Presenting olfactory stimuli for olfactory dysfunction testing and training

Abstract

According to various embodiments, a system for, and method of, presenting olfactory stimuli for olfactory dysfunction testing and training is disclosed. The system includes an integrated device. The integrated device includes: a plurality of scent chambers, where each scent chamber includes a respective material having a corresponding scent, such that the plurality of scent chambers include a plurality of different materials having a corresponding plurality of different scents. The integrated device is operable to selectively expose an aperture of an individual scent chamber, such that a corresponding scent of a corresponding material in the individual scent chamber is exposed for sampling by a user.

Description

PRESENTING OLFACTORY STIMULI FOR OLFACTORY DYSFUNCTION TESTING AND TRAININGCross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No 63 / 604,316, filed on November 30, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.Field

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to olfactory dysfunction and scent presentation systems.Background

[0003] Olfaction, or the sense of smell, is important to living a happy, safe life. We rely on olfaction for danger detection and for triggering emotions and memories. It is even responsible for 80% of our taste perception. Although the vitality of maintaining visual and auditory function is widely recognized, especially in aging populations, the sense of smell is seldom discussed.

[0004] Olfactory dysfunction, the impaired ability to effectively perceive, detect and identify smells, affects one in eight Americans. Specifically, 19% of people over the age of 40, 40% over the age of 65, and 60% over the age of 80 present olfactory dysfunction to some degree. This means that over 80 million Americans are impacted, olfactory dysfunction can develop as a result of infections, as seen with COVID-19, resulting in a decrease in quality of life due to consequent psychological distress. Patients with smell loss report various negative side effects that impact their daily life, including decreased pleasure in food, poor appetite, trouble with cooking and detectingspoiled food, change in body weight, reduced safety (due to deteriorating impact on danger detection skills), decreased confidence about personal hygiene, feelings of vulnerability, mood changes, depression, and deterioration in social interactions.

[0005] With the emergence of the recent pandemic, there is increased awareness of olfactory dysfunction. The COVID-19 pandemic affected people worldwide, and loss of ability to taste or smell was a characteristic symptom of the disease. According to a 2021 survey of patients diagnosed with COVID-19, 60.5% of respondents had smell loss as a symptom, and 27.8% experienced only partial or no recovery to their sense of smell. This recent increase in smell-loss cases exhibited concomitant comorbidities. Specifically, in a nationwide survey of people with COVID-19 related smell loss, 43% of respondents experienced self-reported depression.

[0006] Apart from being a symptom of viral infections, olfactory dysfunction can also develop with aging. In fact, olfactory dysfunction is an early indicator of serious neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, especially in geriatric patients. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Aging, loss of olfactory function is an early indicator of Alzheimer’s in human and animal studies. It can indicate cognitive impairment and the buildup of harmful proteins, such as amyloid-beta and tau. Further, the loss of the sense of smell is linked to the level and progression of neuropathological damage commonly observed in Alzheimer’s. According to another study conducted by the NIH, the loss of olfactory function is commonly observed as an early sign of Parkinson’s disease. In fact, more than 95% of patients with Parkinson’s disease present with significant olfactory dysfunction. This decrease in olfactory function may present itself years before othersymptoms, and can therefore be used to assess the risk of Parkinson’s development in otherwise asymptomatic patients.

[0007] Nevertheless, few effective solutions are available to address olfactory dysfunction. One treatment that has highly promising clinical results is olfactory training. Olfactory training is a non-invasive, risk-free, and accessible regimen to treat olfactory dysfunction. It involves repeated exposure to scents representative of recognized odor classes and capitalizes on the principle of neuroplasticity to help rebuild the neural connections in the olfactory pathway and restore the sense of smell to its normal capacity. The olfactory system is unique in its regenerative capacity and is in direct communication with multiple cortical brain areas that are associated with cognition, memory, executive function, and language. Olfactory impairments are associated with reduced volume in these brain areas, possibly helping to explain some of the associations between olfactory dysfunction and unhealthy aging. The efficacy of properly-conducted smell training is estimated to be around 30 to 40% in recent clinical trials. A typical length of completion of a smell training regimen is six to nine months. Patients typically independently notice improvement in their own ability to identify smells after three to six months of consistent smell training.

[0008] Existing smell training options include non-prescription smell training kits or regimens that are obtained from a specialty website or online marketplace. The contents of such smell training kits include separate individual scent vials. Such scent vials are typically plastic tubes that include cotton inserts that have been doused in essential oils. Each plastic tube has a plastic cap that one must unscrew to access the scent. Once unscrewed, the odor can be detected by moving the plastic tube up to one's nose. Such kits typically include a paper print out of written instructions. Such kits are unsatisfactory for a variety of reasons, including poor patient compliance. Lackof patient compliance may be due to a lack of standardization in the training process, untidy training tools like loose vials of essential oils, and the disorganization of available training solutions.Summary

[0009] According to various system embodiments, a system for presenting olfactory stimuli for olfactory dysfunction testing and training is presented. The system includes an integrated device, the integrated device including a plurality of scent chambers, where each scent chamber includes therein a respective material having a corresponding scent, such that the plurality of scent chambers include a plurality of different materials having a corresponding plurality of different scents, where the integrated device is operable to selectively expose an aperture of an individual scent chamber, such that a corresponding scent of a corresponding material in the individual scent chamber is exposed for sampling by a user.

[0010] Various optional features of the above system embodiments include the following. The system may further include a non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions that, when executed by an electronic processor, configure the electronic processor to perform an olfactory dysfunction testing actions including: repeating, for each of a plurality of scents: providing an anonymized identification of a scent chamber for which an aperture is to be exposed by the user; displaying a plurality of user selectable scent determinations; and receiving a scent determination selection from the user; and reporting a score representing a scent determination accuracy of the user for the plurality of scents. The reporting may include sending the score to a remote health care provider electronically over a network. The olfactory dysfunction testing actions may further include randomizing anorder of the plurality of scents. The electronic processor may include an electronic processor of a smart phone of the user. The system may further include a non- transitory computer readable medium including instructions that, when executed by an electronic processor, configure the electronic processor to perform olfactory dysfunction training actions including: repeating, for each of a plurality of scents: providing an identification of a scent chamber for which a respective aperture is to be exposed by the user; displaying an image corresponding to a scent of the scent chamber for which the respective aperture is to be exposed by the user; and providing a temporal indication of an exposure duration. The olfactory dysfunction training actions may further include sending an indication of completion of an olfactory dysfunction training session to a remote health care provider electronically over a network. The system may further include a non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions that, when executed by an electronic processor, configure the electronic processor to perform olfactory dysfunction training compliance tracking actions including: receiving, remotely and over the network, a plurality of indications of user completion of olfactory dysfunction training sessions, such that the health care provider receives user olfactory dysfunction training compliance tracking data. The olfactory dysfunction training actions may further include: scheduling, on an electronic calendar, a next olfactory dysfunction training session. The integrated device may include a handle for operation by a dexterity impaired individual.

[0011] According to various method embodiments, a method of presenting olfactory stimuli for olfactory dysfunction testing and training is presented. The method utilizes an integrated device including a plurality of scent chambers, where each scent chamber includes therein a respective material having a corresponding scent, such that the plurality of scent chambers include a plurality of different materials having acorresponding plurality of different scents. The method includes: selectively exposing an aperture of a respective individual scent chamber of the integrated device, such that a corresponding scent of a corresponding material in the individual scent chamber is exposed for sampling by a user.

[0012] Various optional features of the above method embodiments include the following. The method may further include performing, by an electronic computing device, olfactory dysfunction testing actions including: repeating, for each of a plurality of scents: providing an anonymized identification of a scent chamber for which an aperture is to be exposed by the user; displaying a plurality of user selectable scent determinations; and receiving a scent determination selection from the user; and reporting a score representing a scent determination accuracy of the user for the plurality of scents. The reporting may include sending the score to a remote health care provider electronically over a network. The method may further include randomizing an order of the plurality of scents. The electronic computing device may include a smart phone of the user. The method may further include performing, by the electronic computing device, olfactory dysfunction training actions including: repeating, for each of a plurality of scents: providing an identification of a scent chamber for which a respective aperture is to be exposed by the user; displaying an image corresponding to a scent of the scent chamber for which the respective aperture is to be exposed by the user; and providing a temporal indication of an exposure duration. The olfactory dysfunction training actions may further include sending an indication of completion of an olfactory dysfunction training session to a remote health care provider electronically over a network. The method may further include, by the electronic computing device, performing olfactory dysfunction training compliance tracking actions including: sending, remotely and over the network, a plurality ofindications of user completion of olfactory dysfunction training sessions, such that a health care provider receives user olfactory dysfunction training compliance tracking data. The olfactory dysfunction training actions may further include: scheduling, on an electronic calendar, a next olfactory dysfunction training session. The integrated device may include a handle for operation by a dexterity impaired individual.

[0013] Combinations, (including multiple dependent combinations) of the above-described elements and those within the specification have been contemplated by the inventors and may be made, except where otherwise indicated or where contradictory.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] Various features of the examples can be more fully appreciated, as the same become better understood with reference to the following detailed description of the examples when considered in connection with the accompanying figures, in which:

[0015] Fig. 1 illustrates an integrated device for presenting olfactory stimuli for olfactory dysfunction testing and training according to various embodiments;

[0016] Fig. 2 is a partially exploded view of an integrated device for presenting olfactory stimuli for olfactory dysfunction testing and training according to various embodiments;

[0017] Fig. 3 illustrates a scent chamber of an integrated device for presenting olfactory stimuli for olfactory dysfunction testing and training according to various embodiments;

[0018] Fig. 4 illustrates an integrated device for presenting olfactory stimuli for olfactory dysfunction testing and training in operation according to various embodiments;

[0019] Fig. 5 is a flow diagram for a method of presenting olfactory stimuli for olfactory dysfunction testing and training according to various embodiments;

[0020] Fig. 6 is an example scent presentation screenshot of an app for olfactory dysfunction testing according to various embodiments;

[0021] Fig. 7 is an example scent determination accuracy score screenshot of an app for olfactory dysfunction testing according to various embodiments;

[0022] Fig. 8 is an example instruction screenshot of an app for olfactory dysfunction training according to various embodiments;

[0023] Fig. 9 is an example scent presentation screenshot of an app for olfactory dysfunction training according to various embodiments; and

[0024] Fig. 10 is an example training completion screenshot of an app for olfactory dysfunction training according to various embodiments.Description of the Examples

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to example implementations, illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary examples in which the invention may be practiced. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention and it is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following description is, therefore, merely exemplary.

[0026] Some embodiments provide a system for, and method of, presenting olfactory stimuli for olfactory dysfunction testing and / or olfactory dysfunction training. According to some embodiments, the system includes an integrated device for presenting olfactory stimuli. According to some embodiments, the system also includes an app that can direct, report, and schedule either or both of olfactory dysfunction testing or olfactory dysfunction training sessions. According to some embodiments, the system includes computer-implemented software that a clinician can use to receive olfactory dysfunction testing and olfactory dysfunction training data, such as patient compliance data and patient olfactory test scores, from one or more users. Some embodiments are expected to improve the lives of people who suffer from olfactory dysfunction. Some embodiments are expected to assist clinicians in both treating patients with olfactory dysfunction and doing research in the smell loss space.

[0027] These and other features and advantages are shown and described herein in reference to the figures.

[0028] Fig. 1 illustrates an integrated device 100 for presenting olfactory stimuli for olfactory dysfunction testing and training according to various embodiments. As shown in Fig. 1 , and by way of non-limiting embodiments, the device 100 includes eight encapsulated scents for presentation to a user. Each scent is housed is in its own individually accessible scent chamber, e.g., 106. The device 100 includes an outer casing 104 and an inner structure 102. The inner structure 102 (shown in detail in Fig. 2) includes a base for the device 100, compartments that house and support the scent chambers (e.g., 106), and a center rod 108. The outer casing 104 defines peripheral openings that correspond to the scent chambers (e.g., 106) as well as a central opening for the center rod 108.

[0029] A hand strap 110 connects to the center rod 108 and to the base of the inner structure 102. When in use, a user's non-dominant hand, for example, may extend between the outer casing 104 and the strap 110 to grasp and hold the device 100 and bring it up to their face when performing smell testing / training. This is particularly suitable for users with low hand dexterity and other physical limitations, as it may increases the ease of holding the device 100.

[0030] In general, the device 100 is designed to be held by a user in at least two different ways. For the first way, the user's palm is facing up, and the flat bottom of the device 100 rests in their hand. Typically, the non-dominant hand will be holding the device 100 in this setup. The second way to hold the device 100 involves the user wrapping their non-dominant hand around the outer casing 104 of the device 100, with the strap 110 wrapped around the back of their hand. To rotate the device 100 such that a particular scent chamber (e.g., 106) is accessible to the user, the user can perform one of two example non-limiting motions. For the first motion, which utilizes the first way to hold the device, the user grabs the central rod with their fingers, and rotates the device such that the desired scent chamber is accessible to the user by using the center rod 108 as a handle. For the second motion, which utilizes the second way to hold the device 100, the user holds the central rod 108 with the users dominant hand and releases the grip on the side of the outer casing 104 with their non-dominant hand, rotating the device 100 to the correct orientation, then re-grips the side of the device 100 with the non-dominant hand.

[0031] Fig. 2 is a partially exploded view of an integrated device 200 for presenting olfactory stimuli for olfactory dysfunction testing and training according to various embodiments. The exploded view shows the outer casing 204 and the inner structure 202 in detail. The inner structure 202 includes a base for the device 200 aswell as cylindrical compartments (e.g., 212) for supporting and containing the scent chambers (e.g., 206).

[0032] The outer casing 204 serves as a cover for the contents of the device 100. It forms a hollow covering with eight peripheral holes (e.g., 214), one for each scent chamber (e.g., 206), and one central hole for the center rod. It is designed so that the bottom rim of the outer casing 204 fits into a ridge on the base of the device 100 (part of the inner structure 202). It serves to help contain the scents within the device 100, as well as ensure that all of the scent chambers (e.g., 206) stay in one place in an organized way. The peripheral holes (e.g., 214) may include a silicone lining to secure and prevent the scent chambers (e.g., 206) from falling out. The individual scent chambers (e.g., 206) have handles that may protrude out of the outer casing 204 as shown in Fig. 2. Note that the size and shape of the handles as shown in Fig. 2 is by way of non-limiting example. According to some embodiments, the handles may be sized and shaped so that they do not protrude beyond the edge of the outer casing 204, for example. According to such embodiments, the handles may be slightly raised above the top surface of the outer casing 204 so as to facilitate a user gripping them, and they may be shaped in an ergonomically and esthetically pleasing manner, e.g., having teardrop profiles when viewed from above the outer casing 204. In order for this structure to be put together, the scent chambers (e.g., 206) are inserted after the outer casing 204 is attached onto the inner structure 202. The holes on top of the outer casing 204 are lined with a rubber or silicone rim (e.g., a gasket), which ensures that the scent chambers (e.g. 206) do not slip out when the device 100 is moved. These rims also minimize the loss of the scents when the device 200 is not in use. The outer casing 204 also has numbers or other indicia written to mark all of the scents.

[0033] The device 200 may include activated charcoal within so as to prevent or reduce smell contamination to the user’s environment and between scent chambers. The activated charcoal may be dispersed between the inner structure 202 and the outer casing 204. According to some embodiments, the activated charcoal is in the form of a sheet material and lines the interior of the outer casing 204.

[0034] Fig. 3 illustrates a scent chamber 300 of an integrated device for presenting olfactory stimuli for olfactory dysfunction testing and training according to various embodiments. The scent chamber 300 forms the structure that encapsulates each scent, which may be presented using a medium 350 (e.g., a cotton wick) soaked in a specific essential oil of the desired scent. By way of non-limiting examples, any combination (e.g., any subset) of the following scents may be used: vanilla, clove, peppermint, lavender, campfire, grass, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lilac, chili, coconut, whiskey, turpentine, soap, skunk, chocolate, peach, leather, pizza, root beer, watermelon, banana, smoke, pineapple, dill pickle, onion, musk, garlic, lime, Cheddar cheese, orange, pumpkin pie, bubble gum, Wintergreen, tomato, honey, motor oil, mint, cherry, clove, apple, peanut, paint thinner, grape, fruit punch, licorice, cola, cinnamon, pine, rose, strawberry, cedar, gasoline, lemon, black pepper, menthol, and gingerbread. In general, a device may include a plurality of such scent chambers, by way of non-limiting example eight, as shown and described herein in reference to Figs. 1 , 2, and 4. The scent chamber 300 defines an aperture 322 that may be exposed when the device is in use so as to allow a user to inhale the scent contained in the medium 350 within the scent chamber 300. As shown in Fig. 3, the scent chamber 300 includes a handle 320, which may be used to not only rotate the scent chamber 300, but also rest atop of the center rod to expose the aperture of the scent chamber 300 (shown and described in detail in reference to Fig. 4). As noted above in referenceto Fig. 2, according to various embodiments, the handle 320 may be sized and shaped so that they do not protrude beyond the edge of the outer casing, but are long enough to rest on the central rod, as shown and described presently in reference to Fig. 4.

[0035] Fig. 4 illustrates an integrated device 400 for presenting olfactory stimuli for olfactory dysfunction testing and training in operation according to various embodiments. In operation, the device 400 exposes a scent in the medium 450 within a particular scent chamber 406 to a user. To do so, the user utilizes the handle 420 to lift the scent chamber 406 up from its compartment. After it is lifted up, the handle 420 can be turned 180° and rested on the central rod 408 of the device 400. This allows the scent chamber 406 to stay up, and expose the medium 450 through the aperture so that the user can inhale the respective scent. This mechanism has the advantage that only one scent may be exposed at a time, because only one handle 420 can fit on the central rod 408 at a time. When the user is finished with a particular scent, they can use the handle 420 to rotate the scent chamber 406 and lower it back into its compartment. The user can utilize an app to direct these and other activities, as shown and described herein in reference to Figs. 5-10.

[0036] Note that the embodiment shown and described in reference to Figs. 1 -4 is non-limiting. According to a different embodiment, for example, the scent chambers may be configured and accessed in a different manner. This may be facilitated by a rod in the center of the device, which may serve as an axis of rotation, and a single peripheral hole in the outer casing to facilitate access to one scent chamber at a time. Upon pressing on a particular scent chamber as it is exposed via the peripheral hole, it may spring up through an outer casing hole, allowing the user to smell the odor within. The mechanism used for the individual scent chambers may be similar to that of a pen, where the first push and release will cause the elevation ofthe scent chamber, and a subsequent push and release will release the scent chamber back into the device.

[0037] Fig. 5 is a flow diagram 500 for a method of presenting olfactory stimuli for olfactory dysfunction testing and training according to various embodiments. The method may utilize a device for presenting olfactory stimuli such as is shown and described herein in reference to Figs. 1 -4. The method 500 may be initiated at 531 , where a user and / or the user’s clinician has concerns about whether the user has an olfactory dysfunction. Either on their own or at the behest of a clinician, for example, at 532 the user may purchase or be provided with a device for presenting olfactory stimuli (e.g., as shown and described in reference to Figs. 1 -4) and may download an app. The app may be installed on the user’s computer device, such as a smart phone. The app provides an interactive user experience that guides users through testing and training sessions.

[0038] At 533, the app may initially open to a login page, so that the user can make their profile for easy storage of progress and other aspects of their smell recovery journey. The app may further present information on the device for presenting olfactory stimuli, e.g., regarding the installation and placement of the scent chambers. The user may then select between a testing session or a training session. After that, the method branches, depending on whether the user selects testing or training. The app may then present a respective set of instructions.

[0039] For the testing session branch, the app may initially present general instructions for the session to the user (e.g., written instructions, possibly with images, and / or using short video clips for accessibility). At 534, the user is asked to access a specific scent in the device. The scent may be anonymized, e.g., the app may specify a scent chamber number or other indication rather than an identification of the actualscent. Next, at 535, the app directs the user to smell the exposed scent chamber and choose an answer from four different options (see Fig. 6). At 536, this process is repeated for each scent. The app may randomize the sequence of scents for each session. After moving through all eight scents, the app provides the user with their score, and their progress is recorded (see Fig. 7). At 540, the user’s progress is saved, and the results are sent to a clinician, e.g., via a network communication channel such as email or interface with an API.

[0040] For the training session branch, at 537, the app may present general instructions for the session to the user, e.g., in written form, possibly accompanied with images and / or using video clips (see Fig. 8). At 538, the app instructs the user to access a specific smell (e.g., by specifying a number, a different indication, or an identification of the scent itself) and displays a picture representing the corresponding scent while the user smells it (see Fig. 9). The app may also present a temporal indication of an exposure duration, e.g., a fifteen second timer countdown, to ensure that the user is spending sufficient time with each scent. At 539, this process is repeated for each scent. The app may randomize the sequence of scents for each session. At 540, after moving through each scent, the training session is marked completed and the results are sent to a clinician, e.g., via a network communication channel such as email or interface with an API.

[0041] After the session, whether training or testing, the app may allow the user to schedule and add the next training session time to their computer device calendar to ensure that the user does not forget about it (see Fig. 10). The app may interact with an existing calendar app on the user’s computing device to provide a calendar entry for the next scheduled session. The app may suggest a time and date for the next session (e.g., per a periodic time interval), and the user may edit thesuggestion. The use of the app paired with the device for presenting olfactory stimuli may thus help increase patient compliance with smell training so that users can see real recovery in their journeys.

[0042] The app may also provide a patient profile page to allow users and / or clinicians to input specifics about a user’s diagnosis. The app may also present one or more progress pages to record and view user improvement over time. Such progress page(s) may allow the user to be able to track their training and / or testing compliance and see their progress over time. The app may utilize a network connection with an Electronic Health Records (HER) system that facilitates sending progress reports, compliance data, test results, and other information directly to the user’s clinician (e.g., physician or other healthcare provider).

[0043] Fig. 6 is an example scent presentation screenshot 600 of an app for olfactory dysfunction testing according to various embodiments. The screenshot 600 may be presented by an app as part of a training session as shown and described herein in reference to Fig. 5. The screenshot 600 shows an indication in the form of a slot number of a scent chamber for the user to inhale. The screenshot 600 also shows four buttons that the user can use to enter their scent determination. The screenshot also shows a button that the user can activate to move on to the next scent in the training session.

[0044] Fig. 7 is an example scent determination accuracy score screenshot 700 of an app for olfactory dysfunction testing according to various embodiments. The screenshot 600 may be presented by an app as part of a training session as shown and described herein in reference to Fig. 5. The screenshot 700 shows a score indicative of the user’s scent determination accuracy; as shown in Fig. 7, the screenshot 700 shows that the user correctly identified six scents and incorrectlyidentified two scents. The screenshot 700 further shows a button that the user can activate to display a detailed report, which may show any, or any combination, of the scents that were correctly and incorrectly identified, the user’s progress, upcoming scheduled sessions, etc.

[0045] Fig. 8 is an example instruction screenshot 800 of an app for olfactory dysfunction training according to various embodiments. The screenshot 800 may be presented by an app as part of a testing session as shown and described herein in reference to Fig. 5. The instructions presented on the screenshot 800 provide an overview of the scent training session. As shown in Fig. 8, and by way of non-limiting example, the instructions direct the user regarding an appropriate setting for the session, how to utilize the device for presenting olfactory stimuli, how to sample the various scents, how the session should progress in terms of number of trainings on particular scents, and how long to take between scents.

[0046] Note that the instructions shown and described in reference to Fig. 8 are non-limiting. For example, instructions may be presented to the user for either or both of the testing or training sessions. Moreover, the instructions may be presented using a variety of media, including multimedia. For example, the written instructions shown and described in reference to Fig. 8 may be accompanied by one or more images illustrating the respective individual instructions. As another example, the instructions for either or both of the training or testing sessions may be presented in video form, either within the app or through one or more hyperlinks to respective web pages that host the videos. In general, the instructions may include pictures (e.g., with written instructions) and / or videos (with an audio and visual component) to guide the user through the testing or training protocols. For any embodiment, the user may tap through the instructions.

[0047] Fig. 9 is an example scent presentation screenshot 900 of an app for olfactory dysfunction training according to various embodiments. The screenshot 600 may be presented by an app as part of a testing session as shown and described herein in reference to Fig. 5. The screenshot 900 shows an identification of the scent being presented by the device (here, by way of non-limiting example, eucalyptus). The screenshot 900 also displays an image of the scent. The screenshot 900 further shows a button that the user is to activate to begin training on the scent, as well as a temporal indication of an exposure duration in the form of both a circular hourglass and numerical countdown timer. The screenshot 900 also shows a button that the user may activate to transition to the next scent in the session.

[0048] Fig. 10 is an example training completion screenshot 1000 of an app for olfactory dysfunction training according to various embodiments. The screenshot 600 may be presented by an app as part of a testing session as shown and described herein in reference to Fig. 5. The screenshot 1000 shows an indication of the completion of the training session. The screenshot 1000 also shows an indication that training compliance data has been updated. The screenshot 1000 further shows a presentation of a suggested time and date for the next training session, along with a button that the user can activate to add a pre-populated entry to the user’s existing electronic calendar for the session. The screenshot 1000 also shows a button that the user can activate to return to a home screen of the app.

[0049] Thus, a system that includes an olfactory stimuli presentation device and an app for olfactory dysfunction testing and / or training is shown and described. The system includes many features that are advantageous over existing techniques. According to some embodiments, the system’s effectiveness is enhanced through its use of randomization, which prevents users from getting accustomed to a specificscent order, leading to more robust olfactory improvements. According to some embodiments, the system may utilize the user's phone, which allows for daily updates to be sent as well as sessions to be scheduled, ensuring a consistent and structured approach to the training regimen. According to some embodiments, the olfactory stimulation presentation device may be utilized by patients with low hand dexterity, making it more accessible to geriatric patients. According to such embodiments, no fine motor movements are necessary. Some embodiments interfaces directly with Electronic Health Records (EHRs), allowing clinicians to keep track of patient’s progress and receive regular updates on their smell health. Some embodiments standardize multiple factors in the smell training process: total time spent training, time spent on each scent, order of scents, memory association images, distance at which odors are presented etc., creating more reliable and robust datasets. Some embodiments provide compliance tracking to allow clinicians to better care for their patients, progress tracking and gamification to improve patient compliance, and shortened as well as standardized training sessions with easy-to-follow instructions - all characteristics that provide an improved approach to combat olfactory dysfunction, leading to better outcomes for olfactory dysfunction patients and better care provided by clinicians.

[0050] Embodiments are not limited to use by olfactory dysfunction patients. For example, some embodiments may be used train wine experts (sommeliers) and those in other fields that require a very fine sense of smell. Such embodiments may utilize scent chambers with the corresponding scents for these purposes. Example scents for such embodiments may include any combination (e.g., any subset) of: orange, peach, red currant, blackberry, rose, truffle, licorice, roasted almond, pineapple, pear, gooseberry, apricot, honey, banana, apple, grapefruit, lemon, forestberries, strawberry, plum, raspberry, blackcurrant, cherry, pepper, violet, almond, green paprika, and mint.

[0051] Certain examples can be performed using a computer program or set of programs. The computer programs can exist in a variety of forms both active and inactive. For example, the computer programs can exist as software program (s) comprised of program instructions in source code, object code, executable code or other formats; firmware program(s), or hardware description language (HDL) files. Any of the above can be embodied on a transitory or non-transitory computer readable medium, which include storage devices and signals, in compressed or uncompressed form. Exemplary computer readable storage devices include conventional computer system RAM (random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EPROM (erasable, programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable, programmable ROM), flash memory, and magnetic or optical disks or tapes.

[0052] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented using computer readable program instructions that are executed by an electronic processor.

[0053] These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the electronic processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing thefunctions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0054] In embodiments, the computer readable program instructions may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, statesetting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programming languages, such as the C programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on a user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server.

[0055] As used herein, the terms “A or B” and “A and / or B” are intended to encompass A, B, or {A and B}. Further, the terms “A, B, or C” and “A, B, and / or C” are intended to encompass single items, pairs of items, or all items, that is, all of: A, B, C, {A and B}, {A and C}, {B and C}, and {A and B and C}. The term “or” as used herein means “and / or.”

[0056] As used herein, language such as “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” “at least one or more of X, Y, and Z,” “at least one or more of X, Y,or Z,” “at least one or more of X, Y, and / or Z,” or “at least one of X, Y, and / or Z,” is intended to be inclusive of both a single item (e.g., just X, or just Y, or just Z) and multiple items (e.g., {X and Y}, {X and Z}, {Y and Z}, or {X, Y, and Z}). The phrase “at least one of” and similar phrases are not intended to convey a requirement that each possible item must be present, although each possible item may be present.

[0057] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for [perform]ing [a function]...” or “step for [performing [a function]...”, it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). However, for any claims containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

[0058] While the invention has been described with reference to the exemplary examples thereof, those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications to the described examples without departing from the true spirit and scope. The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. In particular, although the method has been described by examples, the steps of the method can be performed in a different order than illustrated or simultaneously. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these and other variations are possible within the spirit and scope as defined in the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . A system for presenting olfactory stimuli for olfactory dysfunction testing and training, the system comprising an integrated device, the integrated device comprising: a plurality of scent chambers, wherein each scent chamber includes therein a respective material having a corresponding scent, whereby the plurality of scent chambers include a plurality of different materials having a corresponding plurality of different scents, wherein the integrated device is operable to selectively expose an aperture of an individual scent chamber, whereby a corresponding scent of a corresponding material in the individual scent chamber is exposed for sampling by a user.

2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by an electronic processor, configure the electronic processor to perform an olfactory dysfunction testing actions comprising: repeating, for each of a plurality of scents: providing an anonymized identification of a scent chamber for which an aperture is to be exposed by the user; displaying a plurality of user selectable scent determinations; and receiving a scent determination selection from the user; and reporting a score representing a scent determination accuracy of the user for the plurality of scents.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the reporting comprises sending the score to a remote health care provider electronically over a network.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the olfactory dysfunction testing actions further comprise randomizing an order of the plurality of scents.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the electronic processor comprises an electronic processor of a smart phone of the user.

6. The system of claim 2, further comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by an electronic processor, configure the electronic processor to perform olfactory dysfunction training actions comprising: repeating, for each of a plurality of scents: providing an identification of a scent chamber for which a respective aperture is to be exposed by the user; displaying an image corresponding to a scent of the scent chamber for which the respective aperture is to be exposed by the user; and providing a temporal indication of an exposure duration.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the olfactory dysfunction training actions further comprise sending an indication of completion of an olfactory dysfunction training session to a remote health care provider electronically over a network.

8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by an electronic processor, configure the electronic processor to perform olfactory dysfunction training compliance tracking actions comprising: receiving, remotely and over the network, a plurality of indications of user completion of olfactory dysfunction training sessions, whereby the health care provider receives user olfactory dysfunction training compliance tracking data.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the olfactory dysfunction training actions further comprise: scheduling, on an electronic calendar, a next olfactory dysfunction training session.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the integrated device comprises a handle for operation by a dexterity impaired individual.

11. A method of presenting olfactory stimuli for olfactory dysfunction testing and training, the method utilizing an integrated device comprising a plurality of scent chambers, wherein each scent chamber includes therein a respective material having a corresponding scent, whereby the plurality of scent chambers include a plurality of different materials having a corresponding plurality of different scents, the method comprising:selectively exposing an aperture of a respective individual scent chamber of the integrated device, whereby a corresponding scent of a corresponding material in the individual scent chamber is exposed for sampling by a user.

12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising performing, by an electronic computing device, olfactory dysfunction testing actions comprising: repeating, for each of a plurality of scents: providing an anonymized identification of a scent chamber for which an aperture is to be exposed by the user; displaying a plurality of user selectable scent determinations; and receiving a scent determination selection from the user; and reporting a score representing a scent determination accuracy of the user for the plurality of scents.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the reporting comprises sending the score to a remote health care provider electronically over a network.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising randomizing an order of the plurality of scents.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the electronic computing device comprises a smart phone of the user.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising performing, by the electronic computing device, olfactory dysfunction training actions comprising: repeating, for each of a plurality of scents:providing an identification of a scent chamber for which a respective aperture is to be exposed by the user; displaying an image corresponding to a scent of the scent chamber for which the respective aperture is to be exposed by the user; and providing a temporal indication of an exposure duration.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the olfactory dysfunction training actions further comprise sending an indication of completion of an olfactory dysfunction training session to a remote health care provider electronically over a network.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising, by the electronic computing device, performing olfactory dysfunction training compliance tracking actions comprising: sending, remotely and over the network, a plurality of indications of user completion of olfactory dysfunction training sessions, whereby a health care provider receives user olfactory dysfunction training compliance tracking data.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the olfactory dysfunction training actions further comprise: scheduling, on an electronic calendar, a next olfactory dysfunction training session.

20. The method of claim 11 , wherein the integrated device comprises a handle for operation by a dexterity impaired individual.

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