Device for selectively dispensing fragrant substances

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for selectively dispensing fragrant substances to a user (UU), the device comprising a plurality of cartridges (2), for example at least four, for example six cartridges, each of which contains a fragrant substance, the device being configured to be worn on the user's head (TU), the user's head having a sagittal plane (PS), each cartridge having a diffusion opening (4), characterised in that, in the usage configuration, the array of diffusion openings is arranged in the sagittal plane (PS). The invention also relates to the associated method and to the associated virtual or augmented reality assembly, the array of openings being arranged on a vertical circular arc (CV) having, as its centre, a target point (A) located in a nostril area when in the usage position.

Description

[0001] Device for the selective dispensing of odorous substances.

[0002]

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for the selective dispensing of odorous substances.

[0003]

[0002] Odorous substances may correspond to odors which accompany a circumstance of being placed in a virtual reality and / or augmented reality situation (olfactory information complements auditory and visual information).

[0004]

[0003] The odorant substances in question may be perfume compositions, which a user may wish to test. The odorant substances may be activated individually, one after the other, according to a predefined sequence or a specific scenario.

[0005]

[0004] The selective dispensing device in question here is individual; the device delivers odorous substances to a single person at a given time in the vicinity of their nose.

[0006] An example of such a system is known from document WO2019131808.

[0007] However, in the solution proposed according to W02019131808, the delivery orifices of the different odorants are located in a horizontal plane and the user may be disturbed by the origin of the odorants from the right or left.

[0008]

[0007] The inventors sought to propose a solution for dispensing odorous substances in front of a user's nose without right-left imbalance effect on olfactory perception.

[0009] To this end, a device for the selective dispensing of odorous substances to a user is proposed here, the device comprising a plurality of cartridges (2) each containing an odorous substance, the device being configured to be worn on the user's head, said head having a sagittal plane (PS), each cartridge having a single diffusion orifice (4), characterized in that the set of diffusion orifices is arranged in the sagittal plane.

[0010] Thanks to the provisions proposed above, we eliminate the left-right effects linked to the lateral origin of odorous substances.

[0011]

[0010] Advantageously, the distance between the nostrils of the user's nose and the outlet orifices of the cartridges delivering the odorants is reduced compared to known solutions.

[0012]

[0011] Regarding the terminology "sagittal plane", this refers to a vertical and anteroposterior plane (relative to the head) passing in particular through the tip of the nose.

[0013]

[0012] Advantageously, each cartridge is independent and there are no piping elements acting as a collector; indeed, the delivery is direct from the outlet to the user's nose. Thus, there is no cross-contamination between the different odorants due to a possible shared section for product delivery.

[0014]

[0013] It is noted that it is an airflow that passes through the cartridge and becomes charged with the odorant substance of interest upon contact with granules contained in the cartridge. Then the charged air exits through the diffusion orifice, also referred to interchangeably here as the 'outlet orifice'.

[0015]

[0014] The airflow in question is selectively generated by control means and an airflow delivery element, as will be described in more detail later.

[0015] The cartridges inserted in the dispensing device do not contain liquid, thus preventing any liquid spillage even if the device is placed in various positions and orientations. The odorants are carried by solid granules housed in the cartridges.

[0016]

[0016] According to one embodiment, the set of diffusion orifices is arranged on a vertical arc of a circle (CV) having as its center a target point (A), located in the position of use in a nostril area of ​​a user, under the tip of the nose.

[0017]

[0017] Each of the outlet orifices is located substantially equidistant from the mid-point of the user's nose.

[0018]

[0018] The distance between two neighboring orifices is identical for each pair of adjacent orifices.

[0019]

[0019] The target point is located near the entrance of the nostrils, equidistant between the two nostrils of the user's nose. The air path exiting the delivery orifices converges towards the target point. In other words, when a cartridge is activated by the circulation of an airflow, the airflow passing through it exits through the outlet orifice (the single diffusion orifice) and is directed into the open air in a straight line towards the target point A along a path that lies in the sagittal plane PS.

[0020] According to one embodiment, each cartridge has a single diffusion orifice with a passage cross-section of at most 1 mm 2 .

[0021] As a result, the exit is very localized and, as a reminder, it is located in the sagittal plane of the head.

[0022] The inventors noted that this single outlet of small section accentuates the selective nature of the diffusion of the product, and reduces the risk of cross-pollution between the different odorant substances.

[0023]

[0023] According to one embodiment, the selective dispensing device comprises at least four cartridges, preferably six cartridges.

[0024]

[0024] It is thus possible to offer a wide variety of scents, for example perfume compositions, or augmented reality ambient scents. It should be noted that the number of cartridges can be arbitrary within the meaning of the present invention.

[0025]

[0025] According to one embodiment, each cartridge has a general external prismatic shape, with a base (CB) of trapezoidal shape and an elongation direction perpendicular to the base, and perpendicular to the sagittal plane in use situation.

[0026] The trapezoidal base gives the cartridge a general wedge shape, so cartridges can be placed one after the other, optimizing the space occupied under the user's nose.

[0027]

[0027] The elongation direction corresponds to a transverse direction, perpendicular to the sagittal plane.

[0028]

[0028] Thanks to this prismatic shape with a trapezoidal base, the cartridges can be narrow on the exit orifice side and wide on the opposite side. The exit orifices are thus brought closer together and tightly packed, to converge towards the target point.

[0029]

[0029] With the cartridges placed end to end, their large faces in contact, the assembly thus formed occupies a compact angular sector generally resembling a quarter of a cylinder. The compactness of this assembly is remarkable, both in width, height, and depth, as will be seen in more detail later.

[0030] In one embodiment, the cartridges are housed in a control module, and the cartridges are interchangeable within the module. This allows the user to select a desired range of substances by choosing the different cartridges inserted into the control module. The control module selectively delivers an airflow into a cartridge, and this air, laden with odorant substances, exits through the outlet.

[0030]

[0031] According to one implementation, the cartridges can be grouped into subsets which are presented as a session kit or as a charger for cartridges of odorous substances.

[0031]

[0032] According to one embodiment, each cartridge has air inlet ports on a base face, to receive a pulsed airflow from an airflow delivery device, the airflow delivery devices being located in the control module.

[0032]

[0033] Air delivery devices include, for example, small fans. Alternatively, air delivery devices can be piezoelectric pumps or small solenoid valves connected to and supplied by a small compressed air reservoir, preferably integrated into the device.

[0033]

[0034] According to one design, each cartridge has a length along the transverse axis of between 30 mm and 60 mm.

[0034]

[0035] It should be noted that the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, marked U, corresponds to the transverse direction X of the device and the control module.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the long sides of the trapezoidal base are separated angularly by an angle 02 between 10° and 16°, with a typical value between 12° and 13°.

[0036]

[0037] Thus, with six cartridges placed adjacent to each other, the angular coverage of all the cartridges is 80° to 90°. This assembly represents a reasonable footprint in the area in front of and below the user's nose. It can be roughly shaped like a quarter cylinder.

[0037]

[0038] One design includes an adapter element to form a mechanical interface with a virtual reality headset. This allows the dispensing device to be made compatible with various types of virtual reality headsets or simpler masks.

[0038]

[0039] As an alternative, we could consider mounting the dispensing device on the user's head, in the position described above, but without the user wearing a virtual reality headset.

[0039]

[0040] The present invention also relates to a method for selectively dispensing odorous substances to a user (UU), the method being implemented by a device comprising a plurality of cartridges, each containing an odorous substance, the device being worn on the user's head (TU), said head having a sagittal plane (PS), each cartridge having a diffusion orifice (4), the method comprising:

[0040] - a selective diffusion of at least one odorant substance via one of the diffusion (i.e. outlet) orifices,

[0041] - selective diffusion of at least one other odorant substance via another of the diffusion orifices, the entire set of diffusion orifices being arranged in the sagittal plane.

[0041] The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising a virtual reality mask and a selective dispensing device for odorant substances as described above, with an adapter element forming a mechanical interface between the dispensing device and the virtual reality mask, thus forming a multisensory virtual reality system. This arrangement allows for visual and olfactory immersion of the user, as well as optionally audio immersion.

[0042]

[0042] The invention will be further detailed by describing non-limiting embodiments, and based on the accompanying figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which:

[0043] - [Fig.1] schematically represents, in side view, a user using a virtual reality mask with a selective dispensing device for odorous substances according to the present invention;

[0044] - [Fig.2] schematically represents, in top view, the same user as that of figure 1;

[0045] - [Fig.3] schematically represents, in front view, the same user as that of figure 1;

[0046] - [Fig.4] schematically represents, in three-quarter front view, the same user as that in figure 1;

[0047] - [Fig.5] is analogous to figure 4 with the odorant dispensing device shown in exploded view;

[0048] - [Fig.6] shows a three-quarter view of an example of the control module implementation, with the side cover disassembled;

[0049] - [Fig.7] shows in perspective view an example of a cartouche;

[0050] - [Fig.8] shows an example of a cartouche from the end;

[0051] - [Fig.9] shows in profile view an example of a cartridge cover;

[0052] - [Fig.10] shows in cross-section an example of a cartridge;

[0053] - [Fig.11] schematically represents, in front view, an example of a control module;

[0054] - [Fig.12] schematically represents in side view the example of control module of figure 11;

[0055] - [Fig.13] shows the example of the control module of figure 11 seen from the other side;

[0056] - [Fig.14] schematically illustrates an example of a functional control diagram for a device dispensing odorous substances;

[0057] - [Fig.15] schematically illustrates an example of a functional diagram of the information flows involved;

[0058] - [Fig.16] schematically illustrates an example of a sequence chronogram corresponding to a scenario for providing olfactory information;

[0059] - [Fig.17] schematically illustrates a variant embodiment concerning the selective air circulation in the cartridges.

[0060]

[0043] In the various figures, the same reference numerals designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of clarity, some elements are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0061]

[0044] Figure 1 shows a user UU using a virtual reality headset 9. The virtual reality headset 9 is complemented by a selective dispensing device for odorants, generally denoted 1, which is the subject of the present invention.

[0045] The virtual reality headset can also be complemented by audio headphones (headset or in-ear headphones), not shown.

[0062] Thus, visual information, olfactory information, and optionally auditory information are delivered.

[0063] As already mentioned, the dispensing device could be used for olfactory purposes only, independently of a visual and / or auditory scenario.

[0064] In the example illustrated in the figures, the selective dispensing device for odorous substances 1, also referred to more concisely in the following as a dispensing device or dispensing apparatus, contains 6 cartridges.

[0065] By cartridge, we mean an individual interchangeable container; it should be noted that there is no connotation of ammunition in this document.

[0066] The number of cartridges could be different, for example 4 cartridges, 5 cartridges, or more than 6 cartridges.

[0067] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, we use an orthogonal spatial coordinate system where the Z direction is the local vertical of the user's head (TU), the X direction corresponds to the lateral direction (left-right), and the Y direction corresponds to the anteroposterior direction (front-back). We immediately identify the sagittal plane of the head, which is a plane that includes a vertical direction (Z) and an anteroposterior direction (Y). This plane is denoted PS and corresponds to a YZ plane. The user's head (TU) is generally symmetrical with respect to this sagittal plane. The sagittal plane PS passes through the bridge and tip of the nose.

[0068]

[0052] The dispensing device includes a control module generally denoted 3 and an adapter element 10 which makes it possible to form a mechanical interface between the virtual reality mask 9 and the control module 3 itself.

[0069]

[0053] According to the illustrated example, the adapter element 10 is a purely mechanical element used to securely and repeatably attach the control module, particularly to the virtual reality headset. It may include clipping elements, e.g., systems with positioning and locking mechanisms. In practice, there are no limitations regarding any system that allows the control module to be attached to the virtual reality headset and thus ensures the desired positioning of the dispensing device 1 relative to the user's nose.

[0070]

[0054] According to other variants, the adapter element could convey an electrical supply to the control module or even a pneumatic supply to the control module.

[0071]

[0055] In Figure 1, the cartouches are generically identified by the reference numeral 2. The first cartouche C1 is located in the highest position. The second cartouche C2 is generally adjacent to the first cartouche C1, along their larger faces, below the first. There may be a small gap between the two cartouches, occupied by low walls or a partition, which will be discussed later.

[0072] In the same way, the third cartridge C3 is located below the second cartridge, the fourth cartridge C4 is located below the third cartridge, the fifth cartridge C5 is located below the fourth cartridge, and the sixth cartridge C6 is located below the fifth cartridge. The sequence of cartridges follows a general arc centered below the nose, which will be seen later.

[0057] Each cartridge 2 contains a limited quantity of an odorant substance; therefore, the cartridge is intended to be used, i.e., activated, a certain number of times, but it is intended either to be discarded after a certain number of uses or to be introduced into a refilling circuit that will allow the container to be reused and a new contents to be placed inside it.

[0073] The fragrance substance is contained on small solid elements called GR granules. These granules are coated or impregnated with the fragrance substance. The cartridge does not contain any liquid. The cartridge is not completely filled with GR granules.

[0074] It is an airflow that passes through the cartridge and becomes charged with the odorous substance of interest upon contact with the granules contained in the cartridge.

[0075] The airflow in question is a controlled and selective flow. Air enters the cartridge when an airflow delivery device is activated and pushes air into the cartridge.

[0076]

[0061] After passing through the cartridge in contact with the granules, the charged air exits through the diffusion orifice, also called the outlet orifice.

[0077] Each cartridge 2 has a single diffusion orifice 4. The cross-sectional area of ​​this diffusion orifice is small. The cross-sectional area is preferably less than 2 mm 2 In a specific example, the cross-sectional area of ​​this orifice is approximately 1 mm 2 .

[0078] Therefore, each cartridge has air intake holes. The number of holes and their cross-section are discussed later.

[0079] Cleverly according to the present invention, as seen in figure 3, the set of diffusion orifices 4 is arranged in a configuration for use in the sagittal plane PS.

[0080] Furthermore, the axis of the diffusion orifice 4 of each cartridge is directed towards a target point marked A, as seen in Figure 1.

[0081] The set of orifices 4 of the cartridges C1-C6 is arranged on an arc of a circle CV centered on a target point A. It is noted that the airflows exiting through the diffusion orifices converge towards the target point A.

[0082]

[0067] In the position of use, the target point A is located in a nostril area of ​​a user, under the tip of the nose, and furthermore, the circle CV is located in a vertical plane YZ, i.e. in the sagittal plane PS.

[0083] Cartridge

[0084] According to an example of an embodiment as illustrated, the cartridge 2 comprises a hollow body 20 and a cap 21. The cap can also be called a lid or a plug.

[0085]

[0070] The hollow body and the hood together define an internal volume in which the GR granules are housed.

[0086]

[0071] The cartridge is not completely filled with granules. The granules occupy a proportion of the available internal volume. This proportion can be between 50% and 90%. Thanks to this partial filling, when the cartridge undergoes mechanical movement, the granules can move and rearrange themselves, which is favorable for the absorption of the odorant substance by the airflow during the next use.

[0087]

[0072] In a particular example, this filling proportion may be on the order of 80%.

[0073] Each cartridge has a general external prismatic shape with a trapezoidal base CB and an elongation direction U perpendicular to the base CB.

[0088]

[0074] The trapezoidal base comprises two opposite parallel sides 25,26, each parallel to the direction noted V and two opposite non-parallel sides 27,28 longer than the parallel sides 25,26.

[0089] The two non-parallel sides are also called the long sides of the base.

[0090] The long sides 27,28 of the trapezoidal base are separated angularly by an angle 02. The angle 02 characterizes the opening of the wedge shape of the prismatic wedge shape of the cartouche.

[0091]

[0077] Generally, depending on the proposed configurations, angle 02 is between 10° and 16°. In particular, angle 02 can be within a typical value range between 12° and 13°.

[0092]

[0078] Thus, with six cartridges placed adjacent to each other, the angular coverage of the entire cartridge ranges from 80° to 90°. This assembly represents a reasonable bulk in the area in front of and below the user's nose. The assembly can be roughly shaped like a quarter cylinder.

[0093]

[0079] Each cartridge has two trapezoidal longitudinal end faces 22, 23 (base CB). One of the two longitudinal end faces is provided with a plurality of holes 24. There are approximately ten to fifteen holes; these holes receive an airflow from the outside, the air entering the internal volume of the cartridge through the holes.

[0094] We note that due to the random arrangement of the granules inside the cartridge, the TA air path is chaotic (see figure 7).

[0095] It is also noted that the direction of the flow entering the cartridge is generally perpendicular to the direction that the air takes when passing through the outlet orifice 4.

[0096] In addition to the two longitudinal end faces, the cartouche includes a bottom face 2b, a top face 2a, and two large faces 2c, 2d.

[0097] Angle 02 angularly separates the two large faces.

[0098] The top face 2a is quite narrow, a few millimeters wide. In each cartridge, the outlet 4 is located on the top face 2a.

[0099] Due to the narrowness of the vertex face, the trapezoidal shape of the CB base is close to a triangular shape.

[0100]

[0086] Regarding the overall dimensions of the cartridge, the length L2 along the longitudinal axis U of the cartridge can typically be between 50 mm and 80 mm. The width W2 along the axis V can typically be between 20 mm and 40 mm.

[0101] The height H2 along the W axis can typically be between 30 mm and 50 mm.

[0102] The cartridge can be made of synthetic material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyamide. Preferably, a material inert to various chemical compounds, particularly perfumes, is chosen. The same material is used for both the empty cartridge body and the cap.

[0103] The cover can be fitted with clip-on tabs (not shown) which each attach behind a small shoulder in the hollow body. Optionally, a counterbore 4a or a wider area for a plug can be provided in the area of ​​the outlet 4 (see Figure 10).

[0104] Control Module

[0105] The cartridges are housed in a control module 3.

[0106] The cartridges are interchangeable in the control module, individually or in groups.

[0107]

[0094] The cartridges can be received directly or indirectly in the control module. When received indirectly in the control module, they are first installed in a receptacle called a session kit or charger 8. The session kit or charger thus comprises a group of cartridges installed in the control module 3.

[0108] The control module includes an electronic unit 7 with an electronic board on which is placed a microcontroller 70.

[0109] The control module is formed as a structure which includes two side uprights 31, 32 and a top cross member 30. The side uprights extend downwards from the ends of the top cross member 30. In addition, there is optionally a lower connecting element 33, which connects the lower ends of the side uprights.

[0110]

[0097] The structure in question can be called a chassis or frame (or even a portal frame in the absence of a lower connecting element).

[0111]

[0098] The control module can be manufactured as a single molded plastic piece. The control module can be manufactured in two or three pieces assembled together.

[0112] In the illustrated example, the control module comprises a main piece and two side covers 36 which close off the side uprights from the outside.

[0113]

[0100] The control module includes airflow delivery elements, labeled F1 to F6. Each airflow delivery element is configured to impart air circulation within a corresponding cartridge (C1 to C6). In the illustrated example, the airflow delivery elements are small fans, but as will be seen later, other means may be suitable for the same function.

[0114] As can be seen in Figures 6, 12 and 13, in the illustrated example, the right side post 31 includes three airflow delivery devices and the left side post 32 includes three airflow delivery devices.

[0115]

[0102] It is noted that the positioning of the cartridges is alternated and corresponds to a balanced distribution to the right and left of the air flow delivery elements.

[0116]

[0103] In use, even-numbered cartridges have their air inlet on the left and odd-numbered cartridges have their air inlet on the right. One cartridge is rotated 180° relative to its neighbor

[0117]

[0104] In other words, two adjacent cartridges have a position that differs by a rotation of 180° around the axis W.

[0118]

[0105] Thus, on the right we have the odd cartridges (C1, C3, C5) and the odd airflow delivery elements (F1, F3, F5), and conversely on the left the even cartridges (C2, C4, C6) and the even airflow delivery elements (F2, F4, F6).

[0119]

[0106] The control module includes ports 51 to 56, which allow air from the airflow delivery devices to reach the air intake holes 24 of the cartridges 2.

[0107] The first fan F1 blows through the first port 51 into the first cartridge C1. The third fan F3 blows through the third port 53 into the third cartridge C3. The fifth fan F5 blows through the fifth port 55 into the fifth cartridge C5.

[0120]

[0108] On the other side, the second fan F2 blows through the second light 52 into the second cartridge C2. The fourth fan F4 blows through the fourth light 54 into the fourth cartridge C4. The sixth fan F6 blows through the sixth light 56 ​​into the sixth cartridge C6.

[0121]

[0109] It should be noted that, depending on the position of the fan, the air blown by the fan is conveyed to the corresponding light. A duct called a nozzle can be used for this function.

[0122] Furthermore, it is planned that the path taken by the air through the air flow distribution unit will be blocked outside of the activation phases.

[0123] In the case of fans, at zero speed, the fans are of the blackout type when stopped.

[0124] The sealing of the air duct during non-selective activation phases prevents air circulation inside the cartridge, which could be induced either by a movement of the user's head or by an external air current.

[0125] This avoids potential pollution due to unintentional air circulation inside the cartridges when the cartridge is not activated.

[0126] The fan housing area is concealed once the control module is assembled by a side cover 36 which includes openings 14 to allow intake air to pass through.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the axis of each fan can be parallel to the transverse X direction of the control module.

[0128] According to another embodiment, the axes of the fans are inclined with respect to the transverse direction X, so that the fans can overlap each other, thus providing a partial overlap of one fan on another.

[0129] Generally, the airflow activation elements are located in the immediate vicinity of the corresponding openings. This short distance between the delivery elements and the outlet and inlet openings of the cartridge promotes a short response time and avoids aerodynamic pressure drop effects.

[0130] The cartridges can be held individually by clipping them into the control module. For example, the cartridges can be held individually by a system of unlockable hooks.

[0131] In one illustrated scenario, the cartridges are received in a charger, and the charger itself is received in the control module. As a reminder, the charger corresponds to a session kit in the case of perfume composition trials.

[0132]

[0120] Alternatively, the cartridges could be received by individual clipping into each of the locations provided in the control module.

[0133] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the width L3 of the control module can be between 80 mm and 90 mm. This width is significantly less than the width of the configuration proposed in document W02019131808. It should be noted that the control module occupies a space that is generally symmetrical on either side of the sagittal plane PS.

[0134]

[0122] With reference to Figure 1, the height H3 of the control module can be between 75 mm and 85 mm. This represents a very modest dimension considering the presence of the six cartridges arranged one above the other.

[0135]

[0123] Furthermore, still referring to Figure 1, if we consider an average individual, the device's extension below the base of the chin, dimension denoted E3, is less than 20 mm, or even less than 15 mm in a particular application. The user UU can thus lower their head without any discomfort.

[0136] Regarding the device's weight, the weight of the control unit alone, without cartridges or battery, is less than 150 grams, preferably less than 120 grams. This makes the device comfortable to wear without the user feeling any heaviness. Adding 6 cartridges adds approximately 40 grams, so the total weight of the device without the battery is always less than 200 grams.

[0137]

[0125] Charger

[0138]

[0126] The illustrated charger includes a base case 8a, with a base that can be largely perforated and a cover 8b that closes the charger from the front.

[0139]

[0127] The charger 8 includes on its side cheeks orifices which correspond geometrically to the position of the lights of the control module.

[0140]

[0128] Thus the orifice 81 is opposite the light 51, the orifice 84 is opposite the light 54, and the orifice 86 is opposite the light 56, the same logic as applying mutatis mutandis to the other orifices and lights.

[0141]

[0129] The cover 8b can be clipped onto and unclipped from the base case as needed. The cover 8b can be perforated and include vents or a grid 87 to allow air into the internal volume of the magazine if necessary.

[0142]

[0130] In the illustrated example, partitions 89 are provided to separate the cartridges. The partitions extend radially from the bottom of the base case, with a divergence angle that corresponds substantially to the angle 02 of the opening of the wedge shapes of the cartridges.

[0143] The charger is equipped with an electronic tag (88) for automatic identification. The charger and its cartridge contents have been prepared beforehand. The contents may correspond to a presentation scenario for the scented substances, also known as a session kit.

[0144]

[0132] The session kit is identifiable by the control module 3 via the electronic identifier 88.

[0145]

[0133] The identifier and the identifier reader 76 are preferably of the NFC tag type.

[0146] The electronic board and microcontroller of the control module are of known technology per se and therefore not described in detail here.

[0147]

[0135] According to an advantageous option, the control module 3 may include a battery 17 which provides power to the dispensing system for a substantial period. The battery 17 may be rechargeable.

[0148]

[0136] As illustrated in Figure 14, the microcontroller 70 includes control outputs which are each coupled to an airflow delivery element, there is optionally a power stage installed on the electronic board (PCB).

[0149] The 70 microcontroller includes a wireless communication coupler, for example a Wifi coupler or a Bluetooth coupler, which allows the microcontroller to communicate with a remote control system.

[0150]

[0138] The remote control system can be, for example, a computer or a server generically identified by reference 5 or a smartphone identified by reference 6, the wireless link being noted 78.

[0151]

[0139] System aspects

[0152]

[0140] According to an operating configuration shown in Figure 15, the control module of the olfactory dispensing device communicates with a computer 5 and receives, via the wireless link, commands for sequences or scenarios for diffusing odorous substances. Simultaneously, the virtual reality headset 9 communicates with the computer 5 and receives, via the wireless link, commands for sequences or scenarios for displaying images. A complete, coordinated scenario can thus be played out.

[0153] An example of a diffusion sequence for odorous substances is shown in Figure 16 where the control module activates each of the airflow diffusion elements corresponding to a cartridge containing a particular odorous product or substance in turn.

[0154] According to the illustrated timing diagram, the scenario first involves the activation of the first cartridge C1 with the activation of the first fan F1. The scenario continues with the activation of the fourth cartridge C4 with the activation of the fourth fan F4, then the activation of the third cartridge C3 with the activation of the third fan F3, then the activation of the second cartridge C2 with the activation of the second fan F2, then the activation of the sixth cartridge C6 with the activation of the sixth fan F6, and finally the activation of the fifth cartridge C5 with the activation of the fifth fan F5.

[0143] It should be noted that it is possible to activate two (or more) cartridges simultaneously to generate a composition of two (or more) odorant substances.

[0155] The control of fans or more generally the control of air flow delivery devices can be carried out in on or off mode but can also be carried out according to a proportional control, in which the air flow is controlled in any quantity between 0 and a maximum air flow.

[0156]

[0145] Other points and variations

[0157]

[0146] Figure 17 shows a variant concerning the generation and delivery of air to the cartridges. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 17, a small compressed air reservoir 61 is provided, which can be placed, for example, in the upper crossmember of the control module. A pressure regulator 62 is provided at the outlet of the reservoir. A first pipe 63 supplies the right-hand side post 31, and a second pipe supplies the left-hand side post 32. In addition, at each of the openings, the side post includes a miniature solenoid valve 64. Each of the posts includes three solenoid valves, which replace the fans of the main embodiment described above.

[0158]

[0148] A diaphragm poppet on a poppet seat can be used as a miniature solenoid valve, the diaphragm being moved by an electromagnetic or piezoelectric effect.

[0159]

[0149] It is noted that in this case, the operating noise when one of the cartridges is activated is extremely low.

[0160]

[0150] According to another variant not shown in the figures, the aforementioned small fans could be replaced by miniature piezoelectric pumps.

[0161] Although alternating cartridge air inlets have been illustrated on the left and right sides of the dispensing device, it is not excluded to have all the air inlets on one side only within the meaning of the present invention.

[0162]

[0152] Similarly, among the variants, it should be understood that it is possible to have small pneumatic distribution systems arranged somewhere in the dispensing device and which deliver a selective airflow via pneumatic hoses to the air inlets of the cartridges, and in this case the control module can be of a simpler form.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Device (1) for selective dispensing of odorous substances to a user (UU), the device comprising a plurality of cartridges (2) each containing an odorous substance, the device being configured to be worn on the head (TU) of the user, said head having a sagittal plane (PS), each cartridge having a single diffusion orifice (4), characterized in that the set of diffusion orifices is arranged in a usage configuration in said sagittal plane (PS).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the set of diffusion orifices (4) is arranged on a vertical circular arc (CV) having as its center a target point (A), located in the position of use in a nostril area of ​​a user.

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein when a cartridge is stressed by a circulation of an airflow, the airflow which passes through it exits through the diffusion orifice and is directed in the open air in a straight line towards the target point (A) along a path which lies in the sagittal plane (PS).

4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the single diffusion orifice (4) of each cartridge has a passage cross-section of at most 1 mm² 2 .

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each selective dispensing device comprises at least four cartridges (C1, C2, C3, C4), preferably six cartridges.

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each cartridge (2) has a general external prismatic shape, with a base (CB) of trapezoidal shape and an elongation direction (U) perpendicular to the base (CB).

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein each cartridge comprises two longitudinal end faces (22,23), a bottom face (2b), a top face (2a), and two large faces (2c, 2d).

8. Device according to claim 7, wherein the single outlet orifice (4) is located on the top face (2a).

9. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the two large faces (2c, 2d) are separated angularly by an angle 02.

10. Device according to claim 9, wherein the angle 02 is between 10° and 16°, and is preferably within a range of values ​​between 12° and 13°.

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cartridges are housed in a control module (3), the cartridges (2) being interchangeable in the control module.

12. Device according to claim 11, wherein each cartridge (2) has air inlet ports (24) on a base face, to receive a pulsed airflow from an airflow delivery member (F1, F2, F3, F4), the airflow delivery members being placed in the control module.

13. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein an adapter element (10) is provided for forming a mechanical interface with a virtual reality mask (9).

14. A method for selectively dispensing odorous substances to a user (UU), the method being implemented by a device comprising a plurality of cartridges (2) each containing an odorous substance, the device being worn on the user's head (TU), said head having a sagittal plane (PS), each cartridge having a single diffusion orifice (4), the method comprising: - selective diffusion of at least one odorous substance via one of the diffusion orifices, - a selective diffusion of at least one other odorant substance via another of the diffusion orifices, the set of diffusion orifices is arranged in the sagittal plane (PS).

15. Assembly comprising a virtual reality mask (9), and a selective dispensing device for odorous substances (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, with an adapter element (10) forming a mechanical interface between the dispensing device and the virtual reality mask.

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