by measuring acceleration, angular velocity, angle (tilt), etc.

[0021] Environmental information can be obtained, for example, by measuring at least one of temperature, humidity, illuminance and color temperature of light, CO2 concentration, concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dust amount, etc.

[0022] The correlation between biometric information and emotions (database) has been clarified, for example, by Ekman. P., 1992a Are there basic emotions? Psychol. Rev. 99. 550-553. The correlation between environmental information and emotions (database) has been clarified, for example, by I. Zhu Y, Yang M, Yao Y, et al. Effects of Illuminance and Correlated Color Temperature on Daytime Cognitive Performance, Subjective Mood, and Alertness in Healthy Adults. Environment and Behavior. 2019; 51 (2): 199-230.

[0023] At least one, or even more, types of information obtained from biometric data, environmental data, and personal data are compared with corresponding databases to infer the current emotion. Starting from this inferred current emotion, scent information necessary to guide the individual towards their desired emotion is calculated, selected, and identified.

[0024] 《Analysis Methods and Steps》 The goal is to find olfactory information that brings current emotions closer to desired emotions. This analysis is based, for example, on a database that associates olfactory components with the emotions they can evoke.

[0025] (1) Database The database can be created, for example, by repeatedly testing subjects (panelists) who smell different odor components to determine what emotions (mental states) they experience. The reliability of the database increases with the variety of odor components, the number of subjects, and the number of tests conducted.

[0026] There are several types of induced emotions, such as happiness, anger, sadness, and relaxation. To facilitate information processing by computers, each emotion may be categorized and represented (identified) using, for example, at least two or more index values ​​(axes). In this case, a database can be obtained by associating each odor component with the induced emotions categorized by the index values ​​(axes) and organizing (arranging) them.

[0027] The index values ​​(axes) are parameters used to categorize (classify) emotions. Depending on the number of emotional categories, the type of index value and its numerical representation can be appropriately selected. For example, if there are four emotions as described above, two types of index values ​​can be used to categorize them based on their positive / negative (+ / -), high / low, good / bad, etc.

[0028] Labeling of the index values ​​(axes) is optional, but for example, one index value (axis) can be designated as Arousal and the other as Valence, referencing Russell's cyclic model used for expressing emotions. In this case, examples include (pleasant, aroused) → happiness (Quadrant 1), (unpleasant, aroused) → anger (Quadrant 2), (unpleasant, non-aroused) → sadness (Quadrant 3), and (pleasant, non-aroused) → relaxation (Quadrant 4).

[0029] (2) Analysis Based on the database, we seek scent information that can bring the current emotion closer to the desired emotion. For convenience, we will explain this by illustrating the case where four emotions are assigned to four areas (quadrants) demarcated by the two indicator values ​​(axes) mentioned above.

[0030] The system identifies the quadrant (i.e., emotion) in the database to which the estimated current emotion belongs. For that quadrant, it extracts (selects) odor components in adjacent or opposing quadrants. For example, if the current emotion is "sadness" (quadrant 3) and the expected emotion is "happiness," it extracts odor components corresponding to "happiness," which is opposite to "sadness." When guiding from the current emotion of "sadness" to the expected emotion of "happiness," it may also go through anger (quadrant 2) or "relaxation" (quadrant 4). In other words, after extracting odor components corresponding to anger or "relaxation" adjacent to "sadness," it may further extract odor components corresponding to "happiness," which is adjacent to those.

[0031] When multiple odor components are associated with a single emotion (quadrant), the odor components within the range corresponding to that emotion may be extracted arbitrarily, or the odor components may be extracted considering a predetermined extraction order or an index (weight) corresponding to the current emotion.

[0032] Odor information only needs to be able to identify at least one odor component, but may also include the amount of odor component released, the interval between releases, the timing of releases, and the release order (combination) of multiple odor components. Expected emotions may be determined automatically or fixedly depending on the environment (e.g., driving, working, resting, etc.), or they may be selectively determined by the subject each time.

[0033] 《Discharge means / step / Evaluation means / step》 Based on the odor information, it is desirable that at least one odor component be released. The release method, amount, etc., may be determined considering the person's condition, the environment, etc.

[0034] Furthermore, it is desirable to evaluate the emotions after the release of the odor components. This evaluation may be performed, for example, by waiting a predetermined time after the release of the odor components and then inferring the current emotions as described above. If the proximity to the expected emotions is insufficient, the released odor components may be changed, and the odor information may be re-analyzed, etc., and these processes may be repeated.

[0035] Odor Classification Labels According to odor classification labels, odor components that are effective in guiding current emotions towards desired emotions can be perceived visually or intuitively. The medium on which the label is displayed is irrelevant.

[0036] If the odor classification display is arranged such that odor components capable of evoking contrasting emotions are placed in symmetrical regions, it becomes easier to identify odor components that are effective in inducing desired emotions. The odor components are easier to see if they are arranged in a ring or circle, or if they are color-coded according to each odor component and / or the emotion they evoke. The display may also include two indicator axes that can distinguish emotions. In other words, odor components and evoked emotions may be displayed on a coordinate plane consisting of such indicator axes.

[0037] "others" The target group is not limited to specific individuals, but examples include drivers and passengers of moving objects (various types of vehicles, ships, aircraft, etc.), and various types of workers.

[0038] The release of odor components is preferably within a range where the odor intensity, based on the 6-level odor intensity scale, is 3 or less, or even 2 or less. Preferably, the lower limit is an odor intensity of 0 (odorless) or greater (greater than) or even 1 or more. Incidentally, although it depends on the odor component, for example, with α-pinene, the odor intensity ranges are: 0: 0.01 ppm or less, 1: 0.01 to 0.25 ppm, 2: 0.25 to 4 ppm, 3: 4 to 30 ppm, 4: 30 to 100 ppm, and 5: 100 ppm or more. In this specification, "ppm" refers to the volume ratio of odor components per unit volume, and is measured (specified) by the concentration of air inhaled into the nose.

[0039] The release of odor components may be continuous or intermittent. The odor components are held in a container or absorbent material, for example, and their release or non-release is switched on by opening and closing a valve controlled by a computer. [Examples]

[0040] The present invention will be explained in more detail, with specific examples of devices (methods) that use scent to guide people's emotions in a desirable direction.

[0041] 《Emotion induction device》 The emotion induction device comprises a computer, a measuring instrument that outputs measured values ​​to the computer, and a releasing instrument that releases odor components in response to input (commands) received from the computer. The computer comprises a storage unit that stores programs and databases, and a control unit that executes programs read from the storage unit. The emotion induction device operates, for example, as shown in Figure 1, through the execution of a program by the computer. Specifically, it works as follows:

[0042] In step S1, the measuring instruments are activated to collect the subject's biological and environmental information. Figure 2A shows examples of biological and environmental information. It is desirable to collect at least one piece of biological information and representative environmental information (temperature, humidity, etc.). The subject may also self-assess their emotions and input this into the computer. The more diverse the types of information collected, the easier it becomes to accurately estimate the subject's current emotions.

[0043] In step S2, the computer estimates the subject's current mental state (current emotions) based on the information collected in step S1. At this time, the computer predicts the subject's current emotions by applying (comparing) the collected information obtained by measuring instruments, etc., to database DB1, which is read from the memory unit. Database DB1 is a collection of data obtained through repeated various experiments and evaluations, formatted in a way that is suitable for the specifications and applications of the emotion induction device.

[0044] In step S3, the computer calculates odor information to guide the subject to a mental state (expected emotion) appropriate to the current situation, based on the current emotion inferred in step S2. Specifically, the computer reads a database DB2, such as the one shown in Figure 2B, from its storage unit. Then, it extracts and selects odor components from database DB2 that belong to an induced emotion different from the subject's current emotion.

[0045] Evoked emotions are classified into positive (+1) and negative (-1) based on pleasure and arousal levels. For the emotional quadrant to which the current emotion belongs, odor components belonging to emotional quadrants with a different sign for at least one of the pleasure and arousal levels are extracted. In this case, odor components belonging to multiple emotional quadrants may be extracted, or multiple odor components belonging to a single emotional quadrant may be extracted. Odor component extraction may be performed by the individual ID of the odor component, or by the odor system to which the odor component belongs (the middle character of the ID). In this case, it is desirable that a group of multiple extracted odor components (candidate group) is formed. Note that in Figure 2B, for the sake of simplicity, pleasure and arousal levels are set to positive (+1) or negative (-1), so that only the emotional quadrant to which the odor component belongs is identified. However, the level of pleasure and arousal for each odor component may be shown using specific numerical values ​​(including positive and negative signs), and for each odor component, the emotional domain to which it belongs and its degree of contribution to the induced emotion (degree of induction) may also be specifically indicated.

[0046] Expected emotions may be predetermined based on the environment in which the emotion induction device is installed, determined by a computer based on environmental information related to the subject, or set by the subject themselves. Odor information may include not only the type of odor component, but also its release amount, release interval, release timing, etc.

[0047] In step S4, the computer instructs the release device to release odor components based on the odor information obtained in step S3. The odor components released at this time may be a single type or a combination of multiple types.

[0048] In step S5, the computer evaluates the subject's emotions after the release of the odor component. This emotion evaluation is performed in the same manner as the estimation of the current emotion shown in step S2.

[0049] In step S6, the computer compares the emotion assessed in step S5 with the expected emotion. When the subject's emotion is close to the planned expected emotion, the release of the odor component is terminated.

[0050] On the other hand, if the subject's emotions are not close to the expected emotions, or if the degree of closeness is insufficient, the process proceeds to step S7, where the released odor component is changed, and steps S4 onward are repeated. The change in odor component may be made sequentially according to the ID of the odor component from the candidate group obtained in step S3, for example. Alternatively, an odor component that can induce an emotion symmetric to the current emotion may be released to bring the subject's emotions to a neutral state, and then an odor component that can induce the desired expected emotion may be newly released. The upper limit of the number of times the odor component is changed (number of repetitions) may be limited in advance, or it may be limited to changes in odor components within the candidate group described above. Furthermore, the degree of proximity of the current emotion to the expected emotion may be calculated, and the odor component may be changed, the release amount adjusted, etc., based on that degree of proximity.

[0051] Database / Odor Classification Labels A database showing the correlation between odor components and induced emotions (Figure 2B, etc.) can be obtained, for example, by having multiple panelists evaluate the emotions evoked by each odor component, as shown in Figure 3. Specifically, it is completed by assigning each odor component to the emotional quadrant in which it is most strongly felt.

[0052] The correlation between odor components and induced emotions can also be represented as an odor classification display, as shown in Figure 4. This allows for an intuitive understanding of the odor components necessary for emotion induction. The odor classification display may be represented by arranging each odor component in a circular pattern on a Cartesian coordinate plane consisting of an index axis indicating arousal and an index axis indicating pleasure. In this case, each induced emotion is assigned to a quadrant on that coordinate plane. Furthermore, each odor component is assigned to the quadrant (emotional domain) belonging to the corresponding induced emotion. Individual odor components are displayed on the outer edge. The system to which each odor component belongs may also be displayed on the inner edge. In particular, it is preferable to display contrasting emotions in quadrants (emotional domains) that are symmetrical with respect to the coordinate center, and to display the odor components symmetrically corresponding to each emotion.

Claims

1. A scent classification label in which scent components are arranged in relation to the emotions that can be induced by said scent components, A scent classification label in which odor components capable of producing contrasting induced emotions are arranged in symmetrical regions.

2. The odor classification label according to claim 1, which is color-coded according to each odor component and / or the emotion it induces.

3. The odor classification label according to claim 1, wherein the odor components are arranged in a ring or circular shape.

4. The odor classification display according to claim 1, which is displayed on a coordinate plane consisting of two indicator axes capable of distinguishing emotions.

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