Emotion enhancer, method for evaluating emotion, and device for evaluating emotion

Abstract

A purpose of the present invention is to control emotion through an odor component. Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for evaluating emotion using an odor component as an indicator. In the present invention, it is found that isovaleraldehyde is released as a skin gas under positive emotion, and it is also found that isovaleraldehyde potentially transmits emotion to other human subjects. Based on these findings, an emotion enhancer comprising isovaleraldehyde is provided. Also provided is a method for evaluating emotion using isovaleraldehyde as an indicator.

Description

Emotion enhancer, method for assessing emotions, and device for assessing emotions

[0001] The present invention relates to an emotional enhancer comprising isovaleraldehyde, and further to a method for assessing emotions comprising quantifying isovaleraldehyde, and an apparatus for carrying out said method.

[0002] Odors are recognized by detecting odor molecules. Odor molecules bind to specific olfactory receptors that correspond to them. When odor molecules bind to the olfactory receptors, a signal is transmitted within the olfactory cells, causing depolarization. The depolarized electrical signal is transmitted by the olfactory nerve to the brain, where it is perceived as an odor. Approximately 400 types of olfactory receptor genes are known in humans. Olfactory receptors can detect various odor molecules by forming heterodimers. Electrical signals from olfactory cells are transmitted to the olfactory bulb in the brain, then to the limbic system, where the hippocampus and amygdala respond. Odors recognized by the brain not only evoke emotions such as pleasant or unpleasant, but can also evoke memories. This is thought to be because the hippocampus, which controls memory, responds when odor molecules are detected.

[0003] Citrus flavors, camphor, and other odor components are known to improve concentration and prevent drowsiness. Furthermore, selecting fragrance components tailored to individual preferences can improve concentration and induce a state of relaxation, leading to applications in aromatherapy and other fields. Meanwhile, research is being conducted into odors that affect emotions regardless of preference. For example, it is known that people experiencing mental stress emit a distinctive body odor known as stress odor. The main components contributing to stress odor have been identified, and a body odor model composition containing a sulfur compound containing at least one of allyl mercaptan and dimethyl trisulfide has been provided as a body odor model composition (Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 7286624). Using such a body odor model composition as a control, research is being conducted into whether gas components emitted by humans have some kind of physiologically active effect, similar to pheromones.

[0004] It has also been reported that the scent of human infants is related to affection (Non-Patent Document 1: PLoS ONE 11(5): e0154392 (2016)). Focusing on the fact that scent molecules secreted by infants promote the secretion of oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, compounds such as valeraldehyde, 1-octane, 2-undecanol, heptane, 2-heptene, 3-heptanol, butanal, 3-methylheptane, and 2,3-butanediol have been identified as oxytocin secretion promoters from scent components secreted by infants (Patent Document 2: JP 2023-22459 A).

[0005] Japanese Patent No. 7286624 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-22459

[0006] PLoS ONE 11(5): e0154392 (2016)

[0007] Human emotions vary greatly from person to person and are influenced by various factors such as time, place, and environment. However, inducing positive emotions can facilitate empathy and communication. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify odor components that can induce positive emotions and provide an emotion enhancer that enables control of one's own emotions or the emotions of those around oneself. Another objective of this study is to provide a method for quantitatively evaluating emotions based on differences in the components emitted by people depending on their emotions.

[0008] The present inventors have conducted extensive research into the odor components emitted by humans and the emotional changes that occur in those who sense these odor components, and have discovered that odor components released in response to specific emotions contribute to the transmission of emotions, leading to the present invention. The present invention therefore relates to the following: [1] An emotion enhancer comprising isovaleraldehyde. [2] The emotion enhancer according to item 1, which is a concentration enhancer or a sleep-inducing agent. [3] The emotion enhancer is a 1.0 x 10 －９ The stimulant according to item 1, containing up to 0.19% isovaleraldehyde. [4] Isovaleraldehyde 1.0 x 10 －９A fragrance composition comprising 0.5 to 99% of a fragrance modifier selected from the group consisting of triethyl citrate, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, and ethanol. [5] The fragrance composition according to item 4, in which isovaleraldehyde is incorporated as an emotion enhancer. [6] The fragrance composition according to item 4 or 5, in which the fragrance composition is incorporated into food, cosmetics, or a toiletry product. [7] A method for evaluating a change in a subject's positive emotion, comprising the steps of: analyzing skin gases emitted from a part of the subject's body; and evaluating the subject's emotion using the amount of at least one odor component contained in the skin gas as an index. [8] The method according to item 7, in which the skin gas is isovaleraldehyde. [9] The method according to item 8, in which emotion is evaluated by comparing the amount of isovaleraldehyde with a predetermined threshold.

[10] The method according to item 7, in which the subject's emotion is positive.

[11] The method according to item 7, wherein the gas is acquired by placing a hand, a foot, or a part of a limb in a sealed space.

[12] The method according to item 7, wherein the gas is acquired from the area around the hand.

[13] An emotion evaluation device for determining an emotional state based on components of skin gas, comprising: an input unit for receiving analysis result data from a skin gas analyzer; a memory unit for storing correspondences between the type and amount of skin gas and the emotional state; a processing unit for determining the emotional state from the input analysis result data and the correspondences between the type and amount of skin gas and the emotion; and an output unit for outputting the determined emotional state.

[14] The device according to item 13, wherein the processing unit is pre-trained using teacher data including the type and concentration of skin gas and information related to the emotional state at that time, and determines the emotional state using a learning unit that outputs information related to the emotional state when information related to the type and concentration of skin gas is input.

[15] A system for evaluating an emotional state of a target, comprising the device according to item 13 and a terminal device including a display unit and a communication unit, wherein an output unit of the device is connected to a network via the communication unit, and the device and the terminal device communicate with each other, thereby displaying the emotional state of the target determined by the device on the display unit of the terminal device.

[0009] The use of stimulants containing isovaleraldehyde can enhance emotions, such as improving concentration and preventing drowsiness. Furthermore, it is possible to determine emotional states based on the components of skin gases.

[0010] Figure 1 shows Russell's circular model. The upper right of the circle can be considered a pleasant, positive state with high arousal (a so-called happy state), and the lower right of the circle can be considered a pleasant, positive state with low arousal (a so-called relaxed state). The upper left of the circle can be considered an unpleasant, negative state with high arousal (a so-called tense state), and the lower left of the circle can be considered a unpleasant, negative state with low arousal (a so-called depressed state). Figure 2 shows the difference in peak area of ​​the volatile component (isovaleraldehyde) contained in skin gas collected under neutral emotions (left) and skin gas collected under positive emotions (right). The peak area significantly increases under positive emotions. Figure 3 shows the difference in peak area between odorless conditions and isovaleraldehyde conditions (approximately 5 x 10 －９ 4 is a graph showing the change in heart rate under odorless conditions and isovaleraldehyde conditions (approximately 5×10 －９ 5 is a graph showing changes in myoelectric activity of the zygomatic major muscle in the emotion evaluation device 10. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of an emotion evaluation system 20 including the emotion evaluation device 10. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a skin gas analyzer 40.

[0011] The present invention relates to an emotion enhancer that enhances emotions through odor components, a method for assessing the emotions of a human subject by analyzing skin gases, and an apparatus for determining the emotions of a subject based on the type and concentration of components contained in the skin gases.

[0012] [Emotional Enhancers] Emotional enhancers are preparations that induce conscious or unconscious changes in emotions via the sense of smell. Because they act via the sense of smell, they can also be called olfactory emotional enhancers. Examples of emotional enhancers include volatile organic compounds contained in gases emitted from the skin. Isovaleraldehyde is an example of an emotional enhancer that induces positive emotions. Because the emotional enhancer of the present invention induces positive emotions, it can also be called a vitality enhancer. Isovaleraldehyde has been identified by the present invention as a substance that can transmit positive emotions. Smelling isovaleraldehyde can bring about a natural smile and reduce stress. Furthermore, smelling isovaleraldehyde can improve concentration, increase alertness, and reduce drowsiness. Therefore, the emotional enhancer of the present invention can also be used as a concentration enhancer and drowsiness suppressant. Emotions vary greatly from person to person, making them difficult to share. However, using the emotional enhancer of the present invention allows positive emotions to be shared, thereby increasing empathy and facilitating communication.

[0013] Isovaleraldehyde has the following chemical formula: It is a compound expressed as follows and is also known as 3-methylbutanal. Isovaleraldehyde is a structural isomer of valeraldehyde and differs from normal valeraldehyde in that it is branched. Both valeraldehyde and isovaleraldehyde are designated as specific malodorous substances under the Offensive Odor Control Act. The odors of valeraldehyde and isovaleraldehyde change depending on the concentration, with valeraldehyde exhibiting an unpleasant, pungent fruity aroma. On the other hand, isovaleraldehyde alone exhibits a distinctive clean odor at concentrations of approximately 0.05 ppbv to 0.1 ppbv, and is sometimes described as cheese-like, sweaty, or malty. Valeraldehyde and isovaleraldehyde are also aromatic components of fruits and alcoholic beverages and are used as food additives (flavorings).

[0014] The stimulant of the present invention can be blended into a fragrance composition. When blended into a fragrance composition, the concentration can be appropriately selected depending on the type of fragrance composition, from the viewpoint of acting on the olfactory receptor at a concentration of about 0.05 ppbv to 0.1 ppbv. The blending concentration into the fragrance composition varies depending on the type of fragrance composition, and is not particularly limited as long as it is a concentration that can achieve the concentration that acts on the above-mentioned olfactory receptor. For example, －９ The concentration range is 1.0 × 10 -9 ~1.0 x 10 -8 %, 1.0 x 10 -８ ~1.0 x 10 -７ %, 1.0 x 10 -７ ~1.0 x 10 -６ %, 1.0 x 10 -６ ~1.0 x 10 -５ %, 1.0 x 10 -５ ~1.0 x 10 -４ %, 1.0 x 10 -４ ~1.0 x 10 -３ %, 1.0 x 10 -３ ~1.0 x 10 -２ %, 1.0 x 10 -２ x10 -１ %, and 1.0 x 10 -１ The content may be one range selected from 0.19% to 0.19%, or a plurality of continuous ranges.

[0015] The fragrance composition according to the present invention is a composition intended for fragrance imparting, and can be used to induce positive emotions, increase alertness, improve concentration, prevent drowsiness, and facilitate communication. Examples of the fragrance composition include fragrance products (perfumes, eau de parfum, body cologne, etc.), skin care cosmetics (basic cosmetics such as lotions, emulsions, creams, serums, and body milks, makeup cosmetics, and antiperspirant deodorants), hair care cosmetics (shampoos, rinses, conditioners, treatments, tonics, hair growth agents, hair coloring agents, hair styling agents, and permanent agents), body cleansers (soaps, body washes, and cleansing sheets), bath additives, detergents (laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and finishing agents), cleaning agents (for cleaning, dishwashing, textiles, and leather, for home use, household use, toilet use, and bath use), mouthwashes (toothpaste, mouthwash, and denture cleaners), air fresheners (air sprays, textile sprays, air fresheners for pets, homes, cars, toilets, baths, offices, and recreational facilities, incense, room fragrances, aroma candles, and aroma diffusers), and foods (drinks, foods, and supplements). The fragrance composition may be in the form of a water-soluble or oil-soluble liquid, a paste or gel, a powder, a capsule, or a tablet. Various dosage forms can be produced by known methods. In particular, a volatile component can be encapsulated in a polymer resin or penetrated into the pores of a carrier such as silica, thereby enabling a long-lasting fragrance.

[0016] From the viewpoint of use as an emotional enhancer, fragrances for personal care products such as fragrance products, hair care products, body cleansers, and cleaning wipes, as well as for imparting fragrance to the interior of a vehicle, room, or space, are particularly preferred. The fragrance can also be used as a deodorizing fragrance in combination with a deodorizer. A vehicle fragrance can be used to prevent drowsiness while driving. Using the fragrance composition of the present invention as a fragrance in stores, commercial facilities, conference rooms, entertainment facilities, entertainment equipment, etc., makes it possible to control emotions. Furthermore, using the fragrance composition in pet products, such as collars, can improve relationships with pets. In one example, the fragrance composition of the present invention may exclude fragrances or flavors for food.

[0017] In addition to fragrance components, fragrance compositions may contain other active ingredients depending on the intended use of the final product of the fragrance composition, and may also contain various additives. Active ingredients vary depending on the final product, but may include physiologically active substances in the case of cosmetics and beauty serums, and surfactants and enzymes in the case of detergents, etc. Examples of additives include water; alcohols such as ethanol, organic solvents such as triethyl citrate, glycerin, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, and dipropylene glycol dibenzoate; excipients; oils and fats; emulsifiers; thickeners; preservatives; colorants, etc. The above-mentioned organic solvents may be used to adjust the volatilization rate of isovaleraldehyde contained in the stimulant and can also be referred to as fragrance modifiers. The fragrance composition or stimulant may contain any organic solvent selected from alcohol, triethyl citrate, glycerin, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, and dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, or a combination thereof, as a fragrance modifier in a range of 0.5 to 99%. The concentration and type of fragrance modifier can be adjusted depending on the volatility and / or persistence of isovaleraldehyde. For example, the fragrance modifier may be present in a range selected from 0.5 to 1%, 1 to 10%, 10 to 20%, 20 to 30%, 30 to 40%, 40 to 50%, 50 to 60%, 60 to 70%, 70 to 80%, 80 to 90%, 90 to 95%, 95 to 97%, and 97 to 99%, or in a range of consecutive ranges. These additives can be appropriately selected from those commonly used in fragrance compositions. Additives to be blended in the fragrance composition can also be blended with terpenes such as linalool.

[0018] Isovaleraldehyde is an odorant found in skin gases, released especially during positive emotions, and can be detected outside the body (Figure 2). Positive emotions are those that fall on the right side of Russell's circumplex model, which categorizes emotions into unpleasant-pleasant and arousal-calming (Figure 1). Therefore, positive emotions refer to positive feelings such as amusement, joy, laughter, satisfaction, fulfillment, calmness, serenity, security, and relaxation. Positive emotions can be induced by viewing entertainment videos, etc., selected according to individual preferences.

[0019] Neutral emotions, which are used for comparison with positive emotions, are emotions that fall near the intersection of the unpleasant-pleasant axis and the arousal-calm axis in Russell's circumplex model (Figure 1), and refer to emotions that are neither pleasant nor unpleasant, and neither aroused nor calmed. More preferably, for neutral emotions, the pleasure and unpleasant indices are near 0 (Figure 1). Furthermore, positive emotions and bipolar negative emotions refer to emotions in the left half of Russell's circumplex model. Emotions in stressful environments are emotions in the arousal-unpleasant region of Russell's circumplex model.

[0020] When skin gases emitted under positive and neutral emotions were subjected to sensory evaluation, the skin gases emitted under positive emotions exhibited a distinctive clean odor, while the skin gases emitted under neutral emotions resembled human body odor. Furthermore, both skin gases and isovaleraldehyde emitted under positive emotions can affect heart rate and respiratory rate (Figure 3).

[0021] Emotions affect the subconscious activity of facial muscles. Positive emotions are known to increase activity in the zygomatic major muscle, while negative emotions are known to increase activity in the corrugator supercilii muscle. In subjects who smelled isovaleraldehyde, subconscious increases in zygomatic major muscle activity were observed (Figure 4), while corrugator supercilii muscle activity may decrease. Subconscious changes in zygomatic major muscle activity, along with increases in activity in the muscles around the eyes (orbicularis oculi), changes in wrinkles around the eyes, facial features (mouth corners, mouth opening, eye shape, etc.), and smile intensity may also occur. These indicators can be assessed using detection devices. Furthermore, exposure to isovaleraldehyde can affect subconscious physiological indicators in subjects. These physiological indicators include brain response, heart rate, heart rate variability, body temperature, respiratory rate, skin potential activity, and hormone levels. These indicators can be assessed using detection devices. Furthermore, exposure to isovaleraldehyde induces positive emotions in subjects, which may increase resistance to stress responses. These experimental results suggest that isovaleraldehyde can be used as an emotional enhancer.

[0022] The stimulant or fragrance composition of the present invention can be applied when a specific emotion (e.g., negative or positive emotion) is detected during verbal or non-verbal communication, including conversations between two or more people. At such timing, the stimulant or fragrance composition containing isovaleraldehyde is provided by spraying. By providing the stimulant or fragrance composition in a space by spraying, the stimulant or fragrance composition containing isovaleraldehyde acts on the individual's emotions, facilitating communication. The timing of spraying the stimulant is not particularly limited; for example, it may be sprayed when a specific emotion is detected or periodically regardless of the emotion. Since it is sufficient for the scent to reach people in the space, in addition to spraying, the stimulant or fragrance composition may be distributed by being supported on a carrier capable of releasably retaining it. Changes in facial expressions and emotions can be detected and evaluated based on the activity of facial muscles or facial expression and emotion estimation techniques using machine learning.

[0023] Furthermore, reactivity to isovaleraldehyde can be used as an indicator to evaluate the ease of transitioning to positive emotions. Reactivity to isovaleraldehyde can transform negative emotions, i.e., emotions corresponding to the left half of Russell's circumplex model, more specifically, emotions under stressful circumstances (emotions corresponding to the arousal-discomfort region of Russell's circumplex model) and depressive emotions (emotions corresponding to the sedation-discomfort region of Russell's circumplex model), into positive emotions. Therefore, reactivity to isovaleraldehyde can be used as an indicator to determine stress tolerance and susceptibility to depression. Reactivity to isovaleraldehyde can be determined by measuring physiological indices and conducting questionnaires after smelling isovaleraldehyde, with an inert gas, such as nitrogen gas, used as a control.

[0024] [Method for Evaluating Emotions] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for evaluating the emotions of a human subject by analyzing skin gases. The method includes the steps of analyzing the skin gases, quantifying odor components contained in the skin gases, and evaluating the emotion of the subject using the amount, amount of change (particularly amount of increase), ratio, or rate of change (particularly rate of increase) of a specific odor component as an indicator. Isovaleraldehyde can be selected as the odor component. A higher amount, amount of increase, ratio, or rate of increase of isovaleraldehyde can be determined to indicate that the subject has a positive emotion. By setting a threshold value for isovaleraldehyde, emotions can be determined by comparing the threshold value. Such a threshold value can be set appropriately depending on the method of skin gas collection and analysis.

[0025] Sampling and analysis of skin gases may be performed by any method. For example, since the released components are gaseous or volatile, they can be detected by sampling the gas around the skin. For example, when sampling from the hand, the entire hand can be covered with an impermeable bag (e.g., a plastic bag) and sealed at the wrist. The bag preferably has an openable sampling port that allows the gas in the bag to be removed. The gas in the bag is preferably air or has been replaced with an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen gas). After a predetermined time has passed, the gas in the bag can be transferred from the sampling port to another container (e.g., a storage container). The gas in the storage container can be provided to a chromatography device to analyze the components contained in the gas.

[0026] [Emotion Evaluation Device] Another aspect of the present invention may relate to an emotion evaluation device 10 that executes an emotion evaluation method. The emotion evaluation device 10 has its functions realized by a so-called computer including a memory unit 12, an input unit 11, a processing unit 13, and an output unit 14. Instead of the memory unit 12 and the processing unit 13, or in addition to the memory unit 12 and the processing unit 13, a learning unit 15 may be included. More specifically, the emotion evaluation device 10 includes the following: an input unit 11 to which data of analysis results from a skin gas analyzer is input; a memory unit 12 that stores correspondences between the type and amount of skin gas and emotions; a processing unit 13 that determines emotions from the input data of analysis results and the correspondences between the type and amount of skin gas and emotions; and an output unit 14 that outputs the determined emotions. In yet another example, the emotion evaluation device 10 includes the following: an input unit to which data of analysis results from a skin gas analyzer is input; a learning unit that is pre-trained using teacher data including the type and concentration of skin gas and information related to the emotion at that time, and outputs information related to the emotion when the information related to the type and concentration of skin gas is input; and an output unit that outputs a determined emotional state. Analysis result data from the skin gas analyzer 40 is input from the input unit 11. In the emotion evaluation device 10, the input data may be processed directly by the processing unit, or may be stored in the memory unit 12 and read out and processed by the processing unit 13. The memory unit 12 may pre-store a correspondence between the type and amount of skin gas and emotions. The correspondence between the type and amount of skin gas and emotional states may be pre-trained by the learning unit 15. The processing unit 13 can determine the emotion of the target by reading out the correspondence between the type and concentration of ingredients contained in the skin gas and emotions, which is stored in the memory unit, and comparing it with the input data. In another example, the processing unit can read out the learned learning unit 15 and input information about the type of skin gas and its concentration into the learning unit 15, thereby outputting information about emotions. Target emotions include positive emotions, negative emotions, tension, relaxation, etc. Since lying puts people in a state of tension, identifying skin gases that represent a state of tension can also determine whether a person is lying.Furthermore, by measuring the concentration of isovaleraldehyde in real time, it is possible to determine the interest and concern in that situation. The skin gas may be determined by focusing on one type, or the emotion may be determined based on the relationship between multiple types of skin gas and their amounts. The skin gas may be acquired in real time, and the analysis results may be input through the input unit 11 of the emotion assessment device 10. Alternatively, skin gas may be sampled over a predetermined period and subjected to analysis through batch processing, and the results may be input through the input unit 11 of the emotion assessment device 10.

[0027] In one embodiment, the determination of emotion in the processing unit 13 can be performed by comparing the amount of at least one component with a respective threshold value stored in the memory unit 12. The determined emotion is stored in the memory unit 12 and output via the output unit 14. More preferably, the amount of isovaleraldehyde is compared with the threshold value, and a positive emotion can be determined when the amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined concentration.

[0028] In another embodiment, the processing unit 13 of the emotion assessment device 10 can determine emotions using a learning unit 15 that has been pre-trained using the type of skin gas, its concentration, and information on the emotion at that time as training data. In such a case, the emotion assessment device 10 may include a learning unit 15 that has been pre-trained using the type of skin gas, its concentration, and information on the emotion at that time as training data. This learning unit has been pre-trained so that when the type of skin gas and its concentration are input, it will output the corresponding emotional state.

[0029] The storage unit 12 includes a memory device such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory, a fixed disk device such as a hard disk drive, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or optical disk. The storage unit 12 stores data and instructions input from the input unit 11, the amount of at least one component included in the input data, and a threshold value determining the relationship between the amount of the component and emotion. Such threshold values ​​may include multiple threshold values ​​or may be stored as a correspondence table. The storage unit 12 stores the results of the arithmetic processing performed by the processing unit 13, as well as programs and databases used for various computer processes, and may also store the program of the learning unit. The computer program may be installed, for example, from a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, or via the Internet. The computer program is installed in the storage unit 12 using a known setup program or the like.

[0030] The input unit 11 includes an interface. The interface may be connected to, for example, an operation unit such as a keyboard or a mouse, a communication unit such as a LAN or a port, or an external storage device such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, BD-ROM, or memory stick. The amount of a specific component may be input via the operation unit. Furthermore, instructions for processing in the processing unit 13 can be given from the input unit 11 via the operation unit.

[0031] The processing unit 13 executes various types of arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs stored in the storage unit 12. The arithmetic processing is performed by a central processing unit (CPU) included in the processing unit 13. This CPU includes functional modules that control the input unit 11, the storage unit 12, the learning unit 15, and the output unit 14, and is capable of performing various types of control. Each of these units may be composed of an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, etc. Information generated after each process by the processing unit 13 may be temporarily stored in the storage unit 12, or may be used directly in the next process.

[0032] The output unit 14 is configured to output the emotion generated by the arithmetic processing performed by the processing unit 13. The output unit 14 may be a display device such as a liquid crystal display that directly displays the results of the arithmetic processing, or an output means such as a printer, or may be an interface unit for outputting to an external storage device or via a network.

[0033] The learning unit 15 uses known machine learning techniques, such as deep learning, to learn the relationship between input data regarding the type and concentration of skin gases and information about emotions at that time. Skin gases acquired under various environments, such as positive emotions, relaxed environments, negative emotions, and stressful environments, can be analyzed to learn the type and concentration of skin gases and information about emotions. Deep learning is machine learning using a multilayer neural network consisting of an input layer, an intermediate layer, and an output layer. A feature vector of the detection information is input to each node of the input layer. Each node of the intermediate layer outputs the sum of values ​​obtained by multiplying each feature vector output from each node of the input layer by a weight, and the output layer outputs the sum of values ​​obtained by multiplying each feature vector output from each node of the intermediate layer by a weight. The learning unit 15 adjusts each weight while learning to minimize the difference between the output value from the output layer and the emotional information. The input data input to the learning unit 15 includes one or more types of skin gases and their concentrations. The chromatogram, which is information including the type and concentration of skin gases, may be input as input data, or the components of the skin gases may be identified and input together with their concentrations. The learned learning unit 15 is stored in the memory unit 12 and can be performed by a functional module of the processing unit 13.

[0034] The emotion evaluation device 10 of the present invention may exist on a network and, together with a terminal 30, constitute an emotion evaluation system 20. The emotion evaluation device 10 may exist on a server, and the input unit 11 and the output unit 14 may be connected to the network via an interface unit. In addition, a learning unit used by the emotion evaluation device 10 may also be arranged externally via a server or the like, and emotion evaluation may be performed via communication.

[0035] Another aspect of the present invention may relate to a program or control method for causing the emotion assessment device 10 to perform the above-mentioned processing. Such a program or control method includes the following instructions or steps for the processing unit: storing analysis result data input from the input unit 11 in the memory unit 12, reading out the correspondence between the amount of at least one component and emotion stored in the memory unit 12, determining an emotion from the analysis result data and the correspondence between the amount of the at least one component and emotion, storing the determined emotion in the memory unit 12, and outputting the determined emotion to the output unit 14. The processing unit 13 may determine the emotion by further utilizing a learning unit that has been pre-trained to output the emotional state when the type and concentration of skin gas are input.

[0036] The input unit 11 of the emotion evaluation device 10 of the present invention receives the analysis results of the skin gas analyzer 40. The skin gas analyzer 40 may be included in the emotion evaluation device 10. The skin gas analyzer 40 includes a skin gas acquisition unit 50 and a skin gas analysis unit 60. The skin gas collected by the skin gas acquisition unit 50 is provided to the skin gas analysis unit 60, where the contents and concentration of the skin gas can be determined.

[0037] Examples of locations from which skin gas can be collected include the hands (particularly the palms), armpits, feet (particularly the soles), back, head, mouth, and exhaled air. For example, when collecting skin gas from the hands, the entire hand can be covered with an impermeable bag (e.g., a vinyl bag) and sealed at the wrist. The bag preferably has an openable collection port that allows gas to be extracted from the bag. The gas in the bag is preferably air or has been replaced with an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen gas).

[0038] Skin gas analyzer 60 may be any analytical device capable of analyzing skin gases, such as a chromatography detector, or a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) from the viewpoint of sensitivity.

[0039] In one embodiment, the device for evaluating a subject's emotion of the present invention relates to a device for evaluating a subject's emotion, comprising: a skin gas acquisition unit 50 that acquires skin gas from a part of the subject's body; a skin gas analysis unit 60 that analyzes the acquired skin gas; and an emotion evaluation device 10 to which the analysis results of the skin gas analysis unit 60 are input from an input unit 11; and is capable of evaluating the subject's emotion in real time or by batch processing.

[0040] All documents mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0041] The following examples of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. The technical scope of the present invention is limited only by the claims. The present invention may be modified, for example, by adding, deleting, or substituting components of the present invention, provided that the modifications do not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0042] Example 1: Analysis of Skin Gases and Skin Gas Collection Six subjects were fitted with skin gas collection bags equipped with a connector to confirm their sealing. Suction was performed through the connector, and then approximately 0.5 L of nitrogen gas was filled. After wearing the skin gas collection bag made of a highly gas-barrier material, subjects were asked to read business magazines or the like for 20 minutes to collect skin gases under neutral emotions. Similarly, after wearing the collection bag, subjects were asked to watch a video selected based on their preferences for 20 minutes to collect skin gases under positive emotions.

[0043] Skin Gas Analysis The collected skin gas samples were transferred from the connecting part to a skin gas collection bag made of a highly gas-barrier material and stored. The skin gas in the storage bag was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. As a result of the analysis, isovaleraldehyde was identified as the component that gives off the characteristic refreshing odor of skin gas under positive emotions, and its peak area was compared. The results are shown in Figure 2.

[0044] Example 2: Evaluation of Positive Skin Gas Component or Isovaleraldehyde Isovaleraldehyde gas and odorless nitrogen gas as a control were subjected to a sensory evaluation. Six sensory evaluators were asked to smell each of the odors, and their heart rates and facial muscle responses were measured.

[0045] Effects on heart rate: Polymate 1000 (AP1532, Miyuki Giken Co., Ltd.) electrodes were attached to the right subclavian, left subclavian, and lower chest. Approximately 5 × 10 －９ Electrocardiogram signals were taken to examine changes in heart rate when subjects were exposed to the isovaleraldehyde odor and odorless nitrogen gas as a control. The results are shown in Figure 3. The change in heart rate tended to be greater under the isovaleraldehyde condition than under the odorless condition, suggesting the possibility that scents may increase unconscious arousal.

[0046] Effects on facial muscles: A Polymate 1000 (AP1532, Miyuki Giken Co., Ltd.) electrode was attached to the buccinator major muscle, and nitrogen gas and approximately 5 × 10 isovaleraldehyde were injected. －９ Muscle activity was examined by having subjects smell a 50% odor. The results are shown in Figure 4. The activity of the zygomaticus major muscle was significantly higher under isovaleraldehyde conditions than under no odor conditions, suggesting that the scent may have unconsciously induced a pleasant emotion.

Claims

1. Emotion enhancers, including isovaleraldehyde.

2. The emotion enhancer according to claim 1, which is an agent for improving concentration or preventing drowsiness.

3. The emotion enhancer is 1.0 x 10 －９ 2. The enhancer of claim 1 comprising up to 0.19% isovaleraldehyde.

4. Isovaleraldehyde 1.0 x 10 －９ and 0.5 to 99% of at least one component selected from the group consisting of triethyl citrate, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, and ethanol as a fragrance adjuster.

5. The fragrance composition according to claim 4, wherein isovaleraldehyde is incorporated as an emotional enhancer.

6. The fragrance composition according to claim 4 or 5, which is incorporated into food, cosmetics, or toiletries.

7. A method for evaluating a change in a subject's positive emotions, comprising the steps of: analyzing skin gases emitted from a part of the subject's body; and evaluating the subject's emotions using the amount of at least one odor component contained in the skin gas as an indicator.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the skin gas is isovaleraldehyde.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the emotion is assessed by comparing the amount of isovaleraldehyde to a predetermined threshold value.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the target emotion is a positive emotion.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the gas is obtained by placing a hand, foot, or part of a limb in the sealed space.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the gas is obtained from the surroundings where the hand or foot is placed.

13. An emotion evaluation device that determines an emotional state based on components of skin gas, comprising: an input unit to which analysis result data from a skin gas analysis device is input; a memory unit that stores a correspondence between the type and amount of skin gas and the emotional state; a processing unit that determines the emotional state from the input analysis result data and the correspondence between the type and amount of skin gas and emotions; and an output unit that outputs the determined emotional state.

14. An emotion evaluation device that determines an emotional state based on the components of skin gas, comprising: an input unit to which analysis result data from a skin gas analyzer is input; a learning unit that is pre-trained using teacher data on the type and concentration of skin gas and information related to emotions at that time, and that outputs information related to emotions when information related to the type and concentration of skin gas is input; and an output unit that outputs a determined emotional state.

15. A system for evaluating the emotions of a subject, comprising a device as described in claim 13 or 14 and a terminal device including a display unit and a communication unit, wherein an output unit of the device is connected to a network via the communication unit, and the emotional state of the subject determined by the device is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device by communication between the device and the terminal device.

Images