Odor presentation module, odor presentation device, and odor presentation system

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technology which enables scent control.　Provided is a scent presentation module comprising: a first opening part through which a first air flow containing a scent exits; and a second opening part through which a second air flow exits. The first opening part and the second opening part are provided so that movement of the first air flow that has exited from the first opening part can be controlled by the second air flow. Also provided are a scent presentation device comprising the scent presentation module, and a scent presentation system. Further provided is a scent presentation method comprising: a first air flow generation step in which a first air flow containing a scent is output from a first opening part; and a second air flow generation step in which a second air flow that exits from a second opening part or a second air flow that enters a second opening part is generated. The movement of the first air flow that has exited from the first opening part is controlled by the second air flow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to an odor presentation module, an odor presentation device, an odor presentation system, and an odor presentation method. More specifically, the present technology relates to an odor presentation module, an odor presentation device, an odor presentation system, and an odor presentation method that enable control of the odor presented to a user.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, presenting an odor in accordance with an image has been carried out. For example, an odor is presented to a person watching a movie at a predetermined timing. Several technologies related to such odor presentation have been proposed so far.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses an olfactory display that presents a fragrance in a temporally and spatially limited range, including a housing having an injection port, a plurality of fragrance chambers having an intake port and a fragrance outlet formed by partitioning the internal space of the housing with a partition wall, a fragrance passage communicating each of the fragrance outlets with the injection port, a solid fragrance source stored in the fragrance chamber, a plurality of wind sources provided in each of the fragrance chambers for sending air from the intake port into the fragrance chamber using a diaphragm having a piezoelectric element, and an auxiliary wind source provided in the housing separately from the wind sources for accelerating the fragrance sent out from the fragrance chamber by the wind sources in the fragrance injection direction using a diaphragm having a piezoelectric element.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As described above, scents are presented in accordance with video. However, even when a scent associated with a video is presented to a viewer of the video, the viewer may feel discomfort. This discomfort may be due to the way the scent is presented.

[0006] The impression that a human feels about a scent varies greatly depending on the way the scent is presented. For example, a person who is sprayed with a scent by an ejection device such as a spray feels the wind pressure at the same time as feeling the scent, and in addition, the time for feeling the scent is short. On the other hand, for example, a scent such as that from burning incense, a person feels only the scent with almost no feeling of wind pressure, and in addition, the time for feeling the scent is long. The impression that a human feels is very different between a local scent like the former and a floating scent like the latter. Thus, it is considered that the way of presenting a scent is also one of the important elements for scent expression.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present technology is to provide a technique for controlling a scent presented to a human.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] The present technology includes a first opening through which a first air flow containing a scent exits, and a second opening through which a second air flow exits, and the first opening and the second opening are provided such that the movement of the first air flow exiting the first opening can be controlled by the second air flow. A scent presentation module is provided. The scent presentation module may include a first air flow generation device and a scent carrier that carries the scent, and the scent presentation module may be configured such that the air flow generated by the first air flow generation device and the scent of the scent carrier form the first air flow. The scent presentation module may further include a second air flow generation device, and the second air flow generation device may generate the second air flow. The odor presentation module may be configured such that the first airflow is jetted from the first opening. The odor presentation module may be configured such that the first airflow and the second airflow come into contact outside the odor presentation module. The odor presentation module may be configured such that the first airflow and the second airflow come into contact inside the odor presentation module. The first opening may be in front of the second airflow generator in the advancing direction of the second airflow. The odor presentation module may be configured to be able to change the flow velocity of at least one of the first airflow and the second airflow. The odor presentation module may be configured to be able to change the direction of the second airflow to the direction entering the second opening.

[0009] Moreover, the present technology includes an odor-containing airflow generation unit, and a control airflow generation unit that controls the odor-containing airflow generated by the odor-containing airflow generation unit. The odor-containing airflow generation unit includes a first airflow generator, an odor-carrying part through which the airflow generated by the first airflow generator passes, and a first opening through which the odor-containing first airflow formed by passing through the odor-carrying part exits. The control airflow generation unit includes a second airflow generator and a second opening through which the second airflow generated by the second airflow generator exits. An odor presentation module is also provided. The first opening and the second opening may be provided such that the movement of the first airflow exiting the first opening can be controlled by the second airflow. The odor presentation module may include a first flow path through which the first airflow flows and a second flow path through which the second airflow flows. The first flow path may be provided inside the second flow path or outside the second flow path. The odor-carrying part may be configured to be replaceable. The flow path through which the airflow generated by the first airflow generation device flows may branch into two or more flow paths, and each of the branched flow paths may have the odor-carrying portion. The odor presentation module may be provided with an opening / closing mechanism for controlling the passage of airflow at either or both of an inlet through which the airflow generated by the first airflow generation device enters the odor-carrying portion and an outlet through which the odor-containing first airflow exits from the odor-carrying portion or the first opening. The odor presentation module may be configured to suppress the generation of airflow in the flow path through which the first airflow flows when the first airflow generation device stops.

[0010] Further, the present technology includes a first opening through which a first airflow containing an odor exits, and a second opening through which a second airflow exits, and the first opening and the second opening are provided such that the movement of the first airflow exiting the first opening can be controlled by the second airflow; and a housing that holds the odor presentation module An odor presentation device including the above is also provided.

[0011] Further, the present technology includes a first opening through which a first airflow containing an odor exits, and a second opening through which a second airflow exits, and the first opening and the second opening are provided such that the movement of the first airflow exiting the first opening can be controlled by the second airflow; and a control unit that controls the odor presentation module An odor presentation system including the above is also provided.

[0012] Further, the present technology includes a first airflow generation step of discharging a first airflow containing an odor from a first opening, and a second airflow generation step of generating a second airflow that exits from a second opening or enters the second opening, and including the movement of the first airflow exiting the first opening is controlled by the second airflow An odor presentation method is also provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the present technology will be described. Note that the embodiments described below show typical embodiments of the present technology, and the scope of the present technology is not limited to these embodiments. Also, any of the embodiments can be combined. The description of the present technology will be made in the following order. 1. First Embodiment (Odor Presentation Module) (1) Explanation of the First Embodiment (2) First Example of the First Embodiment (Example of Odor Presentation Module) (3) Second Example of the First Embodiment (Example of First Airflow Generation Device) (4) Third Example of the First Embodiment (Example of Odor Presentation Module) (5) Fourth Example of the First Embodiment (Example of Odor Presentation Module) (6) Fifth Example of the First Embodiment (Example of Odor Presentation Module) (7) Sixth Example of the First Embodiment (Example of Odor Presentation Module) (8) Seventh Example of the First Embodiment (Example of Odor Presentation Module) (9) Eighth Example of the First Embodiment (Example of Odor Presentation Module) (10) Ninth Example of the First Embodiment (Example of Odor-containing Airflow Generation Unit) 2. Second Embodiment (Odor Presentation Device) 3. Third Embodiment (Odor Presentation System) 4. Fourth Embodiment (Odor Presentation Method)

[0015] 1. First Embodiment (Odor Presentation Module)

[0016] (1) Description of the First Embodiment

[0017] The odor presentation module according to the present technology includes a first opening through which a first airflow containing an odor exits, and a second opening through which a second airflow exits. The first opening and the second opening are provided such that the movement of the first airflow exiting the first opening can be controlled by the second airflow. The odor presentation module according to the present technology can control the movement of the first airflow containing an odor by the second airflow. Therefore, the odor presentation module according to the present technology can control the odor contained in the first airflow, thereby enabling various ways of presenting odors. For example, the odor presentation module of the present technology can present odors to the user in various expression methods, such as local odors and floating odors. In addition, the odor presentation module of the present technology can also reduce or eliminate the odor existing outside the module by the second airflow.

[0018] The odor presentation module according to the present technology may be configured to be able to change the flow velocity of at least one of the first air flow and the second air flow. By adjusting the flow velocity of each air flow, more diverse odor expressions can be realized.

[0019] An example of how the odor presentation module according to the present technology presents an odor will be described with reference to FIG. 25. FIG. 25 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of an odor expressed by the odor presentation module according to the present technology.

[0020] A and B in FIG. 25 show the relationship between the flow velocity of the air flow reaching the user from the odor presentation module of the present technology and time. Note that this figure is for conceptual explanation and does not show actual flow velocity or time. In FIG. 25A, an example is shown in which the first air flow containing an odor is generated at a specific time without generating the second air flow. In this example, the first air flow with a flow velocity V1 reaches the user at a specific time. When the first air flow is not generated, neither the first air flow nor the second air flow is generated, and the flow velocity is 0, that is, the user does not feel the wind pressure. And the difference in the flow velocity between when the first air flow is not generated and when the first air flow is generated is d1 as shown in the figure. That is, this difference d1 is the change in the wind pressure that the user feels together with the odor. On the other hand, FIG. 25B shows an example in which the first air flow containing an odor is generated at a specific time while generating the second air flow. In this example, the second air flow with a flow velocity V2 is always generated. As a result, when the first air flow is not generated, the user always feels the wind pressure with a flow velocity V2. And the first air flow with a flow velocity V1 is generated only when odor presentation is required. Here, since the user is always receiving the wind pressure with a flow velocity V2, the change in the wind pressure that the user feels together with the odor is the difference d2 between V1 and V2.

[0021] In the case of A in FIG. 25, the user who has received the first air flow feels the smell and also feels a large change in wind pressure. Therefore, by controlling the first air flow and the second air flow as in A of FIG. 25, for example, a local smell (or a suddenly occurring smell) can be expressed. On the other hand, in the case of B in FIG. 25, the user who has received the first air flow feels the smell, but the change in wind pressure felt by the user is smaller than that in the case of A in FIG. 25. By controlling the first air flow and the second air flow as in B of FIG. 25, for example, a floating smell can be expressed. In this way, with the smell presentation module of the present technology, both the expression of a local smell and the expression of a floating smell are possible.

[0022] Also, for example, by adjusting the flow velocity V1 of the first air flow containing the smell and / or the flow velocity V2 of the second air flow, the concentration of the smell component in the air flow reaching the user can be changed. Thereby, for example, it is also possible to change the intensity of the smell reaching the user.

[0023] The olfactory display described in the above Patent Document 1 can express a local smell as shown in, for example, A of FIG. 25, but cannot express a floating smell. Therefore, when using the olfactory display for smell presentation linked to, for example, an image, the scenes where the smell can be presented are limited. The smell presentation module according to the present technology can deliver the smell to the user in various presentation ways as described above. It can express not only a local smell but also, for example, a smell floating in space. Also, the smell existing in the space can be recovered. Therefore, when the smell presentation module according to the present technology is used for smell presentation linked to an image, a smell expression more suitable for many scenes becomes possible.

[0024] In addition, the situations where the smell presentation module according to the present technology is used are not limited to only smell presentation linked to video. For example, in smell presentation linked to the user experience (such as an attraction in an amusement park or a play in a theater), the smell presentation module of the present technology can also be used. The smell presentation module according to the present technology can be used for various smell expressions according to the content of video or experience, and for example, can perform spot (local) smell expressions or floating smell expressions.

[0025] C and D in FIG. 25 show the range reached by the airflow emitted from the smell presentation module of the present technology. Note that this figure is for conceptual explanation and does not show the actual range. In C of FIG. 25, an example is shown where only the first airflow is generated without generating the second airflow. In this example, since only the first airflow is generated, the range reached by the airflow is, for example, the range A1 reached by the first airflow. On the other hand, in D of FIG. 25, an example is shown where while generating the second airflow, the same first airflow as in the case of FIG. 25C is generated from the inside of the second airflow. In this example, since the second airflow and the first airflow are generated simultaneously, the range reached by the first airflow can be expanded by the second airflow. For example, when the range reached by the second airflow is A3, the range reached by the first airflow is expanded by the second airflow to become region A2. For example, by adjusting the flow velocity or direction of the second airflow, etc., the range reached by the first airflow can be further adjusted. In this way, the range reached by the smell can be adjusted by the smell presentation module according to the present technology.

[0026] Also, the range A2 reached by the first airflow in D of FIG. 25 is wider than the range A1 in C of FIG. 25. Since the range reached by the first airflow containing the smell is wide, it becomes difficult to identify the location where the first airflow is emitted (that is, the location where the smell presentation module exists). This is useful, for example, in an attraction in an amusement park when it is not desired for the attraction participants to identify the source of the smell.

[0027] In addition, since the first airflow containing the odor reaches a wider range, even when the position of the user's nose is displaced, it is possible to present the odor to the user.

[0028] As described above with reference to FIG. 25, the odor presentation module according to the present technology can adjust the change in wind pressure that the user feels along with the odor and / or the range to which the odor reaches. Thereby, the odor can be delivered to the user in various presentation manners.

[0029] Also, the odor presentation module of the present technology can perform odor control as follows by the second airflow. For example, when the first airflow containing the odor stays near the first opening or near the user's nose, the second airflow can suppress the stay. Thereby, the odor recognized by the user can be reduced or eliminated. Also, it is assumed that there may be a case where it is desired to stop presenting the odor to the user at a specific timing. In this case, by sending only the second airflow from the second opening from the odor presentation module of the present technology, the odor component can be blown away from near the user's nose, and thereby the presentation of the odor can be stopped. Alternatively, by generating the second airflow that enters the odor presentation module from the second opening, the odor component may be recovered into the odor presentation module. Thereby, the odor can be reduced or eliminated at a specific timing. In this way, the second airflow enables odor control not only from the viewpoint of odor presentation but also from the viewpoint of odor reduction or elimination.

[0030] The odor presentation module according to the present technology may include a first airflow generation device and an odor carrier unit that carries the odor, and the airflow generated by the first airflow generation device and the odor of the odor carrier unit may be configured to form the first airflow. For example, the odor presentation module may be configured such that the airflow generated by the first airflow generating device passes through the odor carrier portion to generate the first airflow. The first airflow exits from the first opening. Alternatively, the odor presentation module according to the present technology may be configured such that the airflow generated by the first airflow generating device contacts the odor carrier portion after exiting the first opening, thereby forming a first airflow containing an odor. Further, in the odor presentation module according to the present technology, the odor carrier portion carrying the odor and the first opening may be integrated. For example, the first opening may be provided in the odor carrier portion. For example, the first opening may be provided in a cartridge described later. Also, the odor presentation module according to the present technology may further include a second airflow generating device, and the second airflow generating device may generate the second airflow. The second airflow exits from the second opening. In this way, the first airflow and the second airflow exiting from the first opening and the second opening may be generated. More specific examples of the components for generating these two airflows will be described in (2) to (10) below.

[0031] Also, the odor presentation module according to the present technology may include, for example, an odor-containing airflow generation unit and a control airflow generation unit that controls the odor-containing airflow generated by the odor-containing airflow generation unit. The odor-containing airflow generation unit may include a first airflow generating device, an odor component carrier portion through which the airflow generated by the first airflow generating device passes, and a first opening from which the odor-containing first airflow formed by passing through the odor component carrier portion exits. The control airflow generation unit may include a second airflow generating device and a second opening from which the second airflow generated by the second airflow generating device exits. In this embodiment, preferably, the first opening and the second opening may be provided such that the movement of the first airflow exiting the first opening can be controlled by the second airflow.

[0032] In the present technology, preferably, the odor presentation module can be configured such that when the control airflow generation unit is operated and the odor-containing airflow generation unit is operated, the flow velocity at a position 10 cm advanced in the traveling direction of the first airflow (the direction passing through the center of the opening surface of the first opening and perpendicular to the opening surface) from the first opening is set to be not more than twice the flow velocity at the same position when the control airflow generation unit is operated and the odor-containing airflow generation unit is not operated. Thereby, the control of the first airflow by the second airflow can be performed more effectively.

[0033] In the present technology, preferably, the odor presentation module can be configured such that the directivity of the odor-containing airflow generated when the odor-containing airflow generation unit and the control airflow generation unit are simultaneously operated is lower than the directivity of the odor-containing airflow generated when the odor-containing airflow generation unit is operated and the control airflow generation unit is not operated. Thereby, for example, the range reached by the first airflow is expanded by the second airflow.

[0034] (2) First Example of the First Embodiment (Example of Odor Presentation Module)

[0035] Hereinafter, an example of an odor presentation module according to the present technology will be described with reference to FIG. 1A. FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a configuration example of an odor presentation module according to the present technology.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1A, the odor presentation module 100 includes an odor-containing airflow generation unit 109 and a control airflow generation unit 119 that controls the odor-containing airflow generated by the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109. The odor-containing airflow generation unit 109 includes a first airflow generation device 101, a flow path 102 provided at one end of the first airflow generation device 101, an odor-carrying unit 103 provided in the flow path 102, and a first opening 104 that is the other end of the flow path 102. These components form a first airflow A1 containing an odor. The control airflow generation unit 119 includes a second airflow generation device 111, a flow path 112 provided at one end of the second airflow generation device 111, and a second opening 113 that is the other end of the flow path 112. These components form a second airflow B1. The second airflow B1 controls the first airflow A1 containing the odor. The first opening 104 is inside the second opening 113. That is, the first opening 104 and the second opening 113 are provided such that the movement of the first airflow A1 exiting the first opening 104 can be controlled by the second airflow B1.

[0037] These components will be described in more detail below.

[0038] The first airflow generation device 101 generates an airflow that flows from the first airflow generation device 101 toward the first opening 104 within the flow path 102. The first airflow generation device 101 may be, for example, an air pump, and more specifically, may be a diaphragm pump. The air pump may be a diaphragm pump including a piezoelectric element or a motor.

[0039] The first airflow generation device 101 is preferably configured to be able to adjust the flow rate of the first airflow A1. For example, the first airflow generation device 101 is configured to be able to change the flow rate of the first airflow A1 stepwise or continuously. As a result, more odor expressions are possible compared to a device that generates the first airflow A1 at only one flow rate.

[0040] One end of the flow path 102 is connected to the first airflow generation device 101, and the other end is open, which is the first opening 104. The shape of the cross-section of the flow path 102 (the cross-section perpendicular to the axis of the flow path) may be, for example, circular, elliptical, or rectangular (square or rectangular), and may be appropriately selected by those skilled in the art.

[0041] The odor-carrying part 103 imparts an odor to the airflow generated by the first airflow generator 101. The odor-carrying part 103 may be provided at any position inside the flow path 102, and more preferably, it may be provided such that the airflow generated by the first airflow generator 101 passes through the odor-carrying part 103. For example, the odor-carrying part 103 may include an inlet 105 through which the airflow generated by the first airflow generator 101 enters the odor-carrying part 103, and an outlet 106 through which the airflow that has passed through the odor-carrying part 103 exits the odor-carrying part 103. An odor can be imparted to the airflow while the airflow that has entered the odor-carrying part 103 from the inlet 105 passes through the odor-carrying part 103 and exits from the outlet 106. More specifically, the volatilized gaseous odor components can be included in the airflow. The position where the odor-carrying part is provided may be, for example, a position in the flow path 102 that is closer to the first opening 104 than the first airflow generator 101.

[0042] Also, an opening / closing mechanism or a check valve for controlling the passage of the airflow may be provided at the inlet 105 through which the airflow generated by the first airflow generator 101 enters the odor-carrying part 103. Also, an opening / closing mechanism or a check valve for controlling the passage of the airflow may be provided at the outlet 106 through which the odor-containing first airflow exits from the odor-carrying part 103. Alternatively, an opening / closing mechanism or a check valve for controlling the passage of the airflow may be provided at the first opening 104. Thus, in the present technology, an opening / closing mechanism or a check valve for controlling the passage of the airflow may be provided at either or both of the inlet through which the airflow generated by the first airflow generator enters the odor-carrying part, and the outlet through which the odor-containing first airflow exits from the odor-carrying part or the first opening. These opening / closing mechanisms or check valves can suppress the leakage of odor from the odor-carrying part.

[0043] The odor-carrying part 103 includes, for example, a fragrance, and more specifically, may include a liquid fragrance or a solid fragrance. Odor components contained in the fragrance (especially a liquid fragrance or a solid fragrance) are imparted to the airflow generated by the first airflow generator 101, and a first airflow A1 containing an odor is formed. The liquid fragrance may be contained in the fragrance carrier part 103, for example, in a state of being impregnated in a fragrance carrier. The shape of the fragrance carrier may be, for example, spherical, square, triangular, or cylindrical. The material of the fragrance carrier may be, for example, calcium silicate, silica gel, rock wool, diatomaceous earth, zeolite, peat, charcoal, vermiculite, bentonite, perlite, carbon nanotube, activated carbons, natural fibers (such as cotton or rayon), or felt processed from fibers. The solid fragrance may be, for example, a solid obtained by solidifying a liquid fragrance using a gelling agent, or may be a solid material that emits a smell, such as a piece of wood that emits a smell. Further, the fragrance carrier part 103 may contain a deodorant instead of the liquid fragrance or the solid fragrance. The fragrance contained in the fragrance carrier part 103 may be, for example, a natural fragrance or a synthetic fragrance. The fragrance carrier part 103 may contain one fragrance or a combination of a plurality of fragrances.

[0044] Preferably, in the smell presentation module according to the present technology, the smell carrier part may be configured as a cartridge. That is, the smell carrier part may be configured to be replaceable. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, in the smell presentation module, a portion 120 indicated by a dotted line including the smell carrier part 103 and the first opening 104 may be configured to be replaceable. Or only the smell carrier part 103 may be configured to be replaceable. Or a part or all of the smell carrier part 103, the first opening 104, and the flow path 102 may be configured to be replaceable. Since the smell carrier part is replaceable, for example, when the smell component contained in the smell carrier part runs out or when the user wishes to change the type of the smell component contained in the smell carrier part, by replacing the cartridge, parts other than the cartridge in the smell presentation module can be reused.

[0045] The first opening 104 may be disposed inside the second opening 113, for example, as shown in FIG. 1A. Thereby, it is easy to control the first air flow A1 that has exited the first opening 104 by the second air flow B1.

[0046] The first opening 104 is an outlet through which the first air flow A1 containing the odor exits to the outside of the odor presentation module 100. The shape of the opening surface of the first opening 104 may be, for example, circular, elliptical, or rectangular (square or rectangle). When the shape of the opening surface is circular or elliptical, the diameter or major axis may be, for example, 0.1 mm to 5 mm, particularly 0.2 mm to 3 mm, more particularly 0.3 mm to 2 mm, and even more particularly 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. When the shape of the opening surface is square or rectangular, one side of the square or the long side of the rectangle may be, for example, 0.08 mm to 4 mm, particularly 0.16 mm to 2.4 mm, more particularly 0.24 mm to 1.6 mm, and even more particularly 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm. By having such dimensions, the first air flow generation device 101 is operated only when necessary to discharge the first air flow A1 containing the odor from the first opening 104 to the outside of the odor presentation module 100, and in other cases, it is possible to prevent the odor contained in the odor carrier portion 103 from exiting to the outside of the odor presentation module 100.

[0047] The cross-sectional dimensions of the first opening 104 (particularly the dimensions of the shape of the opening surface of the first opening 104) may be smaller than the cross-sectional dimensions of the flow path 102 from the outlet 106 of the odor carrier portion 103 to immediately before the first opening 104. For example, the cross-sectional dimensions of the first opening 104 and the cross-sectional dimensions of the flow path 102 from the outlet 106 of the odor carrier portion 103 to immediately before the first opening 104 may be set so that the first air flow A1 is ejected from the first opening 104. Thus, in one embodiment of the present technology, the odor presentation module (particularly the odor-containing air flow generation unit) may be configured so that the first air flow containing the odor is ejected from the first opening.

[0048] The first opening 104 may be in front of the second air flow generating device 111 in the advancing direction of the second air flow B1. For example, the opening surface of the first opening 104 may be on the same plane as the opening surface of the second opening 113, or may be in front of the said plane in the advancing direction of the second air flow B1. By such an arrangement, it is possible to prevent the odor component contained in the first air flow A1 from adhering to the wall surface of the flow path 112 through which the second air flow B1 flows.

[0049] The first air flow A1 exiting from the first opening 104 is an air flow containing an odor, particularly an air flow containing the odor component of the odor carrying part 103. For example, the first air flow A1 may be an air flow of a mixture of the said odor component and the air in the space where the odor presentation module is placed. The first air flow A1 exiting from the first opening 104 may particularly be an air flow formed by injection from the first opening 104, and may be, for example, a directional air flow.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1A, the flow path 102 including the odor carrying part 103 may be provided inside the flow path 112 provided with the second air flow generating device 111 at one end. Thereby, it becomes easier to control the first air flow A1 by the second air flow B1. Also, thereby, it becomes easier to present an odor that drifts.

[0051] The second air flow generating device 111 forms an air flow flowing in the flow path 112 from the second air flow generating device 111 toward the second opening 113. By the second air flow generating device 111, the second air flow B1 exiting from the second opening 113 can be formed. The second air flow generating device 111 may be configured to be able to form an air flow flowing in the opposite direction. That is, the second air flow generating device 111 may be configured to be able to reverse the direction of the generated air flow. Thus, the odor presentation module according to the present technology may be configured to be able to change the direction of the second air flow to the direction entering the second opening. Thereby, it becomes possible to collect the odor component, and odor control such as reduction or disappearance of the odor becomes possible.

[0052] The second airflow generating device 111 may be, for example, a blower device. More specifically, examples of the blower device include an axial flow fan, a blower fan, and a centrifugal fan, and particularly an axial flow fan. For example, as shown in A of FIG. 23, the scent presentation module 1500 according to the present technology may include an axial flow fan 1501 as the second airflow generating device. Alternatively, the blower device may be a combination of a diaphragm pump, particularly a diaphragm pump using a piezoelectric element or a motor (such as a micro blower, etc.) and an airflow expansion mechanism. The blower device may be configured such that the airflow generated by the diaphragm pump is expanded by the airflow expansion mechanism and flows in the flow path. For example, as shown in B of FIG. 23, the scent presentation module 1550 according to the present technology may be a combination of a diaphragm pump 1502 and an airflow expansion mechanism 1503 as the second airflow generating device. Note that both the scent presentation modules 1500 and 1550 shown in FIG. 23 are provided with two scent-containing airflow generating units 1504. Thus, the scent presentation module according to the present technology may be provided with one scent-containing airflow generating unit, or may be provided with a plurality (for example, 2 to 10, particularly 2 to 6) of scent-containing airflow generating units.

[0053] The second airflow B1 generated by the second airflow generating device 111 may be an airflow consisting of the air itself in the space where the scent presentation module 100 is placed, or may be an airflow consisting of air in which any other component is mixed with the air in the space. Preferably, the second airflow B1 is the air itself in the space where the scent presentation module 100 is placed. This makes it easier to control the presentation of the scent of the first airflow A1. For example, the second airflow B1 may be odorless air.

[0054] The second airflow generating device 111 is preferably configured to be able to adjust the flow velocity of the second airflow B1. For example, the second airflow generating device 111 is configured to be able to change the flow velocity of the second airflow B1 stepwise or continuously. Thereby, compared with the case of a device that generates the second airflow B1 with only one flow velocity, more scent expressions become possible.

[0055] The flow path 112 has the second airflow generating device 111 connected to one end, and the other end is open, which is the second opening 113. The shape of the cross-section of the flow path 112 (the cross-section perpendicular to the axis of the flow path) may be, for example, circular, elliptical, or rectangular (square or rectangle), and may be appropriately selected by those skilled in the art. The dimension of the cross-section of the flow path 112 through which the second airflow B1 flows is preferably larger than the dimension of the cross-section of the flow path 102 through which the first airflow A1 flows.

[0056] Inside the flow path 112 through which the second airflow B1 flows, there is provided a flow path 102 through which the first airflow A1 flows. Thus, the scent presentation module according to the present technology includes a first flow path through which the first airflow flows and a second flow path through which the second airflow flows, and the first flow path may be provided inside the second flow path.

[0057] The second opening 113 is an opening through which the second airflow B1 formed by the second airflow generating device 111 exits. The area of the opening surface of the second opening 113 is preferably larger than the area of the opening surface of the first opening 104. For example, the area of the opening surface of the second opening 113 may be 3 to 1000 times, particularly 5 to 500 times, and even more particularly 10 to 200 times the area of the opening surface of the first opening 104. Thereby, it becomes easier to control the first airflow by the second airflow. The shape of the opening surface of the second opening 113 may be, for example, circular, elliptical, or rectangular (square or rectangle). When the shape of the opening surface is circular or elliptical, the diameter or major axis may be, for example, 5 mm to 1000 mm, particularly 7 mm to 500 mm, and more particularly 10 mm to 100 mm. When the shape of the opening surface is square or rectangular, one side of the square or the long side of the rectangle may be, for example, 5 mm to 1000 mm, particularly 7 mm to 500 mm, and more particularly 10 mm to 100 mm.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1A, the second air flow generating device 111 may be disposed behind the first opening 104 from which the first air flow A1 containing the odor exits (behind the position of the first opening 104 on the axis in the case where the advancing direction of the first air flow A1 is the axis). Alternatively, the second air flow generating device 111 may be disposed in front of the first opening 104. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1A, the second air flow generating device 111 is disposed behind the first opening 104 from which the first air flow A1 containing the odor exits. Thereby, when the second air flow generating device 111 emits the second air flow B1 from the second opening 113, it is possible to prevent the odor component contained in the first air flow A1 containing the odor from adhering to the second air flow generating device 111.

[0059] The odor presentation module 100 described above can control the movement of the first air flow A1 exiting the first opening 104 by the second air flow B1. For example, by generating the first air flow A1 while continuously generating the second air flow B1 exiting the second opening 113, an odor that drifts, for example, can be presented to the user. By increasing or decreasing the flow rate (air volume) of the second air flow B1, the degree of the odor of the first air flow A1 can also be changed. Also, by stopping the generation of the second air flow B1, a local odor by the first air flow A1 can be generated. Further, by generating the second air flow B1 that enters the smell presentation module from the second opening 113, the first air flow A1 containing the smell can be recovered. For example, the smell released outside the smell presentation module can be recovered. Thereby, the degree of the smell recognized by the user can be weakened, or the user can be prevented from recognizing the smell.

[0060] Regarding the smell presentation module 100 shown in FIG. 1, the first opening 104 and the second opening 113 may be provided on the outer surface of the smell presentation module 100. Thereby, the first air flow A1 and the second air flow B1 can come into contact outside the smell presentation module 100. Thus, the smell presentation module of the present technology may be configured such that the first air flow and the second air flow come into contact outside the smell presentation module.

[0061] As described above, the smell presentation module according to the present technology may include, for example, a smell-containing air flow generation unit and a control air flow generation unit that controls the smell-containing air flow generated by the smell-containing air flow generation unit. The smell-containing air flow generation unit may include a first air flow generation device, a smell component carrier through which the air flow generated by the first air flow generation device passes, and a first opening through which the smell-containing first air flow formed by passing through the smell component carrier exits. The control air flow generation unit may include a second air flow generation device and a second opening through which the second air flow generated by the second air flow generation device exits.

[0062] (3) Second Example of the First Embodiment (Example of the First Air Flow Generation Device)

[0063] Another example of the first air flow generation device according to the present technology will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the case where unnecessary air flow is generated in the first air flow generation device according to the present technology. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the first air flow generation device of the other example.

[0064] In order to create a state where the user only feels the airflow without smelling the odor, it is conceivable to operate the second airflow generation device 111 without operating the first airflow generation device 101. To create the above state, it is required to surely prevent the odor from exiting the module through the first opening 104. However, when the second airflow B1 is generated by the second airflow generation device 111, even if the first airflow generation device 101 is not operating, the odor may exit the module through the first opening 104. This is considered to be possible, for example, due to the existence of a gap at the portion connecting the first airflow generation device 101 and the flow path 102 or due to the first airflow generation device 101 having a structure with a gap leading from outside the module into the flow path 102. That is, due to the existence of such a gap, when the first airflow generation device 101 stops operating, the generation of the second airflow B1 by the second airflow generation device 111 may induce the generation of airflow within the flow path 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the odor presentation module 100 is actually used, if there is a gap at the portion connecting the first airflow generation device 101 of the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109 and the flow path 102, even if the first airflow generation device 101 is not operating, by operating the second airflow generation device 111, an airflow (shown by a dotted line in FIG. 2) is generated in the flow path 102, and the odor may be released at an unintended timing. In FIG. 2, the first airflow generation device 101 is shown as being separated from the flow path 102, but this is for emphasizing the existence of the gap and does not show the structure in an actual device. The release of the odor at an unintended timing as described above is not desirable and may also lead to the loss of the fragrance contained in the odor-carrying unit 103. Also, even if there is no gap in the flow path 102, the same problem may occur when the opening 104 of the flow path 102 is provided in an open structure within the flow path 112 of the control airflow generation unit 119.

[0065] Therefore, in the second example of the present embodiment, when the second airflow generation device 111 is operated while the operation of the first airflow generation device is stopped, a configuration example of the first airflow generation device is shown that suppresses the generation of an airflow in the flow path 102 of the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 3, the first airflow generation device 101-1 in the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109 has a discharge port 121 that discharges the first airflow and an intake port 122 that intakes the first airflow, which are formed on the side communicating with the flow path 102.

[0067] The discharge port 121 and the intake port 122 communicate the internal space of the first airflow generation device 101-1 with the flow path 102. Inside the first airflow generation device 101-1, an on-off valve 123 that closes the discharge port 121 and an on-off valve 124 that closes the intake port 122 are provided.

[0068] Furthermore, inside the first airflow generation device 101-1, a diaphragm 125 and a piezoelectric element 126 connected to the diaphragm 125 are provided at positions facing the on-off valve 123 and the on-off valve 124. By moving the diaphragm 125 having the piezoelectric element 126 as a pump, the first airflow is generated, and the on-off valve 123 and the on-off valve 124 are opened and closed.

[0069] The odor presentation module 100 using the first airflow generation device 101-1 in the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109 has a structure without a gap in the flow path 102 of the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109, and when the operation of the first airflow generation device 101-1 stops, the on-off valve 123 and the on-off valve 124 are closed to block the discharge port 121 and the intake port 122.

[0070] Therefore, the odor presentation module 100 of this example can suppress the generation of an airflow in the flow path 102 even when the second airflow generation device 111 is operated while the operation of the first airflow generation device 101-1 stops. Thereby, the odor presentation module 100 of this example can suppress the odor from being released at an unintended timing from the flow path 102 and the loss of the fragrance contained in the odor carrier unit 103.

[0071] Next, referring to FIG. 4, a first airflow generation device according to a modification of this example will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the first airflow generation device of the modification. FIG. 4A shows the case when the operation of the first airflow generation device is ON. FIG. 4B shows the case when the operation of the first airflow generation device is OFF.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first airflow generation device 101-2 in the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109 has a discharge port 131 that discharges a first airflow formed on the side communicating with the flow path 102, and two intake ports 132 that intake the first airflow formed on the facing side of the side communicating with the flow path 102. Note that the number of the discharge port 131 and the intake ports 132 may be one or a plurality respectively. Also, the arrangements of the discharge port 131 and the intake ports 132 may be in positions facing each other or in other positions.

[0073] The discharge port 131 communicates the internal space of the first airflow generation device 101-2 with the flow path 102. Also, the discharge port 131 and the two intake ports 132 communicate with each other in the internal space of the first airflow generation device 101-2. Further, inside the first airflow generation device 101-2, a diaphragm 125 extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the opposing direction of the discharge port 131 and the intake ports 132, and a piezoelectric element 126 connected to the diaphragm 125 are provided.

[0074] On the side where the intake ports 132 of the first airflow generation device 101-2 are formed, an on-off valve 133 that closes the two intake ports 132 is provided. As shown in FIG. 4A, when the operation of the first airflow generation device 101-2 is ON, the on-off valve 133 opens and moves away from the two intake ports 132, and the first airflow flows from the intake ports 132 to the discharge port 131. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the operation of the first airflow generation device 101-2 is OFF, the on-off valve 133 closes and blocks the two intake ports 132, and the first airflow does not flow from the intake ports 132 to the discharge port 131.

[0075] The odor presentation module 100 that uses the first airflow generation device 101-2 in the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109 has a structure without a gap in the flow path 102 of the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109, and when the operation of the first airflow generation device 101-2 stops, the on-off valve 133 is closed to block the two intake ports 132.

[0076] Therefore, even when the second airflow generation device 111 is operated when the operation of the first airflow generation device 101-2 stops, the odor presentation module 100 according to the modified example of this example can suppress the generation of airflow in the flow path 102. Thereby, the odor presentation module 100 according to the modified example of this example can suppress the odor from being released at an unintended timing from the flow path 102 and the loss of the fragrance contained in the odor carrier unit 103.

[0077] (4) Third Example of the First Embodiment (Example of Odor Presentation Module)

[0078] Another example of the odor presentation module according to the present technology will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams of the odor presentation module of the other example, respectively.

[0079] In the third example of the present embodiment, when the second airflow generation device 111 is operated while the operation of the first airflow generation device is stopped, a configuration example of the odor presentation module that suppresses the generation of airflow in the flow path of the odor-containing airflow generation unit is shown.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 5A, the odor presentation module 100-1 includes, in the same manner as in the first example, an odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-1 and a control airflow generation unit 119 that controls the odor-containing airflow generated by the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-1.

[0081] The odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-1 includes a first airflow generation device 101, a flow path 102 provided at one end of the first airflow generation device 101, an odor carrier unit 103 provided in the flow path 102, and a first opening 104 that is the other end of the flow path 102. These components form a first airflow containing an odor.

[0082] Furthermore, in the flow path 102, a solenoid valve 141, which is an example of an on-off valve, is provided between the first airflow generating device 101 and the odor carrier unit 103. The solenoid valve 141 can be electrically controlled to open and close, and closes the flow path 102 when the operation of the first airflow generating device 101 stops.

[0083] Similar to FIG. 5A, as shown in FIG. 5B, the odor presentation module 100-2 includes an odor-containing airflow generating unit 109-2 and a control airflow generating unit 119 that controls the odor-containing airflow generated by the odor-containing airflow generating unit 109-2.

[0084] The odor-containing airflow generating unit 109-2 includes a first airflow generating device 101, a flow path 102 provided at one end of the first airflow generating device 101, an odor carrier unit 103 provided in the flow path 102, and a first opening 104 that is the other end of the flow path 102.

[0085] Furthermore, in the flow path 102, a solenoid valve 142 is provided between the odor carrier unit 103 and the first opening 104. Similar to the solenoid valve 141, the solenoid valve 142 closes the flow path 102 when the operation of the first airflow generating device 101 stops. Note that the solenoid valve is not limited to the arrangement in this example, and may be arranged at any position in the flow path 102 as long as it can close the flow path 102 when the operation of the first airflow generating device 101 stops.

[0086] The first airflow generating device 101, the flow path 102, the odor carrier unit 103, and the first opening 104 included in the odor-containing airflow generating unit 109-1 and the odor-containing airflow generating unit 109-2 may be the same as the respective components included in the odor-containing airflow generating unit 109 described in (2) above, and the descriptions thereof also apply to this example. Also, the respective components included in the control airflow generating unit 119 may be the same as the respective components included in the control airflow generating unit 119 described in (2) above, and the descriptions thereof also apply to this example.

[0087] The odor presentation module 100-1 including the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-1, or the odor presentation module 100-2 including the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-2 closes the solenoid valve 141 or the solenoid valve 142 to block the flow path 102 when the operation of the first airflow generation device 101 stops.

[0088] Therefore, even if there is a gap between the first airflow generation device 101 and the flow path 102, when the second airflow generation device 111 is operated when the operation of the first airflow generation device 101 stops, the odor presentation modules 100-1 and 100-2 can suppress the generation of airflow in the flow path 102. As a result, the odor presentation modules 100-1 and 100-2 can suppress the release of odor from the flow path 102 at an unintended timing and the loss of the fragrance contained in the odor carrier unit 103.

[0089] Next, referring to FIG. 6, an odor presentation module according to a modification of this example will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the odor presentation module of the modification. FIG. 6A shows when the operation of the first airflow generation device is OFF. FIG. 6B shows when the operation of the first airflow generation device is ON.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, similar to the first example, the odor presentation module 100-3 includes an odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-3 and a control airflow generation unit 119 that controls the odor-containing airflow generated by the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-3.

[0091] The odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-3 includes the first airflow generation device 101, the flow path 102 provided at one end of the first airflow generation device 101, the odor carrier unit 103 provided in the flow path 102, and the first opening 104 that is the other end of the flow path 102.

[0092] Furthermore, the first opening 104 is provided with an on-off valve 143 that opens at a specific pressure. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the operation of the first airflow generator 101 is OFF, the on-off valve 143 closes the first opening 104 to block the flow path 102, and no airflow flows through the flow path 102. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the operation of the first airflow generator 101 is ON, the on-off valve 143 opens and moves away from the first opening 104, and airflow flows through the flow path 102. In this way, the on-off valve 143 closes the first opening 104 when the operation of the first airflow generator 101 stops, thereby blocking the flow path 102.

[0093] The first airflow generator 101, the flow path 102, the odor-carrying part 103, and the first opening 104 included in the odor-containing airflow generation part 109-3 may be the same as each component included in the odor-containing airflow generation part 109 described in (2) above, and these explanations also apply in this example. Also, each component included in the control airflow generation part 119 may be the same as each component included in the control airflow generation part 119 described in (2) above, and these explanations also apply in this example.

[0094] The odor presentation module 100-3 including the odor-containing airflow generation part 109-3 closes the on-off valve 143 to block the flow path 102 when the operation of the first airflow generator 101 stops.

[0095] Therefore, even if there is a gap between the first airflow generator 101 and the flow path 102, etc., when the second airflow generator 111 is operated when the operation of the first airflow generator 101 stops, the odor presentation module 100-3 can suppress the generation of airflow in the flow path 102. Thereby, the odor presentation module 100-3 can suppress the release of odor at an unintended timing from the flow path 102 and the loss of the fragrance included in the odor-carrying part 103.

[0096] Next, referring to FIG. 7, an odor presentation module according to another modification example of this example will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the odor presentation module of the other modification example.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 7, the odor presentation module 100-4 includes an odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-4 and a control airflow generation unit 119 that controls the odor-containing airflow generated by the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-4, similar to the first example above.

[0098] The odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-4 includes a first airflow generation device 101, a flow path 102 provided at one end of the first airflow generation device 101, an odor carrier 103 provided in the flow path 102, and a first opening 104 that is the other end of the flow path 102.

[0099] Furthermore, in the flow path 102, a shield 144 is provided near the inlet 105 and the outlet 106 of the odor carrier 103. The shield 144 narrows the inside of the flow path 102, shields the airflow in the path 102 when the operation of the first airflow generation device 101 stops, or reduces the flow rate of the airflow. Note that the shield 144 may be provided at either the inlet 105 or the outlet 106 of the odor carrier 103.

[0100] The first airflow generation device 101, the flow path 102, the odor carrier 103, and the first opening 104 included in the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-4 may be the same as each component included in the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109 described in (2) above, and these descriptions also apply in this example. Also, each component included in the control airflow generation unit 119 may be the same as each component included in the control airflow generation unit 119 described in (2) above, and these descriptions also apply in this example.

[0101] The odor presentation module 100-4 including the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-4 reduces the flow rate of the airflow generated in the path 102 when the operation of the first airflow generation device 101 stops by narrowing the inside of the flow path 102 with the shield 144 when the operation of the first airflow generation device 101 stops.

[0102] Therefore, even if there is a gap between the first airflow generating device 101 and the flow path 102, when the second airflow generating device 111 is operated when the first airflow generating device 101 stops operating, the generation of airflow in the flow path 102 can be suppressed. Thereby, the odor presentation module 100-4 can suppress the odor from being released at an unintended timing from the flow path 102 and the loss of the fragrance contained in the odor carrier portion 103.

[0103] (5) Fourth Example of the First Embodiment (Example of Odor Presentation Module)

[0104] Another example of the odor presentation module according to the present technology will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the odor presentation module of the other example. FIG. 8A shows the state when the operation of the first airflow generating device is OFF. FIG. 8B shows the state when the operation of the first airflow generating device is ON.

[0105] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the odor presentation module 100-5 includes an odor-containing airflow generating unit 109-5 and a control airflow generating unit 119 that controls the odor-containing airflow generated by the odor-containing airflow generating unit 109-5.

[0106] The odor-containing airflow generating unit 109-5 includes a first airflow generating device 101, a flow path 152 provided at one end of the first airflow generating device 101, an odor carrier portion 103 provided in the flow path 152, and a first opening 154 that is the other end of the flow path 152. These components form a first airflow containing an odor.

[0107] The first opening 154 opens inside the flow path 112 of the control airflow generating unit 119 so as to face the direction in which the second airflow B1 blown out from the second airflow generating device 111 flows. That is, the first opening 154 is provided such that the movement of the first airflow exiting the first opening 154 can be controlled by the second airflow B1. Note that the second airflow B1 may be an intake airflow as well as an exhaust airflow.

[0108] Furthermore, a check valve 157, which is an example of a on-off valve, is provided in the flow path 152 between the first airflow generator 101 and the odor carrier 103. The check valve 157 is opened when the first airflow flows from the first airflow generator 101 through the flow path 152 toward the first opening 154, and closes to block the flow path 152 when an airflow attempts to flow from the first opening 154 through the flow path 152 toward the first airflow generator 101.

[0109] The first airflow generator 101, the flow path 152, the odor carrier 103, and the first opening 154 included in the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-5 may be the same as each component included in the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109 described in (2) above, and the descriptions thereof also apply in this example. Also, each component included in the control airflow generation unit 119 may be the same as each component included in the control airflow generation unit 119 described in (2) above, and the descriptions thereof also apply in this example. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the upper side of the odor carrier 103 is an inlet 155 through which the airflow generated by the first airflow generator 101 enters the odor carrier 103, and the lower side of the odor carrier 103 is an outlet 166 through which the airflow that has passed through the odor carrier 103 exits the odor carrier 103.

[0110] When an airflow reverses in the flow path 152 from the first opening 154 toward the first airflow generator 101 in the odor presentation module 100-5 including the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-5, the check valve 157 closes to block the flow path 152.

[0111] Therefore, the odor presentation module 100-5 can suppress the generation of a reverse-flowing airflow in the flow path 152 when there is a gap in the flow path 152 or when the second airflow generator 111 is operated when the first airflow generator 101 stops operating. As a result, the odor presentation module 100-5 can suppress the release of an odor from the flow path 152 at an unintended timing and the loss of the fragrance contained in the odor carrier 103.

[0112] (6) Fifth Example of the First Embodiment (Example of Odor Presentation Module)

[0113] Another example of the odor presentation module according to the present technology will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the odor presentation module of this other example.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 9, the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-6 and the control airflow generation unit 119 that controls the odor-containing airflow generated by the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-6.

[0115] The odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-6 includes a first airflow generation device 101, a flow path 162 provided at one end of the first airflow generation device 101, an odor carrier unit 163 provided in the flow path 162, and a first opening 164 at the other end of the flow path 162. These components form a first airflow containing odor.

[0116] The first opening 164 opens in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the second airflow B1 blown out from the second airflow generation device 111 inside the flow path 112 of the control airflow generation unit 119. That is, the first opening 164 is provided so that the movement of the first airflow exiting the first opening 164 can be controlled by the second airflow B1.

[0117] The first airflow generation device 101, the flow path 162, the odor carrier unit 163, and the first opening 164 included in the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-6 may be the same as each component included in the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109 described in (2) above, and these explanations also apply in this example. Also, each component included in the control airflow generation unit 119 may be the same as each component included in the control airflow generation unit 119 described in (2) above, and these explanations also apply in this example.

[0118] Since the odor presentation module 100-6 including the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109-6 opens in a direction perpendicular to the flowing direction of the second airflow B1, when there is a gap in the flow path 162 or when the second airflow generation device 111 is operated when the operation of the first airflow generation device 101 stops, the generation of airflow in the flow path 162 can be suppressed. Thereby, the odor presentation module 100-6 can suppress the odor from being released from the flow path 162 at an unintended timing and the loss of the fragrance contained in the odor-carrying portion 163.

[0119] (7) Sixth Example of the First Embodiment (Example of Odor Presentation Module)

[0120] Another example of the odor presentation module according to the present technology will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the odor presentation module of the other example.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 10, the odor presentation module 200 includes an odor-containing airflow generation unit 209 and a control airflow generation unit 219 that controls the odor-containing airflow generated by the odor-containing airflow generation unit 209. The odor-containing airflow generation unit 209 includes a first airflow generation device 201, a flow path 202 provided at one end of the first airflow generation device 201, an odor-carrying portion 203 provided in the flow path 202, and a first opening 204 that is the other end of the flow path 202. These components form a first airflow A2 containing an odor. The control airflow generation unit 219 has a second airflow generation device 211, a flow path 212 provided at one end of the second airflow generation device 211, and a second opening 213 that is the other end of the flow path 212. These components form a second airflow B2. The second airflow B2 controls the first airflow A2 containing an odor. The first opening 204 is in the vicinity of the second opening 213. That is, the first opening 204 and the second opening 213 are provided such that the movement of the first airflow A2 exiting the first opening 204 can be controlled by the second airflow B2.

[0122] The odor-containing airflow generation unit 209, and the first airflow generation device 201, the flow path 202, the odor carrier unit 203, and the first opening 204 included therein may be the same as the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109 described in (2) above, and the first airflow generation device 101, the flow path 102, the odor carrier unit 103, and the first opening 104 included therein, and the descriptions thereof also apply in this example. The control airflow generation unit 219, and the second airflow generation device 211, the flow path 212, and the second opening 213 included therein may be the same as the control airflow generation unit 119 described in (2) above, and the second airflow generation device 111, the flow path 112, and the second opening 113 included therein, and the descriptions thereof also apply in this example.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 10, the first opening 204 is outside the second opening 213. Thus, in the odor presentation module 200 according to the present technology, the first opening may be outside the second opening. According to the odor presentation module 200, similar to the above odor presentation module, it is possible to suppress the odor from being released at an unintended timing from the flow path 202 and the loss of the fragrance contained in the odor carrier unit 203. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, outside the flow path 212 through which the second airflow B2 flows, a flow path 202 through which the first airflow A2 flows is provided. Thus, the odor presentation module according to the present technology includes a first flow path through which the first airflow flows and a second flow path through which the second airflow flows, and the first flow path may be provided outside the second flow path. The odor presentation module 200 shown in FIG. 10 can also control the odor as described in (2) above. In this case, the first opening 204 and the second opening 213 can be configured such that the first airflow A2 and the second airflow B2 come into contact outside the odor presentation module. For example, the first opening 204 can be arranged in the vicinity of the second opening 213 such that the first airflow A2 and the second airflow B2 come into contact outside the odor presentation module.

[0124] (8) Seventh Example of the First Embodiment (Example of Odor Presentation Module)

[0125] Another example of the odor presentation module according to the present technology will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the odor presentation module of this other example.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 11, the odor presentation module 300 includes an odor-containing airflow generation unit 309 and a control airflow generation unit 319 that controls the odor-containing airflow generated by the odor-containing airflow generation unit 309. The odor-containing airflow generation unit 309 includes a first airflow generation device 301, a flow path 302 provided at one end of the first airflow generation device 301, an odor carrier 303 provided in the flow path 302, and a first opening 304 that is the other end of the flow path 302. These components form a first airflow A3 containing an odor. The control airflow generation unit 319 has a second airflow generation device 311, a flow path 312 provided at one end of the second airflow generation device 311, and a second opening 313 that is the other end of the flow path 312. These components form a second airflow B3. The second airflow B3 controls the first airflow A3 containing an odor. The first opening 304 is inside the second opening 313. That is, the first opening 304 and the second opening 313 are provided such that the movement of the first airflow A3 exiting the first opening 304 can be controlled by the second airflow B3. Also, the first opening 304 and the second opening 313 are provided inside the odor presentation module 300. Thereby, the first airflow A3 and the second airflow B3 contact each other inside the odor presentation module 300. The odor presentation module 300 has an opening 320 through which the airflow formed by the contact of these airflows exits.

[0127] The odor-containing airflow generation unit 309, and the first airflow generation device 301, the flow path 302, the odor carrier 303, and the first opening 304 included therein may be the same as the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109 described in (2) above, and the first airflow generation device 101, the flow path 102, the odor carrier 103, and the first opening 104 included therein, and the descriptions thereof also apply to this example. The control airflow generation unit 319, and the second airflow generation device 311, the flow path 312, and the second opening 313 included therein may be the same as the control airflow generation unit 119 described in (2) above, and the second airflow generation device 111, the flow path 112, and the second opening 113 included therein, and the descriptions thereof also apply to this example.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 11, the first opening 304 and the second opening 313 may be provided inside the odor presentation module 300. The odor presentation module 300 shown in FIG. 11 can also control the odor as described in (2) above.

[0129] Unlike the odor presentation module 100 shown in FIG. 1, in the odor presentation module 300 shown in FIG. 11, the first opening 304 and the second opening 313 are provided inside the odor presentation module 300. That is, the first airflow A3 and the second airflow B3 come into contact inside the odor presentation module 300. Thus, the odor presentation module of the present technology may be configured such that the first airflow and the second airflow come into contact inside the odor presentation module.

[0130] (9) Eighth Example of the First Embodiment (Example of Odor Presentation Module)

[0131] The odor presentation module according to the present technology may include one odor-containing airflow generation unit and one control airflow generation unit, or may include a plurality of odor-containing airflow generation units and one control airflow generation unit, may include one odor-containing airflow generation unit and a plurality of control airflow generation units, or may include a plurality of odor-containing airflow generation units and a plurality of control airflow generation units. The odor presentation modules described in (2) to (8) above include one odor-containing airflow generation unit and one control airflow generation unit. Hereinafter, a configuration example in the case of including a plurality of odor-containing airflow generation units and one control airflow generation unit will be described with reference to FIG. 12.

[0132] The odor presentation module 400 shown in FIG. 12 includes two odor-containing airflow generation units 409-1 and 409-2, and a control airflow generation unit 419 that controls the odor-containing airflows generated by these odor-containing airflow generation units.

[0133] The odor-containing airflow generation unit 409-1 includes a first airflow generation device 401-1, a flow path 402-1 provided at one end of the first airflow generation device 401-1, an odor carrier part 403-1 provided in the flow path 402-1, and a first opening 404-1 that is the other end of the flow path 402-1. These components form a first airflow A4-1 containing an odor. The odor-containing airflow generation unit 409-2 also has similar components and forms a first airflow A4-2 containing an odor. The control airflow generation unit 419 has a second airflow generation device (not shown), a flow path 412 provided at one end of the second airflow generation device, and a second opening 413 that is the other end of the flow path 412. These components form a second airflow B4. The second airflow B4 controls the first airflows A4-1 and A4-2 containing an odor. The first openings 404-1 and 404-2 are inside the second opening 413. That is, the first openings 404-1 and 404-2 and the second opening 413 are provided such that the movement of the first airflows A4-1 and A4-2 exiting the first openings 404-1 and 404-2 can be controlled by the second airflow B4.

[0134] The odor-containing airflow generation units 409-1 and 409-2 may be the same as the odor-containing airflow generation unit 109 described in (2) above, and the description thereof also applies in this example. The control airflow generation unit 419 may be the same as the control airflow generation unit 419 described in (2) above, and the description thereof also applies in this example.

[0135] The types of odor components included in the odor carrier part 403-1 and the odor carrier part 403-2 may be the same or different. When the types of odor components included in these are the same, for example, by generating an odor-containing airflow using only one of the odor-containing airflow generators 409-1 and 409-2 or by generating an odor-containing airflow using both, the intensity of the presented odor can be adjusted, or the range in which the odor is presented can also be adjusted. When the types of odor components included in these are different, for example, by switching the odor-containing airflow generator that generates the odor-containing airflow, the presented odor can be switched. Also, by generating an odor-containing airflow from both odor-containing airflow generators, an odor in which two types of odor components are mixed is presented to the user. Further, when the types of odor components included in these are different, the second airflow B4 generated by the control airflow generator can promote the mixing of airflows containing different odor components. Thus, the odor presentation module of the present technology can promote the mixing of airflows containing different odor components in a plurality of odor-containing airflow generators.

[0136] Also, the number of odor-containing airflow generators included in the odor presentation module is not limited to two, and may be three or more. The odor presentation module 500 according to the present technology shown in FIG. 13 includes three odor-containing airflow generators 509-1, 509-2, and 509-3, and also includes one control airflow generator. As shown in FIG. 13, all of the plurality of odor-containing airflow generators may be provided within the flow path of the control airflow generator, or a part of the plurality of odor-containing airflow generators may be provided within the flow path of the control airflow generator and the remaining odor-containing airflow generators may be provided outside the flow path of the control airflow generator.

[0137] (10) Example 9 of the first embodiment (example of odor-containing airflow generator)

[0138] The odor-containing airflow generation unit included in the odor presentation module according to the present technology may include one first airflow generation device and one odor carrier unit, may include one first airflow generation device and a plurality of odor carrier units, may include a plurality of first airflow generation devices and one odor carrier unit, or may include a plurality of first airflow generation devices and a plurality of odor carrier units. The odor-containing airflow generation unit described in (2) to (9) above includes one first airflow generation device and one odor carrier unit. Hereinafter, a configuration example of an odor-containing airflow generation unit including one first airflow generation device and a plurality of odor carrier units will be described with reference to FIG. 14.

[0139] The odor-containing airflow generation unit 609 shown in FIG. 14 includes one first airflow generation device 601 and three odor carrier units 603-1, 603-2, and 603-3. The flow path 620 connected to the first airflow generation device 601 branches into three flow paths 622-1, 622-2, and 622-3 at the branch portion 621. Valves 623-1, 623-2, and 623-3 are respectively provided in the flow paths 622-1, 622-2, and 622-3. By providing valves in each of the branched flow paths in this way, the odor carrier unit through which the airflow generated by the first airflow generation device 601 passes can be selected.

[0140] The flow paths 622-1, 622-2, and 622-3 each include an odor carrier unit 603-1, 603-2, and 603-3, and further, the flow paths 622-1, 622-2, and 622-3 each have openings 604-1, 604-2, and 604-3 at their respective ends. Odor-containing airflows A6-1, A6-2, and A6-3 exit from the openings 604-1, 604-2, and 604-3. The odor carrier units 603-1, 603-2, and 603-3 and the openings 604-1, 604-2, and 604-3 may be the same as the odor carrier unit 103 and the first opening 104 described in (2) above, and their descriptions also apply in this example.

[0141] In addition, in the odor-containing airflow generation unit 609 shown in FIG. 14, the portion including the odor-carrying part and the opening (the region indicated by the thick line) is replaceable. More specifically, the portion 625-1 including the odor-carrying part 603-1 and the opening 604-1, the portion 625-2 including the odor-carrying part 603-2 and the opening 604-2, and the portion 625-3 including the odor-carrying part 603-3 and the opening 604-3 are configured to be replaceable. For example, these portions may be configured as cartridges. By configuring the odor-carrying part to be replaceable in this way, the portions other than the odor-carrying part can be reused.

[0142] The types of odor components contained in the three odor-carrying parts 603-1, 603-2, and 603-3 may be the same or different. When the types of odor components contained therein are the same, for example, by increasing or decreasing the number of valves to be opened, the intensity of the presented odor can be adjusted, or the range in which the odor is presented can also be adjusted. When the types of odor components contained therein are different, for example, by selecting the valves to be opened, the presented odor can be switched. Also, by selecting the valves to be opened, an odor in which two or three types of odor components are mixed can be presented to the user.

[0143] As described above, in the odor presentation module according to the present technology, the flow path through which the airflow generated by the first airflow generation device flows branches into two or more flow paths, and each of the branched flow paths may have an odor-carrying part.

[0144] 2. Second Embodiment (Odor Presentation Device)

[0145] The present technology also provides an odor presentation device including the odor presentation module described in the above "1. First Embodiment (Odor Presentation Module)". The odor presentation device may include, for example, the odor presentation module and a housing that holds the odor presentation module. Since the odor presentation device according to the present technology includes the odor presentation module, various expressions of odors are possible.

[0146] The odor presentation device according to the present technology may include one or more odor presentation modules. A configuration example of an odor presentation device including two odor presentation modules is shown in FIG. 15. The odor presentation device 700 shown in FIG. 15 includes two odor presentation modules 100 described in (2) of the above “1. First Embodiment (Odor Presentation Module)”.

[0147] The odor presentation device 700 may be connected, by wire or wirelessly, to a drive unit 704 that drives a first air flow generation device 101 and a second air flow generation device 111 included in each of the two odor presentation modules 100. Alternatively, the odor presentation device 700 may include the drive unit 704 within the device. For example, control of the odor presentation module 100 by the drive unit 704 can be performed by a switch or drive software.

[0148] An example of the odor presentation device according to the present technology will be described below.

[0149] FIG. 16 shows a configuration example of the odor presentation device according to the present technology. The odor presentation device 800 shown in FIG. 16 includes odor presentation modules 850-1 and 850-2 according to the present technology, and a strap portion 852 to which these are connected at both ends. The odor presentation modules 850-1 and 850-2 may be respectively held in housings 851-1 and 851-2, and may be stored in the housings 851-1 and 851-2, for example.

[0150] The odor presentation modules 850-1 and 850-2 are connected by the strap portion 852. By the strap portion 852, the user can use the odor presentation device 800, for example, by hanging it from the neck. The strap portion 852 may include wiring that enables the odor presentation modules 850-1 and 850-2 to communicate with each other.

[0151] For example, each of the scent presentation modules 850-1 and 850-2 may be connected, either wired or wirelessly, to a driving unit that drives these scent presentation modules. Alternatively, the scent presentation modules 850-1 and 850-2 may include a driving unit.

[0152] A configuration example of the two scent presentation modules 850-1 and 850-2 is shown in FIG. 17. As shown in FIG. 17, the scent presentation module 850-1 includes two scent-containing airflow generation units 809-1 and one control airflow generation unit 819-1. The scent presentation module 850-2 has the same configuration. This enables various ways of presenting scents to the user and also enables the presentation of multiple types of scents.

[0153] The scent presentation device provided with two scent presentation modules is not limited to a device shaped for use from the neck. FIG. 18 shows another example of the scent presentation device according to the present technology. The scent presentation device 1000 shown in FIG. 18 includes two scent presentation modules 850-1 and 850-2 and a headband part 1152 to which these are connected at both ends. By means of the headband part 1152, the user can wear and use the scent presentation device 1000, for example, on the head. The headband part 1152 may include wiring that enables the scent presentation modules 850-1 and 850-2 to communicate with each other.

[0154] FIG. 19 shows another configuration example of the scent presentation device according to the present technology. The scent presentation device 1100 shown in FIG. 19 includes a scent presentation module 1150 according to the present technology and a strap part 1052 to which the scent presentation module 1150 is connected. The strap part 1052 has a necklace-like shape, and the strap part 1052 is arranged in the pendant part of the necklace-like shape. Thus, the scent presentation device according to the present technology may include one scent presentation module.

[0155] The smell presentation device according to the present technology may be configured to be connectable to a game controller or may be configured to be connectable to an information processing device such as a smartphone or a tablet, for example.

[0156] FIG. 20 shows a smell presentation device 1200 according to the present technology connected to a game controller 1201. The smell presentation device 1200 includes, for example, connection terminals (not shown), and is connected to the game controller 1201 by the connection terminals. The type of the connection terminals may be appropriately selected according to the type of the game controller. By connecting the smell presentation device 1200 to the game controller 1201, a smell can be presented to a user who is playing a game. For example, a smell linked to a video that the user who is playing a game is watching may be presented to the user.

[0157] FIG. 21 shows a smell presentation device 1300 according to the present technology connected to a smartphone 1301. Also in this case, the smell presentation device 1300 includes, for example, connection terminals (not shown), and is connected to the smartphone 1301 by the connection terminals. The type of the connection terminals may be appropriately selected according to the type of the smartphone. By connecting the smell presentation device 1300 to the smartphone 1301, a smell can be presented to a user who is watching a video or playing a game on the smartphone. For example, a smell linked to a video that the user is watching may be presented to the user.

[0158] The smell presentation device according to the present technology may be configured to include, for example, a housing having one or more smell-containing airflow generation units and one or more control airflow generation units. An example of this configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 24. The smell presentation devices 900 and 950 according to the present technology are shown on the left and right of FIG. 24, respectively.

[0159] The odor presentation device 900 shown on the left in FIG. 24 includes four odor-containing airflow generation units 909-1, 909-2, 909-3, and 909-4 and one control airflow generation unit 930, and the four odor-containing airflow generation units and the one control airflow generation unit 930 are included in one housing 920.

[0160] The odor-containing airflow generation unit 909-1 includes a first airflow generation device 901-1, a flow path 902-1, an odor carrier 903-1, and a first opening 904-1. The other odor-containing airflow generation units 909-2, 909-3, and 909-4 also have the same configuration. Note that the odor components held by the odor carriers included in each of these plurality of odor-containing airflow generation units may be the same or different. Also, the configurations of these plurality of odor-containing airflow generation units may be the same or different. The control airflow generation unit 930 includes a second airflow generation device 911, a flow path 912, and a second opening 913.

[0161] The odor presentation device 950 shown on the right in FIG. 24 includes a combination of a housing 940-1 including two odor-containing airflow generation units 909-5 and 909-6 and one control airflow generation unit 930-1, and a housing 940-2 including two odor-containing airflow generation units 909-7 and 909-8 and one control airflow generation unit 930-2. Thus, the odor presentation device according to the present technology may have two or more housings including odor-containing airflow generation units and control airflow generation units.

[0162] The odor-containing airflow generation units 909-5, 909-6, 909-7, and 909-8 may have the same configuration as the odor-containing airflow generation unit 909-1 shown on the left in FIG. 24. The odor components held by the odor carriers included in each of these plurality of odor-containing airflow generation units may be the same or different. Also, the configurations of these plurality of odor-containing airflow generation units may be the same or different. The control airflow generation units 930-1 and 930-2 may have the same configuration as the control airflow generation unit 930 shown on the left in FIG. 24. The configurations of these plurality of control airflow generation units may be the same or different.

[0163] 3. Third Embodiment (Scent Presentation System)

[0164] The present technology also provides a scent presentation system including the scent presentation module described in the above "1. First Embodiment (Scent Presentation Module)" or the scent presentation device described in the above "2. Second Embodiment (Scent Presentation Device)". The scent presentation system may further include, for example, a control unit that controls the scent presentation module or the scent presentation device. Since the scent presentation system according to the present technology includes the scent presentation module, various expressions of scents are possible.

[0165] The scent presentation system according to the present technology may include one or more scent presentation modules. A configuration example of a scent presentation system including two scent presentation modules is shown in FIG. 22. The scent presentation system 1400 shown in FIG. 22 includes two scent presentation modules 100-1 and 100-2, and these scent presentation modules may be the scent presentation module 100 described in (2) of the above "1. First Embodiment (Scent Presentation Module)", and the description is also applicable to the present embodiment.

[0166] The scent presentation system 1400 further includes an information processing device 1401, a scent presentation module driving unit 1404, an output device driving unit 1405, and an output device 1406. The information processing device 1401 includes, for example, a control unit 1402 and a storage unit 1403. The output device 1406 may include, for example, a video display 1407, a speaker 1408, and other output devices 1409.

[0167] The information processing device 1401 includes, for example, a control unit 1402 and a storage unit 1403. The information processing device 1401 may be, for example, a computer, a smartphone, a tablet PC, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, a game machine, or a television, but is not limited thereto. It is conceivable. The information processing device 1401 may be composed of, for example, a drive circuit.

[0168] The control unit 1402 controls the odor presentation module drive unit 1404 and the output device drive unit 1405. Through this control, the odor presentation module drive unit 1404 and the output device drive unit 1405 drive the odor presentation modules 100-1 and 100-2 and the output device 1409 respectively, to present odors, videos, and sounds to the user. Preferably, the control unit 1402 controls the odor presentation module drive unit 1404 and the output device 1406 so that odor presentation is performed in association with video or sound.

[0169] The function of the control unit 1402 may be realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). As the CPU 1002, any processor can be used, and examples thereof include processors of the Xeon (registered trademark) series, Core (trademark) series, or Atom (trademark) series.

[0170] The storage unit 1403 may store, for example, video data, audio data, and other data for the output device. Data related to odor presentation associated with these data may be included, or the storage unit 1403 may include data related to odor presentation not associated with these data. Also, the storage unit 1403 may store a control program for driving the odor presentation module drive unit 1404 and / or the output device drive unit 1405. Further, the storage unit 1403 may store a drive data creation program used to create data for driving the odor presentation modules 100-1 and 100-2 in association with video data and / or audio data.

[0171] The memory unit 1403 may include, for example, a RAM and a storage medium. The RAM includes a cache memory and a main memory, and can temporarily store programs used by the CPU and the like. The storage medium stores an operating system (for example, WINDOWS (registered trademark), UNIX (registered trademark), or LINUX (registered trademark), etc.), a program for realizing the smell presentation method according to the present technology described later, video data, audio data, data for other output devices, data related to smell presentation, a control program for driving the smell presentation module driving unit and / or the output device driving unit, and a program for creating drive data.

[0172] The smell presentation module driving unit 1404 drives the smell presentation modules 100-1 and 100-2 (particularly the first and second air flow generation devices included therein) according to a control signal from the control unit 1402. The control signal may be based on the data related to the smell presentation.

[0173] The output device 1406 drives the output device 1409 according to a control signal from the control unit 1402. The control signal may be based on, for example, the video data, the audio data, or the data for other output devices.

[0174] The output device 1406 may include, for example, a video display 1407, a speaker 1408, and other output devices 1409. Examples of the other output devices 1409 include, but are not limited to, a projector, a light, lighting, headphones, a vibration device, an actuator, an air pump, an air conditioner, and a bubble generator.

[0175] The smell presentation system 1400 may further include an operating device and / or a sensing device. Examples of the operating device include a controller, a touch panel, a keyboard, and a mouse. Examples of the sensing device include an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope, a geomagnetic sensor, an image sensor, and a vital sensor.

[0176] The information processing apparatus 1401 may further include a communication device and a drive, etc. The communication device connects the information processing apparatus 1401 to a network either wired or wirelessly. The communication device can acquire various data (such as data related to odor presentation, video data, and audio data, etc.) via the network. The acquired data can be stored, for example, in a storage medium. The drive can read the information recorded on a recording medium and output it to the RAM. The recording medium is, for example, a microSD memory card, an SD memory card, or a flash memory, but is not limited thereto.

[0177] The odor presentation system 1400 can operate an odor presentation module (or odor presentation device) in conjunction with an output device, for example. Thereby, odor presentation in conjunction with video and / or sound becomes possible. That is, the odor presentation system 1400 can be used as a playback system that performs presentation of video and / or sound and odor presentation. That is, the present technology also provides a playback system that performs presentation of video and / or sound and performs odor presentation, including an odor presentation module according to the present technology.

[0178] The odor presentation system 1400 may be used as an editing system for creating a program or data for driving the odor presentation module (or odor presentation device) and the output device in conjunction with each other. That is, the present technology also provides an editing system that associates data related to odor presentation with video data and / or audio data, including an odor presentation module according to the present technology. The odor presentation system 1400 used as an editing system may have an editing environment that can capture video data and / or audio data, and can form a data file in which the odor emission timing is synchronized with these data.

[0179] 4. Fourth Embodiment (Odor Presentation Method)

[0180] The present technology also provides a smell presentation method. The smell presentation method includes a first air flow generation step of discharging a first air flow containing a smell from a first opening, and a second air flow generation step of generating a second air flow discharged from a second opening or a second air flow entering the second opening, and the movement of the first air flow exiting the first opening is controlled by the second air flow. In the smell presentation method according to the present technology, as described above, the movement of the first air flow exiting the first opening is controlled by the second air flow. Therefore, various expression methods of the smell become possible.

[0181] The order of the first air flow generation step and the second air flow generation step and the time when these steps are performed may be appropriately set according to the way of smell presentation. For example, the first air flow generation step may be performed first, and then the second air flow generation step may be performed, or these steps may be performed in the reverse order. Also, the first air flow generation step may be performed at a predetermined timing while the second air flow generation step is continuously performed, or the second air flow generation step may be performed at a predetermined timing while the first air flow generation step is continuously performed.

[0182] The method may be performed, for example, by a smell presentation system according to the present technology. Hereinafter, each step will be described with reference to FIG. 22.

[0183] In the first air flow generation step, the control unit 1402 controls the smell presentation module driving unit 1404 to drive the smell presentation module 100-1 and / or 100-2. The smell presentation module driving unit 1404 drives the first air flow generation devices 101-1 and / or 101-2 of the smell presentation module 100-1 and / or 100-2. The first air flow generation devices 101-1 and / or 101-2 generate an air flow, and the air flow passes through the smell carrier parts 103-1 and / or 103-2 to generate a first air flow A1 and / or A2 containing a smell. Then, the first air flow A1 and / or A2 exits from the first openings 104-1 and / or 104-2. In this way, the odor presentation system 1400 emits a first air flow A1 and / or A2 containing an odor from the first openings 104-1 and / or 104-2.

[0184] In the second air flow generation step, the control unit 1402 controls the odor presentation module driving unit 1404 to drive the odor presentation modules 100-1 and / or 100-2. The odor presentation module driving unit 1404 drives the second air flow generation devices 111-1 and / or 111-2 of the odor presentation modules 100-1 and / or 100-2. The second air flow generation devices 111-1 and / or 111-2 generate second air flows B1 and / or B2. Then, the second air flows B1 and / or B2 exit from the second openings 113-1 and / or 113-2. In this way, the odor presentation system 1400 emits a second air flow B1 and / or B2 containing an odor from the second openings 113-1 and / or 113-2.

[0185] The first openings 104-1 and 104-2 are respectively inside the second openings 113-1 and 113-2. Therefore, the movement of the first air flows A1 and A2 is respectively controlled by the second air flows B1 and B2.

[0186] For example, by generating the first air flow A1 while continuously generating the second air flow B1, it is possible to express an odor that drifts due to the odor component in the first air flow A1. Also, by temporarily stopping the generation of the second air flow B1 and then generating the first air flow A1 for a short time (for example, injecting the first air flow A1), a local odor can be expressed. Also, by continuously generating the first air flow A1 and then stopping the generation of the first air flow A1 and generating the second air flow B1, the disappearance of the odor can be expressed. The method of expressing the odor is not limited to these. By adjusting the flow rates, generation times, generation start timings, and generation stop timings of the first air flow A1 and the second air flow B1, various odor expressions become possible. Similarly, various expressions are possible for the first air current A2 and the second air current B2 as well. Further, various expressions are possible by various combinations of the first air current A1 and the second air current B1 and the first air current A2 and the second air current B2.

[0187] More specific examples of odor expressions in the odor presentation method of the present technology will be further described below.

[0188] By the odor presentation method of the present technology, for example, an odor can be presented to the user by linking it to a video showing a situation where a gentle odor is wafting or an experience of a gentle odor wafting. In this case, the odor presentation system 1400 of the present technology can be controlled, for example, as follows. First, the odor presentation system 1400 continuously generates the second air current B1 and / or B2 (for example, a slightly weak air current). As a result, the user continuously receives the wind pressure by the second air current B1 and / or B2. Then, at the timing when the user views the video or receives the experience, the odor presentation system 1400 emits the first air current A1 and / or A2 from the first openings 104-1 and / or 104-2. As a result, the first air current A1 and / or A2 is mixed with the second air current B1 and / or B2 and reaches the user. Since the wind pressure difference before and after the first air current A1 and / or A2 reaches is small, it is possible to express an odor that drifts gently.

[0189] By the odor presentation method of the present technology, for example, an odor can be presented to the user by linking it to a video or an experience (such as a video or an experience of being sprayed, a video of a cannon exploding towards here, or a video of a pistol firing) in which an odor jumps out from the screen where the video is presented towards the user. In this case, the odor presentation system 1400 of the present technology can be controlled, for example, as follows. First, the odor presentation system 1400 stops generating the second airflows B1 and / or B2, or maintains the state if the second airflows B1 and / or B2 are not being generated. As a result, the user does not receive the wind pressure from the second airflows B1 and / or B2. Then, at the timing when the user views the video or experiences the event, the odor presentation system 1400 emits the first airflows A1 and / or A2 from the first openings 104-1 and / or 104-2 (for example, the first airflows A1 and / or A2 are jetted from the first openings 104-1 and / or 104-2). Thereby, only the first airflows A1 and / or A2 reach the user. Since the wind pressure difference before and after the first airflows A1 and / or A2 reach is large, it is possible to express a sudden odor.

[0190] By the odor presentation method of the present technology, for example, it can be linked to a video or an experience in which the odor in the presented video disappears (such as a video or an experience in which smoke disappears, or a video or an experience in which food that generates an odor is sealed), and the disappearance of the odor can be expressed. In this case, the odor presentation system 1400 of the present technology can be controlled, for example, as follows. The odor presentation system 1400 generates the first airflows A1 and / or A2. As a result, the user feels the odor. During the generation of the first airflows A1 and / or A2, the second airflows B1 and / or B2 do not have to be generated, or may be generated. Next, the odor presentation system 1400 stops generating the first airflows A1 and / or A2. In accordance with the timing of the stop, the odor presentation system 1400 starts generating the second airflows B1 and / or B2 if the second airflows B1 and / or B2 are not being generated, or increases the air volume of the second airflows B1 and / or B2 if the second airflows B1 and / or B2 are being generated. Thereby, the user no longer feels the odor components contained in the first airflows A1 and / or A2, that is, the disappearance of the odor can be expressed. Further, the odor presentation system 1400 may reverse the direction of the second airflows B1 and / or B2 from outside each odor presentation module toward each second airflow generator in accordance with the timing of the stop. That is, the odor presentation system 1400 may start intake by the second airflow generator. As a result, the user does not feel the odor components contained in the first airflows A1 and / or A2, that is, the disappearance of the odor can be expressed. The intake enables recovery and / or discharge of odor components remaining in the odor presentation module or odor components leaking from the first opening, and contributes to preventing unnecessary odors from reaching the user.

[0191] The manner of expressing the odor by the odor presentation method of the present technology is not limited to the above examples. For example, the odor presentation system 1400 generates the second airflows B1 and / or B2, and stops the generation of the second airflows B1 and / or B2 along with the start of the generation (particularly short-time generation, more specifically injection) of the first airflows A1 and / or A2. Then, thereafter, the odor presentation system 1400 stops the generation of the first airflows A1 and / or A2 and resumes the generation of the second airflows B1 and / or B2. Thereby, for example, a temporary generation of an odor (for example, an instantaneous generation of an odor) can be expressed. Further, the odor presentation system 1400 can adjust the flow rates of the first airflows A1 and A2 and the second airflows B1 and B2. For this adjustment, the control unit 1402 of the odor presentation system 1400 controls the odor presentation module drive unit 1404 to adjust the flow rates of the airflows generated by the first airflow generators 101-1 and 101-2 and the second airflow generators 111-1 and 111-2. Thereby, for example, the intensity of the odor caused by the first airflows A1 and A2, the mixing ratio of the first airflows A1 and A2, the mixing ratio of the first airflow A1 and the second airflow B1, the mixing ratio of the first airflow A2 and the second airflow B2, and the wind pressure felt by the user can be changed.

[0192] Note that the present technology can also have the following configuration. 〔1〕A first opening through which a first airflow containing an odor exits, It includes a second opening through which a second airflow exits. The first opening and the second opening are provided such that the movement of the first airflow exiting the first opening can be controlled by the second airflow. Odor presentation module. 〔2〕The odor presentation module includes a first airflow generating device and an odor carrier part that carries the odor, and the odor presentation module is configured such that the airflow generated by the first airflow generating device and the odor of the odor carrier part form the first airflow. The odor presentation module according to 〔1〕. 〔3〕The odor presentation module further includes a second airflow generating device, and the second airflow generating device generates the second airflow. The odor presentation module according to 〔1〕 or 〔2〕. 〔4〕The odor presentation module according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔3〕, wherein the first airflow is configured to be ejected from the first opening. 〔5〕The odor presentation module according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔4〕, wherein the first airflow and the second airflow are configured to contact outside the odor presentation module. 〔6〕The odor presentation module according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔5〕, wherein the first airflow and the second airflow are configured to contact inside the odor presentation module. 〔7〕The odor presentation module according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔6〕, wherein the first opening is in front of the second airflow generating device in the advancing direction of the second airflow. 〔8〕The odor presentation module according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔7〕, wherein the flow rate of at least one of the first airflow and the second airflow can be changed. 〔9〕The odor presentation module according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔8〕, wherein the direction of the second airflow can be changed to the direction entering the second opening. 〔10〕An airflow generation part containing odor, A control airflow generation unit that controls the odor-containing airflow generated by the odor-containing airflow generation unit. The odor-containing airflow generation unit includes a first airflow generation device, an odor carrier unit through which the airflow generated by the first airflow generation device passes, and a first opening through which the odor-containing first airflow formed by passing through the odor carrier unit exits. The control airflow generation unit includes a second airflow generation device and a second opening through which the second airflow generated by the second airflow generation device exits. Odor presentation module. 〔11〕The odor presentation module according to 〔10〕, wherein the first opening and the second opening are provided such that the movement of the first airflow exiting the first opening can be controlled by the second airflow. 〔12〕It includes a first flow path through which the first airflow flows and a second flow path through which the second airflow flows. The first flow path is provided inside or outside the second flow path. The odor presentation module according to 〔10〕 or 〔11〕. 〔13〕The odor presentation module according to any one of 〔10〕 to 〔12〕, wherein the odor carrier unit is configured to be replaceable. 〔14〕The flow path through which the airflow generated by the first airflow generation device flows branches into two or more flow paths, and each of the branched flow paths has the odor carrier unit. The odor presentation module according to any one of 〔10〕 to 〔13〕. 〔15〕An opening / closing mechanism for controlling the passage of airflow is provided at either or both of the inlet through which the airflow generated by the first airflow generation device enters the odor carrier unit and the outlet through which the odor-containing first airflow exits from the odor carrier unit or the first opening. The odor presentation module according to any one of 〔10〕 to 〔14〕. 〔16〕The odor presentation module according to any one of 〔10〕 to 〔15〕, configured to suppress the generation of airflow in the flow path through which the first airflow flows when the first airflow generation device stops. A smell presentation module comprising a first opening through which a first airflow containing a smell exits and a second opening through which a second airflow exits, the first opening and the second opening being provided such that the movement of the first airflow exiting the first opening can be controlled by the second airflow; and, a housing that holds the smell presentation module A smell presentation device comprising the same. A smell presentation module comprising a first opening through which a first airflow containing a smell exits and a second opening through which a second airflow exits, the first opening and the second opening being provided such that the movement of the first airflow exiting the first opening can be controlled by the second airflow; and, a control unit that controls the smell presentation module A smell presentation system including the same. A smell presentation method including a first airflow generation step of discharging a first airflow containing a smell from a first opening, and a second airflow generation step of generating a second airflow that exits from or enters a second opening, wherein the movement of the first airflow exiting the first opening is controlled by the second airflow. A smell presentation method.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0193] 100, 100-1 to 100-6 Smell presentation module 101, 101-1, 101-2 First airflow generation device 102, 152, 162 Flow path 103, 163 Smell carrier 104, 154, 164 First opening 105, 155 Inlet 106, 156 Outlet 109, 109-1 to 109-6 Smell-containing airflow generation unit 111 Second airflow generation device 112 Flow path 113 Second opening 119 Control airflow generation unit 121, 131 Exhaust port 122 and 132 Intake Ports 123, 124, 133, and 143 On - Off Valves 125 Diaphragm 126 Piezoelectric Element 141 and 142 Solenoid Valves 144 Shield 157 Check Valve

Claims

1. A first opening through which a first air flow containing a smell exits, and a second opening through which a second air flow exits, and the first opening and the second opening are provided such that the movement of the first air flow exiting the first opening can be controlled by the second air flow, In a smell presentation module, The smell presentation module includes a first air flow generation device and a smell carrier that carries the smell, The smell presentation module is configured such that the air flow generated by the first air flow generation device and the smell of the smell carrier form the first air flow, The smell presentation module further includes a second air flow generation device, and the second air flow generation device generates the second air flow, The size of the second opening is configured to be larger than the size of the first opening, The smell presentation module is configured to be able to change the direction of the second air flow to the direction entering the second opening, and The second air flow generation device is a combination of a reversible diaphragm pump and an air flow expansion mechanism. Smell presentation module.

2. The smell presentation module according to claim 1, wherein the first air flow is configured to be ejected from the first opening.

3. The smell presentation module according to claim 1, wherein the first air flow and the second air flow are configured to contact outside the smell presentation module.

4. The smell presentation module according to claim 1, wherein the first air flow and the second air flow are configured to contact inside the smell presentation module.

5. The smell presentation module according to claim 1, wherein the first opening is in front of the second air flow generation device in the advancing direction of the second air flow.

6. The smell presentation module according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the flow rates of the first air flow and the second air flow can be changed.

7. The smell presentation module includes a smell-containing air flow generation unit and a control air flow generation unit that controls the smell-containing air flow generated by the smell-containing air flow generation unit, The smell-containing air flow generation unit includes the first air flow generation device, a smell component carrier through which the air flow generated by the first air flow generation device passes, and a first opening through which a smell-containing first air flow formed by passing through the smell component carrier exits. ​ The control airflow generation unit includes the second airflow generation device and a second opening through which the second airflow generated by the second airflow generation device exits. The odor presentation module according to claim 1, wherein the first opening and the second opening are provided such that the movement of the first airflow exiting the first opening can be controlled by the second airflow.

8. The odor presentation module according to claim 7, configured such that the flow velocity at a position 10 cm in the traveling direction of the first airflow from the first opening when the control airflow generation unit is operated and the odor-containing airflow generation unit is operated can be set to be not more than twice the flow velocity at the position when the control airflow generation unit is operated and the odor-containing airflow generation unit is not operated.

9. The odor presentation module according to claim 7, configured such that the directivity of the odor-containing airflow generated when the odor-containing airflow generation unit and the control airflow generation unit are simultaneously operated is lower than the directivity of the odor-containing airflow generated when the odor-containing airflow generation unit is operated and the control airflow generation unit is not operated.

10. The odor presentation module according to claim 1, further comprising a third opening through which a third airflow containing an odor exits.

11. In an odor presentation module including a first opening through which a first airflow containing an odor exits and a second opening through which a second airflow exits, the first opening and the second opening are provided such that the movement of the first airflow exiting the first opening can be controlled by the second airflow. The odor presentation module includes a first airflow generation device and an odor carrier that carries the odor. The odor presentation module is configured such that the airflow generated by the first airflow generation device and the odor of the odor carrier form the first airflow. The odor presentation module further includes a second airflow generation device that generates the second airflow. The size of the second opening is configured to be larger than the size of the first opening. The odor presentation module is configured to be able to change the direction of the second airflow to the direction entering the second opening. And the second airflow generation device is a combination of a reversible diaphragm pump and an airflow expansion mechanism. The odor presentation module. A housing that holds the odor presentation module, and, an odor presentation device.

12. The odor presentation device according to claim 11, further comprising a strap portion for use from the neck or a headband portion for attachment to the head.

13. The odor presentation device according to claim 11, comprising a plurality of the odor presentation modules, wherein the plurality of the odor presentation modules are arranged in line symmetry.

14. The odor presentation device according to claim 11, wherein the first opening is located outside the second opening.

15. The odor presentation device according to claim 11, including an odor carrier portion that carries an odor in the housing.

16. In an odor presentation module including a first opening through which a first airflow containing an odor exits and a second opening through which a second airflow exits, the first opening and the second opening are provided such that the movement of the first airflow exiting the first opening can be controlled by the second airflow. The odor presentation module includes a first airflow generation device and an odor carrier portion that carries the odor. The odor presentation module is configured such that the airflow generated by the first airflow generation device and the odor of the odor carrier portion form the first airflow. The odor presentation module further includes a second airflow generation device that generates the second airflow. The size of the second opening is configured to be larger than the size of the first opening. The odor presentation module is configured to be able to change the direction of the second airflow to a direction entering the second opening. And the second airflow generation device is a combination of a reversible diaphragm pump and an airflow expansion mechanism. An odor presentation module, a control unit that controls the odor presentation module, and an odor presentation system including the same.

17. The odor presentation system according to claim 16, wherein the control unit controls so that odor presentation is performed in link with video or audio.

18. The odor presentation system according to claim 16, which operates the odor presentation module in conjunction with an output device.

19. The odor presentation system according to claim 16, which is used as a playback system that performs presentation of video and / or sound and odor presentation.

20. further including an information processing device, The odor presentation system according to claim 16, wherein the information processing apparatus includes the control unit and the storage unit.

21. The odor presentation system according to claim 20, wherein the information processing apparatus is any one or more of a computer, a smartphone, a tablet PC, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, a game machine, and a television.

22. The information processing apparatus further includes a communication device, The communication device and the control unit are connected by wire or wirelessly via a network. The odor presentation system according to claim 20.

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