Fragrance device, information device, terminal device, control method, and program

Abstract

This fragrance device for diffusing an aroma including a natural substance or this information device for outputting natural environmental information is provided with: an acquisition unit for acquiring outdoor or indoor environmental factors; and a control unit for estimating an aromatic state or natural environmental information under the environmental factors.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fragrance device, an information device, a terminal device, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, information devices that create a living space, such as aroma devices that diffuse fragrances, have been used to achieve a relaxation effect for users. The information device described in Patent Document 1 adjusts the concentration or mixing ratio of multiple fragrances according to the room atmosphere, the purpose of use of the room, the passage of time, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 06-018061 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, the information device described in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the aromatic characteristics of the natural materials contained in the fragrance in a natural environment. As a result, the information device described in Patent Document 1 is unable to reproduce a natural environment space, making it difficult to create a comfortable space.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to reproduce a natural environment space.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fragrance device that diffuses a fragrance containing natural materials, characterized by comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires outdoor or indoor environmental factors; and a control unit that estimates the fragrance state of the natural materials in the environmental factors and determines the amount of fragrance to be diffused in accordance with the estimated fragrance state.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a fragrance device that diffuses a fragrance containing natural materials, the method comprising the steps of acquiring outdoor or indoor environmental factors, estimating the fragrance state of the natural materials in the environmental factors, and determining the amount of fragrance to be diffused in accordance with the estimated fragrance state.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to execute a control method for a fragrance device that diffuses fragrance containing natural materials, the program comprising the steps of acquiring outdoor or indoor environmental factors, estimating the fragrance state of the natural materials in the environmental factors, and determining the amount of fragrance to be diffused in accordance with the estimated fragrance state.

[0009] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a terminal device for controlling a fragrance device that diffuses a fragrance containing natural materials, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires outdoor or indoor environmental factors; an input unit that inputs user information including the user's preferences or behavioral patterns; a terminal control unit that estimates the fragrance state of the natural materials in the environmental factors and determines a diffusion command value corresponding to the amount of fragrance to be diffused based on the estimated fragrance state and the user information; and a transmission unit that transmits the diffusion command value to the fragrance device.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information device that outputs natural environment information including at least one of visual information, acoustic information, tactile information, and olfactory information in a natural environment, characterized in that the information device comprises an acquisition unit that acquires outdoor or indoor environmental factors, and a control unit that estimates the natural environment information for the environmental factors.

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to reproduce a natural environment space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fragrance system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a top view of a fragrance device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fragrance device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fragrance device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram of a fragrance device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a user terminal of the fragrance device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing information on fragrances in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 3 is an example of the amount of fragrant material diffused with respect to time in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 3 is a sequence chart according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 3 is a sequence chart according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11A] 3 is an example of an operation screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11B] 3 is an example of an operation screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11C] 3 is an example of an operation screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12A] 3 is an example of an operation screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12B] 3 is an example of an operation screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12C] 3 is an example of an operation screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of a machine learning model of a fragrance device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of a fragrance device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of an information device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an information device and a group of devices according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a content table in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining visual information in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining auditory information in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20A] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating tactile information in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20B] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating tactile information in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining natural environment information in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22A] 13 is a sequence chart showing the operation of an information system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22B] 13 is a sequence chart showing the operation of an information system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23A] 13 is an example of an operation screen according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23B] 13 is an example of an operation screen according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23C] 13 is an example of an operation screen according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23D] 13 is an example of an operation screen according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals throughout the specification refer to substantially the same components.

[0014] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the fragrance system of this embodiment. The fragrance system includes a fragrance device 1, a user terminal 6, and a server 8. The fragrance device 1 is capable of diffusing fragrance and can be installed indoors or outdoors. The fragrance device 1 can communicate with the server 8 via a network 7 such as the Internet. The fragrance device 1 can also communicate with the user terminal 6 via the network 7, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The wireless communication method between the fragrance device 1 and the user terminal 6 is not limited to Bluetooth (registered trademark), and can be any communication method such as NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0015] The fragrance device 1 comprises a cylindrical housing 11, an upper cover 12 that covers the top of the housing 11, and a handle 15 by which the fragrance device 1 can be gripped. The upper cover 12 is detachably attached to the top of the housing 11, and is formed with a spray hole for releasing fragrance. An LED 16, an air intake 17, and a power connection 18 are provided on the side of the housing 11. The LED 16 is used to indicate whether the fragrance device 1 is powered on or off. The air intake 17 is provided on the lower side of the housing 11 and is used to draw air into the housing 11. The power connection 18 is provided on the lower side of the housing 11 and is configured to include, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal. Power is supplied to the power connection 18 from an external power source.

[0016] The user terminal 6 is used to operate the fragrance device 1, and may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or wearable terminal, or a stationary terminal such as a personal computer. The user terminal 6 does not necessarily have to be provided separately from the fragrance device 1, and may be configured integrally with the fragrance device 1.

[0017] The server 8 includes a computing device, a storage device, etc., and is connected to the network 7. The server 8 can distribute environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, sunshine hours, precipitation, wind speed, and air pressure, as meteorological information, to the fragrance device 1 and the user terminal 6 via the network 7.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a top view of the fragrance device according to this embodiment, Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fragrance device taken along line AA' in Fig. 2, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fragrance device taken along line BB' in Fig. 3.

[0019] As described above, the housing 11 has a hollow cylindrical shape and is made of a synthetic resin such as ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin. The upper cover 12 is detachably attached to the upper open end of the housing 11. A recess is formed in the upper surface of the upper cover 12, and a circular opening 12a is further formed in the recess. The edge 12b of the upper cover 12 is raised upward to direct the fragrance into the upper space. The lid portion 13 has an oval plate shape and is placed so as to straddle the opening 12a. The center of the lid portion 13 is slightly constricted in the long axis direction. The long axis of the lid portion 13 is longer than the diameter of the opening 12a, and the short axis of the lid portion 13 is shorter than the diameter of the opening 12a. A cylindrical protrusion with a diameter smaller than the opening 12a is formed on the underside of the lid portion 13. The spray hole 14 is formed in the gap between the opening 12a and the lid portion 13 in Figure 2. The fragrance atomized inside the housing 11 is diffused to the outside of the fragrance device 1 through the spray holes 14. The shapes and arrangements of the upper cover 12, the lid portion 13, and the spray holes 14 are not limited to the examples shown in the drawings. The upper cover 12 and the lid portion 13 are made of synthetic resin such as ABS resin, just like the housing 11.

[0020] The housing 11 contains a control unit 2, a power supply unit 3, a sensor unit (detector) 4, and a diffuser 5. The control unit 2 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 3, the sensor unit 4, and the diffuser 5, and includes circuit elements for controlling the fragrance device 1. The power supply unit 3 includes a rechargeable battery, a DC (Direct Current)-DC converter, and a regulator circuit. The rechargeable battery is a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery, and is capable of repeated charging and discharging. The rechargeable battery can be charged via the power supply connection unit 18. The DC-DC converter and regulator circuit convert the voltage of the rechargeable battery and supply drive voltage to each unit of the fragrance device 1. The sensor unit 4 includes multiple sensors and measures environmental factors around the fragrance device 1.

[0021] The diffuser 5 includes multiple fragrance palettes 51a-51g, a storage plate 57, and a fan 58. The fragrance palettes 51a-51g are cylindrical, and the fragrance palettes 51a-51f are arranged around the fragrance palette 51g (FIG. 4). The fragrance palettes 51a-51f contain liquid fragrance, and the fragrance palette 51g contains water for humidification. Adjusting the humidity can change the ease of fragrance diffusion and the strength of the fragrance perceived by the user. The fragrance palette 51g may contain a fragrance instead of water. In this embodiment, the fragrance may include natural materials such as plants and fungi. The fragrance palettes 51a-51g are detachable from the storage plate 57 of the aroma device 1, allowing the user to easily replace them. The fragrance palettes 51a-51g each include a piezoelectric vibrator that generates ultrasonic waves, and the fragrance or water is atomized by the vibration of the piezoelectric vibrator.

[0022] The storage plate 57 is made of synthetic resin or the like and has an upper plate 57a, a connecting member 57b, and a lower plate 57c. The upper plate 57a and the lower plate 57c are circular members arranged horizontally opposite each other and connected to each other by the connecting member 57b. The lower plate 57c is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 11, and the connecting member 57b supports the upper plate 57a from below. The upper plate 57a has a plurality of holding holes formed therein, each having approximately the same diameter as the fragrant pallets 51a to 51g, and the fragrant pallets 51a to 51g are placed on the lower plate 57c while inserted into the holding holes.

[0023] The fan 58 is, for example, a propeller fan, a sirocco fan, a turbo fan, or the like, and includes an impeller and a motor unit. The fan 58 is located near the air intake 17 at the bottom of the housing 11 and blows the air drawn in through the air intake 17 upward. The shape, arrangement, number, etc. of the air intake 17 are not particularly limited. The air intake 17 may also be provided with a lattice member to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter. The air blown out from the fan 58 passes through an opening formed in the lower plate 57c and flows into the space formed by the fragrant palettes 51a-51g and the inner wall of the housing 11. The flowing-in air then rises in the space between the inner wall of the housing 11 and the fragrant palettes 51a-51g, travels along the underside of the upper cover 12, is guided below the lid 13, and is diffused into the surrounding space through the spray holes 14.

[0024] 5 is a block diagram of the fragrance device of this embodiment, showing the control unit 2, sensor unit 4, and diffuser 5. The control unit 2 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a storage device 24, a wireless communication I / F 25, a sensor I / F 26, a control I / F 27, a clock 28, and a bus 29. Each unit is connected to one another via the bus 29.

[0025] The CPU 21 controls each part of the fragrance device 1 using an application program. The ROM 22 is composed of non-volatile memory and stores application programs for controlling each part of the fragrance device 1. The RAM 23 provides memory space necessary for the operation of the CPU 21. The storage device 24 is composed of a hard disk, semiconductor memory, etc. The wireless communication I / F 25 transmits and receives data to and from the user terminal 6 and the server 8 via the Internet, Wi-Fi, etc. The control unit 2 can obtain weather information as outdoor environmental factors from the server 8 via the network 7. Here, the weather information includes, for example, weather, temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, barometric pressure, UV (Ultraviolet) index, etc. The weather information may also include weather information for the area where the user is located, or weather information for any area specified by the user. The sensor I / F 26 receives measurements taken by the sensor unit 4. The control I / F 27 receives information from the diffuser 5 and transmits control signals to the diffuser 5. The clock 28 has a clock circuit and a counter circuit and outputs time information such as year, month, date, and time. The clock 28 is powered by a battery independent of the power supply unit 3 and can keep time even when the fragrance device 1 is powered off. The time information is used as one of the environmental factors for estimating the fragrance state of the natural materials contained in the fragrance.

[0026] The sensor unit 4 acquires environmental factors of the room where the fragrance device 1 is installed, and outputs sensor information to the control unit 2 via the sensor I / F 26. The sensor unit 4 includes an illuminance sensor 41, a temperature sensor 42, a humidity sensor 43, an oxygen sensor 44, a carbon dioxide sensor 45, and a scent sensor 46.

[0027] The illuminance sensor 41 includes a photodiode, an optical filter, etc., and outputs a signal based on the photovoltaic power of the photodiode as an illuminance detection signal. The illuminance sensor 41 may detect wavelengths of light to which plants and fungi are particularly responsive, in addition to visible light. The temperature sensor 42 is composed of, for example, an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor. The electrodes of an NTC thermistor are ceramic elements formed by firing oxides of manganese, nickel, cobalt, etc. The temperature sensor 42 detects changes in the resistance of the electrodes in response to temperature changes, and can therefore detect the temperature around the aroma device 1.

[0028] The humidity sensor 43 is equipped with a polymeric humidity-sensitive film or interdigital electrodes and detects humidity. The oxygen sensor 44 detects oxygen using methods such as zirconia, magnetic, laser spectroscopy, and electrode. The carbon dioxide sensor 45 detects carbon dioxide using methods such as optical, electrochemical, and semiconductor. The scent sensor 46 is made of biomaterials or semiconductor materials and detects the intensity and type of scent in the air.

[0029] The sensor unit 4 does not need to be provided inside the housing 11, but may be provided outside the housing 11. Furthermore, a function equivalent to the sensor unit 4 may be incorporated into the user terminal 6, and the user terminal 6 may transmit the environmental factors to the fragrance device 1.

[0030] The diffuser 5 includes a fragrant pallet 51, a drive circuit 52, a piezoelectric vibrator 53, and a fan 58. The fragrant pallet 51, the drive circuit 52, and the fan 58 are connected to the control I / F 27. Identification information of the fragrant pallet 51 is transmitted to the control unit 2.

[0031] The fragrance palette 51 contains fragrances derived from natural materials such as plants or fungi. Plant-derived fragrances may include, for example, at least one of rose, snapdragon, cyclamen, plum, jasmine, lily, petunia, lady's slipper, cherry orchid, night glory, ylang-ylang, night jasmine, African gardenia, jasmine flower, Hawaiian hibiscus, Japanese anemone, night jasmine, nepal, tuberose, night lily, night jasmine, Nicotiana sylvestris, gardenia, Japanese laurel, tulip, crocus, black currant, basil, and rose geranium. Fungal-derived fragrances may include at least one of phytoncides and geosmin. Furthermore, substances whose fragrance characteristics may change in the natural environment may also be used as fragrances in this embodiment. The fragrance used in this embodiment may be of any type as long as it is capable of recreating a specific environment, such as by influencing the user's psychological state. The fragrance palette 51 can transmit identification information indicating the type and remaining amount of fragrance to the control I / F 27.

[0032] The drive circuit 52 includes an oscillation circuit and generates a voltage at the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric vibrator 53. The drive circuit 52 applies a voltage to the piezoelectric vibrator 53 at a predetermined timing based on a signal from the control I / F 27. The drive circuit 52 can drive each of the multiple piezoelectric vibrators 53 independently.

[0033] The piezoelectric vibrator 53 is built into the fragrance palette 51 and is connected to the drive circuit 52. The piezoelectric vibrator 53 comprises a plate-shaped piezoelectric ceramic and electrodes formed on both sides of the plate. When a high-frequency voltage is applied to the electrodes from the drive circuit 52, the piezoelectric vibrator 53 generates ultrasonic vibrations, atomizing the fragrance in the fragrance palette 51. The drive circuit 52 can change the amount of fragrance diffused by controlling the drive time of the piezoelectric vibrator 53. The amount of fragrance diffused may also be changed by controlling the drive amplitude of the piezoelectric vibrator 53.

[0034] Fan 58 includes an impeller and a motor unit. Fan 58 rotates the impeller based on a signal from control I / F 27, and the impeller generates an airflow. The airflow diffuses the fragrance in fragrance palette 51 atomized by piezoelectric vibrator 53 to the outside of fragrance device 1.

[0035] The fragrance device 1 estimates the fragrance state of the natural materials that make up the fragrance and determines the amount of fragrance to be diffused based on environmental factors including sensor information from the sensor unit 4 and weather information obtained from the server 8. This makes it possible to reproduce the fragrance state in a natural environment.

[0036] 6 is a block diagram of a user terminal according to this embodiment. The user terminal 6 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, a RAM 603, a storage device 604, a display 605, a touch sensor 606, a first wireless communication I / F 607, a second wireless communication I / F 608, an imaging unit 609, a GPS (Global Positioning System) 610, and a bus 611. The units are connected to each other via the bus 611.

[0037] The CPU 601 controls each part of the user terminal 6 using an application program. The ROM 602 is made up of a non-volatile memory and stores application programs for controlling each part of the user terminal 6. The ROM 602 also stores profiles of natural materials that make up the fragrance. The RAM 603 provides a memory area necessary for the operation of the CPU 601. The storage device 604 is a non-volatile memory, an external memory, or the like.

[0038] The display 605 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an OLED (organic light emitting diode) display, an LED (light emitting diode) display, etc. A touch sensor 606 is disposed on the surface of the display 605. The touch sensor 606 includes a capacitance-type or resistance-type detection circuit.

[0039] The first wireless communication I / F 607 is a communication unit that performs wireless communication in a mobile communication network, and is capable of implementing, for example, third generation mobile communication, LTE (Long Term Evolution), fourth generation mobile communication, fifth generation mobile communication, and the like.

[0040] The second wireless communication I / F 608 is a communication unit that transmits and receives data via wireless communication, and is configured to be able to perform, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), wireless communication via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) connection such as Wi-Fi, infrared wireless communication, etc.

[0041] The imaging unit 609 is, for example, an area sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor. The fragrance device 1 or the user terminal 6 may analyze the image captured by the imaging unit 609 and estimate environmental factors such as illuminance and weather from the image. Furthermore, the fragrance device 1 or the user terminal 6 may estimate the carbon dioxide concentration based on the number of people included in the image.

[0042] The GPS 610 has an antenna that receives radio waves from GPS satellites. The GPS 610 can acquire accurate information about the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the user terminal 6 based on the time difference between the radio waves received from multiple GPS satellites.

[0043] FIG. 7 shows fragrance profiles in this embodiment, which classify the changes in fragrance intensity of natural materials by environmental factor. Natural materials, such as plants and fungi, contained in fragrances emit fragrances in response to environmental factors in their habitats. The fragrance device 1 in this embodiment stores the relationship between environmental factors and the fragrance intensity of natural materials as a fragrance profile and can determine the amount of fragrance to be diffused based on the detected environmental factors. In the first line of the fragrance profile, environmental factors include diurnal variations and variations due to external factors. Diurnal variations in environmental factors include time of day, illuminance, and temperature, while external variations in environmental factors include sound, odor, wind speed, carbon dioxide, and rain. The second line of the fragrance profile represents the changes in the fragrance state or the plant's response. The third line of the fragrance profile represents the natural materials that make up the fragrance, and indicates the name of the plant or the name of the substance emitted by the fungus. The fourth line of the fragrance profile is classified as either "slow" or "rapid" depending on the degree of change in fragrance intensity due to environmental factors. Below, the fragrance profile of this embodiment is explained for each environmental factor.

[0044] (time) The scent intensity of roses, snapdragons, cyclamen, plums, and phytoncides varies depending on the time of day and environmental factors, increasing in the morning. For example, the scent intensity of roses increases from early morning to 10:00 AM, and the scent intensity of snapdragons increases around noon. The scent intensity of cyclamen increases from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Certain foods or fungi increase the amount of phytoncides diffused at 11:00 AM. The rate at which the scent intensity of these natural materials changes is "slow."

[0045] The scent intensity of jasmine, lilies, petunias, cherry orchids, night lilies, tuberose, night lilies, hollyhock, and gardenia varies depending on the time of day and environmental factors, increasing at night. For example, the scent of lilies increases from 10 PM to midnight, and the scent of petunias increases at midnight. The scent of cherry orchids increases at 3 AM, and the scent intensity of night lilies reaches its peak around 2:40 AM. The scent intensity of tuberose increases from 9 PM to 3 AM, and the scent intensity of night lilies reaches its peak at 8 PM. The scent intensity of hollyhock increases after 2 PM. Additionally, the scent intensity of gardenia increases in humid environments at midnight. The rate at which the scent intensity of these natural materials changes is "slow."

[0046] (illuminance) Silk trees and wood sorrel perform diapause movements in response to environmental factors such as light intensity. When it gets dark in the evening, silk trees and wood sorrel close their leaves. The degree of change in the intensity of the fragrance is "slow."

[0047] (temperature) The intensity of the scents of tulips, blackcurrants, petunias, cyclamen, and phytoncides varies with temperature. For example, the intensity of tulip scent is strongest at temperatures between 17 and 25°C, and the intensity of blackcurrant scent is strongest at temperatures between 10 and 20°C. The intensity of petunia scent is strongest at temperatures between 15 and 30°C. The intensity of cyclamen scent is strongest at temperatures between 15 and 30°C, and decreases at temperatures above 35°C. Some plants and fungi also disperse phytoncides, whose scent intensity increases with rising temperatures. For example, the intensity of phytoncide scent increases in warmer temperatures from May to August. The rate of change in scent intensity is "slow."

[0048] (sound) The bush clover responds to sound by rotating its leaves, and the reaction is "rapid."

[0049] (odor) Lima beans and mint emit a scent when their leaves are damaged by insects. Undamaged lima beans and mint emit a scent due to the scent of damaged leaves. The degree of change in scent intensity is "abrupt."

[0050] (wind) The intensity of the scent of Arabidopsis thaliana or geranium may be the scent of chemicals such as phytoncides that are released when the plant is damaged. For example, when multiple Arabidopsis thaliana leaves are rubbed against each other by the wind, chemicals such as phytoncides may be released. The degree of change in scent intensity is "abrupt."

[0051] (carbon dioxide) The intensity of the scent of basil and rose geranium varies depending on the environmental factor of carbon dioxide concentration, and the higher the carbon dioxide concentration, the stronger the scent. The degree of change in scent intensity is "rapid."

[0052] (rain) Geosmin is an organic chemical known to occur naturally in soil after rainfall. The intensity of the odor changes rapidly.

[0053] Note that information on environmental factors, fluctuations, fragrances, degree of change, etc. is not limited to that shown in Figure 7. For example, various environmental factors such as the age of the moon, geomagnetic field, soil components, past weather, and the age or lunar phase of the plant may be included in the fragrance profile. The period of fluctuation in fragrance intensity depends on the period of fluctuation in the environmental factors that affect the plant or fungus, and is not necessarily limited to a diurnal cycle. Furthermore, the phase of fluctuation in fragrance intensity may be the opposite phase to that of the fragrance profile in Figure 7, depending on the type of plant or fungus.

[0054] Figure 8 shows an example of the amount of fragrance diffused by the fragrance device of this embodiment, illustrating the diurnal variation in the amount of fragrance diffused contained in different fragrance palettes 51. In Figure 8, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the amount of fragrance diffused. The fragrance palettes 51 are assumed to contain rose, jasmine, tulip, basil, geosmin, and cypress fragrances, respectively.

[0055] The intensity of the rose and jasmine scents varies in a natural environment depending on the environmental factor of the time of day. The intensity of the rose scent increases in the morning, and the intensity of the jasmine scent increases in the afternoon. The fragrance device 1 increases the amount of rose scent diffused in the morning and decreases the amount diffused in the afternoon according to the fragrance profile. The fragrance device 1 also decreases the amount of jasmine scent diffused in the morning and increases the amount diffused in the afternoon according to the fragrance profile.

[0056] The intensity of tulip fragrance in natural environments varies depending on environmental factors such as temperature, and is strongest at temperatures between 17 and 25 degrees Celsius. The fragrance device 1 controls the amount of tulip fragrance diffused according to the temperature, according to the fragrance profile. For example, when the temperature rises around noon, the fragrance device 1 increases the amount of tulip fragrance diffused.

[0057] The intensity of the basil fragrance varies depending on the environmental factor of carbon dioxide concentration. The aroma device 1 controls the amount of basil fragrance diffused according to the fragrance profile and the carbon dioxide concentration. For example, when the carbon dioxide concentration is high in the morning and afternoon, the aroma device 1 increases the amount of basil fragrance diffused.

[0058] The intensity of the geosmin fragrance varies depending on the environmental factor of rainfall. The fragrance device 1 controls the amount of geosmin fragrance diffused according to the geosmin fragrance profile according to rainfall. For example, if it rains in the afternoon, the fragrance device 1 increases the amount of geosmin fragrance diffused.

[0059] The intensity of the phytoncide fragrance emitted from cypress varies depending on the wind speed. Based on the fragrance profile, the fragrance device 1 diffuses the phytoncide fragrance so that the amount of fragrance diffused corresponds to the wind speed at each time. For example, when the wind speed increases around noon (12:00), the fragrance device 1 increases the amount of fragrance diffused.

[0060] The fragrance device 1 uses the fragrance profile to estimate the fragrance state of a fragrance based on environmental factors such as time, weather information, and sensor information, and determines the amount of fragrance to be diffused based on the estimated fragrance state. In Figure 8, the fragrance device 1 determines the amount of fragrance to be diffused for at least one of six fragrances: rose, jasmine, tulip, basil, geosmin, and cypress. The amount of fragrance to be diffused is calculated at predetermined time intervals, and the amount of diffusion of each fragrance is controlled according to the change in time, as shown in the bottom row of Figure 8. This type of control makes it possible to reproduce the scents of plants, fungi, and other natural living organisms.

[0061] 9 and 10 are sequence charts showing the operation of a fragrance system using the fragrance device of this embodiment, and FIGS. 11 and 12 show the operation screen of the user terminal 6. First, when the user turns on the main power of the fragrance device 1 (step S101), the fragrance device 1 acquires main body information (step S102). The main body information includes, for example, identification information of the fragrances contained in the fragrance palette 51 and information on the remaining amount of fragrance or water. Next, the user starts an application program on the user terminal 6 (step S103), and the user terminal 6 requests the main body information from the fragrance device 1 (step S105). Upon receiving the request from the user terminal 6, the fragrance device 1 transmits the main body information to the user terminal 6 (step S106).

[0062] The user terminal 6 displays the screen shown in FIG. 11A on the display 605, and the user inputs user information from the user terminal 6 (step S107). The user information includes gender, birthday, hometown, favorite plants, favorite places, etc., and the user can input the user information by operating the touch sensor 606 of the display 605. Note that the user information is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 11A, and may include other information about the user's preferences. When the user inputs the user information and touches the "Next" button, the user terminal 6 displays the screen shown in FIG. 11B on the display 605.

[0063] The screen in FIG. 11B displays a first display button for "Determine fragrance based on mood and behavior" and a second display button for "Specify fragrance." When the user touches the second display button (YES in step S110), the user selects a fragrance on the user terminal 6 (step S111). The user terminal 6 displays the names of the fragrances contained in the fragrance palette 51 along with check boxes (FIG. 11C), and the user selects the desired fragrance by checking the check box. For example, in FIG. 11C, rose, basil, and geosmin are selected from rose, jasmine, tulip, basil, geosmin, and phytoncide. If multiple fragrances are selected, the user may input the blending ratio of each fragrance into the user terminal 6.

[0064] On the other hand, if the user touches the first button for "Determine scent according to mood and activity" (NO in step S110), the user inputs their current mood state into the user terminal 6 (step S112). The user terminal 6 displays three icons representing mood states, "good," "not bad," and "bad," on the display 605 (FIG. 12A). The user can input their mood into the user terminal 6 by touching one of the three icons. Next, the user inputs their planned activities into the user terminal 6 (step S113). The user terminal 6 displays six icons on the display 605, "Work / Study," "Exercise," "Housework, etc.", "Getting Ready," "Relaxing," and "Sleep" (FIG. 12B), and the user can input their planned activities by touching one of the six icons.

[0065] In step S114, the user inputs the region for which weather information is to be viewed into the user terminal 6. The user terminal 6 displays multiple regions in a pull-down menu on the display 605, and the user selects a desired region from the multiple regions (step S115, FIG. 12C). If the user selects their current location, the user terminal 6 can acquire the location information of the user terminal 6 as their current location based on information from the GPS 610, beacons of wireless LAN base stations, and the like. The user can also select a remote region, such as "Furano, Hokkaido." In this case, the fragrance device 1 can select lavender, for example, as a fragrance, as a representative plant that grows in the selected region, and recreate a fragrance state corresponding to the weather information for Furano.

[0066] In addition to selecting the region, the user may also set the date and time of the timer to turn the fragrance device 1 on or off and input the control timing for acquiring the environmental factors. In Fig. 12C, the timer date and time is set to turn off at 15:00 every day, and the update interval for the environmental factors is set to 5 minutes. The user information, fragrance name, user mood, user action plan, region, timer date and time, and update interval input in the above process are sent as setting information from the user terminal 6 to the fragrance device 1 when the user touches the "Send" button (step S116).

[0067] The fragrance device 1 determines a fragrance based on the transmitted setting information, and if multiple fragrances are determined, determines the blending ratio of each fragrance. If the user selects a fragrance and blending ratio in step S111, the fragrance device 1 uses the selected fragrance and blending ratio. If the user does not select a fragrance and blending ratio in step S110 or S111, the fragrance device 1 determines at least one fragrance and blending ratio based on the user information, the user's mood, and the planned activity. For example, the fragrance device 1 determines rose, tulip, and basil from multiple fragrances and determines the blending ratios of rose, tulip, and basil, respectively, as "0.6," "0.3," and "0.1." The sum of the blending ratios of each fragrance is "1." The relationship between the user information, the user's mood, the planned activity, and the fragrance and blending ratio may be stored in the fragrance device 1 as log data. Alternatively, instead of the fragrance device 1, the user terminal 6 may determine the diffusion command value indicating the fragrance and blend ratio, or the server 8 may determine the diffusion command value in response to a request from the fragrance device 1 or the user terminal 6. The fragrance device 1 can determine the fragrance and blend ratio based on the received diffusion command value. In this case, the user terminal 6 or the server 8 may obtain the environmental factors from the fragrance device 1, or may obtain the environmental factors from a source other than the fragrance device 1.

[0068] In this embodiment, the fragrance device 1 further calculates the amount of fragrance to be diffused using environmental factors such as sensor information and weather information, and the fragrance profile. First, the fragrance device 1 waits until the current time reaches a predetermined control timing (NO in step S131). The control timing is expressed as a predetermined time interval, such as every 10 minutes, every 30 minutes, or every hour. When the current time reaches the control timing (YES in step S131), the fragrance device 1 acquires sensor information from the sensor unit 4 (step S132). The fragrance device 1 then requests weather information for the input area from the server 8 (step S133), and the server 8 transmits the requested weather information to the fragrance device 1 (step S134). The fragrance device 1 may acquire all information on environmental factors from the sensor unit 4 and server 8, or it may acquire only the environmental factors corresponding to the determined fragrance. For example, if rose, tulip, and basil are selected as fragrances, the fragrance device 1 may acquire only environmental factors, such as time of day, temperature, and carbon dioxide, which are factors that affect the fragrance of rose, tulip, and basil.

[0069] Next, the fragrance device 1 estimates the fragrance state of the fragrance for the acquired environmental factors (step S135). That is, the fragrance device 1 determines the fragrance intensity according to the environmental factors in the fragrance profile shown in FIG. 7. Here, the fragrance state of the fragrance for the environmental factors is represented as a weighting coefficient having a value between 0 and 1. In the fragrance profile, the intensity of the rose fragrance at 10:00 AM is strong, and the fragrance state is represented by, for example, "0.8." Furthermore, the illuminance at the same time is relatively strong, and the tulip fragrance state is represented by, for example, "0.5." Furthermore, if the carbon dioxide concentration at the same time is high, the intensity of the basil fragrance in the fragrance profile is strong, and the fragrance state is represented by, for example, "0.7."

[0070] The fragrance device 1 determines the amount of fragrance to be diffused based on the estimated fragrance state (step S136). The amount of fragrance to be diffused can be calculated by multiplying the fragrance blend ratio by the fragrance state coefficient. For example, the amount of rose fragrance to be diffused is "0.48" obtained by multiplying the blend ratio "0.6" by the fragrance state "0.8". The amount of tulip fragrance to be diffused is "0.15" obtained by multiplying the blend ratio "0.3" by the fragrance state "0.5", and the amount of basil fragrance to be diffused is "0.07" obtained by multiplying the blend ratio "0.1" by the fragrance state "0.7". The fragrance device 1 controls the vibration amplitude or vibration time of the piezoelectric vibrator 53 according to the determined amount of diffusion, and starts diffusing the fragrance from the fragrance palette 51 (step S137).

[0071] Next, the fragrance device 1 determines whether to end the diffusion of the fragrance (step S138). For example, the fragrance device 1 determines whether there is a reason to end the diffusion of the fragrance, such as the main power being turned off, the timer being turned off, the fragrance or water being depleted, or a safety device being activated. If no reason to end the diffusion has occurred (NO in step S138), the fragrance device 1 returns to step S131 and repeats steps S132 to S137 at each predetermined control timing. On the other hand, if a reason to end the diffusion has occurred (YES in step S138), the fragrance device 1 stops the diffusion of the fragrance and generates log data representing the control history (step S141). The log data includes, for example, the amount of fragrance diffused at each control timing, sensor information, and weather information in addition to the setting information. When the above process is completed, the fragrance device 1 turns off the main power (step S143). By accumulating the log data, the fragrance device 1 can determine fragrances and blending ratios that suit the user's preferences.

[0072] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reproduce the scent of a natural environment by estimating the fragrance state of a fragrance in response to environmental factors and determining the amount of fragrance to be diffused according to the estimated fragrance state, thereby allowing the user to experience the sensation of being in a natural environment and creating a comfortable fragrance space.

[0073] [Second embodiment] Next, the fragrance device of this embodiment will be described, focusing on the configuration that differs from the first embodiment.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the fragrance device 1 acquires the user's preferences or behavior from predetermined options and determines the fragrances and blend ratios. In this embodiment, the fragrance device 1 can determine the fragrances and blend ratios based on log data.

[0075] As described above, the log data includes information about the user's preferences, such as the fragrance selected by the user, the user's mood, and the user's planned activities. The fragrance device 1 calculates the cumulative number of selections by the user for each type of fragrance in the log data, and can prioritize the selection of fragrances with a high cumulative number of selections, or can increase the blending ratio of fragrances with a high cumulative number of selections. For example, if rose fragrance has the highest cumulative number of selections, the fragrance device 1 may display rose fragrance at the top of the list of fragrances on the user terminal 6 to prompt the user to select rose fragrance. The fragrance device 1 may also determine the blending ratio of multiple fragrances in descending order of the cumulative number of selections. The fragrance device 1 may also record the number of times the fragrance palette 51 has been replaced in the log data, and prioritize the selection of fragrances in the fragrance palette 51 that has been replaced the most.

[0076] Furthermore, the fragrance device 1 may analyze the log data, calculate the correlation between the fragrance selected by the user and past environmental factors, and select a fragrance that has a high correlation with the current environmental factor. For example, if a user is more likely to select a basil fragrance in rainy weather, the correlation coefficient between the weather environmental factor and the cumulative number of basil selections will be high. If the current weather is rainy, the fragrance device 1 may select a basil fragrance or increase the blend ratio of the basil fragrance.

[0077] According to this embodiment, by determining the fragrances and blend ratios based on the log data, it is possible to create a fragrance space that suits the user's preferences.

[0078] [Third embodiment] Next, the fragrance device of this embodiment will be described, focusing on the configuration that differs from the second embodiment.

[0079] In the second embodiment, the fragrance device 1 determines the fragrance and blend ratio based on the log data. In this embodiment, the fragrance device 1 can determine the amount of fragrance to be diffused using a machine learning model.

[0080] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of a machine learning model of the fragrance device of this embodiment. The machine learning model is composed of a neural network including an input layer 91, an intermediate layer 92, and an output layer 93, and is recorded in the storage device 24 of the fragrance device 1 (see FIG. 5). Neurons 951 in the input layer 91, neurons 952 in the intermediate layer 92, and neurons 953 in the output layer 93 are each connected by synapses 96. Neuron 951 in the input layer 91 inputs user information, operation information, and multiple environmental factors, and neuron 953 in the output layer 93 outputs the diffusion amount for each of multiple fragrances. In other words, the machine learning model of this embodiment can simultaneously select fragrances, determine the blend ratio, estimate the fragrance state, and determine the diffusion amount. The fragrance device 1 diffuses the fragrance according to the diffusion amount obtained in this manner.

[0081] The machine learning model is trained using user ratings of the diffused fragrance. The user ratings may be expressed numerically, for example, on a five-point scale. The user transmits the user rating to the fragrance device 1 via the user terminal 6, and the fragrance device 1 changes the weighting coefficient of the synapse 96 so that the user rating increases. By repeating the process of determining the amount of diffusion using machine learning and learning using the user ratings, it becomes possible to provide a fragrance that better suits the user's preferences while reproducing the scent in a natural environment.

[0082] [Fourth embodiment] Next, the fragrance device of this embodiment will be described, focusing on the configuration that differs from the first embodiment.

[0083] In the first embodiment, the fragrance device 1 determined the amount of fragrance to be diffused based on a fragrance profile created in advance. In this embodiment, the fragrance device 1 automatically generates a fragrance profile using machine learning, and determines the amount of fragrance to be diffused based on the generated fragrance profile.

[0084] FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of the fragrance device of this embodiment. The fragrance device 1 stores a fragrance profile 900 in the storage device 24 (see FIG. 5), and the fragrance profile 900 is configured from a machine learning model including a neural network. As with the third embodiment, the machine learning model includes an input layer, an intermediate layer, an output layer, neurons 951, 952, 953, and a synapse 96. Environmental factors detected in the natural environment in which plants or fungi live are input to neuron 951 in the input layer. For example, when generating a fragrance profile for a rose, environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, and oxygen concentration measured in the natural environment in which the rose lives are input. A diffusion amount 901 based on the measured environmental factors is output from neuron 953 in the output layer.

[0085] Meanwhile, the scent sensor 46 measures the scent intensity of plants or fungi in the natural environment. For example, the scent sensor 46 measures the scent intensity of roses in the natural environment. The scent sensor 46 outputs a measurement value 461 of the rose scent, and the fragrance device 1 calculates a difference 902 between the measurement value 461 and a diffusion amount 901 obtained from the fragrance profile 900. The fragrance device 1 feeds back the difference 902 to the fragrance profile 900 and changes the weighting coefficient of the synapse 96 so that the absolute value of the difference 902 is minimized. By repeating the above-described machine learning in various natural environments until the absolute value of the difference 902 becomes sufficiently small, it is possible to generate a fragrance profile 900 that matches the scent intensity of plants or fungi in nature. Furthermore, by performing machine learning of the fragrance profile 900 for each of various plants or fungi, it is possible to generate multiple fragrance profiles 900. The fragrance device 1 can reproduce a scent corresponding to a natural environment by diffusing a fragrance based on the fragrance profile obtained by machine learning.

[0086] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to automatically generate a fragrance profile in a natural environment where plants or fungi live, and to efficiently obtain the fragrance profile. Furthermore, by diffusing a fragrance using the fragrance profile thus obtained, it is possible to reproduce the scent in a natural environment.

[0087] [Fifth embodiment] 15 is a conceptual diagram of an information system according to this embodiment. The information system according to this embodiment is installed in a space 1001 such as a home, a commercial facility, or a public facility, and can provide natural environment information such as visual information, auditory information, tactile information, and olfactory information to a user in accordance with outdoor or indoor environmental factors.

[0088] The information system includes an information device 100, fragrance device 1, display device 201, audio device 206, air conditioning device 207, lighting device 208, and router 702. Fragrance device 1 has the configuration of any of the first to fourth embodiments described above, and is capable of reproducing the fragrance conditions of a natural environment.

[0089] The display device 201 is installed in the space 1001 and displays an image of a natural environment. The audio device 206 includes an amplifier circuit and a speaker, and is capable of reproducing the sound of a natural environment. The audio device 206 is installed, for example, near the display device 201 and can output sound synchronized with the image on the display device 201.

[0090] Air conditioning device 207 is installed on the walls, ceiling, etc., and can reproduce the temperature, humidity, and wind of a natural environment within space 1001. Lighting device 208 changes the illuminance and color temperature, and can reproduce light under various weather conditions within space 1001. Electric curtains 209 are installed on the windows, and the curtains are opened and closed by an electric motor to adjust the illuminance of space 1001.

[0091] The information device 100 controls the fragrance device 1, the display device 201, the audio device 206, the air conditioning device 207, and the lighting device 208 based on environmental factors outside or inside the space 1001. The information device 100 is connected to a server 8 via a router 702 and a network 7, and is able to acquire various information from the server 8. The server 8 is able to distribute environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, hours of sunshine, precipitation, wind speed, and air pressure, to the information device 100 and the user terminal 6 via the network 7. The information device 100 may also be integrated with any of the fragrance device 1, the display device 201, the audio device 206, the air conditioning device 207, and the lighting device 208. The information device 100 may also recognize user speech, for example, like an AI (artificial intelligence) speaker.

[0092] The user terminal 6 may be configured as, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a personal computer. The user terminal 6 can operate the information device 100 via the base station 701 or the router 702. The user terminal 6 may also include some or all of the functions of the information device 100.

[0093] 16 is a block diagram of an information device and a group of devices according to this embodiment. The information device 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a storage device 104, a communication I / F 105, a wireless LAN 106, a sensor unit 107, a video camera 108, a microphone 109, a speaker 110, and a display 111.

[0094] The CPU 101 controls each component of the information device 100 using an application program. The ROM 102 is a nonvolatile memory and stores the application program for the information device 100. The RAM 103 provides memory space necessary for the CPU to operate. The storage device 104 is composed of a hard disk, semiconductor memory, etc., and may store natural environment information such as visual information, auditory information, tactile information, and olfactory information, a content table representing the relationship between content and natural environment information, and user data related to user preferences. The server 8 stores multiple pieces of natural environment information, multiple content tables, and multiple pieces of user data as a database. The information device 100 can access the server 8 and download data required for processing from the server 8 to the storage device 104. The database may also be stored in the storage device 104. In this case, the information device 100 does not need to download data from the server 8.

[0095] The communication I / F 105 is a wired or wireless communication interface, and transmits and receives data to and from a device group 200 such as a display device 201. The wireless LAN 106 is capable of wireless communication with the server 8 via a router 702 and the network 7.

[0096] Sensor unit 107 includes an illuminance sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, and a scent sensor. Sensor unit 107 has the same functions as sensor unit 4 of fragrance device 1, and can acquire environmental factors in place of sensor unit 4 or together with sensor unit 4.

[0097] Video camera 108 includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imaging element, and captures images of the space 1001, a facial image of the user, etc. Information device 100 may acquire environmental factors within space 1001 based on the captured images. Information device 100 may also perform user authentication processing and acquire user preference information based on the facial image of the user.

[0098] The microphone 109 acquires the user's speech or the acoustic characteristics within the space 1001. The information device 100 may interpret commands contained in the user's speech and perform operations in accordance with the commands. The information device 100 may also optimize the frequency characteristics or sound pressure of the acoustic device 206 according to the acoustic characteristics within the space 1001.

[0099] The display 111 is configured as a liquid crystal display device, an organic light-emitting display device, or the like, and is configured as an integral part of the information device 100. The display 111 can display the operating status of the information device 100, commands, acquired environmental factors, information on the natural environment being played, etc. Note that the display 111 may be replaced by a display device 201, which will be described later.

[0100] The device group 200 may include a display device 201, a projector 204, an HMD (Head Mounted Display), an audio device 206, an air conditioning device 207, a lighting device 208, an electric curtain 209, and a fragrance device 1. The device group 200 shown in Fig. 16 is merely an example, and it is not necessarily required to use all of the devices in the device group 200.

[0101] The display device 201 includes a display 201a, a touch panel 201b, and a tactile actuator 201c. The display 201a includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal or organic light-emitting display panel and a drive circuit that drives the display panel based on an input video signal, and is capable of providing visual information to the user. The touch panel 201b includes a capacitance or resistance sensor and is disposed on the display 201a. The tactile actuator 201c is similarly disposed on the display 201a. It includes a piezoelectric actuator and a vibration actuator, and can provide a tactile sensation to the user's finger. For example, when the user touches an image of a plant, insect, or the like on the display 201a, the tactile actuator 201c can impart vibrations to the finger. This makes it possible to provide the user with tactile information in a natural environment.

[0102] The projector 204 includes a light source such as an LED or laser, and a projection means such as a liquid crystal or micromirror. The projector 204 projects visual information onto a screen, wall, ceiling, etc., allowing the user to experience the sensation of being in a natural environment.

[0103] The HMD 205 can be worn on the head and includes a pair of display units capable of displaying images with parallax, and headphones. The HMD 205 provides the user with three-dimensional visual information, enabling virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).

[0104] The audio device 206 includes an amplifier circuit and multiple speakers, and reproduces stereoscopic sound and provides the user with auditory information synchronized with visual information. The audio device 206 may be provided in the display device 201, the projector 204, or the HMD 205.

[0105] The air conditioner 207 includes a cooling device, a dehumidifier, a humidifier, and a fan, and controls the air conditioning of the space 1001. Air conditioning such as temperature, humidity, and wind can be sensed by the user's body and can therefore be classified as tactile information. The air conditioner 207 is controlled in synchronization with visual information, auditory information, and olfactory information, and can reproduce the temperature, humidity, and wind in the space 1001 according to environmental factors.

[0106] The lighting device 208 is equipped with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and a drive circuit, and can arbitrarily change the illuminance and color temperature. The electric curtain 209 is equipped with a light-blocking screen and an electric motor. Since the illuminance, color temperature (hue), etc. can be visually recognized by the user, they can be classified as visual information. The lighting device 208 and the electric curtain 209 are controlled in synchronization with visual information, auditory information, tactile information, and olfactory information, and can reproduce the illuminance and color temperature in the space 1001 according to environmental factors.

[0107] The fragrance device 1 has the same configuration as the first to fourth embodiments and includes a diffuser 5 capable of diffusing multiple fragrances and a sensor unit 4 that acquires environmental factors. The fragrance device 1 is controlled in synchronization with other visual, auditory, and tactile information, and can provide olfactory information according to the environmental factors. The sensor unit 4 may also be provided in the information device 100.

[0108] 17 is a diagram illustrating a content table. The content table shows, for each object, changes in natural environment information according to environmental factors. The information device 100 can determine natural environment information according to the acquired environmental factors in the content table and output the information to the device group 200.

[0109] In FIG. 17 , environmental factors are factors based on at least one of diurnal variation, seasonal variation, and climate change, specifically representing light, time of day, season, temperature, weather, wind, and stimuli. The content table includes data such as story-like images and sounds, and natural environment information related to various objects such as parks, forests, beaches, celestial bodies, and plants. For example, a park content table includes visual information representing the park's scenery and plants, auditory information representing the sound of leaves rustling, olfactory information representing the scent of flowers in the park, and tactile information such as wind. Furthermore, each of the visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile information can change depending on environmental factors such as time of day and temperature. In other words, the content table is a function table that uses multiple environmental factors as variables and outputs natural environment information corresponding to the multiple environmental factors.

[0110] When the user selects a desired content table using the user terminal 6, the information device 100 reads the selected content table from the storage device 104 or the server 8. Furthermore, the information device 100 acquires environmental factors such as the time and temperature, and estimates natural environment information corresponding to the environmental factors in the content table. The device group 200 controls the estimated natural environment information. As a result, a natural environment corresponding to the environmental factors is reproduced in the space 1001.

[0111] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining visual information, showing the relationship between environmental factors and visual information for each object. For example, tulips, saffron, crocuses, and adonis are known to bloom in response to temperature in the natural environment. Therefore, the visual information for tulips, saffron, crocuses, and adonis is determined to provide an image of the flowers blooming in response to the environmental factor of temperature. In particular, the visual information for tulips is determined to cause the flowers to open between 17 and 25 degrees Celsius and close between 8 and 16 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, the visual information for daisies, dandelions, marigolds, and morning glories is determined to cause the flowers to bloom in response to the environmental factor of light. In particular, the visual information for daisies is determined to cause the flowers to close at night or under cloudy illumination. Silk trees, mimosa pudica, wood sorrel, and kidney beans are known to perform diapause movements and close their leaves in the evening. For this reason, the visual information of the silkworm, mimosa pudica, wood sorrel, and kidney bean is determined to cause them to perform sleep-inducing movements in response to the environmental factor of time. Furthermore, the visual information of celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, and stars is determined to change in response to the environmental factor of time. Peas, mimosa pudica, and Venus flytraps move their bean pods and leaves when stimulated by insects. The visual information of the Venus flytrap is determined to cause its leaves to close in response to the environmental factor of two stimuli, for example. Furthermore, the visual information of plants is determined to cause their leaves and branches to sway in response to the environmental factor of wind, and the visual information of a candle flame is determined to cause the flame to sway in response to the environmental factor of wind.

[0112] As described above, visual information is associated with various environmental factors and recorded in the content table. The information device 100 can provide a user with an image of a natural environment by reading visual information corresponding to the environmental factors from the content table and outputting the information to the device group 200. Note that the image represented by the visual information is not limited to a moving image and may be a still image. The visual information may also be related to lighting in the space 1001. That is, the information device 100 may determine the illuminance and color temperature (color tone) in the space 1001 as visual information according to the environmental factors of outdoor light. The illuminance and color temperature of light from celestial bodies such as the sun and moon, and the position of shadows of objects change depending on environmental factors such as time of day and weather. The information device 100 can reproduce the illuminance, color temperature, etc. of sunlight in the space 1001 by controlling the lighting device 208 and the electric curtain 209 according to the environmental factors. Furthermore, the display device 201, the projector 204, and the HMD 205 may be used to project shadows of light from celestial bodies such as the sun and the moon. In this way, the display device 201, the projector 204, the HMD 205, the lighting device 208, and the electric curtain 209 are controlled based on the determined visual information, and the light in a natural environment can be reproduced in the space 1001.

[0113] FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining auditory information, showing the relationship between environmental factors and auditory information for each object. In FIG. 19, environmental factors are defined as meteorological phenomena such as wind and rain. Objects such as plants can emit various sounds in nature due to meteorological phenomena such as wind and rain. By defining auditory information according to environmental factors, it is possible to reproduce sounds in nature. For example, the auditory information of a plant can be defined to emit the sound of leaves rustling in response to the environmental factor of wind. The acoustic information of a candle flame can be defined to emit a sound associated with changes in the flame in response to the environmental factor of wind. Furthermore, among meteorological phenomena, rain is known to emit various sounds for each object in the natural environment. For example, umbrellas, asphalt, soil, water (rivers, oceans), vehicles, and roofs each emit unique rain sounds. Therefore, the auditory information of each object is defined to emit a unique rain sound in response to the environmental factor of rain.

[0114] FIG. 20A is a diagram for explaining tactile information, showing the relationship between environmental factors and tactile information for each object. As described above, the pea, mimosa pudica, and Venus flytrap move their bean pods, leaves, etc. in response to environmental stimuli. In this embodiment, the tactile information for the pea, mimosa pudica, and Venus flytrap can be defined so that the tactile sensation of the leaves closing is given to the finger in response to a stimulus from the finger. For example, as shown in FIG. 20B, when a user touches an image of a mimosa pudica on display device 201, display device 201 displays an image of the mimosa pudica leaves closing. At the same time, tactile actuator 201c provided on display device 201 applies vibrations to the finger, allowing the user to experience the sensation of touching a mimosa pudica.

[0115] The tactile information may include air conditioning information such as indoor temperature and humidity. The tactile information of indoor temperature and humidity may be determined according to environmental factors such as outdoor temperature, humidity, climate, and meteorological phenomena. The information device 100 controls the air conditioner 207 based on the tactile information, and can reproduce the temperature and humidity of a natural environment in the space 1001.

[0116] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating natural environment information according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an example of natural environment information corresponding to environmental factors of time. For example, if the content table relates to a park in spring, the visual information represents an image 80 shown in the upper part of FIG. 21 and an illuminance 81 shown in the lower part of FIG. 21. The image 80 changes depending on the environmental factors of time, for example, to images 80a, 80b, and 80, respectively, for morning, afternoon, and evening. Furthermore, the illuminance 81 changes to images 81a, 81b, and 81c according to the illuminance 214 of sunlight. The morning image 80a includes a blooming rose 801, a tulip 802 in bud, a dayglory 803, and a sun 804 located in the east. The olfactory information is set in synchronization with the image 80a, and the information device 100 causes the fragrance device 1 to emit the scent of the rose 801. Furthermore, the illuminance 81 is set to illuminance 81a corresponding to the illuminance 214a of morning sunlight. The information device 100 controls the lighting device 208 and the electric curtain 209, and can reproduce the illuminance corresponding to the illuminance 81a in the space 1001. The information device 100 can also output auditory information, such as birdsong, from the audio device 206 in synchronization with the visual information.

[0117] Image 80b corresponds to environmental factors during the daytime and includes blooming rose 801, tulip 802, and dayglory 803, as well as sun 804 located in the south. The olfactory information at this time includes the scents of roses and tulips, and information device 100 causes fragrance device 1 to emit the scents of roses and tulips. Illuminance 81 is set to illuminance 81b corresponding to illuminance 214b of daytime sunlight, and illumination device 208 and electric curtain 209 reproduce illuminance 81b in space 1001. Here, during the daytime, shadows of flowers and plants may be projected instead of images of rose 801, tulip 802, and dayglory 803 to allow the user to concentrate on the scents of various flowers. Furthermore, the position of the shadows may be changed depending on environmental factors such as time of day, season, and weather. For example, image 80b may be set so that the shadows of flowers sway as they sway in the wind.

[0118] Image 80c corresponds to environmental factors at nighttime, and includes tulips 802 and dayglory 803 with closed flowers, gardenia 805 in bloom, and celestial bodies such as stars 806 and the moon 807. The olfactory information at this time represents the scent of gardenia 805, and fragrance device 1 emits the gardenia scent. Illuminance 81 is set to illuminance 81c corresponding to nighttime illuminance 214c, and nighttime illuminance 81c is reproduced in space 1001. Note that images of celestial bodies such as stars 806 and the moon 807 may be displayed on display device 201, or may be projected onto a wall, ceiling, or the like by projector 204. Shadows of plants cast by the light of moon 807 may also be projected.

[0119] In addition to time, image 80 may change depending on other environmental factors such as weather and wind speed. For example, plants such as roses 801 and tulips 802 in image 80 may sway depending on the environmental factor of wind speed, and illuminance 81 may also change depending on the environmental factor of weather. Furthermore, auditory information of plants touching each other is output in synchronization with the image of the plants. In this way, by outputting natural environment information that changes depending on multiple environmental factors, it is possible to reproduce a natural environment in space 1001.

[0120] Next, the operation of the information system in this embodiment will be described. Figures 22A and 22B are flowcharts showing the operation of the information system in this embodiment, and Figures 23A to 23D are diagrams for explaining operation screens.

[0121] In FIG. 22A, when a user operates the user terminal 6 and starts an application program (step S201), the user terminal 6 transmits an authentication request along with user information to the server 8 (step S202). The server 8 performs authentication by comparing the transmitted user information with a user database stored in the server 8 (step S203). If the authentication is successful, the server 8 notifies the user terminal 6 of the success of the authentication (step S204). The user terminal 6 displays the menu screen shown in FIG. 23A and prompts the user to select a menu item (step S205). The menu screen is used to ask the user what to select first when determining natural environment information. The menu screen includes, for example, items such as "Select from content," "Select from scent," "Select by keyword," and "Select from mood / behavior."

[0122] When the user selects "Select from Contents," the user terminal 6 further displays the content selection screen shown in FIG. 23B and prompts the user to select content (step S206). The content selection screen includes content such as "Spring Park," "Rose Garden," "Forest," and "Seaside." When the user selects desired content from the content selection screen, the user terminal 6 transmits identification information of the selected content to the server 8 (step S207). The server 8 reads out a content table corresponding to the received content identification information (step S208). For example, when the user selects "Spring Park," the server 8 reads out a content table corresponding to the identification information of the content. The read out content table may include natural environment information with a story related to "Spring Park."

[0123] When the user selects "Select by Fragrance" on the menu screen, the user terminal 6 displays the fragrance selection screen shown in FIG. 23C and prompts the user to select a fragrance (step S208). The fragrance selection screen includes fragrance names such as "rose," "jasmine," "tulip," "basil," "geosmin," and "phytoncide." When the user selects a desired fragrance from the fragrance selection screen, the user terminal 6 transmits identification information of the selected fragrance to the server (step S209). The server 8 extracts from the multiple content tables a content table that includes the fragrance corresponding to the received identification information.

[0124] When the user selects "Select by keyword" on the menu screen, the user terminal 6 transmits the input keyword to the server 8 (step S211). The server 8 extracts a content table that includes the received keyword from among multiple content tables. If a content table that matches the keyword is not found, the server 8 searches for a content table that is highly relevant to the keyword. For example, if the user inputs "Jamaican Blue Mountain" as a keyword, the server 8 extracts a content table that includes olfactory information about the aroma of Blue Mountain coffee, visual information about Jamaican Blue Mountain, and the like.

[0125] When the user selects "Select from Mood / Action" on the menu screen, the user terminal displays the selection screen shown in FIG. 23D and prompts the user to select a mood or action (step S212). The selection screen includes keywords that represent moods or actions, such as "Work / Study," "Exercise," "Housework," "Getting Ready," "Relaxing," and "Sleep." When the user selects a desired keyword from the selection screen shown in FIG. 22D, the user terminal 6 transmits the selected keyword to the server 8 (step S213). The server 8 extracts a content table related to the received keyword (step S214).

[0126] Once the content table is determined, the server 8 requests sensor information from the information device 100 (step S215). The information device 100 acquires the sensor information from the sensor unit 107 provided in the information device 100 or the sensor unit 4 provided in the fragrance device 1 (step S216), and transmits the sensor information to the server 8 (step S217). The server 8 acquires the sensor information transmitted from the information device 100 as an environmental factor. Furthermore, if the content table determined in step S214 relates to a location distant from the user's space 1001, the server 8 acquires environmental factors such as weather information for that location via the network 7. For example, if the content table relates to a park in a foreign country, the server 8 may acquire weather information for that country from the network 7.

[0127] 22B, the server 8 requests the information device 100 for device information on each of the devices 200 (step S220), and the information device 100 acquires the device information from the devices 200 connected to the information device 100 (step S221). The device information includes information such as the type of device, device specifications, and device status. For example, the device information on the display device 201 may include an identification code that identifies the display device 201, the maximum resolution of the display device 201, and information indicating the operating status of the display device 201. The information device 100 transmits the device information on each of the devices 200 to the server 8 (step S222), and determines natural environment information corresponding to each of the devices 200 in accordance with environmental factors (step S223).

[0128] For example, if the determined content table is related to a park in spring, the server 8 determines visual information such as plants, flowers, insects, and the sky, auditory information such as birdsong and the sound of the wind, tactile information of insects, and olfactory information of plants, flowers, etc., according to environmental factors such as light, time, season, and temperature. The server 8 transmits the visual information, auditory information, tactile information, and olfactory information to the information device 100 as natural environment information (step S224).

[0129] Information device 100 controls device group 200 based on the received natural environment information. Information device 100 transmits visual information to display device 201, lighting device 208, and electric curtain 209. Display device 201 displays images of plants, flowers, insects, the sky, etc. based on the visual information, and controls lighting device 208 and electric curtain 209 to recreate the light of a spring park in space 1001. Information device 100 transmits auditory information to audio device 206, which outputs sounds such as birdsong and the sound of the wind based on the auditory information. Information device 100 also transmits olfactory information to fragrance device 1, which emits the scent of plants and flowers based on the olfactory information. In this way, it is possible to recreate the natural environment of a spring park in space 1001.

[0130] Furthermore, if the content table relates to a mimosa pudica, display device 201 displays an image of the mimosa pudica. When touch panel 201b detects that the user's finger has touched the image of the mimosa pudica, information device 100 transmits device information of touch panel 201b to server 8. Server 8 transmits tactile information to tactile actuator 201c, along with visual information showing the mimosa pudica leaves closing. Tactile actuator 201c stimulates the user's finger, allowing the user to experience the sensation of touching a leaf.

[0131] The user terminal 6 detects a user operation at regular intervals and transmits operation information to the information device 100 (step S226). If the operation information does not indicate the end of the operation (NO in step S227), the information device 100 returns the process to step S215 and repeats the processes of steps S215 to S225. That is, the server 8 updates the natural environment information while acquiring environmental factors and device information from the information device 100. For example, if the device group 200 is recreating the natural environment of a park in spring and it starts to rain outdoors, the server 8 generates new visual information, auditory information, and the like about the rainfall. In this way, the natural environment can be estimated according to environmental factors that change in real time, and the natural environment can be reproduced in the space 1001.

[0132] If the operation information transmitted from the user terminal 6 indicates the end of operation (YES in step S227), the information device 100 terminates the operation of the device group 200 (step S228). The information device 100 also generates log information indicating the control history of the device group 200 (step S229) and transmits it to the server 8 (step S230). The server 8 stores the received log information as a database and can learn user preferences, etc.

[0133] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reproduce a natural environment space by estimating and outputting natural environment information according to environmental factors.

[0134] [Other embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, some or all of the functions of the server, user terminal, fragrance device, and information device may be performed by other devices. For example, the server may perform information processing of the fragrance device and information device, and the device that is the main operator may be changed as appropriate.

[0135] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-165480, filed September 11, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1 Fragrance device 2. Control section 3 Power supply section 4 Sensor section 5 Diffuser 51 Fragrance Palette 52 Drive circuit 53 Piezoelectric vibrator 58 fans 6 User terminals 7 Network 8 Server 100 Information equipment 200 Display device 203 Tactile Actuator 206 Audio Device

Claims

1. An aroma device that diffuses a fragrance containing natural materials, an acquisition unit that acquires outdoor or indoor environmental factors; a control unit that refers to a storage device that stores a fragrance profile that describes the relationship between environmental factors in the natural environment where the natural material lives and the fragrance intensity of the natural material, and uses the fragrance profile to determine the fragrance intensity of the natural material contained in the fragrance as an aromatic state according to the environmental factors acquired by the acquisition unit, and determines the amount of fragrance to be diffused so as to reproduce a natural environment space according to the determined aromatic state; A fragrance device comprising:

2. The fragrance device according to claim 1 , wherein the environmental factor is a factor based on at least one of diurnal variation, seasonal variation, and climate change.

3. 3. The fragrance device according to claim 1, wherein the natural material is a plant or a fungus.

4. 4. The fragrance device according to claim 3, wherein the plant is at least one of rose, snapdragon, cyclamen, and plum, and the amount of diffusion in the morning is greater than the amount of diffusion in the afternoon.

5. The fragrance device according to claim 3, wherein the plant is at least one of jasmine, lily, petunia, lady's slipper, cherry orchid, moonflower, ylang-ylang, night jasmine, African gardenia, jasmine, Hawaiian hibiscus, jasmine flower, night jasmine, nepal, tuberose, night lily, Nicotiana sylvestris, gardenia, and Japanese laurel, and the amount of diffusion in the morning is less than the amount of diffusion in the afternoon.

6. 4. The fragrance device according to claim 3, wherein the environmental factors include temperature, and the amount of diffusion is changed depending on the temperature.

7. 7. The fragrance device according to claim 6, wherein the plant is a tulip, and the amount of diffusion is maximized when the temperature is between 17 and 25 degrees Celsius.

8. 7. The fragrance device according to claim 6, wherein the plant is blackcurrant, and the amount of diffusion is maximized when the temperature is between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius.

9. 7. The fragrance device according to claim 6, wherein the plant is a petunia, and the amount of diffusion is maximized when the temperature is between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius.

10. 7. The fragrance device according to claim 6, wherein the plant is a plant capable of diffusing phytoncides, and the amount of phytoncides diffused increases as the temperature rises, or the amount of phytoncides diffused in the afternoon is greater than the amount of phytoncides diffused in the morning.

11. 4. The fragrance device according to claim 3, wherein the plant is a grass or geranium capable of diffusing phytoncides, and the amount of phytoncides diffused increases as the wind speed increases.

12. 4. The fragrance device according to claim 3, wherein the plant is basil or rose geranium, and the amount of diffusion increases as the amount of carbon dioxide increases.

13. 4. The fragrance device according to claim 3, wherein the bacteria diffuse geosmin, and the amount of diffusion increases within a predetermined time after the rain stops.

14. 14. The fragrance device according to claim 1, wherein the environmental factors include information on at least one of time, season, temperature, climate, carbon dioxide concentration, oxygen concentration, and wind speed.

15. a detector for detecting the environmental factors in a space in which the fragrance device is installed; The fragrance device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the control unit corrects the amount of diffusion in accordance with the environmental factor detected by the detector.

16. 16. The fragrance device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the environmental factors of an area designated by a user.

17. The fragrance device is capable of diffusing a plurality of the fragrances, The fragrance device according to claim 16, wherein the control unit selects, from among the plurality of fragrances, at least one fragrance that corresponds to the natural material that grows in the area.

18. The fragrance device is capable of diffusing a plurality of the fragrances, The fragrance device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the control unit selects at least one of the fragrances from among the plurality of fragrances according to the user's preferences or behavioral patterns.

19. The fragrance device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the control unit calculates the correlation between the fragrance selected by the user and the past environmental factors, and selects the fragrance that has a high correlation with the current environmental factors.

20. 1. A method for controlling a fragrance device that diffuses a fragrance comprising natural materials, comprising: acquiring outdoor or indoor environmental factors; A method characterized by comprising a step of: referring to a storage device that stores the relationship between environmental factors in the natural environment in which the natural material lives and the fragrance intensity of the natural material as a fragrance profile; using the fragrance profile to determine the fragrance intensity of the natural material contained in the fragrance as an aromatic state according to the environmental factors acquired in the acquiring step; and determining the amount of fragrance to be diffused so as to reproduce a natural environment space according to the determined aromatic state.

21. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for a fragrance device that diffuses a fragrance containing natural materials, acquiring outdoor or indoor environmental factors; A program characterized by comprising a step of: referring to a storage device that stores the relationship between environmental factors in the natural environment in which natural materials live and the fragrance intensity of the natural materials as a fragrance profile; using the fragrance profile to determine the fragrance intensity of the natural materials contained in the fragrance as an aromatic state according to the environmental factors acquired in the acquiring step; and determining the amount of fragrance to be diffused so as to reproduce a natural environment space according to the determined aromatic state.

22. A terminal device for controlling an aroma device that diffuses a fragrance containing natural materials, an acquisition unit that acquires outdoor or indoor environmental factors; an input unit for inputting user information including user preferences or behavior patterns; a terminal control unit that refers to a storage device that stores a fragrance profile that describes the relationship between environmental factors in the natural environment in which the natural material lives and the fragrance intensity of the natural material, and uses the fragrance profile to determine the fragrance intensity of the natural material contained in the fragrance as an aromatic state according to the environmental factors acquired by the acquisition unit, and determines a diffusion command value corresponding to the amount of fragrance to be diffused so as to reproduce a natural environment space according to the determined aromatic state and the user information; a transmitter that transmits the diffusion command value to the fragrance device; A terminal device comprising:

23. The information device further includes an information device that outputs natural environment information including at least one of visual information, acoustic information, tactile information, and olfactory information in the natural environment; The fragrance device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the control unit estimates the natural environment information for the environmental factors.

24. 24. The fragrance device according to claim 23, wherein the environmental factor is a factor based on at least one of diurnal variation, seasonal variation, and climate change.

25. 25. The fragrance device according to claim 23, wherein the environmental factors include at least one of information on time, season, temperature, climate, weather, and wind speed.

26. 26. The fragrance device according to claim 23, wherein the natural environment information includes at least one of an image of plants, a sound of the plants touching each other, and a scent emitted from the plants.

27. The fragrance device according to claim 26, wherein the control unit changes the display of the plant when it detects that the user has touched the image of the plant.

28. The fragrance device according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the natural environment information includes an image of a celestial body, the light of the celestial body, or an image of a shadow cast by the light of the celestial body.

29. The fragrance device according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the natural environment information includes at least one of images, sounds, indoor illuminance, and indoor humidity associated with meteorological phenomena.

30. The fragrance device according to any one of claims 23 to 29, further comprising a detector for detecting the environmental factor in a space in which the information device is installed.

31. The fragrance device according to any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the environmental factors of an area designated by a user.

32. The fragrance device according to any one of claims 23 to 31, characterized in that the control unit selects at least one of the natural environment information from among the plurality of natural environment information in accordance with the user's preferences or behavioral patterns.

33. outputting natural environment information including at least one of visual information, acoustic information, tactile information, and olfactory information in the natural environment; and estimating the natural environment information in the environmental factors.

34. outputting natural environment information including at least one of visual information, acoustic information, tactile information, and olfactory information in the natural environment; 22. The program according to claim 21, further comprising a step of estimating the natural environment information in the environmental factors.

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