Aroma Management System

Abstract

Regarding odors and fragrances (hereinafter referred to as "aroma"), we provide an aroma generation data packet structure that includes aroma attribute information, which indicates the attributes of the aroma, in addition to information regarding the blending process. [Solution] The aroma generation data packet structure 0100 transmitted over the internet includes an aroma type identification information holding area 0101 of a predetermined size for holding aroma type identification information for identifying the type of aroma to be generated by the diffuser device, an aroma attribute information holding area 0102 of a predetermined size for holding aroma attribute information which is information indicating the attributes of this aroma, and an NFT information holding area for holding NFT information. The authenticity of the data can be ensured by blockchain technology, and copyright can be protected by NFTs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to aromatherapy data conversion and an aromatherapy data management system for the converted aromatherapy data.

Background Art

[0002] Sensors have been studied to mechanize the five senses of humans, and the digitization of the five senses has been progressing. Regarding the sense of smell, which has been the slowest to be studied, it has been found that there are nearly 400 human olfactory receptors that sense odors and scents, but the digitization of smells is still in progress. There are movie theaters that have cartridges for specific smells and scent generators installed in the seats, but a standard mechanism for synthesizing smells by combining elemental components has not yet been put into practical use.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method of deriving aroma generation information for an input signal indicating a situation where a specific aroma is required based on at least a searchable database, and operating a digitally controllable aroma delivery device to generate and deliver the selected aroma. The database stores descriptions of aromas and labeled raw materials and associated formulations, chemical substance parameters, consumer or individual data preferences, taste and perception, and / or regulatory constraints, limitations, parameters, or conditions governing the use of aroma raw materials or compositions or delivery to users. Examples are described of information held in the database including information other than labeled raw materials and associated formulations as described above.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 involves the user requesting a desired scent from the device, which then releases a scent that closely matches the request. The format of the requested information, the format of the information used to search for scents based on that request, and the format of the scent information itself were all black boxes. Consequently, there was no room for creativity to be added to the scent, or for the scent itself to evolve into a more authentic or more pleasurable scent. This is because, as mentioned above, the scent information was fixed in a predetermined database as a black box, leaving no room for a mechanism to circulate in the market.

[0006] Furthermore, while the technology described in Patent Document 1 includes information about regulations on the use of raw materials and compositions, and relevant regulatory constraints for wired or wireless transmission to other user devices (i.e., limited use of chemical substances or chemical concentrations for transmission), it also has the problem that it does not disclose information regarding the authenticity of the data, regulations on the transmission of fragrance data that may cause discomfort to people, even if it complies with legal regulations, or copyright and usage rights of the data.

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

[0008] Regarding odors and fragrances (hereinafter referred to as "aroma" in this specification), the present invention provides an aroma generation data packet structure for reproducing aromas, which includes aroma attribute information, in addition to information regarding the blending of the aroma. Furthermore, the present invention provides an aroma generation data packet structure that also holds NFT information as information regarding the originality of the data and usage rights. The present invention provides an aroma management system consisting of a diffuser device, an aroma generation data packet structure server device, an NFT verification server device, a standalone storage device, and an aroma generation data packet structure generation device, all of which use such an aroma generation data packet structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems related to aroma management systems, this application proposes As the first invention, A predetermined size aroma generation data packet structure is written in a readable and executable format for a diffuser device (A), which is a computer, and the header or payload storage portion of this packet structure contains: A predetermined size aroma type identification information holding area for holding aroma type identification information for identifying the type of aroma to be generated by the diffuser device (A), A predetermined size aroma attribute information storage area for storing aroma attribute information, which is information indicating the attributes of this aroma, This provides a data packet structure for aroma generation that is transmitted over the internet.

[0010] As a second invention, based on the first invention, The present invention provides an aroma generation data packet structure that further includes an NFT information holding area for holding NFT information.

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

[0012] As the fourth invention, Aroma generating raw material holder (AA) which holds the aroma generating raw materials, which are raw materials for generating by mixing multiple types of aromas, External spraying unit (AB) for externally spraying the held aroma generating raw materials, An external spray control unit (AC) controls the external spraying section for each generated raw material, An aroma generation data sequence packet structure acquisition unit (AD) acquires an aroma generation data sequence packet structure according to either the first or second invention, Aroma type identification information acquisition unit (AE) acquires aroma type identification information contained in the acquired aroma generation data packet structure, A control information output unit (AF) outputs control information to an external spray control unit (AC) based on the acquired aroma type identification information, A communication unit (AG) for network communication, A diffuser device (A) having the following is provided.

[0013] As the fifth invention, An aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding unit (BA) that holds an aroma generation data sequence packet structure according to any one of the first to third inventions, An aroma generation data sequence packet structure output unit (BB) for outputting a held aroma generation data sequence packet structure to the diffuser device (A) described in claim 3 via a network, The present invention provides an aroma generation data stream packet structure server device (B) having the following:

[0014] As the sixth invention, based on the fifth invention, Provided is an aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) further having an aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration unit (BC) that registers an aroma generation data sequence packet structure in an aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding unit (BA).

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

[0016] As an eighth invention, an aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding unit (DA) that holds an aroma generation data sequence packet structure of any one of the first to third inventions, and an aroma generation data sequence packet structure output unit (DB) that outputs the held aroma generation data sequence packet structure to the diffuser device (A) of the fourth invention are provided. A storage device (D) having the above is provided.

[0017] As a ninth invention, an aroma management system including the diffuser device (A) of the fourth invention and an aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) of any one of the fifth or sixth inventions is provided.

[0018] As a tenth invention, a control information input unit (EA) that inputs control information to an external spray control unit (AC), a control information holding unit (EB) that holds control information, a control information editing unit (EC) that edits the held control information, an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation unit (ED) that generates an aroma generation data sequence packet based on the held control information, The Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure Output Unit (EE) outputs the generated aroma generation data stream packet structure to register it with the Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure Registration Unit, The present invention provides an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) having the following characteristics.

[0019] As the eleventh invention, based on the tenth invention, The present invention provides an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) further comprising a user identification information holding unit (EF) that holds user identification information for identifying a user.

[0020] The twelfth invention is based on either the tenth or eleventh invention, A user rights information acquisition unit (EG) acquires user rights information, which is information regarding the user's rights to use the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) identified by the user identification information, and associates it with the user identification information. A user control unit (EH) controls the use of one or more of the control information editing unit (EC), the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation unit (ED), and the aroma generation data sequence packet structure output unit (EE) based on the acquired user permission information, The present invention provides an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) further comprising the above.

[0021] The thirteenth invention is based on any one of the tenth to twelfth inventions, An aroma generation data sequence packet structure network acquisition unit (EJ) acquires the aroma generation data sequence packet structure via the network, A transfer unit (EK) transfers an aroma generation data packet structure obtained via the network to the diffuser device (A), An evaluation input receiving unit (EL) that accepts input for evaluation of the transferred aroma generation data sequence packet structure, An evaluation output unit (EM) that outputs the received evaluation via the network, The present invention provides an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) further comprising the above.

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

[0023] The fifteenth invention is based on any one of the tenth to fourteenth inventions. The present invention provides an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) further comprising an evaluation acquisition unit (EO) that acquires an evaluation of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure obtained via a network.

[0024] Furthermore, the operating methods for each of the above-mentioned computers—the diffuser device (A), the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B), the NFT data server device (C), the storage device (D), the aroma management system, and the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E)—are also provided, along with operating programs that can be read by each. These operating programs may also be recorded on a storage medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] In the present invention, which primarily has the above configuration, by limiting the format to one that can be distributed via the internet, the aroma generation data packet structure is made available on the market, allowing many users to use and evaluate it. Furthermore, as long as the data is created in the same format, anyone can create their own original aroma generation data packet structure, enabling many users to incorporate their originality and individuality into the aroma generation data packet structure. Regarding scents and fragrances (hereinafter referred to as "aroma" in this specification), the present invention provides an aroma generation data packet structure for reproducing aromas, which includes aroma attribute information, in addition to information regarding the blending. It also provides an aroma generation data packet structure that further holds NFT information as information regarding the originality of the data and usage rights. This invention provides a diffuser device that uses such an aroma generation data packet structure, an aroma generation data packet structure server device, an NFT verification server device, a storage device, and an aroma management system consisting of the diffuser device and the aroma generation data packet structure server device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0026] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the data sequence configuration of the invention according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the data sequence configuration of the invention according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of the data sequence configuration of the invention according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 4] Functional block diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 4 [Figure 5] Operation flowchart of the invention according to Embodiment 4 [Figure 6] Hardware diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 4 [Figure 7] Functional block diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 5 [Figure 8] Operation flowchart of the invention according to Embodiment 5 [Figure 9]Hardware diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 5 [Figure 10] Functional block diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 6 [Figure 11] Operation flowchart of the invention according to Embodiment 6 [Figure 12] Hardware diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 6 [Figure 13] Functional block diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 7 [Figure 14] Operation flowchart of the invention according to Embodiment 7 [Figure 15] Hardware diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 7 [Figure 16] Functional block diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 8 [Figure 17] Operation flowchart of the invention according to Embodiment 8 [Figure 18] Hardware diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 8 [Figure 19] Functional block diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 9 [Figure 20] Operation flowchart of the invention according to Embodiment 9 [Figure 21] Schematic diagram of the overall configuration of the aroma management system according to Embodiment 9 of the invention [Figure 22] Functional block diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 10 [Figure 23] Operation flowchart of the invention according to Embodiment 10 [Figure 24] Hardware diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 10 [Figure 25] Functional block diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 11 [Figure 26] Operation flowchart of the invention according to Embodiment 11 [Figure 27] Hardware diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 11 [Figure 28] Functional block diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 12 [Figure 29] Operation flowchart of the invention according to Embodiment 12 [Figure 30]Hardware diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 12 [Figure 31] Embodiment 13 Functional block diagram of the invention [Figure 32] Operation flowchart of the invention according to Embodiment 13 [Figure 33] Hardware diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 13 [Figure 34] Functional block diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 14 [Figure 35] Operation flowchart of the invention according to Embodiment 14 [Figure 36] Hardware diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 14 [Figure 37] Functional block diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 15 [Figure 38] Operation flowchart of the invention according to Embodiment 15 [Figure 39] Hardware diagram of the invention according to Embodiment 15 [Figure 40] Schematic diagram of the overall configuration of the aroma management system of the present invention [Figure 41] This figure shows an example of the hardware of the diffuser device (A), aroma generation data packet structure server device (B), NFT verification server device (C), storage device (D), and aroma generation data packet structure generator (E) of the present invention. [Figure 42] Diagram illustrating an example of control information of the present invention. [Figure 43] Schematic diagram 1 showing the processing flow of the invention according to Embodiment 8 [Figure 44] Schematic diagram 2 showing the processing flow of the invention according to Embodiment 8 [Figure 45] Example of the top screen of the aroma management system app according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 46] Example of the aroma playback screen of the aroma management system app according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 47] Example of a library search screen for an aroma management system application according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 48] Example of a library organization screen for an aroma management system app according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 49] Example 1 of the aroma recipe purchase screen for an aroma management system app according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 50] Example 2 of the aroma recipe purchase screen for the aroma management system app according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 51] Example 3 of the aroma recipe purchase screen for the aroma management system app according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 52] Example 1 of the aroma recipe creation screen for an aroma management system app according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 53] Example 2 of the aroma recipe creation screen for the aroma management system app according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 54] Example of an aroma evaluation screen for an aroma management system app according to an embodiment of the present invention [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0028] Hardware that realizes all or part of the constituent elements of the present invention consists of the basic components of a computer, such as a CPU, memory, bus, input / output devices, various peripheral devices, and a user interface. Various peripheral devices may include storage devices, internet interfaces, internet devices, LAN devices, Wi-Fi® devices, displays, display interfaces, keyboards, mice, speakers, microphones, cameras, video equipment, televisions, CD players, DVD players, Blu-ray players, USB memory sticks, USB memory interfaces, removable hard disks, general-purpose hard disks, projector devices, SSDs, telephones, fax machines, copiers, printers, movie editing devices, and various sensor devices. Some household electrical appliances, such as diffusers, have a simple computer built in. These computers are designed for specific functions or control purposes, but their general structure and elements are as follows: Microcontroller: A microcontroller integrates a CPU, memory, input / output ports, timers, serial communication interfaces, etc., onto a single chip. It controls specific tasks and functions based on software (firmware) embedded in program memory (flash memory). Input devices: Buttons, touch panels, and remote controls are commonly used as input devices in household appliances. These devices receive user input. Output Devices: Home appliances have output devices that correspond to their functions, such as LED displays, LCD displays, audio outputs, and motor controls. The computer controls these output devices to display information or control their operation. Sensors such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, light sensors, and acceleration sensors are used to acquire ambient conditions and input information. The computer interprets the data from the sensors and uses it for control. Control Algorithms: The computer in a home appliance operates based on pre-programmed control algorithms. For example, it performs specific functions and tasks such as temperature control, time control, and sensor data analysis. These elements combine to enable the computer in a home appliance to achieve specific functions. For example, the computer in a diffuser controls the heating time and the amount of mist emitted.

[0029] Furthermore, this system does not necessarily have to consist of a single enclosure; it may be composed of multiple enclosures connected by communication. The communication method may also be LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, infrared communication, or ultrasonic communication, and some parts of the system may even be installed across national borders.

[0030] <Satisfaction of the applicability of natural laws of the present invention in all embodiments>

[0031] This invention functions through the collaboration of a computer and software. In this invention, an aroma management system is provided, connecting an aroma generation data sequence packet structure management server device (B) and an aroma-reproducing diffuser device (A) via a general internet line or a dedicated line. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure management server device (B) and the aroma-reproducing diffuser device (A) communicate and exchange data. Regarding data inquiries, particularly for aroma generation data sequence packet structures with added NFT information, authentication is exchanged with an NFT verification server device (C). A storage device (D) outputs the stored aroma generation data sequence packet structures to the diffuser device (A). Furthermore, an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) outputs, retrieves, and outputs evaluations of aroma generation data sequence packet structures via the network. Because it includes processing unique to ICT, it is eligible to be considered a so-called business model patent. From this perspective, if we judge the present invention to be based on the matters described in the claims and specification, and the common technical knowledge related to those matters, then the present invention utilizes natural laws.

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

[0033] The use of natural laws required under patent law is based on the purpose of the law, and is required to ensure that an invention is industrially useful, from the perspective that the invention must have industrial applicability and contribute to the development of industry. In other words, it requires that the invention be industrially useful, that is, that the effects of the invention declared in the application can be reproduced with a certain degree of certainty by implementing the invention. From this perspective, the applicability of natural laws is interpreted as meaning that the functions exhibited by each of the inventive features (constituent elements of the invention), which are the components of the invention that exert the effects of the invention, are exerted by utilizing natural laws. Furthermore, the effect of the invention only needs to have the potential to provide a certain level of usefulness to the users who utilize the invention, and should not be viewed from the perspective of how the users feel or think about that usefulness. Therefore, even if the effects obtained by the aroma management system by users of the diffuser device (A) that generates aroma using the aroma generation data packet structure, users of the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E), users of the storage device (D), administrators of the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B), administrators of the NFT verification server device (C), administrators who transmit the aroma generation data packet structure, creators of the aforementioned data, and outputters of evaluations are psychological effects (such as feeling safe), the effects themselves are not relevant to determining whether or not the required natural laws are applicable.

[0034] <Hardware Configuration> Figure 40 shows an overview of the overall configuration of the aroma management system (4050) of the present invention. The diffuser device (A) (4010), the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) (4020), the NFT verification server device (C) (4030), the storage device (D) (not shown), and the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) (4060) of this system are connected via an internet connection (other commercial lines or dedicated lines may also be used) by wired or wireless (Wi-Fi® or mobile phone network, etc.). Aroma generation data sequence packet structures are transmitted, received, and processed via the internet connection (other commercial lines or dedicated lines may also be used). In this specification, the above-mentioned devices used by users and administrators of the aroma management system of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "this system") are described as having a configuration similar to a PC, but are not limited to a PC configuration. The devices other than the diffuser device (A) may consist of information devices such as notebook PCs, desktop PCs, smartphones, and tablets (which have internet connectivity and sufficient performance to use this system) and software (applications) that run on those devices.

[0035] The diffuser device (A)(4010), the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B)(4020), the NFT verification server device (C)(4030), the storage device (D) (not shown), and the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E)(4060) that constitute the aroma management system of the present invention will be described in this specification mainly as examples of configurations similar to those of a PC, unless otherwise specified. Figure 41 is a diagram showing an example of a PC-like hardware configuration for each device in the embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) may have a configuration similar to that of a smartphone, but since the basic configuration is similar to that of a PC, the explanation will be omitted.

[0036] As shown in this diagram, the computer consists of a chipset, CPU, non-volatile memory, main memory, various buses, BIOS (or UEFI), various peripherals such as USB and LAN, communication line connection interfaces, a real-time clock, and expansion cards such as a graphics card, all configured on a motherboard. These work together with the operating system, device drivers (for various interfaces such as USB, cameras, microphones, speakers or headphones, displays, and other devices), and various programs. Using input signals from keyboards and mice connected via USB terminals (or PS / 2 ports), the various programs and data constituting the present invention are configured to efficiently utilize these hardware resources to perform various processes. The computer is connected to the internet via a LAN terminal or the like. Connection to the internet may be made using Wi-Fi® or via a mobile phone network.

[0037] The following describes some of the main components that make up a computer as hardware, as examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples. ≪Chipset≫

[0038] A "chipset" is a set of large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs) mounted on a computer's motherboard that integrates the bridge function—the communication function between the CPU's external bus and the standard bus connecting non-volatile memory and peripheral devices mounted on the motherboard. Historically, it consisted of two chips: a northbridge, which connected to the CPU and handled high-speed processing such as between the CPU and main memory or a graphics card equipped with a graphics processing chip (GPU), and a southbridge, which connected to the northbridge and handled processing between relatively slower interfaces. In recent years, the northbridge function has been integrated into the CPU, leaving only the southbridge, although it is still referred to as a chipset. This specification will describe a single-chip configuration with only a southbridge, where the northbridge function is built into the CPU. Note that the effects of the present invention remain the same even in the case of a two-chip configuration of northbridge and southbridge, or in the case of no chipset with the southbridge function integrated into the CPU.

[0039] (Southbridge) In a single-chip chipset configuration, the southbridge handles I / O functions such as PCI Express interface (slots), SATA (Serial ATA) or eSATA interface, USB interface, LAN (Ethernet) interface, and real-time clock, as well as sound functions. The single-chip chipset controls external connections such as displays and USB / LAN ports, as well as interfaces like SATA for connecting HDDs and SSDs, and PCI Express. It connects to the CPU via a point-to-point hardware interface (e.g., DMI: Direct Media Interface). Some chips support RAID (Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks: a technology that recognizes and displays multiple HDDs as a single drive) for non-volatile memory (such as HDDs). Furthermore, to support features that have become less common in recent years, such as PS / 2 ports, floppy disk drives, serial ports like RS-232C, parallel ports like IEEE1284 for printers, and ISA buses, which do not require or are not possible to operate at high speeds, a separate LSI called a super I / O chip is used, which connects to the southbridge via a low-pin-count bus.

[0040] Bus There are two types of buses: parallel buses and serial buses. A parallel bus uses a signal line equal to the number of bits, and transmits data synchronized with a clock. A dedicated clock signal line runs parallel to the data lines to synchronize data demodulation at the receiving end. A serial bus transfers data one bit at a time. A bus is used to connect peripherals and various control units on the motherboard to the CPU (MPU). While an internal bus connects the CPU core and cache memory within the CPU, a bus that connects the CPU to external memory is called an external bus. The external bus connecting the memory controller built into the CPU to the main memory is a 64-bit parallel bus in the case of DDR4 standard compatible with DDR4-SDRAM (Double-Data-Rate4 Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory). As an example of the DDR4 standard, if it is compatible with DDR4-3200 memory, the bandwidth is 3200MHz (maximum memory operating frequency) × 64 (bit) ÷ 8 (bit to byte conversion) = 25.6 (GB / s). Point-to-point connections such as DMI (Direct Media Interface) are used to connect the CPU and the southbridge as described above. External expansion buses such as PCI Express and SATA are connected by the chipset. Parallel buses include GPIB, IDE / (parallel)ATA, SCSI, and PCI. A serial bus transfers data one bit at a time. Because there are limits to how fast it can be made, the improved PCI Express uses point-to-point wiring and a serial transfer method. USB and SATA also use serial data transfer.

[0041] ≪CPU≫

[0042] The CPU sequentially reads, interprets, and executes instruction sequences called programs located in main memory, outputting signal-based information back to the main memory. The CPU functions as the central hub for performing calculations within the computer. The CPU consists of the CPU core, which is the core of the calculations, and its surrounding parts. Inside the CPU are registers, cache memory (primary, secondary, and tertiary), an internal bus connecting the cache memory to the CPU core, a memory controller, timers, and an interface to the bus connecting to the southbridge. If the CPU has an integrated graphics function (GPU), it also includes a graphics interface and an internal bus connecting to the CPU core. When using an external graphics card with a CPU that has an integrated GPU, it connects to the graphics interface (such as PCI Express) built into the CPU. Note that a single CPU (chip) may have multiple CPU cores. The embodiment described here is a 2-core type, but it is not limited to this. A configuration with multiple CPU chips is also possible. The program can also be embedded within the CPU.

[0043] Non-volatile memory

[0044] (HDD)

[0045] The basic structure of a hard disk drive consists of a magnetic disk, a magnetic head, and an arm that mounts the magnetic head. External interfaces can include SATA (formerly ATA) and SAS (Serial Attached SCSI, formerly SCSI). HDD interfaces are broadly divided into the aforementioned ATA and SCSI systems. The ATA system is a method of unilaterally sending data to a physically connected device and relies on the BIOS (or UEFI) on the motherboard, thus constantly requiring CPU processing time. The SCSI system is a method of accurately sending data while checking the status of the connected device and has a control system built into the HDD, thus reducing the CPU load. The ATA system is inexpensive and has a large capacity, but the SCSI system evolved from server systems and excels in high speed and expandability, and because SCSI commands can be processed in a multi-threaded manner, it has high reliability even under high load environments. While HDDs offer excellent cost per unit of capacity, as mentioned above, they contain moving parts, resulting in slow access times and concerns about mechanical failure. Therefore, RAID is used in server equipment and other applications requiring high reliability, allowing for configurations such as simultaneously reading and writing to multiple HDDs or writing the same file to multiple HDDs.

[0046] (Flash memory) Currently, two types of flash memory are commonly used: NAND flash memory and NOR flash memory. While each has its advantages and disadvantages in read / write speeds, NAND flash memory is more advantageous for high integration and is used for data storage applications. Compared to hard disk drives, it is smaller due to the absence of moving parts and does not generate vibration or noise during operation. However, the cost per unit of capacity has not yet fallen to a level that would replace hard disk drives. Although more expensive than hard disk drives, it offers the advantages of smaller devices and greater resistance to shocks. In smartphones and mobile devices, the storage capacity for data storage is typically around 64GB to 256GB, and flash memory is used for miniaturization and weight reduction purposes. In PCs, solid-state drives (SSDs) made of flash memory are increasingly being used for frequently accessed drives that store the OS and application software.

[0047] ≪Diffuser device≫ The device contains aroma-generating raw materials and generates aroma by vaporizing or releasing aromatic substances as fine particles from the aroma-generating raw materials (which may be liquid, powder, solid, or gel) through heating or vibration / shock (including, but not limited to, ultrasonic generating elements). The aroma is then transported into the atmosphere using a transport gas and sprayed into the user's nostrils, where it is perceived as an aroma. The aroma-generating raw materials may be a combination of multiple raw materials that can be used for a predetermined number of times in a cartridge, or they may be stored in separate containers, one type of raw material at a time. Aroma can be generated in accordance with the known inkjet method.

[0048] The most typical structure involves preparing wells containing aroma-generating raw materials that produce the aromas perceived by human olfactory receptors, corresponding to the number of human olfactory receptors. The system is configured to vaporize or release the aroma-generating raw materials as fine particles from the wells corresponding to the human olfactory receptors that correspond to a specific aroma. While there are said to be approximately 400 types of human olfactory receptors, it is not necessary to prepare 400 wells; it is sufficient to prepare wells corresponding to the major olfactory receptors that constitute the major aromas that humans perceive. For example, the number of wells corresponding to major aromas is around 50 to 100. Furthermore, since there are wells that are used in common across multiple aromas, it is preferable to design these wells to have a higher capacity for accumulating aroma-generating raw materials than the other wells.

[0049] The transport gas may be configured to draw in ambient air with an intake fan or compress it with a compressor before blowing it out as transport gas, or a high-pressure nitrogen cylinder may be built into or connected to the diffuser device and used as the transport gas. When ambient air is used, the supply of transport gas is virtually inexhaustible, but it generates operating noise from the intake fan or compressor and requires energy (electricity) to operate. When high-pressure gas such as nitrogen cylinders is used, energy for operating the fan etc. is not required and there is almost no operating noise, but the amount of transport gas is finite and the cylinder needs to be replaced periodically. It is desirable that the transport gas be odorless, but it may be configured to have a base fragrance that is mixed with the aroma generated from the aroma generating raw material to produce the desired aroma.

[0050] ≪Diffuser device: Control information≫ The diffuser device is equipped with a cartridge containing multiple wells for the aroma generating raw materials as described above, or with individual containers for each well, and controls the release of the aroma generating raw materials from each well as vaporization or fine particles. For this control, the external spray control unit of the diffuser device outputs control information to the external spray unit for each generating raw material. This control information will be explained using the example in Figure 42. In Figure 42, the horizontal axis is the time axis (left end is 0), the vertical axis is the external spray intensity, and the depth is the type of aroma generating raw material (1 to 5 from front to back). External spray intensity, in this specification, is the amount of aroma generating raw material sprayed to the outside per unit time. The external spray intensity is adjusted by increasing the amount of vaporized or finely released aroma generating raw materials per unit volume of transported gas, or by increasing the amount of transported gas while keeping the amount of vaporized or finely released aroma generating raw materials per unit volume of transported gas constant.

[0051] Figure 42 shows profiles illustrating the change in external spray intensity over time for each aroma-generating ingredient. Aroma-generating ingredient 1 is represented by the solid line graph in the foreground, and among the five ingredients, it reaches its peak external spray intensity the earliest, after which the external spray intensity decreases. Aroma-generating ingredient 2 (dotted line) starts spraying slightly later than at point 0, and reaches a lower peak in external spray intensity later than aroma-generating ingredient 1, but even after exceeding the peak, the spray intensity does not become zero but gradually decreases. By superimposing the external spray intensity profiles of the five aroma-generating ingredients shown in Figure 42, a predetermined aroma is produced. The information consisting of the time-dependent external spray intensity profiles for each aroma-generating ingredient necessary to generate a single aroma, as shown in Figure 42, constitutes control information. In this way, the external spraying section of the diffuser device for each aroma-generating ingredient is controlled by the control information.

[0052] Main Memory

[0053] The CPU directly accesses and executes various programs in main memory. Main memory is volatile memory, and DRAM is used. Programs in main memory are loaded from non-volatile memory into main memory upon receiving a program execution command. Subsequently, the CPU executes the program according to various execution commands and procedures within the program.

[0054] Operating System (OS)

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

[0056] ≪UEFI≫

[0057] In recent years, UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) has been used as a successor to the previously used BIOS, performing a similar role. Like BIOS, UEFI is mounted on the motherboard and stored in flash ROM. The flash ROM chip containing the UEFI instructs the CPU to execute the procedures for booting up the computer hardware and running the operating system. Most typically, it is the first piece of hardware that the CPU reads when it receives a computer boot command. This chip contains the addresses of the operating system stored on the disk (non-volatile memory), and the UEFI, deployed by the CPU, sequentially deploys the operating system into main memory and starts running. The UEFI also has a check function that checks for the presence of various devices connected to the bus. The results of the check are saved in main memory and made available to the operating system as appropriate. The UEFI can also be configured to check for external devices.

[0058] As shown in the figure, the present invention can basically be composed of a general-purpose computer program and various devices. The computer basically operates by loading a program stored in non-volatile memory into main memory, and then executing processing using the main memory, CPU, and various devices. Communication with devices is performed via an interface connected to a bus line. Possible interfaces include display interfaces, USB, LAN terminals, PCI Express interfaces, and communication buffers.

[0059] <Regarding the terminology used in the present invention>

[0060] "Identification information" refers to symbols, characters, codes, etc., used to identify something. However, the identification information itself may be the information being identified. For example, the identification information that identifies string record A may be string record A itself. Therefore, aroma type identification information may simultaneously be a simple symbol, character, or code, or the name of the aroma identified by that symbol, character, or code, or the name of the creator of the aroma generation data packet structure. However, from the perspective of protecting personal information, it is undesirable to include personal information such as names in identification information that may be made public.

[0061] In this specification, "association" means not only when two or more pieces of information are directly associated, but also when two or more pieces of information are indirectly associated through one or more other pieces of information. Indirect associations are not necessarily limited to associations within a single device (a device in which the housing is a single housing), but also include cases where associations occur across multiple devices.

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

[0063] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrations. In this specification, the term "aroma" is used as a general term for smell, fragrance, aroma, odor, etc. The two-letter abbreviations accompanying the configurations, steps, and programs described indicate which device the configuration, step, or program relates to. For example, the external spraying unit for each generated raw material (AB) relates to the diffuser device (A), the external spraying step for each generated raw material (ab) relates to the operation method of the diffuser device (A), and the external spraying program for each generated raw material (ab) relates to a program that can be read and operated by the diffuser device (A). Furthermore, the four-digit numbers in the functional block diagrams in the figures are a combination of the first two digits indicating the drawing number and the last two digits which are numbers assigned as unique numbers to each part in this specification.

[0064] <Embodiment 1 Summary> Mainly Claim 1 The aroma generation data packet structure of Embodiment 1 is characterized by having an aroma type identification information holding area that holds aroma type identification information for identifying the type of aroma to be generated by the diffuser device (A), as well as an aroma attribute information holding area that holds aroma attribute information, which is information indicating the attributes of this aroma.

[0065] <Embodiment 1 Functional Configuration> Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the aroma generation data packet structure of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the aroma generation data packet structure (0100) of Embodiment 1 consists of an aroma type identification information holding area (0101) and an aroma attribute information holding area (0102).

[0066] The above configuration is merely one example for implementing the present invention, and its functions may be omitted or new functions added as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict the problems that the present invention aims to overcome and its effects. The same applies to the descriptions of Embodiments 2 and 3 below.

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

[0068] "Aroma type identification information" refers to information used to identify the type of aroma in order to reproduce and generate the aroma using the diffuser device (A). For example, for a cherry blossom scent, this could be a variety name such as "Somei Yoshino," "Kanhizakura," "Kawazuzakura," "Keiozakura," or "Azumanishiki," or a combination of variety and time such as "Somei Yoshino - Full Bloom" or "Somei Yoshino - Beginning to Fall," or a combination of variety and location such as "Somei Yoshino - Yoshinoyama" or "Somei Yoshino - Shiraishigawa Embankment," or simply a string of letters or numbers, or information used to identify the type of aroma, control information, and / or aroma attribute information described below. The aroma identification information may also be the control information itself used to generate the corresponding aroma.

[0069] This section describes a case where the aroma identification information is control information for spraying aromas to the outside from external spraying units (AB) for each type of aroma generating material, as described below, using aroma generating materials. The control information consists of information such as the type of aroma generating material used and the profile to be sprayed from each aroma generating material during the generation period. For example, if there are two types of aroma generating materials used, A and B, then aroma A sprayed from aroma generating material A from the start of aroma generation will reach a predetermined intensity, maintain a constant intensity, and stop spraying at the end of the generation period. Aroma B sprayed from aroma generating material B will start spraying a predetermined time after aroma A, reach a predetermined intensity, and then reduce the amount sprayed at a predetermined decay rate and stop at a predetermined time before the end of the generation period.

[0070] This section describes an example of the predetermined size of the aroma type identification information storage area when the aroma type identification information is control information. It is generally said that there are approximately 400 types of olfactory receptors that humans can detect smells (humans are said to have 396 functional olfactory receptor genes). If we were to prepare aroma generating raw materials that produce the elemental odor of an aroma that stimulates one type of olfactory receptor, we would need approximately 400 types, the same number as the olfactory receptors. If we consider a case where the intensity (amount) of the aroma generated using one type of aroma generating raw material is controlled in 16 stages, with 15 at the maximum capacity of the diffuser device (A) and 0 for no generation, then at a given point in time, the amount of information indicating the intensity would be 4 bits per type.

[0071] If we assume that the time required to generate one aroma is 5 seconds and control it every 1 millisecond, the amount of information for one type of aroma generating ingredient will be 4 bits × 5000 = 20000 bits = 2500 bytes. If aroma generation is to continue for more than 5 seconds, the aroma can be generated repeatedly. In the above example, the amount of information required to control all aroma generating ingredients is 2500 bytes × 400 = 1 Mbyte. If the number of types of aroma generating ingredients is less than 400, or if the control is changed from every 1 millisecond to every 10 milliseconds, the specified size can be reduced.

[0072] Multiple aroma generation modes can be defined based on the type of aroma generation raw material set, the time axis division unit, etc., and configured to be included in the aroma type identification information or the aroma attribute information described below. A diffuser device (A) that has acquired aroma generation mode identification information, which is information for identifying the aroma generation mode, generates an aroma based on the aroma type identification information in the aroma generation mode corresponding to the identification information. If a mode uses many types of aroma generation raw materials and has a large number of time axis divisions, the aroma can be reproduced with high accuracy, but the amount of data is large and many types of aroma generation raw materials are consumed, resulting in high costs. On the other hand, if a mode is used with a limited number of aroma generation raw material types and a small number of time axis divisions, the aroma will have low reproducibility, but the amount of data will be small and fewer types of aroma generation raw materials will be consumed, thus reducing costs and allowing for economical use.

[0073] In the above description, the aroma type identification information was described as the control information itself for generating aroma in the diffuser device (A). However, as information for identifying the control information, it may simply be a name to identify the aroma type, a code combining alphanumeric characters, etc., as described above. Alternatively, the aroma type identification information may be information indicating the location (such as the address of non-volatile memory) where the corresponding aroma generation data sequence packet structure is held in the aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding unit (BA) of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B), which will be described later.

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

[0075] "Aroma attribute information" may include the aroma name, coordinates within the fragrance space (n dimensions, n≧2), the name of the creator who created the aroma type identification information for the aroma generation data packet structure in this invention (company name if created by a company), the name of the aroma creator or aroma data creator if the aroma creator who created the original aroma and the creator of the aroma type identification information that digitized the aroma are different, the aroma rights holder identification information or aroma data rights holder identification information (which may be the rights holder's name itself) if the owner of the aroma or aroma type identification information is different from the creator, the creation date or registration date of the aroma type identification information, the corresponding diffuser device (A) type or diffuser device OS, information indicating whether it is for a sample or for this product, the initial price, and the current price. A predetermined size of approximately 100kbytes is considered necessary to include this attribute information.

[0076] <Embodiment 1 Aroma attribute information storage area: Aroma attribute information: Usage permission> Furthermore, when using the aroma generation data packet structure, it is also possible to configure it to hold aroma usage rights information, which is information regarding the authority to use the aroma generation data packet structure. The information regarding usage rights may be configured to be included in the aroma attribute information. Examples of information to be included in the aroma usage rights information include legal regulations when generating aromas (e.g., target age restrictions), regulations when allergens are included, restrictions on the location of generation such as restricting generation in public places, and permission conditions for using aroma type identification information (remaining amount available, number of times it can be used, expiration date, number of times it can be resold, conditions for copying and transferring within a private residence). It is also possible to configure the system to control a user's use of the relevant aroma generation data packet structure based on user identification information that identifies the user described later and the aroma usage rights information. Alternatively, instead of user identification information, it may be possible to configure the system to control the use of the aroma generation data packet structure based on user attribute information that indicates the attributes of the user identified by the user identification information and the aroma usage rights information.

[0077] The aroma attribute information can be configured to include permission information for both sample and commercial use. The difference between the aroma generation data packet structure for promotional samples and the aroma generation data packet structure for the commercial product is the amount of aroma generated or the duration of generation, and a single diffuser device (A) can generate aroma only a predetermined number of times. To distinguish between sample and commercial use, it is advisable to include a data sequence (flags, bits, etc.) in the header of the aroma generation data packet structure to identify whether it is for a sample or a commercial product. The aroma generation data packet structure for the sample should be NFT-free.

[0078] <Embodiment 1 Aroma attribute information storage area: Aroma attribute information: Ownership rights> The aroma generation data packet structure can be configured to hold aroma ownership rights information, which indicates the right to own the aroma generation data packet structure. Instead of holding the aroma ownership rights information itself within the aroma generation data packet structure, it may be configured to hold aroma ownership rights identification information, which is information that identifies the type of aroma ownership rights. The right that a normal user acquires when using the aroma generation data packet structure is the right to use it. The right to use can also be resold. The owner of the aroma generation data packet structure can be configured to receive a share of the usage fees paid by users (regardless of whether it is a lump sum payment, a one-time payment, or a periodic payment), like a copyright holder. One or more owners can be set, and the distribution rate is not limited to equal distribution. Ownership rights can be bought and sold independently of usage rights. It is preferable that when the owner changes, the usage rights of users who have already obtained usage rights are not changed. The owner is, for example, the creator of the aroma generation data packet structure or the person (corporation or individual, etc.) who employs the creator.

[0079] <Embodiment 1: Aroma generation data packet structure (0100)> The "aroma generation data sequence packet structure" (0100) is an aroma generation data sequence packet structure of a predetermined size that is readable and executable by a diffuser device (A), which is a computer. The header or payload storage portion of this packet structure is configured to have an aroma type identification information holding area (0101) and an aroma attribute information holding area (0102). The data sequence packet structure can be considered a type of program based on the above. While the aroma generation data sequence packet structure has an aroma type identification information holding area and an aroma attribute information holding area as described above, it has at least these two types of areas, but is not limited to them. For example, it may further include an area for holding aroma usage rights information.

[0080] When transmitting an aroma generation data packet structure over an internet connection, the aroma generation data packet structure can be included in the payload of an IP packet. Alternatively, the aroma generation data packet structure may be stored in the header of the data to be transmitted for aroma generation, and other data, such as information related to the blockchain, may be stored in the payload and transmitted. Furthermore, each data area may include a checksum to verify that the data transmission was performed correctly.

[0081] When transmitting an aroma generation data packet structure as a payload over an internet connection, an example of its size is approximately 1480 bytes for a single IP packet and approximately 1460 bytes for a single TCP packet. For the predetermined size of the aroma generation data packet structure, using the above example, the combined area for aroma type identification information and aroma attribute information would be approximately 1100 kbytes. Therefore, during internet transmission, the structure would be divided into slightly less than 800 packets. By placing information indicating the start of the structure's information at the beginning of the aroma generation data packet structure's header and information indicating the end of the structure at the end of the structure, the recipient can detect whether the entire structure has been restored.

[0082] The header portion of the aroma generation data packet structure may include editing permission type identification information indicating the type of editing permission for the structure. While the seller or creator of a commercially sold structure is considered responsible for improvements, a freely distributed structure can be improved by volunteers, allowing for the generation of higher-quality aromas. Alternatively, a derivative structure can be created that generates nearly the same level of aroma at a lower cost.

[0083] Therefore, it is desirable that the aforementioned free structure be editable by setting the editing permission type identification information. There should be at least two types of editing permission: non-editable and editable, but it is also possible to set the editing permission types to grant permissions based on age, qualifications, or qualification types. Editing software that edits the information of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure, or the control information obtained based on the aroma generation data sequence packet structure, can be made public and sold (the form is not limited to one-time purchase or monthly subscription charges). Training on how to use this editing software, or training on the aroma generation data sequence packet structure, or training on how to use the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generator (E) described later may also be considered as one of the qualifications.

[0084] The header of the aroma generation data packet structure can include information indicating whether repeated playback of the corresponding aroma is permitted. Since it is aroma type identification information of a predetermined size, the aroma generation time (playback time) will be a predetermined length, for example, a short time such as 5 seconds per playback. Therefore, if you want to enjoy the aroma leisurely, you will need to play it repeatedly. In other words, if repeated playback is permitted, consecutive repeated playbacks will be treated as a single playback.

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

[0086] Cartridge types can include high-cost, high-performance cartridges that incorporate multiple types of aroma-generating materials and allow for multi-stage, precise control of vaporization and particulate emission using heating coils, heating elements, or ultrasonic generating elements, as well as low-cost, low-performance cartridges that reduce the number of aroma-generating materials and do not allow for precise control of vaporization and particulate emission using heating coils, heating elements, or ultrasonic generating elements (e.g., only two options: emit or not emit). It is desirable to standardize the types and grades of such cartridges, and to standardize the methods for identifying the types. This is because it is impossible to generate the appropriate aroma without identifying the type of cartridge and applying control information appropriate to the cartridge. As an example of cartridge types, a high-performance cartridge is a superior alternative to a low-performance cartridge, capable of generating all the aromas that a low-performance cartridge can generate, as well as aromas that a low-performance cartridge cannot generate.

[0087] In the example of the two types of cartridges mentioned above—a high-cost, high-performance type and a low-cost, low-performance type—it is natural that using the high-cost, high-performance cartridge would allow one to perceive differences in aroma between Bordeaux and Burgundy red wines, or differences in aroma between Kilimanjaro and Mocha coffees. However, using the low-cost, low-performance cartridge would likely result in a performance difference where one would only perceive the aroma of wine or coffee.

[0088] For both high-performance and low-performance cartridges, the diffuser device (A) acquires the same control information based on the same aroma generation data packet structure. However, the device driver acting as an intermediary between the diffuser device (A) and the aroma generation data packet structure can be configured to absorb the differences between cartridges (and also the differences in the diffuser device (A)). By having the device driver process the control information by translating it according to the cartridge type and absorbing the differences between cartridges, it is possible to prevent the diffuser device (A) from malfunctioning or, in the above example, generating an aroma completely different from wine or coffee, even if a low-performance cartridge is installed in the diffuser device (A) that has acquired control information for a high-performance cartridge.

[0089] This embodiment enables the use of an aroma generation data packet structure having aroma type identification information for identifying the type of aroma and aroma attribute information indicating the attributes of the aroma. By including information such as the creator and copyright holder in the aroma attribute information, the creator can transmit and use the packet structure while being considerate of the copyright holder.

[0090] <Embodiment 2 Overview> Mainly Claim 2 Embodiment 2 is characterized in that, in addition to the aroma generation data packet structure of Embodiment 1, it further has an NFT information holding area for holding NFT information.

[0091] <Embodiment 2 Functional Configuration> Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the aroma generation data packet structure of this embodiment, based on Embodiment 1. As shown in the figure, the aroma generation data packet structure (0200) of Embodiment 2 is configured to have an NFT information holding area (0203) in addition to that of Embodiment 1. Therefore, only the NFT information holding area (0203) will be described.

[0092] <Description of Embodiment 2> <Embodiment 2: NFT Information Storage Area (0203)> The "NFT information holding area" (0203) is configured within the aroma generation data stream packet structure to hold NFT information.

[0093] "NFT information" refers to information used to create NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), which are blockchain-based information used to verify that the data packet structure for aroma generation is original. It can also include information indicating who the owner or copyright holder is (in the case of data for aroma generation, the creator of the data), and information including the number of copies that can be distributed (such as an edition number indicating which copy of the data it is out of a limited number). By using blockchain technology, it is possible to prevent tampering with information such as the owner or copyright holder, the number of copies that can be distributed, and information indicating that the data itself is genuine (including cases where multiple copies of the data are genuine), and to improve reliability.

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

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

[0096] <Embodiment 3 Functional Configuration> Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the aroma generation data packet structure of this embodiment, based on Embodiment 1. As shown in the figure, the aroma generation data packet structure (0300) of Embodiment 3 is configured to further include a diffuser device (A) control information holding area (0304) compared to Embodiment 1. Therefore, only the diffuser device (A) control information holding area (0304) will be described. Similar effects can be obtained by using Embodiment 2 as a basis.

[0097] <Description of the configuration in Embodiment 3> <Embodiment 3 Diffuser device (A) control information holding area (0304)> The "diffuser device (A) control information holding area" (0304) is configured within the aroma generation data packet structure to be used for control information of the control information output unit (AF) of the diffuser device (A), which will be described later.

[0098] "Control information" refers to the information output by the control information output unit (AF) to the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A), described below. This information allows the external spray control unit (AC) to control the external spray units (AB) for each type of aroma generating material, which are used to spray the held aroma generating materials externally. More specifically, if the diffuser device (A) is equipped with a cartridge containing several aroma generating materials, the control information is configured to specify which aroma generating material to spray, at what intensity, and for how long, in order to generate one aroma (see Figure 42). There may be one control information per aroma generation data packet structure, or there may be multiple control information (including cases where there are zero control information).

[0099] The aroma generation control information included in the aroma generation data packet structure can be configured to have two types: standard aroma generation control information, which is a basic aroma, and extended aroma generation control information, which satisfies the specifications of individual diffuser devices. Each type of control information is identified by aroma type identification information (or, control information identification information that identifies the control information may be stored in association with the aroma type identification information). The standard aroma generation control information is information that allows all diffuser devices (A) to generate the corresponding aroma. The extended aroma generation control information is control information that enables aroma generation only when using the diffuser device corresponding to the control information and the cartridge that holds the aroma generation raw material corresponding to the control information, and can generate a unique aroma. Multiple types of standards may exist for the extended aroma generation control information, depending on the required specifications for the diffuser device and cartridge. If we were to distinguish the aforementioned multiple types of standards by their suffixes A, B, and C, it is preferable that they are backward compatible in the following order: standard aroma generation control information, extended aroma generation control information A, extended aroma generation control information B, and extended aroma generation control information C. For example, extended aroma generation control information C corresponds to standard aroma generation control information, extended aroma generation control information A, extended aroma generation control information B, and its own standard, extended aroma generation control information C.

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

[0101] <Embodiment 4 Overview> Mainly claims 4, 16, and 28 The diffuser device (A) of Embodiment 4 is configured to read and execute an aroma generation data packet structure of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0102] Each functional block constituting the aroma management system described below can be implemented by hardware, software, or both hardware and software. Specifically, if a computer is used, hardware components such as a CPU, main memory, GPU, image memory, graphics card, bus, or secondary storage devices (hard disks, non-volatile memory, storage media such as CDs and DVDs and their readers), input devices such as operation buttons used for information input, a mouse, touch panel, an electronic pen used solely for touching the touch panel, a joystick or joystick-like pointer position input device, and other external peripheral devices, as well as interfaces for these external peripheral devices, GPS receiving interfaces, GPS processing units, gyro sensors, accelerometers, rotation detection sensors, signal processing devices for these sensors, cameras, image file processing circuits, speakers, microphones, audio file processing circuits, communication interfaces, barcode readers, electronic card readers, POS terminals, facial recognition devices, encryption devices, fingerprint recognition devices, palm print recognition devices, retinal recognition devices and other biometric authentication devices, diffuser units, and driver programs and other application programs for controlling this hardware. In particular, it utilizes smartphones, tablet devices, mobile phones, smartwatches, personal computers, data center server equipment, wired and wireless networks, and interfaces.

[0103] Through arithmetic processing by the CPU according to the program deployed in main memory, data input from input devices and other interfaces and held in memory and hardware is processed and stored, and instructions for controlling the aforementioned hardware and software are generated. Here, the above program may be implemented as multiple modularized programs, or it may be implemented as a single program by combining two or more programs.

[0104] Furthermore, the present invention can also be configured as software in part. Moreover, a storage medium on which such software is recorded is naturally included within the technical scope of the present invention (this applies not only to this embodiment but throughout this specification).

[0105] <Embodiment 4 Functional Configuration> Figure 4 shows a functional block diagram of a diffuser device (A) of Embodiment 4 that can read an aroma generation data sequence packet structure from any one of Embodiments 1 to 3. The diffuser device (A) (0400) of Embodiment 4 includes an aroma generation raw material holding unit (AA) (0411), an external spraying unit for each generation raw material (AB) (0412), an external spraying control unit (AC) (0413), an aroma generation data sequence packet structure acquisition unit (AD) (0414), an aroma type identification information acquisition unit (AE) (0415), a control information output unit (AF) (0416), and a communication unit (AG) (0417).

[0106] The above-described functional block is merely an example for implementing the present invention, and its functions may be omitted or new functions added as appropriate, within the scope that does not contradict the problems that the present invention aims to overcome and its effects. The same applies to the descriptions of Embodiments 5 and beyond below.

[0107] <Description of Embodiment 4 Configuration> <Embodiment 4: Aroma Generating Raw Material Holding Unit (AA) (0411)> The "aroma generating raw material holding unit (AA)" (0411) is configured to hold aroma generating raw materials, which are raw materials for generating aromas by mixing multiple types of aromas.

[0108] "Aroma-generating raw materials" are raw materials used to generate a predetermined aroma, and multiple types are kept in order to generate various aromas by combining them. Alternatively, it may be the case that at least one aroma-generating raw material blend is kept for each type of aroma that is ultimately to be generated. For example, to generate a rose scent, one can use one standard set containing multiple aroma-generating raw materials and generate the rose scent by combining different raw materials within the standard set. Then, to generate a cherry blossom scent, which is different from the rose scent, the same type of standard set used to generate the rose scent is used, but the cherry blossom scent is generated by combining different raw materials than those used for the rose scent. Alternatively, aroma-generating raw materials for generating only the rose scent and aroma-generating raw materials for generating only the cherry blossom scent may be kept separately. A dedicated raw material for generating a single aroma may consist of one type of raw material, or it may be a set of multiple aroma-generating raw materials.

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

[0110] External atomization is performed by heating the aroma-generating raw material, or, if the raw material is liquid, by vaporizing it using ultrasonic vibration or shock. If the aroma-generating raw material is liquid, it can be atomized using known inkjet printer technology or ultrasonic vaporization technology. The system can be configured to atomize the fine particles generated from the aroma-generating raw material by flowing a transport gas at an appropriate flow rate to the outside. The transport gas can be drawn in from the air around the diffuser device (A) using an intake fan or compressor. Alternatively, a high-pressure gas cylinder filled with a gas harmless to humans and the environment, such as nitrogen, may be built into the diffuser device (A) or connected to an external pipe. It is desirable that the transport gas be odorless.

[0111] The aroma generating raw material held in the aroma generating raw material holding unit (AA) (0411) is sent through the flow pipe to the raw material-specific external spraying unit (AB) (0412) as shown in Figure 4, and external spraying is performed. The aroma generating raw material holding unit (AA) is tubular in shape and holds the aroma raw material inside. The aroma is generated by applying heating or ultrasonic vibration (or shock) to the flow pipe connected to the tubular aroma generating raw material holding unit (AA), and then sprayed externally. The aroma generating raw material holding unit (AA) and the flow pipe may be an integrated unit, or / or the flow pipe and the raw material-specific external spraying unit (AB) may be an integrated unit.

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

[0113] The external spray intensity (amount) for each individual aroma-generating ingredient is controlled over time according to a predetermined profile. Not only is the intensity (amount) of individual aromas generated from each individual aroma-generating ingredient controlled, but the flow rate of the transport gas can also be controlled to control the external spray. If the diffuser device (A) is a stationary or wall-mounted type, it may also be configured to control the spray direction from the external spray port. This allows for variations in the amount of aroma the user receives, by spraying directly towards the user or, depending on the situation, shifting the spray direction to the side of the user.

[0114] The control information, which controls the external spraying units (AB) for each generated raw material, is not emitted from the external spraying control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A). Instead, the external spraying control unit (AC) can be configured to acquire an aroma generation data sequence packet structure containing the control information emitted from an external device (e.g., the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) described later) via the communication unit (AG) and use this to control the external spraying units (AB). If the external device can output the control information necessary to directly control the external spraying units (AB) for each generated raw material, the control information may be acquired from the communication unit (AG) and spraying may be performed directly from the external spraying units (AB) to the outside.

[0115] When playing video content such as movies or television programs, for example, during scenes of cooking in a kitchen or eating, the video content outputs a data packet structure for aroma generation containing control information. The communication unit (AG) of the diffuser device (A) acquires this data, and aromas such as brandy flambé or steak served on a hot iron plate are generated, corresponding to the scene in the video content. By perceiving aromas related to the scene while watching the video content, the sense of realism can be enhanced.

[0116] This technology is not limited to video content; it can also generate aromas associated with music software and ambient sound playback software, or enhance the sense of realism by generating scene-related aromas when viewing ebooks, similar to video software. Furthermore, during mindfulness meditation, it can generate aromas suitable for meditation and that complement the audio content.

[0117] Alternatively, instead of outputting a data packet structure for aroma generation containing control information, the system may be configured to output aroma type identification information from an external device to the diffuser device (A). For example, while playing video content, the diffuser device (A) attached to the TV receives aroma type identification information from the user's smartphone or smart remote control and generates an aroma corresponding to the video scene.

[0118] <Embodiment 4: Aroma generation data sequence packet structure acquisition unit (AD) (0414)> The "Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure Acquisition Unit (AD)" (0414) is configured to acquire one of the aroma generation data stream packet structures from Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0119] The aroma generation data packet structure of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3 may be obtained from an aroma generation data packet structure server device (B) outside the diffuser device (A) via an internet connection or the like. Alternatively, the diffuser device (A) may be configured to have a non-volatile memory (such as a hard disk drive or SSD) connected to or installed for storage. When stored in the diffuser device (A), it is preferable to associate it with diffuser device identification information that individually identifies the diffuser device (A) so that it can only be used by the diffuser device (A) that stored it.

[0120] Alternatively, the diffuser device (A) can be configured to read and obtain an aroma generation data packet structure from a USB memory stick or memory card, or to capture an image of a printed document containing the URL (or a 2D code including the URL) of a website where the aroma generation data packet structure can be obtained, and then obtain the aroma generation data packet structure from the website via the internet, or for a user of the diffuser device (A) to access the website from the printed document using their smartphone or other device, obtain the aroma generation data packet structure, and send it to the diffuser device (A). If the printed document, such as a 2D code, contains the aroma generation data packet structure, the aroma generation data packet structure acquisition unit (AD) of the diffuser device (A) can directly obtain the aroma generation data packet structure from the printed document using a barcode reader or camera.

[0121] The device can also be configured to acquire information via Bluetooth®, infrared communication, Wi-Fi®, mobile phone communication, or NFC if the external medium holding the aroma generation data packet structure is an IC card with NFC functionality. The diffuser device (A) can also be configured to transmit information acquired by the user's mobile device from the internet (such as the aroma generation data packet structure, NFT information, and aroma type identification information) using short-range wireless communication between the user's mobile device and the diffuser device (A), without providing a direct connection function to the internet.

[0122] <Embodiment 4: Aroma Type Identification Information Acquisition Unit (AE) (0415)> The "Aroma Type Identification Information Acquisition Unit (AE)" (0415) is configured to acquire aroma type identification information contained in the acquired aroma generation data sequence packet structure.

[0123] The aroma type identification information contained in the aroma generation data packet structure is obtained, and if it is information for identifying the control information rather than the control information for aroma generation itself, the control information for aroma generation is obtained based on the aroma type identification information. For aromas that have been generated by the diffuser device (A) once, the diffuser device (A) may be configured to store the aroma type identification information. When purchasing the device, it may be configured to store a number of basic aroma type identification information in an aroma type identification information storage unit provided inside the diffuser device (A) in advance.

[0124] Before acquiring aroma type identification information, it is also possible to configure the system to acquire aroma attribute information, and if the acquired aroma generation data packet structure is determined to be original based on the aroma attribute information, the system can proceed to the processing after acquiring aroma type identification information. By first verifying the originality of the data, it is possible to confirm whether the data has been tampered with by a third party or whether it has been illegally copied. If it has been tampered with, it is possible to prevent the generation of an unexpected aroma for the user (for example, if the user expected a pleasant scent but the data was tampered with to produce a foul odor such as a putrid smell). By confirming whether it is an illegal copy, the rights holder can also be protected. Alternatively, if information regarding the authority of the aroma is included in the aroma generation data packet structure, it can be referenced to confirm whether the user and diffuser device (A) have the authority to generate the corresponding aroma, and the system can be configured to generate the aroma only if they have the authority. If the aroma generation data packet structure has an NFT information holding area, the system may determine whether the acquired aroma generation data packet structure is original based on the NFT information instead of the aroma attribute information, and then perform the above processing.

[0125] <Embodiment 4 Control Information Output Unit (AF) (0416)> The "Control Information Output Unit (AF)" (0416) is configured to output control information to the External Spray Control Unit (AC) (0413) based on the acquired aroma type identification information.

[0126] "Control information" is information that controls the process of spraying aroma-generating raw materials to the outside from the external spraying unit (AB) for each generating raw material in order to generate aroma. The control information consists of information such as the type of aroma-generating raw material used and the external spray intensity profile for each time period during which each aroma-generating raw material is sprayed to the outside. Figure 42 shows an example when using five types of aroma-generating raw materials (1 to 5). In Figure 42, the horizontal axis is the time axis (left end is 0: start of aroma generation), the vertical axis is the external spray intensity, and the depth is the type of aroma-generating raw material (1 to 5). Figure 42 shows the profile of the change in external spray intensity over time for each aroma-generating raw material. Aroma-generating raw material 1 is the solid line graph in the foreground, and spraying starts from the start of aroma generation, reaching the peak of external spray intensity the earliest among the five types of raw materials, but then the intensity drops rapidly. Aroma-generating ingredient 2 (dotted line) begins spraying slightly later than the start of aroma generation, and its peak is lower than that of aroma-generating ingredient 1. However, even after the peak, the spray intensity does not become zero but gradually decreases, and some spraying continues even at the end of aroma generation, forming a so-called lingering scent. By performing this control and superimposing the external spray intensity profiles of the five types of aroma-generating ingredients shown in Figure 42, a predetermined aroma is generated.

[0127] Let's explain an example of the predetermined size of the area for storing aroma type identification information. It is generally said that there are about 400 types of olfactory receptors that humans can detect smells (humans are said to have 396 functional olfactory receptor genes). If we were to prepare aroma generating raw materials that produce the elemental odor of an aroma that stimulates one type of olfactory receptor, we would need about 400 types, the same number as the olfactory receptors. If we consider a case where the intensity (amount) of the aroma generated using one type of aroma generating raw material is controlled in 16 steps, with 15 at the maximum capacity of the diffuser device (A) and 0 for no generation, then at a certain point in time, the amount of information indicating the intensity would be 4 bits per type.

[0128] If we assume that the time required to generate one aroma is 5 seconds and control it every 1 millisecond, the amount of information for one type of aroma generating ingredient will be 4 bits × 5000 = 20000 bits = 2500 bytes. If aroma generation is to continue for more than 5 seconds, the aroma can be generated repeatedly. In the above example, the amount of information required to control all aroma generating ingredients is 2500 bytes × 400 = 1 Mbyte. If the number of types of aroma generating ingredients is less than 400, or if the control is changed from every 1 millisecond to every 10 milliseconds, the specified size can be reduced.

[0129] Multiple aroma generation modes can be defined based on the type of aroma generation raw material set, the time axis division unit, etc., and configured to be included in the aroma type identification information or the aroma attribute information described below. A diffuser device (A) that has acquired aroma generation mode identification information, which is information for identifying the aroma generation mode, generates an aroma based on the aroma type identification information in the aroma generation mode corresponding to the identification information. If a mode uses many types of aroma generation raw materials and has a large number of time axis divisions, the aroma can be reproduced with high accuracy, but the amount of data is large and many types of aroma generation raw materials are consumed, resulting in high costs. On the other hand, if a mode is used with a limited number of aroma generation raw material types and a small number of time axis divisions, the aroma will have low reproducibility, but the amount of data will be small and fewer types of aroma generation raw materials will be consumed, thus reducing costs and allowing for economical use.

[0130] Based on the data packet structure for aroma generation, it outputs control information necessary for aroma generation from multiple aroma generation raw materials. For example, if an aroma generation raw material holder holds 10 aroma generation raw materials and 5 of them are used to generate the desired aroma, the control information will control when and at what intensity (amount) to spray the 5 raw materials, and when to stop spraying from each raw material.

[0131] <Embodiment 4 Communication Unit (AG) (0417)> The "Communication Unit (AG)" (0417) is configured to perform network communication. Network communication may include internet communication, communication using TCP / IP, or communication using wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or mobile phone communication. Network communication may also be wired communication. The Communication Unit (AG) can achieve the same effect even if it is not a network, but communicates with a USB memory via a USB terminal, a memory card, or a storage medium using SATA or other connection terminals, as long as the storage medium holds an aroma generation data packet structure.

[0132] The communications unit (AG) performs communications to obtain data packet structures for aroma generation and to output NFT information to obtain verification results.

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

[0134] The diffuser device (A) communicates to obtain a data packet structure for aroma generation. If the data packet structure for aroma generation contains NFT information using blockchain technology, it can determine whether the data sequence is the original or a copy. Based on the aroma type identification information, it sprays a predetermined raw material from among the multiple aroma generation raw materials it holds onto the outside under predetermined conditions (intensity, quantity, time, generation timing, order, etc.) to generate the aroma.

[0135] Diffuser devices (A) can take many forms, including tabletop or wall-mounted types for spraying into the indoor atmosphere of living rooms, bathrooms, saunas, toilets, and bedrooms; built-in types for air conditioners and other HVAC systems; built-in types for air conditioning systems in automobiles and other modes of transport; built-in types for entertainment purposes such as televisions and monitors (for watching TV programs, playing video software, and playing games); built-in types for VR goggles, AR glasses, and helmets; built-in types for massage chairs and sofas; built-in or add-on external expansion devices for smartphones and other mobile information terminals; small portable diffuser devices (including wearable types); diffuser devices that connect to devices with USB ports for connection to PCs, TVs, etc. via USB terminals; and devices that can be built into dressing tables and full-length mirrors for use in online perfume sales.

[0136] The communication unit of the diffuser device (A) can be configured to acquire new aroma generation data packet structures from an external server device via an internet connection, or it can be configured to start up standalone without connecting to an internet connection and exchange data via a memory card, or to read necessary data from barcodes on printed materials using a camera or barcode reader, or to exchange data directly from an NFC card, or to exchange data with other devices via one-to-one short-range communication. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access from external sources.

[0137] In a diffuser device (A), when it reads an aroma generation data packet structure to generate an aroma, it can be configured to query an aroma generation data packet structure server device (B), described below, before execution to determine whether it is possible to perform regeneration (aroma generation) using the aroma generation data packet structure or the aroma type identification information contained in the structure. The feasibility of regeneration (aroma generation) depends on whether the aroma generation data packet structure or the aroma type identification information contained in the structure is genuine, whether it is information for which the user has the authority to regenerate (right of use, number of uses, qualifications, etc.), and whether it is information suitable for the diffuser device (A) to be regenerated (cartridge identification information may also be included). Regeneration is performed after obtaining a response that it is possible to perform the regeneration.

[0138] Furthermore, the system may be configured to send diffuser identification information (information that identifies both the model and the individual diffuser device (A) by combining information that identifies the model of the diffuser device (A) with individual identification information such as a serial number that identifies each individual device) from the diffuser device (A) to the server device (B) and inquire whether regeneration (aroma generation) is possible. Before regeneration (aroma generation) is performed, it is possible to determine whether the diffuser device (A) is a legitimate device registered in this system and whether it is a diffuser device (A) corresponding to the aroma type identification information, and regeneration (aroma generation) can be performed with a legitimate device and corresponding information.In addition, instead of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B), a server device for verifying the aroma generation data sequence packet structure or aroma type identification information, or a server device for authenticating the diffuser device (A) may be provided.These server devices may be integrated with other server devices as appropriate.

[0139] <Embodiment 4: Aroma generation example using diffuser device (A)> <Embodiment 4: Aroma Management System: App> Figures 45 to 51 illustrate an example in which a user generates aroma (hereinafter, in the description of the app, generating aroma may be referred to as "regeneration") in a diffuser device (A) used by the user via an aroma management system app running on the user's smartphone. The app, which is the client software for the aroma management system, runs on the user's smartphone, and the smartphone communicates with the diffuser device (A), causing the app to output an aroma generation data packet structure or to instruct the diffuser device (A) to regenerate the aroma. The following explanation shows that the same effect can be obtained by accessing a website using a browser instead of an app on a smartphone.

[0140] In the explanation using Figures 45 to 51, the user's personal authentication is performed using the user's smartphone (configured so that the user can use the smartphone after personal authentication), the user accesses the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B), which will be described in the embodiment below, via the network from the application on the smartphone, and obtains the aroma generation data sequence packet structure that the user has permission to use and wants to reproduce from the server device (B) via the network. Then, an example of a configuration in which the output is sent from the smartphone to the diffuser device (A) via network or proximity wireless communication is described (but the example is not limited to this example). Note that the diffuser device (A) can also be configured to directly obtain and hold the aroma generation data sequence structure via the network and accept commands for aroma generation.

[0141] <Embodiment 4: Aroma Management System: App: TOP Screen> Figure 45 shows the TOP screen of the aroma management system's smartphone app. As shown at the bottom of the screen, the user is Takuya Sato, and his membership number is S12345678. During the initial registration (not shown) when using this app, Takuya Sato enters his name, email address, and payment method for purchasing the aroma generation data packet structure (credit card, in-app purchase, prepaid card, e-money ID, etc.). If he does not wish to disclose his real name, he also registers a nickname. Once registration is complete, user identification information (membership number S12345678 in this example), which identifies the user, is associated with the user (Takuya Sato in this example). In the explanations of Figures 45 to 50, the user identification information is an alphanumeric string assigned by this system, but as long as the user can be uniquely identified, an email address or other user identification information entered by the user, or user attribute information indicating the user's attributes may be used.

[0142] Furthermore, the diffuser device (A) used by the user is also registered, including its serial number. For convenient serial number registration, it is recommended to configure the system to read the serial number by taking a picture of the sticker (which may also contain a QR code including the serial number) with a smartphone camera. Once the serial number is obtained, it can be associated with the diffuser device identification information (which identifies the diffuser device (A)) and the user identification information, and stored in the user identification information storage unit described later.

[0143] The TOP screen has buttons to navigate to the following screens: Aroma Playback, Aroma Library (acquired data packet structure for aroma generation), Aroma Recipe Purchase (purchase of data packet structure for aroma generation), Aroma Recipe Creation (corresponding to the aroma data packet structure generation device (E) described in the embodiment below), Evaluation (corresponding to the evaluation of the aroma data packet structure described in the embodiment below), and My Page (editing registered personal information (user attribute information), withdrawal, etc.).

[0144] <Embodiment 4: Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Playback Screen> <Embodiment 4: Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Playback Screen: Configuration> On the app's TOP screen, pressing the aroma playback button transitions to the aroma playback screen shown in Figure 46. On the aroma playback screen, the aroma type identification information (recipe number) and aroma attribute information (recipe name, remaining quantity) contained in the already acquired aroma generation data sequence packet structure are displayed as a list. The user's smartphone or the diffuser device (A) may be configured to have an aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding unit, but it is preferable to have an aroma type identification information holding unit that does not hold the aroma generation data sequence packet structure itself, but rather associates and holds only the contained aroma type identification information and aroma attribute information. In the latter configuration, the control information used to actually generate the aroma does not remain on the user's device (smartphone or diffuser unit (A)), and the system administrator can centrally manage the control information (the control information is acquired each time the aroma is regenerated as an aroma generation data packet structure, output to the diffuser device (A), and the control information is deleted after the aroma is generated).

[0145] <Embodiment 4: Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Playback Screen: Screen Description> In the example in Figure 46, Mr. Sato has already acquired nine aroma recipes (data packet structures for aroma generation) (both paid and free), which are displayed in a list. If the number of aroma recipes acquired exceeds the number that can be displayed on one screen, the rest can be viewed by scrolling or advancing the screen. In the example in Figure 46, "Coffee Kilimanjaro," the third from the top, is selected. To play the selected aroma, press the "Play" button in the lower right corner of the screen.

[0146] <Embodiment 4: Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Playback Screen: Evaluation> When a user smells a regenerated aroma, they can choose to have a "Like" button to indicate that they liked the aroma, or a "Dislike" button to indicate that they disliked the aroma, placed on the screen that instructed the user to regenerate the aroma, allowing the user to press either button if they had a positive or favorable impression of the aroma (a configuration with only a "Like" button, not shown, is also acceptable). It is preferable that the "Like" or "Dislike" button be configured to be pressed only once per aroma regeneration. It is also preferable to configure the system to display the total number of times the "Like" or "Dislike" button has been pressed, including by other users, so that it can be used as a reference when selecting an aroma to regenerate. This can be achieved by configuring the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) to further include an aroma generation data sequence packet structure evaluation holding unit that stores the evaluation of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure in association with aroma identification information, and by configuring the diffuser device (A), the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E), or the mobile information terminal used by the user to acquire the evaluation held in the aroma generation data sequence packet structure evaluation holding unit when attempting to acquire the aroma generation data sequence packet structure.

[0147] <Embodiment 4: Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Playback Screen: Information Flow> After the play button is pressed, the play request is transmitted via the network from the app on the smartphone to the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B), described below. The aroma type identification information of the aroma recipe (aroma generation data packet structure) to be played is associated with the user identification information. The aroma generation data packet structure server device (B), upon receiving the play request, outputs the aroma generation data packet structure corresponding to the aroma identified by the aroma type identification information associated with the play request to the user's smartphone or the diffuser device (A) used by the user.

[0148] The aroma generation data packet structure can be configured to be retrieved by the user's smartphone via the network from the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B) and sent to the diffuser device (A), or it can be configured for the diffuser device (A) to retrieve it directly via the network. In the former configuration, the diffuser device (A) does not need to have a function to connect to the network and only needs to have a function to communicate with the user's smartphone. The diffuser device (A), having retrieved the transmitted aroma generation data packet structure, outputs control information from the external spray control unit (AC) to the external spray unit for each generation raw material (AB). The external spray unit for each generation raw material (AB) sprays the held aroma generation raw material externally, and the aroma is regenerated.

[0149] If the aroma generation data packet structure to be reproduced contains an NFT information holding area that holds NFT information, the NFT information acquisition unit (CA) of the NFT verification server device (C), described below, selects it as a target for reproduction and instructs it to reproduce. The CA then acquires the NFT information held in the NFT information holding area of ​​the aroma generation data packet structure. The NFT information verification unit (CB) acquires the verification result of the NFT information, and the verification result output unit (CC) outputs the verification result. The aroma generation data packet structure target server device (B), which has acquired the verification result via the network, outputs the target aroma generation data packet structure to the aroma management system application on the smartphone used by the user who attempted to reproduce the aroma, if the verification result indicates that the data is valid. After the application acquires the aroma generation data packet structure, the aroma is reproduced in accordance with the description of the example where NFT information is not used.

[0150] Furthermore, the verification results from the NFT verification server device (C) may also be obtained by the aroma management system app on the user's smartphone, and if the verification results are appropriate, the system may be configured to output an aroma generation data packet structure to the diffuser device (A). Appropriate verification results include verification that the information was obtained through appropriate means, that it is genuine data and not an illegal copy, and that the user attempting to play it has the right to use it (including having remaining uses).

[0151] <Embodiment 4: Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Playback Screen: Usage Count Modification (Reduction)> When the external spray control unit of the diffuser device (A) outputs control information to the external spray units (AB) for each generated raw material, it notifies the user's smartphone app that control information has been output, and the app is configured to decrease the remaining number of uses of the aroma recipe by one. Furthermore, it is preferable to configure the system to output a regeneration report to the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B) in association with the aroma type identification information and the user identification information. The server device (B) can then confirm that the aroma has actually been regenerated.

[0152] <Embodiment 4: Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Playback Screen: After Playback> As shown in Figure 46, the remaining count for "Coffee Kilimanjaro" is displayed as 1 / 10, indicating that the aroma recipe, which was acquired with 10 available uses, has already been played 9 times, leaving only 1 use remaining at the time of selection, and will become 0 uses after this play. For aroma recipes that have run out of available uses, the aroma type identification information may be deleted so that they are not displayed again, or they may be left displayed as 0 uses, and the system may be configured so that selecting them to play leads to the purchase screen for the corresponding aroma recipe.

[0153] <Embodiment 4: Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Library> <Embodiment 4: Aroma Management System: App: Library Search> Figure 47 shows the library search screen, which is accessed when you click "Library Search" in the Aroma Library on the TOP screen. This screen is used to search for a desired aroma recipe when the number of aroma recipes acquired by the user exceeds the number that can be displayed on a single screen. In Figure 47, Mr. Sato has selected "Beverages" as the main category and "Coffee / Tea" as the medium category to refine his search. The search results are the three results at the bottom of the screen. In Figure 47, "Earl Grey Tea" is selected. To play it, click the "Play" button in the lower right corner. After clicking the play button, information is sent and received in the same way as explained in the aroma playback section above.

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

[0155] <Embodiment 4: Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Recipe Purchase: Selection> Figure 49 shows an example screen when searching for an aroma recipe in an area of ​​interest when purchasing an aroma recipe. The aroma recipe is an aroma generation data packet structure held in the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B). For the purchase of an aroma recipe, aroma type identification information (recipe number) and related aroma attribute information (recipe name, etc.) are obtained and viewed on the app on the user, Mr. Sato's smartphone. In the example in Figure 49, the categories "Nature" and "Forest / Wood" are selected, and seven search results are displayed. The top one, "Meiji Jingu Shrine Grounds," has already been acquired by Mr. Sato, so the check box on the far left is marked with an "X" and cannot be checked (it is possible to configure the system to allow users to purchase already acquired aroma recipes again to increase the number of available recipes). Mr. Sato selects the bottom one, "Kiryu River Headwaters Forest." He presses the "Next" button and proceeds to the purchase confirmation screen.

[0156] When purchasing an aroma recipe (aroma generation data packet structure), the number of "Like" or "Dislike" buttons pressed for each candidate aroma recipe (aroma generation data packet structure) displayed on the selection screen as shown in Figure 49 can be displayed. For example, two additional columns for displaying the number of "Likes" and "Dislikes" can be added to the right side of the search results list on the aroma recipe purchase screen shown in Figure 49. This allows users considering a purchase to refer to the number of "Likes" or "Dislikes" pressed.

[0157] <Embodiment 4: Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Recipe Purchase: Purchase Decision> Figure 50 shows the purchase confirmation screen for the selected aroma recipe. A detailed description of the selected aroma recipe is displayed, along with the purchase price of 1000 yen. Pressing the "Trial Fragrance" button allows the user to smell the aroma once before purchasing. The aroma generation data packet structure can be used only once, and the playback time can also be set to be short. The "Trial Fragrance" function should be limited to once per user or per diffuser device (A), or to once within a specified period. This is because if there is no restriction, some users may use the "Trial Fragrance" function without paying. A trial fragrance is not required for all aroma recipes, and it is also possible to leave it off. However, if there is no trial fragrance, some users may hesitate to purchase. To purchase, press the "Purchase" button. If a payment method is registered in the app, payment will be processed using the registered payment method. If not registered, the user will be redirected to the payment method input screen (not shown).

[0158] <Embodiment 4: Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Recipe Purchase: Not Supported> Figure 51 shows an example of a warning message displayed when a user attempts to purchase an aroma recipe, but the diffuser device (A) or the aroma cartridge that holds the aroma generating raw materials installed at the time of purchase cannot regenerate the aroma. In this system, if the administrator knows the type of diffuser device (A) used by the user and the type of aroma cartridge installed, a warning can be displayed as shown in Figure 51, preventing the user from purchasing an aroma recipe that cannot be used. Aroma cartridges are not limited to one type; it is conceivable that multiple types may be provided, such as a basic cartridge that generates basic aromas and advanced cartridges that generate more complex aromas or basic aromas with enhanced reproducibility. For example, by configuring the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B) to have a user information storage unit that stores user identification information, which is information that identifies the user; user diffuser device identification information, which is information that identifies the diffuser device (A) used by the user; and aroma generation raw material storage unit identification information, which is information that identifies the aroma generation raw material storage unit (AA) (aroma cartridge) that the diffuser device (A) used by the user has, the above-mentioned warning can be displayed.

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

[0160] Here, the operation method of the diffuser device (A), which is a computer, is as follows: The aroma generation raw material holding step (aa) (SA0501) is a process that holds the aroma generation raw materials, which are raw materials for generating aromas by mixing multiple types of aromas. The communication step (ag) (SA0502) performs the processing necessary for network communication. The step of acquiring the aroma generation data sequence packet structure (ad) (SA0503) is a process of acquiring one of the aroma generation data sequence packet structures of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3. The aroma type identification information acquisition step (ae) (SA0504) performs the process of acquiring the aroma type identification information contained in the acquired aroma generation data sequence packet structure. The control information output step (af) (SA0505) outputs control information to the external spray control step (ac) (SA0506) based on the acquired aroma type identification information. The external spray control step (ac) (SA0506) performs a process to control the external spray step (ab) (SA0507) for each generated raw material. The external spraying step (ab)(SA0507) for each generated raw material performs a process for external spraying of the held aroma-generating raw material. This is a method of operation in which a diffuser device (A), which is a computer, is made to perform this series of processes.

[0161] <Embodiment 4: Hardware Description> The hardware configuration of the diffuser device (A) in Embodiment 4, which is capable of reading and executing an aroma generation data packet structure from any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0162] Figure 6 shows the hardware configuration of the diffuser device (A) in this embodiment 4. As shown in this figure, the diffuser device (A) in this embodiment 4 includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" for performing various calculations, a "chipset," "main memory," "non-volatile memory" for holding various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller," "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.," "BIOS (UEFI)," "PCI Express slots," a "real-time clock," and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These components are interconnected by data communication paths such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0163] The various programs and data (information) stored in non-volatile memory are expanded into main memory when the diffuser device (A) is activated, and the CPU is configured to sequentially perform calculations using the data by accepting execution instructions.

[0164] When the diffuser device (A) is activated, various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, and at the same time, a work area, which is also the working area for those programs, is provided. Upon receiving execution instructions, the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data. In addition, multiple addresses are assigned to both the main memory and the non-volatile memory, and programs executed by the CPU can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing these addresses.

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

[0166] The "CPU" performs the following operations: The aroma generation raw material holding program (aa), stored in "main memory," is executed to hold the aroma generation raw materials, which are the raw materials for generating multiple types of aromas by mixing them. The program executes the separate spraying program (ab) for each generated raw material stored in "main memory" to spray the stored aroma-generating raw material externally. The external spray control program (ac) stored in "main memory" is executed to control the external spray units (AB) for each generated raw material. The program (ad) for acquiring the aroma generation data sequence packet structure stored in "main memory" is executed to acquire one of the aroma generation data sequence packet structures from Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 3. The program (ae) for acquiring aroma type identification information is executed in "main memory" to retrieve the aroma type identification information contained in the acquired aroma generation data packet structure. The control information output program (af) stored in "main memory" is executed, and control information is output to the external spray control unit (AC) based on the acquired aroma type identification information. The system executes a communication program (ag) stored in "main memory" and performs network communication via "USB, SATA, LAN port, etc."

[0167] In this embodiment, the diffuser device (A) can generate aroma based on an aroma generation data packet structure.

[0168] <Embodiment 5 Overview> Mainly claims 5, 17, and 29 The aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) of Embodiment 5 is configured to hold one of the aroma generation data sequence packet structures of Embodiments 1 to 3 and output it to the diffuser device (A) of Embodiment 4.

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

[0170] <Description of Embodiment 5> <Embodiment 5: Aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding unit (BA) (0721)> The "Aroma Generation Data Column Packet Structure Holding Unit (BA)" (0721) is configured to hold one of the aroma generation data column packet structures of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0171] A possible business model involves manufacturing and selling individual diffuser devices (A) at the lowest possible cost, with the system's administrator generating profits through the sale of aroma-generating raw materials and aroma-generating data packet structures, and the collection of usage fees. If a diffuser device (A) does not have an aroma-generating data packet structure holder and the user does not possess such a device, the user of the diffuser device (A) must connect to an aroma-generating data packet structure server device (B), located outside the diffuser device (A), via an internet connection or the like, and request the aroma-generating data packet structure held by the aroma-generating data packet structure server device (B) to be output to the diffuser device (A). Upon receiving the request, the aroma-generating data packet structure server device (B) outputs the structure from the aroma-generating data packet structure output unit (BB) described below. The output structure is transmitted directly or indirectly to the diffuser device (A). Indirect transmission means transmission via the user's mobile information terminal (which may be the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) described later). The following explanation describes an example of direct communication with the diffuser device (A), but the same effect can be obtained with indirect communication via the user's mobile information terminal.

[0172] <Embodiment 5: Output Unit for Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure (BB) (0722)> The aroma generation data sequence packet structure output unit (BB) (0722) is configured to output the held aroma generation data sequence packet structure to the diffuser device (A) of Embodiment 4 via the network.

[0173] The aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) outputs the aroma generation data sequence packet structure to the diffuser device (A). However, it can also be configured to output the packet structure upon request from the diffuser device (A), as described above, or it can be configured to automatically output (distribute) one or more aroma generation data sequence packet structures periodically for a predetermined amount of money, for example, in a monthly subscription system.

[0174] <Embodiment 5: Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure Server Device (B) (0720)> The "Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure Server Device (B)" (0720) includes an Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure Holding Unit (BA) (0721) and an Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure Output Unit (BB) (0722), and is configured to hold an aroma generation data stream packet structure of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3 and output it to the diffuser device (A) of Embodiment 4.

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

[0176] Here, the operation method of the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B), which is a computer, is as follows: The step of holding the aroma generation data sequence packet structure (ba) (SB0801) is a process of holding the aroma generation data sequence packet structure of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (bb) (SB0802) performs processing to output the held aroma generation data sequence packet structure to the diffuser device (A) of Embodiment 4 via the network. This is an operation method in which a computer, which is a data packet structure server device (B) for aroma generation, is made to perform this series of processes.

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

[0178] Figure 9 shows the hardware configuration of the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B) in this embodiment 5. As shown in this figure, the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B) in this embodiment 5 includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" for performing various calculations, a "chipset," "main memory," "non-volatile memory" for holding various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller," "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.," "BIOS (UEFI)," "PCI Express slots," a "real-time clock," and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These components are interconnected by data communication paths such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0179] The various programs and data (information) stored in non-volatile memory are expanded into main memory when the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B) is activated, and the CPU is configured to sequentially perform calculations using the data by accepting execution instructions.

[0180] When the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B) is activated, various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, and at the same time, a work area, which is also the working area for those programs, is provided. Upon receiving execution instructions, the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data. In addition, multiple addresses are assigned to both the main memory and the non-volatile memory, and programs executed by the CPU can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing these addresses.

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

[0182] The "CPU" performs the following operations: The aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding program (ba), which is stored in "main memory," is executed to hold the aroma generation data sequence packet structure described in any one of Embodiments 1 to 3. The program (bb) for outputting the aroma generation data sequence packet structure stored in "main memory" is executed, and the stored aroma generation data sequence packet structure is output to the diffuser device (A) of Embodiment 4 via the network through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc."

[0183] This embodiment allows the aroma generation data packet structure to be stored outside the diffuser device (A).

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

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

[0186] <Description of the configuration of Embodiment 6> <Embodiment 6: Aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration unit (BC) (1023)> The "Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure Registration Unit (BC)" (1023) is configured to register the aroma generation data stream packet structure with the aroma generation data stream packet structure holding unit (BA) (1021).

[0187] For example, it is used when adding a newly created aroma generation data packet structure to the aroma generation data packet structure holding unit (BA) of the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B). When registering, in addition to aroma type identification information, which is information for identifying the type of aroma, it is also possible to configure the system so that information such as the creator and owner of the aroma generation data packet structure, the creation date and time of the aroma generation data packet structure, the usable period of the aroma generation data packet structure, the usable region of the aroma generation data packet structure, the target age range for use of the aroma generation data packet structure, the usage fee for the aroma generation data packet structure, and the total number of times the aroma generation data packet structure can be used are registered together using blockchain technology.

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

[0189] Here, the operation method of the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B), which is a computer, is as follows: The aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration step (bc) (SB1101) performs the process of registering one of the aroma generation data sequence packet structures from Embodiments 1 to 3 in the aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding step (ba) (SB1102) described below. The step of holding the aroma generation data sequence packet structure (ba) (SB1102) is a process of holding the aroma generation data sequence packet structure of any one of the embodiments 1 to 3 above. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (bb) (SB1103) performs processing to output the held aroma generation data sequence packet structure to the diffuser device (A) of Embodiment 4 via the network. This is an operation method in which a computer, which is a data packet structure server device (B) for aroma generation, is made to perform this series of processes.

[0190] <Embodiment 6: Hardware Description> The hardware configuration of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) in Embodiment 6, which is based on Embodiment 5, will be explained with reference to Figure 12.

[0191] Figure 12 shows the hardware configuration of the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B) in this embodiment 6. As shown in this figure, the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B) in this embodiment includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" for performing various calculations, a "chipset," "main memory," "non-volatile memory" for holding various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller," "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.," "BIOS (UEFI)," "PCI Express slots," a "real-time clock," and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These components are interconnected by data communication paths such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0192] The various programs and data (information) stored in non-volatile memory are expanded into main memory when the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B) is activated, and the CPU is configured to sequentially perform calculations using the data by accepting execution instructions.

[0193] When the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B) is activated, various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, and at the same time, a work area, which is also the working area for those programs, is provided. Upon receiving execution instructions, the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data. In addition, multiple addresses are assigned to both the main memory and the non-volatile memory, and programs executed by the CPU can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing these addresses.

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

[0195] The "CPU" performs the following operations: The program (ba) for holding the aroma generation data sequence packet structure stored in "main memory" is executed to hold one of the aroma generation data sequence packet structures from Embodiments 1 to 3. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration program (bc), stored in "main memory," is executed to register one of the aroma generation data sequence packet structures from Embodiments 1 to 3 with the aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding program (ba). The program (bb) for outputting the aroma generation data sequence packet structure stored in "main memory" is executed, and the stored aroma generation data sequence packet structure is output to the diffuser device (A) of Embodiment 4 via the network through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc."

[0196] This embodiment allows the aroma generation data sequence packet structure to be registered with the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B).

[0197] <Embodiment 7 Overview> Mainly claims 7, 19, and 31 The NFT verification server device (C) of Embodiment 7 is configured to acquire NFT information from Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3 based on Embodiment 2, and to output verification results, which are the results of the verification.

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

[0199] <Description of the configuration in Embodiment 7> <Embodiment 7 NFT Information Acquisition Unit (CA) (1331)> The "NFT Information Acquisition Unit (CA)" (1331) is configured to acquire NFT information according to Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3, which is based on Embodiment 2.

[0200] The diffuser device (A) can be configured to obtain NFT information contained in the aroma generation data packet structure of Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3 based on Embodiment 2. After obtaining the aroma generation data packet structure, if the data contains NFT information, the diffuser device (A) can output the NFT information to the NFT verification server device (C) and request verification. By requesting verification from the NFT verification server device (C) to verify the NFT information, the load on the diffuser device (A) can be reduced and costs can be lowered.

[0201] <Embodiment 7 NFT Information Verification Unit (CB) (1332)> The "NFT Information Verification Unit (CB)" (1332) is configured to verify the acquired NFT information and obtain the verification results.

[0202] The system verifies the NFT information requested for verification from the diffuser device (A) and obtains the verification results. The requested NFT information can be used to verify whether the aroma generation data packet structure obtained by the diffuser device (A) is original and has not been tampered with. When verifying originality, the system can also verify the edition number, which indicates that the data is within the limited number specified for each data item. If the NFT information contains information about usage rights, the system may also query and verify the user's attribute information from the user identification information of the user of the diffuser device (A). In that case, the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B), the NFT verification server device (C), or a separate user management server device that manages users of this aroma management system may be equipped with a user identification information storage unit, a user attribute information storage unit, and a user attribute information verification unit, and the verification results of the user usage rights conditions verified there may be output to the NFT verification server device (C) and / or the diffuser device (A).

[0203] <Embodiment 7 Verification Result Output Unit (CC) (1333)> The "Verification Result Output Unit (CC)" (1333) is configured to output the acquired verification results.

[0204] The verification results are output to the diffuser device (A). If the verification results are found to be copied or tampered with, it is preferable to display an error message to the user and control the device to prevent aroma generation.

[0205] <Embodiment 7 NFT Verification Server Device (C) (1330)> The "NFT Verification Server Device (C)" (1330) comprises an NFT Information Acquisition Unit (CA) (1331), an NFT Information Verification Unit (CB) (1332), and a Verification Result Output Unit (CC) (1333), and is configured to acquire NFT information in the aroma generation data sequence packet structure and output the results of the verification.

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

[0207] Here, the operation method of the NFT verification server device (C), which is a computer, The NFT information acquisition step (ca) (SC1401) performs a process of acquiring NFT information in the NFT information packet structure for aroma generation in Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3 based on Embodiment 2. The NFT information verification step (cb) (SC1402) performs a process of verifying the acquired NFT information and obtaining a verification result. The verification result output step (cc) (SC1403) performs a process of outputting the acquired verification result. This is an operation method for causing the NFT verification server device (C), which is a computer, to execute such a series of processes.

[0208] <Description of Hardware in Embodiment 7> The hardware configuration of the NFT verification server device (C) in this Embodiment 7 will be described with reference to FIG. 15.

[0209] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the NFT verification server device (C) in this Embodiment 7. As shown in this figure, the NFT verification server device (C) in this Embodiment 7 includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" that performs various arithmetic processes, a "chipset", a "main memory", a "non-volatile memory" that holds various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller", "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.", a "BIOS (UEFI)", a "PCI Express slot", a "real-time clock", and an "expansion board" with a "graphics card". And they are interconnected by a data communication path such as a "system bus" to perform information transmission, reception, and processing.

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

[0211] When the NFT verification server device (C) is started, various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, and at the same time, a work area, which is the working area for those programs, is provided. Upon receiving execution instructions, the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data. In addition, multiple addresses are assigned to both the main memory and the non-volatile memory, and programs executed by the CPU can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing these addresses.

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

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

[0214] This embodiment allows for the verification of NFT information within the aroma generation data packet structure, determination of its authenticity, and obtaining a result. Based on this result, the system can be configured to control whether or not aroma generation is performed.

[0215] <Embodiment 8 Summary> Mainly claims 8, 20, and 32 The storage device (D) of Embodiment 8 holds an aroma generation data packet structure of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3 and is configured to output the aroma generation data packet structure to the diffuser device (A) of Embodiment 4.

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

[0217] <Description of Embodiment 8> <Embodiment 8: Aroma generation data stream packet structure holding unit (DA) (1641)> The "Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure Holding Unit (DA)" (1641) is configured to hold one of the aroma generation data stream packet structures of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0218] The aroma generation data packet structure of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3 can be configured to be stored on a memory card, USB memory, or NFC-enabled IC card. The diffuser device (A) of Embodiment 4 reads such a highly portable medium, and the diffuser device (A) acquires the aroma generation data packet structure. The devices necessary for reading the medium are appropriately mounted on the diffuser device (A). Alternatively, the configuration may include storing information about the acquisition destination of the aroma generation data packet structure (URL or information about the storage location on the storage medium) in a QR code (registered trademark) printed on the surface of a card such as a trading card. A single QR code (registered trademark) Model 2 can contain up to 2953 bytes of information, but for stable reading, each cell forming the code needs to be at least 0.28 mm in size. In the case of the above single-cell size, the size of one code is at least 51.8 mm on each side. If we were to try to store information for the aroma generation data packet structure (e.g., 1100kbytes) in a QR code (registered trademark), we would need more than 370 of the above-mentioned codes, each with a side length of 51.8mm or more, which is not practical as a physical object.

[0219] <Embodiment 8: Output Unit (DB) for Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure (1642)> The "Aroma Generation Data Column Packet Structure Output Unit (DB)" (1642) is configured to output one of the aroma generation data column packet structures of any one of the embodiments 1 to 3 held thereto to the diffuser device (A) of embodiment 4.

[0220] In the description of the processing flow and hardware of this embodiment 8, the hardware of the storage device (D) will be described using a configuration similar to that of a PC as an example, but it may also be a memory card or hard disk equipped with non-volatile memory, an optical disc, or a printed document with a QR code (registered trademark) printed on it. In these cases, the aroma generation data sequence packet structure output unit (DB) can be considered as "for outputting" by preparing one of the aroma generation data sequence packet structures from embodiments 1 to 3 so that it can be acquired by the aroma generation data sequence packet structure acquisition unit (AD) of the diffuser device (A) (making it readable).

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

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

[0223] The physical entity holding the aroma generation data sequence packet structure may be in the form of a storage medium such as a memory card, a USB memory, an NFC-compatible IC card, a magnetic card, or an optical disk (even in the form of a card instead of a disk). When purchasing these physical entities, the true ownership is guaranteed to the card owner by the NFT information, and the purchase price for the card is paid to the copyright holder of the aroma data. If there are multiple persons corresponding to the copyright holders of the data, the copyright fees can be configured to be distributed at a predetermined ratio or amount based on prior agreements among the corresponding copyright holders.

[0224] As a physical entity, on the surface of a product that does not have a storage medium such as a semiconductor element, a magnetic material, or an optical disk (e.g., a paper card, a poster, a fan, a hand-held fan, etc.), a URL of the acquisition source where the aroma generation data sequence packet structure can be obtained, a two-dimensional code recording the address of the holding location on a storage device (such as a server device), etc. may be printed. In this case, in order to identify the purchaser, the purchaser information and a password, etc. are registered in a separate seller's management server device, etc., and access is made to the storage device at the acquisition source using the two-dimensional code printed on the surface of the product, and authentication is performed with the purchaser information and password for downloading.

[0225] Although the storage device (D) has been described as a physical entity, as an NFT art using NFT, an information entity without a physical entity can also have the same effect. It may be sold and distributed as an NFT art combining photo or video data with the aroma generation data sequence packet structure, or may be sold and distributed as an NFT art with only the aroma generation data sequence packet structure.

[0226] As a storage device (D), we will explain using two examples: one is a trading card in the form of an IC card that holds an aroma generation data packet structure, and the other is a trading card that does not hold the aroma generation data packet structure itself (but has a 2D code printed on it that contains information about the source of acquisition). The example aroma generation data packet structure is read into the diffuser device (A), and then blockchain technology is used to monitor for tampering and manage the usage rights and number of uses of the aroma generation data packet structure purchased by a user. Although we will explain using a trading card as an example, other product forms or storage media may be used, or the aroma generation data packet structure itself may be purchased on the internet, stored on the user's mobile information terminal (such as a smartphone), and configured to communicate and process with the diffuser device (A) and other devices. It can also be configured as NFT art containing the aroma generation data packet structure and NFT information.

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

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

[0229] (2) The user has the IC card reader (or NFC communication device) of the diffuser device (A) read the purchased trading card. The reading section should be provided as shown in the front slit of the diffuser device (A) in the diagram.

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

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

[0232] (5) The diffuser device (A) obtains the verification results from the NFT verification server device (C). If the obtained verification results are satisfactory, such as the data being original (or limited in quantity and the edition number being genuine), not being subject to usage restrictions, and there being no problems with the current number of uses and the usage limit (if there is a specified limit on the number of replays, the limit has not been reached), the diffuser device (A) generates the aroma based on the aroma type identification information contained in the aroma generation data sequence packet structure.

[0233] <Example 2: A trading card does not contain a data packet structure for aroma generation, but instead has a 2D code printed on it that holds the information needed to retrieve it.> Trading cards are in the form of a QR code (registered trademark) printed on the surface of paper or thin plastic. The surface of the QR code (registered trademark) is covered with an opaque film to prevent the code from being read before purchase. When the film is peeled off, a mark such as "peeled" or "USED" remains on the card surface that was covered by the film, excluding the area where the code is printed. This prevents unauthorized removal of the film in stores to read the code, or unauthorized resale of cards that have already been read.

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

[0235] (1') A user of the diffuser device (A) purchases a trading card printed with a QR code (registered trademark) (not shown) containing aroma generation data packet structure identification information and NFT information. These are sold as physical trading cards and are limited editions with edition numbers assigned as NFT information.

[0236] (2') The user has the QR code (registered trademark) on the purchased trading card read by the barcode reader of the diffuser device (A). It is preferable to provide a reading section such as the front slit of the diffuser device (A) shown in the figure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0243] The diffuser device (A) may have a data packet structure holder for aroma generation that stores approximately 10 to 20 types of data packets for aroma generation. The diffuser device (A) or the user's mobile device may also have a data packet structure holder for aroma generation that stores approximately 10 to 20 types of data packets for aroma generation. Once data has been read and verified by the NFT verification server device (C), the system may be configured to generate aroma without sending a verification request to the NFT verification server device (C) each time aroma is generated. In addition to the purchase price of the trading card, the system may be configured to collect a charge each time an aroma is generated using the data packet structure for aroma generation stored on the card. The NFT verification server device (C) may also serve as the billing management server, or a separate dedicated billing management server may be provided.

[0244] The NFT information can include the recipients of payments for the sale of trading cards collected from users and the charges for each use of the aroma generation data packet structure. Possible recipients include the system administrator, the card seller, and the copyright holder of the aroma generation data packet structure. The copyright holder is not limited to one person, and if there are multiple copyright holders, payments are not limited to equal distribution. For example, in the examples in Figures 43 and 44, the trading card is "Guardian Forest," an aroma that evokes the atmosphere of a guardian forest within a shrine in a certain city. The copyright holder of the card could be a local government governing the city or a religious corporation operating the shrine, and the revenue generated from the sale of the card and the use of the aroma generation data packet structure could be distributed accordingly. This could contribute to local revitalization and boosting tourism.

[0245] The storage device (D) is not a physical card or the like, but may be an NFT art stored in the non-volatile memory of a server device on the internet connection or on a user's smartphone or PC. The NFT art, which is information, also includes a data packet structure for aroma generation. In this embodiment, the storage device (D) can also be said to be the server device or the user's information terminal that holds the NFT art.

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

[0247] Here, the operation method of the memory device (D), which is a computer, is as follows: The aroma generation data sequence packet structure retention step (da) (SD1701) performs a process to retain the aroma generation data sequence packet structure of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (db) (SD1702) performs processing to output the held aroma generation data sequence packet structure to the diffuser device (A) of Embodiment 4. This is a method of operation in which a computer, specifically a memory device (D), is made to perform a series of such processes.

[0248] The storage device (D) may not be a computer, but rather a printed document containing information about the target aroma generation data sequence packet structure, or address information for accessing and retrieving the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) that holds the aroma generation data sequence packet structure, stored in a two-dimensional barcode. Alternatively, it may be a USB memory stick, memory card, or IC chip card employing NFC (Near Field Communication). Or, instead of a tangible storage device (D) containing only the target data, the system can be configured to store the aroma generation data sequence packet structure, which also contains NFT information, on a storage device on the Internet used by the owner.

[0249] <Embodiment 8: Hardware Description> The hardware configuration of the storage device (D) in this embodiment 8 will be explained with reference to Figure 18.

[0250] The following description of the hardware of the storage device (D) in this embodiment 8 uses a PC-like configuration as an example, but it may also be a memory card equipped with non-volatile memory, a hard disk, or a card with a QR code (registered trademark) printed on it. In these cases, the aroma generation data sequence packet structure output unit (DB) can be considered as "for outputting" the preparation of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure so that it can be acquired by the aroma generation data sequence packet structure acquisition unit (AD) of the diffuser device (A) (i.e., making it readable).

[0251] Figure 18 shows the hardware configuration of the storage device (D) in this embodiment 8. As shown in this figure, the storage device (D) in this embodiment 8 includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" for performing various calculations, a "chipset," "main memory," "non-volatile memory" for holding various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller," "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.," "BIOS (UEFI)," "PCI Express slots," a "real-time clock," and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These components are interconnected by data communication paths such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0252] The various programs and data (information) stored in non-volatile memory are loaded into main memory when the storage device (D) is activated, and the CPU is configured to sequentially perform calculations using the data by accepting execution instructions.

[0253] When the memory device (D) is activated, various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, and at the same time, a work area, which is the working area for those programs, is provided. Upon receiving execution instructions, the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data. Multiple addresses are assigned to both the main memory and the non-volatile memory, and programs executed by the CPU can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing these addresses.

[0254] In this embodiment, the programs stored in "main memory" are the aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding program (da) and the aroma generation data sequence packet structure output program (db). In addition, the aroma generation data sequence packet structure and other related items are stored in "main memory" and "non-volatile memory".

[0255] The "CPU" performs the following operations: The program (da) for holding the aroma generation data sequence packet structure stored in "main memory" is executed to hold one of the aroma generation data sequence packet structures from Embodiments 1 to 3. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure output program (db) stored in "main memory" is executed, and the held aroma generation data sequence packet structure is output to the diffuser device (A) of Embodiment 4 via the network through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc.".

[0256] This embodiment allows for the distribution, buying and selling of the storage device (D). In particular, by configuring it to include NFT information, it becomes possible to identify the original and guarantee its uniqueness, thereby guaranteeing its value when buying and selling.

[0257] <Embodiment 9 Overview> Mainly claims 9, 21, and 33 The aroma management system of Embodiment 9 consists of a diffuser device (A) of Embodiment 4 and an aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) of Embodiment 5 or 6.

[0258] <Embodiment 9 Functional Configuration> Figure 19 shows a functional block diagram of the aroma management system of Embodiment 9. The aroma management system of Embodiment 9 (1950) comprises the diffuser device (A) (1910) of Embodiment 4 and the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) (1920) of Embodiment 5 or 6. Alternatively, the configuration may include one or more of the NFT verification server device (C) of Embodiment 7, the storage device (D) of Embodiment 8, and the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) of any one of Embodiments 10 to 15 described later.

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

[0260] <Embodiment 9: Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure Server Device (B) (1920)> The "Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure Server Device (B)" (1920) has an Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure Holding Unit (BA) and an Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure Output Unit (BB), and is configured to hold the Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure and output it to the Diffuser Device (A).

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

[0262] Users of this system will have their diffuser device (A) (1910) obtain an aroma generation data sequence packet structure from an aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) (1920) and generate aroma. If the packet structure includes NFT information, the system can be further configured to include an NFT verification server device (C). Furthermore, the system can be configured to include an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E), described later, for generating the aroma generation data sequence packet structure. It can also be configured to include a storage device (D).

[0263] <Embodiment 9: Aroma Management System: Other Embodiment 1: E-commerce Site> The aroma management system may also include an aroma generation data sequence packet structure e-commerce server device that operates an e-commerce site for buying and selling aroma generation data sequence packet structures. This e-commerce site is configured to allow not only those who create (manufacture) and sell aroma generation data sequence packet structures, but also general consumers who have purchased such structures to sell their unwanted data sequence structures. Alternatively, it can be configured to allow amateurs to distribute aroma generation data sequence packet structures created in accordance with the standards, either free of charge or for a fee.

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

[0265] <Embodiment 9: Aroma Management System: Other Embodiment 3: Aroma Sensing Sensor> The diffuser device (A) used by the user, the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) described later, and the user's mobile information terminal (e.g., smartphone) can also be equipped with an aroma sensing sensor, and configured to have an aroma sensing data acquisition unit, an aroma sensing data analysis unit, and a control information generation unit. Based on the aroma sensing data sensed by the aroma sensing sensor, control information can be generated and the diffuser device (A) can generate aroma. For example, when enjoying a delicious meal at a restaurant while traveling, you can record not only the aroma of the food but also the aroma itself. Alternatively, the system can be configured to search based on the aroma sensing data of the aroma sensed by the aroma sensing sensor and obtain information about similar aromas or aroma generation data packet structures. This is effective when using a mobile information terminal that does not have the processing power to sense aromas or generate control information for aroma generation itself. The search destination may be the internet or within the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B) in this aroma management system. Furthermore, the sensed and generated control information can also be edited using the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E), which will be described later.

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

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

[0268] Here, the operation method of the diffuser device (A), which is a computer, is as follows: The aroma generation raw material holding step (aa) (SA2001) is a process that holds the aroma generation raw materials, which are raw materials for generating aromas by mixing multiple types of aromas. The communication step (ag) (SA2002) performs the processing necessary for network communication. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure acquisition step (ad) (SA2003) performs the process of acquiring an aroma generation data sequence packet structure of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3 from the aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (bb) (SB2002) of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) of any one of Embodiments 5 or 6. The aroma type identification information acquisition step (ae) (SA2004) performs the process of acquiring the aroma type identification information contained in the acquired aroma generation data packet structure. The control information output step (af) (SA2005) outputs control information to the external spray control step (ac) (SA2006) based on the acquired aroma type identification information. The external spray control step (ac) (SA2006) performs a process to control the external spray step (ab) (SA2007) for each generated raw material. The external spraying step (ab) (SA2007) for each generated raw material involves performing a process to spray the held aroma-generating raw material externally. This is a method of operation in which a diffuser device (A), which is a computer, is made to perform this series of processes.

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

[0270] Here, the operation method of the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B), which is a computer, is as follows: The step (ba) (SB2001) of holding the aroma generation data sequence packet structure is performed, and the process of holding the aroma generation data sequence packet structure of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3 is performed. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (bb) (SB2002) performs processing to output the held aroma generation data sequence packet structure to the aroma generation data sequence packet structure acquisition step (ad) (SA2003) of the diffuser device (A) of Embodiment 4 via the network. This is an operation method in which a computer, which is a data packet structure server device (B) for aroma generation, is made to perform this series of processes.

[0271] <Embodiment 9 Hardware Description> The aroma management system, which is the computer of Embodiment 9, consists of a diffuser device (A), which is the computer of Embodiment 4, and an aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B), which is the computer of either Embodiment 5 or Embodiment 6. The hardware configuration of each device has already been explained in Embodiment 4 (Figure 6, etc.) and Embodiment 5 (Figure 9, etc.) or Embodiment 6 (Figure 12), so it will be omitted here. Figure 21 is a diagram showing the schematic overall configuration of the aroma management system, which consists of the diffuser device (A) and the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B), connected via an internet line. At least one diffuser device (A) and one or more aroma generation data sequence packet structure server devices (B) are connected to the internet line, constituting the aroma management system. Mobile information terminals (a user's smartphone is shown in Figure 21) and PCs (not shown) used by users of the diffuser device (A) are also connected to the internet line. One or more NFT verification server devices (C) and aroma generation data packet structure generators (E) described later may be connected to this aroma management system, or a storage device (D) may be connected to the Internet line directly or indirectly via a reader device for reading the aroma generation data packet structure held by the storage device (D), and configured to become part of the aroma management system.

[0272] This embodiment makes it possible to obtain an aroma management system.

[0273] <Embodiment 10 Summary> Mainly claims 10, 22, and 34 The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) of Embodiment 10 receives control information to be input to the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A) of Embodiment 4, holds the input control information, edits the held control information, generates an aroma generation data sequence packet structure based on the held control information, and outputs the generated aroma generation data sequence packet structure.

[0274] <Embodiment 10 Functional Configuration> Figure 22 shows a functional block diagram of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) of Embodiment 10. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) (2260) of Embodiment 10 is configured to include a control information input unit (EA) (2261), a control information holding unit (EB) (2262), a control information editing unit (EC) (2263), an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation unit (ED) (2264), and an aroma generation data sequence packet structure output unit (EE) (2265).

[0275] <Description of the configuration in Embodiment 10> <Embodiment 10 Control Information Input Unit (EA) (2261)> The "Control Information Input Unit (EA)" (2261) is configured to input control information to the External Spray Control Unit (AC).

[0276] <Embodiment 10 Control Information Input Unit (EA): Control Information> "Control information" is information input to the external spray control unit (AC) to control the external spraying unit (AB) for each type of aroma generating material, which is used to spray the held aroma generating material to the outside. This information specifies which of the multiple types of aroma generating materials held in the aroma generating material holding unit (AA) should be sprayed to the outside, at what intensity and at what timing, to produce the desired aroma. For example, if the aroma generating material holding unit (AA) holds 10 raw material substances as aroma generating materials, namely 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, and three types of aroma generating materials, 1, 3, and 8, are used to produce the desired aroma, the following set of control information can be considered as an example.

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

[0278] <Embodiment 10 Control Information Input Unit (EA): Input of Control Information> The user inputs control information into the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) used by the user in order to input control information into the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A) used by the user. The user edits and creates the control information in the control information editing unit (EC) described later, and inputs it into the diffuser device (A) used by the user from the control information input unit (EA) of the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E). The user can then smell the aroma generated based on the control information they edited or created and verify its quality. Based on the control information verified in this way, an aroma generation data packet structure is generated as described later and output for registration in the aroma generation data packet structure registration unit (BC) of the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B).

[0279] Alternatively, instead of outputting the control information itself, the system may output an aroma generation data packet structure in which the control information is stored in the control information holding area of ​​the diffuser device (A). This packet structure is then acquired by the aroma type identification information acquisition unit (AE) of the diffuser device (A), and the control information is output from the control information output unit (AF) to the external spray control unit (AC) based on the acquired aroma type identification information.

[0280] <Embodiment 10 Control Information Holding Unit (EB) (2262)> The "control information holding unit (EB)" (2262) is configured to hold control information.

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

[0282] <Embodiment 10 Control Information Editing Department (EC) (2263)> The "Control Information Editing Unit (EC)" (2263) is configured to edit the stored control information.

[0283] "Editing" refers to the process by which the Control Information Editing Unit (EC) adds, deletes, or modifies control information held in the Control Information Holding Unit (EB). Adding and deleting control information involves modifying the content of the control information. For example, if three types of aroma generating raw materials, such as 1, 3, and 8, are used as described above, adding aroma generating raw material 4 would be considered "adding," while discontinuing the use of aroma generating raw material 3 and using only aroma generating raw materials 1 and 8 would be considered "deleting." Modification would involve using 4 instead of 3 among the three aroma generating raw materials, or changing the intensity or time conditions in the external spray profile (the external spray intensity of each aroma generating raw material at different times) for each aroma generating raw material. Editing is not limited to control information created or edited by the user themselves; control information contained in aroma generating data sequence packet structures provided by other users or administrators (including those provided by businesses that specialize in creating aroma generating data sequence packet structures) obtained via the network can also be edited if the user has the necessary editing privileges.

[0284] "Editing" may include "adding" control information for generating aroma from the aroma generating raw materials 1, 3, and 8 as described above to the control information holding unit (EB) of the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) used by the user, or conversely, "deleting" control information already held in the control information holding unit (EB). "Modification" can also be configured to change the control information identification information, which is information that identifies the control information held in the control information holding unit (EB).

[0285] <Embodiment 10 Aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation unit (ED) (2264)> The "Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure Generation Unit (ED)" (2264) is configured to generate an aroma generation data stream packet structure based on the control information it holds.

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

[0287] <Embodiment 10: Output Unit (EE) (2265) for Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure> The "Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure Output Unit (EE)" (2265) is configured to output the generated aroma generation data stream packet structure for registration with the aroma generation data stream packet structure registration unit (BC) (2263).

[0288] It is preferable to output the aroma generation data sequence packet structure to the server device (B) in association with user identification information, or to configure the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation unit (ED) to include user identification information as aroma attribute information when generating the aroma generation data sequence packet structure. This makes it clear who the user is who created or edited the control information.

[0289] The aroma generation data sequence packet structure, based on control information edited or created by the user, is output via the network to the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B), where it is stored in the aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding unit (BA) of the server device (B). The aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration unit (BC) of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) registers it with the aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding unit (BA), enabling a user other than the registered user to acquire the registered aroma generation data sequence packet structure and generate aroma. When registering the aroma generation data sequence packet structure and acquiring the registered packet structure, it is preferable to refer to user identification information, which is information that identifies the user, and associated with user access rights information, as described later, so that the acquisition can be performed by a user with access rights.

[0290] When an aroma generation data sequence packet structure based on control information edited or created by a user is output to an aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) via the network, the system can be configured to further include an aroma generation data sequence packet structure verification unit that checks the contents of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure before registering it, rather than simply registering the aroma generation data sequence packet structure directly in the aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding unit (BA).

[0291] If a user creates or edits an aroma generation data packet structure due to intentional or negligent error, or due to a lack of experience or knowledge, it is possible to verify whether generating an aroma using that aroma generation data packet structure could potentially cause unpleasant odors such as foul or irritating smells. In particular, if the aroma attribute information includes information about the aroma (e.g., citrus scent, forest scent), it is possible to verify whether it differs significantly from the actual aroma generated. The verification can be performed, for example, by the administrator or someone instructed by them, and registered after it is determined that there are no problems. Alternatively, it may be configured to be a provisional registration, publicly released with a clear indication that it is under trial use, and evaluations can be solicited from a wide range of users, after which it can be officially registered if no problems are found.

[0292] Alternatively, the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) or another server device may be configured to include an inappropriate aroma information storage unit that stores inappropriate aroma information, such as examples of inappropriate combinations of aroma generation raw materials or control information that would produce unpleasant or irritating odors, and an aroma generation data sequence packet structure verification unit that verifies whether the aroma generation data sequence packet structure is inappropriate based on the stored inappropriate aroma information. When a user or a business that creates aroma generation data sequence packet structures applies for registration of an aroma generation data sequence packet structure, the system can verify whether the aroma generation data sequence structure contains inappropriate content and exclude inappropriate ones from registration. The inappropriate aroma information storage unit is configured to receive reports of inappropriate aroma information from users and others as appropriate, and if, after verifying the content, it is determined to be inappropriate aroma information, it will be stored. The inappropriate aroma information can be expanded as needed.

[0293] <Embodiment 10: Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Recipe Creation> <App: Aroma Recipe Creation> Figures 52 and 53 illustrate an example of how a user creates or edits control information using the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generator (E). Figure 52 is an example of a screen showing the creation or editing of control information using an aroma management system app on a smartphone used by the user. The smartphone used by the user and the aroma management system app running on it correspond to the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generator (E). In the example in Figure 52, the control information for generating the desired aroma is created using three types of aroma generating raw materials, No. 1, No. 3, and No. 8, from the cartridge (aroma generating raw material holding unit (AA)) of the diffuser device (A) used by the user. In each column, the horizontal axis is the time axis (left end is the start time of aroma generation, right end is the end time), and the vertical axis is the external spray intensity. In Figure 52, the profile for generating the aroma is being modified for aroma generating raw material No. 3, the second from the top. The small black circles in the diagram represent the modifiable points of each profile (modifiable points can be added or deleted), and the profile shape is modified by moving the small black circles indicated by the arrows. Figure 52 shows the modification process, but existing control information can be modified, or new control information can be created from scratch. If there are many aroma-generating raw materials used and the profiles cannot be displayed on one screen, the system can be configured to scroll the profile display or switch screens.

[0294] Once the control information has been finalized to a certain extent, the user can press the "Test Aroma" button in the lower center of the screen in Figure 52 to temporarily generate an aroma generation data packet structure and output it to the diffuser device (A), thereby generating the aroma and checking the results. If the diffuser device (A) is used by the user, the control information may be output from the user's aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) and input to the diffuser device (A).

[0295] When creating or editing control information, it is preferable to define the usage rights described below so that the control information contained in the aroma generation data sequence packet structure provided through other users or administrators obtained via the network cannot be edited. If the creator of the control information and the aroma generation data sequence packet structure containing it allows other users to edit it, the system can be configured to define usage rights in accordance with the creator's intentions. This configuration allows editing only to users who meet specific conditions. For example, users who have paid a higher fee, or other creators who have already created more than a predetermined number of control information and aroma generation data sequence packet structures containing them (it is also possible to configure the system to grant editing rights to a wide range of general users).

[0296] <Embodiment 10: Aroma Management System: App: Aroma Recipe Creation> <App: Aroma Recipe Registration> Figure 53 shows an example of a screen for registering created or edited control information into this system. Set a category to help other users when searching, and enter the aroma recipe name. Set the desired price and the number of uses limit. In Figure 53, the desired price and number of uses limit are selected from a pull-down menu, similar to the category selection, but you can also directly enter the price and number of uses, or set them using a drum-type dial. You can also choose to provide it free of charge or with no limits on the number of uses. Once you have finished setting and want to register, press the "Register" button in the lower right corner of the screen. To cancel, press the "Cancel" button to return to the previous screen, or press the "TOP" button to discard the edited results and return to the TOP screen.

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

[0298] Here, the operation method of the computer, the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E), is as follows: The control information input step (ea) (SE2301) performs the process of inputting control information to the external spray control unit (AC) (not shown) of the diffuser device (A). The control information retention step (eb) (SE2302) performs the process of retaining control information. The control information editing step (ec) (SE2303) performs the process of editing the retained control information. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation step (ed) (SE2304) performs the process of generating an aroma generation data sequence packet structure based on the held control information. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (ee) (SE2305) outputs the generated aroma generation data sequence packet structure to the aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration unit (BC) (not shown) of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) for registration. This is an operating method in which a computer, the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E), performs this series of processes.

[0299] <Embodiment 10 Hardware Description> The hardware configuration of the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) in this embodiment 10 will be explained with reference to Figure 24.

[0300] Figure 24 shows the hardware configuration of the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) in this embodiment 10. As shown in this figure, the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) in this embodiment 10 includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" for performing various calculations, a "chipset," "main memory," "non-volatile memory" for holding various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller," "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.," "BIOS (UEFI)," "PCI Express slots," a "real-time clock," and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These components are interconnected by data communication paths such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0301] The various programs and data (information) stored in non-volatile memory are expanded into main memory upon activation of the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E), and the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data by accepting execution instructions.

[0302] When the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E) is activated, various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, and at the same time, a work area, which is also the working area for those programs, is provided. Upon receiving execution instructions, the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data. In addition, multiple addresses are assigned to both the main memory and the non-volatile memory, and programs executed by the CPU can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing these addresses.

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

[0304] The "CPU" performs the following operations: The control information input program (ea) stored in the "main memory" is executed to input control information to the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A). The control information is retained by executing the control information retention program (eb) stored in "main memory". The control information editing program (ec) stored in "main memory" is executed to edit the retained control information. The program (ed) for generating aroma generation data sequence packets, stored in "main memory," is executed to generate an aroma generation data sequence packet structure based on the control information it holds. The program (ee) for outputting the aroma generation data sequence packet structure, which is stored in "main memory," is executed, and the generated aroma generation data sequence packet structure is output via the network through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." to register it with the aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration unit (BC) of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B).

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

[0306] <Embodiment 11 Summary> Mainly claims 11, 23, and 35 The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generator (E) of Embodiment 11, which is based on Embodiment 10, is configured to hold user identification information, which is information that identifies a user.

[0307] <Embodiment 11 Functional Configuration> Figure 25 shows a functional block diagram of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) of Embodiment 11, which is based on Embodiment 10. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) (2560) of Embodiment 11 is configured to have a user identification information holding unit (EF) (2566) in addition to the configuration of Embodiment 10. Since everything except the user identification information holding unit (EF) (2566) is the same as in Embodiment 10, only the user identification information holding unit (EF) (2566) will be described.

[0308] <Description of the configuration in Embodiment 11> <Embodiment 11: User Identification Information Holding Unit (EF) (2566)> The "User Identification Information Holding Unit (EF)" (2566) is configured to hold user identification information, which is information that identifies a user.

[0309] A "user" is a person who uses the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generator (E) and has the authority to use it. Alternatively, it may also be a user who uses the diffuser device (A). The diffuser device (A) used by one user may be configured to be available only to that one user, or it may be configured to be available to multiple users (e.g., family or a group of friends). Furthermore, it may also be a user who uses an aroma management system consisting of the diffuser device (A) of Embodiment 4 and one of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server devices (B) of Embodiment 5 or 6 (or a configuration that includes one or more of the NFT verification server device (C), storage device (D), and aroma generation data sequence packet structure generator (E)). The same user identification information may be used for each aroma generation data sequence packet structure generator (E), diffuser device (A), and aroma management system, or different user identification information may be used.

[0310] "User identification information" is information that identifies a user. User identification information may be a string of characters, symbols, or codes such as a membership number used to identify a user, or it may be the user's name, telephone number, address, or email address. Alternatively, the identification information may be the information being identified. For example, the identification information that identifies a user may be the user's name. Therefore, user identification information may simultaneously be a simple string of characters or codes, or it may be the user's name, address, telephone number, or email address identified by those symbols, characters, or codes. However, from the perspective of protecting personal information, it is not desirable to include personal information such as names or contact information in identification information that may be made public.

[0311] The user identification information may be information that identifies the mobile information terminal or the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) used by the user, or information that identifies the application for this aroma management system that runs on the mobile information terminal. Alternatively, the user identification information may be configured to include information that identifies the mobile information terminal or information that identifies the application.

[0312] User identification information may also be data used for biometric authentication using facial recognition, retinal patterns, voice recognition, or fingerprints, for example, if the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) used by the user is equipped with a camera, microphone, fingerprint authentication sensor, etc.

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

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

[0315] Here, the operation method of the computer, the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E), is as follows: The user identification information retention step (ef) (SE2601) performs a process to retain user identification information that identifies the user. The control information input step (ea) (SE2602) performs the process of inputting control information to the external spray control unit (AC) (not shown) of the diffuser device (A). The control information retention step (eb) (SE2603) performs the process of retaining control information. The control information editing step (ec) (SE2604) performs the process of editing the retained control information. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation step (ed) (SE2605) performs the process of generating an aroma generation data sequence packet structure based on the held control information. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (ee) (SE2606) outputs the generated aroma generation data sequence packet structure to the aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration unit (BC) (not shown) of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) for registration. This is an operating method in which a computer, the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E), performs this series of processes.

[0316] <Embodiment 11 Hardware Description> The hardware configuration of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) in this embodiment 11, which is based on embodiment 10, will be explained with reference to Figure 27.

[0317] Figure 27 shows the hardware configuration of the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) in this embodiment 11, which is based on embodiment 10. As shown in this figure, the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) in this embodiment 11 includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" for performing various calculations, a "chipset," "main memory," "non-volatile memory" for holding various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller," "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.," "BIOS (UEFI)," "PCI Express slots," a "real-time clock," and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These components are interconnected by data communication paths such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0318] The various programs and data (information) stored in non-volatile memory are expanded into main memory upon activation of the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E), and the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data by accepting execution instructions.

[0319] When the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E) is activated, various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, and at the same time, a work area, which is also the working area for those programs, is provided. Upon receiving execution instructions, the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data. In addition, multiple addresses are assigned to both the main memory and the non-volatile memory, and programs executed by the CPU can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing these addresses.

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

[0321] The "CPU" performs the following operations: The user identification information retention program (ef), which is stored in "main memory," is executed to retain user identification information, which is information that identifies the user. The control information input program (ea) stored in the "main memory" is executed to input control information to the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A). The control information is retained by executing the control information retention program (eb) stored in "main memory". The control information editing program (ec) stored in "main memory" is executed to edit the retained control information. The program (ed) for generating aroma generation data sequence packets, stored in "main memory," is executed to generate an aroma generation data sequence packet structure based on the control information it holds. The program (ee) for outputting the aroma generation data sequence packet structure, which is stored in "main memory," is executed, and the generated aroma generation data sequence packet structure is output via the network through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." to register it with the aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration unit (BC) of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B).

[0322] Based on the configuration of Embodiment 11, which is derived from Embodiment 10, the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) can hold user identification information, which is information that identifies a user.

[0323] <Embodiment 12 Summary> Mainly claims 12, 24, and 36 The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) of Embodiment 12, which is based on Embodiment 11, acquires user authorization information associated with user identification information and is configured to control the use of one or more of the control information editing unit (EC), the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation unit (ED), and the aroma generation data sequence packet structure output unit (EE) based on the user authorization information.

[0324] <Embodiment 12 Functional Configuration> Figure 28 shows a functional block diagram of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) of Embodiment 12, which is based on Embodiment 11. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) (2860) of Embodiment 12 is configured to have, in addition to the configuration of Embodiment 11, a user rights information acquisition unit (EG) (2867) and a user control unit (EH) (2868). Since everything except the user rights information acquisition unit (EG) (2867) and the user control unit (EH) (2868) is the same as in Embodiment 11, only the user rights information acquisition unit (EG) (2867) and the user control unit (EH) (2868) will be described.

[0325] <Embodiment 12 Configuration Description> <Embodiment 12 User Rights Information Acquisition Unit (EG) (2867)> The User Rights Information Acquisition Unit (EG) (2867) is configured to acquire user rights information, which is information regarding the user's rights to use the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) identified by the user identification information, in association with the user identification information.

[0326] <Embodiment 12 User Rights Information Acquisition Unit (EG): User Rights Information> "User authorization information" is information indicating the user's authorization to use the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E). As described below, the user control unit (EH) of the device (E) controls the use of one or more of the control information editing unit (EC), the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation unit (ED), and the aroma generation data sequence packet structure output unit (EE) based on the user authorization information.

[0327] <Embodiment 12 User Rights Information Acquisition Unit (EG): User Rights Information: Information Usage Control> The control of use based on the aforementioned usage rights information can be configured as follows: for example, when a user obtains the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generator (E) (either for a fee or free of charge), the user may be granted a predetermined number of usage rights to generate the aroma generation data sequence packet structure (controlling it so that it cannot be used beyond the predetermined number of times); after the predetermined number of uses, the user may be able to purchase a limited number of usage rights for a fee (controlling it so that it cannot be used unless purchased); the user may be able to obtain usage rights to generate the aroma generation data sequence packet structure a predetermined number of times within a certain period by paying a fixed amount periodically to the administrator of the aroma management system (usage rights with a time limit and usage limit); or the user may be able to obtain usage rights with no usage limit regarding the generation of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure by paying a predetermined amount (e.g., membership fee) to the administrator of the aroma management system. In addition, it is also possible to configure it so that, for example, the user can obtain usage rights with no usage limit by paying a predetermined amount per month (the period can be set as appropriate, such as weekly, semi-annually, or quarterly), or the user can continuously obtain usage rights by paying a predetermined amount for the next period within the period in which the usage rights are valid.

[0328] An example of control based on user access rights information is a control that allows the user to use the control information editing unit (EC), but not the aroma generation data packet structure generation unit (ED) and the aroma generation data packet structure output unit (EE). This control allows the user to edit or create control information and output it only to the diffuser device (A) used by the user, but prevents the generation and output of aroma generation data packet structures for output over the network. Another example is to control whether one or more of the control information editing unit (EC), the aroma generation data packet structure generation unit (ED), and the aroma generation data packet structure output unit (EE) are available or unavailable.

[0329] User access rights information can also be configured to control editing permissions for specific aroma generation data packet structures. The user access rights information, associated with user identification information, can be used as key information. If it matches the editing permission information contained in the aroma attribute information of the aroma generation data packet structure, editing is permitted; otherwise, editing is disabled, and only use is permitted.

[0330] <Embodiment 12 User Rights Information Acquisition Unit (EG): User Rights Information: Device / System Usage Control> The "usage rights information" can be configured not only to control the use of the functions constituting the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E), but also to control access to the diffuser device (A) and the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B), and the use of the functions that constitute them. For example, it controls the use of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure output unit (BB) for outputting the aroma generation data sequence packet structure held in the aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding unit (BA) of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) to the diffuser device (A) used by the user via the network. If the aroma type identification information or aroma attribute information included in the aroma generation data sequence packet structure includes information regarding usage rights regarding the use of the data sequence structure (or control information), then the acquisition and use of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure may be permitted only to users whose usage rights match.

[0331] Controlling the use of the aroma generation data packet structure based on user privileges can be achieved, for example, by using user privilege information associated with user identification information as key information, thereby enabling the extraction of control information and aroma type identification information from the aroma generation data packet structure. The user privilege information may be used as a password for opening, or it may be used as one side of a split token.

[0332] <Embodiment 12: Utilization Control Unit (EH) (2868)> The "Usage Control Unit (EH)" (2868) is configured to control the use of one or more of the Control Information Editing Unit (EC), the Aroma Generation Data Column Packet Structure Generation Unit (ED), and the Aroma Generation Data Column Packet Structure Output Unit (EE) based on the acquired usage rights information.

[0333] The above-mentioned "control of use" refers to the process of determining whether to allow a user to perform the following actions on the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E): creating or editing control information for the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A), generating an aroma generation data sequence packet structure based on the created or edited control information, and outputting it for registration to the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B). This determination is based on the user's access rights information. In particular, if the user is not allowed to perform the action and the process is not performed, it is preferable to configure the system to notify the user accordingly. The notification may simply be an error sound or an error lamp lighting up (or blinking), or, if the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) has a display, an error message may be displayed.

[0334] Even when users are permitted to use the system, if the usage rights have a limit on the number of uses, it is preferable to configure the system to display the remaining number of uses that have been reduced by the amount of use. It is preferable to configure the system to reduce the number of uses permitted by the usage rights by "1" each time an aroma generation data sequence packet structure is output to the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B). If two aroma generation data sequence packet structures are output together in one go, the number of uses will be reduced by two, and so on. The system may also be configured to reduce the number of uses when the aroma generation data sequence packet structure is generated, not just when it is output. For example, this may occur when the user who created or edited the control information is using an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) that is configured to be able to output to an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) or diffuser device (A) used by other users, rather than to the server device (B).

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

[0336] Here, the operation method of the computer, the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E), is as follows: The user identification information retention step (ef) (SE2901) performs a process to retain user identification information that identifies the user. The user rights information acquisition step (eg) (SE2902) is a process that acquires user rights information, which is information regarding the user's rights to use the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E) identified by the user identification information, and associates it with the user identification information. The usage control step (eh) (SE2903) controls the use of one or more of the following steps based on the acquired usage rights information: the control information editing step (ec) (SE2906), the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation step (ed) (SE2907), and the aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (ee) (SE2908). The control information input step (ea) (SE2904) performs the process of inputting control information to the external spray control unit (AC) (not shown) of the diffuser device (A). The control information retention step (eb) (SE2905) performs the process of retaining control information. The control information editing step (ec) (SE2906) edits the retained control information if it is available based on the user permission information, and skips the process if it is unavailable. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation step (ed) (SE2907) generates an aroma generation data sequence packet structure based on the control information held if it is available based on the access rights information, and skips the process if it is not available. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (ee) (SE2908) outputs the generated aroma generation data sequence packet structure to the aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration unit (BC) (not shown) of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) if it is available based on the usage rights information, and skips the process if it is unavailable. This is an operating method in which a computer, the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E), performs this series of processes.

[0337] <Embodiment 12 Hardware Description> The hardware configuration of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) in this embodiment 12, which is based on embodiment 11, will be explained with reference to Figure 30.

[0338] Figure 30 shows the hardware configuration of the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) in this embodiment 12, which is based on embodiment 11. As shown in this figure, the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) in this embodiment 12 includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" for performing various calculations, a "chipset," "main memory," "non-volatile memory" for holding various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller," "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.," "BIOS (UEFI)," "PCI Express slots," a "real-time clock," and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These components are interconnected by data communication paths such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0339] The various programs and data (information) stored in non-volatile memory are expanded into main memory upon activation of the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E), and the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data by accepting execution instructions.

[0340] When the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E) is activated, various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, and at the same time, a work area, which is also the working area for those programs, is provided. Upon receiving execution instructions, the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data. In addition, multiple addresses are assigned to both the main memory and the non-volatile memory, and programs executed by the CPU can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing these addresses.

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

[0342] The "CPU" performs the following operations: The user identification information retention program (ef), which is stored in "main memory," is executed to retain user identification information, which is information that identifies the user. The user access rights information acquisition program (eg) stored in "main memory" is executed to acquire user access rights information, which is information regarding the user's access rights to the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) identified by the user identification information, and associate it with the user identification information. The system executes the usage control program (eh) stored in "main memory" to control the use of one or more of the following programs: the control information editing program (ec), the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation program (ed), and the aroma generation data sequence packet structure output program (ee), based on the acquired usage permission information. The control information input program (ea) stored in the "main memory" is executed to input control information to the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A). The control information is retained by executing the control information retention program (eb) stored in "main memory". If access is permitted based on the aforementioned access rights information, the control information editing program (ec) stored in "main memory" is executed to edit the retained control information. If access is permitted based on the aforementioned access rights information, the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation program (ed) stored in "main memory" is executed to generate the aroma generation data sequence packet structure based on the held control information. If permitted based on the aforementioned access rights information, the program (ee) for outputting the aroma generation data sequence packet structure stored in "main memory" is executed, and the generated aroma generation data sequence packet structure is output via the network through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." to register it with the aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration unit (BC) of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B).

[0343] With the configuration of this embodiment 12, which is based on embodiment 11, the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generator (E) can be made available only to those who have the right to use it.

[0344] <Embodiment 13 Summary> Mainly claims 13, 25, and 37 The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) of Embodiment 13, which is based on any one of Embodiments 10 to 12, is configured to acquire an aroma generation data sequence packet structure via a network, transfer it to a diffuser device (A), receive an evaluation of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure relating to the aroma generated by the diffuser device (A), and output the evaluation via the network.

[0345] <Embodiment 13 Functional Configuration> Figure 31 shows a functional block diagram of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) of Embodiment 13, which is based on Embodiment 10. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) (3160) of Embodiment 13 is configured to have, in addition to the configuration of Embodiment 10, an aroma generation data sequence packet structure network acquisition unit (EJ) (3169), a transfer unit (EK) (3170), an evaluation input reception unit (EL) (3171), and an evaluation output unit (EM) (3172). Except for the aroma generation data sequence packet structure acquisition unit (EJ) (3169), the transfer unit (EK) (3170), the evaluation input reception unit (EL) (3171), and the evaluation output unit (EM) (3172), the other components are the same as in Embodiment 10. Therefore, only the aroma generation data sequence packet structure acquisition unit (EJ) (3169), the transfer unit (EK) (3170), the evaluation input reception unit (EL) (3171), and the evaluation output unit (EM) (3172) will be described. Note that the same effects can be obtained by basing the description on either Embodiment 11 or 12.

[0346] <Description of the configuration in Embodiment 13> <Embodiment 13 Aroma generation data stream packet structure acquisition unit via network (EJ) (3169)> The "Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure Network Acquisition Unit (EJ)" (3169) is configured to acquire the aroma generation data stream packet structure via a network.

[0347] The system acquires aroma generation data packet structures held in the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B), and aroma generation data packet structures output from the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E) used by other users, via the network. Instead of acquiring aroma generation data packet structures based on control information created or edited by a single user, the system acquires aroma generation data packet structures prepared by other users or the system administrator (created or edited by the administrator or a third party commissioned by the administrator).

[0348] For a single user, there are quantitative, qualitative, and disciplinary limitations to creating or editing control information themselves. Therefore, it is beneficial to obtain aroma generation data packet structures based on control information created or edited by others who may have different sensibilities.

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

[0350] The aroma generation data packet structure obtained via the network is transferred to the diffuser device (A), which then generates the aroma, allowing the user to experience it. The user then forms some kind of impression or opinion about the aroma they smelled. For example, they might say, "I really liked this aroma and would like to experience it again," "This aroma wasn't outstanding, it was just average," "I would never want to experience this aroma again," or "This aroma could use a little more freshness." By forming such impressions and opinions, the user evaluates the aroma they have acquired and generated.

[0351] <Embodiment 13 Evaluation Input Reception Unit (EL) (3171)> The "Evaluation Input Reception Unit (EL)" (3171) is configured to receive evaluation input for the aroma generation data packet structure transferred to the diffuser device (A).

[0352] The system accepts evaluations of aromas generated by users via the network and transmitted to the diffuser device (A). When accepting evaluations, it is preferable to associate the evaluation with the aroma type identification information held in the aroma generation data packet structure or the aroma type identification information holding area of ​​the aroma generation data packet structure.

[0353] As mentioned above, evaluations can be in the form of free-form text such as impressions and opinions, or they can be evaluated using A, B, C, D, E, or star ratings or scores, or a combination of free-form text and A, B, C, D, E, or star ratings or scores. By viewing evaluations from users who have experienced aromatherapy, other users who have not yet experienced aromatherapy can use this information as a reference when deciding whether or not to acquire and experience the aromatherapy.

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

[0355] The received evaluations are output via the network. The output evaluations can be configured to be stored in the aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding unit (BA) of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) in association with the aroma type identification information stored in the aroma type identification information holding area of ​​the aroma generation data sequence packet structure. To achieve this, it is preferable to configure the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) to have an evaluation acquisition unit that acquires evaluations via the network, and an evaluation registration unit that registers the evaluations acquired via the network in the aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding unit (BA) in association with the aroma type identification information stored in the aroma type identification information holding area of ​​the corresponding aroma generation data sequence packet structure. Alternatively, it may be configured to have an evaluation holding unit that stores the evaluations.

[0356] For example, a competition could be held where users submit their own control information as an aroma generation data packet structure, which can then be evaluated and voted on by other users. Alternatively, the administrator could hold an event where users vote on one or more aroma generation data packet structures prepared by the administrator. In such cases, instead of using the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B) normally, a separate aroma generation data packet structure server device (B) could be installed and used specifically for the competition or event to store the relevant aroma generation data packet structures and their evaluations.

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

[0358] <Embodiment 10: Aroma Management System: App: Evaluation> Figure 54 shows an example screen where a user attempts to register an evaluation to an aroma generation data packet structure using an aroma management system app running on their smartphone. In Figure 54, the user, Takuya Sato, is evaluating an aroma with the recipe name "Pop-up Mint." The upper half of the screen shows a description of the target aroma, and the lower half shows Mr. Sato's evaluation. The evaluation can be configured to be written in free-form text and scored. It is also possible to enter only a score without entering any text. However, it is preferable to make scoring mandatory. This is because text alone is ambiguous in determining good or bad, and the degree to which something is good or bad can vary depending on the reader, making it objective and unclear.

[0359] <Embodiment 10: Aroma Management System: App: Evaluation: Named> In the evaluation registration example in Figure 54, Takuya Sato's membership number (user identification information) and nickname are displayed as the evaluator. When an evaluation is registered, the system can be configured to make the nickname, or the nickname and membership number, publicly available to other users as the evaluator. While it is possible to configure the system to keep the users who register evaluations anonymous, a configuration that keeps the users who register evaluations non-anonymous, as in the embodiment described later, is preferable. This is because it is believed that the credibility of the evaluations registered can be maintained without users intentionally raising or lowering their evaluations.

[0360] <Embodiment 13: Processing Flow> Figure 32 is a flowchart of the operation process of the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E), which is a computer in Embodiment 13 based on Embodiment 10. As shown in this figure, the operation method of the data packet structure generation device (E), which is a computer in Embodiment 13, includes a control information input step (ea) (SE3201), a control information holding step (eb) (SE3202), a control information editing step (ec) (SE3203), an aroma generation data packet structure generation step (ed) (SE3204), an aroma generation data packet structure output step (ee) (SE3205), an aroma generation data packet structure acquisition step via the network (ej) (SE3206), a transfer step (ek) (SE3207), an evaluation input reception step (el) (SE3208), and an evaluation output step (em) (SE3209). The same effect can be obtained by basing it on either Embodiment 11 or 12.

[0361] Here, the operation method of the computer, the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E), is as follows: The control information input step (ea) (SE3201) performs the process of inputting control information to the external spray control unit (AC) (not shown) of the diffuser device (A). The information retention step (eb) (SE3202) performs the process of retaining control information. The information editing step (ec) (SE3203) performs the process of editing the retained control information. The Roma generation data sequence packet structure generation step (ed) (SE3204) performs the process of generating an aroma generation data sequence packet structure based on the held control information. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (ee) (SE3205) outputs the generated aroma generation data sequence packet structure to register it with the aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration unit (BC) (not shown) of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B). The step (ej) (SE3206) of acquiring the data sequence packet structure for aroma generation via the network performs the process of acquiring the data sequence packet structure for aroma generation via the network. The transmission step (ek) (SE3207) performs the process of transferring the aroma generation data sequence packet structure obtained via the network to the diffuser device (A) (not shown). The value input acceptance step (el) (SE3208) processes the input for evaluation of the transferred aroma generation data sequence packet structure. The valuation output step (em) (SE3209) processes the received valuation to be output via the network. This is an operating method that causes a computer, which is an aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E), to perform a series of processes like the one described above.

[0362] <Embodiment 13 Hardware Description> The hardware configuration of the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) in this embodiment 13, which is based on embodiment 10, will be explained with reference to Figure 33. The same effect can be obtained by using either embodiment 11 or 12 as the basis.

[0363] Figure 33 shows the hardware configuration of the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) in this embodiment 13, which is based on embodiment 10. As shown in this figure, the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) in this embodiment 13 includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" for performing various calculations, a "chipset," "main memory," "non-volatile memory" for holding various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller," "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.," "BIOS (UEFI)," "PCI Express slots," a "real-time clock," and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These components are interconnected by data communication paths such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0364] The various programs and data (information) stored in non-volatile memory are expanded into main memory upon activation of the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E), and the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data by accepting execution instructions.

[0365] When the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E) is activated, various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, and at the same time, a work area, which is also the working area for those programs, is provided. Upon receiving execution instructions, the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data. In addition, multiple addresses are assigned to both the main memory and the non-volatile memory, and programs executed by the CPU can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing these addresses.

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

[0367] The "CPU" performs the following operations: The control information input program (ea) stored in the main memory is executed to input control information to the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A). The control information is retained by executing the control information retention program (eb) stored in "main memory". The control information editing program (ec) stored in "main memory" is executed to edit the retained control information. The program (ed) for generating aroma generation data sequence packets, stored in "main memory," is executed to generate an aroma generation data sequence packet structure based on the control information it holds. The program (ee) for outputting the aroma generation data sequence packet structure, which is stored in "main memory," is executed, and the generated aroma generation data sequence packet structure is output via the network through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." to register it with the aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration unit (BC) of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B). The program (ej) for acquiring the aroma generation data packet structure stored in "main memory" via the network is executed to acquire the aroma generation data packet structure from "USB, SATA, LAN port, etc." via the network. The transfer program (ek) stored in "main memory" is executed to transfer the aroma generation data packet structure obtained via the network to the diffuser device (A). The evaluation input receiving program (el), stored in "main memory," is executed to receive evaluation input for the transferred aroma generation data packet structure. The evaluation output program (em) stored in "main memory" is executed, and the received evaluation is output via the network through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc."

[0368] Based on any one of embodiments 10 to 12, the configuration of embodiment 13 of this embodiment allows the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) to output an evaluation of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure acquired via the network.

[0369] <Embodiment 14 Summary> Mainly claims 14, 26, and 38 The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) of Embodiment 14, which is based on Embodiment 13, is configured such that the evaluation output unit (EM) has a non-anonymous evaluation output means (EN) that outputs the evaluation in association with user identification information.

[0370] <Embodiment 14 Functional Configuration> Figure 34 shows a functional block diagram of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) of Embodiment 14, which is based on Embodiment 13. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) (3460) of Embodiment 14 is configured to have an unanonymized evaluation output means (EN) (3473) in the evaluation output unit (EM) (3472), in addition to the configuration of Embodiment 13. Since everything except the unanonymized evaluation output means (EN) (3473) is the same as in Embodiment 10, only the unanonymized evaluation output means (EN) (3473) will be described.

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

[0372] When a user attempts to output an evaluation of an aroma generation data packet structure created or edited by someone other than themselves, obtained via the network, the evaluation will not be anonymous but will be associated with the user's identification information (see Figure 54). This configuration ensures that users take responsibility for their evaluations, as posting an evaluation is similar to posting under their name. Furthermore, if the evaluation output were anonymous, there is a risk that users might intentionally give extremely low or extremely high ratings to aroma generation data packet structures created or edited by others, hiding behind the guise of anonymity. These actions are often intended to disparage the user who created or edited the data through low ratings, or to gain personal gain through high ratings. This configuration prevents such situations.

[0373] <Embodiment 14: Processing Flow> Figure 35 is a flowchart of the operation process of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E), which is a computer of Embodiment 14 based on Embodiment 13. As shown in this figure, the operation method of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E), which is the computer of Embodiment 14, includes a control information input step (ea) (SE3501), a control information holding step (eb) (SE3502), a control information editing step (ec) (SE3503), an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation step (ed) (SE3504), an aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (ee) (SE3505), an aroma generation data sequence packet structure acquisition step via the network (ej) (SE3506), a transfer step (ek) (SE3507), an evaluation input reception step (el) (SE3508), and an evaluation output step (em) which includes an unanonymous evaluation output substep (en) (SE3509) and an evaluation output step (em) (SE3510).

[0374] Here, the operation method of the computer, the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E), is as follows: The control information input step (ea) (SE3501) performs the process of inputting control information to the external spray control unit (AC) (not shown) of the diffuser device (A). The control information retention step (eb) (SE3502) performs a process to retain control information. The control information editing step (ec) (SE3503) performs the process of editing the retained control information. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation step (ed) (SE3504) performs the process of generating an aroma generation data sequence packet structure based on the held control information. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (ee) (SE3505) outputs the generated aroma generation data sequence packet structure to the aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration unit (BC) (not shown) of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B). The step (ej) (SE3506) for acquiring the aroma generation data sequence packet structure via the network performs the process of acquiring the aroma generation data sequence packet structure via the network. The transfer step (ek) (SE3507) performs the process of transferring the aroma generation data sequence packet structure obtained via the network to the diffuser device (A). The evaluation input acceptance step (el) (SE3508) processes the input for evaluation of the transferred aroma generation data sequence packet structure. The non-anonymous evaluation output substep (en)(SE3510) within the evaluation output step (em)(SE3509) performs the process of outputting the evaluation in association with user identification information. The evaluation output step (em) (SE3509) performs the process of outputting the evaluation via the network. This is an operating method in which a computer, the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E), performs this series of processes.

[0375] <Embodiment 14 Hardware Description> The hardware configuration of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) in this embodiment 14, which is based on embodiment 14, will be explained with reference to Figure 36.

[0376] Figure 36 shows the hardware configuration of the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) in this embodiment 14, which is based on embodiment 13. As shown in this figure, the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) in this embodiment 14 includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" for performing various calculations, a "chipset," "main memory," "non-volatile memory" for holding various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller," "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.," "BIOS (UEFI)," "PCI Express slots," a "real-time clock," and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These components are interconnected by data communication paths such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0377] The various programs and data (information) stored in non-volatile memory are expanded into main memory upon activation of the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E), and the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data by accepting execution instructions.

[0378] When the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E) is activated, various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, and at the same time, a work area, which is also the working area for those programs, is provided. Upon receiving execution instructions, the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data. In addition, multiple addresses are assigned to both the main memory and the non-volatile memory, and programs executed by the CPU can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing these addresses.

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

[0380] The "CPU" performs the following operations: The control information input program (ea) stored in the "main memory" is executed to input control information to the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A). The control information is retained by executing the control information retention program (eb) stored in "main memory". The control information editing program (ec) stored in "main memory" is executed to edit the retained control information. The program (ed) for generating aroma generation data sequence packets, stored in "main memory," is executed to generate an aroma generation data sequence packet structure based on the control information it holds. The program (ee) for outputting the aroma generation data sequence packet structure, which is stored in "main memory," is executed, and the generated aroma generation data sequence packet structure is output via the network through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." to register it with the aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration unit (BC) of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B). The program (ej) for acquiring the aroma generation data packet structure stored in "main memory" via the network is executed to acquire the aroma generation data packet structure from "USB, SATA, LAN port, etc." via the network. The transfer program (ek) stored in "main memory" is executed to transfer the aroma generation data packet structure obtained via the network to the diffuser device (A). The evaluation input receiving program (el), stored in "main memory," is executed to receive evaluation input for the transferred aroma generation data packet structure. The non-anonymous evaluation output subprogram (en) within the evaluation output program (em) stored in "main memory" is executed to output the evaluation in association with user identification information. The evaluation output program (em) stored in "main memory" is executed, and the evaluation is output via the network through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc."

[0381] Based on Embodiment 13, the configuration of Embodiment 14 allows the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) to associate the evaluation of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure obtained via the network with user identification information and output it via the network as an unanonymized evaluation.

[0382] <Embodiment 15 Summary> Mainly claims 15, 27, and 39 An aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) of Embodiment 15, based on either Embodiment 13 or 14, is configured to further include an evaluation acquisition unit (EO) that acquires an evaluation of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure obtained via a network.

[0383] <Embodiment 15 Functional Configuration> Figure 37 shows a functional block diagram of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) of Embodiment 15, which is based on Embodiment 13. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) (3760) of Embodiment 15 is configured to have an evaluation acquisition unit (EO) (3774) in addition to the configuration of Embodiment 13. Since everything except the evaluation acquisition unit (EO) (3774) is the same as Embodiment 10, only the evaluation acquisition unit (EO) (3774) will be described. Note that the same effect can be obtained by using Embodiment 14 as the basis.

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

[0385] By obtaining and viewing evaluations stored on the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B) or another server device via the network, users can use this information to decide whether or not to acquire the aroma generation data packet structure that is being evaluated. This is because other people's evaluations of the aroma before acquisition are very helpful for users who are considering purchasing the aroma generation data packet structure through an e-commerce site or the like.

[0386] <Embodiment 15 Evaluation: Information Verification> In this embodiment, the evaluation obtained via the network is not limited to evaluations performed by other users, but may also be an evaluation performed by the administrator of this system on the target aroma generation data packet structure. Alternatively, the aroma generation data packet structure server device (B) may be configured to further include an aroma generation data packet structure evaluation rule holding unit that holds aroma generation data packet structure evaluation rules, which are rules for evaluating aroma generation data packet structures; an aroma generation data packet structure verification unit that obtains the results of verifying whether the various information contained in the aroma generation data packet structure is appropriate based on the rules; and an aroma generation data packet structure evaluation result output unit that outputs the verification results as an evaluation of the verified aroma generation data packet structure in association with aroma type identification information, thereby verifying whether the aroma generation data packet structure to be registered in this system is appropriate. "Appropriate" in this context means, for example, that the aroma generated using the included control information does not harm the user (not only is it not directly harmful, but it does not cause discomfort), does not harm any of the devices constituting the system (it does not induce malfunctions or contain harmful computer viruses), and is not a configuration that simply copies the information contained in existing aroma generation data packet structures. To verify that the system is not inappropriate, it may be configured to include an additional section for storing inappropriate aroma information.

[0387] If the verification results indicate that the information is not appropriate, the system will isolate or delete the corresponding aroma generation data packet structure from the system and notify the registered user accordingly.

[0388] <Embodiment 15: Processing Flow> Figure 38 is a flowchart of the operation process of the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E), which is a computer in Embodiment 15 based on Embodiment 13. As shown in this figure, the operation method of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E), which is the computer of Embodiment 15, includes a control information input step (ea) (SE3801), a control information holding step (eb) (SE3802), a control information editing step (ec) (SE3803), an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation step (ed) (SE3804), an aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (ee) (SE3805), an evaluation acquisition step (eo) (SE3806), an aroma generation data sequence packet structure acquisition step via the network (ej) (SE3807), a transfer step (ek) (SE3808), an evaluation input acceptance step (el) (SE3809), and an evaluation output step (em) (SE3810). Similar effects can be obtained based on Embodiment 14.

[0389] Here, the operation method of the computer, the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E), is as follows: The control information input step (ea) (SE3801) performs the process of inputting control information to the external spray control unit (AC) (not shown) of the diffuser device (A). The control information retention step (eb) (SE3802) performs the process of retaining control information. The control information editing step (ec) (SE3803) performs the process of editing the retained control information. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation step (ed) (SE3804) performs the process of generating an aroma generation data sequence packet structure based on the held control information. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (ee) (SE3805) outputs the generated aroma generation data sequence packet structure to the aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration unit (BC) (not shown) of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B). The evaluation acquisition step (eo) (SE3806) performs the process of acquiring the evaluation of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure obtained via the network. The step (ej) (SE3807) for acquiring the aroma generation data sequence packet structure via the network performs the process of acquiring the aroma generation data sequence packet structure via the network. The transfer step (ek) (SE3808) performs the process of transferring the aroma generation data packet structure obtained via the network to the diffuser device (A). The evaluation input acceptance step (el) (SE3809) processes the input for evaluation of the transferred aroma generation data sequence packet structure. The evaluation output step (em) (SE3810) performs the process of outputting the evaluation via the network. This is an operating method in which a computer, the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E), performs this series of processes.

[0390] In the above explanation, the evaluation acquisition step (eo) (SE3806) is described as being executed before the aroma generation data sequence packet structure acquisition step (ej) (SE3807) via the network. However, it may also be configured to be executed at the end, following the evaluation output step (em) (SE3810). In the example of the above processing flow, after acquiring the evaluation of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure, the user acquires that aroma generation data sequence packet structure, performs their own evaluation, and outputs their own evaluation. If the evaluation acquisition step (eo) is executed at the end of the processing flow, the user acquires the aroma generation data sequence packet structure without acquiring an evaluation, outputs their own evaluation, and then obtains evaluations from other users.

[0391] <Embodiment 15 Hardware Description> The hardware configuration of the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) in this embodiment 15, which is based on embodiment 13, will be explained with reference to Figure 39. Similar effects can be obtained by using embodiment 14 as the basis.

[0392] Figure 39 shows the hardware configuration of the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) in this embodiment 15, which is based on embodiment 13. As shown in this figure, the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) in this embodiment 15 includes a "CPU (Central Processing Unit)" for performing various calculations, a "chipset," "main memory," "non-volatile memory" for holding various programs and data (information), an "I / O controller," "USB, SATA, LAN terminals, etc.," "BIOS (UEFI)," "PCI Express slots," a "real-time clock," and a "graphics card" as an expansion board. These components are interconnected by data communication paths such as a "system bus" to transmit and receive information and perform processing.

[0393] The various programs and data (information) stored in non-volatile memory are expanded into main memory upon activation of the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E), and the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data by accepting execution instructions.

[0394] When the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E) is activated, various programs and data (information) stored in the non-volatile memory are read, expanded, and stored in the main memory, and at the same time, a work area, which is also the working area for those programs, is provided. Upon receiving execution instructions, the CPU sequentially performs calculations using the data. In addition, multiple addresses are assigned to both the main memory and the non-volatile memory, and programs executed by the CPU can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing these addresses.

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

[0396] The "CPU" performs the following operations: The control information input program (ea) stored in the "main memory" is executed to input control information to the external spray control unit (AC) of the diffuser device (A). The control information is retained by executing the control information retention program (eb) stored in "main memory". The control information editing program (ec) stored in "main memory" is executed to edit the retained control information. The program (ed) for generating aroma generation data sequence packets, stored in "main memory," is executed to generate an aroma generation data sequence packet structure based on the control information it holds. The program (ee) for outputting the aroma generation data sequence packet structure, which is stored in "main memory," is executed, and the generated aroma generation data sequence packet structure is output via the network through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc." to register it with the aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration unit (BC) of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B). The evaluation program (eo) stored in "main memory" is executed to obtain an evaluation of the aroma generation data packet structure acquired from "USB, SATA, LAN port, etc." via the network. The program (ej) for acquiring the aroma generation data packet structure stored in "main memory" via the network is executed to acquire the aroma generation data packet structure from "USB, SATA, LAN port, etc." via the network. The transfer program (ek) stored in "main memory" is executed to transfer the aroma generation data packet structure obtained via the network to the diffuser device (A). The evaluation input receiving program (el), stored in "main memory," is executed to receive evaluation input for the transferred aroma generation data packet structure. The non-anonymous evaluation output subprogram (en) within the evaluation output program (em) stored in "main memory" is executed to output the evaluation in association with user identification information. The evaluation output program (em) stored in "main memory" is executed, and the evaluation is output via the network through "USB, SATA, LAN terminal, etc."

[0397] Based on Embodiment 13, the configuration of Embodiment 15 allows the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generator (E) to obtain evaluations of the aroma generation data sequence packet structure from other users via the network.

[0398] <5. Effects> By using an aroma generation data packet structure that includes information about the attributes of the data in addition to the data for generating the aroma, the authenticity of the aroma generation data can be determined for the aroma generation management system having the above configuration. By further including NFT information in the data sequence, it is also possible to track the number of times the aroma generation data packet structure is used and to perform billing, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0399] Aroma generation data sequence packet structure...0100 Aroma type identification information storage area...0101 Aroma attribute information storage area...0102

Claims

1. A predetermined size aroma generation data packet structure is written in a readable and executable format for a diffuser device (A), which is a computer, and the header or payload storage portion of this packet structure contains: A predetermined size aroma type identification information holding area for holding aroma type identification information for identifying the type of aroma to be generated by the diffuser device (A), A predetermined size aroma attribute information storage area for storing aroma attribute information, which is information indicating the attributes of this aroma, A data packet structure for aroma generation, which is transmitted over the internet.

2. The aroma generation data packet structure according to claim 1, further comprising an NFT information holding area for holding NFT information.

3. The aroma generation data packet structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a diffuser device (A) control information holding area used for control information of the control information output unit (AF) of the diffuser device (A) described later.

4. Aroma generating raw material holder (AA) which holds the aroma generating raw materials, which are raw materials for generating by mixing multiple types of aromas, External spraying unit (AB) for externally spraying the held aroma generating raw materials, An external spray control unit (AC) controls the external spraying units (AB) for each generated raw material, An aroma generation data sequence packet structure acquisition unit (AD) that acquires an aroma generation data sequence packet structure according to either claim 1 or claim 2, Aroma type identification information acquisition unit (AE) acquires aroma type identification information contained in the acquired aroma generation data packet structure, A control information output unit (AF) outputs control information to an external spray control unit (AC) based on the acquired aroma type identification information, A communication unit (AG) for network communication, A diffuser device (A) having the following features.

5. When holding the aroma generation data packet structure according to either claim 1 or claim 2, An aroma generation data sequence packet structure output unit (BB) for outputting a held aroma generation data sequence packet structure to the diffuser device (A) described in claim 4 via a network, A server device (B) having a data stream packet structure for aroma generation.

6. Aroma generation data packet structure server device (B) according to claim 5, further comprising an aroma generation data packet structure registration unit (BC) for registering aroma generation data packet structure in an aroma generation data packet structure holding unit (BA).

7. An NFT information acquisition unit (CA) that acquires NFT information as described in claim 2, The NFT Information Verification Unit (CB) verifies the acquired NFT information and obtains the verification results, The verification result output unit (CC) outputs the acquired verification results, An NFT verification server device (C) having the following.

8. An aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding unit (DA) that holds the aroma generation data sequence packet structure described in claim 1, An aroma generation data sequence packet structure output unit (DB) for outputting a held aroma generation data sequence packet structure to the diffuser device (A) described in claim 4, A storage device (D) having a memory device.

9. An aroma management system comprising a diffuser device (A) according to claim 4 and an aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) according to claim 5.

10. A control information input unit (EA) that inputs control information to the external spray control unit (AC), A control information holding unit (EB) that holds control information, The Control Information Editing Department (EC) edits the retained control information, An aroma generation data packet structure generation unit (ED) generates an aroma generation data packet structure based on the retained control information, The Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure Output Unit (EE) outputs the generated aroma generation data stream packet structure to register it with the Aroma Generation Data Stream Packet Structure Registration Unit (BC), A data packet structure generation device (E) for aroma generation having the following.

11. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) according to claim 10, further comprising a user identification information holding unit (EF) that holds user identification information for identifying a user.

12. A user rights information acquisition unit (EG) acquires user rights information, which is information regarding the user's rights to use the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E) identified by the user identification information, and associates it with the user identification information. A user control unit (EH) controls the use of one or more of the control information editing unit (EC), the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation unit (ED), and the aroma generation data sequence packet structure output unit (EE) based on the acquired user permission information, The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) according to claim 11, further comprising:

13. An aroma generation data sequence packet structure network acquisition unit (EJ) acquires the aroma generation data sequence packet structure via the network, A transfer unit (EK) transfers an aroma generation data packet structure obtained via the network to the diffuser device (A), An evaluation input receiving unit (EL) that accepts input for evaluation of the transferred aroma generation data sequence packet structure, An evaluation output unit (EM) that outputs the received evaluation via the network, The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) according to claim 10, further comprising:

14. The aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) according to claim 13, wherein the evaluation output unit (EM) has a non-anonymous evaluation output means (EN) that outputs the evaluation in association with user identification information.

15. Aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) according to claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising an evaluation acquisition unit (EO) for acquiring an evaluation of an aroma generation data sequence packet structure acquired via a network.

16. An aroma generation raw material holding step (aa) holds aroma generation raw materials, which are raw materials for generating aromas by mixing multiple types of aromas, External spraying step (ab) for externally spraying the retained aroma generating raw materials, An external spray control step (ac) controls the external spray step (ab) for each generated raw material, An aroma generation data sequence packet structure acquisition step (ad) is performed to acquire an aroma generation data sequence packet structure according to either claim 1 or claim 2, The process includes an aroma type identification information acquisition step (ae) to obtain aroma type identification information contained in the acquired aroma generation data packet structure, and A control information output step (af) outputs control information to an external spray control step (ac) based on the acquired aroma type identification information, Communication steps (ag) for network communication, A method for operating a diffuser device (A), which is a computer having [a certain characteristic].

17. An aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding step (ba) which holds the aroma generation data sequence packet structure according to any one of claim 1 or 2, An aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (bb) for outputting the held aroma generation data sequence packet structure to a diffuser device (A), which is a computer according to claim 4, via a network, A method for operating an aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B), which is a computer having the following characteristics.

18. A method for operating an aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) which is a computer according to claim 17, further comprising an aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration step (bc) for registering an aroma generation data sequence packet structure in an aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding step (ba).

19. An NFT information acquisition step (ca) for acquiring NFT information as described in claim 2, The NFT information verification step (cb) verifies the acquired NFT information and obtains the verification result, The verification result output step (cc) outputs the acquired verification results, A method for operating an NFT verification server device (C), which is a computer having [a certain characteristic].

20. An aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding step (da) which holds the aroma generation data sequence packet structure described in claim 1, An aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (db) for outputting the held aroma generation data sequence packet structure to a diffuser device (A) which is a computer according to claim 4, A method for operating a memory device (D) which is a computer having [a certain feature].

21. A method for operating an aroma management system which is a computer, comprising: a method for operating a diffuser device (A) which is a computer according to claim 16; and a method for operating an aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) which is a computer according to claim 17.

22. A control information input step (ea) for inputting control information to an external spray control step (ac), A control information retention step (eb) for retaining control information, A control information editing step (ec) to edit the retained control information, An aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation step (ed) generates an aroma generation data sequence packet based on the retained control information, The generated aroma generation data sequence packet structure is output in order to register it with the aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration unit in an aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (ee), A method for operating an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generator (E), which is a computer having the following characteristics.

23. A method for operating an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) which is a computer according to claim 22, further comprising a user identification information holding step (ef) for holding user identification information that identifies a user.

24. A user rights information acquisition step (eg) is obtained by associating user rights information, which is information regarding the user's rights to use the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E) identified by the user identification information, with the user identification information. A usage control step (eh) that controls the use of one or more of the following steps based on the acquired usage rights information: control information editing step (ec), aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation step (ed), aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (ee), A method for operating an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) which is a computer according to claim 23, further comprising the above.

25. The process involves obtaining the aroma generation data sequence packet structure via the network (ej), and A transfer step (ek) transfers the aroma generation data packet structure obtained via the network to the diffuser device (A), An evaluation input acceptance step (el) accepts input for evaluation of the transferred aroma generation data sequence packet structure, An evaluation output step (em) that outputs the received evaluation via the network, A method for operating an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) which is a computer according to claim 22, further comprising the above.

26. A method of operating an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) which is a computer according to claim 25, wherein the evaluation output step (em) is further comprising a non-anonymous evaluation output substep (en) that outputs the evaluation in association with user identification information.

27. A method for operating an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E) which is a computer according to claim 25 or claim 26, further comprising an evaluation acquisition step (eo) for acquiring an evaluation of an aroma generation data sequence packet structure acquired via a network.

28. An aroma generation raw material holding step (aa) holds aroma generation raw materials, which are raw materials for generating aromas by mixing multiple types of aromas, External spraying step (ab) for externally spraying the retained aroma generating raw materials, An external spray control step (ac) controls the external spray step (ab) for each generated raw material, An aroma generation data sequence packet structure acquisition step (ad) for acquiring an aroma generation data sequence packet structure according to either claim 1 or claim 2, The process includes an aroma type identification information acquisition step (ae) to obtain aroma type identification information contained in the acquired aroma generation data packet structure, and A control information output step (af) outputs control information to an external spray control step (ac) based on the acquired aroma type identification information, Communication steps (ag) for network communication, A program that can be read and operated by a diffuser device (A), which is a computer.

29. An aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding step (ba) which holds the aroma generation data sequence packet structure according to any one of claim 1 or 2, An aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (bb) for outputting the held aroma generation data sequence packet structure to a diffuser device (A), which is a computer according to claim 4, via a network, A program that can read and operate the data packet structure for aroma generation, which is a computer, on the server device (B).

30. A program that can read and operate on an aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B), which is the computer described in claim 29, further includes an aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration step (bc) which registers the aroma generation data sequence packet structure in an aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding step (ba).

31. An NFT information acquisition step (ca) for acquiring NFT information as described in claim 2, The NFT information verification step (cb) verifies the acquired NFT information and obtains the verification result, The verification result output step (cc) outputs the acquired verification results, A program that can be read and operated by the NFT verification server device (C), which is a computer.

32. An aroma generation data sequence packet structure holding step (da) which holds the aroma generation data sequence packet structure described in claim 1, An aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (db) for outputting the held aroma generation data sequence packet structure to a diffuser device (A) which is a computer according to claim 4, A program that can be read and operated on a memory device (D) which is a computer having the following characteristics.

33. A program that can be read by an aroma management system, which is a computer comprising: a program that can be read by a diffuser device (A) which is a computer according to claim 28; and a program that can be read by an aroma generation data sequence packet structure server device (B) which is a computer according to claim 29.

34. A control information input step (ea) for inputting control information to an external spray control step (ac), A control information retention step (eb) for retaining control information, A control information editing step (ec) to edit the retained control information, An aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation step (ed) generates an aroma generation data sequence packet based on the retained control information, The generated aroma generation data sequence packet structure is output in order to register it with the aroma generation data sequence packet structure registration unit in an aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (ee), A program that can be read and operated by the aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E), which is a computer.

35. A program that can be read and operated by an aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E), which is a computer according to claim 34, for a user identification information holding step (ef) which holds user identification information to identify a user.

36. A user rights information acquisition step (eg) is obtained by associating user rights information, which is information regarding the user's rights to use the aroma generation data packet structure generator (E) identified by the user identification information, with the user identification information. A usage control step (eh) that controls the use of one or more of the following steps based on the acquired usage rights information: control information editing step (ec), aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation step (ed), aroma generation data sequence packet structure output step (ee), A program readable and operable for an aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E), which is a computer according to claim 35, further comprising the above.

37. The process involves obtaining the aroma generation data sequence packet structure via the network (ej), and A transfer step (ek) transfers the aroma generation data packet structure obtained via the network to the diffuser device (A), An evaluation input acceptance step (el) accepts input for evaluation of the transferred aroma generation data sequence packet structure, An evaluation output step (em) that outputs the received evaluation via the network, A program that can be read and operated by the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E), which is the computer described in claim 34.

38. The evaluation output step (em) is a program that allows a non-anonymous evaluation output substep (en) to be read and operated by the aroma generation data sequence packet structure generation device (E), which is the computer described in claim 37, to output the evaluation in association with user identification information.

39. A program that can read and operate on an aroma generation data packet structure generation device (E), which is a computer according to claim 37 or claim 38, for an evaluation acquisition step (eo) to acquire an evaluation of an aroma generation data packet structure obtained via a network.

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