Aroma output control device, aroma output control system, and aroma output control method

Abstract

This invention is intended to realize a configuration in which a plurality of aromas outputted by each of a plurality of aroma output devices are mixed in a space and provided to a user. This configuration includes a plurality of aroma output devices for executing an aroma output process, and an aroma output control device for generating output control information for aroma outputted from the aroma output devices. The aroma output control device generates individual aroma output control information corresponding to each of the plurality of aroma output devices, outputs the information to each of the plurality of aroma output devices, mixes the plurality of aromas outputted by the aroma output devices in a space, and provides the mixture to a user. The aroma output control information includes the type of the aroma, the direction of the output, intensity, timing, etc.

Description

Fragrance output control device, fragrance output control system, and fragrance output control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a scent output control device, a scent output control system, and a scent output control method, and more particularly to a scent output control device, a scent output control system, and a scent output control method that mix different scents output by multiple scent output devices to generate various scents.

[0002] Generally, scent output devices that output scents into a space are devices that output one specific scent, such as the scent of rose, the scent of lemon, etc. Furthermore, configurations have also been proposed that mix multiple different scents to provide the user.

[0003] As a conventional technique for mixing multiple different scents, for example, Patent Document 1 (JP 2021-064116 A) discloses a technique for mixing multiple different scents in a sprayer, which is a scent output device, to generate a new scent.

[0004] However, when scents are mixed inside the sprayer in this way, the mixed scents adhere to the inside of the device, leaving a lingering scent. If a different scent is output while a lingering scent is still present, the lingering scent will mix with the new scent being output, resulting in an unintended scent. To output the intended scent, it is necessary to either remove the lingering scent inside the device or wait until the scent has sufficiently decayed. This makes it difficult to switch scents in a short period of time.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-064116

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of, for example, the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a fragrance output control device, a fragrance output control system, and a fragrance output control method that, when mixing different fragrances and providing them to a user, does not leave any residual fragrance within the fragrance output device, and that can realize fragrance mixing processing and fragrance provision processing in a variety of different modes.

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure resides in a scent output control device that has a control unit that generates scent output control information to be output from a scent output device, the control unit generates individual scent output control information corresponding to each of a plurality of scent output devices, outputs the generated scent output control information to each of the plurality of scent output devices, and enables the multiple scents output by each of the plurality of scent output devices to be mixed in a space and provided to a user.

[0008] Furthermore, a second aspect of the present disclosure resides in a fragrance output control device that has a control unit that generates fragrance output control information to be output from a fragrance output device, the control unit generating fragrance output control information that causes different fragrances to be output sequentially over time, and outputting the generated fragrance output control information to the fragrance output device, thereby enabling a fragrance that is a mixture of multiple different fragrances output by the fragrance output device to be provided to a user.

[0009] Furthermore, a third aspect of the present disclosure resides in a fragrance output control system having a plurality of fragrance output devices that execute fragrance output processing, and a fragrance output control device that generates fragrance output control information to be output from the fragrance output devices, wherein the fragrance output control device generates individual fragrance output control information corresponding to each of the plurality of fragrance output devices and outputs the generated fragrance output control information to each of the plurality of fragrance output devices, and enables the plurality of fragrances output by each of the plurality of fragrance output devices to be mixed in space and provided to a user.

[0010] Furthermore, a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a fragrance output control method executed in a fragrance output control device, wherein the fragrance output control device has a control unit that generates fragrance output control information to be output from a fragrance output device, the control unit generates individual fragrance output control information corresponding to each of a plurality of fragrance output devices, outputs the generated fragrance output control information to each of the plurality of fragrance output devices, and the fragrance output control method enables the multiple fragrances output by each of the plurality of fragrance output devices to be mixed in a space and provided to a user.

[0011] Further objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings. Note that in this specification, a system refers to a logical collective configuration of multiple devices, and is not limited to devices that are located within the same housing.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a configuration is realized in which multiple scents output by multiple scent output devices are mixed in a space and provided to a user. Specifically, for example, the configuration includes multiple scent output devices that execute scent output processing, and a scent output control device that generates scent output control information to be output from the scent output devices. The scent output control device generates individual scent output control information corresponding to each of the multiple scent output devices and outputs the information to each of the multiple scent output devices, thereby mixing the multiple scents output by each of the scent output devices in a space and providing them to a user. The scent output control information includes the type of scent, output direction, intensity, timing, etc. This configuration realizes a configuration in which multiple scents output by multiple scent output devices are mixed in a space and provided to a user. Note that the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and additional effects may also be present.

[0013] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the fragrance output control processing of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the fragrance output control processing of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a scene-specific fragrance output processing. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the fragrance output control processing of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the fragrance output control processing of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the fragrance output control processing of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a fragrance output control system of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a plurality of different fragrances output by each fragrance output device. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a fragrance output control device and the processing executed by the fragrance output control device. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of "scene-specific output fragrance information" stored in a memory. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a control unit of a fragrance output control device and the processing executed. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a mixing process of multiple fragrances executed by the fragrance output control system of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a mixing process of multiple fragrances executed by the fragrance output control system of the present disclosure. 1 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a mixing process of multiple scents executed by the scent output control system of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of scent output control information when mixing multiple scents. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of scent output control information when mixing multiple scents. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of scent output control information when mixing multiple scents. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of scent output control information when mixing multiple scents. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of scent output control information when mixing multiple scents. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of scent output control information when mixing multiple scents. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of scent output control information when mixing multiple scents.1 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of fragrance output control information when a mixing process of multiple fragrances is executed. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of fragrance output control information when a mixing process of multiple fragrances is executed. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of fragrance output control information when a mixing process of multiple fragrances is executed. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of fragrance output control information when a mixing process of multiple fragrances is executed. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of fragrance output control information when a mixing process of multiple fragrances is executed. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a mixing process of multiple fragrances executed by the fragrance output control system of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a mixing process of multiple fragrances executed by the fragrance output control system of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a mixing process of multiple fragrances executed by the fragrance output control system of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a mixing process of multiple fragrances executed by the fragrance output control system of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a mixing process of multiple scents performed by the scent output control system of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a mixing process of multiple scents performed by the scent output control system of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a mixing process of multiple scents performed by the scent output control system of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart illustrating a processing sequence performed by the scent output control device of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the scent output control device.

[0014] The scent output control device, scent output control method, and program of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The description will be made according to the following items: 1. Regarding the scent output control process of the present disclosure 2. Regarding detailed configuration examples of the scent output control system and scent output control device of the present disclosure 3. Regarding an example of a process for mixing scents output by multiple scent output devices 4. Regarding details of scent output control information transmitted from the scent output control device to the scent output device 5. Regarding other examples of scent mixing processes 6. Regarding the sequence of processes executed by the scent output control device of the present disclosure 7. Regarding example hardware configuration of the scent output control device 8. Summary of the configuration of the present disclosure

[0015] [1. Regarding the Fragrance Output Control Process of the Present Disclosure] The fragrance output control process of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and subsequent figures.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the scent output control process of the present disclosure. The scent output control device of the present disclosure is installed inside a passenger car or the like, for example, as shown in Fig. 1. However, the scent output control device of the present disclosure is not limited to vehicles such as passenger cars, but can also be installed inside rooms of houses, offices, etc. Below, as a representative example, an embodiment in which the scent output control device of the present disclosure is installed in a vehicle such as a passenger car will be described.

[0017] 1 shows an example of a configuration in which a scent is provided to a user 20 who is a driver. Multiple scent output devices, namely, scent output devices P and 30P and scent output devices Q and 30Q, are mounted in front of the driver's seat. These two scent output devices each output (eject) a different type of scent.

[0018] For example, scent output devices P and 30P output scent P1 (a tree scent), and scent output devices Q and 30Q output scent Q1 (an earth scent). As shown in the figure, the scents output by scent output devices P and 30P and scent output devices Q and 30Q are mixed near the nose of user 20, who is the driver, and user 20 inhales this mixed scent through his or her nose and senses the mixed scent. In this example, for example, the user senses a mixed scent of scent P1 (a tree scent) and scent Q1 (an earth scent), giving the user the feeling of being in a wooded forest.

[0019] A sensor 40 such as a camera is attached in front of the user 20, who is the driver. The sensor 40 acquires sensor detection information such as images for detecting the position of the user 20, specifically the position of the nose of the user 20. The detection information of the sensor 40, for example, images, is input to a scent output control device (not shown), which analyzes the images and analyzes the position of the nose of the user 20.

[0020] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a driver's seat equipped with a scent output control device 50. As shown in Figure 2, scent output devices P, 30P and scent output devices Q, 30Q are mounted on the front panel of the driver's seat, and a sensor 40 is also mounted on top. The scent output control device 50 is mounted next to the driver's seat. The scent output control device 50 is configured to be able to communicate wirelessly with the scent output devices P, 30P, scent output devices Q, 30Q, and the sensor 40. For example, wireless communication is performed using Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication or the like.

[0021] The fragrance output control device 50 receives images taken by, for example, a camera such as the sensor 40, performs image analysis to analyze the position of the nose of the driver / user 20, and based on the results of this analysis, generates and transmits individual fragrance output control information for each of the fragrance output devices P, 30P and the fragrance output devices Q, 30Q.

[0022] For example, control information such as the type of scent to be output, the flow rate of the scent to be output, and the timing of scent output is generated and transmitted to each scent output device. The scent output devices P and 30P and the scent output devices Q and 30Q output scents in accordance with the scent output control information received from the scent output control device 50. Specific examples of this scent output process will be described in detail later.

[0023] As described above, the scent output process of the present disclosure has a configuration that allows different scents to be output from multiple scent output devices, and allows the user to smell a scent that is a mixture of these different scents.

[0024] Specifically, for example, a scent that matches the scene of the content that the user 20 is viewing is generated and output to the user.

[0025] For example, a user 20 is watching content such as a movie inside a vehicle 10 shown in Figure 1, and the fragrance output control device 50 analyzes scenes in the content and controls multiple fragrance output devices to output a fragrance that matches the analyzed scene toward the user 20.

[0026] Examples of content scenes and combinations of scents that match the scenes will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 shows multiple example scenes of the content being played, such as (1) forest, (2) seaside, and (3) cafe and bakery, and also shows examples of scents that match each of these scenes.

[0027] For example, if the scene of the content being played is "(1) Forest," then by outputting two scents to the user, (a) the scent of wood, and (b) the scent of earth, the user can be immersed in the feeling of being in a forest.

[0028] Furthermore, if the scene of the content being played is "(2) Seaside," then by outputting three scents to the user, namely (a) the scent of the sea, (b) the scent of seaweed, and (c) the scent of fish, the user can be immersed in the feeling of being at the seaside.

[0029] Also, for example, if the scene of the content being played is "(3) Cafe, Bakery," then by outputting two aromas to the user, (a) the aroma of coffee, and (b) the aroma of bread, the user can be immersed in the feeling of being in a cafe or bakery.

[0030] The same applies to the following: if the scene of the played content is "(4) Kitchen," the scent of spices and herbs will be output; if the scene is "(5) Market," the scent of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and spices will be output; and if the scene is "(6) Festival," the scent of food and the scent of fireworks will be output, allowing the user to experience scents that match the content scene.

[0031] In the previously described Figure 1, an example was described in which two scent output devices P, 30P and two scent output devices Q, 30Q were worn in front of the user 20, but various configurations are possible for wearing the scent output devices.

[0032] For example, as shown in Figure 4, two scent output devices P, 30P and scent output devices Q, 30Q may be worn in front of the user 20, and two scent output devices R, 30R and scent output devices S, 30S may be worn behind the user 20.

[0033] 5, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of scent output devices are attached to each seat of the vehicle 10 and set to surround the seat. In the example shown in Fig. 5, a seat A scent output device set 30A consisting of four scent output devices surrounding seat A is attached to seat A. Furthermore, a seat B scent output device set 30B consisting of four scent output devices surrounding seat B is attached to seat B, which is the passenger seat.

[0034] The rear seats C, C, and D are also equipped with a seat C corresponding scent output device set 30C and a seat D corresponding scent output device set 30D, each consisting of four scent output devices surrounding each seat.

[0035] Furthermore, sensors (cameras, etc.) 40a to 40d corresponding to the seats are attached to analyze the position of the user entering each seat. As described above, various configurations are possible for mounting the scent output device.

[0036] 2. Detailed Configuration Examples of the Fragrance Output Control System and Fragrance Output Control Device of the Present Disclosure Next, detailed configuration examples of the fragrance output control system and fragrance output control device of the present disclosure will be described.

[0037] 6 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a scent output control system 100 according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the scent output control system 100 according to the present disclosure includes a scent output control device 50 and multiple scent output devices 30-1 to 30-n. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the system includes a content playback unit 61, one or more sensors (cameras, etc.) 40-1 to 40-n, a vehicle state analysis unit 62 that analyzes the seat position, etc., and a user input unit 63. The scent output control device 50 is also configured to be capable of communicating with an external device 70, such as a smartphone, and a cloud server 80.

[0038] Each of the multiple scent output devices 30-1 to 30-n has a communication unit 31, a time management unit 32, a scent output control unit 33, and a scent output unit 34. The communication unit 31 communicates with the scent output control device 50. For example, the communication unit 31 communicates via Bluetooth (registered trademark) and receives control information from the scent output control device 50, such as the type of scent to be output, the flow rate of the scent to be output, and the timing of scent output.

[0039] The fragrance output control unit 33 executes a control process for fragrance output in accordance with fragrance output control information received from the fragrance output control device 50 via the communication unit 31. The fragrance is output via the fragrance output unit 34. The time management unit 32 manages time information used to adjust the fragrance output timing included in the fragrance output control information.

[0040] The time management unit 32 receives time information acquired by the fragrance output control device 50 from an external time server (NTP server) via the communication unit 31. That is, a synchronization process is performed between the time information managed by the fragrance output control device 50 and the time information managed by each of the plurality of fragrance output devices 30-1 to 30-n, and the time information of the fragrance output control device 50 and each of the fragrance output devices 30-1 to 30-n is adjusted to match the time information.

[0041] Each of the plurality of scent output devices 30-1 to 30-n is configured to be able to selectively output one type of scent or a plurality of different scents. Fig. 7 shows an example of a plurality of different scents output by each scent output device.

[0042] 7 shows examples of scents that can be output by each of scent output devices P, Q, R, etc. For example, scent output device P is configured to be able to selectively output P1 (rose scent), P2 (plum scent), P3 (chrysanthemum scent), etc. Scent output device Q is configured to be able to selectively output Q1 (grass scent), Q2 (sea scent), etc. Scent output device R is configured to be able to selectively output R1 (grilled meat scent), R2 (fish scent), etc. In this way, scent output device 30 is configured to be able to selectively output one type of scent or multiple different scents.

[0043] Next, the detailed configuration of the fragrance output control device 50 and the processing executed by the fragrance output control device 50 will be described with reference to Figure 8 and subsequent figures. As shown in Figure 8, the fragrance output control device 50 has a first communication unit 51, a UI (user interface) 52, a control unit 53, a memory 54, and a second communication unit 55. The control unit 53 has an output fragrance determination unit 101, a fragrance output control information generation unit 102, and a time management unit 103.

[0044] The first communication unit 51 communicates with a cloud server 80 and an external device 70 such as a smartphone. The cloud server 80 is configured by the above-mentioned time server (NTP server), content providing server, etc. The time server (NTP server) provides accurate time information, and the content server provides various contents.

[0045] The external device 70 is a device such as a smartphone used by the user, and the user can use the external device 70 such as a smartphone to output commands to the fragrance output control device 50 and perform setting processes.

[0046] The UI (user interface) 52 is an interface that allows input processing by the user via a user input 63, and is used for input processing of seat position information from the user and processing of presenting information to the user. The memory 54 is a memory that stores "scene-corresponding output scent information." As described above, in the vehicle 10 shown in FIG. 1, the user 20 is watching content such as a movie, and the scent output control device 50 analyzes the content scene and controls multiple scent output devices to output a scent that matches the analyzed scene to the user 20.

[0047] The memory 54 stores "scene-adaptive output scent information" used to control the scent output. Fig. 9 shows an example of the "scene-adaptive output scent information" stored in the memory 54.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 9, the "scene-corresponding output scent information" stored in the memory 54 is composed of data corresponding to the following information: (a) scene, (b) type of scent to be output, (c) combination of scents to be output, (d) scent output device to be controlled, and (e) scent output from the scent output device.

[0049] For example, if the scene of the content being viewed by the user is "(1) Rose" shown in Fig. 9, the control unit 53 selects the entry data of "(1) Rose" from "(a) Scene" of the "Scene-Corresponding Output Scent Information" in the memory 54, and acquires the following corresponding data: (b) Type of scent to be output = Rose scent (c) Combination of scents to be output = P1 (d) Scent output device to be controlled = scent output device P (e) Scent to be output from scent output device = P1

[0050] Based on this data acquired from the memory, the control unit 53 generates scent output control information for the scent output device P and outputs it to the scent output device P. The scent output device P performs scent output in accordance with the received scent output control information.

[0051] 9, the control unit 53 selects the entry data for "(2) Grassland" from "(a) Scene" in the "Scene-Corresponding Output Scent Information" in the memory 54, and acquires the following corresponding data: (b) Type of scent to be output = Grass, plant scent (c) Combination of scents to be output = P1 + Q1 (d) Scent output device to be controlled = Scent output device P, scent output device Q (e) Scents output from scent output devices = P1, P2

[0052] Based on this data acquired from the memory, the control unit 53 generates scent output control information for each of the scent output device P and the scent output device Q, and outputs it to each of the scent output device P and the scent output device Q. The scent output device P and the scent output device Q perform scent output in accordance with the received scent output control information.

[0053] 9, the control unit 53 selects the entry data for "(11) Sea" from "(a) Scene" in the "Scene-Corresponding Output Scent Information" in the memory 54, and acquires the following corresponding data: (b) Type of scent to be output = Scent of the sea (c) Combination of scents to be output = Q2 + R2 (d) Scent output device to be controlled = Scent output device Q, scent output device R (e) Scents output from scent output devices = Q2, R2

[0054] Based on this data acquired from the memory, the control unit 53 generates scent output control information for each of the scent output device Q and the scent output device R, and outputs it to each of the scent output device Q and the scent output device R. The scent output device Q and the scent output device R perform scent output in accordance with the received scent output control information.

[0055] In this way, the memory 54 stores "scene-corresponding output scent information" having the data structure shown in Fig. 9, and the control unit 53 controls the scent output device by referring to this "scene-corresponding output scent information." Details and specific examples of this scent output control process will be described later.

[0056] Returning to Fig. 8, we will continue to explain the configuration of the scent output control device 50. The control unit 53 of the scent output control device 50 communicates with multiple scent output devices via a second communication unit 55. The second communication unit 55 is a communication unit that performs short-range communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The scent output control information generated by the control unit 53 is transmitted to each scent output device via the second communication unit 55.

[0057] The control unit 53 has an output fragrance determination unit 101, a fragrance output control information generation unit 102, and a time management unit 103. The processing executed by each of these components will be described with reference to FIG.

[0058] First, we will explain the processing performed by the output fragrance determination unit 101. As shown in Fig. 10, the output fragrance determination unit 101 receives playback content information from the content playback unit 61. Specifically, the image (scene) being played is input. The output fragrance determination unit 101 analyzes the image (scene) being played and determines the combination of fragrances to be output according to the analyzed scene.

[0059] This process of determining the output scent corresponding to a scene is carried out using the "scene-corresponding output scent information" previously described with reference to Figure 9, i.e., the "scene-corresponding output scent information" having the data structure shown in Figure 9 stored in memory 54.

[0060] For example, if the image (scene) being played back input from the content playback unit 61 is a "grassland" scene, the output scent determination unit 101 selects the entry data for "(2) grassland" from "(a) scene" in the "scene-corresponding output scent information" in the memory 54, and acquires the following corresponding data: (b) Type of scent to be output = Grass scent (c) Combination of scents to be output = P1 + Q1 (d) Scent output devices to be controlled = Scent output device P, scent output device Q (e) Scents to be output from scent output devices = P1, P2

[0061] The output scent determination unit 101 outputs this data to the scent output control information generation unit 102 in the control unit 53 shown in Fig. 10. Based on the data input from the output scent determination unit 101, the scent output control information generation unit 102 generates "scent output control information" to be sent to each scent output device.

[0062] As shown in Figure 10, the fragrance output control information generation unit 102 receives information that can analyze the user's position, such as a user image, from a sensor 40 such as a camera. Furthermore, seat information, such as the seat position and backrest angle, is received via a vehicle state analysis unit 62, an external device 70 such as a smartphone, or a user input unit 63. The fragrance output control information generation unit 102 uses this information to analyze the position of the user's nose. In other words, it analyzes the target position for fragrance output.

[0063] Furthermore, the fragrance output control information generation unit 102 inputs accurate time information from the time management unit 103. The time management unit 103 receives accurate time information from an external time server (NTP server) and inputs it to the fragrance output control information generation unit 102.

[0064] In this way, the scent output control information generation unit 102 receives the following information: (1) scene-specific output scent combination information from the output scent determination unit 101, (2) user position information (information for analyzing the position of the user's nose) from the sensor 40, vehicle state analysis unit 62, etc., and (3) accurate time information from the time management unit 103. Using this input information, the scent output control information generation unit 102 generates "scent output control information" corresponding to each scent output device and transmits it to each scent output device via the second communication unit 55.

[0065] The "fragrance output control information" generated by the fragrance output control information generation unit 102 is control information that includes, for example, the following information, as shown in FIG. 10: (a) output fragrance identification information; (b) fragrance output direction; and (c) fragrance output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec) (d) scent output timing setting information such as scent output start and end output intervals,

[0066] “(a) Output scent identification information” is determined based on the combination information of output scents corresponding to the scene input from the output scent determination unit 101 .

[0067] "(b) Scent output direction" and "(c) Scent output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec) is determined based on the position and orientation information of each scent output device registered in advance in the internal memory of the scent output control information generation unit 102, and user position information (information for analyzing the position of the user's nose) from the sensor 40, the vehicle state analysis unit 62, etc. Note that the position and orientation of each scent output device may be analyzed and used based on an image captured by the sensor 40, such as a camera.

[0068] "(d) Fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output intervals" is determined using the position and orientation of each fragrance output device, user position information (information for analyzing the position of the user's nose), and accurate time information from the time management unit 103.

[0069] The scent output control information generation unit 102 uses the input information to generate control information having the following information: (a) output scent identification information; (b) scent output direction; and (c) scent output intensity (flow rate cm３ / sec) (d) Fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output intervals. "Fragrance output control information" having each of these pieces of information is generated and transmitted to each fragrance output device via the second communication unit 55.

[0070] Each of the scent output devices executes scent output processing in accordance with the "scent output control information" generated by the scent output control information generation unit 102. As described above, the time information managed by the scent output control device 50 and the time information of the multiple scent output devices 30 are adjusted to match each other using time information obtained from an external time server (NTP server). Therefore, each of the scent output devices can execute scent output processing that accurately reflects the scent output timing setting information included in the "scent output control information" generated by the scent output control information generation unit 102.

[0071] 3. Example of a process for mixing scents output by a plurality of scent output devices Next, an example of a process for mixing scents output by a plurality of scent output devices will be described.

[0072] As explained with reference to Figure 6 etc., the fragrance output control system 100 of the present disclosure has a fragrance output control device 50 and multiple fragrance output devices, and the fragrance output control device 50 generates and transmits "fragrance output control information" to each of the multiple fragrance output devices.

[0073] Each of the scent output devices that receives the "scent output control information" from the scent output control device 50 executes scent output processing in accordance with the received control information. This scent output processing enables a user 20, such as a driver, to smell a scent that is a mixture of multiple scents.

[0074] 11 and subsequent figures will be used to describe a specific example of a process for mixing multiple scents performed by the scent output control system 100 of the present disclosure. Note that the example previously described with reference to Figure 1 is a configuration in which two scent output devices 30P, 30Q are attached to the left and right positions in front of the user, and the example previously described with reference to Figure 3 is a configuration in which four scent output devices 30P to 30S are attached to the left and right positions in front of and behind the user, but various settings are possible for the attachment positions of the scent output devices.

[0075] Below, we will explain several representative configuration examples (a) to (i) of various scent mixing processes using scent output devices with various mounting position configurations.

[0076] First, examples a and b of the output fragrance mixing process will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 shows two examples of the output fragrance mixing process: (a) Example a of the output fragrance mixing process, and (b) Example b of the output fragrance mixing process.

[0077] "(a) Example a of output scent mixing process" is a configuration in which two scents are output intermittently or with varying scent output intensities to create a gap in the mixing area of ​​the two scents. As shown in the figure, scent output device P and scent output device Q are set on the left and right sides in front of the user, and scent P1 output by scent output device P and scent Q1 output by scent output device Q are mixed in a forward position (mixing area) away from the user's nose.

[0078] The two scents P1 and Q1 are output intermittently or with varying intensity so that there is a gap between them, i.e., so that the two scents P1 and Q1 do not collide directly in the mixing area where they mix. The user can smell a scent that is a moderate blend of scent P1 output by scent output device P and scent Q1 output by scent output device Q.

[0079] In "(b) Output scent mixing process example b," multiple scent output devices each output different scents while switching between them at high speed, so that the multiple scents are mixed when the user smells them. As shown in the figure, scent output device P and scent output device Q are set on the left and right sides in front of the user, and scent output device P outputs two different scents P1 and P2 while scent output device Q outputs two different scents Q1 and Q2 while switching between them at high speed, and the scents are mixed in a forward position (mixing area) away from the user's nose.

[0080] The user can smell a scent that is a moderate blend of two scents P1 and P2 output by the scent output device P and two scents Q1 and Q2 output by the scent output device Q. As a variation of "(b) Example b of output scent mixing processing," for example, in the configuration of FIG. 11(b), scent Q1 may be the same as scent P2, scent Q2 may be the same as scent P1, and scents P1 and P2 may be alternately output by the scent output devices P and Q. The scent output device Q may be set to output scent P2 at the timing when scent output device P outputs scent P1, and scent output device Q may be set to output scent P1 at the timing when scent output device P outputs scent P2. That is, scent output control is performed such that each of the multiple scent output devices alternately outputs multiple scents of the same combination, or outputs scents at staggered output timings. Performing such processing enables efficient blending of two different scents P1 and P2.

[0081] Figure 12 shows (c) Output Scent Mixing Process Example c. "(c) Output Scent Mixing Process Example c" is a configuration in which scents output from multiple scent output devices are converged and mixed at one point, and then a strong airflow (without scent) is output toward the user. As shown in the figure, scent output device P is placed in front of the user, scent output device Q and scent output device R are set to the left and right of the user, and three different scents P1, Q1, and R1 output by scent output devices P, Q, and R are mixed in a forward position (mixing area) away from the user's nose. After that, scent output device P outputs a strong airflow (without scent) toward the user.

[0082] The user can smell a moderately mixed scent of three different scents P1, Q1, and R1 output by the scent output devices P, Q, and R.

[0083] Fig. 13 shows (d) Example d of output scent mixing process. "(d) Example d of output scent mixing process" is a configuration in which scents output from multiple scent output devices from different directions are mixed and output toward the user on a spiral airflow (without scent).

[0084] As shown in the figure, scent output device Q and scent output device R are set at left and right positions in front of the user, and scent Q1 is output from scent output device Q, and scent R1 is output from scent output device R toward a position in front of the user away from the nose. After that, a spiral airflow (without scent) is output from scent output device P installed in front of the user, so that scents Q1 and R1 are mixed and output toward the user.

[0085] The user can smell a moderately mixed scent of two different scents Q1 and R1 output by the scent output devices Q and R.

[0086] In this example, the scent output device P is configured to output a spiral airflow. An example configuration of a scent output device for generating a spiral airflow is shown in Fig. 14. As shown in Fig. 14, the scent output device has a rotating part with an outlet at the top of the main body. An airflow (without scent) is output from the outlet while the rotating part is rotating. This configuration makes it possible to output a spiral airflow (without scent) from the scent output device P.

[0087] The configuration of the fragrance output device for generating a spiral airflow is not limited to this configuration, and for example, when performing intermittent output, the configuration may alternate between outputting airflow or fragrance from the outlet and rotating the outlet at a predetermined angle.

[0088] 15 shows (e) an example of an output scent mixing process e and (f) an example of an output scent mixing process f. "(e) Example of an output scent mixing process e" is configured to output scents from multiple scent output devices from different directions at a speed that allows the scents to linger near the user's nose, causing the multiple scents to dissolve, diffuse, and mix near the user's nose.

[0089] As shown in the figure, the scent output device P and the scent output device Q are set in vertical positions in front of the user, and the scent P1 output from the scent output device P and the scent Q1 output from the scent output device Q are output at a speed that allows them to linger near the user's nose, allowing the multiple scents to dissolve, diffuse, and mix near the user's nose. The user can smell a scent that is a moderate blend of the scent P1 output from the scent output device P and the scent Q1 output from the scent output device Q. The joining position of the scents output from the multiple scent output devices can be set in various ways, and the joining position may be adjusted to be shifted. By adjusting the joining position of the scents output from the multiple scent output devices to be shifted, it is possible to make the scent of warm cooking, the scent of a bonfire, etc., more natural.

[0090] "(f) Example f of output scent mixing processing" is a configuration in which two scent output devices output different scents from above and below the user's nose, and the two scents merge near the user's nose so that the two types of scents enter both of the user's nostrils equally.

[0091] As shown in the figure, the scent output device P and the scent output device Q are set in vertical positions in front of the user, and the scent P1 output by the scent output device P and the scent Q1 output by the scent output device Q are allowed to meet and mix near the user's nose, allowing the user to smell a moderately mixed scent of the scent P1 output by the scent output device P and the scent Q1 output by the scent output device Q.

[0092] Next, examples g to i of the output scent mixing process will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. Examples g to i of the output scent mixing process shown in Figures 16 and 17 are configured to generate uneven scents that allow the individual scents to be felt without completely mixing different scents.

[0093] 16 shows (g) an example of an output scent mixing process g and (h) an example of an output scent mixing process h. In "(g) example of an output scent mixing process g," two scent output devices output different scents from the left and right in front of the user, and the scents are merged together, with the two scents mixed near the center of the merged airflow and two different scents remaining in the left and right regions, allowing the two scents to be perceived from different directions.

[0094] As shown in the figure, the scent output device P and the scent output device Q are set in upper and lower positions in front of the user, and the scent P1 output by the scent output device P and the scent Q1 output by the scent output device Q are merged in front of the user's nose at a speed that does not allow them to completely mix, and are directed toward the user. In other words, the merged airflow is directed toward the user's nose, with the two scents mixed near the center and two different scents remaining in the left and right regions.

[0095] The user can sense the scent P1 output from the scent output device P and the scent Q1 output from the scent output device Q from different directions.

[0096] "(h) Example of output scent mixing processing h" is a configuration in which the scent output axes of multiple scent output devices are adjusted so that multiple different scents are wafted to a position below the user's nose, allowing two scents to be felt from different directions.

[0097] As shown in the figure, the scent output device P and the scent output device Q are set in upper and lower positions in front of the user, and the scent output axis of the scent output device is adjusted so that the scent P1 output by the scent output device P and the scent Q1 output by the scent output device Q do not completely mix near the user's nose.

[0098] The user can sense the scent P1 output from the scent output device P and the scent Q1 output from the scent output device Q from different directions.

[0099] Figure 17 shows (i) Example i of output scent mixing process. In "(i) Example i of output scent mixing process," scents output from three or more scent output devices are merged by shifting the output axes to create a scent vortex at the merging point, and then an airflow (without scent) is generated for the user, which is carried toward the user (multiple scents are incompletely mixed).

[0100] As shown in the figure, scent output device P is placed in front of the user, scent output device Q and scent output device R are set to the left and right of the user, and three different scents P1, Q1, R1 output from scent output devices P, Q, R are merged by shifting the output axes to create a scent vortex at the merged position. After that, scent output device P generates an airflow (without scent) aimed at the user and carries it toward the user (multiple scents are incompletely mixed).

[0101] The user can smell the three different scents P1, Q1, R1 output by the scent output devices P, Q, R, which are not completely mixed together and have an uneven scent.

[0102] [4. Details of the perfume output control information transmitted from the perfume output control device to the perfume output device] Next, details of the perfume output control information transmitted from the perfume output control device to the perfume output device will be described.

[0103] As described with reference to Figures 11 to 17, the scent output control system 100 of the present disclosure performs various scent mixing processes using multiple scent output devices. When performing these scent mixing processes, scent output control information is transmitted from the scent output control device 50 to the scent output device 30. The scent output device 30 performs the scent output process in accordance with the scent output control information received from the scent output control device 50, thereby enabling the various scent mixing processes described with reference to Figures 11 to 17.

[0104] As previously described with reference to FIG. 10 etc., the "fragrance output control information" is control information generated by the fragrance output control information generation unit 102 of the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50, and is control information that includes, for example, the following information: (a) output fragrance identification information (b) fragrance output direction (c) fragrance output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec) (d) scent output timing setting information such as scent output start and end output intervals,

[0105] Each of the scent output devices executes scent output processing in accordance with scent output control information having the above-mentioned information (a) to (d) generated by the scent output control information generation unit 102. Below, specific examples of scent output control information generated by the scent output control device 50 and transmitted to the scent output device 30 are described.

[0106] Figure 18 is a diagram showing a specific example of fragrance output control information generated by the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 and transmitted to each fragrance output device 30 when executing ``(a) Output fragrance mixing processing example a'' described above with reference to Figure 11.

[0107] Note that "(a) Example a of output scent mixing process" is a configuration in which two scents are output intermittently or with varying scent output intensities so as to create a gap in the mixing area of ​​the two scents. As shown in the figure, scent P1 output by scent output device P and scent Q1 output by scent output device Q are mixed at a forward position (mixing area) away from the user's nose. In this configuration, the two scents P1, Q1 are output intermittently or with varying scent output intensities so as to prevent direct collision between the two scents P1, Q1 in the mixing area where they mix, i.e., to create a gap.

[0108] The table shown on the right side of Figure 18 is a table showing specific examples of fragrance output control information that the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 generates and sends to each of the fragrance output devices P and Q in order to execute this fragrance mixing process.

[0109] As shown in the table, the fragrance output control information generated by the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 is a combination of two control information: fragrance output control information to be sent to fragrance output device P, and fragrance output control information to be sent to fragrance output device Q.

[0110] The scent output control information sent to the scent output device P is composed of the following information: (a) Output scent identification information = P1 (b) Scent output direction = horizontal 0°, vertical 2° (c) Scent output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec)=10cm ３ / s (d) Fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output interval (d1) Fragrance output start time = 0.00.00.000 (d2) Fragrance output duration = 100 ms (d3) Fragrance output count = 10 (d4) Fragrance output interval = 100 ms

[0111] Furthermore, the scent output control information sent to the scent output device Q is composed of the following information: (a) Output scent identification information = Q1 (b) Scent output direction = horizontal 0°, vertical -1° (c) Scent output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec)=10cm ３ / s (d) Fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output interval (d1) Fragrance output start time = 0.00.00.050 (d2) Fragrance output duration = 100 ms (d3) Fragrance output count = 10 (d4) Fragrance output interval = 100 ms

[0112] We will now explain the fragrance output control information sent to these fragrance output devices P and Q. "(a) Output fragrance identification information = P1" in the fragrance output control information for fragrance output device P indicates that the fragrance to be output from fragrance output device P will be the fragrance corresponding to fragrance identification information = P1. On the other hand, "(a) Output fragrance identification information = Q1" in the fragrance output control information for fragrance output device Q indicates that the fragrance to be output from fragrance output device Q will be the fragrance corresponding to fragrance identification information = Q1.

[0113] "(b) Scent output direction = horizontal 0°, vertical 2°" in the scent output control information for scent output device P is control information regarding the output direction of the scent from scent output device P, and indicates that the scent output direction is 0° horizontally and +2° vertically. Note that the scent output device is capable of adjusting the angle of the scent output port (discharge port), and adjusts the angle of the scent output port (discharge port) according to the control information.

[0114] Specific examples of angles in the control information will be described with reference to Fig. 19 . The top view (a) in Fig. 19 is a view of the scent output devices P and Q as seen from above. The horizontal front direction of the scent output device P corresponds to a horizontal angle of 0°. The right direction is +X°, and the left direction is -X°. The control information for the scent output device P shown in Fig. 18 is "(b) scent output direction = horizontal 0°, vertical 2°", and the control unit of the scent output device P (scent output control unit 33 shown in Fig. 6 ) sets the scent output port (discharge port) of the scent output device P to a horizontal angle of 0°, which is the horizontal front direction, as indicated by the thick arrow in Fig. 19 (a).

[0115] The side view (b1) shown in Figure 19 is a view of the scent output device P as seen from the side. The horizontal direction of the scent output device P corresponds to a vertical angle of 0°. The upward direction is +X°, and the downward direction is -X°. The control information for the scent output device P shown in Figure 18 is "(b) scent output direction = horizontal 0°, vertical 2°", and the control unit of the scent output device P (scent output control unit 33 shown in Figure 6) sets the scent output port (discharge port) of the scent output device P to an orientation tilted 2° upward from the horizontal direction, as indicated by the thick arrow shown in Figure 19 (b1).

[0116] In addition, "(b) Scent output direction = horizontal 0°, vertical -1°" in the scent output control information for scent output device Q shown in Figure 18 is control information regarding the output direction of the scent output from scent output device Q, and indicates that the scent output direction is 0° horizontally and -1° vertically as shown in Figure 19.

[0117] Furthermore, in the scent output control information for the scent output device P shown in FIG. 18, “(c) scent output intensity (flow rate)=10 cm ３ / s is the output intensity (flow rate) of the scent P1 output from the scent output device P, expressed as 10 cm ３ Similarly, the scent output control information for the scent output device Q includes the information "(c) scent output intensity (flow rate) = 10 cm ３ / s, the output intensity (flow rate) of the scent Q1 output from the scent output device Q is set to 10 cm ３ / s.

[0118] Furthermore, the fragrance output control information for the fragrance output device P shown in Figure 18 includes the following information as fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output intervals: (d1) fragrance output start time = 0.00.00.000 (d2) fragrance output duration = 100 ms (d3) fragrance output count = 10 (d4) fragrance output interval = 100 ms.

[0119] On the other hand, the fragrance output control information for the fragrance output device Q shown in Figure 18 includes the following information as fragrance output timing setting information such as the fragrance output start and end output intervals: (d1) fragrance output start time = 0.00.00.050 (d2) fragrance output duration = 100 ms (d3) number of fragrance outputs = 10 (d4) fragrance output interval = 100 ms.

[0120] An example of scent output from each scent output device P, Q in accordance with this control information will be described with reference to Fig. 20. The two graphs shown on the right side of Fig. 20 are graphs showing: (1) the scent (P1) output sequence of scent output device P; and (2) the scent (Q1) output sequence of scent output device Q. In both graphs, the horizontal axis represents time (t) and the vertical axis represents scent output intensity (flow rate).

[0121] As shown in FIG. 20(1), the scent (P1) output sequence of the scent output device P starts outputting the scent (P1) from time 0 and continues for 100 ms. The scent output intensity (flow rate) is 10 cm ３ / s. After that, the scent output is stopped for 100 ms, and then the scent output is continued for another 100 ms, and the scent output stop process is repeated for 100 ms. The scent output is completed after repeating the scent output for 100 ms 10 times.

[0122] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 20(2), the scent (Q1) output sequence of the scent output device Q starts outputting scent (Q1) 50 ms after time 0 and continues scent output for 100 ms. Note that the scent output intensity (flow rate) is 10 cm ３ / s. After that, the scent output is stopped for 100 ms, and then the scent output is continued for another 100 ms, and the scent output stop process is repeated for 100 ms. The scent output is completed after repeating the scent output for 100 ms 10 times.

[0123] The scent output timing setting information in the scent output control information for the scent output devices P and Q shown in Fig. 18 is control information that defines a scent output sequence in which the two scent output devices P and Q output different scents at different timings, as shown in Fig. 20. The control unit of each scent output device P and Q (the scent output control unit 33 shown in Fig. 6) executes control to output scents P1 and Q1 in the sequences shown in Figs. 20(1) and 20(2). Note that the example shown in Fig. 20 shows an example in which the scent output timing of each of the two scent output devices P and Q is shifted by 50 ms, but various settings for the scent output timing are possible. For example, the two scent output devices P and Q may be set to alternately output different scents.

[0124] This type of scent output control executes a scent mixing process in accordance with the previously described Fig. 11(a) and "(a) Example a of output scent mixing process" shown on the left side of Fig. 18. That is, scent P1 output from scent output device P and scent Q1 output from scent output device Q are mixed at a forward position (mixing area) away from the user's nose, allowing the user to smell the mixed scent of scent P1 and scent Q1.

[0125] Next, referring to Figure 21, a specific example of fragrance output control information to be transmitted from the fragrance output control device 50 to each fragrance output device 30 when executing "(b) Output fragrance mixing processing example b" previously described with reference to Figure 11 will be described.

[0126] As previously explained with reference to Figure 11, "(b) Example b of output scent mixing processing" is a configuration in which two scent output devices P and Q each output different scents P1, P2 and Q1, Q2 while switching between them at high speed, so that multiple scents are mixed together when the user smells the scents.

[0127] As shown in the left diagram of Figure 21, the fragrance output device P and the fragrance output device Q are set at left and right positions in front of the user, and the fragrance output device P outputs two different fragrances P1 and P2, and the fragrance output device Q outputs two different fragrances Q1 and Q2, switching between them at high speed, and these are mixed at a forward position (mixing area) away from the user's nose.

[0128] The table shown on the right side of Figure 21 is a table showing specific examples of fragrance output control information that the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 generates and sends to each of the fragrance output devices P and Q in order to execute this fragrance mixing process.

[0129] As shown in the table, the fragrance output control information generated by the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 is a combination of two control information: fragrance output control information to be sent to fragrance output device P, and fragrance output control information to be sent to fragrance output device Q.

[0130] The fragrance output control information sent to fragrance output device P includes fragrance output control information for fragrance P1 and fragrance output control information for fragrance P2. Similarly, the fragrance output control information sent to fragrance output device Q includes fragrance output control information for fragrance Q1 and fragrance Q2.

[0131] Among the scent output control information sent to scent output device P, the scent output control information for scent P1 is composed of the following information: (a) Output scent identification information = P1 (b) Scent output direction = horizontal 0°, vertical 2° (c) Scent output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec)=10cm３ / s (d) Fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output interval (d1) Fragrance output start time = 1.02.00.000 (d2) Fragrance output duration = 200 ms (d3) Fragrance output count = 10 (d4) Fragrance output interval = 200 ms

[0132] Furthermore, among the scent output control information sent to scent output device P, the scent output control information for scent P2 is composed of the following information: (a) Output scent identification information = P2 (b) Scent output direction = horizontal 0°, vertical 2° (c) Scent output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec)=10cm ３ / s (d) Fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output interval (d1) Fragrance output start time = 1.02.00.200 (d2) Fragrance output duration = 200 ms (d3) Fragrance output count = 10 (d4) Fragrance output interval = 200 ms

[0133] Furthermore, among the scent output control information sent to scent output device Q, the scent output control information for scent Q1 is composed of the following information: (a) Output scent identification information = Q1 (b) Scent output direction = horizontal 0°, vertical -1° (c) Scent output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec)=10cm ３ / s (d) Fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output interval (d1) Fragrance output start time = 1.02.00.000 (d2) Fragrance output duration = 200 ms (d3) Fragrance output count = 10 (d4) Fragrance output interval = 200 ms

[0134] Furthermore, among the scent output control information sent to scent output device Q, the scent output control information for scent Q2 is composed of the following information: (a) Output scent identification information = Q2 (b) Scent output direction = horizontal 0°, vertical -1° (c) Scent output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec)=10cm ３ / s (d) Fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output interval (d1) Fragrance output start time = 1.02.00.200 (d2) Fragrance output duration = 200 ms (d3) Fragrance output count = 10 (d4) Fragrance output interval = 200 ms

[0135] An example of scent output from each of the scent output devices P and Q in accordance with the scent output control information transmitted to these scent output devices P and Q will be described with reference to Fig. 22. The two graphs shown in Fig. 22 show: (1) the scent (P1, P2) output sequence of the scent output device P; and (2) the scent (Q1, Q2) output sequence of the scent output device Q. In both graphs, the horizontal axis represents time (t) and the vertical axis represents scent output intensity (flow rate).

[0136] As shown in FIG. 22(1), the scent (P1, P2) output sequence of the scent output device P starts outputting scent (P1) at time 1:02:00.000 and continues for 200 ms. The scent output intensity (flow rate) is 10 cm ３ After that, the output of the scent (P2) is started and continues for 200 ms. The scent output intensity (flow rate) is 10 cm ３ / s. Thereafter, the scent output of scent P1 and scent P2 is repeated 10 times to complete the scent output.

[0137] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 22 (2), the scent (Q1) output sequence of the scent output device Q starts outputting scent (Q1) at time 1:02:00.000 and continues for 200 ms. Note that the scent output intensity (flow rate) is 10 cm ３ After that, the scent (Q2) starts to be output and continues for 200 ms. The scent output intensity (flow rate) is 10 cm ３ / s. Thereafter, the scent output of scent Q1 and scent Q2 is repeated 10 times to complete the scent output.

[0138] The scent output timing setting information in the scent output control information for scent output devices P and Q shown in Fig. 21 is control information that defines the scent output sequence shown in Fig. 22. The control units of each of scent output devices P and Q (scent output control unit 33 shown in Fig. 6) execute control to output scents P1 and P2 and scents Q1 and Q2 in the sequences shown in Fig. 22(1) and (2), respectively.

[0139] This type of scent output control executes a scent mixing process according to the previously described FIG. 11(b) or "(b) Example b of output scent mixing process" shown on the left side of FIG. 21. That is, the user can smell a mixed scent of scents P1 and P2 output from scent output device P and scents Q1 and Q2 output from scent output device Q. As previously described with reference to FIG. 11, the configuration shown in FIG. 21(b) may be configured such that Q1 = P2 and Q2 = P1, and scent output device Q is controlled to output scent P2 at the timing when scent output device P outputs scent P1, and scent output device Q is controlled to output scent P1 at the timing when scent output device P outputs scent P2. That is, scent output control is performed such that each of the multiple scent output devices alternately outputs multiple scents of the same combination, or outputs scents at staggered output timings. By performing such processing, it is possible to efficiently mix two different scents P1 and P2.

[0140] Next, referring to Figure 23, we will explain a specific example of the fragrance output control information that is sent from the fragrance output control device 50 to each fragrance output device 30 when executing ``(c) Output fragrance mixing processing example c'' previously described with reference to Figure 12.

[0141] 12, in "(c) Output scent mixing process example c," scent output device Q and scent output device R are set to the left and right of the user, and three different scents P1, Q1, and R1 output by scent output devices P, Q, and R are mixed in a forward position (mixing area) away from the user's nose. After that, scent output device P outputs a strong airflow (without scent) toward the user.

[0142] The table shown in Figure 23 is a table showing specific examples of fragrance output control information that the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 generates and sends to each of the fragrance output devices P, Q, and R in order to execute this fragrance mixing process.

[0143] As shown in the table, the fragrance output control information generated by the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 is a combination of the following control information: first fragrance output control information to be sent to fragrance output device P, fragrance output control information to be sent to fragrance output device Q, fragrance output control information to be sent to fragrance output device R, and second fragrance output control information to be sent to fragrance output device P.

[0144] The first scent output control information to be transmitted to the scent output device P is composed of the following pieces of information: (a) Output scent identification information = P1 (b) Scent output direction = horizontal 0°, vertical 0° (c) Scent output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec)=10cm ３ / s (d) Fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output interval (d1) Fragrance output start time = 1.23.45.000 (d2) Fragrance output duration = 100 ms

[0145] The scent output control information sent to the scent output device Q is composed of the following information: (a) Output scent identification information = Q1 (b) Scent output direction = horizontal 2°, vertical 0° (c) Scent output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec)=10cm ３ / s (d) Fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output interval (d1) Fragrance output start time = 1.23.45.000 (d2) Fragrance output duration = 100 ms

[0146] The scent output control information sent to the scent output device R is composed of the following information: (a) Output scent identification information = R1 (b) Scent output direction = -2° horizontally, 0° vertically (c) Scent output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec)=10cm ３ / s (d) Fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output interval (d1) Fragrance output start time = 1.23.45.000 (d2) Fragrance output duration = 100 ms

[0147] Furthermore, the second scent output control information sent to the scent output device P is composed of the following information: (a) Output scent identification information = Null (scentless airflow) (b) Scent output direction = horizontal 0°, vertical 0° (c) Scent output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec)=30cm ３ / s (d) Fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output interval (d1) Fragrance output start time = 1.23.45.200 (d2) Fragrance output duration = 200 ms

[0148] An example of scent output from each of the scent output devices P, Q, and R in accordance with the scent output control information transmitted to these scent output devices P, Q, and R will be described with reference to Fig. 24. The three graphs shown in Fig. 24 are graphs showing: (1) the scent (P1, no scent) output sequence of scent output device P; (2) the scent (Q1) output sequence of scent output device Q; and (3) the scent (R1) output sequence of scent output device R. In all of these graphs, the horizontal axis represents time (t) and the vertical axis represents scent output intensity (flow rate).

[0149] As shown in FIG. 24(1), the scent output sequence of the scent output device P (P1, no scent) starts outputting scent (P1) at time 1:23:45.000 and continues for 100 ms. The scent output intensity (flow rate) is 10 cm ３ Thereafter, from time 1:23:45.200, the output of unscented airflow begins and continues for 200 ms. The unscented airflow output intensity (flow rate) is 30 cm ３ / s.

[0150] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 24(2), the scent (Q1) output sequence of the scent output device Q starts outputting scent (Q1) from time 1:23:45.000 and continues for 100 ms. Note that the scent output intensity (flow rate) is 10 cm ３ / s.

[0151] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 24 (3), the scent (R1) output sequence of the scent output device R starts outputting scent (R1) from time 1:23:45.000 and continues for 100 ms. Note that the scent output intensity (flow rate) is 10 cm ３ / s.

[0152] The scent output timing setting information in the scent output control information for scent output devices P, Q, and R shown in Fig. 23 is control information that defines the scent output sequence shown in Fig. 24. The control unit of scent output device P (scent output control unit 33 shown in Fig. 6) controls the output of scent P1 and scent-free air in the sequence shown in Fig. 24(1), and the control units of scent output devices Q and R each control the output of scents Q1 and R1 in the sequences shown in Fig. 24(2) and (3), respectively.

[0153] Such scent output control allows the user to smell a scent that is a moderate mixture of three different scents P1, Q1, and R1 output by the scent output devices P, Q, and R.

[0154] Next, referring to Figure 25, a specific example of fragrance output control information to be transmitted from the fragrance output control device 50 to each fragrance output device 30 when executing "(d) Output fragrance mixing processing example d" previously described with reference to Figure 13 will be described.

[0155] 13 , in "(d) Output scent mixing process example d," scent output device Q and scent output device R are set at left and right positions in front of the user, and scent Q1 is output from scent output device Q, and scent R1 is output from scent output device R toward a forward position away from the user's nose. After that, a spiral airflow (without scent) is output from scent output device P installed in front of the user, so that scents Q1 and R1 are mixed and output toward the user.

[0156] The table shown in Figure 25 is a table showing a specific example of fragrance output control information that is generated by the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 and sent to each of the fragrance output devices P, Q, and R in order to execute this fragrance mixing process.

[0157] As shown in the table, the fragrance output control information generated by the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 is a combination of fragrance output control information to be sent to fragrance output device P, fragrance output control information to be sent to fragrance output device Q, and fragrance output control information to be sent to fragrance output device R.

[0158] The scent output control information sent to the scent output device P is composed of the following information: (a) Output scent identification information = Null (air blown without scent) (b) Scent output direction = horizontal 0°, vertical 0° (c) Scent output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec)=30cm ３ / s (d) Fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output interval (d1) Fragrance output start time = 2.22.22.000 (d2) Fragrance output duration = 300 ms

[0159] The scent output control information sent to the scent output device Q is composed of the following information: (a) Output scent identification information = Q1 (b) Scent output direction = horizontal 2°, vertical 0° (c) Scent output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec)=10cm ３ / s (d) Fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output interval (d1) Fragrance output start time = 2.22.22.020 (d2) Fragrance output duration = 100 ms

[0160] The scent output control information sent to the scent output device R is composed of the following information: (a) Output scent identification information = R1 (b) Scent output direction = -2° horizontally, 0° vertically (c) Scent output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec)=10cm ３ / s (d) Fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output interval (d1) Fragrance output start time = 2.22.22.040 (d2) Fragrance output duration = 100 ms

[0161] An example of scent output from each of the scent output devices P, Q, and R in accordance with the scent output control information transmitted to these scent output devices P, Q, and R will be described with reference to Fig. 26. The three graphs shown in Fig. 26 show: (1) a scent (no scent) output sequence from scent output device P; (2) a scent (Q1) output sequence from scent output device Q; and (3) a scent (R1) output sequence from scent output device R. In all of these graphs, the horizontal axis represents time (t) and the vertical axis represents scent output intensity (flow rate).

[0162] As shown in Figure 26 (1), the fragrance output device P's non-fragrant airflow output sequence starts at time 2:22:22.000 and continues to output non-fragrant air for 300 ms. The non-fragrant airflow output intensity (flow rate) is 30 cm ３ / s.

[0163] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 26(2), the scent (Q1) output sequence of the scent output device Q starts outputting scent (Q1) at time 2:22:22.020 and continues for 100 ms. Note that the scent output intensity (flow rate) is 10 cm ３ / s.

[0164] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 26(3), the scent (R1) output sequence of the scent output device R starts outputting scent (R1) at time 2:22:22.040 and continues for 100 ms. Note that the scent output intensity (flow rate) is 10 cm ３ / s.

[0165] The scent output timing setting information in the scent output control information for scent output devices P, Q, and R shown in Fig. 25 is control information that defines the scent output sequence shown in Fig. 26. The control unit of scent output device P (scent output control unit 33 shown in Fig. 6) controls the output of scent-free air in the sequence shown in Fig. 26(1), and the control units of scent output devices Q and R control the output of scents Q1 and R1 in the sequences shown in Fig. 26(2) and (3), respectively.

[0166] Such scent output control allows the user to smell a scent that is a moderate mixture of two different scents Q1 and R1 output by the scent output devices Q and R.

[0167] Next, referring to Figure 27, a specific example of fragrance output control information to be transmitted from the fragrance output control device 50 to each fragrance output device 30 when executing "(e) Output fragrance mixing processing example e" previously described with reference to Figure 15 will be described.

[0168] As previously explained with reference to Figure 15, "(e) Output scent mixing processing example e" is configured to set scent output device P and scent output device Q at upper and lower positions in front of the user, output scent P1 output by scent output device P and scent Q1 output by scent output device Q at a speed that allows them to linger near the user's nose, causing the multiple scents to dissolve, diffuse, and mix near the user's nose.

[0169] The table shown in Figure 27 is a table showing specific examples of fragrance output control information that the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 generates and sends to each of the fragrance output devices P and Q in order to execute this fragrance mixing process.

[0170] As shown in the table, the fragrance output control information generated by the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 is a combination of fragrance output control information to be sent to fragrance output device P and fragrance output control information to be sent to fragrance output device Q.

[0171] The scent output control information sent to the scent output device P is composed of the following information: (a) Output scent identification information = P1 (b) Scent output direction = horizontal 0°, vertical 2° (c) Scent output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec)=10cm ３ / s (d) Fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output interval (d1) Fragrance output start time = 3.03.03.000 (d2) Fragrance output duration = 50 ms

[0172] The scent output control information sent to the scent output device Q is composed of the following information: (a) Output scent identification information = Q1 (b) Scent output direction = horizontal 0°, vertical -1° (c) Scent output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec)=10cm ３ / s (d) Fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output interval (d1) Fragrance output start time = 3.03.03.000 (d2) Fragrance output duration = 50 ms

[0173] An example of scent output from each of the scent output devices P and Q in accordance with the scent output control information transmitted to these scent output devices P and Q will be described with reference to Fig. 28. The two graphs shown in Fig. 28 are graphs showing: (1) the scent (P1) output sequence of the scent output device P; and (2) the scent (Q1) output sequence of the scent output device Q. In both graphs, the horizontal axis indicates time (t) and the vertical axis indicates scent output intensity (flow rate).

[0174] As shown in Figure 28 (1), the scent (P1) output sequence of the scent output device P starts outputting scent-free air from time 3:03:03.000 and continues scent output for 50 ms. The scent output intensity (flow rate) is 10 cm ３ / s.

[0175] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 28 (2), the scent (Q1) output sequence of the scent output device Q starts outputting scent (Q1) at time 3:03:03.000 and continues for 50 ms. Note that the scent output intensity (flow rate) is 10 cm ３ / s.

[0176] The scent output timing setting information in the scent output control information for scent output devices P and Q shown in Fig. 27 is control information that defines the scent output sequence shown in Fig. 28. The control units of scent output devices P and Q (scent output control unit 33 shown in Fig. 6) execute control to output scents P1 and Q1 in the sequences shown in Fig. 28(1) and (2), respectively.

[0177] Such scent output control allows the user to smell a scent that is a moderate mixture of scent P1 output from scent output device P and scent Q1 output from scent output device Q.

[0178] Next, referring to Figure 29, a specific example of fragrance output control information to be transmitted from the fragrance output control device 50 to each fragrance output device 30 when executing "(f) Output fragrance mixing processing example f" previously described with reference to Figure 15 will be described.

[0179] As previously explained with reference to Figure 15, "(f) Output scent mixing processing example f" is configured so that scent output device P and scent output device Q are set in upper and lower positions in front of the user, and scent P1 output by scent output device P and scent Q1 output by scent output device Q are allowed to merge and mix near the user's nose.

[0180] The table shown in Figure 29 is a table showing specific examples of fragrance output control information that the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 generates and sends to each of the fragrance output devices P and Q in order to execute this fragrance mixing process.

[0181] As shown in the table, the fragrance output control information generated by the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 is a combination of fragrance output control information to be sent to fragrance output device P and fragrance output control information to be sent to fragrance output device Q.

[0182] The scent output control information sent to the scent output device P is composed of the following information: (a) Output scent identification information = P1 (b) Scent output direction = horizontal 0°, vertical 2° (c) Scent output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec)=10cm ３ / s (d) Fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output interval (d1) Fragrance output start time = 3.03.03.000 (d2) Fragrance output duration = 100 ms

[0183] The scent output control information sent to the scent output device Q is composed of the following information: (a) Output scent identification information = Q1 (b) Scent output direction = horizontal 0°, vertical -1° (c) Scent output intensity (flow rate cm３ / sec)=10cm ３ / s (d) Fragrance output timing setting information such as fragrance output start and end output interval (d1) Fragrance output start time = 3.03.03.000 (d2) Fragrance output duration = 100 ms

[0184] An example of scent output from each of the scent output devices P and Q in accordance with the scent output control information transmitted to these scent output devices P and Q will be described with reference to Fig. 30. The two graphs shown in Fig. 30 show: (1) the scent (P1) output sequence of the scent output device P; and (2) the scent (Q1) output sequence of the scent output device Q. In both graphs, the horizontal axis indicates time (t) and the vertical axis indicates scent output intensity (flow rate).

[0185] As shown in Figure 30 (1), the scent (P1) output sequence of the scent output device P starts outputting scent-free air from time 3:03:03.000 and continues scent output for 100 ms. The scent output intensity (flow rate) is 10 cm ３ / s.

[0186] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 30 (2), the scent (Q1) output sequence of the scent output device Q starts outputting scent (Q1) at time 3:03:03.000 and continues for 100 ms. Note that the scent output intensity (flow rate) is 10 cm ３ / s.

[0187] The scent output timing setting information in the scent output control information for scent output devices P and Q shown in Fig. 29 is control information that defines the scent output sequence shown in Fig. 30. The control units of scent output devices P and Q (scent output control unit 33 shown in Fig. 6) execute control to output scents P1 and Q1 in the sequences shown in Fig. 30(1) and (2), respectively.

[0188] Such scent output control allows the user to smell a scent that is a moderate mixture of scent P1 output from scent output device P and scent Q1 output from scent output device Q.

[0189] [5. Other Examples of Scent Mixing Processing] Next, other examples of scent mixing processing that differ from the above-described examples will be described. In this example, the scent output control system 100 of the present disclosure can also be used, as described with reference to FIG. 6 and other figures. The scent output control system 100 of the present disclosure includes a scent output control device 50 and multiple scent output devices, and the scent output control device 50 generates and transmits "scent output control information" to each of the multiple scent output devices. Each scent output device that receives the "scent output control information" from the scent output control device 50 executes a scent output process in accordance with the received control information. This scent output process allows a user 20, such as a driver, to smell a scent that is a mixture of multiple scents.

[0190] Below, we will explain examples x, y, and z of scent mixing processes that differ from the above-mentioned embodiments. (x) Example x of output scent mixing process using one scent output device (y) "Example y of simultaneous output scent mixing process" in which scents output from one or more scent output devices are simultaneously mixed (z) "Example z of sequential output scent mixing process" in which scents output from one or more scent output devices are sequentially mixed at different times.

[0191] (5-1. (x) Example x of output scent mixing process using one scent output device) First, we will explain "(x) Example x of output scent mixing process using one scent output device." In this processing example, it is sufficient for the scent output control system 100 of the present disclosure to have one scent output device. Furthermore, if the scent output control system 100 of the present disclosure has multiple scent output devices, one of them is selected to output the scent.

[0192] The upper diagram of FIG. 31 shows a specific example of "(x) Example x of output scent mixing process using one scent output device."

[0193] As shown in Figure 31, one scent output device P is placed in a position in front of the user. The scent output direction of the scent output device P is toward the user. The scent output device P placed in a position in front of the user outputs two different scents P1 and P2 while switching between them. The output of the two different scents P1 and P2 alternately output by the output device P is adjusted so that they linger (diffuse gently) in front of the user's nose. The two different scents P1 and P2 alternately output by the output device P are mixed in front of the user's nose.

[0194] The user can smell the scent that is a moderate mixture of the two scents P1 and P2 output by the scent output device P.

[0195] The graph shown at the bottom of Figure 31 explains the output sequence of two different scents P1 and P2 output by the scent output device P. The upper graph shows the output sequence of scent P1 output by the scent output device P, and the lower graph shows the output sequence of scent P2 output by the scent output device P. The output time for each of scents P1 and P2 is set to within 3 seconds, for example, in the range of approximately 20 ms to 3 seconds. As can be seen from this graph, the scent output device P alternates between the two different scents P1 and P2 while outputting them forward, i.e., toward the user.

[0196] The output of two different scents P1 and P2 alternately output by the output device P is adjusted so that they linger (or diffuse gently) in front of the user's nose. The two different scents P1 and P2 alternately output by the output device P are mixed in front of the user's nose, allowing the user to smell a scent that is a moderate blend of the two scents P1 and P2.

[0197] The graph shown in Fig. 32 is a single graph combining the two graphs shown in the lower part of Fig. 31, and shows the scent (P1, P2) output sequence of scent output device P. The horizontal axis represents time (t) and the vertical axis represents scent output intensity (flow rate). The control unit (scent output control unit 33 shown in Fig. 6) that executes scent output control of scent output device P executes control to cause scent output device P to output scents P1 and P2 in accordance with the graph shown in Fig. 32.

[0198] As shown in Fig. 32, the scent (P1, P2) output sequence of the scent output device P starts outputting scent (P1) from time t1 and continues scent output for 3 seconds or less, for example, 200 ms. Note that the scent output intensity (flow rate) is 10 cm ３ After that, the output of the scent (P2) is started and continues for no more than 3 seconds, for example, 200 ms. The scent output intensity (flow rate) is 10 cm ３ / s. Thereafter, the scent output of scent P1 and scent P2 is repeated.

[0199] By such scent output control, the scents P1 and P2 alternately output by the scent output device P are mixed in front of the user, allowing the user to smell the mixed scent of the scents P1 and P2.

[0200] (5-2. (y) "Example y of simultaneous output scent mixing process" in which scents output from one or more scent output devices are mixed simultaneously) Next, "(y) Example y of simultaneous output scent mixing process" in which scents output from one or more scent output devices are mixed simultaneously will be described. Five specific examples of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 33 to 37.

[0201] First, "(y1) Example y1 of simultaneous output scent mixing process" will be described with reference to Fig. 33. Fig. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of scent output from three scent output devices P, Q, and R at each time (t = t1 to t3). Time passes sequentially from left to right. The leftmost diagram shows the state of the three scent output devices P, Q, and R at time t = t1, the center diagram shows the state of the three scent output devices P, Q, and R at the next time t = t2, and the rightmost diagram shows the state of the three scent output devices P, Q, and R at the next time t = t3.

[0202] As shown in Figure 33, the scent output devices P, Q, and R are arranged in a Y-shape. For example, the three scent output devices P, Q, and R are arranged on the circumference of a circle or ellipse. The scent output direction of each of the three scent output devices is toward the center of the circle or ellipse. Specifically, as shown in the figure, scent output device P is arranged in front of the user, with the scent output direction facing the user. Scent output device Q and scent output device R are arranged to the left and right of the user.

[0203] Each of the scent output devices P, Q, and R outputs scent in accordance with scent output control information input from a control unit that executes scent output control (scent output control unit 33 shown in FIG. 6). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 33, each of the scent output devices P, Q, and R blows a predetermined scent or no scent at each time (t=t1 to t3).

[0204] Below, we will sequentially explain the processes that each of the three scent output devices P, Q, and R executes in accordance with the scent output control information, i.e., the processes that they execute at each timing (t=t1, t2, t3) shown in Figure 33.

[0205] (Time t = t1) First, at time t = t1, scent output device P located in front of the user outputs scent P in the direction of the user. The other scent output devices, i.e., scent output device Q and scent output device R located to the left and right of the user, output airflow without scent (airflow without scent). The scent from scent output device P stagnates (or diffuses slowly) where the airflows from scent output devices P, Q, and R collide.

[0206] (Time t=t2) At time t=t2 after time t1, the scent output device P located in front of the user, and the scent output devices Q and R located to the left and right of the user all stop outputting. In this state, the scent P output from the scent output device P at time t1 remains in a position in front of the user, slightly away from the user.

[0207] (Time t=t3) At time t=t3 after time t2, the scent output device P located in front of the user outputs a scent-free airflow (scent-free airflow) toward the user. The scent output devices Q and R located to the left and right of the user are both in an output-stopped state.

[0208] By outputting an unscented airflow (unscented airflow) from the scent output device P toward the user, the scent P that has been lingering in front of the user at a slight distance from the user moves toward the user. As a result, the user smells the scent P output by the scent output device P.

[0209] Next, "(y2) Example y2 of simultaneous output scent mixing process" will be described with reference to Fig. 34. Like Fig. 33, Fig. 34 shows a diagram for explaining examples of scent output from three scent output devices P, Q, and R at each time (t = t1 to t3).

[0210] The three scent output devices P, Q, and R are arranged in a Y-shape, as in the previously described Fig. 33 . That is, each scent output device is arranged on the circumference of a circle or ellipse, with the scent output direction toward the center of the circle or ellipse. Scent output device P is arranged in front of the user, with the scent output direction facing the user, and scent output device Q and scent output device R are arranged to the left and right of the user.

[0211] Each of the scent output devices P, Q, and R outputs scent in accordance with scent output control information input from a control unit that executes scent output control (scent output control unit 33 shown in FIG. 6 ). Below, we will sequentially explain the processes that each of the three scent output devices P, Q, and R executes in accordance with the scent output control information, i.e., the processes that each executes at each timing (t=t1, t2, t3) shown in FIG.

[0212] (Time t = t1) First, at time t = t1, the scent output device P located in front of the user outputs scent P in the direction of the user. The scent output device Q located to the right of the user outputs scent Q. The other scent output device, i.e., scent output device R located to the left of the user, outputs an airflow without scent (airflow without scent). At the location where the airflows from scent output devices P, Q, and R collide, scent P from scent output device P and scent Q from scent output device Q stagnate (or slowly diffuse).

[0213] (Time t = t2) At time t = t2 after time t1, the scent output device P located in front of the user, and the scent output devices Q and R located to the left and right of the user all stop output. In this state, the scent P output from scent output device P at time t1 and the scent Q output from scent output device Q are mixed and linger in a position in front of the user slightly away from the user. In other words, the scent P+Q, a mixture of the two scents, is lingering in a position in front of the user slightly away from the user.

[0214] (Time t=t3) At time t=t3 after time t2, the scent output device P located in front of the user outputs a scent-free airflow (scent-free airflow) toward the user. The scent output devices Q and R located to the left and right of the user are both in an output-stopped state.

[0215] When the scent output device P outputs an unscented airflow (unscented airflow) toward the user, the scents P+Q that have mixed and accumulated in a position in front of the user, some distance away, move toward the user. As a result, the user smells scent P+Q, which is a moderate mixture of scent P output by scent output device P and scent Q output by scent output device Q.

[0216] Next, "(y3) Example y3 of simultaneous output scent mixing process" will be described with reference to Fig. 35. Like Fig. 33, Fig. 35 shows a diagram for explaining examples of scent output from three scent output devices P, Q, and R at each time (t = t1 to t3).

[0217] The three scent output devices P, Q, and R are arranged in a Y-shape, as in the previously described Fig. 33 . That is, each scent output device is arranged on the circumference of a circle or ellipse, with the scent output direction toward the center of the circle or ellipse. Scent output device P is arranged in front of the user, with the scent output direction facing the user, and scent output device Q and scent output device R are arranged to the left and right of the user.

[0218] Each of the scent output devices P, Q, and R outputs scent in accordance with scent output control information input from a control unit that executes scent output control (scent output control unit 33 shown in FIG. 6 ). Below, we will sequentially explain the processes that each of the three scent output devices P, Q, and R executes in accordance with the scent output control information, i.e., the processes that each executes at each timing (t=t1, t2, t3) shown in FIG.

[0219] (Time t = t1) First, at time t = t1, scent output device P located in front of the user outputs scent P in the direction of the user. Scent output device Q located to the right of the user outputs scent Q. Furthermore, scent output device R located to the left of the user outputs scent R. Where the airflows from scent output devices P, Q, and R collide, scent P from scent output device P, scent Q from scent output device Q, and scent R from scent output device R stagnate (or slowly diffuse).

[0220] (Time t = t2) At time t = t2 after time t1, the scent output device P located in front of the user, and the scent output devices Q and R located to the left and right of the user all stop outputting. In this state, the scent P output from scent output device P at time t1, the scent Q output from scent output device Q, and the scent R output from scent output device R are mixed and lingered in a position in front of the user slightly away from the user. In other words, a mixture of the three scents, scent P + Q + R, is lingered in a position in front of the user slightly away from the user.

[0221] (Time t=t3) At time t=t3 after time t2, the scent output device P located in front of the user outputs a scent-free airflow (scent-free airflow) toward the user. The scent output devices Q and R located to the left and right of the user are both in an output-stopped state.

[0222] When scent output device P outputs a scent-free airflow (scent-free airflow) toward the user, scents P+Q+R, which have mixed and accumulated in a position in front of the user and are slightly distant from the user, move toward the user. As a result, the user smells scent P+Q+R, which is a moderate mixture of scent P output by scent output device P, scent Q output by scent output device Q, and scent R output by scent output device R.

[0223] Next, "(y4) Example y4 of simultaneous output scent mixing process" will be described with reference to Fig. 36. The example shown in Fig. 36 differs from the Y-shaped arrangement of scent output devices P, Q, and R previously described with reference to Figs. 33 to 35, in that each of the scent output devices P, Q, and R is arranged in a T-shape.

[0224] That is, the scent output device P is placed in a position in front of the user's right side, and the scent output device Q is placed in a position in front of the user's left side. The scent output directions of these two scent output devices P and Q are set to face each other. The scent output device R is placed in a position in front of the user, and its scent output direction is toward the user.

[0225] 33 to 35, Fig. 36 also shows diagrams illustrating examples of scent output from three scent output devices P, Q, and R at each time (t=t1 to t3). Time passes sequentially from left to right. The leftmost diagram shows the states of the three scent output devices P, Q, and R at time t=t1, the center diagram shows the states of the three scent output devices P, Q, and R at the next time t=t2, and the rightmost diagram shows the states of the three scent output devices P, Q, and R at the next time t=t3.

[0226] The control unit that executes the fragrance output control (fragrance output control unit 33 shown in Figure 6) outputs fragrance output control information to each of the fragrance output devices P, Q, and R, and causes each of the fragrance output devices P, Q, and R to perform an air blowing process with a predetermined fragrance or no fragrance at each time (t = t1 to t3) as shown in Figure 36.

[0227] Below, we will sequentially explain the processes that each of the three scent output devices P, Q, and R executes in accordance with the scent output control information, i.e., the processes that they execute at each timing (t=t1, t2, t3) shown in Figure 36.

[0228] (Time t = t1) First, at time t = t1, the scent output device P located to the front right of the user outputs scent P in the direction of scent output device Q. Furthermore, the scent output device Q located to the front left of the user outputs an airflow without scent (airflow without scent) in the direction of scent output device P. The scent P from scent output device P stagnates (or diffuses slowly) where the airflows from scent output devices P and Q collide. The scent output device R located in front of the user is in a stopped state.

[0229] (Time t=t2) At time t=t2 after time t1, the scent output device P located to the front right of the user, the scent output device Q located to the front left of the user, and the scent output device R located in front of the user all stop outputting. In this state, the scent P output from the scent output device P at time t1 remains in a position in front of the user, slightly away from the user.

[0230] (Time t=t3) At time t=t3 after time t2, the scent output device R located in front of the user outputs a scent-free airflow (scent-free airflow) toward the user. The scent output devices P and Q located on the left and right sides in front of the user are both in an output-stopped state.

[0231] When the scent output device R outputs an airflow without scent (scentless airflow) toward the user, the scent P that has been lingering in front of the user at a slight distance from the user moves toward the user. As a result, the user smells the scent P output by the scent output device P.

[0232] Next, "(y5) Example y5 of simultaneous output scent mixing process" will be described with reference to Fig. 37. The example shown in Fig. 37 is similar to the example described above with reference to Fig. 36, in which the scent output devices P, Q, and R are arranged in a T-shape.

[0233] That is, the scent output device P is placed in a position in front of the user's right side, and the scent output device Q is placed in a position in front of the user's left side. The scent output directions of these two scent output devices P and Q are set to face each other. The scent output device R is placed in a position in front of the user, and its scent output direction is toward the user.

[0234] Similar to FIG. 36, FIG. 37 also shows a diagram for explaining examples of perfume output from three perfume output devices P, Q, and R at each time (t=t1 to t3).

[0235] The control unit that executes the fragrance output control (fragrance output control unit 33 shown in Figure 6) outputs fragrance output control information to each of the fragrance output devices P, Q, and R, and causes each of the fragrance output devices P, Q, and R to execute an air blowing process with a predetermined fragrance or no fragrance at each time (t = t1 to t3) as shown in Figure 37.

[0236] Below, we will sequentially explain the processes that each of the three fragrance output devices P, Q, and R executes in accordance with the fragrance output control information, i.e., the processes that they execute at each timing (t=t1, t2, t3) shown in Figure 37.

[0237] (Time t = t1) First, at time t = t1, the scent output device P located to the front right of the user outputs scent P in the direction of scent output device Q. Furthermore, the scent output device Q located to the front left of the user outputs scent Q in the direction of scent output device P. The scent output device R located in front of the user is stopped. At the location where the airflows from scent output devices P, Q, and R collide, the scent P from scent output device P and the scent Q from scent output device Q stagnate (or slowly diffuse).

[0238] (Time t=t2) At time t=t2 after time t1, the scent output device P located to the front right of the user, the scent output device Q located to the front left of the user, and the scent output device R located in front of the user all stop output. In this state, scent P+Q, which is a mixture of scent P output from scent output device P at time t1 and scent Q output from scent output device Q, remains in a position in front of the user, slightly away from the user.

[0239] (Time t=t3) At time t=t3 after time t2, the scent output device R located in front of the user outputs a scent-free airflow (scent-free airflow) toward the user. The scent output devices P and Q located on the left and right sides in front of the user are both in an output-stopped state.

[0240] When the scent output device R outputs an unscented airflow (unscented airflow) toward the user, the scents P+Q that have been lingering in front of the user at a slight distance from the user move toward the user. As a result, the user smells a mixture of scent P output by scent output device P and scent Q output by scent output device Q, called scent P+Q.

[0241] (5-3. (z) "Example z of output scent sequential mixing process" in which scents output from one or more scent output devices are sequentially mixed at different times) Next, we will explain "(z) Example z of output scent sequential mixing process" in which scents output from one or more scent output devices are sequentially mixed at different times. Three specific examples will be explained below with reference to Figures 38 to 40.

[0242] First, "(z1) Example z1 of output scent sequential mixing process" will be described with reference to Fig. 38. In the example shown in Fig. 38, the arrangement of the scent output devices P, Q, and R is the same as that previously described with reference to Figs. 36 and 37. That is, the scent output devices P, Q, and R are arranged in a T-shape.

[0243] The scent output device P is placed in a position in front of the user on the right side, and the scent output device Q is placed in a position in front of the user on the left side. The scent output directions of these two scent output devices P and Q are set to face each other. The scent output device R is placed in a position in front of the user, and its scent output direction is toward the user.

[0244] Figure 38 shows the transition of the scent output state at each time (t = t1 to t5) of three scent output devices P, Q, and R. The control unit (scent output control unit 33 shown in Figure 6) that executes scent output control outputs scent output control information to each of the scent output devices P, Q, and R, and causes each of the scent output devices P, Q, and R to perform a process of blowing air with a predetermined scent or no scent at each time (t = t1 to t5) as shown in Figure 38.

[0245] Below, we will sequentially explain the processes that each of the three fragrance output devices P, Q, and R performs in accordance with the fragrance output control information, i.e., the processes that they perform at each timing (t = t1, t2, t3, t4, t5) shown in Figure 38.

[0246] (Time t = t1) First, at time t = t1, the scent output device P located to the front right of the user outputs scent P1 in the direction of scent output device Q. Furthermore, the scent output device Q located to the front left of the user outputs an airflow without scent (airflow without scent) in the direction of scent output device P. The scent output device R located in front of the user is stopped. At the location where the airflows from scent output devices P and Q collide, scent P1 from scent output device P stagnates (or diffuses slowly).

[0247] (Time t=t2) At time t=t2 after time t1, the scent output device P located to the front right of the user, the scent output device Q located to the front left of the user, and the scent output device R located in front of the user all stop outputting. In this state, the scent P1 output from the scent output device P at time t1 remains in a state in front of the user, slightly away from the user.

[0248] (Time t = t3) At time t = t3 after time t2, the scent output device P located to the front right of the user outputs scent P2 in the direction of scent output device Q. Furthermore, the scent output device Q located to the front left of the user outputs an airflow without scent (airflow without scent) in the direction of scent output device P. The scent output device R located in front of the user is stopped. At the location where the airflows from scent output devices P and Q collide, scent P2 from scent output device P further stagnates (or diffuses slowly).

[0249] (Time t=t4) At time t=t4 after time t3, the scent output device P located to the front right of the user, the scent output device Q located to the front left of the user, and the scent output device R located in front of the user all stop output. In this state, scent P1+P2, a mixture of scent P1 output by scent output device P at time t1 and scent P2 output by scent output device P at time t3, remains in a position in front of the user, slightly away from the user.

[0250] (Time t=t5) At time t=t5 after time t4, the scent output device R located in front of the user outputs an airflow without scent (scentless airflow) toward the user. The scent output devices P and Q located on the left and right sides in front of the user are both in an output-stopped state.

[0251] When the scent output device R outputs an unscented airflow (unscented airflow) toward the user, scents P1+P2 that have been lingering in front of the user at a slight distance move toward the user. As a result, the user smells scent P1+P2, which is a mixture of scent P1 output by scent output device P at time t1 and scent P2 output by scent output device P at time t3.

[0252] Next, "(z2) Example z2 of output scent sequential mixing process" will be described with reference to Fig. 39. In the example shown in Fig. 39, the arrangement of the scent output devices P, Q, and R is the same as that previously described with reference to Fig. 38. That is, the scent output devices P, Q, and R are arranged in a T-shape.

[0253] The scent output device P is placed in a position in front of the user on the right side, and the scent output device Q is placed in a position in front of the user on the left side. The scent output directions of these two scent output devices P and Q are set to face each other. The scent output device R is placed in a position in front of the user, and its scent output direction is toward the user.

[0254] Figure 39 shows the transition of the scent output state at each time (t = t1 to t5) of three scent output devices P, Q, and R. The control unit (scent output control unit 33 shown in Figure 6) that executes scent output control outputs scent output control information to each of the scent output devices P, Q, and R, and causes each of the scent output devices P, Q, and R to perform a process of blowing air with a predetermined scent or no scent at each time (t = t1 to t5) as shown in Figure 39.

[0255] Below, we will sequentially explain the processing that each of the three fragrance output devices P, Q, and R performs in accordance with the fragrance output control information, i.e., the processing that they perform at each timing (t = t1, t2, t3, t4, t5) shown in Figure 39.

[0256] (Time t = t1) First, at time t = t1, the scent output device P located to the front right of the user outputs scent P1 in the direction of scent output device Q. Furthermore, the scent output device Q located to the front left of the user outputs an airflow without scent (airflow without scent) in the direction of scent output device P. The scent output device R located in front of the user is stopped. At the location where the airflows from scent output devices P and Q collide, scent P1 from scent output device P stagnates (or diffuses slowly).

[0257] (Time t=t2) At time t=t2 after time t1, the scent output device P located to the front right of the user, the scent output device Q located to the front left of the user, and the scent output device R located in front of the user all stop outputting. In this state, the scent P1 output from the scent output device P at time t1 remains in a state in front of the user, slightly away from the user.

[0258] (Time t = t3) At time t = t3 after time t2, the scent output device P located to the front right of the user outputs scent P2 in the direction of scent output device Q. Furthermore, the scent output device Q located to the front left of the user outputs scent Q1 in the direction of scent output device P. The scent output device R located in front of the user is stopped. At the location where the airflows from scent output devices P, Q, and R collide, scent P2 from scent output device P and scent Q1 from scent output device Q further stagnate (or slowly diffuse).

[0259] (Time t=t4) At time t=t4 after time t3, the scent output device P located to the front right of the user, the scent output device Q located to the front left of the user, and the scent output device R located in front of the user all stop output. In this state, scent P1 output by scent output device P at time t1, scent P2 output by scent output device P at time t3, scent Q1 output by scent output device Q at time t3, and a mixture of these scents, scent P1+P2+Q1, remain in a state where they are slightly away from the user and in front of the user.

[0260] (Time t=t5) At time t=t5 after time t4, the scent output device R located in front of the user outputs an airflow without scent (scentless airflow) toward the user. The scent output devices P and Q located on the left and right sides in front of the user are both in an output-stopped state.

[0261] When the scent output device R outputs an airflow without scent (scentless airflow) toward the user, scents P1+P2+Q1 that have been lingering in front of the user at a slight distance move toward the user. As a result, the user smells scent P1+P2+Q1, which is a mixture of scent P1 output by scent output device P at time t1, scent P2 output by scent output device P at time t3, and scent Q1 output by scent output device Q at time t3.

[0262] Next, "(z3) Example z3 of output scent sequential mixing process" will be described with reference to Figures 40 and 41. In the example shown in Figures 40 and 41, the arrangement of the scent output devices P, Q, and R is the same as that previously described with reference to Figure 38. That is, the scent output devices P, Q, and R are arranged in a T-shape.

[0263] The scent output device P is placed in a position in front of the user on the right side, and the scent output device Q is placed in a position in front of the user on the left side. The scent output directions of these two scent output devices P and Q are set to face each other. The scent output device R is placed in a position in front of the user, and its scent output direction is toward the user.

[0264] 40 and 41 show the transition of the scent output state at each time (t=t1 to t7) of three scent output devices P, Q, and R. The control unit (scent output control unit 33 shown in FIG. 6) that executes scent output control outputs scent output control information to each of the scent output devices P, Q, and R, and causes each of the scent output devices P, Q, and R to perform a process of blowing air with a predetermined scent or no scent at each time (t=t1 to t7) as shown in FIGS.

[0265] Below, we will explain in sequence the processing that each of the three fragrance output devices P, Q, and R performs in accordance with the fragrance output control information, i.e., the processing that they perform at each timing (t = t1, t2, t3, t4, t5, t6, t7) shown in Figures 40 and 41.

[0266] (Time t = t1) First, at time t = t1, the scent output device P located to the front right of the user outputs scent P1 in the direction of scent output device Q. Furthermore, the scent output device Q located to the front left of the user outputs an airflow without scent (airflow without scent) in the direction of scent output device P. The scent output device R located in front of the user is stopped. At the location where the airflows from scent output devices P and Q collide, scent P1 from scent output device P stagnates (or diffuses slowly).

[0267] (Time t=t2) At time t=t2 after time t1, the scent output device P located to the front right of the user, the scent output device Q located to the front left of the user, and the scent output device R located in front of the user all stop outputting. In this state, the scent P1 output from the scent output device P at time t1 remains in a state in front of the user, slightly away from the user.

[0268] (Time t = t3) At time t = t3 after time t2, the scent output device P located to the front right of the user outputs scent P2 in the direction of scent output device Q. Furthermore, the scent output device Q located to the front left of the user outputs an airflow without scent (airflow without scent) in the direction of scent output device P. The scent output device R located in front of the user is stopped. At the location where the airflows from scent output devices P and Q collide, scent P2 from scent output device P further stagnates (or diffuses slowly).

[0269] (Time t=t4) At time t=t4 after time t3, the scent output device P located to the front right of the user, the scent output device Q located to the front left of the user, and the scent output device R located in front of the user all stop output. In this state, scent P1+P2, a mixture of scent P1 output by scent output device P at time t1 and scent P2 output by scent output device P at time t3, remains in a position in front of the user, slightly away from the user.

[0270] (Time t = t5) At time t = t5 after time t4, the scent output device P located to the front right of the user outputs scent P3 in the direction of scent output device Q. Furthermore, the scent output device Q located to the front left of the user outputs an airflow without scent (airflow without scent) in the direction of scent output device P. The scent output device R located in front of the user is stopped. At the location where the airflows from scent output devices P and Q collide, scent P3 from scent output device P further stagnates (or diffuses slowly).

[0271] (Time t=t6) At time t=t6 after time t5, the scent output device P located to the front right of the user, the scent output device Q located to the front left of the user, and the scent output device R located in front of the user all stop output. In this state, scent P1 output by scent output device P at time t1, scent P2 output by scent output device P at time t3, scent P3 output by scent output device P at time t5, and a mixture of these scents, scent P1+P2+P3, remain in a state in front of the user at a slight distance from the user.

[0272] (Time t=t7) At time t=t7 after time t6, the scent output device R located in front of the user outputs an airflow without scent (scentless airflow) toward the user. The scent output devices P and Q located on the left and right sides in front of the user are both in an output-stopped state.

[0273] When the scent output device R outputs an airflow without scent (scentless airflow) toward the user, scents P1+P2+P3 that have been lingering in front of the user at a slight distance move toward the user. As a result, the user smells scent P1 output by the scent output device P at time t1, scent P2 output by the scent output device P at time t3, and scent P3 output by the scent output device P at time t5, and scent P1+P2+P3, a mixture of these three scents.

[0274] 6. Processing Sequence Executed by the Fragrance Output Control Device of the Present Disclosure Next, a processing sequence executed by the fragrance output control device of the present disclosure will be described.

[0275] The flowchart shown in FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of processing executed by the fragrance output control device 50 of the present disclosure.

[0276] The processing according to the flow shown in Fig. 42 is, for example, processing that can be executed according to a program stored in the storage unit of the fragrance output control device 50, and can be executed under the control of the control unit (data processing unit) 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 of the present disclosure. The processing of each step of the flow shown in Fig. 42 will be described in order.

[0277] (Step S101) First, in step S101, the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 executes a process for confirming communication connection with the fragrance output device.

[0278] 8 , the control unit 53 of the scent output control device 50 communicates with a plurality of scent output devices via the second communication unit 55. The second communication unit 55 is a communication unit that performs near-field communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0279] In step S101, first, the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 executes a process for confirming communication connection with each fragrance output device.

[0280] (Step S102) Next, in step S102, the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 executes time synchronization processing with each fragrance output device.

[0281] As previously explained with reference to Figures 8 and 10, the fragrance output control device 50 performs synchronization processing between the time information managed by the fragrance output control device 50 and the time information managed by each of the multiple fragrance output devices 30-1 to 30-n based on time information obtained from an external time server (NTP server).

[0282] In step S102, this time synchronization process is executed, and the time information of the fragrance output control device 50 and the fragrance output devices 30-1 to 30-n is adjusted to coincide with each other.

[0283] (Step S103) Next, in step S103, the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 inputs detection information from the sensor (camera, etc.), sheet information, etc., and analyzes the position of the fragrance output target (user) and the position of the fragrance output device.

[0284] As previously described with reference to Figures 8, 10, etc., the scent output control information generation unit 102 of the control unit 53 of the scent output control device 50 inputs information that can analyze the user position, such as a user image, from a sensor 40 such as a camera. Furthermore, seat information, such as the seat position and backrest angle, is input via the vehicle state analysis unit 62, an external device 70 such as a smartphone, or the user input unit 63.

[0285] The scent output control information generation unit 102 uses this information to analyze the position of the user's nose. That is, it analyzes the target position for scent output. Furthermore, the scent output control information generation unit 102 obtains the position and orientation of each scent output device from information previously stored in memory or by analyzing images captured by a sensor 40 such as a camera.

[0286] (Step S104) Next, in step S104, the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 analyzes the scene of the reproduced content and determines the fragrance to be output according to the scene.

[0287] This process is executed by the output fragrance determination unit 101 of the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 shown in FIGS.

[0288] The output fragrance determination unit 101 inputs the playback content information, specifically the image (scene) being played, from the content playback unit 61, performs an analysis process on the image (scene) being played, and performs a process to determine the combination of fragrances to be output according to the analyzed scene.

[0289] The process of determining the output scent corresponding to a scene is carried out using the "scene-corresponding output scent information" previously described with reference to Figure 9, i.e., the "scene-corresponding output scent information" having the data structure shown in Figure 9 stored in memory 54.

[0290] For example, if the image (scene) being played back input from the content playback unit 61 is a "grassland" scene, the output scent determination unit 101 selects the entry data for "(2) grassland" from "(a) scene" in the "scene-corresponding output scent information" in the memory 54, and acquires the following corresponding data: (b) Type of scent to be output = Grass scent (c) Combination of scents to be output = P1 + Q1 (d) Scent output devices to be controlled = Scent output device P, scent output device Q (e) Scents to be output from scent output devices = P1, P2

[0291] (Step S105) Next, in step S105, the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 determines whether or not a fragrance mixing process using a plurality of fragrance output devices is necessary.

[0292] For example, entry (1) in the "scene-corresponding output scent information" previously described with reference to Figure 9 has a rose scent to be output, and in this case, it is sufficient to output one scent P1 from scent output device P. On the other hand, entry (2) in the "scene-corresponding output scent information" in Figure 9 has a grass / plant scent to be output, and in this case, it is necessary to output a combination of two scents: scent P1 from scent output device P and scent Q1 from scent output device Q.

[0293] In step S105, the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 determines whether fragrance mixing processing using multiple fragrance output devices is necessary. If it is determined that fragrance mixing processing using multiple fragrance output devices is not necessary, i.e., if the determination in step S105 is No, the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if it is determined that fragrance mixing processing using multiple fragrance output devices is necessary, i.e., if the determination in step S105 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0294] (Step S106) In step S105, if it is determined that the scent mixing process using a plurality of scent output devices is not necessary, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0295] In this case, the control unit 53 of the perfume output control device 50 generates and outputs perfume output control information for one perfume output device in step S106.

[0296] One of the scent output devices that receives scent output control information from the scent output control device 50 executes scent output control in accordance with the received scent output control information.

[0297] The generation process of the "fragrance output control information" in step S106 is executed by the fragrance output control information generation unit 102 of the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50, as previously explained with reference to Fig. 10. The "fragrance output control information" generated by the fragrance output control information generation unit 102 is control information that includes, for example, the following information, as previously explained with reference to Fig. 10 etc.: (a) output fragrance identification information (b) fragrance output direction (c) fragrance output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec) (d) scent output timing setting information such as scent output start and end output intervals,

[0298] Each piece of control information is transmitted to the perfume output device. The perfume output device executes perfume output processing in accordance with the "perfume output control information" generated by the perfume output control information generation unit 102.

[0299] As described above, the time information managed by the fragrance output control device 50 is adjusted to match the time information of the multiple fragrance output devices 30 using time information obtained from an external time server (NTP server). Therefore, each fragrance output device can execute fragrance output processing that accurately reflects the fragrance output timing setting information included in the "fragrance output control information" generated by the fragrance output control information generation unit 102.

[0300] (Step S107) On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that a scent mixing process using a plurality of scent output devices is necessary, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0301] In this case, the control unit 53 of the perfume output control device 50 generates and outputs perfume output control information for the plurality of perfume output devices in step S107.

[0302] The plurality of scent output devices that receive scent output control information from the scent output control device 50 execute scent output control in accordance with the received scent output control information.

[0303] In step S107, the perfume output control information generation unit 102 of the control unit 53 of the perfume output control device 50 transmits control information having, for example, the following information to each of the plurality of perfume output devices: (a) output perfume identification information, (b) perfume output direction, and (c) perfume output intensity (flow rate cm ３ / sec) (d) scent output timing setting information such as scent output start and end output intervals,

[0304] The multiple scent output devices execute scent output processing in accordance with the "scent output control information" having the above-mentioned information generated by the scent output control information generation unit 102. Specific examples of these processes are, for example, the examples described above with reference to FIGS.

[0305] (Step S108) Finally, in step S108, the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 determines whether the content playback process has ended. If it is determined that the content playback process has ended, the process ends. On the other hand, if the content playback process has not ended, the process from step S103 onwards is repeated.

[0306] The processing of step S104 of the flow shown in Figure 42, i.e., the processing of analyzing the scene of the played content and determining the scent to be output according to the scene, is performed by the output scent determination unit 101 of the control unit 53 of the scent output control device 50 shown in Figures 8 and 10, using the "scene-corresponding output scent information" having the data structure shown in Figure 9 stored in memory 54.

[0307] The output scent determination unit 101 receives playback content information, specifically the image (scene) being played, from the content playback unit 61, analyzes the image (scene) being played, and determines a scent appropriate for the scene. This scene analysis process can utilize image analysis AI, for example, a machine learning model such as a neural network.

[0308] The fragrance determination process sequence when using image analysis AI, for example, a machine learning model such as a neural network, for image analysis processing will be described in detail with reference to the flow shown in Fig. 43. The processing of each step of the flow shown in Fig. 43 will be described in order.

[0309] (Step S201) First, in step S201, the output fragrance determination unit 101 of the control unit 53 of the fragrance output control device 50 inputs the playback content information, specifically the image (scene) being played, from the content playback unit 61.

[0310] (Step S202) Next, in step S202, the output scent determination unit 101 inputs the image (scene) into an image analysis AI, for example, a machine learning model such as a neural network, and executes a process to determine the type of image (scene) (ocean, mountain, cafe, etc.).

[0311] (Step S203) Next, in step S203, the output scent determination unit 101 determines whether the scene analyzed in step S202 is a scene that requires scent output. This determination process can also utilize a machine learning model such as a neural network. If it is determined that the analyzed scene is a scene that does not require scent output, the process returns to step S201, the next scene is input, and the processes from step S201 onwards are repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the analyzed scene is a scene that requires scent output, the process proceeds to step S204.

[0312] (Step S204) If it is determined in step S203 that the analyzed scene is one that requires scent output, the process proceeds to step S204. In this case, in step S204, the output scent determination unit 101 determines an output scent corresponding to the scene based on the scene analysis results in step S202. That is, using the "scene-corresponding output scent information" previously described with reference to FIG. 9, i.e., the "scene-corresponding output scent information" having the data structure shown in FIG. 9 that is stored in memory 54, a scent appropriate for the analyzed scene is determined as the output scent.

[0313] These processes allow the user to enjoy the content with a feeling of being inside the content while experiencing the scent that is appropriate for the content being viewed.

[0314] 7. Example of Hardware Configuration of Fragrance Output Control Device Next, a specific example of the hardware configuration of the fragrance output control device that executes the above-described processing will be described with reference to FIG.

[0315] Fig. 44 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a fragrance output control device. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301 functions as a data processing unit that executes various processes according to programs stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302 or a storage unit 308. For example, it executes processes according to the sequences described in the above-mentioned embodiments. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 303 stores programs and data executed by the CPU 301. The CPU 301, ROM 302, and RAM 303 are connected to each other by a bus 304.

[0316] The CPU 301 is connected to an input / output interface 305 via a bus 304, and the input / output interface 305 is connected to an input unit 306 consisting of various switches, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, a microphone, and data acquisition units such as sensors and cameras, and an output unit 307 consisting of a display, a speaker, etc.

[0317] The CPU 301 receives commands and status data from the input unit 306, executes various processes, and outputs the processing results to, for example, the output unit 307. The storage unit 308 connected to the input / output interface 305 is composed of, for example, a hard disk, and stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data. The communication unit 309 functions as a transmitter / receiver for data communication via a network such as the Internet or a local area network, and communicates with external devices. Note that communication with the scent output device is also performed via the communication unit 309.

[0318] A drive 310 connected to the input / output interface 305 drives removable media 311 such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory such as a memory card, and executes recording or reading of data.

[0319] [8. Summary of the Configuration of the Present Disclosure] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in detail with reference to specific examples. However, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can modify or substitute the embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. In other words, the present invention has been disclosed in the form of examples and should not be interpreted as being limited. To determine the gist of the present disclosure, the claims should be taken into consideration.

[0320] The technology disclosed in this specification can be configured as follows: (1) A scent output control device having a control unit that generates scent output control information to be output from a scent output device, wherein the control unit generates individual scent output control information corresponding to each of a plurality of scent output devices and outputs the generated scent output control information to each of the plurality of scent output devices, and makes it possible to mix the multiple scents output by the plurality of scent output devices in a space and provide them to a user.

[0321] (2) The fragrance output control device according to (1), wherein the fragrance output control information generated by the control unit is information including a fragrance identifier of the fragrance output by the fragrance output device.

[0322] (3) The scent output control device according to (1) or (2), wherein the scent output control information generated by the control unit is information including an output direction of the scent output by the scent output device.

[0323] (4) The scent output control device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the scent output control information generated by the control unit is information including the intensity of the scent output by the scent output device.

[0324] (5) The scent output control device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the scent output control information generated by the control unit is information including a timing at which the scent is output by the scent output device.

[0325] (6) The scent output control device according to (5), wherein the scent output timing is information including the scent output start time and the scent output duration of the scent output device.

[0326] (7) The scent output control device according to (5) or (6), wherein the scent output timing is information including the number of scent outputs and the output intervals of the scent output device.

[0327] (8) The scent output control device described in any one of (1) to (7), wherein the control unit executes a time synchronization process to synchronize time information managed by the scent output device with time information managed by the scent output control device.

[0328] (9) The scent output control device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the control unit analyzes the position of the user's nose and generates scent output control information according to the analyzed position of the user's nose.

[0329] (10) The control unit generates scent output control information that enables control of the mixing area of ​​multiple scents output by multiple scent output devices according to the position of the user's nose. The scent output control device is described in any one of (1) to (9).

[0330] (11) The scent output control device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the control unit generates scent output control information for switching between and outputting a plurality of different scents from one scent output device.

[0331] (12) The scent output control device described in any one of (1) to (11), wherein the control unit generates scent output control information that causes each of the multiple scent output devices to alternately output different scents or output scents at staggered output timings.

[0332] (13) The control unit generates scent output control information for causing each of the scent output devices to alternately output the same combination of scents or output scents at staggered output timings. The scent output control device is described in any one of (1) to (12).

[0333] (14) The scent output control device according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the control unit generates scent output control information that causes the scent output device to perform a scent-free air blowing process.

[0334] (15) The control unit generates scent output control information that causes the scent output device to perform a scent-free air blowing process, and the scent output device that receives the scent output control information performs a spiral scent-free air blowing process. The scent output control device is described in any one of (1) to (14).

[0335] (16) The scent output control device described in any one of (1) to (15), wherein the control unit analyzes content viewed by a user and generates scent output control information that causes the scent output device to output a scent corresponding to a scene of the analyzed content.

[0336] (17) The scent output control device described in (16), wherein the control unit generates individual scent output control information corresponding to each of the multiple scent output devices when the scent corresponding to the scene of the analyzed content is a mixture of multiple different scents.

[0337] (18) A fragrance output control device having a control unit that generates fragrance output control information to be output from a fragrance output device, wherein the control unit generates fragrance output control information that causes different fragrances to be output sequentially over time, outputs the generated fragrance output control information to the fragrance output device, and enables a fragrance that is a mixture of multiple different fragrances output by the fragrance output device to be provided to a user.

[0338] (19) A fragrance output control system comprising: a plurality of fragrance output devices that execute fragrance output processing; and a fragrance output control device that generates fragrance output control information to be output from the fragrance output devices, wherein the fragrance output control device generates individual fragrance output control information corresponding to each of the plurality of fragrance output devices and outputs the generated fragrance output control information to each of the plurality of fragrance output devices, and enables the plurality of fragrances output by each of the plurality of fragrance output devices to be mixed in space and provided to a user.

[0339] (20) A fragrance output control method executed in a fragrance output control device, wherein the fragrance output control device has a control unit that generates fragrance output control information to be output from a fragrance output device, the control unit generates individual fragrance output control information corresponding to each of a plurality of fragrance output devices, outputs the generated fragrance output control information to each of the plurality of fragrance output devices, and enables the plurality of fragrances output by each of the plurality of fragrance output devices to be mixed in a space and provided to a user.

[0340] The series of processes described in this specification can be executed by hardware, software, or a combination of both. When executing processes by software, a program recording the processing sequence can be installed and executed in the memory of a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware, or the program can be installed and executed on a general-purpose computer capable of executing various processes. For example, the program can be pre-recorded on a recording medium. In addition to installing the program on a computer from a recording medium, the program can also be received via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet and installed on a recording medium such as an internal hard disk.

[0341] The various processes described in this specification may not only be executed in chronological order as described, but may also be executed in parallel or individually depending on the processing capabilities of the devices executing the processes or as needed. Furthermore, in this specification, a system refers to a logical collective configuration of multiple devices, and is not limited to devices that are all located in the same housing.

[0342] As described above, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a configuration is realized in which multiple scents output by multiple scent output devices are mixed in a space and provided to a user. Specifically, for example, the configuration includes multiple scent output devices that execute scent output processing, and a scent output control device that generates scent output control information to be output from the scent output devices. The scent output control device generates individual scent output control information corresponding to each of the multiple scent output devices and outputs it to each of the multiple scent output devices, thereby mixing the multiple scents output by each of the scent output devices in a space and providing them to a user. The scent output control information includes the type of scent, output direction, intensity, timing, etc. This configuration realizes a configuration in which multiple scents output by multiple scent output devices are mixed in a space and provided to a user.

[0343] 10 Vehicle 20 User 30 Scent output device 31 Communication unit 32 Time management unit 33 Scent output control unit 34 Scent output unit 40 Sensor 50 Scent output control device 51 First communication unit 52 UI (user interface) 53 Control unit 54 Memory 55 Second communication unit 100 Scent output control system 101 Output scent determination unit 102 Scent output control information generation unit 103 Time management unit 301 CPU 302 ROM 303 RAM 304 Bus 305 Input / output interface 306 Input unit 307 Output unit 308 Storage unit 309 Communication unit 310 Drive 311 Removable media

Claims

1. A fragrance output control device having a control unit that generates fragrance output control information to be output from a fragrance output device, wherein the control unit generates individual fragrance output control information corresponding to each of a plurality of fragrance output devices, outputs the generated fragrance output control information to each of the plurality of fragrance output devices, and enables the plurality of fragrances output by each of the plurality of fragrance output devices to be mixed in space and provided to a user.

2. The fragrance output control device according to claim 1, wherein the fragrance output control information generated by the control unit is information including a fragrance identifier of the fragrance output by the fragrance output device.

3. The fragrance output control device according to claim 1, wherein the fragrance output control information generated by the control unit includes information about the direction of the fragrance output by the fragrance output device.

4. The fragrance output control device according to claim 1, wherein the fragrance output control information generated by the control unit includes information on the intensity of the fragrance output by the fragrance output device.

5. The fragrance output control device according to claim 1, wherein the fragrance output control information generated by the control unit includes information on the timing of the fragrance output by the fragrance output device.

6. The fragrance output control device according to claim 5, wherein the fragrance output timing is information including the output start time and output duration of the fragrance output by the fragrance output device.

7. The scent output control device according to claim 5, wherein the scent output timing is information including the number of scent outputs and the output intervals between scents output by the scent output device.

8. The fragrance output control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes a time synchronization process to synchronize time information managed by the fragrance output device with time information managed by the fragrance output control device.

9. The fragrance output control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit analyzes the position of the user's nose and generates fragrance output control information according to the analyzed position of the user's nose.

10. The fragrance output control device described in claim 1, wherein the control unit generates fragrance output control information that enables control of the mixing area of ​​multiple fragrances output by multiple fragrance output devices according to the position of the user's nose.

11. The fragrance output control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit generates fragrance output control information that switches between and outputs multiple different fragrances from a single fragrance output device.

12. The fragrance output control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit generates fragrance output control information that causes each of the multiple fragrance output devices to alternately output different fragrances or to output the fragrances at staggered output timings.

13. The fragrance output control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit generates fragrance output control information that causes each of the plurality of fragrance output devices to alternately output the same combination of fragrances or output the fragrances at staggered output timings.

14. The fragrance output control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit generates fragrance output control information that causes the fragrance output device to perform a fragrance-free air blowing process.

15. The fragrance output control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit generates fragrance output control information that causes the fragrance output device to perform a fragrance-free air blowing process, and the fragrance output device that receives the fragrance output control information performs a spiral fragrance-free air blowing process.

16. The fragrance output control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit analyzes the content viewed by the user and generates fragrance output control information that causes the fragrance output device to output a fragrance corresponding to a scene in the analyzed content.

17. The fragrance output control device described in claim 16, wherein the control unit generates individual fragrance output control information corresponding to each of multiple fragrance output devices when the fragrance corresponding to the scene of the analyzed content is a mixture of multiple different fragrances.

18. A fragrance output control device having a control unit that generates fragrance output control information to be output from a fragrance output device, wherein the control unit generates fragrance output control information that causes different fragrances to be output sequentially over time, outputs the generated fragrance output control information to the fragrance output device, and enables a fragrance that is a mixture of multiple different fragrances output by the fragrance output device to be provided to a user.

19. A fragrance output control system comprising: a plurality of fragrance output devices that execute fragrance output processing; and a fragrance output control device that generates fragrance output control information to be output from the fragrance output devices, wherein the fragrance output control device generates individual fragrance output control information corresponding to each of the plurality of fragrance output devices and outputs the generated fragrance output control information to each of the plurality of fragrance output devices, and wherein the plurality of fragrances output by each of the plurality of fragrance output devices are mixed in space and provided to the user.

20. A fragrance output control method executed in a fragrance output control device, wherein the fragrance output control device has a control unit that generates fragrance output control information to be output from a fragrance output device, the control unit generates individual fragrance output control information corresponding to each of a plurality of fragrance output devices, and outputs the generated fragrance output control information to each of the plurality of fragrance output devices, and the fragrance output control method enables the plurality of fragrances output by each of the plurality of fragrance output devices to be mixed in space and provided to a user.

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