Test system for measuring the chemosensory perception of a person

Abstract

The invention relates to a test system for measuring the chemosensory perception of a test subject. The test system comprises at least one test kit (5) in which a plurality of stimulus carriers (6) are introduced in a carrier material which is located in an item of packaging. Each item of packaging is provided with a machine-readable code by means of which the stimulus carrier located in the item of packaging can be clearly identified. The test system also comprises a user interface (3) and a data-processing device (1). The user interface allows: the machine-readable codes to be read in; colours and questions to be displayed to the test subject on a screen (4); and responses from the test subject to be detected. The data processing device (1) can be linked to the user interface (3) via a network and is designed such that, after receiving a machine-readable code via a linked user interface (3), the data processing device: identifies the associated stimulus carrier (6); displays a colour and one or more questions to the test subject on the screen (4) via the user interface (3); and stores the responses of the test subject detected by the user interface (3) so as to be associated with the stimulus carrier (6) and the test subject. The chemosensory stimuli are presented in the test system in combination with different defined colours, as a result of which the conscious recognition of the presented chemosensory stimulus is facilitated or made more difficult.

Description

[0001] Test system for measuring a person's chemosensory perception

[0002] Application area

[0003] The invention describes a test system for determining an individual's ability to perceive different chemosensory impressions. The test can be used diagnostically to detect pathological changes in the sense of smell, such as those found in infectious diseases, but also in neurological disorders like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. It can also be used as a tool for training chemosensory perception for recovery after illness, or for sensitizing professional and performance-oriented users, such as chefs, gourmets, or trained tasters. The test system and method can also be used for the development of product and packaging designs, particularly in the food and cosmetics industries, where suitable color-scent combinations can enhance product appeal.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Chemosensory tests in the form of olfactory tests on humans are primarily performed in medical diagnostics and research using olfactory sticks [1] or so-called “scratch and sniff” tests [2]. The olfactory sticks are felt-tip pens filled with a diluted odorant and held under the subject's nose. For “scratch and sniff” tests, the odorants are microencapsulated and applied to paper. The subject then releases the odorant by rubbing or scratching the paper surface and smells it. Based on these two technologies, a number of different olfactory tests have been developed: Sniffin' Sticks

[0001] , UPSIT [2], MONEX-40 [3], FAOT [4], etc.The disadvantages of these existing tests are numerous: a) the handling of the olfactory pens requires medically trained personnel to present them to the test subject, b) “Scratch and Sniff” tests can only be used once, c) for these reasons, the existing tests have high manufacturing and usage costs and are therefore not widely available to the population.

[0006] Existing olfactory tests include various tasks. Typically, a sensitivity test (to determine the perception threshold for an odorant), a discrimination test (to determine the ability to distinguish between two different odorants), or an identification test (to determine the ability to name odorants) is conducted. Identification tests primarily involve pleasant odorants, each in only one concentration. The question posed to the subject in an identification test is: "What odor did you perceive?" a) rose, b) lemon, c) leather, d) ham. The subject's task is to select one of the given options and thus identify the odor.For existing tests, reference values ​​for possible normosmia / hyposmia / anosmia are available and the subject can be classified into one of these groups [5]. A combination of the identification test with intensity, pleasantness and familiarity assessments of the odor is not yet systematically performed.

[0007] Olfactory tests, as described above, are used in human olfactory research. They are employed to quantify the olfactory ability of healthy individuals and to investigate the effect of various parameters (e.g., respiration [6]) on chemosensory perception. Furthermore, olfactory tests are used in research to characterize sensory perception under the influence of various diseases [7, 8]. They are also used in clinical diagnostics, particularly in neurology. It is known that patients with Alzheimer's disease exhibit impairments in their sense of smell even in the very early stages of the disease [9, 10], thus enabling early diagnosis and, if necessary, treatment of Alzheimer's disease.However, it is critical to note that validated olfactory tests are not available to the general population to enable early, regular screening of olfactory ability in populations with risk factors for the disease.

[0008] Current studies on COVID-19 show that infection with SARS-CoV-2 leads to a rapid impairment of the senses of smell and taste. Current questionnaire data show that, compared to before SARS-CoV-2 infection, the sense of smell is reduced by 80% and the sense of taste by 70%

[0011] . Furthermore, it has been shown that the senses of smell and taste had recovered in only 50% of those affected after 4 weeks

[0012] . The available data on chemosensory perception during COVID-19 are largely based on self-assessments by those affected, collected using questionnaires. Currently, there are only a few studies in which infected individuals are examined using chemosensory tests. This is due to the high time and cost of the tests, which are not widely available.

[0009] Patients who have lost their sense of smell benefit from olfactory tests, as these can also be used as training tools. Olfactory training has already been shown to be a promising therapy for anosmia [13, 14].

[0010] The examples clearly demonstrate that the sense of smell plays a role in various medical conditions and can be used for diagnostic purposes. However, existing tests are not practical enough and are not available to the general population in sufficient numbers. Therefore, it is important to provide an olfactory test that enables people to test and evaluate their own sense of smell, thereby generating reliable data and allowing for the early diagnosis of potential illnesses, or enabling them to use the test as a tool for olfactory training.

[0011] Different sensory impressions influence each other. This phenomenon is called multisensory interaction. Visual stimuli control chemosensory perception, a phenomenon known as "visual dominance." For example, the color red is generally associated with sweetness, and a red apple is perceived as sweeter than a green apple

[0015] . Another example from research shows that a red-colored white wine is described by sensory experts with typical red wine attributes

[0016] . Furthermore, it is known that pathological neurodegenerative processes can also manifest in impaired vision

[0017] . These olfactory-visual interactions are used in the present invention to make the odor test more difficult or easier using colors, thereby expanding the diagnostic possibilities.

[0012] Object of the present invention

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a multisensory test system for a color-odor test with which the ability of individuals to perform chemosensory perception can be determined quantitatively reliably and interindividually in a comparable manner by means of a test that can be applied by laypersons themselves, so that in particular medical diagnostics or individualized possibilities for improving perception can be derived from it.

[0014] Description of the invention

[0015] The problem is solved by the test system of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the test system are the subject of the dependent claims or can be found in the following description.

[0016] The proposed test system comprises at least one test kit containing several stimulus carriers r(k,f) or odorants / fragrances, each in a concentration k, within a carrier material. This carrier material is contained in a package, such as a container, from which the respective stimulus carrier is released only upon opening. Each package is marked with a machine-readable code that uniquely identifies the stimulus carrier r(k,f) contained within, but provides no information about the stimulus carrier to the test subject. The test system also includes a user interface and a data processing unit. The user interface allows the machine-readable codes to be read, colors and questions to be displayed on a screen to the test subject, and the test subject's answers to be recorded.The data processing device is connectable to the user interface via a network and is designed so that, upon receiving a machine-readable code via a connected user interface, it identifies the associated stimulus carrier r(k,f), displays a color and one or more questions on the screen to the subject via the user interface, and stores the subject's answers recorded by the user interface, assigning them to the stimulus carrier and the subject.The data processing device either reads the color to be displayed to the test subject for each stimulus r(k,f) and the one or more questions from a database in which each of the stimuli r(k,f) contained in the test kits is assigned at least the color to be displayed for that stimulus and the one or more questions, or it comprises an algorithm, preferably a Kl algorithm, that selects the color to be displayed to the test subject for each stimulus r(k,f) and the one or more questions from a database in which each of the stimuli r(k,f) contained in the test kits is assigned one or more colors and one or more questions. The database can also be part of the data processing device.

[0017] In the present invention, the chemosensory stimuli are presented in combination with various defined colors, thereby facilitating or hindering the conscious recognition of the presented chemosensory stimulus. The colors used in the proposed test are not limited; all colors of the color spectrum can be used.

[0018] In the test according to the invention, a subset T of combinations is presented to the individual being tested as a chemosensory test within the test kit. These combinations are derived from a quantity R of chemosensory stimuli r and a quantity F of colors tailored to this quantity. The colors are displayed to the individual via the user interface on a suitable screen, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. A combination of the subset consists of a stimulus at a specific concentration k, a defined color f tailored to it, and—in one embodiment of the test system—a set Q of question-answer combinations that assess the individual's perception of the chemosensory stimulus. The question-answer combinations are adapted to the specific combination of stimulus at the defined concentration and the corresponding color that is to be perceived.They can be stored in a database assigned to the respective stimulus carrier, to which the data processing unit has access. Alternatively, questions or question-answer combinations for the respective stimulus carrier can also be created or selected with the help of an algorithm, in particular artificial intelligence (AI), which runs as a computer program on the data processing unit.

[0019] Brief description of the drawings

[0020] The proposed test system and procedure are explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and the drawing. Here, the following is shown:

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary test system.

[0022] Ways to implement the invention

[0023] The exemplary test system comprises test kits 5 with stimulus carriers 6, of which only one test kit is schematically depicted in the figure, a data processing unit 1 with access to a database 2, and a user interface 3 that can display colors and questions specified by the data processing unit on a screen 4, as shown in a highly schematic form in Figure 1. The database can also be in the form of a table. The user interface is preferably designed as a software program that runs on a computer, tablet, or smartphone belonging to the test subject and communicates with the data processing unit of the person(s) administering the test via an internet connection during the test. The machine-readable code can be read, for example, by taking a photograph with the tablet or smartphone or by using a scanner connected to the computer.The creation of a complete test (T) for measuring chemosensory perception, exemplified below using the odors of MONEX-40 as described in [3] (the use of other odors / fragrances is of course also possible), is carried out in the present example based on the results of previous surveys and studies (see

[0018] ). The following steps were carried out for this purpose:

[0024] • Determination of Color Associations (F) o Descriptors (D): Color associations for all descriptors / labels of the MONEX-40 (n = 79; no duplicates) were collected via online survey. Hue, brightness, and saturation were analyzed. o Odors (G): Color associations for all odors of the MONEX-40 (n = 40) were determined in an in-person study. Hue, brightness, and saturation were analyzed. Initially, the associated color was analyzed without any clues (odor blindfolded - more difficult). Subsequently, the color association was determined again with the four possible answers provided (odor + descriptor - easier). Illustrative example: The odor "ginger" is presented without any further clues. The participant selects their color association. They are then shown four possible answers as clues, standardized to the MONEX-40: "chili," "cloves," "ginger," "pepper."The smell should be identified and then a new color association chosen.

[0025] Result: For all D, the respective colors are averaged. The averaged color yields the target color for D in T. For all correctly identified G, which were presented with the descriptor clue, all color associations are averaged. The averaged color yields the target color for G in T.

[0026] • From R, a selected subset UR (e.g., n = 16) of stimulus carriers was chosen, preferably ensuring that: o The selected stimulus carriers cover sufficiently diverse chemosensory impressions o No stimulus carrier occurs twice

[0027] • Pilot study: A suitable application method for the final T was analyzed. Different concentrations, measured in terms of intensity, pleasantness, and familiarity, were compared with the application method of MONEX-40 (pencils) in the presence-color association study and adjusted as necessary. For each stimulus in UR, a concentration was selected from the stimulus-specific concentration interval K, where the lower limit of K is determined by the perception threshold and the upper limit by the stimulus-specific saturation curve. The intensity ratings of different application methods within the pilot study were intended to be at least at the level of the scent presentations in the preliminary studies (presence-color association study), thus ensuring that:

[0028] ■ a sufficient number of the stimulus carriers contained in UR exhibit a significant distance from the lower limit of K.

[0029] ■ a sufficient number of the stimulus carriers contained in UR exhibit a substantial distance from the upper limit of K. o Alternatively, the concentrations can be selected without restriction from the stimulus carrier-specific intervals. In this case, a test can be assigned a specific difficulty level based on the distribution of stimulus carrier concentrations, defined by the probability of a correct chemosensory evaluation by a test individual.

[0030] ■ A test is assigned to the easier end of the difficulty scale if the distribution is shifted towards the upper limit of K.

[0031] ■ A test is assigned to the more difficult end if the distribution is shifted towards the lower limit of K.

[0032] • For each stimulus r in UR, the target color f from F, determined for the odor G, is assigned, taking into account its individually assigned concentration k. The test can be carried out in different ways with regard to the color displayed to the subject for each stimulus:

[0033] In version 1, the participant was shown the associated color for the odor G (a pre-determined target color f for the presented G) in conjunction with a number of, for example, four response options for different odors. This was intended to facilitate the identification of the odors.

[0034] Illustrative example: A stimulus carrier that evokes the odor impression of “cherry” is assigned the average color of “cherry” of all correctly identified odors presented with the descriptor cue.

[0035] • In version 2, the participant was not shown the color associated with the presented odor G, but rather a different color associated with one of the odors from one of the displayed, e.g., three, incorrect answer choices. This was intended to make identifying the odors more difficult.

[0036] Illustrative example: A stimulus carrier that evokes the smell impression of "cherry" is randomly assigned the average color of one of the three false Ds "peach", "apple", "strawberry".

[0037] Alternatively, a computer-based testing procedure with a corresponding algorithm can be used, which, depending on the performance of the test subject, displays associated or non-associated colors for the presented odor, thus automatically adjusting the difficulty level. This allows for the differentiation and grading of potential olfactory impairments.

[0038] Additionally, the colors can be supplemented with different brightness and saturation values ​​to establish a more comprehensive and differentiated testing procedure. These values ​​can be selected without restriction regarding the distance to color association sets of other stimuli from F. In this case, a test can also be assigned a specific difficulty level based on the distribution of the distances of the colors assigned to the stimuli to the color association sets of the other stimuli contained in UR, as well as the distribution of the chemosensory similarities of the stimuli contained in UR. A physical test kit is created from the stimuli r(k,f) contained in UR by incorporating the stimuli r(k,f) at the specified concentration k into a suitable carrier material. The carrier material is contained in suitable packaging, from which the stimuli are released by opening and administered by a test subject.The test subject can perceive the stimulus chemosensorially. The container in which the carrier material containing r(k) is placed, or the substrate onto which the carrier material containing r(k) is applied, is designed to be perceptually neutral. This design allows no conclusions to be drawn about r or the chemosensory perception stimulated by r, even when comparing individual containers or substrates, and does not trigger any perceptual expectations. Recyclable materials such as glass jars are preferred. To release a stimulus carrier, a unit of the test kit, i.e., the packaging of one of the stimulus carriers in the test kit, must be opened. A seal is applied to the unit or packaging in such a way that the unit cannot be opened, and the stimulus carrier cannot be released, preferably without breaking the seal.The seal features a machine-readable symbol that encodes a unique identifier for the unambiguous identification of the unit. Each unit of the test kit is also marked with a human-readable symbol, allowing the test subject to uniquely identify a unit within the kit. A test kit unit should only be opened upon prompting. The test subject will first scan the seal via the user interface and then open the unit, preferably destroying the machine-readability of the seal. The stimulus carriers r(k,f) contained in UR can be presented for perception in the physical test kit in a randomized or predetermined sequence.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment of the proposed test system, a computer algorithm is used for the automatic adjustment of the difficulty level. This allows the stimuli r(k,f) contained in the test kit to be presented in a specific order, e.g., taking into account pleasant or less pleasant smells.

[0040] An illustrative example: It is known that, for instance, a subject's breathing is adjusted after perceiving an unpleasant odor and becomes significantly shallower. Accordingly, the perception of a low-concentration, pleasant odor after the presentation of an unpleasant odor is an indication of a very good sense of smell.

[0041] The order of the individual stimulus carriers r(k,f) is adaptively determined by the Kl algorithm based on the test history. Possible parameters for determining the order for this alternative Kl test version include: o The chemosensory similarity of r(k,f) to its immediate counterparts

[0042] Neighbors in the test kit, i.e., the preceding stimulus r_-1 (k,f) and the subsequent stimulus r_+1(k,f). The similarity of the color association sets of r(k) to F[r_-1 (k)] and F[r_+1(k)]. The hedonic evaluation of r(k,f), r_-1 (k,f), and r_+1 (k,f), ensuring a favorable distribution of hedonic evaluations regarding pleasant and unpleasant perception across the entire test kit. The previously made decision regarding identification with the preceding stimulus r_-1 (k,f) (correctly or incorrectly identified). In this configuration, the order of stimulus presentation within a test kit can be dynamically (adaptively) adjusted during the test phase depending on the responses already given, in order to maintain the highest possible statistical reliability of the data and to clarify any ambiguities that may arise. o The reaction time required by the subject to select an answer.

[0043] • In the alternative configuration of the proposed test system, question-answer pairs q can be adaptively generated for each stimulus r(k,f) using the Kl algorithm for the test histone, whereby the r(k,f)-individual expected response values ​​are parametrically incorporated into the generation. The query q assesses whether:

[0044] ■ Generally, a chemosensory stimulus can be perceived.

[0045] ■ Possibly the chemosensory stimulus is known.

[0046] ■ If applicable, which linguistic term a test individual would assign to the chemosensory stimulus.

[0047] ■ If applicable, how intensely the stimulus is perceived.

[0048] ■ If applicable, how pleasant the stimulus is

[0049] • A complete test T is described by the set of all specifically configured test units t[r(k,f), q] queried in T. The collected data is preferably stored by the data processing system in the form of a graph, in order to capture not only individual, isolated answers of a test subject to specific questions, but also the complete path-dependent interaction of the test subject with a test kit. Alternatively, in addition to the actual answers to individual test units t, all interactions with the user interface are recorded in the graph, so that the complete path-dependent interaction of a test subject with a test kit can be traced and, if necessary, included in the evaluation to improve test reliability.In particular, depending on the design of the test system, the following data can be collected: o Time intervals, especially for answering a unit o Each button press by the test subject, so that when multiple answer options are presented, it can be determined between which answers a subject fluctuates. o Dynamic adjustments to the order of individual units in the physical test kit, of f or of q. o Path and quality of the adaptive adjustment of f and at which color quality the answer is given. o Adaptive processes that lead to an improvement in the data and can be dynamically adjusted during the test result in an individual information graph about the test subject's assessed abilities.

[0050] Test individual:

[0051] ■ The color assignment changes when the system detects that a test subject needs more / less help. If a test question is answered incorrectly, the data processing unit or algorithm switches to a color in the next question that is within the color association set of the stimulus carrier.

[0052] Illustrative example: A stimulus evoking the scent of "strawberry" and presented with a non-associated color (e.g., blue – heavy) will not elicit a correct response. In the next odor presentation, the scent (e.g., cucumber) will be presented with an associated color (green – light). Alternatively, brightness and saturation can be adjusted to simplify or increase the difficulty of the test.

[0053] ■ Changing the order of the t[r(k,f), q] within the tests to increase / decrease the difficulty level (e.g., (very) low concentration substance after strongly unpleasant smelling substance).

[0054] The proposed test system can also be used to diagnose various diseases based on olfactory function. Before the olfactory test is performed, various health-related questions are asked (medical history). The answers to these questions help to trace the reduced sense of smell back to a possible cause. Accordingly, a recommendation regarding a potential disease can be made. The following parameters are preferably queried via the user interface:

[0055] • Age

[0056] • Gender

[0057] • Questions regarding possible COVID-19 indication: “Do you have a cough and fever?”

[0058] • Questions regarding possible Alzheimer's diagnosis: "Do you frequently experience memory lapses?" • Questions regarding possible Parkinson's diagnosis: "Do you frequently experience motor problems?"

[0059] • Any history of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., dementia, Parkinson's disease) in the family / genetic relationships?

[0060] The test procedure cannot provide a definitive diagnosis, but merely serves as an indication or recommendation for a medical examination or clarification.

[0061] References

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Claims

Patent claims 1. Test system for measuring the chemosensory perception of a subject, with - at least one test kit (5) in which several stimulus carriers r(k,f) are each introduced in a concentration k in a carrier material which is contained in a package from which the respective stimulus carrier is only released by opening; -- wherein each package is provided with a machine-readable code by which the stimulus carrier r(k,f) contained in the package can be uniquely identified, but which does not provide the subject with any indication of the stimulus carrier; - a user interface (3) that allows the machine-readable codes to be read in, colors and questions to be displayed to the subject on a screen (4) and the subject's answers to be recorded; and - a data processing device (1) which is connectable to the user interface (3) via a network and is configured to identify the associated stimulus carrier r(k,f) after receiving a machine-readable code via a connected user interface (3), displays a color and one or more questions on the screen (4) to the subject via the user interface (3) and stores the subject's answers recorded by the user interface (3) assigned to the stimulus carrier and the subject, wherein the data processing device (1) -- either reads the color to be displayed to the test subject for the respective stimulus carrier r(k,f) and the one or more questions from a database (2) in which each of the stimulus carriers r(k,f) contained in the test kits (5) is assigned at least the color to be displayed for the stimulus carrier and the one or more questions, or -- has an algorithm that selects the color to be displayed to the subject for each stimulus carrier r(k,f) and the one or more questions from a database (2) in which each of the stimulus carriers r(k,f) contained in the test kits (5) is assigned one or more colors and one or more Questions are assigned.

2. Test system according to claim 1, characterized in that the data processing device (1) is designed to display several answer options to the test subject for each question, from which the test subject can select, wherein the displayed answer options for the respective question are also stored in the database (2).

3. Test system according to claim 2, characterized in that one of the questions asks about the odor perceived by the test subject and the answer options specify several different odors, one of which corresponds to the actual odor of the released stimulus carrier r(k,f).

4. Test system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the individual packages in the test kits (5) are provided with a different marking readable by the test subject, wherein the data processing device (1 ) is designed to provide the test subject with a sequence of markings via the user interface (3) in which the packages are to be opened.

5. Test system according to claim 4, characterized in that the algorithm of the data processing device (1), in particular a KL algorithm, is designed such that it specifies the sequence based on the stimulus carriers released so far by the subject and / or associated responses of the subject.

6. Test system according to claim 5, characterized in that the algorithm of the data processing device (1) is designed such that it specifies the sequence based on one or more of the following parameters: - chemosensory similarity of r(k,f) to its immediate neighbors in the test kit (5), i.e. the preceding stimulus carrier r_-1 (k,f) and the subsequent stimulus carrier r_+1(k,f); - Similarity of color association sets of r(k,f) to F[r_-1 (k,f)] and F[r_+1(k,f)]; - hedonic evaluation of r(k,f), r_-1 (k,f) and r_+1 (k,f), ensuring a favorable distribution of hedonic evaluation with respect to pleasant and unpleasant perception across the entire test kit; - correct or incorrect response of the subject to identify the previous stimulus carrier r_-1 (k,f); - the reaction time required by the subject to select an answer.

7. Test system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the algorithm of the data processing device (1), in particular a Kl algorithm, is designed such that it selects or determines the color to be displayed to the test subject for the respective stimulus carrier r(k,f) from the database (2) on the basis of the stimulus carriers released so far by the test subject and the corresponding responses of the test subject.

8. Test system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the machine-readable codes are applied to seals which are destroyed when the packaging is opened.

9. Test system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the user interface (3) is designed such that it can be executed as a software program on a stationary or mobile computer or a smartphone or tablet.

10. Test system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the stimulus carriers r(k,f) of the test kits consist of odors of the MONEX-40 are selected.

11. Test system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the test kits comprise a number of at least 5, preferably at least 10 different stimulus carriers r(k,f).

12. Test system according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the data processing device (1) also records and stores further data, in particular time intervals, which the test subject needs to answer the questions.

13. Test system according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the data processing device (1) stores recorded data in the form of a graph in order to record not only individual, isolated answers of a subject to certain questions, but a complete path-dependent interaction of the subject with the test kit (5).

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