Discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air and discharge control system for scent-containing air

Abstract

There is provided A discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air, comprising: a scent generating cartridge that includes a discharge portion that discharges scent-containing air; and a discharge control unit that includes an air source that generates auxiliary wind and controls a discharge condition of the scent-containing air.

Description

DISCHARGE CONTROL MECHANISM FOR SCENT-CONTAINING AIR AND DISCHARGE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR SCENT-CONTAINING AIRCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2023-116368 filed July 16, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present technology relates to a discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air and a discharge control system for scent-containing air. More specifically, the present technology relates to a discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air and a discharge control system for scent-containing air that are capable of controlling discharge of scent-containing air with high accuracy.

[0003] In the past, a technology that provides scents to users by supplying air to a scent holder that holds a scent and releasing the scent with airflow has been proposed. Specifically, for example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an aroma device that includes an aroma head capable of releasing gas containing a scent substance at the tip of the user's nose and can be exhausted for deodorization.

[0004] In recent years, a technology that controls flow of scent-containing air when using a scent generation device has also been proposed. Specifically, for example, Patent Literature 2 discloses a technology in which a first flavoring agent holding portion and a second flavoring agent holding portion are arranged side by side along the wind direction of a fan, and the fan sends wind to a first space to which a first flavoring agent has been released and a second space to which a second flavoring agent has been released, thereby sending a flavor to a user.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2005-304608Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2022-131142Summary

[0006] In recent years, user needs have become more diverse and the number of scenes that utilize scent is also increasing. In order to transport scent-containing air, for example, a method of filling a space with scent-containing air using an aroma diffuser, an air freshener, or the like, or a method of using air discharged straight from a fan, an aroma shooter, or the like is used.

[0007] However, if a space is filled with the same scent, all targets in the space will experience the same scent. In the case where a specific target does not like the scent, he / she will feel uncomfortable. In the case of using a fan, an aroma shooter, or the like, it is necessary to dispose a device in front of or on the side surface of a specific target, and the purpose, installation location, and the like of the device need to be fixed, which makes the device that transports scent-containing air complicated and increases the cost. For this reason, the reality is that the technology for transporting scent-containing air is still in the process of development.

[0008] In this regard, it is desired to provide a technology capable of controlling discharge of scent-containing air with high accuracy.

[0009] The present technology provides a discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air, including: a scent generating cartridge that includes a discharge portion that discharges scent-containing air; and a discharge control unit that includes an air source that generates auxiliary wind and controls a discharge condition of the scent-containing air.

[0010] The present technology also provides a discharge control system for scent-containing air, including: a scent generating cartridge that includes a discharge portion that discharges scent-containing air; a discharge control unit that includes an air source that generates auxiliary wind and controls a discharge condition of the scent-containing air; an information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a specific target; and a control unit that determines the discharge condition on the basis of the information acquired by the information acquisition unit and / or information prepared in advance.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a discharge control mechanism 7 according to a first embodiment.Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a scent generating cartridge 1 according to an embodiment.Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram for describing a pump linearly-moving mechanism 6.Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of an embodiment in which the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 and the scent generating cartridge 1 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 are used together.Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 4.Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a mechanism 8 using a TSA.Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a deodorizing mechanism 51 according to an embodiment.Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a silence operation during air discharge.Fig. 9A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a noise reduction operation during air discharge.Fig. 9B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a noise reduction operation during air discharge.Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a concept of the discharge control mechanism 7.Fig. 11A is a front view showing a discharge control mechanism 7 according to a second embodiment.Fig. 11B is a diagram showing how scent-containing air K is discharged and auxiliary wind Y is released.Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 11.Fig. 13A is a front view showing a discharge control mechanism 7 according to a third embodiment.Fig. 13B is a diagram showing how the scent-containing air K is discharged and the auxiliary wind Y is released.Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 13.Fig. 15A is a front view showing a discharge control mechanism 7 according to a fourth embodiment.Fig. 15B is a diagram showing how the auxiliary wind Y is released.Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 15.Fig. 17A is a front view showing a discharge control mechanism 7 according to a fifth embodiment.Fig. 17B is a diagram showing how the auxiliary wind Y is released.Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 17.Fig. 19 is a front view of a discharge control mechanism 7 according to a sixth embodiment.Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 19.Fig. 21 is a front view showing a discharge control mechanism 7 according to a modified example of a sixth embodiment.Fig. 22A is an explanatory diagram for describing how a main stream and a side stream are mixed with each other.Fig. 22B is an explanatory diagram for describing how a main stream and a side stream are mixed with each other.Fig. 23 is a front view showing a discharge control mechanism 7 according to a seventh embodiment.Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 23.Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing a discharge control mechanism 7 according to an eighth embodiment.Fig. 26A is an explanatory diagram for describing a usage example of the embodiment shown in Fig. 25.Fig. 26B is an explanatory diagram for describing a usage example of the embodiment shown in Fig. 25.Fig. 27 is a front perspective view showing a discharge control mechanism 7 according to a ninth embodiment.Fig. 28 is a rear perspective view showing the discharge control mechanism 7 according to the ninth embodiment.Fig. 29 is a block diagram showing an example of a concept of a discharge control system 500.Fig. 30 is a perspective view showing an example of a scent presentation unit 503 according to an embodiment.Figs. 31 are a six-sided diagram showing the embodiment shown in Fig. 30.Fig. 32 is a perspective view showing an example of a structure in a casing of the scent presentation unit 503.Figs. 33 are a six-sided diagram showing a scent generating cartridge 1 according to a modified example.Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figs. 33.Fig. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line P-P in the embodiment shown in Fig. 33E.Fig. 36 is a cross-sectional view showing how a scent is discharged from the scent generating cartridge 1.Fig. 37 is a block diagram showing functions of respective units in the case of being mounted on an air conditioner of a passenger car.Fig. 38 is an explanatory diagram for describing a situation when a man T1 sits on a seat.Fig. 39 is an explanatory diagram for describing a situation when a woman T2 sits on a seat.Fig. 40 is a diagram showing a detection angle of the man T1.Fig. 41 is a diagram showing a detection angle of the woman T2.Fig. 42A is an explanatory diagram for describing a suitable angle of a direction control portion 713 provided in a discharge port.Fig. 42B is an explanatory diagram for describing a suitable angle of a direction control portion 713 provided in a discharge port.Fig. 43 is an explanatory diagram for describing an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction of the seat.Fig. 44A is a diagram showing an optimum tilt angle in the Z direction of the discharge control mechanism 7 in the case where the discharge control mechanism 7 is mounted on the seat.Fig. 44B is a diagram showing an optimum tilt angle in the X direction of the discharge control mechanism 7 in the case where the discharge control mechanism 7 is mounted on the seat.Fig. 44C is a diagram showing an optimum tilt angle in the Y direction of the discharge control mechanism 7 in the case where the discharge control mechanism 7 is mounted on the seat.Fig. 45 is an explanatory diagram for describing a case where a scent is presented from a back surface side.Fig. 46 is an explanatory diagram for describing a case where a scent is presented from a back surface side.Fig. 47 is an explanatory diagram for describing a case where a scent is presented from around the upper shoulder of a specific target and a case of being mounted on a wearable device worn by a specific target.Fig. 48 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of a discharge control system 500 in the case where the scent presentation unit 503 and an auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 or a discharge control mechanism 7 is mounted on a seat.

[0012] Suitable embodiments for carrying out the present technology will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below merely show an example of a typical embodiment of the present technology and do not mean that the scope of the present technology will be interpreted narrowly. Note that the description will be made in the following order. 1. First embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7) (1) Configuration example of discharge control mechanism 7 (2) Scent generating cartridge 1 (2-1) Scent holding portion 11 (2-2) Ventilation portion 12 (2-3) Flow portion 13 (2-4) Discharge portion 14 (2-5) Information display portion (2-6) Pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 (2-7) Others (3) Discharge control unit 71 (4) Condition control unit 72 (5) Others (6) Example of discharge control by discharge control mechanism 7 2. Second embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7) 3. Third embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7) 4. Fourth embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7) 5. Fifth embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7) 6. Sixth embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7) (1) Discharge control mechanism 7 according to sixth embodiment (2) Discharge control mechanism 7 according to modified example of sixth embodiment 7. Seventh embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7) 8. Eighth embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7) 9. Ninth embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7) 10. Tenth embodiment (discharge control system 500) (1) Configuration example of discharge control system 500 (2) Information acquisition unit 501 (3) Control unit 502 (4) Scent presentation unit 503 (5) Storage unit 504 (6) Output unit 505 (7) Input unit 506 (8) Auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 (9) Others 11. Application examples of discharge control mechanism 7 and discharge control system 500 (1) Illustration of application examples (2) Specific examples (2-1) In case of being used for performance in amusement facility (2-2) In case of presenting scent in accordance with movement of human (2-3) In case of being mounted on seat or device that has air discharge function (2-4) Others (2-5) Operation flow example of discharge control system 500 in case of being mounted on seat

[0013] 1. First embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7)

[0014] (1) Configuration example of discharge control mechanism 7

[0015] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a discharge control mechanism 7 according to a first embodiment. In this embodiment, the discharge control mechanism 7 includes: a scent generating cartridge 1 including a discharge portion 14 that discharges scent-containing air K (see a black arrow in Fig. 1); and a discharge control unit 71 that includes an air source 711 that generates auxiliary wind Y (see a white arrow in Fig. 1) and controls a discharge condition of the scent-containing air K. The discharge control mechanism 7 may further include a condition control unit 72 and the like, as necessary.

[0016] The respective units of the discharge control mechanism 7 according to this embodiment will be described below. Note that although the longitudinal direction of the discharge control mechanism 7 is shown laterally in some of the drawings of each embodiment described below, the discharge control mechanism 7 can be used not only when the longitudinal direction of the discharge control mechanism 7 is oriented laterally but also when the longitudinal direction of the discharge control mechanism 7 is oriented in any direction, e.g., oriented longitudinally, in the present technology.

[0017] (2) Scent generating cartridge 1

[0018] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the scent generating cartridge 1 according to an embodiment. In the present technology, in the case where the scent generating cartridge 1 includes the discharge portion 14 that discharges the scent-containing air K, the other configurations of the scent generating cartridge 1 are not particularly limited. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the scent generating cartridge 1 includes at least a scent holding portion 11 that holds a scent, a ventilation portion 12 that takes in air, a flow portion 13 that communicates with the ventilation portion 12 and includes at least one spiral flow path 131, and a discharge portion 14 that communicates with the flow portion 13 and discharges scent-containing air. The scent generating cartridge 1 may further include an information display portion, a pump linearly-moving mechanism 6, and the like, as necessary.

[0019] The material forming a casing of the scent generating cartridge 1 is not particularly limited. Examples of such a material include a metal such as steel use stainless (SUS) and aluminum; a resin and the like such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, a phenolic resin, an olefin resin, an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, an ABS resin, a polyetheretherketone resin, a polyacetal resin, a fluoropolymer, a cycloolefin polymer resin, and a polyimide resin; pottery; porcelain; and ceramic. These may be used alone, or two or more of them may be used in any combination.

[0020] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the scent generating cartridge 1 has a shape obtained by combining a plurality of substantially hollow cylindrical shapes having different diameters. However, the shape of the scent generating cartridge 1 is not particularly limited as long as it has a space for housing at least the scent holding portion 11 and the flow portion 13 inside, and may be a substantially polygonal tube shape (including those with corner portions being rounded) such as a substantially hollow cylindrical shape, a substantially hollow oval cylindrical shape, a substantially triangular tube shape, and a substantially square tube shape, a substantially cone shape, or a substantially polygonal pyramid (including those with corner portions being rounded) whose cross section is substantially triangular, substantially square, or the like. Alternatively, a shape obtained by freely combining one or two or more of them may be used. The respective portions of the scent generating cartridge 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0021] (2-1) Scent holding portion 11

[0022] The scent holding portion 11 is a portion that holds a scent. Note that the "scent" here includes any type of component that stimulates some or all of receptors present in the nasal cavity, such as odor molecules. Other than olfactory receptors, trigeminal nerve receptors that control stimuli such as cold, hot, and pain are also present in the nasal cavity. The scent is a broad concept that also includes any type of component that stimulates some or all of these receptors. Specifically, for example, in the case where menthol is used as a scent, the menthol is included in the "scent" because it also acts as a stimulus via olfactory receptors and can also act as a cold stimulus via trigeminal nerve receptors (TRPA1 channels).

[0023] The scent holding portion 11 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of holding a scent. For example, an impregnation material in which a component capable of generating a scent is impregnated may be used as the scent holding portion 11.

[0024] The material forming the impregnation material may include, for example, an organic polymer material such that a scent easily permeates. As the organic polymer material, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, a phenolic resin, an olefin resin, nylon, a polyester, synthetic rubber, a silicon resin, natural rubber, a protein, nucleic acid, a lipid, or a polysaccharide may be used. Alternatively, a material obtained by freely combining one or two or more of them may be used. In addition, a polymer resin such as an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, an ABS resin, a polyetheretherketone resin, a polyacetal resin, a fluororesin, a cycloolefin polymer resin, and a polyimide resin; a metal such as stainless steel and aluminum; an inorganic crystal such as quartz; glass; and filter paper may be used. Alternatively, one or two or more of them may be used in any combination.

[0025] The impregnation material may be formed to be porous. For example, a mesh structure, cork, mesoporous silica, or calcium carbonate may be used for the impregnation material. Further, the impregnation material may be formed into a fibrous structure or a layered structure (e.g., a clay mineral).

[0026] The form of the impregnation material is not particularly limited. For example, a sheet-shaped, mesh-shaped, strip-shaped (including its dense body), particulate (including its dense body), gelatinous, liquid (including a liquid maintained by the surface tension of carriers or the like), foamy, three-dimensional structural (e.g., crest-shaped, spiral-shaped, or spring-shaped), or string-shaped (including its dense body) form may be used. Alternatively, a form obtained by combining one or two or more of them may be used.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, the impregnation material is sheet-shaped and is housed in a substantially cylindrical shape in the hollow cylindrical scent generating cartridge 1. Making the impregnation material sheet-shaped makes it easier to house in the hollow cylindrical scent generating cartridge 1 and improves the production efficiency. Note that although the sheet-shaped impregnation material has a single layer structure in Fig. 2, it may be stacked in multilayer and housed in the scent generating cartridge 1, as necessary.

[0028] The scent to be held in the impregnation material is not particularly limited as long as it is a component capable of generating a scent (hereinafter, referred to also as a "flavoring agent"). Specifically, a liquid flavoring agent, a powder flavoring agent, those obtained by dissolving or dispersing them in an appropriate solvent, an essential oil, an essential oil diluted with an appropriate solvent, a fruit juice, food and drinks, those obtained by dissolving or dispersing them in an appropriate solvent, or the like may be used. These may be used alone, or two or more of them may be used in any combination.

[0029] The impregnation material may hold another component other than the component capable of generating a scent. Examples of such a component include a component that causes pharmacological effects when inhaled. If the only purpose is to cause pharmacological effects, not a component capable of generating a scent but only a component that causes pharmacological effects when inhaled may be impregnated in the impregnation material.

[0030] The impregnation material does not necessarily need to hold the component capable of generating a scent, and odorless air may be discharged using the mechanism of the scent generating cartridge 1 as necessary. In the discharge control mechanism 7, only the operation of the scent generating cartridge 1 may be turned off and only the operation of the air source711 described below may be tuned on to generate only the auxiliary wind Y from the air source 711. Further, in this case, only the odorless wind or the auxiliary wind Y may also be used for applications such as air curtain.

[0031] (2-2) Ventilation portion 12

[0032] The ventilation portion 12 is a portion that takes in air. The air is basically outside air around the scent generating cartridge 1 but may be air collected from a specific location, air containing a specific substance, or the like.

[0033] As the method of taking in air into the ventilation portion 12, various methods can be used. For example, air can be taken in by directly moving a member such as a pump that abuts on part of the flow portion 13 via the ventilation portion 12.

[0034] Note that the member such as a pump, a drive source of the member, and the like may be integrated with the scent generating cartridge 1 (may be formed in the same casing) or may be formed separately from the scent generating cartridge 1 and used in combination with the scent generating cartridge 1 for the direct movement. The scent generating cartridge 1 integrated with the member such as a pump, the drive source of the member, and the like may be distributed, or the member such as a pump and the drive source of the member themselves, which are formed separately from the scent generating cartridge 1, may be distributed alone.

[0035] The arrow in Fig. 2 indicates a pressing direction of the pump portion 61. In this embodiment, the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 is used to open and close the ventilation portion 12 in this way. Note that the mechanism that opens and closes part of the scent generating cartridge 1 by using the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 will be described in "(2-6) pump linearly-moving mechanism 6" described below.

[0036] (2-3) Flow portion 13

[0037] The flow portion 13 is a portion that communicates with the ventilation portion 12 and includes at least one spiral flow path 131. By providing the spiral flow path 131 to the flow portion 13, it is possible to improve the productivity by using rolling that is a method of producing screws and the like. In addition, since metalization of the flow portion 13 can be expected, it is possible to form the flow portion 13 with a material having high chemical resistance and / or a material having low gas permeability. In addition, since the area where scent-containing air flows is simply structured in the flow portion 13, there is little residual odor. Note that examples of the metal include steel use stainless (SUS) and aluminum but are not particularly limited thereto in the present technology.

[0038] In this embodiment, the flow portion 13 includes particularly two spiral flow paths 131. In this case, as shown in Fig. 2, it is favorable that the scent holding portion 11 is provided between the two spiral flow paths 131. In other words, the spiral flow paths 131 are present inside and outside the scent holding portion 11. This allows the contact area between the air flowing through the spiral flow paths 131 and the scent holding portion 11 to further increase and thus add a scent to the air more efficiently.

[0039] In this embodiment, part of all of the scent holding portion 11 abuts on the spiral flow path 131. This allows the contact area of the air flowing through the spiral flow path 131 with the scent holding portion 11 to increase and effectively add a scent to the air. In addition, since scent-containing air can be generated also in the spiral flow path 131 that is relatively short, it is possible to reduce the size of the entire scent generating cartridge 1.

[0040] (2-4) Discharge portion 14

[0041] The discharge portion 14 is a portion that discharges the scent-containing air K to the outside. In this embodiment, the discharge portion 14 communicates with the flow portion 13. Note that the "outside" here includes concepts such as a specific space and a specific location.

[0042] The scent generating cartridge 1 according to this embodiment has a mechanism that discharges the scent-containing air K by pressing part of a ventilation portion lid 121 from the side of the ventilation portion 12 of the scent generating cartridge 1. In this case, the ventilation portion lid 121 pressed via the ventilation portion 12 opens a discharge portion lid 141 via a shaft 130. As a result, the air that has flowed in from the ventilation portion 12 is scented by flowing through the flow portion 13, and the obtained scent-containing air K reaches the discharge portion 14 via the opened discharge portion lid 141 and is discharged from the discharge portion 14. After the scent-containing air K is discharged, the discharge portion lid 141 and the ventilation portion lid 121 return to their original positions due to the restoring force of the discharge portion spring 142 and the ventilation portion spring 122.

[0043] In this embodiment, the periphery of the discharge portion 14 is formed with another member to achieve space saving for the members in the casing 10 of the scent generating cartridge 1 on the side of the discharge portion 14. As a result, it is possible to efficiently generate the scent-containing air K even in a limited space.

[0044] (2-5) Information display portion

[0045] The scent generating cartridge 1 according to this embodiment may further include an information display portion. The information display portion is not an essential configuration in the present technology, but is a unit that is provided on part of the outer periphery surface of the scent generating cartridge 1 and is capable of acquiring information regarding the scent generating cartridge 1. By providing the information display portion to the scent generating cartridge 1, it is possible to acquire information regarding the scent generating cartridge 1 and improve the usability.

[0046] The information display portion is not particularly limited. For example, a pattern image such as a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code; or a marker, LED light, or the like of one or two or more colors may be used. These may be used alone, or two or more of them may be used in combination. The information display portion may be read by, for example, a camera or a barcode reader, or may be visually determined by humans.

[0047] Examples of the information indicated by the information display portion include the type of scent in the scent generating cartridge 1, the remaining amount of the scent, the name of the component capable of generating a scent, allergen information of the component, the expiration date, number of consumption times, date of production, and place of production of the scent generating cartridge 1, and the version (Ver.) information of the scent generating cartridge 1, but are not particularly limited in the present technology.

[0048] Note that in the case where part of the outer peripheral surface has a curvature, it is favorable that the information display portion is printed on or attached to the part of the outer peripheral surface in such a way that it can be read by the above-mentioned camera, barcode reader, or the like. In this case, the information display portion that is a pattern image may be printed on part of the outer peripheral surface by projection.

[0049] The information display portion may be linked with an application, and information acquired via the application may be displayed on a screen of a smartphone, a wearable terminal, a tablet terminal, a computer, a game console, or the like. In this case, a user may add additional information regarding whether or not the scent is pleasant to the acquired information by himself / herself utilizing the application, and the additional information acquired from one or two or more users may be accumulated on a server or cloud and utilized for machine learning.

[0050] Note that the marker, LED light, or the like of one or two or more colors may be used simply to give it a design effect.

[0051] (2-6) Pump linearly-moving mechanism 6

[0052] Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram for describing the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6. By using the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 to cause a pump portion 61 to linearly move as described above with respect to the scent generating cartridge 1, one or more selected from the group consisting of the ventilation portion lid 121, the discharge portion lid 141, and a member (valve) 64 provided between the pump portion 61 and the scent generating cartridge 1 can be pressed to open them. In the past, a pump portion has been fixed to cause a pusher that is another member to move. On the other hand, in the present technology, since air flows efficiently and there is no need to separately prepare a member such as a pusher, the number of parts can be reduced and a more compact opening / closing mechanism can be provided.

[0053] The pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 includes at least the pump portion 61, a sealing portion 62, and a linear-movement source 63. The pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 may further include another portion and the like as necessary. As shown in Fig. 3, part or all of the pump portion 61 moves in the linear direction by the movement of the linear-movement source 63 to press one or more selected from the group consisting of the ventilation portion lid 121, the discharge portion lid 141, and the member 64 provided between the pump portion 61 and the scent generating cartridge 1 and open them. After the scent generating cartridge 1 opens due to the movement of the pump portion 61, since the sealing portion 62 is provided at a necessary location as shown in Fig. 3, it is possible to prevent excess outside air and dust from entering.

[0054] The material forming the pump portion 61 and the sealing portion 62 is not particularly limited but favorably has flexibility. Specifically, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, a phenol resin, an olefin resin, nylon, a polyester, synthetic rubber, a silicon resin, natural rubber, an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, an ABS resin, a polyetheretherketone resin, a polyacetal resin, a fluoropolymer, a cycloolefin polymer resin, or a polyimide resin may be used. These may be used alone, or two or more of them may be used in any combination.

[0055] The shape of the pump portion 61 is not particularly limited and may be a substantially polygonal prism shape (including those with corner portions being rounded) such as a substantially columnar shape, a substantially oval columnar shape, a substantially triangular prism shape, and a substantially quadrangular prism shape, a substantially cone shape, or a substantially polygonal pyramid (including those with corner portions being rounded) whose cross section is substantially triangular, substantially square, or the like. Alternatively, a shape obtained by freely combining one or two or more of them may be used. In addition, for example, a shape obtained by combining substantially columnar shapes having different diameters may be used.

[0056] The linear-movement source 63 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of causing the pump portion 61 to move in the linear direction. Examples of the linear-movement source 63 include a shape memory alloy SMA, a motor, a solenoid, a linear slide actuator, a pneumatic (air pump) actuator, and an actuator equipped with a small electromagnet. Note that the term "linearly move" here includes not only a case where one member moves in a linear direction as described above but also a case where some of a plurality of connected members move in a linear direction.

[0057] In the present technology, as the linear-movement source 63, axial flow from the air source 711 may be used as described in "5. Fifth embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7)" described below.

[0058] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of an embodiment in which the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 and the scent generating cartridge 1 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 are used together. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 4. The pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 includes the scent generating cartridge 1, the pump portion 61 that abuts on the ventilation portion lid 121 of the scent generating cartridge 1, the sealing portion 62 (not shown in Fig. 4), and the linear-movement source 63 that causes the pump portion 61 to linearly move.

[0059] In this embodiment, a DC motor is used as the linear-movement source 63, and the pump portion 61 moves by the movement of the DC motor. Note that in this embodiment, the pump portion 61 has a shape continuously bent at substantially 90° from the portion parallel to the scent generating cartridge 1, and part of the bent end of the pump portion 61 abuts on the ventilation portion lid 121 to cause the ventilation portion lid 121 to linearly move. In this way, in the present technology, the shape and the like of the pump portion 61 can be modified to suit the space where the scent generating cartridge 1 is desired to be mounted. Note that the pump portion 61 may be formed as one block by connecting a plurality of members as shown in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the sealing portion 62 is formed in part of the ventilation portion lid 121 on the side that abuts on the pump portion 61.

[0060] Note that in the present technology, one or more selected from the group consisting of the ventilation portion lid 121, the discharge portion lid 141, and the member 64 provided between the pump portion 61 and the scent generating cartridge 1 may be opened and closed by a mechanism other than the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6. For example, a rink structure that includes a shape memory alloy SMA and one or more links, or a twisted string actuator (TSA) may be used.

[0061] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a mechanism 8 using a TSA. The TSA includes at least a motor, a rotation member, two strings or wires, and a guide portion that guides the two strings or wires. The motor causes the rotation member to be driven to rotate, which causes the two strings or wires to twist around each other. For this reason, the length of the string or wire in the twisting region when twisting has occurred is shorter than the length of the string or wire in the twisting region when twisting has not occurred. By heating the string or wire as necessary, the length of the string or wire can be further shortened. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, a TSA 81 and a return spring (compression spring) 82 on the outer periphery of the TSA 81 are provided. By driving the motor, the two strings or wires that are components of the TSA are twisted, and the valve 83 can be opened and closed. By providing the return spring 82 outside the TSA 81, it is possible to reduce the size of the entire scent generating cartridge 1 including this mechanism.

[0062] (2-7) Others

[0063] The amount of the scent to be held in the scent holding portion 11 can be changed as necessary. That is, a plurality of scent holding portions 11 may be provided in accordance with the amount of the scent. The capacity of the scent holding portion 11 can be changed by, for example, adjusting the size of the scent generating cartridge 1 or changing the type or volume of the impregnation material forming the scent holding portion 11. It goes without saying that scent holding portions 11 that hold different amounts of the scent or different types of scents may be provided for each scent generating cartridge 1.

[0064] The scent generating cartridge 1 may be of a replaceable and single-use type. This makes it possible to improve usability.

[0065] Further, by preserving the scent generating cartridge 1 in a sealed container or the like until the start of use (favorably, immediately before use), for example, it is possible to prevent the component capable of generating a scent from deteriorating. In this case, it is favorable that part or all (favorably, all) of a container portion and a sealed container lid of the sealed container is formed of a material having high chemical resistance and / or a material having gas low permeability. Note that examples of the material having high chemical resistance and / or the material having low gas permeability include a metal such as steel use stainless (SUS) and aluminum; a resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and ethylene tetra fluoro ethylene (ETFE); and glass.

[0066] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a deodorizing mechanism 51 according to an embodiment. The scent generating cartridge 1 may include the deodorizing mechanism 51 as necessary. Specifically, for example, the deodorizing mechanism 51 may be disposed so as to take deodorizing measures for a suction hole 612 of the above-mentioned pump linearly-moving mechanism 6. By taking deodorizing measures for the suction hole 612, it is possible to deodorize odors of components such as a resin and the surrounding environment when the odors enter (see a black arrow in Fig. 7) before the scent-containing air K is generated (see a gray arrow in Fig. 7 for the air after deodorization) and present a scent that is originally desired to be presented. The deodorizing mechanism 51 includes, for example, a front member 511, a rear member 512, and a deodorizing material portion 513 between the front member 511 and the rear member 512 that fit to each other.

[0067] Examples of the material forming the front member 511 and the rear member 512 include glass; a metal such as steel use stainless (SUS) and aluminum; and a resin and the like such as polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, a phenolic resin, an olefin resin, an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, an ABS resin, a polyetheretherketone resin, a polyacetal resin, a fluororesin, a cycloolefin polymer resin, and a polyimide resin. These may be used alone, or two or more of them may be used in any combination. As the shapes of the front member 511 and the rear member 512, for example, a substantially polygonal shape such as a substantially triangular prism shape and a substantially quadrangular prism shape, a substantially columnar shape, or a substantially oval columnar shape may be used. These may be used alone, or two or more of them may be used in any combination. In the case where a substantially polygonal shape is adopted, the corner portion may be rounded or part of the front member 511 or the rear member 512 may be tapered or stepped.

[0068] As the deodorizing material portion 513, for example, those with a gas adsorbing substance woven or kneaded into, those packed in a bag formed of a material having gas permeability or the like, or those in which various fibers or structures themselves have a gas adsorbing structure may be used, or a filter structure may be used. As the gas adsorbing substance, for example, activated carbon (e.g., coconut, fir, bamboo, resin, wood, fiber, or coal), zeolite, a layered compound (e.g., sheet silicate or alumina), porous silica (including mesoporous silica), or the like may be used. These may be used alone, or two or more of them may be used in any combination. The deodorizing material portion 513 may be, for example, a powder, a granule, a fiber, a molded product, a sheet (e.g., non-woven fabric or woven fabric), a rod, or a plate. As the surface treatment on the deodorizing material portion 513, it does not necessarily need to perform activation treatment. For example, a surface functional group exposure treatment (e.g., acidification, alkalization, polarization, non-polarization) may be performed.

[0069] In addition, the deodorizing mechanism 51 may include one or more fall prevention portions 5131 that prevent the deodorizing material portion 513 from falling. As the fall prevention portion 5131, for example, a sheet having a mesh structure, a filter structure, or the like may be used. This makes it possible to not only achieve the effect of preventing falls but also prevent the pump portion 61 from sucking a gas adsorbing substance of a powder, a granule, or the like, such as activated carbon. It is favorable that the fall prevention portion 5131 is mounted on the deodorizing material portion 513 using an adhesive or the like such that no gap is generated. An adhesion portion 515 for mounting the deodorizing mechanism 51 on another member, a casing, or the like may be formed on the surface of the rear member 512 on the side that does not fit into the front member 511. The adhesion portion 515 may include, for example, an adhesive, double sided tape, or the like.

[0070] (3) Discharge control unit 71

[0071] The discharge control unit 71 is a unit that includes the air source 711 that generates the auxiliary wind Y and controls the discharge condition of the scent-containing air K. In the present technology, since the auxiliary wind Y can be used by providing the discharge control unit 71, it is possible to give directivity to the scent-containing air K and transport the scent-containing air K over a wide area for a long time at low concentration by adjusting the amount of the scent-containing air K. It is also possible to meet the need to prevent the scent-containing air K from reaching a specific location to reduce residual odor.

[0072] In addition, in the discharge control mechanism 7 according to the present technology, since the scent generating cartridge 1 is used, it is possible to instantly switch between a plurality of scents and reduce the frequency of the scent generating cartridge 1 itself by controlling the discharge amount by the discharge control unit 71. Further, since the discharge control unit 71 is capable of performing local control of the respective units, problems such as odor leakage and odor mixing are less likely to occur. As described below, the discharge control mechanism 7 according to the present technology, control through a network is also possible.

[0073] In the past, there has been a problem that if a space is filled with the same scent, a specific target will feel uncomfortable in the case where he / she does not like the scent. However, in the present technology, since the scent-containing air K had directivity and the concentration and the discharge distance can be adjusted, the above-mentioned problem is less likely to occur. In the case of using a fan, an aroma shooter, or the like, it has been necessary to dispose a device in front of or on the side surface of a specific target. However, in the present technology, since the discharge control mechanism 7 is miniaturized, the purpose, installation location, and the like of the device do not need to be fixed. That is, the purpose, installation location, and the like of the discharge control mechanism 7 can be freely changed in accordance with user's needs.

[0074] The air source 711 that generates the auxiliary wind Y is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of generating the auxiliary wind Y and may include, for example, an axial flow fan, a blower fan, or a centrifugal fan. These may be used alone, or two or more of them may be used in combination. As the air source 711, a diaphragm pump, a combination of a diaphragm pump using a piezoelectric element or a motor (e.g., a micro blower), and an airflow expansion mechanism, or the like may be used. Further, an air conditioner, a fan, a circulator, an air purifier, a humidifier, a commercial air conditioning system, or the like may be used. These may be used alone, or two or more of them may be used in combination. Further, the above-mentioned air conditioner or the like may be used as the airflow expansion mechanism.

[0075] Examples of the discharge condition of the scent-containing air K include one or more selected from the group consisting of the type of scent (including a concept of scents obtained by mixing two or more flavoring agents with each other), the discharge direction, the discharge distance, the discharge amount, the discharge speed, the discharge position, and the diffusion range (including a concept of a discharge range) of the scent-containing air K.

[0076] Note that a specific control example of a discharge condition in this embodiment will be described in "(6) Example of discharge control by discharge control mechanism 7" described below.

[0077] (4) Condition control unit 72

[0078] Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the concept of the discharge control mechanism 7. The condition control unit 72 is a unit that controls at least the discharge control unit 71. The condition control unit 72 may control not only the discharge control unit 71 but also the scent generating cartridge 1 as necessary. The condition control unit 72 is not an essential structure in the present technology. However, by providing the condition control unit 72, it is possible to automatically control the discharge condition and improve usability. Note that in the present technology, regardless of whether or not the condition control unit 72 is provide, a user himself / herself may manually control the discharge condition as necessary.

[0079] In this embodiment, the condition control unit 72 may also include a storage unit 73 that stores various types of information, an input unit 74 that receives a user's instruction, an output unit 75 that outputs various types of information, and the like. In this case, the condition control unit 72, the storage unit 73, the input unit 74, and the output unit 75 may be provided in the casing of the scent generating cartridge 1, the casing of the discharge control mechanism 7, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, a personal computer, or the like, and the respective units are capable of communicating with each other through a wired or wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) network.

[0080] The condition control unit 72 determines a suitable discharge condition on the basis of, for example, user information input from the input unit 74 or usage history of a user stored in the storage unit 73 and controls the discharge control unit 71 and / or the scent generating cartridge 1 to satisfy the determined suitable discharge condition. Note that a specific control example of a discharge condition will be described in "(6) Example of discharge control by discharge control mechanism 7".

[0081] The condition control unit 72 may store an evaluation result of the discharge condition input by a user in the storage unit 73 and perform feedback control on the discharge control unit 71 on the basis of the evaluation result of the discharge condition. Note that part or all of the storage unit 73 may be on a server or cloud system connected through the Internet. In this case, machine learning using AI 76 may be performed on the basis of information accumulated in the server or cloud system.

[0082] Further, the condition control unit 72 is also capable of controlling a plurality of scent generating cartridges 1 and / or discharge control units 71 through a network simultaneously or in a continuous manner. As a result, for example, a plurality of discharge control mechanisms 7 each including the scent generating cartridge 1 and the discharge control unit 71 is disposed at a plurality of locations, the condition control unit 72 connected thereto is capable of performing batch control thereon. The "control" here includes turning on or off the drive source, changing the discharge condition in each discharge control mechanism 7, and the like, and is performed on at least one discharge control mechanism 7 selected by a user.

[0083] (5) Others

[0084] Although the discharge control unit 71 includes the air source 711 in the present technology, there is a problem that noise occurs depending on the type of air source 711, the number of air sources 711 to be mounted, or the like. This problem can be solved by, for example, applying a physical stimulation and / or a chemical stimulation to a liquid to vaporize the liquid, inflating a balloon to generate gas.

[0085] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 8, by applying a heat stimulation to the liquid in the balloon using a heater, a thermistor, a Peltier element, or the like to vaporize the liquid, generating gas, inflating the balloon, and discharging the generated air, the air source can be made a silent air source. There is no need to worry about the scent continuing to come out, because the balloon remains inflated when the temperature inside the balloon becomes high. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the scent from continuing to come out in a closed space such as the inside of a vehicle.

[0086] As the liquid in the balloon, a liquid that is prone to thermal expansion is favorable. Examples of such a liquid include alcohols such as methanol and ethanol, but are not limited thereto in the present technology. A non-return valve may be provided in the balloon as shown in Fig. 8.

[0087] As another solution, for example, as shown in Figs. 9, by storing pressure in the balloon while the operation voltage is relatively low and releasing the pressure during air discharge, the air source can be made an air source with reduced noise. Note that Fig. 9A is a schematic diagram of an example of the air source according to an embodiment as viewed from the front, and Fig. 9B is a schematic diagram showing the back surface of Fig. 9A. It is also possible to reduce noise by using a linear actuator to operate a syringe on the basis of the same principle. A non-return valve (not shown) may also be provided in the balloon shown in Fig. 9B.

[0088] In addition, for example, by instantly vaporizing a liquid by electric discharge (e.g., spark discharge, DC arc discharge, or glow discharge) in a piston formed of metal and instantly discharging air, the air source can be made a silent air source.

[0089] (6) Example of discharge control by discharge control mechanism 7

[0090] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the discharge control mechanism 7 according to the first embodiment as described above. In this embodiment, the discharge control mechanism 7 includes the scent generating cartridge 1 that includes the discharge portion 14 that discharges the scent-containing air K (see a black arrow in Fig. 1), and the discharge control unit 71 that includes the air source 711 that generates the auxiliary wind Y (see a white arrow in Fig. 1) and controls the discharge condition of the scent-containing air K.

[0091] In this embodiment, the scent-containing air K and the auxiliary wind Y travel in substantially the same direction and are mixed with each other. This occurs because the auxiliary wind Y with a higher flow rate and faster flow speed than the scent-containing air K is released near the discharge portion 14 and the scent-containing air K that travels in substantially the same direction as the auxiliary wind Y is brought in and pulled by the auxiliary wind Y. As a result, it is possible to give directivity to the scent-containing air K and transport the scent-containing air K further away. In addition, it is possible to prevent the scent-containing air K from stagnating. As a result, it is possible to prevent residual odor mainly in the periphery of the inside and the outside of the scent generating cartridge 1.

[0092] Further, in this embodiment, since no other members are present in places where the scent-containing air K is discharged and where the auxiliary wind Y is released, i.e., the discharge condition can be controlled without using other members at the discharge destination and the discharge destination, it is possible to realize space-saving discharge control.

[0093] In this embodiment, a flow path (duct) 712 that is continuous from the air source 711 to the discharge port of the discharge control unit71 is further provided. Since no other members are present in the flow path 712, it is possible to efficiently release the auxiliary wind Y generated from the air source 711.

[0094] Note that in the present technology, various shapes can be adopted as the shape of the flow path 712 as shown in each embodiment described below, and an appropriate shape can be freely selected in accordance with the intended use or the like. As shown in Fig. 1 and the like, the flow path 712 may have a curvature in at least part of the side surface in accordance with the shape of the scent generating cartridge 1 or the like, as necessary.

[0095] It is favorable that the flow path 712 gradually narrows toward the discharge port. This makes it possible to add momentum to releasing of the auxiliary wind Y and efficiently bring in the scent-containing air K. Note that the term "gradually narrow" means that the cross-sectional area (longitudinal cross-sectional area) gradually decreases in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the flow path 712. Therefore, a from in which only the lateral width of the flow path 712 gradually decreases and a form in which only the longitudinal width of the flow path 712 gradually decreases are also included.

[0096] 2. Second embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7)

[0097] Fig. 11A is a front view showing a discharge control mechanism 7 according to a second embodiment, and Fig. 11B is a diagram showing how the scent-containing air K is discharged and the auxiliary wind Y is released. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 11. In this embodiment, the discharge control mechanism 7 includes the scent generating cartridge 1 that includes the discharge portion 14 that discharges the scent-containing air K, the discharge control unit 71 that includes the air source 711 that generates the auxiliary wind Y and controls the discharge condition of the scent-containing air K, and the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 that opens and closes the scent generating cartridge 1. Note that since the scent generating cartridge 1 is the same as that described in the above-mentioned "(2) Scent generating cartridge 1" and the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 is the same as that described in the above-mentioned "(2-6) Pump linearly-moving mechanism 6", description thereof is omitted here.

[0098] In this embodiment, similarly to the above-mentioned first embodiment, the flow path 712 gradually narrows from the air source 711 toward the discharge port. As a result, the cross-sectional area of the discharge port decreases. Therefore, also in this embodiment, it is possible to add momentum to releasing of the auxiliary wind Y and efficiently bring in the scent-containing air K.

[0099] In the present technology, as in this embodiment, the discharge portion 14 is on substantially the same plane as the discharge port of the discharge control unit 71 (in this embodiment, the discharge port of the flow path 712). This allows the auxiliary wind Y to more efficiently bring in and pull the scent-containing air K. This is particularly effective in the case where the flow path 712 that is capable of releasing the auxiliary wind Y with a higher flow rate and faster flow speed is provided as shown in Fig. 11B.

[0100] In the present technology, the discharge portion 14 may protrude from the discharge port of the discharge control unit 71 (in this embodiment, the flow path 712) in the direction in which the scent-containing air K travels. Also in this case, it allows the auxiliary wind Y to more efficiently bring in and pull the scent-containing air K as described above, and it is particularly effective in the case where the flow path 712 that is capable of releasing the auxiliary wind Y with a higher flow rate and faster flow speed is provided. Note that in this case, the distance between the position of the discharge port of the discharge control unit 71 and the position of the discharge portion 14 of the scent generating cartridge 1 in the protruding direction is favorably not that far. Specifically, the distance between the position of the discharge port and the position of the discharge portion 14 in the protruding direction is favorably, for example, 3 cm or less, more favorably 1 cm or less.

[0101] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 11A, the discharge port of the flow path 712 is formed above the discharge portion 14. In this case, as shown in Fig. 12, the flow path 712 may be continuously formed in the longitudinal direction of the scent generating cartridge 1. As a result, as shown in Fig. 11B, it is possible to release the auxiliary wind Y having a high flow rate and fast flow speed. Therefore, in the case where the discharge distance of the scent-containing air K is desired to be increased, it is favorable to adopt the configuration of the flow path 712 according to this embodiment.

[0102] Note that although not shown, the discharge port of the flow path 712 may be continuously formed only below the discharge portion 14 and may be formed both above and below the discharge portion 14 in the present technology.

[0103] 3. Third embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7)

[0104] Fig. 13A is a front view showing a discharge control mechanism 7 according to a third embodiment, and Fig. 13B is a diagram showing how the scent-containing air K is discharged and the auxiliary wind Y is released. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 13. In this embodiment, the discharge control mechanism 7 includes the scent generating cartridge 1 that includes the discharge portion 14 that discharges the scent-containing air K, the discharge control unit 71 that includes the air source 711 that generates the auxiliary wind Y and controls the discharge condition of the scent-containing air K, and the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 that opens and closes the scent generating cartridge 1. Note that since the scent generating cartridge 1 is the same as that described in the above-mentioned "(2) Scent generating cartridge 1" and the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 is the same as that described in the above-mentioned "(2-6) Pump linearly-moving mechanism 6", description thereof is omitted here.

[0105] In this embodiment, as compared with the above-mentioned second embodiment, the flow path 712 gradually narrows from the air source 711 toward the discharge port, and thus, the cross-sectional area of the discharge port further decreases.

[0106] However, if the wind volume of the air source 711 decreases, the wind speed decreases as shown in Fig. 13B. Therefore, in the present technology, it is necessary to carefully consider the relationship between the type and performance of the air source 711 and the shape of the flow path 712 in accordance with the technical common sense of those skilled in the art.

[0107] It is also important to select the air source 711 taking into consideration silencing and design the shape of the flow path 712 compatible with the selected air source 711. Note that examples of the silencing include a method of increasing the size of the fan forming the air source 711 and a method of lowering the voltage and the rotation speed of the fan in the case of prioritizing miniaturization.

[0108] In the case where the type and performance of the air source 711 and the shape of the flow path 712 are compatible, the probability that the auxiliary wind Y having a high flow rate and fast flow speed can be released more efficiently. In this case, since the tip portion can be formed small, space saving can also be achieved.

[0109] 4. Fourth embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7)

[0110] Fig. 15A is a front view showing a discharge control mechanism 7 according to a fourth embodiment, and Fig. 15B is a diagram showing how the auxiliary wind Y is released. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 15. In this embodiment, the discharge control mechanism 7 includes the scent generating cartridge 1 that includes the discharge portion 14 that discharges the scent-containing air K, the discharge control unit 71 that includes the air source 711 that generates the auxiliary wind Y and controls the discharge condition of the scent-containing air K, and the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 that opens and closes the scent generating cartridge 1. Note that since the scent generating cartridge 1 is the same as that described in the above-mentioned "(2) Scent generating cartridge 1" and the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 is the same as that described in the above-mentioned "(2-6) pump linearly-moving mechanism 6", description thereof is omitted here.

[0111] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 15A, the discharge port of the flow path 712 is formed around the discharge portion 14. In this case, the shape of the discharge port is not particularly limited as long as the discharge port is formed around the discharge portion 14. However, as shown in Fig. 15A, the discharge port is favorably formed in a substantially annular shape. Note that the term "formed around" here includes not only a case where it is formed in a continuous manner as shown in Fig. 15A but also a case where it is formed around the discharge portion 14 in a discontinuous manner.

[0112] Forming the discharge port of the flow path 712 around the discharge portion 14 is effective in the case where the scent-containing air K and the auxiliary wind Y are desired to be mixed sufficiently and discharged. In this embodiment, as compared with the above-mentioned second embodiment, it is possible to extend the distance that gas containing the scent-containing air K reaches.

[0113] 5. Fifth embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7)

[0114] Fig. 17A is a front view showing a discharge control mechanism 7 according to a fifth embodiment, and Fig. 17B is a diagram showing how the auxiliary wind Y is released. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 17. In this embodiment, the discharge control mechanism 7 includes the scent generating cartridge 1 that includes the discharge portion 14 that discharges the scent-containing air K, the discharge control unit 71 that includes the air source 711 that generates the auxiliary wind Y and controls the discharge condition of the scent-containing air K, and the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 that opens and closes the scent generating cartridge 1. Note that since the scent generating cartridge 1 is the same as that described in the above-mentioned "(2) Scent generating cartridge 1", description thereof is omitted here.

[0115] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 17A, discharge ports of four flow paths 712 are formed around the discharge portion 14 (specifically, at four corners of the casing of the discharge control mechanism 7) in a discontinuous manner. In this case, as shown in Fig. 18, two or more flow paths 712 may be continuously formed in the longitudinal direction of the scent generating cartridge 1 and the pump portion 61. As a result, in the entire discharge control mechanism 7, it is possible to reduce the cross-sectional area of the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the discharge control mechanism 7 and achieve space saving in a predetermined direction.

[0116] In this embodiment, instead of the linear-movement source 63 of the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6, axial flow from the air source 711 may be used to cause the pump portion 61 to move in the linear direction and open and close the ventilation portion lid 121. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of parts, simplify the production process, and reduce costs.

[0117] 6. Sixth embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7)

[0118] (1) Discharge control mechanism 7 according to sixth embodiment

[0119] Fig. 19 is a front view showing a discharge control mechanism 7 according to a sixth embodiment, and Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 19. In this embodiment, the discharge control mechanism 7 includes four scent generating cartridges 1 each including the discharge portion 14 that discharges the scent-containing air K, the discharge control unit 71 that includes one air source 711 that generates the auxiliary wind Y and controls the discharge condition of the scent-containing air K, and the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 that opens and closes the scent generating cartridge 1. Note that since the scent generating cartridge 1 is the same as that described in the above-mentioned "(2) Scent generating cartridge 1", description thereof is omitted here. In Fig. 20, illustration of the ventilation portion lid 121, the ventilation portion spring 122, the discharge portion lid 141, and the discharge portion spring 142 is omitted.

[0120] In this embodiment, one air source 711 is provided for a plurality of scent generating cartridges 1. By providing the plurality of scent generating cartridges 1, it is possible to mix two or more flavoring agents, adjust the discharge amount of the scent-containing air K, and diffuse the scent-containing air K over a wide area.

[0121] Note that in this embodiment, all of the plurality of scent generating cartridges 1 may be operated. Alternatively, only some of them may be operated, and the next scent generating cartridge 1 may be operated as soon as the flavoring agent runs out. In the case where some scent generating cartridges 1 are operated, the plurality of scent generating cartridges 1 can be used for a long time in a continuous manner.

[0122] In this embodiment, one air source 711 is provided in the center on the back surface side of the plurality of scent generating cartridges 1 as shown in Fig. 20, and the discharge port of the flow path 712 is provided in the center of the four scent generating cartridges 1 as shown in Fig. 19 and Fig. 20. As a result, the auxiliary wind Y emitted from the air source 711 is efficiently mixed with the scent-containing air K discharged from each scent generating cartridge 1.

[0123] In this embodiment, similarly to the fifth embodiment, instead of the linear-movement source 63 of the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6, axial flow from the air source 711 is used to cause the pump portion 61 to move in the linear direction and open and close the ventilation portion lid 121. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of parts, simplify the production process, and reduce costs.

[0124] (2) Discharge control mechanism 7 according to modified example of sixth embodiment

[0125] Fig. 21 is a front view showing a discharge control mechanism 7 according to a modified example of a sixth embodiment, and Fig. 22 is an explanatory diagram for describing how a main stream and a side stream are mixed with each other. In this modified example, configurations other than the flow path 712 are the same as those in the sixth embodiment.

[0126] In this modified example, as shown in Fig. 21, one air source 711 is provided in the center on the back surface side of the plurality of scent generating cartridges 1. As shown in Fig. 21, one flow path 712 is formed in the center of the four scent generating cartridges 1, and flow paths 712 smaller than the flow path 712 formed in the center are formed at the corner of each scent generating cartridge 1.

[0127] In this modified example, by changing the sizes of the discharge ports of the plurality of flow paths 712, the auxiliary wind Y emitted from the air source 711 can be released from the plurality of discharge ports as shown in Fig. 22A to form a main stream Y1 and one or more side streams Y2. The side streams Y2 travel in arrow directions shown in Fig. 22A due to the Coanda effect and travel toward the main stream Y1 while bringing in the scent-containing air K discharged from the discharge portion 14. In this way, in the present technology, it is possible to contribute to the control of the discharge condition by bringing in the scent-containing air K, adjusting the wind direction, and gathering wind using the Coanda effect. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 22B, it is possible to mix a plurality of winds in the air to generate a wind in which the scent-containing air K and the auxiliary wind Y are efficiently mixed with each other.

[0128] 7. Seventh embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7)

[0129] Fig. 23 is a front view of a discharge control mechanism 7 according to a seventh embodiment, and Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 23. In this embodiment, the discharge control mechanism 7 includes four scent generating cartridges 1 each including the discharge portion 14 that discharges the scent-containing air K, the discharge control unit 71 that includes one air source 711 that generates the auxiliary wind Y and controls the discharge condition of the scent-containing air K, and the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 that opens and closes the scent generating cartridge 1. Note that since the scent generating cartridge 1 is the same as that described in the above-mentioned "(2) Scent generating cartridge 1" and the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 is the same as that described in the above-mentioned "(2-6) pump linearly-moving mechanism 6", description thereof is omitted here.

[0130] In this embodiment, similarly to the sixth embodiment, one air source 711 is provided for a plurality of scent generating cartridges 1. By providing the plurality of scent generating cartridges 1, it is possible to mix two or more flavoring agents, adjust the discharge amount of the scent-containing air K, and diffuse the scent-containing air K over a wide area.

[0131] Note that also in this embodiment, all of the plurality of scent generating cartridges 1 may be operated. Alternatively, only some of them may be operated, and the next scent generating cartridge 1 may be operated as soon as the flavoring agent runs out. In the case where some scent generating cartridges 1 are operated, the plurality of scent generating cartridges 1 can be used for a long time in a continuous manner.

[0132] In this embodiment, the four scent generating cartridges 1 are lined up laterally as shown in Fig. 23, and one air source 711 is provided on the upper surface side of the plurality of scent generating cartridges 1 and the discharge port of the flow path 712 is also provided on the upper surface side of the plurality of scent generating cartridges 1 as shown in Fig. 24. As a result, similarly to the sixth embodiment, the auxiliary wind Y emitted from the air source 711 is efficiently mixed with the scent-containing air K discharged from each scent generating cartridge 1.

[0133] 8. Eighth embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7)

[0134] Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing a discharge control mechanism 7 according to an eighth embodiment, and Figs. 26 are each an explanatory diagram for describing a usage example of the embodiment shown in Fig. 25. Note that arrows in Figs. 26 indicate the releasing direction of the auxiliary wind Y. In this embodiment, the scent generating cartridge 1 and the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 are built in the casing having a substantially square tube shape and are configured to discharge the scent-containing air K via a hole 140 that communicates with the discharge portion 14. The discharge control mechanism 7 includes the discharge control unit 71 that includes one air source711 that generates the auxiliary wind Y and controls the discharge condition of the scent-containing air K in addition to the scent generating cartridge 1 and the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6. Note that since the scent generating cartridge 1 is the same as that described in the above-mentioned "(2) Scent generating cartridge 1" and the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 is the same as that described in the above-mentioned "(2-6) pump linearly-moving mechanism 6", description thereof is omitted here.

[0135] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 25 and Figs. 26, the discharge control unit 71 includes a direction control portion 713a that includes a plurality of propellers 7131 and is capable of moving in the up-and-down direction (horizontal direction), at the tip portion of the flow path 712 through which the auxiliary wind Y emitted from the air source 711 flows. In this way, by using the direction control portion 713, it is possible to control the releasing direction of the auxiliary wind Y that flows through the flow path 712 by shaking the direction control portion 713a in a desired direction such as the up-and-down direction.

[0136] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 26A and Fig. 26B, a direction control portion 713b may be provided. The direction control portion 713b is capable of moving in the right and left direction (vertical direction) as shown by the change from Fig. 26A to Fig. 26B and controlling the right and left direction of the auxiliary wind Y emitted from the air source 711. In Fig. 26, the direction control portion 713b itself forms the flow path 712. That is, by shaking this flow path 712 (direction control portion 713b) in the right and left direction to achieve a desired direction, it is possible to control the releasing direction of the auxiliary wind Y.

[0137] Note that in Fig. 26A, the propeller 7131does not include a drive source, rotates when the auxiliary wind Y hits, and can be used to adjust the wind speed as necessary.

[0138] In this embodiment, the direction control portion 713 may include only the direction control portion 713a that is operable in the up-and-down direction or only the direction control portion 713b that is operable in the right and left direction. When the direction control portion 713 includes both the direction control portion 713a and the direction control portion 713b, it is possible to change the releasing direction of the auxiliary wind Y to any of up, down, right, and left directions and a combination of these, such as top right, bottom right, top left, and bottom left directions. Along with this, the discharge direction of the scent-containing air K can also be changed in a desired direction.

[0139] The direction control portion 713 is basically one that can be operated electrically, but may be one that automatically moves by the auxiliary wind Y from the air source 711 in some cases. Specifically, for example, as the direction control portion 713, a louver or the like that automatically rotates by the auxiliary wind Y may be used to diffuse the auxiliary wind Y over a wide area. Alternatively, a user may manually cause the direction control portion 713 to move.

[0140] Note that in the case where the direction control portion 713 is operated electrically, as shown in Fig. 26A and Fig. 26B, the direction control portion 713b can be operated in a predetermined direction by turning on the actuator having a shape memory alloy SMA and the drive source of the air source 711 in a flap-type direction control portion 713 for a predetermined period, and then, the direction control portion 713b can be caused to move in a direction different from the predetermined direction by the natural shrinkage of the shape memory alloy SMA.

[0141] 9. Ninth embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7)

[0142] Fig. 27 is a front perspective view showing a discharge control mechanism 7 according to a ninth embodiment, and Fig. 28 is a rear perspective view showing the discharge control mechanism 7 according to the ninth embodiment. In this embodiment, the scent generating cartridge 1 and the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 are built in a casing having a substantially square tube shape and are configured to discharge the scent-containing air K via a plurality of holes 140 from the discharge portion 14. The discharge control mechanism 7 includes the discharge control unit 71 that includes one air source 711 that generates the auxiliary wind Y and controls the discharge condition of the scent-containing air K in addition to the scent generating cartridge 1 and the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6. Note that since the scent generating cartridge 1 is the same as that described in the above-mentioned "(2) Scent generating cartridge 1" and the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6 is the same as that described in the above-mentioned "(2-6) pump linearly-moving mechanism 6", description thereof is omitted here.

[0143] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 27 and Fig. 28, the discharge control unit 71 includes a direction control portion 713c at the tip portion of the flow path 712 through which the auxiliary wind Y emitted from the air source 711 flows. The direction control portion 713c in this embodiment is a louver having a structure in which a flap moves up, down, right, and left. By using the direction control portion 713c, it is possible to control the up, down, right, and left directions of the auxiliary wind Y emitted from the air source 711.

[0144] In this embodiment, the flow path 712 is formed by the plurality of direction control portions 713b themselves as described below. That is, by shaking the flow path 712 (direction control portions 713b) in the right and left directions to achieve a desired direction, it is possible to control the releasing direction of the auxiliary wind Y. Therefore, although the flow path 712 appears to be gradually increasing in size from the air source 711 toward the discharge port in Fig. 27 and Fig. 28, the shape of the flow path 712 in this embodiment is designed to increase the width of swing of the auxiliary wind Y in the right and left direction, and the inside of the flow path 712 is not formed to be gradually increasing in size.

[0145] In this embodiment, the direction control portion 713 may include only the direction control portion713c that is operable in the up, down, right, and left directions, or only the direction control portion 713b that is operable in the right and left direction. It is favorable that the direction control portion 713 includes both the direction control portion 713b and the direction control portion 713c,

[0146] Note that the direction control portion 713 is basically one that can be operated electrically similarly to the eighth embodiment, but may be operated automatically or manually.

[0147] 10. Tenth embodiment (discharge control system 500)

[0148] (1) Configuration example of discharge control system 500

[0149] Fig. 29 is a block diagram showing an example of a discharge control system 500. In this embodiment, the discharge control system 500 includes at least an information acquisition unit 501, a control unit 502, a scent presentation unit 503, a storage unit 504, an output unit 505, an input unit 506, and an auxiliary wind presentation unit 507. In addition, the discharge control system 500 may further include another unit as necessary. The respective units of the discharge control system 500 will be described below.

[0150] (2) Information acquisition unit 501

[0151] The information acquisition unit 501 is a unit that acquires information regarding a specific target. The "target" here is a broad concept that includes not only humans but also all kinds of flora and fauna such as dog, cat, monkey, rabbit, hamster, mouse, guinea pig, horse, cow, pig, chicken, parakeet, parrot, owl, long-eared owl, squirrel, flying squirrel, turtle, lizard, snake, salamander, other animals, ornamental fish, insects, and plants. Among these, particularly, humans and pet animals are favorable as the targets.

[0152] The specific target is not necessarily one individual and may also be a plurality of individuals (group). The specific target may be moving or stationary.

[0153] Specific examples of the information acquisition unit 501 include an infrared sensor, an odor sensor, and a gas sensor (which are not shown) in addition to an environmental sensor, a vital sensor, a camera sensor, and a brightness sensor as shown in Fig. 29. These may be used alone, or two or more of them may be used in combination.

[0154] The information to be acquired from the above-mentioned various sensors is not particularly limited. Examples of such information include: temperature, humidity, an air pressure, and an amount of UV irradiation in the case of the environmental sensor; a brain pressure, the number of blinks, an amount of bleeding, an amount of sweating (including an amount of sweating during sleep), an amount of tear secretion, a level of consciousness, and an amount of excrement, in addition to vital signs including pulse, blood pressure, respiration, and body temperature in the case of the vital sensor; a race, a gender, an age, whether or not a target is present, a target position, the number of targets, height of the target, and a position of a specific portion in the target (e.g., face, nose, hand, feet, or back) in the case of the camera sensor; an amount of indoor lighting and an amount of entrance lighting in the case of the brightness sensor; a change in outside temperature, room temperature, radiant temperature, sensible temperature, a position of a human, and an operating status of various devices (e.g., a television set, an air conditioner, a fan, a circulator, an air purifier, a humidifier, a commercial air conditioning system, au automatic door, an automatic opening / closing toilet lid, or a non-contact thermometer) in the case of the infrared sensor; a bad odor and an odor in the case of the odor sensor; and nitrogen, oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, alcohol, and fuel vapor gas in the case of the gas sensor. Alternatively, information obtained by combining one or two or more of them may be acquired. The information acquired from the various sensors may include only one type of information. However, by using two or more types of information in combination, it is possible to present a scent according to a specific target with higher accuracy. Note that each sensor may perform measurement by directly contacting a specific target, or may perform measurement without contact. With recent technology, there are non-contact vital sensors. Such a type of vital sensor may be used in the present technology.

[0155] Note that the information acquisition unit 501 may be fixed to a desired position with a stand, a clip, a tripod, a hanging mechanism, or the like. These may include a rod, a plate-shaped member, or the like and may be formed of a shape memory material.

[0156] (3) Control unit 502

[0157] The control unit 502 is a unit that determines a discharge condition for the scent-containing air K on the basis of the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 501 and / or information prepared in advance. Examples of the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 501 include the above-mentioned information acquired from the various sensors.

[0158] Examples of the information prepared in advance include information input or registered by a user in advance, weather forecast information, and traffic jam prediction information. Examples of the information input or registered by a user in advance include a gender, a race, a favorite-scent presentation condition, height, weight, a current mood, a current physical condition, average sleep time during a predetermined period (e.g., the most recent week), the average number of defecations during a predetermined period, a smoking history, a drinking history, scheduled time to fall asleep or wake up, and being pregnant or menstruating in the case of women. Alternatively, information obtained by combining one or two or more of them may be used, but the present technology is not particularly limited thereto.

[0159] Note that since the "scent" here is the same as that described above, description thereof is omitted here. Examples of the discharge condition determined by the control unit 502 include one or more selected from the group consisting of the type of scent, the discharge direction, the discharge distance, the discharge amount, the discharge speed, the discharge position, and the diffusion range, but are not particularly limited in the present technology. In the case where a plurality of scent generating cartridges 1 is provided, the control unit 502 may determine the same discharge condition for the respective scent generating cartridges 1 and may determine a discharge condition for each scent generating cartridge 1.

[0160] The control unit 502 may evaluate the state of the specific target after the scent is presented. The "state" here includes not only one or more pieces of information themselves acquired from the information acquisition unit 501 but also information inferred from the acquired one or more pieces of information. Specifically, for example, if the subject's pulse rate decreases after a scent is presented, an evaluation may be made such that the subject to whom the scent was presented is calm. Meanwhile, if the subject's pulse rate increases, an evaluation may be made such that the subject to whom the scent was presented is excited. In this embodiment, the control unit 502 may perform feedback control on the discharge condition on the basis of the results of evaluation.

[0161] In this case, the control unit 502 is capable of setting a desired environment on the basis of the results of evaluation. The "setting" here includes a concept of both manual and automatic settings, and also includes a case where it is set manually or automatically to the middle and set automatically or manually thereafter. Specifically, for example, in the case where it is desired to create a relaxing environment for a specific target, the control unit 502 is capable of setting a desired environment by changing the discharge condition on the basis of the results of evaluation. In the case where a specific target himself / herself wants to create an environment where he / she can concentrate, the control unit 502 is capable of setting a desired environment by changing the discharge condition on the basis of an instruction from the specific target and the results of evaluation.

[0162] The control unit 502 may be capable of communicating with, for example, the information acquisition unit 501, the scent generating cartridge 1, the scent control unit 532, the scent presentation unit 503, and the discharge control unit 71 through a wired or wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) network. The control unit 502 may be capable of communicating with the other units of the discharge control system 500 through a wired or wireless network.

[0163] Specific examples of the control unit 502 include applications stored in a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, a personal computer, and the like, but are not particularly limited thereto in the present technology. Examples of the application include a native application, a Web application, a hybrid application, and an embedded application.

[0164] (4) Scent presentation unit 503

[0165] The scent presentation unit 503 is a unit that discharges a scent on the basis of the discharge condition determined by the control unit 502. Specific examples of the scent presentation unit 503 include those including the scent generating cartridge 1 and the scent control unit 532.

[0166] Fig. 30 is a perspective view showing the scent presentation unit 503 according to an embodiment. Figs. 31 are a six-sided diagram showing the embodiment shown in Fig. 30. Fig. 31A is a front view, Fig. 31B is a rear view, Fig. 31C is a left side view, Fig. 31D is a right side view, Fig. 31E is a plan view, and Fig. 31F is a bottom view. Fig. 32 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure in the casing of the scent presentation unit 503.

[0167] In this embodiment, the scent presentation unit 503 includes at least the scent generating cartridge 1 and the scent control unit 532. The scent presentation unit 503 may further include another unit and the like as necessary. Note that in Fig. 30 and Figs. 31, the scent generating cartridge 1 and the scent control unit 532 are located in the casing of the scent presentation unit 503 as shown in Fig. 32.

[0168] Note that in this embodiment, the scent presentation unit 503 has a substantially square tube shape as shown in Fig. 30 and Figs. 31. However, the shape of the scent presentation unit 503 is not particularly limited, and may be a substantially polygonal tube shape (including those with corner portions being rounded) such as a substantially hollow cylindrical shape, a substantially hollow oval cylindrical shape, a substantially triangular tube shape, and a substantially square tube shape, a substantially cone shape, or a substantially polygonal pyramid (including those with corner portions being rounded) whose cross section is substantially triangular, substantially square, or the like. Alternatively, a shape obtained by freely combining one or two or more of them may be used. For example, a shape obtained by combining substantially hollow cylindrical shapes having different diameters may be used.

[0169] In the scent presentation unit 503, the scent-containing air is discharged from the discharge port 533. That is, the discharge port 533 is a unit that presents a scent when the scent control unit 532 operates in accordance with the discharge condition instructed by the control unit 502. The discharge port 533 is provided in part of the casing of the scent presentation unit 503, e.g., at the position shown in Fig. 31E.

[0170] In the case where the scent presentation condition determined by the control unit 502 cannot be realized by only the scent presentation unit 503, the control unit 502 is capable of realizing the target discharge condition by instructing the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 described below about the scent presentation condition. The respective units of the scent presentation unit 503 will be described below.

[0171] <Scent generating cartridge 1> Since the scent generating cartridge 1 is the same as that described in "(2) Scent generating cartridge 1" of "1. First embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7)", description thereof is omitted here.

[0172] <Scent generating cartridge 1 according to modified example> A scent generating cartridge 1 according to a modified example will be described below. Figs. 33 are a six-sided diagram showing the scent generating cartridge 1 according to the modified example. Fig. 33A is a front view, Fig. 33B is a rear view, Fig. 33C is a left side view, Fig. 33D is a right side view, Fig. 33E is a plan view, and Fig. 33F is a bottom view. Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figs. 33, and Fig. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line P-P in the embodiment shown in Fig. 33E. The scent generating cartridge 1 according to this modified example includes at least the scent holding portion 101, the ventilation portion 102, and the connecting portion 103.

[0173] As shown in Fig. 35, the scent holding portion 101 includes at least the impregnation material 20 and the container portion 21. In this embodiment, the lid 22 corresponding to the container portion 21 is connected to part of the connecting portion 103 described below. Note that in this embodiment, the connection includes an aspect in which the connecting portion 103 and the lid 22 are formed as a single molded part.

[0174] Since the material forming the impregnation material 20 and the form of the impregnation material 20 are not particularly limited and are the same as those described in "(2) Scent generating cartridge 1" of "1. First embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7)", description thereof is omitted here. Since the scent to be held in the impregnation material 20 is also not particularly limited and is the same as that described in "(2) Scent generating cartridge 1" of "1. First embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7)", description thereof is omitted here.

[0175] It is favorable that the container portion 21 has a two-layer structure. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 35, the container portion 21 includes the inner layer portion 211 that forms the inside for holding the impregnation material 20 and the outer layer portion 212 that forms the outside of the container portion 21. The material forming the inner layer portion 211 is not particularly limited. However, in this embodiment, it is favorable that part or all of the inner layer portion 211 is formed of glass or metal. Examples of the metal include steel use stainless (SUS) and aluminum. In this embodiment, the inner wall of the inner layer portion 211 on the side of the impregnation material 20 may be formed of a metal foil, or the inner wall may be plated with metal.

[0176] The ventilation portion 102 includes a ventilation opening 30 that can be opened and closed. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 35, the ventilation portion 102 is configured to be separated into two sections (a first ventilation portion 102a and a second ventilation portion 102b) by two ventilation openings 30. However, the present technology is not particularly limited thereto, and the ventilation portion 102 may be configured to have a single section or may be configured to be separated into three or more sections. That is, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 35, the ventilation opening 30 includes an inflow ventilation opening 30a for causing air to flow in the scent generating cartridge 1 and a releasing ventilation opening 30b for releasing scent-containing air to the outside. An opening / closing mechanism is connected to these two ventilation openings 30 (30a and 30b). The specific structure of the opening / closing mechanism is not particularly limited as long as the two ventilation openings 30 (30a and 30b) can be opened and closed and can be freely designed. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 36 described below, an opening / closing mechanism that includes sealing lids 1021 (1021a and 1021b), a shaft 1022, and springs 1023 (1023a and 1023b) may be provided.

[0177] In this embodiment, it is favorable that the ventilation portion 102 has a two-layer structure. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 35, the ventilation portion 102 includes an inner layer member 31 that houses the opening / closing mechanism and an outer layer member 32 that forms the outside of the ventilation portion 102.

[0178] The connecting portion 103 includes at least two connection openings 40 (40a and 40b) that are formed in the lid 22 connected to the connecting portion 103 and communicate the ventilation portion 102 and the scent holding portion 101 with each other, and a partition portion 41 that is disposed upstream of one of the at least two connection openings 40 (40a and 40b). In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 35, the two connection openings 40 (40a and 40b) include a first connection opening 40a that releases air from the connecting portion 103 to the scent holding portion 101 and a second connection opening 40b that releases scent-containing air from the scent holding portion 101 to the connecting portion 103. In this case, the air that has flowed into the connecting portion 103 via the first ventilation portion 102a is released to the scent holding portion 101 via the first connection opening 40a and mixed with a scent, and then, the obtained scent-containing air flows into the connecting portion 103 via the second connection opening 40b and is released to the outside via the second ventilation portion 102b.

[0179] In this embodiment, the partition portion 41 is disposed upstream of the second connection opening 40b, of the two connection openings 40 (40a and 40b). By providing the partition portion 41, the air that has flowed into the connecting portion 103 is forcibly caused to pass through the scent holding portion 101 to generate scent-containing air and flows into the connecting portion 103 again. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 103 includes an opening / closing mechanism in a connection region with the ventilation portion 102.

[0180] Fig. 36 is a cross-sectional view showing how a scent is discharged from the scent generating cartridge 1. In this embodiment, when the ventilation portion 102 is opened while a scent is held in the scent holding portion 101, air flows in from the outside. The air that has flowed in flows into the connecting portion 103, passes through the one connection opening 40a, and sends airflow to the scent, the airflow is scented when passing near the impregnation material 20, and the scent-containing air K thus obtained is released. In this state, the released scent-containing air K flows into the connecting portion 103 via the other connection opening 40b and is released to the outside.

[0181] Specifically, in this embodiment, the ventilation openings 30 (30a and 30b) and the connecting portion 103 are provided with an opening / closing mechanism that includes sealing lids, shafts, and springs. The opening / closing mechanism can be controlled by, for example, inserting a pusher X from the side of the first sealing lid 1021a to be connected to the shaft as shown in Fig. 36. Note that although only the state in which the pusher X and the shaft are connected to each other is shown in Fig. 36, when the pusher X is pressed while being connected to the shaft, the pusher X pushes the first sealing lid 1021a toward the inside of the first ventilation portion 102a, the inflow ventilation opening 30a is opened, and air flows into the first ventilation portion 102a. At this time, the first spring 1023a is compressed by the first sealing lid 1021a.

[0182] When the first sealing lid 1021a is pushed toward the inside of the first ventilation portion 102a, the shaft 1022 attached to the first sealing lid 1021a moves in the direction of the connecting portion 103. This shaft 1022 pushes a sealing lid 1031 toward the inside of the connecting portion 103, and the air in the first ventilation portion 102a flows into the connecting portion 103. At this time, a spring 1033 is compressed by the sealing lid 1031. The air that has flowed into the connecting portion 103 flows into the scent holding portion 101 first via the first connection opening 40a provided in the lid 22 because the partition portion 41 is provided, and sends airflow to the scent held in the scent holding portion 101. As a result, the airflow is scented when passing near the impregnation material 20, and the obtained scent-containing air K is released. This scent-containing air K flows into the connecting portion 103 again via the second connection opening 40b provided in the lid 22.

[0183] When the sealing lid 1031 is pushed toward the inside of the connecting portion 103, a shaft 1032 attached to the sealing lid 1031 moves in the direction of the second ventilation portion 102b. This shaft 1032 pushes the second sealing lid 1021b toward the inside of the second ventilation portion 102b, and the scent-containing air in the connecting portion 103 flows into the second ventilation portion 102b. At this time, the second spring 1023b is compressed by the second sealing lid 1021b. In this embodiment, since the second ventilation portion 102b communicates with the releasing ventilation opening 30b, the scent-containing air that has flowed into the second ventilation portion 102b is released to the outside from the releasing ventilation opening 30b. When the pushing of the pusher X is released after releasing the scent-containing air to the outside, the first sealing lid 1021a returns to the original position due to the restoring force of the compressed first spring 1023a. The sealing lid 1031 returns to the original position due to the restoring force of the spring 1033, and the second sealing lid 1021b returns to the original position due to the restoring force of the second spring 1023b.

[0184] As shown in Fig. 32, in order to drive the pusher X, for example, an SMA sliding portion X1 that folds a shape memory alloy SMA and causes the folded shape memory alloy SMA to slide is provided in the vicinity of the tip of the pusher X, and a shaft of the scent generating cartridge 1 and a drive source X2 are fixed such that the pusher X reaches the position to be connected to the shaft. A wire capable of supplying electric power is connected to the drive source X2, and electric power may be supplied to the drive source X2 from a battery (including a storage battery) via the wire or electric power may be supplied from a power source. The pusher X is capable of moving in the extending direction in the casing of the scent presentation unit 503 by expansion and contraction of the shape memory alloy SMA. The shape memory alloy SMA is folded back into a U-shape by part of the SMA sliding portion X1 provided in the vicinity pf the tip of the pusher X, for example, and passes through the pusher X, and both ends thereof are fixed at the rear end of the pusher X. In this embodiment, the actuator is not limited to the shape memory alloy SMA and only needs to be a linearly-moving mechanism that causes a pusher to linearly move, such as a motor, a solenoid, a linear slide actuator, a pneumatic (air pump) actuator, and a small electromagnet.

[0185] <Scent control unit 532> The scent control unit 532 is a unit that controls the scent presentation unit 503 on the basis of an instruction from the control unit 502. The disposition of the scent control unit 532 is not particularly limited, and the scent control unit 532 may be disposed in, for example , the casing of the scent presentation unit 503 as shown in Fig. 32.

[0186] The scent control unit 532 controls, on the basis of the discharge condition determined by the control unit 502, the scent presentation unit 503 such that the discharge condition is realized. Specifically, the discharge condition can be realized by controlling, for example, replacing the scent generating cartridge 1, mixing the scent-containing air K from two or more scent generating cartridges 1 in desired proportions, the discharge amount and the discharge speed of the scent-containing air K, the concentration of the flavoring agent in the scent generating cartridge 1 to be used, the number of discharges, discharge time, and discharge stopping time of the scent-containing air K, or a combination of one or two or more of them. The scent control unit 532 is capable of contributing the realization of the discharge condition by controlling the pump linearly-moving mechanism 6, the deodorizing mechanism 51, and the like attached to the scent generating cartridge 1, as necessary.

[0187] The scent presentation unit 503 may include one or more scent presentation units 503. In the case where the scent presentation unit 503 includes two or more scent presentation units 503, the two or more scent presentation units 503 can be placed next to each other with a connection mechanism (e.g., engagement using a recessed and projecting shape; engagement using claws, pins, hooks, clamps, or the like; engagement with an adhesive having a attachable / detachable degree of adhesiveness; or slide engagement) provided on the side surface of the casing of the scent presentation unit 503, or the like.

[0188] (5) Storage unit 504

[0189] The storage unit 504 is a unit that stores information acquired by the information acquisition unit 501 and / or information prepared in advance. The storage unit 504 stores all types of information such as the results of evaluation by the control unit 502 and a desired environment condition set by the control unit 502. The storage unit 504 may be provided in the casing of the control unit 502, but may be connected to an external control device or the like via a network and provided on a server or cloud. In this case, each user can share all types of information stored in the storage unit 504 on the server or cloud via the network. Note that in consideration of user's personal information, some pieces of information may be made visible only to those with viewing authority.

[0190] The storage unit 504 may perform machine learning using AI 5041 on the basis of all the pieces of stored information. As a result, it is possible to present a scent according to a specific target to the specific target with higher accuracy. The machine learning may be performed on a cloud. In this case, each user can share the results of machine learning on the cloud through a network.

[0191] In the case where the discharge control system 500 includes the storage unit 504, the control unit 502 may determine the discharge condition on the basis of the information stored in the storage unit 504. Specific examples of such information include history of discharge conditions given to users in the past, discharge conditions evaluated by users in the past, reactions (e.g., vital data) shown by users in the past, discharge conditions accumulated on the cloud, discharge conditions based on knowledge obtained through machine learning, and information obtained by combining one or two or more of them, but are not particularly limited thereto in the present technology.

[0192] The storage unit 504 may be provided in the casing of the control unit 502, but various types of information may be stored using one or more external storage devices or the like.

[0193] (6) Output unit 505

[0194] The output unit 505 outputs the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 501 and / or information prepared in advance. The output unit 505 outputs all types of information such as the results of evaluation by the control unit 502 and the desired environment condition set by the control unit 502, in addition thereto. Specific examples of the output unit 505 include visual display on a monitor, a screen of a portable information terminal, a control device to be used for entertainment purposes, and the like; audio output from a speaker, earphones, headphones, a microphone, and the like; haptic output by deformation of a member, a change in arrangement of members, a temperature change of a member, such as cold and warm, a stimulation due to a weak current, and the like; and a combination of one or two or more of them, but are not particularly limited in the present technology.

[0195] The output unit 505 may be provided in the casing of the control unit 502, but various types of information may be output using one or more external output devices or the like. The output unit 505 does not necessarily need to be owned by the user himself / herself, and may be those owned by the user's family, medical institution, emergency transport facility, or the like.

[0196] (7) Input unit 506

[0197] The input unit 506 is a unit that inputs information to the respective units of the discharge control mechanism 7 by a user. Examples of the input unit 506 include a keyboard, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, and an audio input device, but are not particularly limited thereto in the present technology. The information prepared in advance may be input by a user via the input unit 506.

[0198] The input unit 506 may be a keyboard or the like provided in the casing of the control unit 502, and various types of information may be input using one or more external input devices connected wired or wirelessly (i.e., a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, an audio input device, and the like).

[0199] (8) Auxiliary wind presentation unit 507

[0200] The auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 presents the auxiliary wind Y that assists in blowing the scent-containing air K emitted from the scent presentation unit 503. Specific examples of the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 include those including the air source 711 and the discharge control unit 71. Since the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 is the same as that described in the discharge control unit 71 of "1. First embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7)" to "9. Ninth embodiment (discharge control mechanism 7)", description thereof is omitted here.

[0201] Note that the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 may be integrated with the scent presentation unit 503 or may be provided outside the scent presentation unit 503. An air conditioner, a fan, a circulator, an air purifier, a humidifier, a commercial air conditioning system, or the like may be adopted as the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507, and the scent presentation unit 503 may be attached to part of the casings of these.

[0202] One or more auxiliary wind presentation units 507 uniquely developed may be used to generate the auxiliary wind Y as necessary.

[0203] (9) Others

[0204] The discharge control system 500 may include a warning unit (not shown) that issues a warning in the case where, for example, the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 501 indicates that the vital sign of a specific target is significantly decreased. The warning unit may be wired or wirelessly connected to the other units of the discharge control system 500. In this case, it is possible to perform first aid measures such as emitting a strong scent and a spraying pharmacological gas for the specific target whose vital sign is decreased using the discharge control system 500. The warning unit may automatically output the current information of the specific target to the user's family, medical institution, emergency transport facility, or the like.

[0205] The discharge control system 500 may include a reading unit that reads information from the information display portion included in the scent generating cartridge 1, as necessary. Examples of the reading unit include a camera and a barcode reader. In the present technology, the reading unit is not an essential configuration, and information may be read from the information display portion using the above-mentioned information acquisition unit 501.

[0206] 11. Application examples of discharge control mechanism 7 and discharge control system 500

[0207] (1) Illustration of application examples

[0208] The discharge control mechanism 7 and the discharge control system 500 according to the present technology is applicable to a wide range of fields as shown below.

[0209] Specifically, for example, it is used for olfactory tests, olfactory training (including olfactory stimulation therapy), and the like. Note that the olfactory training here is interpreted in a broad sense and includes training for screening examination on odor judgment technician, sommelier examination, aromatherapy examination, and the like. It may also be used for odor stimulation when developing pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, food and beverages, and the like. In addition, it may be mounted on a relaxation product such as a head-mounted display, a neck pillow, a massage chair, an eye pillow, an eye massager, a head massager, a hand massager, and a foot massager, or a vehicle such as an automobile, a bus, a train, a ship, and an airplane.

[0210] In addition, it may also be used in a customer attraction product such as a vending machine, a billboard, a digital signage, and a robot. In addition, it may contribute to presentation of a scent according to exhibits and animals and plants in an art museum, a museum, a library, a zoo, a botanical garden, or the like, and may also be used as part of a performance in a concert hall, an opera house, a live house, a stage, a movie theater, an amusement facility, or the like.

[0211] In addition, for example, it is applicable to calm the target's mood, lift the target's mood, cause the target to comfortably fall asleep, sleep, and wake up, generate a scent that pests and vermin dislike, and generate a scent in an elevator, a store, a business office, or the like in accordance with conditions such as time, scene, and population density. The specific targets may be classified into ordinary people, athletes, pregnant women, hospitalized patients, babies, pet animals, and the like, and scents suitable for the respective targets may be generated. In this case, the specific target may include one or more targets, and the discharge control system 500 may adjust the scent on a facility-by-facility basis in a gym where athletes gather, an obstetric and gynecology clinic where pregnant women gather, an inpatient facility where hospitalized patients gather, a veterinary hospital where pet animals gather, or the like.

[0212] (2) Specific examples

[0213] Specific examples of using the discharge control mechanism 7 and the discharge control system 500 according to the present technology will be described below.

[0214] (2-1) In case of being used for performance in amusement facility

[0215] In this specific example, a case of being used for a performance in an amusement facility is assumed. Specifically, for example, the back of a person is recognized with a sensor, a scent is presented from the front side of the person and a different scent is presented the moment he / she turns around, producing a more natural and immersive event. In the past, there have been many devices that provide a scent from the front side of a person. On the other hand, the present technology is very useful because a scent can be presented quietly or suddenly from behind. Note that the provision of a scent from behind will be described in "(2-4) Others" described below.

[0216] More specifically, when the purpose is "feeling of elation" (e.g., a scene that makes a person feel excited at a live performance), a spicy scent like spices or a refreshing peppermint scent is provided from the right and left sides to increase the feeling of elation. When the purpose is "feeling of calmness" (e.g., an emotional scent at a movie theater), a calming scent like lavenders or wildflowers is provided from the right and left sides to increase the feeling of calmness. When the purpose is "feeling of fear" (e.g., a horror scene in a haunted mansion), a scent like rivers, willows, or chrysanthemums and a fishy odor like blood are respectively discharged from the left and right sides, and a ghost doll is caused to appear from the right side as a performance.

[0217] The AI 5041 is used to collect and analyze the results of each sensor, and a list of the optimum scents is made on the basis of information such as a race, a gender, and an age. For example, it is possible to check seasonal scents and preferences by an environmental sensor and provide a more optimal scent.

[0218] (2-2) In case of presenting scent in accordance with movement of human

[0219] In this specific example, a case of presenting a scent in accordance with movement of a human is assumed. Specifically, for example, movement of a human is sensed and a scent is provided to a specific target. As a result, it is possible to contribute to revitalizing people's lives and increasing their desire to purchase for each location and in accordance with the season and weather. Also in this specific example, for the presentation of a scent, the flow path 712 and the direction control portion 713 in the discharge control mechanism 7 may be utilized.

[0220] Specific examples will be described below in detail by scene. <Scene: home> The scent presentation unit 503 and the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 or the discharge control mechanism 7 are installed at the entrance or living room of home, and a scent can be provided, e.g., a fresh scent like lemons stimulates activity before commuting to work or school or a calming scent like lavenders help a target calm down when he / she gets home. <Scene: station> The scent presentation unit 503 and the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 or the discharge control mechanism 7 are installed on a pillar or ceiling near the ticket gate, and a scent of reginal specialties is provided when a target passes through the ticket gate at the station, which contributes to increasing the desire to purchase souvenirs, meals, and the like near famous places. In this case, the scent may be changed depending on the time zone.

[0221] <Scene: road (including highway)> The scent presentation unit 503 and the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 or the discharge control mechanism 7 are installed in a vehicle, and a scent of local specialties is provided when travelling to other cities, towns, villages, or prefectures, making it possible to have a more lively conversation with fellow passengers and prevent the driver from falling asleep at the wheel. It also contributes to improving motivation to move to famous places and increasing the desire to purchase souvenirs, meals, and the like at roadside stations, service areas, and the like.

[0222] <Scene: shop> The scent presentation unit 503 and the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 or the discharge control mechanism 7 are installed on a pillar or beam at the entrance of a shop, and a scent of sweets, perfume, shampoo, cosmetics, or the like is presented when attracting customers, making it possible to attract customers at the storefront. In this case, a race, a gender, an age, and the like of a human passing by the storefront may be acquired by the information acquisition unit 501, and then the scent may be provided. <Scent: event site> The scent presentation unit 503 and the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 or the discharge control mechanism 7 are installed around a speaker, and for example, a scent for increasing the feeling of elation in the case of a rock-style song and a calming scent in the case of a ballad-style song are presented depending on the type of music during a live performance, which makes it possible to contributes to making each participant become more immersed in the live performance. In this case, the race, the gender, the age, and the like of the participants may be acquired by the information acquisition unit 501, and a scent may be provided in a wide diffusion range for a large number of participants or a specific scent may be provided by wind having directivity to some participants at the live venue.

[0223] The AI 5041 is used to collect and analyze the results of each sensor, and a list of the optimum scents is made on the basis of information such as a race, a gender, and an age. For example, a scent may be presented in conjunction with the output unit 505 (i.e., in conjunction with an image displayed on a monitor (including digital signage) or music from a speaker).

[0224] (2-3) In case of being mounted on seat or device that has air discharge function

[0225] In this specific example, a case where the scent presentation unit 503 and the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 or the discharge control mechanism 7 are mounted on a seat or a device that has an air discharge function is assumed.

[0226] In the past, a device that presents a scent has not been mounted on a seat or a device that has an air discharge function in many cases. In this specific example, by externally or internally attaching the scent presentation unit 503 that includes at least the scent generating cartridge and the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 or the discharge control mechanism 7 that includes the discharge control unit 71 to these articles, it is possible to present a scent suitable for the scene, and exhibit the effect of increasing concentration, awakening the user, and relaxing the user during work, hobbies, or the like.

[0227] Note that the "seat" here is a place to sit and the equipment attached to the place, and is generally referred to as a chair, bench, or the like. The type of seat includes, for example, not only seats provided in moving objects, such as vehicle seats and aircraft seats, but also seats provided in various facilities such as a concert hall, an opera house, a live house, a stage, a movie theater, and an amusement facility. The seat is basically designed for one person, but includes a pair of sheets for two persons, and chairs, benches, and the like on which two or more people can sit.

[0228] Among them, particularly, a vehicle sheet is favorable, and a vehicle seat designed for one person such as a driver's seat and a passenger seat is more favorable in the present technology. Note that the "vehicle" here includes not only a passenger car but also a bus, a truck, a tricycle, a motorcycle, and an automobile such as a motor vehicle; and a railway vehicle such as a passenger train, a locomotive, and freight car.

[0229] Examples of the "device that has an air discharge function" here include an air conditioner, a fan, a circulator, an air purifier, a humidifier, and a commercial air conditioning system, but are not particularly limited in the present technology.

[0230] As described above, when providing a scent, it is necessary to optimize the discharge condition of gas containing the scent-containing air K, and various factors are involved in determining the discharge condition. In particular, in this specific example, examples of such factors include temperature, humidity, and an air pressure, in addition to the distance to a target, the gender of the target, the physique of the target, the length of the target's hair, the clothing of the target, the target's sitting height, the distance to the target's nose, the discharge amount to the target, and the discharge speed. For example, the discharge control system 500 according to the present technology can be used in order to determine the discharge condition considering these factors.

[0231] In the case of being mounted on a seat, the mounting place is not particularly limited. For example, they may be mounted on a seat portion, a backrest portion assembled to the seat portion on the back of the seat portion, the right and left armrests located on the right and left sides of the seat portion, a headrest, the right and left wing portions protruding forward near the headrest, or two or more of them.

[0232] Also in the case of being mounted on a device that has an air discharge function, the present technology is not particularly limited. For example, they may be mounted near the air discharge portion of the device using a string, a wire, or the like, the scent presentation unit 503 and the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 or the discharge control mechanism 7 may be incorporated into the device, or they may be attached to another article near the device that has an air discharge function (e.g., in the case where the device that has an air discharge function is an air conditioner of a passenger car, a drink holder attached to the passenger car). Alternatively, they may be mounted on two or more of them.

[0233] <In case of being mounted on air conditioner of passenger car> As a specific example of a case of being mounted on a device that has an air discharge function, a case of being mounted on an air conditioner of a passenger car is assumed and described.

[0234] In the case of being mounted on an air conditioner of a passenger car, it is possible to utilize the wind of the air conditioner and present a scent to a target by recognizing the position of the target's face by the information acquisition unit 501, causing the target to recognize the timing to deliver the scent by means of display on a car navigation, a smartphone, or the like, lighting of a lamp, or audio notification, and causing the target to turn his / her face toward the air outlet of the air conditioner only during the timing.

[0235] In this case, the scent presentation unit 503 and the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 or the discharge control mechanism 7 only need to deliver the scent-containing air K to the air outlet of the air conditioner. In the case where the target feels uncomfortable when the air blows on his / her face, this problem can be eliminated by setting the discharge amount to the minimum one necessary for conveying the scent-containing air K or shortening the discharge time of the scent-containing air K.

[0236] Fig. 37 is a block diagram showing functions of respective units in the case of being mounted on an air conditioner of a passenger car. Note that in Fig. 37, part of the discharge control mechanism 7 and the discharge control system 500 is omitted. In the block diagram shown in Fig. 37, as the information acquisition unit 501, an in-vehicle camera, a temperature sensor, and a scent generating cartridge reader are used, and recognition of the position of a target, detection of a temperature, and recognition of the type of scent generating cartridge 1 are performed by these. The control unit (not shown) or the condition control unit 72 performs control such as changing the orientation of the air outlet and directing it toward the face in the case of the wind direction, changing the wind volume to produce weak wind in the case of the wind volume, and operating for several seconds in the case of the operation time on the air conditioner. The control unit (not shown) or the condition control unit 72 performs control such as setting the discharge time to several seconds in the case of the operation time and selecting the type of scent generating cartridge 1 on the scent presentation unit 503 that includes at least the scent generating cartridge and the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 or the discharge control mechanism 7 that includes the discharge control unit 71.

[0237] Note that although various types of control such as controlling the strength of a scent in accordance with the wind volume of the air conditioner and controlling the flow speed and the wind volume of the air conditioner in accordance with the distance from the air conditioner to the position of the face are conceivable in addition thereto, the present technology is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0238] <In case of being mounted on seat> As a specific example of a case of being mounted on a seat, a case of being mounted on a seat designed for one person, which includes at least a seat portion a backrest portion assembled to the seat portion, will be assumed and described below.

[0239] Fig. 38 is an explanatory diagram for describing a situation when a man T1 sits on a seat, and Fig. 39 is an explanatory diagram for describing a situation when a woman T2 sits on a seat. In Fig. 38 and Fig. 39, the seat includes a seat portion A1, a backrest portionA2, and a headrest A3, As described above, in the case where the scent presentation unit 503 and the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 or the discharge control mechanism 7 are mounted on the seat (Note that the discharge control mechanism 7 is mounted in Fig. 38 and Fig. 39), the mounting position is not particularly limited. However, it is favorable that the mounting position is a position where gas containing the scent-containing air K can be sprayed toward at least part of a specific target from the head to the waist (favorable, from the shoulders to the waist).

[0240] As a specific mounting position, any of part of the backrest portion A2 on the side of the headrest A3, the vicinity of the tip of the backrest portion A2 on the side of the headrest A3, and a region between the backrest portion A2 and the headrest A3 is favorable. As shown in Fig. 38 and Fig. 39, it is particularly favorable that the mounting position is the vicinity of the tip of the backrest portion A2 on the side of the headrest A3. Although not shown, in the case where the seat includes right and left wing portion protruding forward near the headrest, the mounting position may be any of the right and left wing portions.

[0241] Comparing Fig. 38 and Fig. 39, it can be seen that the sitting height when seated differs depending on the gender. When the sitting height differs, the angle at which gas containing the scent-containing air K arrives differs. For this reason, a problem that a specific target cannot sense the scent at all occurs depending on the angle of arrival. In this regard, when considering how to accommodate differences in sitting height using the same discharge control mechanism 7, the present inventors have found that the differences can be accommodated by changing the discharge range of the gas by the direction control portion 713 depending on the target.

[0242] That is, the present inventors have measured a distance F in Fig. 38 and a distance F in Fig. 39 and calculated the detection angle of the gas containing the scent-containing air K in the man T1 and the woman T2 using the measured distances. Fig. 40 is a diagram showing the detection angle of the man T1, and Fig. 41 is a diagram showing the detection angle of the woman T2. Note that the broken line indicates a straight line passing through the central portion of the discharge control mechanism 7, and each detection angle is shown in Fig. 40 and Fig. 41 with this straight line as 0°. As shown in Fig. 40, it has been found that the detection angle is 5° to 40° in the case of the man T1 and the detection angle is -15° to 35° in the case of the woman T2. From these, it has also been found that the angle range of -15° to 40° is reasonable as the range in which the gas containing the scent-containing air K can be delivered to both the man T1 and the woman T2, which has a width of approximately 60°.

[0243] Therefore, for example, by using a flap-type direction control portion 713, the discharge control mechanism 7 that is capable of performing direction control, in which the flow path 712 and the air source 711 are integrated, or the like, it is possible to control the angle of the releasing direction of the auxiliary wind Y and perform control such that the gas containing the scent-containing air K is discharged in a desired discharge range. In this case, the information acquisition unit 501 may acquire information regarding a gender, and the discharge range may be determined by using the information.

[0244] Figs. 42 are each an explanatory diagram for describing a suitable angle of the direction control portion 713 provided in the discharge port. The direction control portion 713 shown in Figs. 42 is specifically a louver having a structure in which a flap moves up, down, right, and left. By turn the louver inward (i.e., toward the target T shown in Fig. 42A) by 10° to 20°, it is possible to deliver gas containing the scent-containing air K more efficiently. Note that although the discharge control mechanism 7 shown in Fig. 42B includes a temporarily assembling member 714 for temporarily assembly to a structure inside the seat, the present technology is not limited to the structure shown in Fig. 42B. The temporarily assembling member 714 does not necessarily need to be provided in some cases.

[0245] Fig. 43 is an explanatory diagram for describing an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction of the seat. In this specific example, when the seat is viewed from the front, the front-rear direction is defined as the X direction (roll), the right and left direction is defined as the Y direction (pitch) and the height direction is defined as the Z direction (yaw). Figs. 44 are diagrams showing optimum tilt angles in the X, Y, and Z directions of the discharge control mechanism 7 in the case where the discharge control mechanism 7 is mounted on the seat. That is, by tilting the discharge control mechanism 7 by 25.5°, 33°, and 17° in the X direction (see Fig. 44B), the Y direction (see Fig. 44C), and the Z direction (see Fig. 44A), respectively, it is possible to efficiently deliver the gas containing the scent-containing air K to the target seated in the seat. Note that actually, these numerical values may have an error of approximately ±10°.

[0246] In the above-mentioned example, a suitable discharge condition has been derived by focusing on particularly the gender of a human and the distance from the seat portion in the seat to the human nose. In addition thereto, examples of the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 501 and / or information prepared in advance as the related factor in the case of being mounted on a seat include the sitting height of a human, the length of the human hear, the width of the seat portion or backrest of the seat, the position of the human waist while sitting on the seat, the angle between the seat portion and the backrest of the seat, the position of the headrest attached to the seat, and information obtained by combining one or two or more of them.

[0247] Specifically, for example, in the case of long hair, the hair itself becomes a gas barrier, causing a problem that the scent does not reach the user. Regarding such a problem, the differences in hairstyles are accommodated by changing the discharge condition such that the gas containing the scent-containing air K moves toward the inner side of the user. That is, in this case, the problem can be solved by controlling the discharge direction or discharge range. The shape of the direction control portion 713 may be devised and changed as necessary.

[0248] (2-4) Others

[0249] Matters to be considered other than the above-mentioned specific examples will be described below.

[0250] There is a need to place the scent presentation unit 503 and the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 or the discharge control mechanism 7 as close to the back of a specific target considering that they are mounted on the above-mentioned seat.

[0251] Fig. 45 and Fig. 46 are each an explanatory diagram for describing a case where a scent is presented from a back surface side. As shown in Fig. 45 and Fig. 46, even if the gas containing the scent-containing air K is discharged toward the specific target T from behind, it does not reach the tip of the target T's nose.

[0252] In this regard, in the specific example shown in Fig. 45, by using a flat-type direction control portion 713 or the discharge control mechanism 7 that is capable of performing direction control, in which the flow path 712 and the air source 711 are integrated, it is possible to control the angle of the releasing direction of the auxiliary wind Y in the right and left direction in the range of -30° to 30° with the straight line passing through the central portion of the discharge control mechanism 7 as 0° and perform control such that the gas containing the scent-containing air K is discharged in a desired discharge range (e.g., moving the direction control portion 713 by 60°).

[0253] In the specific example shown in Fig. 46, by shifting the discharge ports of the two flow paths 712 by approximately 30 mm (favorably, within 20 mm from the center of the discharge portion 14) from the center of the back surface to the right and left, it is possible to bring the scent-containing air K discharged from the discharge portion 14 in the auxiliary wind Y that flows through the flow path 712 and circulate the gas containing the scent-containing air K around the tip of the nose of the specific target T.

[0254] In addition, a case where the scent presentation unit 503 and the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 or the discharge control mechanism 7 are desired to be placed around the upper shoulder of the specific target and a case where the scent presentation unit 503 and the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 or the discharge control mechanism 7 are desired to be mounted on a wearable device worn by the specific target have also been considered.

[0255] Fig. 47 is an explanatory diagram for describing a case where a scent is presented from around the upper shoulder of the specific target and a case of being mounted on the wearable device worn by the specific target. As shown in Fig. 47, even if the gas containing the scent-containing air K is discharged toward the specific target T from the upper shoulder, the discharged gas passes by the target T's nose, causing a problem that the target T cannot sense the scent.

[0256] In this regard, in the specific example shown in Fig. 47, the gas containing the scent-containing air K is bent using wind from the front or side direction to provide the bent gas to the specific target T. Examples of the wind that can be used from the front or side direction include the wind generated from the air conditioner or the like from the driver's seat or passenger seat in the case of cars and the wind generated from a known blowing device such as an air conditioner and a fan in the case of indoors, but are not particularly limited in the present technology.

[0257] In the case of being mounted on a wearable device, a particular problem occurs when the specific target T is moving. As shown in Fig. 47, since the scent passes to the back of the target due to the wind from the front during walking or the like when the gas containing the scent-containing air K is discharged directly above, it is possible to present a scent to the tip of the target's nose by discharging the gas diagonally in front of the target. At this time, the discharge angle of the gas can be determined considering the walking speed of the target, and the like.

[0258] In addition, since it is difficult to present a scent to the subject's nose if there is a headwind, it is conceivable to understand the direction of the wind and perform control such as emitting a volume of wind that is capable of countering the headwind. Therefore, it is also important to understand in what direction the wind is blowing with respect to the specific target T during walking or the like.

[0259] (2-5) Operation flow example of discharge control system 500 in case of being mounted on seat

[0260] Fig. 48 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the discharge control system 500 in the case where the scent presentation unit 503 and the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 or the discharge control mechanism 7 is mounted on a seat. First, the scent presentation unit 503 and the auxiliary wind presentation unit 507 or the discharge control mechanism 7 are mounted on a seat at a suitable position (S101). Examples of the suitable position of the seat include those described in the above-mentioned "[In case of being mounted on seat]". Subsequently, the information acquisition unit 501 performs sensing to acquire information regarding a target (S102). Examples of the information to be acquire here include particularly related factors when being mounted on a seat. Examples of the factor include those described in the above-mentioned "[In case of being mounted of seat]". As the information here, information prepared in advance can be used as described above. For example, in the operation flow shown in Fig. 47, at least the distance from the seat portion of the seat to the human nose is sensed. Subsequently, the control unit 502 determines the discharge condition of the scent-containing air K on the basis of the acquired information (S103).

[0261] The control unit 502 may estimate the state of a human on the basis of the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 501, and a scent based on the estimation may be presented. For example, a mood-enhancing scent may be presented in accordance with the target's brain activity level in the case where the estimated state of the human is in a working mode, or a different scent may be discharged to change his / her mood when the target stays in the room for a long time. In addition, a soothing scent may be presented in the case where the estimated state of the human is in a relaxing mode and the target seems restless, or a scent suitable for sleep may be discharged when it is detected that the target has gone to bed.

[0262] Note that although not shown, a specific target himself / herself may select a mode with respect to the control unit 502, and a scent may be presented by referring to the information from the information acquisition unit 501. For example, in the case where the target selects a relaxing mode and the control unit 502 determines that the target is in an excited state on the basis of the pulse rate, the discharge condition is changed such that the state of the target is changed from the excited state to the relaxed state, or a scent that the target likes the most may be discharged on the basis of the knowledge obtained through machine learning using the AI 5041.

[0263] Subsequently, the scent presentation unit 503 discharges the scent-containing air K and the auxiliary wind Y on the basis of the determined discharge condition (S104). Subsequently, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the scent was presented, the information acquisition unit 501 performs sensing again to acquire information regarding the target (S105). Regarding the information acquired here, the control unit 502 evaluates whether or not the target discharge condition has been realized (S106). Note that the target himself / herself may input the evaluation via the input unit 506.

[0264] In the case where it is determined that the target discharge condition has been realized the control unit 502 or the target determines whether to continue to present a scent (S107). For the determination, the control unit 502 may refer to the information of the target such as vital signs acquired using the information acquisition unit 501. Alternatively, the target himself / herself may input the determination via the input unit 506. In the case where it is determined to continue to present a scent, the processing returns to S104. Meanwhile, in the case where it is determined not to continue to present a scent, the presentation of a scent is stopped (S108).

[0265] In the case where it is determined that the target discharge condition has not been realized, the processing returns to S103, and the control unit 502 determines a discharge condition again using also the information acquired in S105. The flow of S104 and subsequent steps are as described above.

[0266] It should be noted that the present technology may also take the following configurations. <1> A discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air, including: a scent generating cartridge that includes a discharge portion that discharges scent-containing air; and a discharge control unit that includes an air source that generates auxiliary wind and controls a discharge condition of the scent-containing air. <2> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to <1>, in which the discharge condition is one or more selected from the group consisting of a type of scent, a discharge direction, a discharge distance, a discharge amount, a discharge speed, a discharge angle, a discharge position, and a diffusion range. <3> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to <1> or <2>, in which the scent-containing air and the auxiliary wind travel in substantially the same direction and are mixed with each other. <4> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to any one of <1> to <3>, further including a condition control unit that controls the discharge control unit. <5> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to any one of <1> to <4>, in which no other members are present in places where the scent-containing air is discharged and where the auxiliary wind is released. <6> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to any one of <1> to <5>, further including a flow path that is continuous from the air source to a discharge port of the discharge control unit. <7> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to <6>, in which the flow path has a structure that gradually narrows toward the discharge port. <8> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to <6> or <7>, further including a direction control portion that controls a releasing direction of the auxiliary wind flowing through the flow path. <9> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to any one of <1> to <8>, in which the discharge portion is on substantially the same plane as the discharge port of the discharge control unit or protrudes from the discharge port of the discharge control unit in a direction in which the scent-containing air travels. <10> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to <6>, in which the discharge port of the flow path is formed in an upper part of the discharge portion. <11> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to <6>, in which the discharge port of the flow path is formed around the discharge portion. <12> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to any one of <1> to <11>, in which one air source is provided for a plurality of scent generating cartridges. <13> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to <12>, in which one air source is provided on a back surface side or an upper surface side of the plurality of scent generating cartridges. <14> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to <12>, in which the air source releases the auxiliary wind from a plurality of discharge ports to form a main stream and a side stream. <15> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to <4>, in which the discharge condition is manually controlled or controlled by the condition control unit. <16> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to any one of <1> to <15>, which is mounted on a seat or a device that has an air discharge function. <17> A discharge control system for scent-containing air, including: a scent generating cartridge that includes a discharge portion that discharges scent-containing air; a discharge control unit that includes an air source that generates auxiliary wind and controls a discharge condition of the scent-containing air; an information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a specific target; and a control unit that determines the discharge condition on a basis of the information acquired by the information acquisition unit and / or information prepared in advance. <18> The discharge control system according to <17>, in which a scent presentation unit that includes at least the scent generating cartridge and an auxiliary wind presentation unit that includes the discharge control unit are mounted on a seat or a device that has an air discharge function. <19> The discharge control system according to <17>, in which the seat is a vehicle seat. <20> The discharge control system according to <19>, further including a storage unit that stores the information acquired by the information acquisition unit and / or information prepared in advance, the control unit determining the discharge condition on a basis of the information stored in the storage unit.

[0267] It should be noted that the present technology may also take the following configurations. <1> A discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air, including: a scent generating cartridge that includes a discharge portion that discharges scent-containing air; a discharge control unit that includes an air source that generates auxiliary wind and controls a discharge condition of the scent-containing air; a flow path that is continuous from the air source to a discharge port of the discharge control unit; and a direction control portion that controls a releasing direction of the auxiliary wind flowing through the flow path. <2> The discharge control mechanism according to <1>, in which the direction control portion is one or more selected from the group consisting of a louver that is movable in an up-and-down direction, a louver that is movable in a right and left direction, a louver that is movable in up, down, right, and left directions, a propeller, and a flap. <3> The discharge control mechanism according to <2>, in which the flow path includes the flap. <4> The discharge control mechanism according to any one of <1> to <3>, further including: a condition control unit that controls the discharge control unit; and a storage unit that stores various types of information, results of evaluation of the discharge condition input by a user being stored in the storage unit, the condition control unit performing feedback control on the discharge control unit on a basis of the results of evaluation of the discharge condition. <5> The discharge control mechanism according to <4>, in which part or all of the storage unit is on a server or cloud connected via the Internet, and machine learning using AI is performed on a basis of information accumulated on the server or cloud. <6> The discharge control mechanism according to any one of <1> to <5>, in which odorless wind is generated by causing the scent generating cartridge to hold no scent or turning off only an operation of the scent generating cartridge. <7> A discharge control system for scent-containing air, including: a scent generating cartridge that includes a discharge portion that discharges scent-containing air; a discharge control unit that includes an air source that generates auxiliary wind and controls a discharge condition of the scent-containing air; an information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a specific target; and a control unit that determines the discharge condition on a basis of the information acquired by the information acquisition unit and / or information prepared in advance, a scent presentation unit that includes at least the scent generating cartridge and an auxiliary wind presentation unit that includes the discharge control unit being mounted on a seat. <8> The discharge control system according to <7>, in which the seat is a vehicle sheet designed for one person. <9> The discharge control system according to <8>, in which at least the scent presentation unit and the auxiliary wind presentation unit are attached to a location where gas containing scent-containing air can be sprayed toward at least part of a specific target seated in the seat from a head to a waist. <10> The discharge control system according to <8>, in which at least the scent presentation unit and the auxiliary wind presentation unit are attached to one of part of a backrest portion of the seat on a side of a headrest, a vicinity of a tip of the backrest portion on a side of the headrest, a region between the backrest portion and the headrest, and one of right and left wing portions protruding forward near the headrest.

[0268] It should be noted that the present technology may also take the following configurations. <1> A scent discharge apparatus, comprising: a scent generating cartridge including a discharge portion that discharges a scent-containing air; and a discharge control device including an air source that generates an air flow and controls a discharge condition of the scent-containing air. <2> The scent discharge apparatus according to <1>, wherein the discharge condition includes one or more of a type of scent, a discharge direction, a discharge distance, a discharge amount, a discharge speed, a discharge angle, a discharge position, and a diffusion range. <3> The scent discharge apparatus according to <1> or <2>, wherein the scent-containing air and the air flow pass in a substantially same direction and are mixed with each other. <4> The scent discharge apparatus according to any one of <1> to <3>, further comprising a condition controller that controls the discharge control device. <5> The scent discharge apparatus according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the scent-containing air is discharged and the air flow is released to an open region and in a direction away from the discharge control device. <6> The scent discharge apparatus according to any one of <1> to <5>, further comprising a flow path that is continuous from the air source to a discharge port of the discharge control device. <7> The scent discharge apparatus according to <6>, wherein the discharge control device has a structure that gradually narrows toward the discharge port. <8> The scent discharge apparatus according to <6>, further comprising a direction control portion that controls a discharging direction of the air flow flowing through the flow path. <9> The scent discharge apparatus according to any one of <1> to <8> wherein the discharge portion is on a substantially same plane as the discharge port of the discharge control device or protrudes from the discharge port of the discharge control device in a direction in which the scent-containing air passes. <10> The scent discharge apparatus according to <6>, wherein the discharge port of the flow path is formed in an upper part of the discharge portion. <11> The scent discharge apparatus according to <6>, wherein the discharge port of the discharge control device is formed around the discharge portion. <12> The scent discharge apparatus according to any one of <1> to <11>, wherein the air source includes a single air source that is provided for a plurality of scent generating cartridges. <13> The scent discharge apparatus according to <12>, wherein the single air source is provided on a back surface side or an upper surface side of the plurality of scent generating cartridges. <14> The scent discharge apparatus according to <12>, wherein the air source releases the air flow from a plurality of discharge ports to form a main stream and a side stream. <15> The scent discharge apparatus according to <4>, wherein the discharge condition is manually controlled or controlled by the condition controller. <16> The scent discharge apparatus according to any one of <1> to <15>, which is mounted on a seat or a device that has an air discharge function. <17> The scent discharge apparatus according to <16>, which is mounted on a neck position on the seat. <18> The scent discharge apparatus according to any one of <1> to <17>, wherein the discharge control device is in a position that is shifted with respect to a center region of the discharge portion of the scent generating cartridge. <19> The scent discharge apparatus according to <18>, wherein the scent generating cartridge includes a first scent generating cartridge and a second generating cartridge. <20> The scent discharge apparatus according to any one of <1> to <19>, wherein the scent generating cartridge further includes a scent holding portion configured to house a scent, a ventilation portion configured to take in air, and a flow portion configured to communicate with the ventilation portion. <21> The scent discharge apparatus according to <20>, wherein the scent holding portion and the flow portion are disposed in a same direction. <22> The scent discharge apparatus according to <21>, wherein the flow portion includes a spiral flow path. <23> The scent discharge apparatus according to any one of <1> to <22>, wherein an edge of the discharge control device and an edge of the discharge portion are aligned. <24> The scent discharge apparatus according to any one of <1> to <22>, wherein an edge of the discharge control device is offset from an edge of the discharge portion to an opposite direction to a direction passing the scent-containing air. <25> A scent discharge system, comprising: a scent generating cartridge including a discharge portion that discharges a scent-containing air; a discharge control device including an air source that generates an air flow and controls a discharge condition of the scent-containing air; an information acquisition device that acquires information regarding a specific target; and a controller that determines the discharge condition on a basis of the information acquired by one or both of the information acquisition device and information prepared in advance. <26> The scent discharge system according to <25>, wherein a scent presentation device that includes at least the scent generating cartridge and an air flow presentation unit that includes the discharge control device are mounted on a seat or a device that has an air discharge function. <27> The scent discharge system according to <26>, wherein the seat is a vehicle seat. <28> The scent discharge system according to <27>, further comprising a storage device that stores the information acquired by one or both of the information acquisition device and information prepared in advance, the controller determining the discharge condition on a basis of the information stored in the storage device. <29> A discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air, comprising: a scent generating cartridge that includes a discharge portion that discharges scent-containing air; and a discharge control unit that includes an air source that generates auxiliary wind and controls a discharge condition of the scent-containing air. <30> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to <29>, wherein the discharge condition is one or more selected from the group consisting of a type of scent, a discharge direction, a discharge distance, a discharge amount, a discharge speed, a discharge angle, a discharge position, and a diffusion range. <31> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to <29> or <30>, wherein the scent-containing air and the auxiliary wind travel in substantially the same direction and are mixed with each other. <32> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to any one of <29> to <31>, further comprising a condition control unit that controls the discharge control unit. <33> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to any one of <29> to <32>, wherein no other members are present in places where the scent-containing air is discharged and where the auxiliary wind is released. <34> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to according to any one of <29> to <33>, further comprising a flow path that is continuous from the air source to a discharge port of the discharge control unit. <35> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to <34>, wherein the flow path has a structure that gradually narrows toward the discharge port. <36> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to <34> or <35>, further comprising a direction control portion that controls a releasing direction of the auxiliary wind flowing through the flow path. <37> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to any one of <29> to <36>, wherein the discharge portion is on substantially the same plane as the discharge port of the discharge control unit or protrudes from the discharge port of the discharge control unit in a direction in which the scent-containing air travels. <38> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to <34>, wherein the discharge port of the flow path is formed in an upper part of the discharge portion. <39> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to <34>, wherein the discharge port of the flow path is formed around the discharge portion. <40> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to any one of <29> to <39>, wherein one air source is provided for a plurality of scent generating cartridges. <41> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to <40>, wherein one air source is provided on a back surface side or an upper surface side of the plurality of scent generating cartridges. <42> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to <40> or <41>, wherein the air source releases the auxiliary wind from a plurality of discharge ports to form a main stream and a side stream. <43> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to <32>, wherein the discharge condition is manually controlled or controlled by the condition control unit. <44> The discharge control mechanism for scent-containing air according to any one of <29> to <43>, which is mounted on a seat or a device that has an air discharge function. <45> A discharge control system for scent-containing air, comprising: a scent generating cartridge that includes a discharge portion that discharges scent-containing air; a discharge control unit that includes an air source that generates auxiliary wind and controls a discharge condition of the scent-containing air; an information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a specific target; and a control unit that determines the discharge condition on a basis of the information acquired by the information acquisition unit and / or information prepared in advance. <46> The discharge control system according to <45>, wherein a scent presentation unit that includes at least the scent generating cartridge and an auxiliary wind presentation unit that includes the discharge control unit are mounted on a seat or a device that has an air discharge function. <47> The discharge control system according to <46>, wherein the seat is a vehicle seat. <48> The discharge control system according to <47>, further comprising a storage unit that stores the information acquired by the information acquisition unit and / or information prepared in advance, the control unit determining the discharge condition on a basis of the information stored in the storage unit.

[0269] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

[0270] 1: scent generating cartridge 11, 101: scent holding portion 12, 102: ventilation portion 121: ventilation portion lid 122: ventilation portion spring 13: flow portion 130: shaft 131: spiral flow path 103: connecting portion 14: discharge portion 140: hole 141: discharge portion lid 142: discharge portion spring 20: impregnation material 21: container portion 211: inner layer portion 212: outer layer portion 22: lid 30, 30a, 30b: ventilation opening 31: inner layer member 32: outer layer member 40, 40a, 40b: connection opening 41: partition portion 51: deodorizing mechanism 511: front member 512: rear member 513: deodorizing material portion 5131: fall prevention portion 515: adhesion portion 52: discharge control mechanism 6: pump linearly-moving mechanism 61: pump portion 612: suction hole 62: sealing portion 63: linear-movement source 64: member (valve) provided between the pump portion 61 and the scent generating cartridge 1 7: discharge control mechanism 71: discharge control unit 711: air source 712: flow path 713, 713a, 713b, 713c: direction control portion 7131: propeller 714: temporarily assembling member 72: condition control unit 73: storage unit 74: input unit 75: output unit 76: AI 8: mechanism using a TSA 81: TSA 82: return spring 83: valve 500: discharge control system 501: information acquisition unit 502: control unit 502: control unit 503: scent presentation unit 532: scent control unit 533: discharge port 504: storage unit 5041: AI 505: output unit 506: input unit 507: auxiliary wind presentation unit A1: seat portion A2: backrest portion A3: headrest X: pusher X1: SMA sliding portion X2: drive source K: scent-containing air Y: auxiliary wind Y1: main stream Y2: side stream

Claims

1. A scent discharge apparatus, comprising: a scent generating cartridge including a discharge portion that discharges a scent-containing air; and a discharge control device including an air source that generates an air flow and controls a discharge condition of the scent-containing air.

2. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge condition includes one or more of a type of scent, a discharge direction, a discharge distance, a discharge amount, a discharge speed, a discharge angle, a discharge position, and a diffusion range.

3. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scent-containing air and the air flow pass in a substantially same direction and are mixed with each other.

4. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a condition controller that controls the discharge control device.

5. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scent-containing air is discharged and the air flow is released to an open region and in a direction away from the discharge control device.

6. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a flow path that is continuous from the air source to a discharge port of the discharge control device.

7. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the discharge control device has a structure that gradually narrows toward the discharge port.

8. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a direction control portion that controls a discharging direction of the air flow flowing through the flow path.

9. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge portion is on a substantially same plane as the discharge port of the discharge control device or protrudes from the discharge port of the discharge control device in a direction in which the scent-containing air passes.

10. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the discharge port of the flow path is formed in an upper part of the discharge portion.

11. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the discharge port of the discharge control device is formed around the discharge portion.

12. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air source includes a single air source that is provided for a plurality of scent generating cartridges.

13. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the single air source is provided on a back surface side or an upper surface side of the plurality of scent generating cartridges.

14. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the air source releases the air flow from a plurality of discharge ports to form a main stream and a side stream.

15. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the discharge condition is manually controlled or controlled by the condition controller.

16. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 1, which is mounted on a seat or a device that has an air discharge function.

17. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 16, which is mounted on neck position on the seat.

18. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge control device is in a position that is shifted with respect to a center region of the discharge portion of the scent generating cartridge.

19. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the scent generating cartridge includes a first scent generating cartridge and a second generating cartridge.

20. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scent generating cartridge further includes a scent holding portion configured to house a scent, a ventilation portion configured to take in air, and a flow portion configured to communicate with the ventilation portion.

21. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the scent holding portion and the flow portion are disposed in a same direction.

22. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the flow portion includes a spiral flow path.

23. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an edge of the discharge control device and an edge of the discharge portion are aligned.

24. The scent discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an edge of the discharge control device is offset from an edge of the discharge portion to an opposite direction to a direction passing the scent-containing air.

25. A scent discharge system, comprising: a scent generating cartridge including a discharge portion that discharges a scent-containing air; a discharge control device including an air source that generates an air flow and controls a discharge condition of the scent-containing air; an information acquisition device that acquires information regarding a specific target; and a controller that determines the discharge condition on a basis of the information acquired by one or both of the information acquisition device and information prepared in advance.

26. The scent discharge system according to claim 25, wherein a scent presentation device that includes at least the scent generating cartridge and an air flow presentation unit that includes the discharge control device are mounted on a seat or a device that has an air discharge function.

27. The scent discharge system according to claim 26, wherein the seat is a vehicle seat.

28. The scent discharge system according to claim 27, further comprising a storage device that stores the information acquired by one or both of the information acquisition device and information prepared in advance, the controller determining the discharge condition on a basis of the information stored in the storage device.

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