Odor generating device, olfactory testing or olfactory training system, olfactory presentation device for the prevention and / or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, and odor experience device.

Abstract

To provide technology with which it is possible to deliver an odor component to a prescribed location.　The present technology provides, first of all, an odor generation device having cartridges for holding a tubular body that contains an odor component, a releasing unit for releasing the odor component to the exterior, and a disposition drive unit for disposing a specific cartridge from among a plurality of the cartridges in the vicinity of the releasing unit. The present technology also provides an olfactory test or olfactory training system, an olfactory presentation neurodegenerative disease prevention and / or treatment device, and an odor experience device having the aforementioned odor generation device and an information processing device for controlling the disposition drive unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to an odor generating device, an olfactory inspection or olfactory training system, an olfactory presentation neurodegenerative disease prevention and / or treatment device, and an odor experience device. More specifically, it relates to an odor generating device, an olfactory inspection or olfactory training system, an olfactory presentation neurodegenerative disease prevention and / or treatment device, and an odor experience device that can deliver odor components to a desired position.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been proposed a technique for providing an odor to a user by supplying air to an odor holding body that holds an odor and discharging the odor by the flow of the air.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an aroma device having an aroma head that can discharge a gas containing an aroma substance at the tip of a user's nose and can exhaust air for deodorization. Further, in Patent Document 1, it is also proposed that in the aroma device, a pipe for supplying an odorless gas used for discharging a gas containing an aroma substance and a pipe for intake for deodorization are integrated with a flexible arm that holds the aroma head at a position in the air.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the conventional odor generating device, depending on the odor and its concentration, the odor may adhere to the members constituting the odor generating device and may not be taken for a certain period of time. Therefore, it was necessary to suppress as much as possible the adhesion of the odor to the members constituting the odor generating device by bringing the discharge port of the odor component closer to the tip of the user's nose.

[0006] Therefore, the primary objective of this technology is to provide a method that can deliver odor components to a desired location. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This technology first provides an odor generating device comprising: a cartridge that holds a tubular body containing odor components; a discharge unit that releases the odor components to the outside; and a placement drive unit that positions a specific cartridge among a plurality of cartridges near the discharge unit.

[0008] Furthermore, this technology also provides an olfactory testing or olfactory training system comprising: an odor generating device having a cartridge that holds a tubular body containing odor components; a discharge unit that releases the odor components to the outside; and a placement drive unit that positions a specific cartridge among a plurality of cartridges near the discharge unit; and an information processing device that controls the placement drive unit.

[0009] Furthermore, this technology also provides an olfactory-presented device for the prevention and / or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, comprising: an odor generating device having a cartridge that holds a tubular body containing odor components; an emission unit that releases the odor components to the outside; and an arrangement drive unit that positions a specific cartridge among a plurality of cartridges near the emission unit; and an information processing device that controls the arrangement drive unit.

[0010] In addition, this technology also provides a scent experience device comprising a scent generating device having a cartridge that holds a tubular body containing scent components, a discharge unit that releases the scent components to the outside, and a placement drive unit that positions a specific cartridge among a plurality of cartridges near the discharge unit, and an information processing device that controls the placement drive unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the first embodiment of the odor generating device 1. [Figure 2]This is a diagram showing the first embodiment of the odor generating device 1. [Figure 3A] This is a six-view drawing showing an example of an embodiment of cartridge 10. [Figure 3B] This is a cross-sectional view of cartridge 10 using PP wire. [Figure 3C] This is a cross-sectional view of cartridge 10 along the QQ line. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing an example of an embodiment of the holding part 11. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing an example of an embodiment of the movable part 12. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing an example of an embodiment of the support portion 13. [Figure 7] This diagram schematically shows the cartridge 10 being held by the support part 13, as viewed from above. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing an example of an embodiment of the cartridge unit 20. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing an example of an embodiment of the cartridge unit 20. [Figure 10] This figure schematically shows an example of a different embodiment of the cartridge unit 20 from those shown in Figures 8 and 9. [Figure 11] This figure schematically shows an example of a different embodiment of the cartridge unit 20 from those shown in Figures 8 to 10. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of the cartridge unit 20 showing the side (back side in Figure 8 or Figure 9) that does not have the multiple support parts 13 of the retaining part 202. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an embodiment of the guide section 141. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view showing an example of an embodiment of the discharge section 140. [Figure 15] This diagram illustrates how the discharge section 140 and the guide section 141 engage with each other. [Figure 16] This diagram illustrates the operation of the placement drive unit 152. [Figure 17] This diagram illustrates the operation of the placement drive unit 152. [Figure 18]It is a diagram for explaining the operation of discharging the air K containing odor components in the odor generating device 1. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing the second embodiment of the odor generating device 1. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing the second embodiment of the odor generating device 1. [Figure 21] It is a diagram for explaining the air flow in the guide portion 141. [Figure 22] It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the exhaust portion. [Figure 23] It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the intake portion. [Figure 24] It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the intake portion. [Figure 25] It is a diagram for explaining the deodorizing operation in the odor generating device 1. [Figure 26] It is a diagram showing the third embodiment of the odor generating device 1. [Figure 27] It is a diagram showing the third embodiment of the odor generating device 1. [Figure 28] It is a diagram showing the fourth embodiment of the odor generating device 1. [Figure 29] It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the odor generating device 1 according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 30] It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the odor generating device 1 according to the fourth embodiment, which is different from that in FIG. 29. [Figure 31] It is a diagram showing the fifth embodiment of the odor generating device 1. [Figure 32] It is a diagram showing an example of an embodiment of the guide portion 141 used in the odor generating device 1 according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 33] It is a diagram showing an example of an embodiment of the olfactory inspection or olfactory training system 3. [Figure 34] It is a diagram for explaining the operation of olfactory inspection or olfactory training in the olfactory inspection or olfactory training system 3. [Figure 35] It is a view of the odor generating device 1 according to the fifth embodiment as viewed from the front storage portion 14 side. [Figure 36]This figure shows the odor generating device 1 according to the fifth embodiment, as viewed from the front storage compartment 14 side, which is different from Figure 35. [Figure 37] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating how outside air is induced. [Figure 38] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing how outside air is induced, which differs from Figure 37. [Figure 39] This figure shows the odor generating device 1 according to the fifth embodiment, as viewed from the front storage compartment 14 side, which differs from Figures 35 and 36. [Figure 40] This diagram illustrates the operation of the odor generator 1 according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 41] This is a perspective view of the odor generating device 1 according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 42] This figure shows an example of an embodiment of holder 133. [Figure 43] This figure shows an example of an embodiment of the intake passage 1331. [Figure 44] This figure shows an example of an embodiment of an area 1332 for storing a deodorizer 1330 and a flow path 1333 connecting the area 1332 to a ventilation passage. [Figure 45] This is a partially enlarged view of Figure 44. [Figure 46] This diagram shows the process of replacing the guide section 141. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The following describes a suitable embodiment for implementing this technology with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are representative examples of the present technology and should not be interpreted as narrowing the scope of the present technology. The explanation will be given in the following order. 1. First Embodiment (Odor Generator 1) (1) Example of the configuration of the odor generating device 1 (1-1) Overall structure (1-2) Cartridge 10 (1-3) Holding part 11 (1-4) Movable part 12 (1-5) Support part 13 (1-6) Cartridge unit 20 for odor generator (1-7) Front storage compartment 14 (1-8) Rear storage compartment 15 (1-9) Arrangement drive unit 152 (1-10) Position adjustment section 16 (2) Example of operation of odor generator 1 2. Second Embodiment (Odor Generator 1) (1) Example of the configuration of the odor generating device 1 (1-1) Overall structure (1-2) Front storage compartment 14 (1-3) Position adjustment section 16 (1-4) Contact portion 17 (1-5) Deodorizing section 18 (1-6) Guide section 141 (1-7) Exhaust section (1-8) Intake section (2) Example of operation of odor generator 1 3. Third Embodiment (Odor Generator 1) (1) Example of the configuration of the odor generating device 1 (1-1) Overall structure (1-2) Position adjustment section 16 (1-3) Guide section 141 4. Fourth Embodiment (Odor Generating Device 1) (1) Example of the configuration of the odor generating device 1 (1-1) Overall structure (1-2) Support section 13 and cartridge unit 20 for odor generating device (1-3) Storage compartment 40 (2) Example of operation of odor generator 1 5. Fifth Embodiment (Odor Generating Device 1) (1) Example of the configuration of the odor generating device 1 (1-1) Overall structure (1-2) Front storage compartment 14 and rear storage compartment 15 (1-3) Guide section 141 (1-4) Odor-proof section 143 (1-5) Airflow guide section 144 (2) Example of operation of odor generator 1 6. Sixth Embodiment (Odor Generating Device 1) (1) Example of the configuration of the odor generating device 1 (1-1) Overall structure (1-2) Holder 133 (1-3) Guide section 141 (1-4) Drive mechanism section 151 (1-5) Bottom protrusion 161 7. Seventh Embodiment (Olfactory Test or Olfactory Training System 3) (1) Example of the configuration of the olfactory test or olfactory training system 3 (1-1) Overall structure (1-2) Information Processing Device 2 (2) Example of operation of the olfactory test or olfactory training system 3 8. Eighth Embodiment (Olfactory-Presented Device for the Prevention and / or Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases) 9. Ninth Embodiment (Scent Experience Device)

[0013] 1. First Embodiment (Odor Generator 1)

[0014] (1) Example of the configuration of the odor generating device 1

[0015] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an example of the configuration of the odor generating device 1 according to the first embodiment of this technology will be described. Figure 2 shows the appearance after the parts shown in Figure 1 are engaged, the guide part 141 and the position adjustment part 16 are attached, and the device is installed.

[0016] (1-1) Overall structure

[0017] The odor generator 1 according to this embodiment includes a cartridge 10, a holding part 11, a movable part 12, a support part 13, a cartridge unit 20, a front storage part 14 having a discharge part 140, a guide part 141, a rear storage part 15 having a drive mechanism part 151 and a positioning drive part 152, and a position adjustment part 16. Each part will be described in detail below.

[0018] The odor generator 1 is a device that releases odor components from a tubular body held in a cartridge 10 (described later) to the outside. In this technology, "odor components" may include any components that stimulate some or all of the receptors present in the nasal cavity, such as odor molecules. In addition to olfactory receptors, the nasal cavity also contains trigeminal nerve receptors that control stimuli such as cold, hot, and painful sensations, and the odor components in this technology are a broad concept that includes any components that stimulate some or all of these receptors. Specifically, for example, if menthol is used as the odor component, menthol can stimulate olfactory receptors as well as provide a cold sensation via trigeminal nerve receptors (TRPA1 channels).

[0019] The odor generator 1 can be used, for example, as a device that releases odor into a limited space, specifically for olfactory testing and olfactory training (olfactory stimulation therapy). It may also be installed in automobiles, head-mounted displays, relaxation products such as neck pillows and eye pillows. Furthermore, the odor generator 1 may be used as a device that releases odor into a wide space.

[0020] The odor generator 1 may be portable, allowing the user to carry it, or it may be a stationary type.

[0021] (1-2) Cartridge 10

[0022] The cartridge 10 holds a tubular body 102 containing odor components. Examples of the tubular body 102 include glass tubes, metal tubes made of stainless steel, ceramic tubes, porcelain tubes, and other ceramic tubes, but this technology is not limited to these. Furthermore, the structure of the tubular body 102 may be a sealed structure, for example, but it is not necessarily required to be a sealed structure as long as it can contain odor components, and a part of it may be open.

[0023] Figure 3A is a six-view drawing showing an example of an embodiment of cartridge 10. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of cartridge 10 along the PP line. Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of cartridge 10 along the QQ line.

[0024] The cartridge 10 shown in Figure 3 has at least an opening 101 (101a, 101b), a tubular body 102, a tubular body holding part 103, an odor retainer 104, a ventilation part 105, and a crushing part 106. It may also be provided with a pressing part 107, an odor component induction part 108, etc., as needed.

[0025] In cartridge 10, when the pressing part 107 is pressed, the part of the crushing part 106 pressed by the pressing part 107 deforms in the direction of the tubular body 102, applying pressure to the tubular body 102 and crushing it. Odor components are released from the crushed tubular body 102, and the released odor components are absorbed and retained by the odor retainer 104.

[0026] In cartridge 10, with the odor retainer 104 holding the odor components, opening one of the openings 101a (inlet opening 101a) allows air to flow in from the outside. The incoming air flows into the vent 105 and mixes with the odor components held in the odor retainer 104. In this state, opening the other opening 101b (discharge opening 101b) releases the air containing the odor components to the outside.

[0027] The ventilation section 105 is divided into three compartments (first ventilation section 105a, second ventilation section 105b, third ventilation section 105c), and there are two or three sealing lids 1012, shafts 1013, and springs 1014, respectively (first sealing lid 1012a, second sealing lid 1012b, third sealing lid 1012c, first shaft 1013a, second shaft 1013b, first spring 1014a, second spring 1014b, third spring 1014c), but this technology is not limited to this. Furthermore, the ventilation section 105 may be a single compartment or have two or more compartments. In addition, the number of sealing lids 1012, shafts 1013, and springs 1014 can be freely designed to match the number of compartments in the ventilation section 105.

[0028] (1-3) Holding part 11

[0029] The holding section 11 is the part that holds and accommodates multiple cartridges 10. Preferably, the holding section 11 also includes a crushing mechanism for breaking multiple tubular bodies. While the number of cartridges 10 held by the holding section 11 is four in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, this technology is not limited to this number.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the holding portion 11 has a space 110 into which the cartridge 10 can be mounted. The shape of the space 110 is not particularly limited and can be adapted to the shape of the cartridge 10, for example, it can be formed into a roughly rectangular parallelepiped, roughly cylindrical, roughly cubic, or similar shape. A communication hole 111 is formed on the lower surface of the holding portion 11, through which the plunger of the drive mechanism 151, which will be described later, communicates.

[0031] The crushing mechanism may include either chemical or physical means, and may be contact or non-contact. Specifically, for example, the cartridge 10 has a pressing portion 107 that transmits external force to the tubular body 102, and the tubular body 102 is broken by pressing the pressing portion 107. In this case, the crushing mechanism has a protrusion that can press the pressing portion 107, and when the cartridge 10 having the pressing portion 107 is inserted into the holding portion 11, the pressing portion 107 and the protrusion come into contact, transmitting external force to the tubular body 102 and crushing the tubular body 102.

[0032] The material forming the holding portion 11 is not particularly limited and can be, for example, formed from an organic polymer material. Examples of organic polymer materials include one or more materials from among polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, phenolic resin, olefin resin, nylon, polyester, synthetic rubber, silicone resin, natural rubber, protein, nucleic acid, lipid, polysaccharide, etc. In addition, other materials such as polymer resins like acrylic resin, urethane resin, ABS resin, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin, polyacetal (POM) resin, fluororesin, cycloolefin polymer resin, and polyimide resin, as well as one or more materials from among metals like stainless steel and aluminum, inorganic crystals like quartz, and glass, may be used. Furthermore, the holding portion 11 may be formed to be porous, and examples of porous materials include mesh structures, cork, mesoporous silica, and calcium carbonate. Besides porous materials, fibrous structures, layered structures (e.g., clay minerals), and ceramics can also be used.

[0033] (1-4) Movable part 12

[0034] The movable part 12 is a part that includes multiple holding parts 11. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the number of holding parts 11 in the movable part 12 is 10, but this technology is not limited to this.

[0035] The material used to form the movable part 12 is not particularly limited; for example, it can be the same material as the example material used to form the holding part 11, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0036] The shape of the movable part 12 is not particularly limited as long as it is formed to be able to hold multiple holding parts 11, and can be formed to match the shape of the holding parts 11.

[0037] The movable part 12 preferably has multiple holding parts 11 arranged in parallel. This allows for space saving. Examples of configurations in which the movable part 12 has multiple holding parts 11 arranged in parallel include configurations in which multiple holding parts 11 are arranged in parallel in one direction, configurations in which multiple holding parts 11 are arranged in parallel in one direction and in a direction perpendicular to that direction, and configurations in which multiple holding parts 11 are arranged in parallel in a ring shape as shown in Figure 5. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the movable part 12 has a hole 120 in the center for fitting with the rear storage part 15 and forming a rotation mechanism. It is preferable that the configuration in which the movable part 12 has multiple holding parts 11 is formed to match the configuration in which the cartridge unit 20, which will be described later, supports multiple cartridges 10.

[0038] Furthermore, it is preferable that the movable part 12 has an engaging part 121 that engages with the cartridge unit 20 having a plurality of holding parts 11, as shown in Figure 5. Having an engaging part 121 makes it possible to more reliably break the plurality of tubular bodies 102 and reduces the force required to crush the plurality of tubular bodies 102. The form of the engaging part 121 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a form with threading (male or female thread), a locking device such as a cam latch handle or buckle structure or a lever structure used in a cutting machine or hole punching, or an adhesive layer. If the form of the engaging part 121 is a form with threading, it is preferable that at least a part of the cartridge unit 20 has a portion that engages with the processed part.

[0039] (1-5) Support part 13

[0040] The support portion 13 is the part that supports multiple cartridges 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the number of cartridges 10 supported by the support portion 13 is four, but this technology is not limited to this. However, in this embodiment, since the support portion 13 engages with the holding portion 11 while supporting multiple cartridges 10, it is preferable that the number of cartridges 10 supported by the support portion 13 and the number of cartridges 10 held by the holding portion 11 are the same.

[0041] The material forming the support portion 13 is not particularly limited; for example, it can be the same material as the example material forming the holding portion 11, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0042] The shape of the support portion 13 is not particularly limited as long as it is formed to support multiple cartridges 10, and can be formed to conform to the shape of the cartridge 10. In this embodiment, a communication hole 130 for sending the taken-in air to the user is formed on the lower surface of the support portion 13 (the surface on the front storage portion 14 side), and a positioning mechanism 131 for fitting into the cartridge unit 20 is formed on at least a part of the support portion 13 as shown in Figure 6.

[0043] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the cartridge 10 held by the support part 13, as viewed from above. The arrangement of the multiple cartridges 10 in the support part 13 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to arrange them so that the distance between each discharge opening 101b in the multiple cartridges 10 is equal, as shown in Figure 7.

[0044] The method for engaging multiple cartridges 10 with the support portion 13 is not particularly limited, and examples include a method of mounting each cartridge 10 by pushing it into contact with the support portion 13. In this case, it is preferable that the support portion 13 has a fixing portion 132 that fixes the movement of the cartridge 10 in the attachment / detachment direction. This allows the cartridge 10 to be fixed to a desired position on the support portion 13 via the fixing portion 132. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the shape of the fixing portion 132 is shown to be a claw, but the shape of the fixing portion 132 is not particularly limited.

[0045] In this embodiment, a single support section 13 supports multiple cartridges 10 that have the same scent but different concentrations of the scent. Specifically, when the support section 13 supports four cartridges 10, the cartridges 10 with the same scent, starting from level 1 (lowest concentration), then increasing in concentration to level 2, level 3, and so on, with the highest concentration cartridge 10 (level 4) among the cartridges 10 with the same scent being supported by a single support section 13.

[0046] (1-6) Cartridge unit 20 for odor generator

[0047] The cartridge unit 20 for the odor generator (also simply referred to as "cartridge unit 20") is used in the odor generator 1 and has a plurality of cartridges 10 and a plurality of support parts 13. The number of support parts 13 in the cartridge unit 20 is 10 in the embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9, for example, but is not limited to this in this technology. However, in this embodiment, since the cartridge unit 20 engages with the movable part 12 while having a plurality of support parts 13, it is preferable that the number of holding parts 11 held by the movable part 12 and the number of support parts 13 in the cartridge unit 20 are the same.

[0048] The form of the cartridge unit 20 is not particularly limited as long as it is formed to have multiple cartridges 10 and multiple support parts 13, and can be formed to suit the shape of the cartridges 10 and support parts 13. In Figure 8, a schematic representation shows a form in which the cartridge unit 20 has multiple cartridges 10 on only some of the support parts 13, and in Figure 9, a schematic representation shows a form in which the cartridge unit 20 has multiple cartridges 10 on all of the support parts 13, but this technology may include any of these forms.

[0049] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a different embodiment of the cartridge unit 20 from Figures 8 and 9. The embodiment shown in Figure 10 shows a case where multiple cartridges 10 are supported in parallel in one direction (the X direction in Figure 10). In this embodiment, the cartridge 10 that emits the odor (part P in Figure 10) can be changed by moving the support part 13 or the cartridge unit 20 in the X direction in Figure 10. In addition, in the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the cartridge unit 20 may not only support multiple cartridges 10 on a single plane, but may also support even more cartridges 10 in parallel in the Z-axis direction (not shown).

[0050] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a different embodiment of the cartridge unit 20 from those shown in Figures 8 to 10. The embodiment shown in Figure 11 shows a case where multiple cartridges 10 are supported in parallel in one direction and in a direction perpendicular to that direction (the XY direction in Figure 11). When there are many cartridges 10, this embodiment can save more space than the embodiment shown in Figure 10. In this embodiment, the cartridge 10 that emits the odor (part P in Figure 11) can be changed by moving the support part 13 or the cartridge unit 20 in the X or Y direction in Figure 11. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the cartridge unit 20 may not only support multiple cartridges 10 on a single plane, but may also support even more cartridges 10 in parallel in the Z-axis direction (not shown).

[0051] The embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a case where multiple cartridges 10 are supported in a ring shape. In this embodiment, by rotating the entire cartridge unit 20, centrifugal force can be used to transfer odor components to the odor retainer 104 within the cartridge 10, thereby efficiently generating odor. Note that the cartridge unit 20 may not only support multiple cartridges 10 on a single plane, but may also support multiple cartridges 10 in a ring shape on multiple planes.

[0052] In this embodiment, the cartridge unit 20 preferably has a retaining section 202 for retaining a plurality of support sections 13, as shown in the embodiments in Figures 8 and 9. The shape of the retaining section 202 is not particularly limited and can be formed to suit the support sections 13 and their arrangement, but for example, it can be fitted with one or more positioning mechanisms 131 formed on the support sections 13 to retain the support sections 13. In the embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9, the retaining section 202 supports a plurality of cartridges 10 in a multiple annular shape in plan view, and if there are many cartridges 10, supporting a plurality of cartridges 10 in a multiple annular shape in plan view allows for the support of more cartridges 10 and also saves space.

[0053] The material used to form the retention portion 202 is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, one or more materials from among organic polymer materials, acrylic resins, urethane resins, ABS resins, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) resins, polyacetal (POM) resins, fluororesins, cycloolefin polymer resins, polyimide resins, and other polymer resins, as well as metals such as stainless steel and aluminum.

[0054] In this case, the retaining portion 202 may be formed in a substantially circular shape, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, and may have a hole 2020 in its center, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. This hole 2020 can be used as a positioning mechanism when engaging with the movable portion 12. This makes it possible to configure a rotation mechanism, for example, when engaged with the movable portion 12. In addition, the positioning mechanism may have other components such as a projection 2021. Note that the hole 2020 may be a hole rather than a through hole.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, it is preferable that the retaining portion 202 has a positioning mechanism 2022, particularly at its periphery, for engaging with the movable portion 12. This allows the cartridge unit 20 to be engaged with the movable portion 12 at a desired position. Also, if the engaging portion 121 is a fastener with a buckle structure, the buckle can be configured to lock into the positioning mechanism 2022.

[0056] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the side of the storage section 202 that does not have the plurality of support sections 13 (the back surface in Figures 8 and 9) in the embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9. The storage section 202 preferably has discharge holes 2023 for discharging the odor components. It is more preferable that there are multiple discharge holes 2023, and it is particularly preferable that the number of discharge holes 2023 is the same as the number of cartridges 10 supported by the cartridge unit 20. It is also preferable that the discharge holes 2023 are located in positions corresponding to the communication holes 130 of the support sections 13. In this case, the airflow sent from the communication holes 130 can be discharged through the discharge holes 2023.

[0057] In this embodiment, if the cartridge unit 20 has a first support portion 13a that supports multiple cartridges 10 having the same scent but different concentrations of the scent, the second support portion 13b may support multiple cartridges 10 having the same scent but with different concentrations of the scent than those of the multiple cartridges 10 supported by the first support portion 13a. Specifically, if the first support part 13a supports four cartridges 10, the cartridges 10 with the same scent, starting from level 1 (lowest scent concentration), then increasing in concentration to level 2, level 3, and so on, with the highest concentration in the first support part 13a (level 4) being supported by the first support part 13a. Similarly, if the second support part 13b also supports four cartridges 10, the cartridges 10 with the same scent, starting from level 5 (highest concentration in the first support part 13a), then increasing in concentration to level 6, level 7, and so on, with the highest concentration in the second support part 13b (level 8) being supported by the second support part 13b. In this case, the cartridge unit 20 may have multiple types (e.g., five types) of scents, and each scent may have multiple cartridges 10 that hold the scent at different concentrations (e.g., eight concentrations from level 1 to level 8).

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the cartridge unit 20 may have multiple cartridges 10 pre-installed on some or all of the support parts 13. In this case, the cartridge unit 20 may be distributed with multiple cartridges 10 pre-installed on some or all of the support parts 13.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the odor in some or all of the cartridges 10 disappears, or if a certain period of time has elapsed since the purchase of the cartridge unit 20, the user can address this by replacing only the cartridge unit 20. Therefore, the cartridge unit 20 according to this technology can be distributed as a standalone product. It is also possible to replace only some or all of the cartridges 10 within the cartridge unit 20. Therefore, the cartridges 10 can also be distributed as standalone products.

[0060] Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, the odor generator 1 may have a disposal mechanism for discarding some or all of the cartridges 10 or the cartridge unit 20 when the odor in some or all of the cartridges 10 has disappeared, or when a certain period of time has elapsed since the purchase of the cartridge unit 20.

[0061] (1-7) Front storage compartment 14

[0062] As shown in Figure 1, the front storage compartment 14 is provided with a discharge section 140 that can communicate with the discharge hole 2023 of the cartridge unit 20. Air containing odor components is released to the outside through this discharge section 140.

[0063] In this embodiment, the discharge unit 140 has a guide unit 141 that guides an airflow containing the odor component to the vicinity of the user's nose, as shown in Figure 2. The material used to form the guide unit 141 is not particularly limited and includes, for example, paper (including recycled paper), wood, bamboo bark, plastic, coal, etc. Part or all of the guide unit 141 may be detachable, in which case it may be disposable for each user, for example.

[0064] Furthermore, the guide portion 141 may have an odor component capturing portion 1411. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the odor component capturing portion 1411 is formed by being attached to the back surface of the guide portion 141. The odor component capturing portion 1411 may be, for example, a deodorant or an adsorbent, and may be a gas adsorbent material such as activated carbon woven into or kneaded into the material, or the fibers or structure itself may have a gas adsorption structure, or it may be a filter structure that the airflow must pass through before being discharged.

[0065] The material used to form the odor component capturing section 1411 is not particularly limited and can be, for example, activated carbon (e.g., coconut, fir, bamboo, resin, wood, fiber, coal, etc.), zeolite, layered compounds (e.g., sheet silicate, alumina, etc.), porous silica (including mesoporous silica), etc. The shape of the odor component capturing section 1411 is also not particularly limited and may be powder, granular, fibrous, molded, sheet (e.g., nonwoven fabric, woven fabric, etc.), rod-shaped, plate-shaped, etc. The surface treatment of the odor component capturing section 1411 may or may not involve activation treatment, and may or may not involve surface functional group exposure treatment (e.g., acidification, alkalinization, polarization, depolarization, etc.).

[0066] The guide section 141 may have an inflow prevention section 1412 inside to prevent the inflow of exhaled air from the user's nose and / or mouth. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, a plate-shaped inflow prevention section 1412 is provided inside the guide section 141 to prevent droplets generated, for example, when the user sneezes. The material used to form the inflow prevention section 1412 is not particularly limited and includes, for example, paper (including recycled paper), wood, bamboo bark, plastic, coal, etc. Similar to the guide section 141 described above, part or all of the inflow prevention section 1412 may be detachable, in which case, for example, it may be disposable for each user.

[0067] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the discharge section 140. The discharge section 140 may be formed to protrude from the housing as shown in Figure 14.

[0068] Figure 15 illustrates how the discharge section 140 and the guide section 141 engage with each other. As shown in Figure 15, the guide portion 141 may have an engaging portion 1413 that engages with a part of the discharge portion 140 or a part of the front storage portion 14. In this case, it is preferable that a part of the discharge portion 140 or a part of the front storage portion 14 is provided with an engaged portion 1401 that engages with the engaging portion 1413. In the embodiment shown in Figure 15, for example, the engaging portion 1413 is concave and the engaged portion 1401 is convex, but these shapes may be reversed, that is, the engaging portion 1413 may be convex and the engaged portion 1401 may be concave. Furthermore, the form of the engaging portion 1413 is not limited to the concave and convex shapes described above, but may also be a threaded form (male or female thread), a locking device such as a cam latch handle or buckle structure or a lever structure used in a cutting machine or hole punching, an adhesive layer, etc.

[0069] (1-8) Rear storage compartment 15

[0070] The rear storage section 15 is provided with a fitting section 150 that engages with the movable section 12. Preferably, the fitting section 150 is configured to withstand the load applied in the direction of attachment and detachment of the cartridges 10 when crushing multiple cartridges 10.

[0071] Furthermore, the rear storage section 15 is equipped with a drive mechanism section 151. In addition, it may be equipped with a circuit board for supplying power to the drive mechanism section 151 and the placement drive section 152 based on instructions from the user interface section 21. The drive mechanism section 151 is equipped with a drive mechanism housing section and is connected to the operating shaft and the first shaft 1013a in the cartridge 10 to drive them. The drive mechanism housing section can be cylindrical, for example, but can be formed into shapes such as a cylinder, rectangular parallelepiped, or cube to match the shape of the cartridge 10.

[0072] The drive mechanism 151 comprises a plunger connected to the operating shaft and a thin wire shape memory alloy SMA, which is a drive source for driving the plunger, located inside the drive mechanism housing. The rear end of the plunger is fixed to a drive mechanism fixing part located at the rear end of the drive mechanism housing. Near the tip of the plunger, there is an SMA sliding part that folds back the shape memory alloy SMA for sliding. The entire drive mechanism 151 is fixed to a support attached below the drive mechanism housing, and power supply wiring is connected to the rear end of the shape memory alloy SMA located inside the drive mechanism fixing part.

[0073] The plunger is movable in the extensional direction within the drive mechanism housing by the expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy SMA. The shape of the plunger is not particularly limited as long as it is a shape that pushes the operating shaft, and may be cylindrical, conical, cylindrical, prismatic, etc.

[0074] The shape memory alloy (SMA) is folded back into a U-shape at the SMA sliding section located near the tip of the plunger, passes through the inside of the plunger, and both ends are fixed to the drive mechanism fixing section located at the rear end of the plunger. Furthermore, the actuator, which is the drive source, is not limited to the shape memory alloy (SMA), but can be any linear motion mechanism that moves the plunger in a straight line, such as a motor, solenoid, linear slide type, pneumatic (air pump type), or small electromagnet. Here, a linear motion mechanism includes not only cases where a single member moves in a straight line, but also cases where some members of a connected set of members move in a straight line.

[0075] (1-9) Arrangement drive unit 152

[0076] As shown in Figure 16, the placement drive unit 152 is the part that positions a specific cartridge 10 from among the multiple cartridges 10 near the discharge unit 140. The presence of the placement drive unit 152 in the odor generator 1 allows any cartridge 10 to be moved near the discharge unit 140, enabling the odor components held in the odor holder 104 of the cartridge 10 to be delivered to a desired location (for example, the user's nose). Furthermore, this minimizes the adhesion of odor to the components constituting the odor generator 1. In this embodiment, the placement drive unit 152 is located within the rear storage unit 15 described above. The rear storage unit 15 includes a circuit board and the like for supplying power to the placement drive unit 152 based on instructions from the user interface unit 21.

[0077] The placement drive unit 152 can be driven in accordance with the configuration of the support unit 13 and the cartridge unit 20 described above. For example, if the cartridge unit 20 is the embodiment shown in Figure 10, it can be driven linearly; if the cartridge unit 20 is the configuration shown in Figure 11, it can be driven along the XY axis; and if the cartridge unit 20 is the configuration shown in Figures 8 and 9, it can be driven rotaryly as shown in Figure 16.

[0078] The placement drive unit 152 is not particularly limited, and conventionally known actuators and the like can be used.

[0079] When the support unit 13 supports multiple cartridges 10 that have the same scent but different concentrations, it is preferable for the placement drive unit 152 to rotate each support unit 13, as shown in Figure 17. This allows the user to be provided with the same scent for each cartridge.

[0080] In this case, as shown in Figure 17, it is preferable that the placement drive unit 152 moves a second support unit 13b, which supports a plurality of cartridges 10 having the same scent but at different concentrations than those supported by the first support unit 13a, after the first support unit 13a, which supports a plurality of cartridges 10 having the same scent but at different concentrations. Specifically, as described above, if the first support unit 13a and the second support unit 13b support four cartridges 10, the second support unit 13b can be moved after providing the user with scents of the same scent at concentrations of levels 1 to 4, and then providing the user with scents of the same scent at concentrations of levels 5 to 8. In this case, the cartridge unit 20 may have multiple types (for example, five types) of scents, and for each scent, scents at concentrations of levels 1 to 8 may be provided to the user in a desired order.

[0081] (1-10) Position adjustment section 16

[0082] The position adjustment section 16 is a part that allows the position of the guide section 141 described above to be adjusted.

[0083] The form of the position adjustment unit 16 is not particularly limited as long as it can adjust the position of the guide unit 141. For example, as shown in Figure 2, a stand that can fix the position of the guide unit 141 can be provided on the side of the housing, allowing the user to freely adjust the height and angle of the guide unit 141, eliminating positional misalignment caused by gender, chair height, desk height, etc., and allowing the user to smell the fragrance in a comfortable posture. Also, as shown in Figure 14, if the discharge unit 140 is formed protruding from the housing, a stand that can be freely bent and have its position fixed may be provided on the underside of the discharge unit 140. Other forms include, for example, jacks (including mechanical, liquid-operated, and air-operated types), stands supported by rods, plate-shaped members, shape-memory materials, etc., and flip mechanisms. Furthermore, the number of these jacks, stands, etc., that make up the position adjustment unit 16 may be multiple.

[0084] Furthermore, the position adjustment unit 16 can adjust the position of the housing so that the retention portion 202 of the cartridge unit 20 is approximately horizontal to the installation surface when the cartridge unit 20 is replaced. This makes it easier to replace the cartridge unit 20 and improves usability. Also, when engaging the cartridge unit 20 with the movable part 12 to split the multiple tubular bodies 102, adjusting the position of the housing makes it easier to apply external force.

[0085] (2) Example of operation of odor generator 1

[0086] Referring to Figure 18, an example of the odor generation operation of the odor generating device 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0087] First, the placement drive unit 152, which receives instructions via the information processing device 2 (described later), rotates the entire cartridge unit 20 by energizing the actuator, thereby positioning the support unit 13 that supports the cartridge 10 having a specific scent near the discharge unit 140.

[0088] Next, as shown in Figure 18A, the drive mechanism 151, which receives instructions via the information processing device 2 (described later), compresses the shape memory alloy SMA, which is the drive source, by supplying current from the wiring to the shape memory alloy SMA, causing it to slide through the SMA sliding part. Then, when the shape memory alloy SMA is compressed, the drive mechanism fixing part connected to the end of the shape memory alloy SMA moves the plunger toward the cartridge 10.

[0089] As the plunger moves toward the cartridge 10, the operating shaft connected to the tip of the plunger pushes the first sealing lid 1012a inward toward the first ventilation section 105a, causing the inflow opening 101a to open and allowing air to flow into the first ventilation section 105a. At this time, the first spring 1014a is compressed by the first sealing lid 1012a.

[0090] As the first sealing lid 1012a is pushed inward towards the first ventilation section 105a, the first shaft 1013a attached to the first sealing lid 1012a moves toward the second ventilation section 105b. This first shaft 1013a pushes the second sealing lid 1012b inward towards the second ventilation section 105b, causing air from the first ventilation section 105a to flow into the second ventilation section 105b. At this time, the second spring 1014b is compressed by the second sealing lid 1012b.

[0091] The air flowing into the second ventilation section 105b mixes with the odor components held in the odor retainer 104 (described later), creating odor-containing air K.

[0092] As the second sealing lid 1012b is pushed inward towards the second ventilation section 105b, the second shaft 1013b attached to the second sealing lid 1012b moves in the direction of the third ventilation section 105c. This second shaft 1013b pushes the third sealing lid 1012c inward towards the third ventilation section 105c, causing the odor-containing air K from the second ventilation section 105b to flow into the third ventilation section 105c. At this time, the third spring 1014c is compressed by the third sealing lid 1012c.

[0093] Since the third ventilation section 105c is in communication with the discharge opening 101b, the air K containing the odor component that flows into the third ventilation section 105c is discharged from the discharge opening 101b. As shown in Figure 18B, the air K containing the odor component then flows through the discharge opening 101b and is discharged from the discharge section 140 of the front storage section 14 via the communication hole 130 of the support section 13 and the discharge hole 2023 of the cartridge unit 20. The discharged air K containing the odor component is then guided by the guide section 141 to the vicinity of the user's nose.

[0094] Next, as shown in Figure 18C, after releasing the air containing the odor component to the outside, the actuator's power is cut off. This releases the compressed state of the shape memory alloy SMA, which is now de-energized. As the plunger returns to its original position, the first sealing lid 1012a is also returned to its original position by the restoring force of the compressed first spring 1014a. The second sealing lid 1012b is returned to its original position by the restoring force of the second spring 1014b, and the third sealing lid 1012c is returned to its original position by the restoring force of the third spring 1014c.

[0095] This sliding capping mechanism, consisting of the first sealing lid 1012a, the second sealing lid 1012b, and the third sealing lid 1012c, allows the first ventilation section 105a and the second ventilation section 105b to be sealed.

[0096] Furthermore, the drive mechanism 151 is designed so that no load is applied to the shape memory alloy SMA when no power is supplied. In this embodiment, a shape memory alloy SMA is used as an example, but it is not limited to this, and an elastic body or the like that can move the plunger in the front-rear direction may also be used.

[0097] Then, as shown in Figure 18D, the placement drive unit 152, which receives instructions via the information processing device 2 (described later), energizes the actuator to rotate the entire cartridge unit 20, thereby positioning the support unit 13 that supports the next cartridge 10 having a specific scent near the discharge unit 140. After that, the operation returns to the one shown in Figure 18A.

[0098] 2. Second Embodiment (Odor Generator 1)

[0099] (1) Example of the configuration of the odor generating device 1

[0100] Referring to Figures 19 and 21, an example of the configuration of the odor generating device 1 according to the first embodiment of this technology will be described. This embodiment is a modified version of the odor generating device 1 according to the first and second embodiments described above.

[0101] (1-1) Overall structure

[0102] The odor generating device 1 according to this embodiment includes a cartridge 10, a holding part 11, a movable part 12, a support part 13, a cartridge unit 20, a front storage part 14 having a discharge part 140 and a communication hole 142, a guide part 141, a rear storage part 15 having a drive mechanism part 151 and a positioning drive part 152, a position adjustment part 16, a contact part 17, a deodorizing part 18, an exhaust part, an intake part, and a duct 19. In Figure 20, the movable part 12 having multiple holding parts 11, the drive mechanism part 151 and the positioning drive part 152, the exhaust part, and the intake part are shown already engaged with the rear storage part 15, in order from the top side (front storage part 14 side). Each part will be described in detail below.

[0103] In this embodiment, the cartridge 10, holding part 11, movable part 12, support part 13, cartridge unit 20, and placement drive part 152 are the same as those described above, so their explanation is omitted here.

[0104] (1-2) Front storage compartment 14

[0105] The front storage section 14 has a discharge section 140 that can communicate with the discharge hole 2023 of the cartridge unit 20, as well as a communication hole 142 that communicates with the deodorizing section 18, which will be described later. This allows the remaining air containing odor components to be guided to the deodorizing section 18. The shape of the communication hole 142 is not particularly limited and can be formed to suit the shape of the deodorizing section 18, etc.

[0106] (1-3) Position adjustment section 16

[0107] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 20, the position adjustment unit 16 is provided on the bottom surface of the substantially cylindrical housing, which can fix the position of the guide unit 141. This allows the user to freely adjust the height and angle of the guide unit 141, enabling them to smell in a comfortable posture. In this embodiment as well, the position adjustment unit 16 can adjust the position of the housing so that the retention portion 202 of the cartridge unit 20 is horizontal when the cartridge unit 20 is replaced.

[0108] (1-4) Contact portion 17

[0109] The contact portion 17 is the part that screws into and contacts the housing, which is equipped with the movable portion 12 and the cartridge unit 20.

[0110] The form of the contact portion 17 is not particularly limited. For example, if the contact portion 17 is a lead screw, the screw groove 172 of the lead screw is pressed against and screwed into a screw projection 171 formed in the center of the housing, which includes the movable portion 12 and the cartridge unit 20, using an external force applied by a drive motor or the user as the power source.

[0111] The material forming the contact portion 17 is not particularly limited, and one or more materials from among organic polymer materials, acrylic resins, urethane resins, ABS resins, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) resins, polyacetal (POM) resins, fluororesins, cycloolefin polymer resins, polyimide resins, and other polymer resins, as well as metals such as stainless steel and aluminum, may be used.

[0112] (1-5) Deodorizing section 18

[0113] The deodorizing section 18 is the part that deodorizes the remaining odor-containing air that is trapped inside the guide section 141.

[0114] The deodorizing unit 18 is located at the bottom of the front storage compartment 14, for example, as shown in Figure 19. The deodorizing unit 18 can operate in the vertical, horizontal, and rotational directions, and its power source may be an actuator or airflow.

[0115] The form of the deodorizing section 18 is not particularly limited, but it can be a filter structure. In this case, the filter may have, for example, gas adsorbent materials such as activated carbon woven into or kneaded into it, or a slit structure in which the fibers or structure itself has a gas adsorbent structure. Furthermore, this slit structure may be a straight slit, a honeycomb structure, or a structure in which a roughly circular or roughly square shape is divided by multiple straight lines so that each area is equally spaced.

[0116] (1-6) Guide section 141

[0117] Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating the airflow within the guide section 141. The guide section 141 comprises a nose cover section 1414 that covers the user's nose, an opening 1415 provided on the upper end side of the nose cover section 1414, and a guide section 1416 that guides the remaining odor-containing air to the deodorizing section 18. In the embodiment shown in Figure 21, the guide section 141 is also engaged with a part of the front storage section 14 and is also provided with an engaging section 1413 that facilitates the attachment and detachment of the guide section 141. This allows for one-touch attachment and detachment, for example, via adhesive, and after removing the guide section 141, disinfection can be easily performed by simply wiping the flat surface of the front storage section 14. In addition, although not shown, the above-mentioned odor component capturing section 1411 and inflow prevention section 1412 may also be provided within the guide section 141.

[0118] Specifically, the nose cover portion 1414 prevents the odor from transferring to the entire guide portion 141 by allowing the user to smell the odor-containing air K1, which is released linearly towards the nose, as directly as possible. The nose cover portion 1414 can also guard against the intrusion of exhaled air K2 from the mouth from its sides. Furthermore, the opening 1415 at the tip of the nose cover portion 1414 allows exhaled air K3 from the nose to escape. In addition, if the intake portion, described later, generates an airflow K4 containing the odor-containing air in the direction of release, the nose cover portion 1414 can also take in the airflow K4 from the opening (not shown) at the lower end of the nose cover portion 1414. The guide portion 1416 guides the remaining odor-containing air K5 to the deodorizing portion 18, thereby facilitating deodorization.

[0119] (1-7) Exhaust section

[0120] The exhaust section is the part that exhausts the odor components from within the guide section 141 in conjunction with the rotational drive of the arrangement drive section 152.

[0121] The exhaust section has an exhaust fan inside, which, in conjunction with the rotational drive operation, discharges the odor-containing air that has accumulated in the guide section 141 to the outside of the odor generator 1. This allows, for example, the discharge operation of the remaining odor-containing air to start simultaneously with the end of odor provision, and unwanted odor components after odor provision can be removed appropriately and quickly. In this case, a duct 19 may be formed in the center of the housing, and the odor-containing air K6 that has accumulated in the guide section 141 flows into the duct 19 via the guide section 1416 of the guide section 141, the communication hole 142 of the front storage section 14, and the deodorizing section 18, as shown in Figure 22, when the exhaust fan is activated, and is deodorized.

[0122] In this embodiment, the number of exhaust units and internal exhaust fans is not particularly limited. The installation location of the exhaust fans is also not particularly limited, but for example, they can be installed in the rear storage unit 15 as shown in Figure 22.

[0123] (1-8) Intake section

[0124] The intake section is the part that, in conjunction with the exhaust section, takes in external airflow into the guide section 141.

[0125] The intake section has an intake fan inside. By working in conjunction with the operation of the exhaust section, it can also draw in external airflow for deodorization, allowing for more effective removal of unwanted odor components. When the exhaust section is activated, the internal intake fan in the intake section is activated, and as shown in Figure 23, external airflow K7 flows in from the side of the nose cover section 1414 of the guide section 141. As shown in Figure 23, this external airflow K7 flows into the duct 19 via the guide section 1416 of the guide section 141, the communication hole 142 of the front storage section 14, and the deodorizing section 18, assisting in deodorization by the exhaust section.

[0126] Furthermore, the intake section can also generate an airflow K8 containing the odor component in the discharge direction. This airflow K8 flows in from the side of the nose cover section 1414 as the intake fan operates, thereby assisting in delivering the odor-containing air K released from the discharge section 140 to the user. In this case, as shown in Figure 24, the airflow path of the airflow K8 may be designed to be different from the airflow path of the external airflow K7 used to assist in deodorization by the exhaust section.

[0127] In this embodiment, the number of intake units and internal intake fans is not particularly limited. The installation location of the intake fans is also not particularly limited, but for example, they can be installed in the rear storage unit 15 as shown in Figure 24.

[0128] (2) Example of operation of odor generator 1

[0129] Referring to Figure 25, an example of the deodorization operation of the odor generating device 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0130] Air K containing a specific odor component is released from the discharge unit 140, providing the specific odor to the user via the guide unit 141 (S101). Next, the release of air K from the discharge unit 140 is turned OFF, ending the odor release operation (S102).

[0131] Next, it is determined whether there is an instruction to release another specific odor (S103). If yes, proceed to step S104. If no, the operation ends. Then, in order to release the other specific odor, the exhaust fan of the exhaust section is turned ON in conjunction with the rotational drive of the placement drive unit 152 (S104), and accordingly, the intake fan of the intake section is turned ON and deodorization is performed (S105).

[0132] Next, after the deodorization process in the guide section 141 has been sufficiently performed, the intake fan in the intake section and the exhaust fan in the exhaust section are turned OFF (S106). Then, the process returns to step S101, and another specific odor is released.

[0133] 3. Third Embodiment (Odor Generator 1)

[0134] (1) Example of the configuration of the odor generating device 1

[0135] Referring to Figure 26, an example of the configuration of the odor generating device 1 according to the third embodiment of this technology will be described. This embodiment is a modified version of the odor generating device 1 according to the first and second embodiments described above.

[0136] (1-1) Overall structure

[0137] The odor generator 1 according to this embodiment includes a cartridge 10, a holding part 11, a movable part 12, a support part 13, a cartridge unit 20, a front storage part 14 having a discharge part 140 and a communication hole 142, a guide part 141, a rear storage part 15 having a drive mechanism part 151 and a positioning drive part 152, a position adjustment part 16, a contact part 17, a deodorizing part 18, an exhaust part, an intake part, and a duct 19. Figure 26 shows the state in which each part is already engaged with the front storage part 14 and / or the rear storage part 15. Each part will be described in detail below.

[0138] In this embodiment, the cartridge 10, holding part 11, movable part 12, support part 13, cartridge unit 20, discharge part 140, communication hole 142, front storage part 14, drive mechanism part 151, arrangement drive part 152, rear storage part 15, contact part 17, deodorizing part 18, exhaust part, intake part, and duct 19 are the same as those described above, so their explanation is omitted here.

[0139] (1-2) Position adjustment section 16

[0140] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 26, a position adjustment unit 16 is provided on the side of the substantially cylindrical housing that can fix the position of the guide unit 141, allowing the user to freely adjust the height and angle of the guide unit 141 and smell the fragrance in a comfortable posture. With this configuration, as shown in Figure 27, the user M can smell the fragrance without bending their neck, and in particular, even elderly users or others who have difficulty maintaining a bent-neck posture can smell the fragrance in a stable posture. In this embodiment as well, the position adjustment unit 16 can adjust the position of the housing so that the retention portion 202 of the cartridge unit 20 is horizontal when the cartridge unit 20 is replaced.

[0141] (1-3) Guide section 141

[0142] In this embodiment, the guide section 141 includes a nose cover section 1414 that covers the user's nose, an inflow prevention section 1412 that prevents the inflow of exhaled air from the user's mouth, and a guide section 1416 that guides the remaining odor-containing air to the deodorizing section 18. The inflow prevention section 1412 may be formed three-dimensionally to conform to the shape of the nose and mouth, as shown in Figure 26. In addition, although not shown, an odor component capturing section 1411 and an engaging section 1413 may be provided within the guide section 141.

[0143] 4. Fourth Embodiment (Odor Generating Device 1)

[0144] (1) Example of the configuration of the odor generating device 1

[0145] Referring to Figure 28, an example of the configuration of the odor generating device 1 according to the fourth embodiment of this technology will be described. This embodiment is a modified version of the odor generating device 1 according to the first, second, and third embodiments described above.

[0146] (1-1) Overall structure

[0147] The odor generating device 1 according to this embodiment includes a cartridge 10, a support part 13, a cartridge unit 20, a storage part 40 having a discharge part 140 and a positioning drive part 152, and a position adjustment part 16. It may also optionally include a holding part 11, a movable part 12, a guide part 141, a contact part 17, a deodorizing part 18, a drive mechanism part 151, an exhaust part, an intake part, a duct 19, etc. Each part will be described in detail below.

[0148] In this embodiment, the cartridge 10, the placement drive unit 152, and the position adjustment unit 16 are the same as those described above, so their explanation is omitted here.

[0149] (1-2) Support section 13 and cartridge unit 20 for odor generating device

[0150] In this embodiment, the cartridge unit 20 is used in the odor generating device 1 and has a plurality of cartridges 10 and a plurality of support parts 13, each support part 13 engaging with one end of each cartridge 10. The number of cartridges 10 and support parts 13 in the cartridge unit 20 can be, for example, 40, but is not limited to this in this technology.

[0151] In this embodiment, the cartridge unit 20 supports the cartridges 10 radially via the support portion 13. By supporting the cartridges 10 radially, the entire cartridge unit 20 is rotated, and the placement drive unit 152 allows the odor components to be sprayed to the user from a single location near the discharge portion 140, which will be described later. This avoids the misalignment of the spray position that can occur when spraying from multiple locations. Furthermore, there is the advantage that it does not require multiple drive mechanisms 151, etc., which will be described later, and only one is needed. In addition, because the entire cartridge unit 20 is rotated, centrifugal force can be used to transfer the odor components to the odor holder 104 within the cartridge 10, thus efficiently generating the odor. Note that the cartridge unit 20 may not only support multiple cartridges 10 on a single plane, but may also support multiple cartridges 10 radially on multiple planes.

[0152] In this embodiment, the shape of the retaining portion 202 is not particularly limited, but for example, it can be formed as a substantially cylindrical shape having a hole 2020 in the center and supporting support portions 13 arranged radially inside. In this embodiment, a discharge hole 2023 may be provided at the end of the cartridge 10 that is not engaged with the support portion 13.

[0153] (1-3) Storage compartment 40

[0154] The storage section 40 is provided with a discharge section 140 that can communicate with the discharge hole 2023 of the desired cartridge 10, as shown in Figure 28B. Air containing odor components is released to the outside through this discharge section 140. In this embodiment, the storage section 40 may be formed to fit inside the hole 2020 of the cartridge unit 20, for example, as shown in Figure 28B, in which case the cartridge unit 20 can be attached and detached in the direction of the arrow in Figure 28B. After being mounted in the storage section 40, the cartridge unit 20 can be rotationally driven by the placement drive section 152.

[0155] (2) Example of operation of odor generator 1

[0156] Referring to Figures 29 and 30, an example of the operation of the odor generating device 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0157] For example, as shown in Figure 29, a pump for releasing the air K9 containing the odor component may be provided on approximately the extension of the release unit 140 at the timing when the air K9 containing the odor component is released. In this case, when the release of air K9 is OFF, the system is kept in the state shown in Figure 29A, and when switching to the desired cartridge 10, as shown in Figure 29B, the cartridge unit 20 is rotated with sufficient rotational force to overcome the step of the cartridge 10. Then, when the release of air K9 is ON, as shown in Figure 29C, the desired cartridge 10 and the release unit 140 engage, and the air containing the odor component is released.

[0158] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 30, for example, a drive mechanism 151 for releasing the air K9 containing the odor component may be provided on approximately the extension of the release section 140 at the timing when the air K9 containing the odor component is released. In this case, when the release of air K9 is OFF, the system is kept in the state shown in Figure 30A, and when switching to the desired cartridge 10, the drive mechanism 151 pushes down the tip of the release section 140 as shown in Figure 30B, and when the release of air K9 is ON, the desired cartridge 10 and the release section 140 engage, as shown in Figure 30C, and the air containing the odor component is released.

[0159] 5. Fifth Embodiment (Odor Generating Device 1)

[0160] (1) Example of the configuration of the odor generating device 1

[0161] Referring to Figure 31, an example of the configuration of the odor generating device 1 according to the fifth embodiment of this technology will be described. This embodiment is a modified version of the odor generating device 1 according to the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments described above.

[0162] (1-1) Overall structure

[0163] The odor generating device 1 according to this embodiment includes a cartridge 10, a holding part 11, a movable part 12, a support part 13, a cartridge unit 20, a front storage part 14 having a discharge part 140, a communication hole 142, an odor-blocking part 143, and an airflow guide part 144, a guide part 141, a rear storage part 15 having a drive mechanism part 151 and a positioning drive part 152, a contact part 17, a deodorizing part 18, an exhaust part, an intake part, and a duct 19. It may also have a position adjustment part 16, etc., as needed. In Figure 31, the parts are shown already engaged with the front storage part 14 and / or the rear storage part 15. The parts will be described in detail below.

[0164] In this embodiment, the cartridge 10, holding part 11, movable part 12, support part 13, cartridge unit 20, discharge part 140, communication hole 142, drive mechanism part 151, arrangement drive part 152, rear storage part 15, contact part 17, deodorizing part 18, exhaust part, intake part, and duct 19 are the same as those described above, so their explanation is omitted here.

[0165] (1-2) Front storage compartment 14 and rear storage compartment 15

[0166] In this embodiment, the housing, which engages the front storage section 14 and the rear storage section 15, is substantially semi-elliptical in shape. This allows the user to smell without bending their neck, and in particular, allows elderly users or others who have difficulty maintaining a bent-neck posture to smell in a stable position. In this embodiment as well, it is possible to provide position adjustment sections 16 on the bottom surfaces of the front storage section 14 and the rear storage section 15 as needed.

[0167] (1-3) Guide section 141

[0168] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 32, the guide section 141 includes a nose cover section 1414 that covers the user's nose, an inflow prevention section 1412 that prevents the inflow of exhaled air from the user's mouth, and a guide section 1416 that guides the remaining odor-containing air to the deodorizing section 18. Although not shown, an odor-capturing section 1411 and an engaging section 1413 may also be provided within the guide section 141. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the guide section 141 is equipped with a fold-over section 1417, which facilitates the three-dimensional formation of the guide section 141 and allows for stacking and storage with the fold-over section 1417 open, thus improving circulation, storage, and shape retention.

[0169] Figure 32B shows the guide portion 141 in the state where Figure 32A has been folded back based on the folded portion 1417. In this case, the direction of the arrow in Figure 32B can be the direction of attachment and detachment. In this embodiment, the deodorization efficiency can be improved, and mixing with remaining odor-containing air and adhesion of said air to the guide portion 141 can be reduced. In addition, odor-containing air can be efficiently sucked in, and sucking errors due to posture, nose size, and nose position can also be reduced.

[0170] (1-4) Odor-proof section 143

[0171] Figure 35 is a view of the odor generating device 1 according to the fifth embodiment, seen from the front storage compartment 14 side. Note that in Figure 35, the front storage compartment 14 is depicted as transparent for illustrative purposes. In this embodiment, the front storage compartment 14 has an odor-blocking section 143 on a part of its inner surface. The presence of the odor-blocking section 143 makes it possible to remove odor components remaining in the discharge opening 101b of the cartridge 10 and the discharge hole 2023 of the cartridge unit 20. It also prevents odor components from rising when the cartridge 10 or cartridge unit 20 is stored.

[0172] The odor-blocking section 143 may be positioned on any surface other than the lower part of the discharge section 140. For example, as shown in Figure 35, it may be positioned on a surface as far away from the discharge section 140 as possible. Furthermore, if the cartridge unit 20 has multiple cartridges 10 with progressively different concentrations of odor components, it is preferable that the odor-blocking section 143 be positioned on the upper surface of the part where at least the cartridge 10 with the highest concentration of odor components is held. This further prevents the rise of odor components during storage.

[0173] The odor-blocking section 143 may be, for example, a deodorant or adsorbent, and may have gas-adsorbing substances such as activated carbon woven into or kneaded into it, or the fibers or structure itself may have a gas-adsorbing structure. The material forming the odor-blocking section 143 is the same as that for the odor component capturing section 1411, so it will not be described here. Specifically, for example, it may be a cloth with a deodorant incorporated into it, and may have cushioning properties. It may also have an area for storing granular activated carbon, and there may be multiple such areas in the odor-blocking section 143.

[0174] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the placement drive unit 152 is rotated, the lower part of the deodorizing unit 143 may be passed through the discharge opening 101b of the cartridge 10 and the discharge hole 2023 of the cartridge unit 20, thereby automatically wiping away odor components.

[0175] (1-5) Airflow guide section 144

[0176] Figure 36 is a view of the odor generator 1 according to the fifth embodiment, as seen from the front storage compartment 14 side, which differs from Figure 35. In Figure 36, the front storage compartment 14 is depicted as transparent for illustrative purposes. Figure 37 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing how outside air is guided. In this embodiment, the front storage compartment 14 has an airflow guide section 144 that guides airflow inward. By having an airflow guide section 144, it can function as an intake path when outside air is taken in by the intake fan. By drawing in outside air with the intake fan, as shown in Figure 37, wind is generated near the discharge opening 101b of the cartridge 10 and the discharge hole 2023 of the cartridge unit 20, allowing any remaining odor components to be blown away.

[0177] As shown in Figure 36, when outside air is taken in from the discharge section 140, it is preferable that the airflow guide section 144 is formed so that outside air flows from the discharge section 140 to the intake fan. This ensures that the outside air flowing in from the discharge section 140 is reliably guided to the intake fan in the center of the housing. Specifically, the airflow guide section 144 can be a rib or the like formed on the inside of the front storage section 14.

[0178] Figure 38 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing how outside air is guided, which differs from Figure 37. As shown in Figure 38, if holes 145 are provided on the side or top surface of the front storage compartment 14 to allow outside air to be taken in through these holes 145, the airflow guide section 144 may be formed so that outside air can escape from the holes 145 to the intake fan. In this case, in addition to the airflow guide section 144, partitions 146, etc., may be formed in the front storage compartment 14 as shown in Figure 38.

[0179] Figure 39 is a view of the odor generating device 1 according to the fifth embodiment, as seen from the front storage compartment 14 side, which differs from Figures 35 and 36. In Figure 39, the front storage compartment 14 is depicted as transparent for illustrative purposes. In this embodiment, air may be circulated using internal pressure to generate airflow near the discharge opening 101b of the cartridge 10 and the discharge hole 2023 of the cartridge unit 20. In this case, as shown in Figure 39, holes 145 may be provided on the side or top surface of the front storage compartment 14 to circulate air at a deliberately high internal pressure. In this case, the airflow guide unit 144 may be formed facing the intake fan from the holes 145, as shown in Figure 39. Note that this operation may be set to be performed not only after the odor components are released from the discharge unit 140, but also before the start of olfactory testing or olfactory training, or before the start of an olfactory presentation neurodegenerative disease prevention and / or treatment device or odor experience device, as described later.

[0180] (2) Example of operation of odor generator 1

[0181] Referring to Figure 40, an example of the operation of the odor generating device 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0182] In this embodiment, the odor generator 1 drives the positioning drive unit 152 while air containing odor components is being released from the discharge unit 140, moving the discharge opening 101b of the cartridge 10 and the discharge hole 2023 of the cartridge unit 20 left and right and / or up and down, thereby allowing the user to perceive the odor more strongly.

[0183] Specifically, for example, when the placement drive unit 152 is rotationally driven, the discharge opening 101b of the cartridge 10 and the discharge hole 2023 of the cartridge unit 20 can be moved left and right by a servo motor or the like at a desired rotation angle (for example, 1 to 15°, preferably 2 to 13°) with respect to the minimum discharge time of the odor-containing air (for example, 0.1 to 5 seconds). It is preferable that the servo motor or the like is driven during the ON time of air discharge in the sequence of releasing / stopping the odor-containing air = the period during which the odor-containing air is released. More specifically, for example, as shown in Figures 40A to C, the servo motor or the like can be driven to reciprocate one or more times within a predetermined section within the minimum odor-containing air discharge time.

[0184] 6. Sixth Embodiment (Odor Generating Device 1)

[0185] (1) Example of the configuration of the odor generating device 1

[0186] Referring to Figure 41, an example of the configuration of the odor generating device 1 according to the sixth embodiment of this technology will be described. This embodiment is a modified version of the odor generating device 1 according to the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments described above.

[0187] (1-1) Overall structure

[0188] The odor generator 1 according to this embodiment includes a cartridge 10, a holding part 11, a movable part 12, a holder 133, a support part 13, a cartridge unit 20, a front storage part 14 having a discharge part 140, a communication hole 142, an odor-blocking part 143, and an airflow guide part 144, a guide part 141, a rear storage part 15 having a drive mechanism part 151 and a positioning drive part 152, a contact part 17, a deodorizing part 18, an exhaust part, an intake part, and a duct 19. It may also have a position adjustment part 16, etc., as needed. Figure 41 shows the state in which each part is already engaged with the front storage part 14 and / or the rear storage part 15. Each part will be described in detail below. In the sixth embodiment, the odor generator 1 may have a casing that is tilted by several degrees so that the user can easily bring their nose close to the discharge hole 120.

[0189] In this embodiment, the cartridge 10, holding part 11, movable part 12, support part 13, cartridge unit 20, discharge part 140, communication hole 142, deodorizing part 143, airflow guide part 144, front storage part 14, arrangement drive part 152, rear storage part 15, contact part 17, deodorizing part 18, exhaust part, intake part, and duct 19 are the same as those described above, so their explanation is omitted here.

[0190] (1-2) Holder 133

[0191] Figure 42 shows an example of an embodiment of the holder 133. In this embodiment, the holder 133 is provided at the bottom of the support section 13 when the front storage section 14 is at the top. The holder 133 is provided for each airflow fraction and includes an intake passage 1331 (see Figure 43), an area 1332 for storing the deodorizer 1330 (see Figures 44 and 45), and a passage 1333 connecting the area 1332 to the ventilation passage (see Figures 44 and 45). This prevents odor rising due to backflow in the discharge direction of the air containing odor components, and prevents lingering odors.

[0192] The deodorizer 1330 is not particularly limited, but granular activated carbon is preferred. When granular activated carbon is used as the deodorizer 1330, the holder 133 may have a mesh membrane or the like placed in part of the flow path 1333 to prevent the activated carbon from flowing into each flow path. Examples of mesh membranes include nonwoven fabric, waterproof and breathable membrane or filter, dustproof filter, etc.

[0193] (1-3) Guide section 141

[0194] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 46, the guide section 141 includes a nose cover section 1414 that covers the user's nose, an opening 1415 provided on the upper end side of the nose cover section 1414, and a guide section 1416 that guides the remaining odor-containing air to the deodorizing section 18. In this embodiment, the guide section 1416 has a recess, making it easy for the user's mouth to fit inside. This also makes it easier to stack and store the guide sections 141, thus improving circulation, storage, and shape retention.

[0195] The material used to form the guide portion 141 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, it is preferably made of a material with deodorizing properties. Examples include porous inorganic materials such as zeolite (microporous crystalline aluminosilicate) and SUM41; layered inorganic compounds such as montmorillonite and smectite (e.g., clay minerals); porous coordination polymers (PCP / MOF); charcoal; and materials containing copper ions. It may also be paper (including recycled paper), wood, bamboo skin, plastic, etc., that partially contains naturally derived porous carbon material (e.g., Triporous®), and in this embodiment, paper that partially contains naturally derived porous carbon material is preferred.

[0196] The guide section 141 is a necessary part for deodorizing the emitted air containing odor components. However, since users such as test subjects put their noses to it, it is preferable to dispose of it after each use for hygienic reasons and to prevent odor residue. Therefore, while the guide section 141 is made from recycled-based material, conventional materials have the problem that the inherent odor of the material (for example, the smell of the paper itself) interferes with the emitted air containing odor components. Thus, the guide section 141 needed to be as odorless as possible. Accordingly, by partially incorporating a naturally derived porous carbon material into the conventional material, we succeeded in making the guide section 141 odorless.

[0197] (1-4) Drive mechanism section 151

[0198] In this embodiment, as will be described later, when actually performing an olfactory test or olfactory training, it is possible to confirm that the shape memory alloy SMA and its drive circuit are functioning correctly before performing the operation of discharging air containing odor components. Previously, confirming whether this operation was being performed correctly could only be done by checking the air containing odor components while the discharging operation was in progress, making it an impossible test without human intervention. However, a simpler method is to apply current to the shape memory alloy SMA and confirm whether the circuit is functioning correctly. This makes it possible to check for circuit defects such as open circuits or short circuits in the shape memory alloy SMA. This simple check will be referred to as a "self-test" below.

[0199] When performing a self-test, the shape memory alloy SMA controls the valve in the slot. Therefore, when power is applied with air containing odor components inside, the valve opens, causing the odor-containing air to leak out. This makes the system impractical if odor-containing air leaks out every time a self-test is performed.

[0200] To address this problem, the inventors of this invention decided to turn on the shape memory alloy SMA for only about 500ms and perform a self-test during that time. The shape memory alloy SMA is a device that generates driving force through heating when power is applied, meaning it operates in response to temperature changes, and therefore there is a time lag of about 1 second between power application and the generation of driving force. Consequently, if the power is turned off within 1 second of power application, air containing odor components will not be discharged. Approximately 500ms is sufficient to verify the circuit of the shape memory alloy SMA, even with a margin of error. This makes it possible to achieve a self-test without odor leakage.

[0201] (1-5) Bottom protrusion 161

[0202] The bottom protrusion 161 does not function as a position adjustment part 16 as in the embodiment described above, but is simply a part that can adjust the position of the housing so that the retaining part 202 is approximately horizontal with the installation surface when the cartridge unit 20 is replaced. Therefore, the bottom protrusion 161 does not have the function of adjusting the position of the guide part 141, but the presence of the bottom protrusion 161 allows for smooth replacement of the cartridge unit 20.

[0203] 7. Seventh Embodiment (Olfactory Test or Olfactory Training System 3)

[0204] (1) Example of the configuration of the olfactory test or olfactory training system 3

[0205] Referring to Figure 33, an example of the configuration of the olfactory testing or olfactory training system 3 according to the seventh embodiment of this technology will be described.

[0206] (1-1) Overall structure

[0207] The olfactory testing or olfactory training system 3 according to this embodiment can be applied to various olfactory testing methods, including conventionally known olfactory testing methods such as the T&T olfactometer method, olfactory testing methods used overseas, and new olfactory testing methods that may be developed in the future.

[0208] The olfactory test or olfactory training system 3 according to this embodiment can be applied to training such as smelling several types of scents for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, and can be used, for example, to prepare for the odor judge examination or the aromatherapy certification exam.

[0209] The olfactory testing or olfactory training system 3 according to this embodiment includes the odor generating device 1 described above and an information processing device 2 that gives instructions to the placement drive unit 152. Each part will be described in detail below. In this embodiment, the odor generating device 1 is the same as the one described above, so its description will be omitted here.

[0210] (1-2) Information Processing Device 2

[0211] The information processing device 2 is a device that controls the placement drive unit 152. The form of the information processing device 2 is, for example, various devices having a user interface unit 21, and the user can give instructions to the placement drive unit 152 via the user interface unit 21. Specifically, examples include tablet terminals, wearable terminals, personal computers, and smartphones.

[0212] Furthermore, if the odor generator 1 further has a support section 13 that supports a plurality of cartridges 10, and the support section 13 supports a plurality of cartridges 10 that have the same odor but different odor concentrations, the information processing device 2 can instruct the placement drive unit 152 to move a second support section 13b that supports a plurality of cartridges 10 that have the same odor but different odor concentrations than those supported by the first support section 13a, after the first support section 13a that supports a plurality of cartridges 10 that have the same odor but different odor concentrations. This makes it possible to control the release of odors of the same odor at concentrations ranging from the lowest level 1 to the highest level 8 in a desired procedure, and to present odors to a user according to conventionally known procedures for olfactory testing and olfactory training, for example.

[0213] The information processing device 2 is connected to the odor generator 1 via a wired or wireless network. In this case, instructions may also be given to each part of the odor generator 1 other than the placement drive unit 152 via the user interface unit 21. Specifically, for example, when conducting an olfactory test, a doctor, nurse, or medical technologist may instruct the device to release a specific odor via the user interface unit 21. In this case, the device may also have a storage unit 22 that stores responses from the person being tested after smelling the specific odor. It may also have an analysis unit 23 that performs analysis based on the responses. These storage unit 22 and analysis unit 23 can also be connected to the odor generator 1 via a wired or wireless network.

[0214] The information processing device 2 may be contained within the housing of the odor generating device 1, but it may also be located outside of the housing. Furthermore, these are not essential components in this embodiment, and external devices can also be used.

[0215] Furthermore, the functions performed by each part of the odor generator 1 according to this embodiment can also be stored as programs in a general-purpose computer or hardware resources equipped with a control unit including a CPU and a recording medium (for example, non-volatile memory (e.g., USB memory), HDD, CD, etc.) and operated from there. In addition, the above functions may be realized by a server computer or cloud connected via a wired or wireless network.

[0216] (2) Example of operation of the olfactory test or olfactory training system 3

[0217] Referring to Figure 34, an example of the operation of the olfactory test or olfactory training system 3 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0218] First, the examiner, such as a doctor, nurse, or medical technologist, instructs the person being examined to display the examination procedure using the information processing device 2 (S1). In this embodiment, various devices having a user interface unit 21 may be provided not only on the examiner's side but also on the person being examined's side. Next, the examiner determines the odor (olfactory element) to be released to the person being examined and instructs the odor generating device 1 via the information processing device 2. At this time, the placement drive unit 152, upon receiving the instruction, places the cartridge 10 having the specific odor near the release unit 140 and releases the odor according to the operation example of the odor generating device 1 described above (S3).

[0219] Next, once the release of the odor is complete (S4), the information processing device 2 receives the response from the person being tested, and the storage unit 22 stores the response (S5). The person being tested then decides whether or not to proceed with the next test (S6). If the answer is Yes, the process returns to step S2 to determine the next odor. If the placement drive unit 152 is rotationally driven, when placing the cartridge 10 having the next specific odor near the release unit 140, a deodorizing operation may be performed according to the example operation of the odor generator 1 described above. If the answer is No, the test is terminated.

[0220] 8. Eighth Embodiment (Olfactory-Presented Device for the Prevention and / or Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases)

[0221] The olfactory-presented neurodegenerative disease prevention and / or treatment device according to this embodiment comprises the odor generating device 1 described above and an information processing device 2 that gives instructions to the placement drive unit 152. In this embodiment, the odor generating device 1 and the information processing device 2 are the same as those described above, so their description is omitted here.

[0222] In recent years, it has become known that in certain neurodegenerative diseases, olfactory dysfunction precedes cognitive decline. For example, in Alzheimer's disease, it is known that deposition of amyloid-beta protein and phosphorylated tau protein in olfactory-related areas is observed prior to hippocampal atrophy. Therefore, by using the olfactory presentation neurodegenerative disease prevention and / or treatment device related to this technology, the sense of smell of the subject can be accurately evaluated and used to help prevent and / or treat neurodegenerative diseases.

[0223] 9. Ninth Embodiment (Scent Experience Device)

[0224] The scent experience device according to this embodiment comprises the scent generating device 1 described above and an information processing device 2 that gives instructions to the placement drive unit 152. In this embodiment, the scent generating device 1 and the information processing device 2 are the same as those described above, so their description is omitted here.

[0225] By using the scent experience device according to this embodiment, conventionally known or novel scents can be efficiently presented to the user. The scent experience device according to this embodiment can be installed in automobiles, head-mounted displays, relaxation products such as neck pillows and eye pillows, etc. When installed in an automobile, for example, scents can be generated based on instructions from the driver or passenger, and the device may detect the location information of the automobile, the movements or biosignals of the driver or passenger, etc., and generate scents based on the detection results. When installed in a head-mounted display, for example, scents can be generated in conjunction with images displayed on the display, and the device may detect the user's movements or biosignals, etc., and generate scents based on the detection results. When installed in relaxation products such as neck pillows and eye pillows, for example, scents can be generated based on instructions from the user, and the device may detect the user's movements or biosignals, etc., and generate scents based on the detection results.

[0226] Furthermore, the scent experience device according to this embodiment may be a device that releases scents into a wide-area space. Specifically, it can be installed in customer attraction products such as vending machines, digital signage, and robots. When installed in customer attraction products, for example, it can detect the actions and facial expressions of an unspecified number of users and generate scents based on the detection results.

[0227] Furthermore, this technology can also employ the following configurations. [1] A cartridge that holds a tubular body containing odor components, A release unit that releases the aforementioned odor components to the outside, A placement drive unit that places a specific cartridge among a plurality of cartridges near the discharge unit, A device that generates odors. [2] The odor generating device according to [1], wherein the arrangement drive unit is driven by linear motion, XY axis, or rotation. [3] The odor generating device according to [1] or [2], wherein the discharge section has a guide section that guides air containing the odor component to the vicinity of the user's nose. [4] The odor generating device according to [3], wherein the guide portion has an odor component capturing portion. [5] The odor generating device according to [3] or [4], further comprising an inflow prevention section within the guide section to prevent the inflow of exhaled air from the user's nose and / or mouth. [6] The odor generating device according to any one of [3] to [5], further comprising a position adjustment unit capable of adjusting the position of the guide unit. [7] The odor generating device according to any one of [3] to [6], further comprising an exhaust unit that, in conjunction with the rotational drive, exhausts the odor components within the guide unit when the arrangement drive unit is rotationally driven. [8] The odor generating device according to [7], further comprising an intake section that, in conjunction with the exhaust section, takes in an external airflow into the guide section. [9] The intake part generates an air current containing the odor component in the release direction, the odor generation device described in [8]. as described in 〔10〕 The guide part is detachable, the odor generation device according to any one of [3] to [9]. 〔11〕 It further has a support part for supporting a plurality of the cartridges, The support part supports a plurality of the cartridges having the same odor and different concentrations of the odor, the odor generation device according to any one of [1] to

[10] . 〔12〕 The arrangement drive part rotationally drives for each of the support parts, the odor generation device described in

[11] . 〔13〕 The arrangement drive part moves a second support part that supports a plurality of cartridges having the same odor and a concentration different from the concentrations of the plurality of cartridges supported by the first support part after the first support part that supports a plurality of cartridges having the same odor and different concentrations of the odor, the odor generation device according to

[12] . 〔14〕 It further has a front storage part, The front storage part has an anti-odor part on a part of the inner surface, the odor generation device according to any one of [1] to

[13] . 〔15〕 An air current induction part for inducing an air current is formed inside the front storage part, the odor generation device described in

[14] . 〔16〕 It further has a drive mechanism part including a pusher that is connected to an operation axis and pushes a shaft inside the cartridge from the outside, and a drive source that drives the pusher. Before performing the discharge operation of the air containing the odor component, the drive mechanism part confirms that the drive circuit operates normally, the odor generation device according to any one of [1] to

[15] . 〔17〕 An odor generating device comprising: a cartridge that holds a tubular body containing an odor component; a discharge unit that discharges the odor component to the outside; and an arrangement drive unit that arranges a specific one of the plurality of cartridges near the discharge unit. An information processing device that controls the arrangement drive unit. An olfactory inspection or olfactory training system having the above. 〔18〕 Further comprising a support unit that supports a plurality of the cartridges. The support unit supports a plurality of cartridges having the same odor but different concentrations of the odor. The information processing device instructs the arrangement drive unit to move a second support unit that supports a plurality of cartridges having the same odor but a concentration different from the concentrations of the plurality of cartridges supported by the first support unit after the first support unit that supports a plurality of cartridges having the same odor but different concentrations of the odor. The olfactory inspection or olfactory training system according to 〔17〕. 〔19〕 An odor generating device comprising: a cartridge that holds a tubular body containing an odor component; a discharge unit that discharges the odor component to the outside; and an arrangement drive unit that arranges a specific one of the plurality of cartridges near the discharge unit. An information processing device that controls the arrangement drive unit. An olfactory presentation device for preventing and / or treating neurodegenerative diseases having the above. 〔20〕 An odor generating device comprising: a cartridge that holds a tubular body containing an odor component; a discharge unit that discharges the odor component to the outside; and an arrangement drive unit that arranges a specific one of the plurality of cartridges near the discharge unit. An information processing device that controls the arrangement drive unit. An odor experience device having the above.

Explanation of Signs

[0228] 1: Odor generating device 10: Cartridge 101, 101a, 101b: Opening 102: Tubular body 103:Tubular body holding part 104: Holding body 105, 105a, 105b, 105c: Ventilation section 106: Crushing section 107: Pressing part 108: Component induction part 11: Holding part 110: Space 111:Communication hole 12: Moving part 120: Hole 121: Engaging part 13: Support part 13a: First support 13b: Second support 130:Communication hole 131: Positioning mechanism 132: Fixed part 133: Holder 1330: Deodorizer 1331: Intake passage 1332: Area for storing deodorizer 1330 1333: A passage connecting area 1332 and the ventilation channel. 14: Front storage compartment 140: Emission part 1401: Engaged part 141: Guide Section 1411: Odor component capture unit 1412:Inflow prevention part 1413: Engaging part 1414: Nose cover section 1415: Opening 1416: Guidance part 1417: Folded section 142:Communication hole 143: Odor control section 144: Airflow induction section 145: Hole 146: Partition 15: Rear storage compartment 150: Fitting part 151: Drive mechanism 152: Arrangement drive unit 16:Position adjustment section 161: Bottom convex part 17: Contact part 171: Screwing protrusion 172: Screw groove 18: Deodorizing part 19: Duct 20: Cartridge unit for odor generating device 202: Retention part 2020: Hole 2021: Protrusion 2022: Positioning mechanism 2023: Discharge hole 2: Information processing device 21: User interface part 22: Memory part 23: Analysis part 3: Olfactory inspection or olfactory training system 40: Storage part M: User

Claims

1. A cartridge that holds a tubular body containing odor components, A release unit that releases the aforementioned odor components to the outside, A placement drive unit that places a specific cartridge among a plurality of cartridges near the discharge unit, It has, It further has a support section that supports multiple cartridges, The support portion supports a plurality of cartridges that have the same odor but different concentrations of the odor. The aforementioned arrangement drive unit rotates each of the support units, and Odor generating device, wherein the arrangement drive unit moves a second support unit behind a first support unit that supports a plurality of cartridges having the same odor but different concentrations of the odor, and the second support unit that supports a plurality of cartridges having the same odor but different concentrations of the odor from those of the plurality of cartridges supported by the first support unit.

2. The odor generating device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge unit has a guide unit that guides air containing the odor component to the vicinity of the user's nose.

3. The odor generating device according to claim 2, wherein the guide portion has an odor component capturing portion.

4. The odor generating device according to claim 2, further comprising an inflow prevention section within the guide section to prevent the inflow of exhaled air from the user's nose and / or mouth.

5. The odor generating device according to claim 2, further comprising a position adjustment unit capable of adjusting the position of the guide unit.

6. The odor generating device according to claim 2, further comprising an exhaust unit that, in conjunction with the rotational drive of the arrangement drive unit, exhausts the odor components within the guide unit.

7. The odor generating device according to claim 6, further comprising an intake section that, in conjunction with the exhaust section, takes in an external airflow into the guide section.

8. The odor generating device according to claim 7, wherein the intake section generates an airflow containing the odor component in the discharge direction.

9. The odor generating device according to claim 2, wherein the guide portion is detachable.

10. It also has a front storage compartment, The odor generating device according to claim 1, wherein the front storage compartment has an odor-proof section on a part of its inner surface.

11. The odor generating device according to claim 10, wherein an airflow guiding section for guiding airflow is formed inside the front storage section.

12. The drive mechanism further comprises a pusher connected to the operating shaft that pushes the shaft inside the cartridge from the outside, and a drive source that drives the pusher, The odor generating device according to claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism confirms that the drive circuit is functioning correctly before performing the operation of discharging air containing odor components.

13. A fragrance generating device comprising: a cartridge holding a tubular body containing a fragrance component; a discharge unit releasing the fragrance component to the outside; and a placement drive unit that positions a specific cartridge among a plurality of the cartridges near the discharge unit. An information processing device that controls the aforementioned placement drive unit, It has, It further has a support section that supports multiple cartridges, The support portion supports a plurality of cartridges that have the same odor but different concentrations of the odor. An olfactory testing or olfactory training system, wherein the information processing device instructs the placement drive unit to move a second support unit, which supports a plurality of cartridges having the same odor but different concentrations of odor, after a first support unit that supports a plurality of cartridges having the same odor but different concentrations of odor.

14. A fragrance generating device comprising: a cartridge holding a tubular body containing a fragrance component; a discharge unit releasing the fragrance component to the outside; and a placement drive unit that positions a specific cartridge among a plurality of the cartridges near the discharge unit. An information processing device that controls the aforementioned placement drive unit, It has, It further has a support section that supports multiple cartridges, The support portion supports a plurality of cartridges that have the same odor but different concentrations of the odor. An olfactory-presenting neurodegenerative disease prevention and / or treatment device, wherein the information processing device instructs the placement drive unit to move a second support unit, which supports a plurality of cartridges having the same odor but different concentrations of odor, after a first support unit that supports a plurality of cartridges having the same odor but different concentrations of odor.

15. A fragrance generating device comprising: a cartridge holding a tubular body containing a fragrance component; a discharge unit releasing the fragrance component to the outside; and a placement drive unit that positions a specific cartridge among a plurality of the cartridges near the discharge unit. An information processing device that controls the aforementioned placement drive unit, It has, A scent experience device comprising the information processing device, which instructs the placement drive unit to move a second support unit, which supports a plurality of cartridges having the same scent but different concentrations of the scent, after a first support unit that supports a plurality of cartridges having the same scent but different concentrations of the scent.

Images