Fragrance visualization method, program, system, apparatus, and fragrance composition

Abstract

Visualizing scents. [Solution] One embodiment of the present invention is a method performed by a fragrance visualization system or fragrance visualization device, comprising: obtaining the amount of each fragrance component contained in a fragrance; generating a three-dimensional computer graphic in which objects representing each fragrance component are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape, with a number of objects corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component; and displaying the three-dimensional computer graphic.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are many products having scents such as perfumes and cosmetics. Users can select or create their favorite scents.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] However, scents are difficult to remember, and when smelled a lot, the nose may become painful or adapt, so it becomes impossible to smell as much as one becomes more familiar with the scent. Therefore, it is not easy to understand what components the scent consists of.

[0004] Also, it is difficult to mix the scent components well, and furthermore, once mixed, it cannot be restored and has to be done from the beginning again, so the blending of scents is not easy. Also, it is not easy to understand what components are contained in the scent.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to visualize scents.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method executed by a scent visualization system or a scent visualization device, including acquiring the amount of each scent component contained in a scent, generating three-dimensional computer graphics that are objects representing each scent component and in which the number of objects corresponding to the amount of each scent component is arranged so as to represent a three-dimensional shape, and displaying the three-dimensional computer graphics.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, fragrance can be visualized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the outline of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an example of the overall configuration related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram of a fragrance visualization system according to one embodiment of the present invention (Example 1). [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram of a fragrance visualization device according to one embodiment of the present invention (Example 2). [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the movement of an object representing fragrance components in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates the change in the number of objects representing fragrance components in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating an object that shows fragrance components according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating the three-dimensional shape represented by an object showing fragrance components related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart of the fragrance visualization process related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart of the visualization process for fragrance blending according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is an example of a screen visualizing the fragrance blending process according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart of the visualization process for scent separation according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is an example of a screen showing the separation of fragrances according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a hardware configuration diagram of a user terminal, server, and scent visualization device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Explanation of Terms> "Fragrance" can be any fragrance (sometimes called a smell or odor), and it can be a pleasant fragrance or a bad fragrance. • "Fragrance components" are elements that make up a scent. For example, "fragrance components" are aromatic compounds or fragrance notes. "Aromatic components" are volatile compounds that humans perceive as having a scent. • "Fragrance notes" are groups of aromatic components based on their characteristic scents. For example, fragrance notes include citrus, floral, fruity, chypre, and oriental.

[0011] <Overview> Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the outline of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fragrance is visualized by generating and displaying three-dimensional computer graphics in which objects representing each fragrance component (specifically, aroma components or fragrance notes) contained in the fragrance are arranged in a number corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component, so as to represent a three-dimensional shape (for example, a sphere). For example, the objects representing the fragrance components are represented by different colors for each fragrance component.

[0012] Furthermore, by moving (for example, rotating) an object representing a fragrance component within a three-dimensional shape at a speed determined according to the rate of volatilization of the fragrance component, the change in fragrance over time can be visualized. In addition, by increasing or decreasing the number of objects representing the fragrance component in accordance with the volatilization of the fragrance component (hereinafter, this specification will mainly describe the case of decrease, but the present invention can also be applied to the case of increase), the change in fragrance over time can be visualized.

[0013] <Example of overall structure> Figure 2 shows an example of the overall configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] [Configuration Example 1] The scent visualization system 1 includes a user terminal 11 and a server 12. The user terminal 11 and the server 12 can transmit and receive data to and from each other.

[0015] In Configuration Example 1, the server 12 generates three-dimensional computer graphics visualizing the scent, and the user terminal 11 displays the three-dimensional computer graphics visualizing the scent.

[0016] [[User Terminal]] The user terminal 11 is a terminal operated by the user 20. For example, the user terminal 11 is a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a VR device (a device providing VR (virtual reality)), or the like.

[0017] Specifically, the user terminal 11 receives various information input by the user 20 to the user terminal 11 and transmits the various information to the server 12. Further, the user terminal 11 receives the three-dimensional computer graphics visualizing the scent generated by the server 12 from the server 12 and displays it on the user terminal 11 or a display (for example, a head-mounted display worn on the head) connected to the user terminal 11.

[0018] [[Server]] The server 12 is a server connectable to one or more user terminals 11. The server 12 consists of one or more computers.

[0019] Specifically, the server 12 receives various information input by the user 20 to the user terminal 11 from the user terminal 11. Further, the server 12 generates three-dimensional computer graphics visualizing the scent and transmits it to the user terminal 11.

[0020] [Configuration Example 2] In Configuration Example 2, the fragrance visualization device 10 generates a 3D computer graphic that visualizes the fragrance and displays the 3D computer graphic that visualizes the fragrance.

[0021] <<Scent Visualization Device>> The scent visualization device 10 is a terminal operated by the user 20. For example, the scent visualization device 10 may be a personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, VR device (a device that provides VR (virtual reality)), etc.

[0022] Specifically, the fragrance visualization device 10 receives various information input by the user 20, generates three-dimensional computer graphics that visualize the fragrance, and displays them on the fragrance visualization device 10 or a display connected to the fragrance visualization device 10 (for example, a head-mounted display worn on the head).

[0023] <Function Block> The functional blocks for Example 1 and Example 2 will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0024] [Example 1] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of a user terminal 11 and a server 12 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] <<User Terminal>> The user terminal 11 may include a user input receiving unit 101 and a display unit 104. The user terminal 11 can function as the user input receiving unit 101 and the display unit 104 by executing a program.

[0026] The user input reception unit 101 receives various information entered by the user 20 into the user terminal 11.

[0027] The display unit 104 displays three-dimensional computer graphics that visualize the scent on the user terminal 11 or a display connected to the user terminal 11.

[0028] <<Server>> Server 12 may include an acquisition unit 102, a 3DCG generation unit (also simply called a generation unit) 103, and a fragrance component information storage unit 105. Server 12 can function as the acquisition unit 102 and the 3DCG generation unit 103 by executing a program.

[0029] The acquisition unit 102 acquires various information entered by the user 20 into the user terminal 11, or information stored in the fragrance component information storage unit 105.

[0030] The generation unit 103 generates three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG).

[0031] [Visualization of scent] For example, the generation unit 103 generates three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) in which objects representing each fragrance component are arranged in a number corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component to represent a three-dimensional shape. This will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 9.

[0032] [Visualization of fragrance blending] For example, the generation unit 103 generates three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) in which objects representing each fragrance component contained in a fragrance blended by blending information specified by the user 20, which includes a combination of fragrance components (for example, fragrance component A, fragrance component B, and fragrance component C) and the amount of each fragrance component contained in that combination (i.e., the ratio of each fragrance component; for example, fragrance component A: 1, fragrance component B: 2, fragrance component C: 3, etc.), and the number of objects corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape. This will be described in detail later with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

[0033] [Visualization of scent separation] For example, the generation unit 103 generates three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) in which objects representing fragrance components included in separation information (one fragrance component (e.g., fragrance component A) or multiple fragrance components (e.g., fragrance component A and fragrance component B)) specified by the user 20 are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape, with a number of objects corresponding to the amount of fragrance components included in the separation information. This will be described in detail later with reference to Figures 12 and 13.

[0034] The fragrance component information storage unit 105 stores information for each fragrance, including one or more fragrance components contained in the fragrance (information on what fragrance components are included), the amount of each fragrance component (the ratio of each fragrance component), the rate of evaporation of each fragrance component (for example, the reciprocal of the time it takes for the fragrance component to be halved; details will be described later), and the change in the amount of each fragrance component over time (for example, the initial amount of the fragrance component (i.e., the amount before evaporation) and the amount after a certain period of time (i.e., the amount after evaporation)).

[0035] [Example 2] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of a fragrance visualization device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The fragrance visualization device 10 may include a user input receiving unit 101, an acquisition unit 102, a 3DCG generation unit 103, a display unit 104, and a fragrance component information storage unit 105. By executing a program, the fragrance visualization device 10 can function as the user input receiving unit 101, the acquisition unit 102, the 3DCG generation unit 103, and the display unit 104. Details are the same as in Embodiment 1 and will therefore be omitted.

[0036] The following provides a detailed explanation of the 3D computer graphics that visualize scents.

[0037] Prior to the start of the process, each fragrance component is measured, and the fragrance component information storage unit 105 stores information for each fragrance, including one or more fragrance components contained in the fragrance (information on what fragrance components are included), the amount of each fragrance component (the ratio of each fragrance component), the rate of evaporation of each fragrance component (for example, the reciprocal of the time it takes for the fragrance component to be halved), and the change in the amount of each fragrance component over time (for example, the initial amount of the fragrance component (i.e., the amount before evaporation) and the amount after a certain period of time (i.e., the amount after evaporation)).

[0038] For example, the measurement of each fragrance component is performed as follows: (1) Analyze the aromatic components and their quantities in the headspace where people actually smell scents. Also analyze the changes in the amount of aromatic components over time. (2) Analyze the results and digitize the aroma components and their amounts contained in the headspace. Also digitize the changes in the amount of aroma components over time.

[0039] This section describes an example of generating 3D computer graphics. (1) The 3DCG generation unit 103 determines the number of objects. Specifically, the 3DCG generation unit 103 determines the number of objects according to the amount of fragrance components. The 3DCG generation unit 103 can also adjust the number of objects while maintaining the proportion of each fragrance component contained in the fragrance. (2) The 3DCG generation unit 103 determines the color (e.g., RGB values), shape, etc. of the object. (3) The 3DCG generation unit 103 determines the three-dimensional shape (for example, spherical) that the object represents and randomly distributes and arranges the object. (4) The 3DCG generation unit 103 determines the speed of the object's movement (e.g., rotation) and moves (e.g., rotates) the object. (5) The 3DCG generation unit 103 determines the number of objects in each frame so that the number of objects decreases.

[0040] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the movement of an object showing fragrance components according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] In 3D computer graphics, objects representing fragrance components can be moved within a 3D shape at a speed determined according to the volatilization rate of the fragrance components. For example, the 3DCG generation unit 103 can increase the movement speed of objects representing fragrance components that volatilize quickly and decrease the movement speed of objects representing fragrance components that volatilize slowly. The 3DCG generation unit 103 may also decrease the movement speed of objects representing fragrance components that volatilize quickly and increase the movement speed of objects representing fragrance components that volatilize slowly. Alternatively, the 3DCG generation unit 103 may move all objects at a uniform speed.

[0042] [Movement speed] For example, the ratio of the movement speeds of objects representing each fragrance component may be the ratio of the reciprocals of the time it takes for each fragrance component to be halved (i.e., when it becomes half the initial amount (i.e., the amount before evaporation)).

[0043] For example, movement is rotation within a three-dimensional shape. An object representing fragrance components may rotate around a predetermined axis (for example, an axis passing through the center of a sphere), as shown in Figure 5 [Rotation around an axis]. Alternatively, it may rotate around the center of a three-dimensional shape (for example, the center of a sphere), as shown in Figure 5 [Rotation around the center].

[0044] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the change in the number of objects representing fragrance components according to one embodiment of the present invention. The number of objects representing the fragrance components can be made to decrease in accordance with the volatilization of the fragrance components (that is, in conjunction with the volatilization of the fragrance components over time).

[0045] Specifically, the 3DCG generation unit 103 refers to the fragrance component information storage unit 105 to obtain the change in the amount of fragrance components over time (for example, the initial amount of fragrance components (i.e., the amount before evaporation) and the amount after a certain period of time (i.e., the amount after evaporation)). Next, the 3DCG generation unit 103 reduces the number of objects in each frame of the 3D computer graphics video in accordance with the decrease in the amount of fragrance components from the initial amount (i.e., the amount before evaporation) to the amount after a certain period of time (i.e., the amount after evaporation).

[0046] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an object representing a fragrance component according to one embodiment of the present invention. The object representing the fragrance component may be represented in different forms for each fragrance component. For example, the object representing the fragrance component may be represented in different colors for each fragrance component, as shown in Figure 1, or it may be represented in different shapes for each fragrance component, as shown in Figure 7. The user may be allowed to specify their desired color, shape, etc.

[0047] [Assignment of modes] Different colors, shapes, etc., may be assigned to each fragrance component. Furthermore, fragrance components with similar scents (i.e., fragrance components belonging to the same fragrance profile) may be assigned the same type of color, shape, etc., or the same color, shape, etc., as well as the same color, shape, etc.

[0048] [Method for determining the form] For example, multiple subjects may smell fragrance components, or fragrance components with similar scents (i.e., fragrance components belonging to the same fragrance profile), select a color they imagine from a color chart, and the color may be determined from the contribution rate of each. For example, a fragrance developer may determine a color associated with a fragrance component, or a fragrance component with a similar scent (i.e., a fragrance component belonging to the same fragrance profile).

[0049] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the three-dimensional shape represented by an object representing a fragrance component according to one embodiment of the present invention. The three-dimensional shape represented by the object representing the fragrance component may be any shape (i.e., the collection of objects may represent any three-dimensional shape). For example, the three-dimensional shape represented by the object representing the fragrance component may be spherical as in Figure 1, ellipsoidal as in [A] in Figure 8, or polyhedron as in [B] and [C] in Figure 8. The user may be allowed to specify a desired three-dimensional shape.

[0050] <Method> The following sections will explain how to visualize scents, referring to Figure 9, how to visualize scent blending, referring to Figure 10, and how to visualize scent separation, referring to Figure 11.

[0051] [Visualization of scent] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the fragrance visualization process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] In step 101 (S101), the acquisition unit 102 acquires the amount of each fragrance component contained in the fragrance.

[0053] [When the user specifies the name of a perfume, cosmetic product, etc.] For example, the acquisition unit 102 acquires information for identifying a fragrance (e.g., perfume name, cosmetic name, etc.) that the user 20 has input to the user terminal 11 and the fragrance visualization device 10. Based on the information for identifying the fragrance (e.g., perfume name, cosmetic name, etc.), the acquisition unit 102 acquires the amount of each fragrance component contained in the fragrance (e.g., fragrance component A: 1, fragrance component B: 2, fragrance component C: 3, etc.) from the fragrance component information storage unit 105.

[0054] [When the user specifies fragrance components] For example, the acquisition unit 102 acquires the amount of each fragrance component contained in the fragrance (for example, fragrance component A: 1, fragrance component B: 2, fragrance component C: 3, etc.) that the user 20 inputs to the user terminal 11 and the fragrance visualization device 10.

[0055] In step 102 (S102), the generation unit 103 generates three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) that visualize the fragrance based on the amount of each fragrance component contained in the fragrance obtained in S101.

[0056] Specifically, the generation unit 103 generates three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) in which objects representing each fragrance component are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape, with a number of objects corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component.

[0057] In step 103 (S103), the display unit 104 displays the three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) generated in S103.

[0058] [Visualization of fragrance blending] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the visualization process for fragrance blending according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] In step 201 (S201), the display unit 104 displays three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) that visualize each fragrance component (for example, <Fragrance Component A>, <Fragrance Component B>, and <Fragrance Component C>, which visualize fragrance component A and fragrance component C in Figure 11).

[0060] For example, the display unit 104 may display three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) that visualize predetermined fragrance components, or it may display three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) that visualize fragrance components specified by the user 20.

[0061] In step 202 (S202), the acquisition unit 102 acquires blending information that includes the combination of fragrance components (for example, fragrance component A, fragrance component B, and fragrance component C) specified by the user 20 (i.e., input by the user 20 to the user terminal 11 and fragrance visualization device 10), and the amount of each fragrance component included in the combination (for example, fragrance component A: 1, fragrance component B: 2, fragrance component C: 3, etc.). In other words, the blending information is information about the fragrance components that the user 20 wants to include in the fragrance, and the amount of each fragrance component (the ratio of each fragrance component).

[0062] In step 203 (S203), the generation unit 103 generates three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) in which objects representing each fragrance component contained in the fragrance blended according to the blending information acquired in S202 are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape, with a number of objects corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component.

[0063] In step 204 (S204), the display unit 104 displays the three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) generated in S203 (for example, <Mixing 1> in Figure 11).

[0064] In step 205 (S205), the acquisition unit 102 acquires the changes to the blending information specified by the user 20 (i.e., entered by the user 20 into the user terminal 11 and the fragrance visualization device 10) (for example, changing fragrance component A to 3, fragrance component B to 2, and fragrance component C to 1).

[0065] In step 206 (S206), the generation unit 103 generates three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) in which objects representing each fragrance component contained in the fragrance blended according to the modified blending information acquired in S205 are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape, with a number of objects corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component.

[0066] In step 207 (S207), the display unit 104 displays the three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) generated in S206 (for example, <Mixing 2> in Figure 11).

[0067] In step 208 (S208), the fragrance composition is actually prepared (i.e., the actual product (fragrance composition) is produced) based on the preparation information in S205 (or the preparation information in S202).

[0068] Figure 11 is an example of a screen visualizing the fragrance blending process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] First, as shown in Figure 11, the user terminal 11 and the fragrance visualization device 10 display three-dimensional computer graphics that visualize each of the multiple fragrance components. In the three-dimensional computer graphics that visualize each fragrance component, objects representing each fragrance component are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape. Each object representing a fragrance component is represented by a different color, shape, etc., for each fragrance component. Each object representing a fragrance component may move (for example, rotate) within the three-dimensional shape at a speed determined according to the rate of volatilization of each fragrance component. In addition, the number of objects representing each fragrance component may decrease as each fragrance component volatilizes.

[0070] When user 20 inputs blending information into user terminal 11 and fragrance visualization device 10, a 3D computer graphic is displayed as shown in <Blending 1> in Figure 11. This graphic represents objects indicating each fragrance component contained in the fragrance blended according to the blending information, and the number of objects corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape. Each object representing a fragrance component is represented by a different color, shape, etc. Each object representing a fragrance component may move (for example, rotate) within the three-dimensional shape at a speed determined according to the rate of volatilization of each fragrance component. Furthermore, the number of objects representing each fragrance component may decrease as each fragrance component volatilizes.

[0071] When user 20 inputs a change in blending information to user terminal 11 and fragrance visualization device 10, a 3D computer graphic is displayed as shown in <Blending 2> in Figure 11. This graphic represents objects indicating each fragrance component contained in the fragrance blended according to the changed blending information, and the number of objects corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape. Each object representing a fragrance component is represented by a different color, shape, etc. Each object representing a fragrance component may move (for example, rotate) within the three-dimensional shape at a speed determined according to the rate of volatilization of each fragrance component. In addition, the number of objects representing each fragrance component may decrease as each fragrance component volatilizes.

[0072] Furthermore, the volatilization of a fragrance component when it is not blended may differ from the volatilization of the fragrance component when it is blended.

[0073] [Visualization of scent separation] Figure 12 is a flowchart of the visualization process for scent separation according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] In step 301 (S301), the display unit 104 displays a three-dimensional computer graphic (3DCG) that visualizes the scent (for example, the <scent> in Figure 13).

[0075] For example, the display unit 104 may display three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) that visualize a scent specified by the user (for example, a scent specified by a product name such as a perfume name or cosmetic name), or it may display three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) that visualize a predetermined scent.

[0076] In step 302 (S302), the acquisition unit 102 acquires separation information (for example, fragrance component A, etc.) that includes one or more fragrance components from among the fragrance components contained in the fragrance of S301, as specified by the user 20 (i.e., input by the user 20 to the user terminal 11, fragrance visualization device 10). In other words, the separation information is information about the fragrance components that the user 20 wants to separate from among the fragrance components contained in the fragrance, and the amount of said fragrance component.

[0077] In step 303 (S303), the generation unit 103 generates three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) in which objects representing fragrance components (e.g., fragrance component A, etc.) included in the separation information acquired in S302 are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape, with a number of objects corresponding to the amount of fragrance components (e.g., fragrance component A, etc.) included in the separation information.

[0078] In step 304 (S304), the display unit 104 displays the three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) generated in S303 (for example, any of <Fragrance Component A>, <Fragrance Component B>, <Fragrance Component C>, <Fragrance Component A and B>, <Fragrance Component A and C>, or <Fragrance Component B and C> in Figure 13).

[0079] Figure 13 is an example of a screen showing the separation of fragrances according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] First, as shown in Figure 13, a three-dimensional computer graphic representing the scent is displayed on the user terminal 11 and the scent visualization device 10. The displayed three-dimensional computer graphic consists of objects representing each scent component, with a number of objects corresponding to the amount of each scent component arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape. Each object representing a scent component is represented by a different color, shape, etc. Each object representing a scent component may move (for example, rotate) within the three-dimensional shape at a speed determined according to the rate of volatilization of each scent component. Furthermore, the number of objects representing each scent component may decrease as each scent component volatilizes.

[0081] When user 20 inputs separation information (for example, one fragrance component) into user terminal 11 and fragrance visualization device 10, a 3D computer graphic is displayed, which consists of objects representing the fragrance components included in the separation information, such as <Fragrance Component A>, <Fragrance Component B>, and <Fragrance Component C> in Figure 13, with a number of objects corresponding to the amount of fragrance components included in the separation information arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape. The objects representing the fragrance components may move (for example, rotate) within the three-dimensional shape at a speed determined according to the rate of volatilization of the fragrance components. In addition, the number of objects representing the fragrance components may decrease as the fragrance components volatilize.

[0082] When user 20 inputs separation information (for example, two or more fragrance components) into user terminal 11 and fragrance visualization device 10, a 3D computer graphic is displayed in which objects representing the fragrance components included in the separation information are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape, as shown in Figure 13 as <Fragrance Component A·B>, <Fragrance Component A·C>, or <Fragrance Component B·C>. Each object representing a fragrance component is represented by a different color, shape, etc., for each fragrance component. Each object representing a fragrance component may move (for example, rotate) within the three-dimensional shape at a speed determined according to the rate of volatilization of each fragrance component. Furthermore, the number of objects representing each fragrance component may decrease as each fragrance component volatilizes.

[0083] <Effects> Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, since the scent can be visualized, the user can visually see what kind of fragrance components are contained in the scent and in what quantities. Furthermore, the user can visually see how each fragrance component contained in the scent volatilizes.

[0084] <Hardware Configuration> Figure 14 is a hardware configuration diagram of a user terminal 11, a server 12, and a fragrance visualization device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The user terminal 11, server 12, and fragrance visualization device 10 may include a control unit 1001, a main memory unit 1002, an auxiliary memory unit 1003, an input unit 1004, an output unit 1005, and an interface unit 1006. Each of these will be described below.

[0085] The control unit 1001 is a processor (for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc.) that executes various programs installed in the auxiliary storage unit 1003.

[0086] The main memory unit 1002 includes non-volatile memory (ROM (Read Only Memory)) and volatile memory (RAM (Random Access Memory)). The ROM stores various programs, data, etc., necessary for the control unit 1001 to execute various programs installed in the auxiliary memory unit 1003. The RAM provides a work area that is expanded when the various programs installed in the auxiliary memory unit 1003 are executed by the control unit 1001.

[0087] The auxiliary storage unit 1003 is an auxiliary storage device that stores various programs and information used when various programs are executed.

[0088] The input unit 1004 is an input device that allows operators of the user terminal 11, server 12, and scent visualization device 10 to input various instructions to the user terminal 11, server 12, and scent visualization device 10.

[0089] The output unit 1005 is an output device that outputs the internal status of the user terminal 11, the server 12, the scent visualization device 10, etc.

[0090] The interface unit 1006 is a communication device for connecting to a network and communicating with other devices.

[0091] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1. Scent Visualization System 11 User terminals 12 servers 10. Scent Visualization Device 20 users 101 User Input Reception Section 102 Acquisition Department 103 3DCG generation section 104 Display section 105 Fragrance component information storage unit 1001 Control Unit 1002 Main memory 1003 Auxiliary storage unit 1004 Input section 1005 Output section 1006 Interface section

Claims

1. A method performed by a fragrance visualization system or fragrance visualization device, Obtaining the amount of each fragrance component contained in the fragrance, The process involves generating three-dimensional computer graphics in which objects representing each of the aforementioned fragrance components are arranged in a number corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component to represent a three-dimensional shape. Displaying the aforementioned three-dimensional computer graphics A method that includes this.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the object moves within the three-dimensional shape.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the speed of movement of the object is determined according to the rate of volatilization of the fragrance component.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the movement is rotation around a predetermined axis.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the number of objects increases or decreases in accordance with the volatilization of the fragrance component.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the objects are arranged randomly.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the object is represented by a different color for each of the fragrance components.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional shape is spherical.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fragrance component is an aromatic component or a fragrance.

10. In a scent visualization device, Obtaining the amount of each fragrance component contained in the fragrance, The process involves generating three-dimensional computer graphics in which objects representing each of the aforementioned fragrance components are arranged in a number corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component to represent a three-dimensional shape. Displaying the aforementioned three-dimensional computer graphics A program to execute.

11. A fragrance visualization system including a user terminal and a server, The aforementioned server, An acquisition unit that acquires information for identifying a scent, or the amount of each scent component contained in a scent, from the user terminal, The system comprises a generation unit that generates three-dimensional computer graphics in which objects representing each fragrance component contained in the fragrance are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape, with a number of objects corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component being arranged accordingly. The aforementioned user terminal is A fragrance visualization system comprising a display unit for displaying the aforementioned three-dimensional computer graphics.

12. An acquisition unit that acquires the amount of each fragrance component contained in the fragrance, A generation unit that generates three-dimensional computer graphics in which objects representing each of the aforementioned fragrance components are arranged in a number corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component to represent a three-dimensional shape, The display unit for displaying the three-dimensional computer graphics and A fragrance visualization device equipped with [a specific feature].

13. A method performed by a fragrance visualization system or fragrance visualization device, To obtain blending information including the combination of fragrance components specified by the user and the amount of each fragrance component included in the said combination, The process involves generating three-dimensional computer graphics in which objects representing each fragrance component contained in the fragrance blended according to the aforementioned blending information are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape, with a number of objects corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component. Displaying the aforementioned three-dimensional computer graphics A method that includes this.

14. A fragrance composition formulated based on the formulation information described in claim 13.

15. In a scent visualization device, To obtain blending information including the combination of fragrance components specified by the user and the amount of each fragrance component included in the said combination, The process involves generating three-dimensional computer graphics in which objects representing each fragrance component contained in the fragrance blended according to the aforementioned blending information are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape, with a number of objects corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component. Displaying the aforementioned three-dimensional computer graphics A program to execute.

16. A fragrance visualization system including a user terminal and a server, The aforementioned server, An acquisition unit that acquires blending information from the user terminal, including a combination of fragrance components specified by the user and the amount of each fragrance component included in the combination. The system comprises a generation unit that generates three-dimensional computer graphics in which objects representing each fragrance component contained in the fragrance blended according to the blending information are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape, with a number of objects corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component being arranged accordingly. The aforementioned user terminal is A fragrance visualization system comprising a display unit for displaying the aforementioned three-dimensional computer graphics.

17. An acquisition unit that acquires blending information including a combination of fragrance components specified by the user and the amount of each fragrance component included in the combination, A generation unit that generates three-dimensional computer graphics in which objects representing each fragrance component contained in the fragrance blended according to the blending information are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape, with a number of objects corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component. The display unit for displaying the three-dimensional computer graphics and A fragrance visualization device equipped with [a specific feature].

18. A method performed by a fragrance visualization system or fragrance visualization device, To obtain separation information containing one or more fragrance components from the fragrance specified by the user, The process involves generating three-dimensional computer graphics in which objects representing each fragrance component included in the separation information are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape, with a number of objects corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component included in the separation information. Displaying the aforementioned three-dimensional computer graphics A method that includes this.

19. In a scent visualization device, To obtain separation information containing one or more fragrance components from the fragrance specified by the user, The process involves generating three-dimensional computer graphics in which objects representing each fragrance component included in the separation information are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape, with a number of objects corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component included in the separation information. Displaying the aforementioned three-dimensional computer graphics A program to execute.

20. A fragrance visualization system including a user terminal and a server, The aforementioned server, An acquisition unit that acquires separation information from the user terminal that includes one or more fragrance components from among the fragrance components specified by the user, The system comprises a generation unit that generates three-dimensional computer graphics in which objects representing each fragrance component included in the separation information are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape, with a number of objects corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component included in the separation information. The aforementioned user terminal is A fragrance visualization system comprising a display unit for displaying the aforementioned three-dimensional computer graphics.

21. An acquisition unit that acquires separation information containing one or more fragrance components from among the fragrance components specified by the user, A generation unit that generates three-dimensional computer graphics in which objects representing each fragrance component included in the separation information are arranged to represent a three-dimensional shape, with a number of objects corresponding to the amount of each fragrance component included in the separation information. The display unit for displaying the three-dimensional computer graphics and A fragrance visualization device equipped with [a specific feature].

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