Control module for a device for selectively dispensing odorous substances

Abstract

The invention relates to a control module (3) that is configured for selectively dispensing odorous substances and comprises two lateral uprights and an upper crosspiece (30) arranged between the two lateral uprights, the two lateral uprights being configured to surround a plurality of cartridges, each of which contains an odorous substance, the control module comprising an electronic control unit (7), preferably arranged in the upper crosspiece, the control module comprising at least two air flow delivery members (F1, F3) that are arranged in the first lateral upright (31) and are configured to generate an air flow towards the second lateral upright (32), and at least two air flow delivery members (F2, F4) that are arranged in the second lateral upright (32) and are configured to generate an air flow towards the first lateral upright (31), the electronic control unit being suitable for selectively controlling an activation of one of the air flow delivery members.

Description

[0001] Control module for a 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 dispensing points for the various odorants are located in a horizontal plane, and the user may be distracted by the odorants emanating from the right or left. It should also be noted that the solution proposed according to WO2019131808 occupies a significant amount of space under the virtual reality headset.

[0008]

[0007] The inventors sought to provide a solution for dispensing odorous substances in front of a user's nose without causing a left-right imbalance in olfactory perception. The proposed solution involves placing the cartridges one above the other in a sector in front of and below the user's nose. The cartridges are selectively activated by a unit referred to herein as the control module. Furthermore, the cartridges are interchangeable, either individually or in groups.

[0009] It is therefore desirable that the entire set of cartridges and the control module that uses them occupy a reasonable volume and the smallest possible in an area located in front of the user's nose and mouth.

[0010]

[0009] To this end, a control module configured for the selective delivery of odorants is proposed, the control module comprising two side posts and a top crossbar, the top crossbar being interposed between the two side posts, the two side posts generally being parallel and spaced apart, and configured to frame a plurality of cartridges each containing an odorant, either directly or via a cartridge loader, the control module comprising an electronic control unit 7, preferably arranged in the top crossbar, characterized in that the control module comprises at least two airflow delivery elements arranged in the first side post and configured to generate an airflow towards the second side post,and at least two airflow delivery elements arranged in the second side post and configured to generate an airflow towards the first side post, the electronic control unit being adapted to selectively activate one of the airflow delivery elements.

[0010] Thanks to the arrangements proposed above, there is a balanced distribution of the elements on either side of the cartridges. This makes it possible to obtain an overall symmetry of the control module with respect to the sagittal plane and a satisfactory overall compactness.

[0011]

[0011] The airflow delivery devices may be small fans. According to alternative solutions, the airflow delivery devices may be piezoelectric pumps or small solenoid valves associated with and supplied by a small compressed air reservoir, preferably arranged in the device, e.g. in the upper cross member.

[0012]

[0012] Advantageously, the cartridges are devoid of any active element; they simply contain granules loaded with odorant substances. The control module drives the airflow that passes through a cartridge and exits through an outlet towards the tip of the user's nose.

[0013]

[0013] It should be noted that, in a situation of use with the head upright, the upper crossbar generally extends in a horizontal direction, and the side uprights each extend in a vertical direction.

[0014]

[0014] It should be noted that the control module may further include an additional cross member, also called a lower cross member, which connects the two side uprights on the side opposite their ends to those framing the upper cross member. The control module thus forms a closed frame.

[0015]

[0015] According to one embodiment, the airflow delivery devices are fans. The fan can be controlled to a desired speed by the electronic control unit, either by voltage or current.

[0016]

[0016] According to one embodiment, the fans are of the zero-speed blackout type. The fan blades close the air passage when the fan is not in use.

[0017]

[0017] The air passage closure prevents air from circulating in a cartridge, for example in a circumstance of head movement of the user or even in a circumstance of air current near the control module.

[0018]

[0018] Only the actively controlled cartridge delivers its odorant substance, without any contamination by the odorant substances from the other cartridges.

[0019]

[0019] According to one embodiment, three fans are provided in the first side post and three fans in the second side post.

[0020]

[0020] Generally speaking, three airflow delivery elements are provided in the first side pillar and three airflow delivery elements in the second side pillar. It should be noted that the number of elements per side could be 2, 4, or even more.

[0021]

[0021] According to one embodiment, blowing lights are provided, with a blowing light in aerodynamic communication with a respective air flow delivery element, the blowing light being located opposite air inlet ports in a respective cartridge opposite.

[0022]

[0022] According to one embodiment, the blower lights of the first side post are in offset positions relative to the blower lights of the second side post.

[0023]

[0023] In other words, the blower lights of the first side post are not opposite the blower lights of the second side post.

[0024] In practice, the cartridges are all identical, but their positions alternate. Even-numbered cartridges have their air intake on the left, and odd-numbered cartridges have their air intake on the right. Each cartridge is rotated 180° relative to its neighbor.

[0024]

[0025] In one design, deflectors are provided to direct the airflow towards the corresponding supply light. The airflow produced by a fan is thus directed towards the relevant supply light.

[0025]

[0026] According to one design, a nozzle or air duct is provided to direct all the air produced towards the corresponding blowing light.

[0026]

[0027] In one design, the fans are overlapped. This increases the overall compactness of the control module, as the vertical dimension of a support is less than three times the fan diameter.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the control module may further include two trim covers on the external sides of the two respective side posts, each covering the airflow delivery elements arranged in the respective side post.

[0028]

[0029] These trim covers give the control module a more premium look and enhance the aesthetics of the entire system. As an option, the trim covers can include air intake holes.

[0029]

[0030] According to one design, the electronic control unit includes an electronic board with a microcontroller.

[0030]

[0031] According to one embodiment, the electronic control unit may include a battery.

[0031]

[0032] With this in mind, the control module can operate autonomously to activate either of the cartridges via the excitation of either of the corresponding airflows.

[0032]

[0033] In one embodiment, the electronic control unit includes a wireless communication module for communicating with remote electronic equipment, such as a computer, server, or multifunction phone. Via wireless communication, the control module can receive a cartridge activation scenario or commands to be executed in real time.

[0033]

[0034] In one embodiment, the electronic control unit includes an electronic ID reader. The electronic ID reader may include an NFC-type antenna.

[0034] This reader can read an identifier located individually on a cartridge, or an identifier located on a cartridge charger.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the control module is capable of receiving a plurality of cartridges, each containing an odorant substance, either directly or via a cartridge charger, the cartridges being interchangeable.

[0036]

[0037] The present invention also relates to a device for the selective diffusion of odorous substances comprising a control module as described above, and a plurality of cartridges each containing an odorous substance, and received in the control module.

[0037]

[0038] According to one embodiment, the plurality of cartridges is formed as a series with even and odd cartridges, the airflow delivery elements of the first lateral post serving the odd cartridges and the airflow delivery elements of the second lateral post serving the even cartridges.

[0038]

[0039] According to one embodiment, the control module may further include a cartridge charger comprising slots or housings for cartridges, forming a session kit, the cartridge charger being suitable for being received in the control module.

[0039] The magazine may include ledges for guiding the cartridges, the ledges defining an individual slot for a cartridge. Alternatively, in the absence of a magazine, the control module may include ledges extending between the side posts and intended to guide the cartridges.

[0040]

[0041] The charger may be equipped with an electronic tag allowing for automatic identification. The charger and its cartridge contents have been pre-prepared and correspond to a scenario for presenting odorants. The session kit is identifiable by a reader on the control module via its electronic identifier.

[0041]

[0042] The identifier and the identifier reader are preferably of the NFC tag type.

[0042]

[0043] According to one embodiment, each cartouche has a general external prismatic shape, with a trapezoidal base and an elongation direction (X) perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the sagittal plane.

[0043]

[0044] The trapezoidal base gives the cartridge a general wedge shape, so cartridges can be placed one after the other, optimizing the space occupied in the control module.

[0044]

[0045] The direction of elongation corresponds to a transverse direction, perpendicular to the sagittal plane.

[0045] According to one embodiment, each cartridge has air inlet ports (24) on a base face, to receive a pulsed airflow from an airflow delivery device, the airflow delivery devices being located in the control module.

[0046]

[0047] Each cartridge has a single diffusion orifice (4) with a passage cross-section of at most 1 mm 2 .

[0047]

[0048] According to one design, all the diffusion orifices are located in a sagittal plane of the user's head.

[0048] According to one embodiment, each cartridge has a length (L2) along the transverse axis, between 30 mm and 60 mm.

[0049] The center-to-center distance between the two side uprights of the control module is slightly greater than the said length of the cartridge.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the large faces of the cartouche are separated angularly by an angle 02 between 10° and 16°, with a typical value between 12° and 13°.

[0051]

[0052] 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 if you are in front of and below the user's nose. It can roughly resemble a quarter cylinder.

[0052]

[0053] According to one design, an adapter element fixed to the control module is planned to form a mechanical interface with a virtual reality mask (also called a virtual reality headset).

[0054] The invention will be further detailed by describing non-limiting embodiments, and based on the accompanying figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which:

[0053] - [Fig.1 ] schematically represents in side view a user using a virtual reality mask with a selective dispensing device for odorants according to the present invention;

[0054] - [Fig.2] schematically represents in top view the same user as that of figure 1;

[0055] - [Fig.3] schematically represents, in front view, the same user as that of figure 1;

[0056] - [Fig.4] schematically represents, in three-quarter front view, the same user as that in figure 1;

[0057] - [Fig.5] is analogous to figure 4 with the odorant dispensing device shown in exploded view;

[0058] - [Fig.6] shows a three-quarter view of an example of the control module implementation, with the side cover disassembled;

[0059] - [Fig.7] shows in perspective view an example of a cartouche;

[0060] - [Fig.8] shows an example of a cartouche from the end;

[0061] - [Fig.9] shows in profile view an example of a cartridge cover;

[0062] - [Fig.10] shows in cross-section an example of a cartridge;

[0063] - [Fig.11] schematically represents, in front view, an example of a control module;

[0064] - [Fig.12] schematically represents in side view the example of control module of figure 11;

[0065] - [Fig.13] shows the example of the control module of figure 11 seen from the other side;

[0066] - [Fig.14] schematically illustrates an example of a functional control diagram for a device dispensing odorous substances;

[0067] - [Fig.15] schematically illustrates an example of a functional diagram of the information flows involved;

[0068] - [Fig.16] schematically illustrates an example of a sequence chronogram corresponding to a scenario for providing olfactory information;

[0069] - [Fig.17] schematically illustrates a variant embodiment concerning the selective air circulation in the cartridges.

[0070] In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of clarity, some elements are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0071] Figure 1 shows a user UU using a virtual reality mask 9. The virtual reality mask 9 is complemented by a selective dispensing device for odorous substances generally denoted 1 which is the subject of the present invention.

[0072]

[0057] The virtual reality mask can also be complemented by audio headphones (headset or in-ear), not shown.

[0073]

[0058] Thus, visual information, olfactory information, and optionally auditory information are delivered.

[0074]

[0059] As already mentioned, the dispensing device could be used for olfactory purposes only, independently of a visual and / or auditory scenario. In the example illustrated in the figures, the selective dispensing device for odorant substances 1, also referred to more concisely hereafter as the dispensing device or dispensing apparatus, contains 6 cartridges.

[0075] By cartridge, we mean an individual interchangeable container; it should be noted that there is no connotation of ammunition in this document.

[0076] The number of cartridges could be different, for example 4 cartridges, 5 cartridges, or more than 6 cartridges.

[0077] 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.

[0078]

[0064] 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.

[0079]

[0065] 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.

[0080]

[0066] 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.

[0081] In Figure 1, the cartouches are generically identified by the reference 2. The first cartouche, C1, is located in the highest position. The second cartouche, C2, is generally adjacent to the first cartouche, C1, by 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.

[0082]

[0068] Following the same logic, 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.

[0083] 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 filled with new contents.

[0070] The odorant substance is contained on small solid elements called granules GR. These are coated or impregnated with the odorant substance. The cartridge does not contain any liquid. The cartridge is not completely filled with granules.

[0084]

[0071] It is an airflow which passes through the cartridge and which becomes charged with the odorous substance of interest upon contact with the granules contained in the cartridge.

[0085]

[0072] The airflow in question is a controlled and selective flow. The airflow enters the cartridge when an airflow delivery device is activated and pushes air towards the inside of the cartridge.

[0086]

[0073] After passing through the cartridge in contact with the granules, the charged air exits through the diffusion orifice, also called the outlet orifice.

[0087]

[0074] 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 .

[0088]

[0075] Therefore, each cartridge is provided with air intake holes. The number of holes and the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage are discussed later.

[0089]

[0076] 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.

[0090]

[0077] In addition, the axis of the diffusion orifice 4 of each cartridge is directed towards a target point denoted A, as seen in Figure 1.

[0091]

[0078] The set of orifices 4 of the cartridges C1-C6 is arranged on an arc of a circle CV having as its center a target point A. It is noted that the air flows exiting through the diffusion orifices converge towards the target point A.

[0092]

[0079] 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.

[0093] Cartridge

[0094] 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.

[0095]

[0082] The hollow body and the hood together define an internal volume in which the GR granules are housed.

[0096] The cartridge is not completely filled with granules. The granules occupy a portion of the available internal volume. This proportion can range from 50% to 90%. Thanks to this partial filling, when the cartridge is subjected to mechanical movement, the granules can shift and rearrange themselves, which is beneficial for the absorption of the odorant by the airflow during the next use.

[0097] In a particular example, this proportion of filling can be

[0098] Each cartridge has a general external prismatic shape with a CB base of trapezoidal shape and an elongation direction U perpendicular to the CB base.

[0099] 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.

[0100]

[0087] The two non-parallel sides are also called the long sides of the base. 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.

[0101]

[0089] Generally, depending on the proposed configurations, angle 02 is between 10° and 16°. In particular, angle 02 can be within a typical value range of 12° to 14°. In a specific case, angle 02 can be between 12° and 13°.

[0102]

[0090] 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.

[0103]

[0091] 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.

[0104] We note that due to the random arrangement of the granules inside the cartridge, the TA air path is chaotic (see figure 7).

[0105]

[0093] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] Angle 02 angularly separates the two large faces.

[0108] The summit face 2a is quite narrow, it is a few millimeters wide.

[0109]

[0097] Due to the narrowness of the apex face, the trapezoidal shape of the base CB is close to a triangular shape.

[0110]

[0098] 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.

[0111]

[0099] The height H2 along the axis W can typically be between 30 mm and 50 mm.

[0112]

[0100] The cartridge can be made of synthetic material, for example polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyamide. Preferably, a material inert to exposure to various chemical compounds, particularly perfumes, is chosen. The same material is chosen for the hollow body and the cap.

[0113] The hood can be fitted with clip tabs (not shown) which each anchor behind a small shoulder made in the hollow body.

[0114]

[0102] Optionally, a counterbore 4a or a wider area for receiving a plug (see figure 10) may be provided in the area of ​​the outlet orifice 4.

[0115]

[0103] Control Module

[0116]

[0104] The cartridges are housed in a control module 3.

[0117]

[0105] The cartridges are interchangeable in the control module, individually or in groups.

[0106] 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.

[0118] The control module includes an electronic unit 7 with an electronic board on which is placed a microcontroller 70.

[0119]

[0108] 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.

[0120]

[0109] The structure in question can be called a chassis or frame (or even a portal frame in the absence of a lower connecting element).

[0121] In its normal operating position, the upper cross member 30 generally extends in an XY plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; therefore, the upper cross member 30 generally extends horizontally. The two side members 31, 32 are generally parallel to each other and spaced apart.

[0122] The control module can be manufactured as a single molded plastic piece. The control module can also be manufactured in two or three parts assembled together.

[0123] 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.

[0124] The control module includes air delivery devices, labeled F1 to F6. Each air delivery device is configured to force airflow into a corresponding cartridge (C1 to C6). In the example shown, the air delivery devices are small fans, but as will be seen later, other means may be suitable for the same function.

[0125] 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.

[0126] We note that the positioning of the cartridges is alternated and corresponds to a balanced distribution to the right and left of the air flow delivery components.

[0127] In practice, the cartridges are all identical, but their positions alternate. In use, even-numbered cartridges have their air intake on the left, and odd-numbered cartridges have their air intake on the right. Each cartridge is rotated 180° relative to its neighbor.

[0128] Put another way, two adjacent cartridges have a position that differs by a rotation of 180° around the W axis.

[0129] 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).

[0130] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132]

[0122] When the cartridges are not present in the control module, it is noted that the air flow delivery elements (F1, F3, F5) arranged in the first lateral upright 31 are configured to generate an air flow towards the second lateral upright 32 and conversely the air flow delivery elements (F2, F4, F6) arranged in the second lateral upright 31 are configured to generate an air flow towards the first lateral upright 32.

[0133]

[0123] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] In the case of fans, at zero speed, the fans are of the blackout type when stopped.

[0136]

[0126] The sealing of the air duct in the non-selective activation phases prevents air circulation inside the cartridge possibly induced either by a movement of the user's head, or by an external air current.

[0137]

[0017] This avoids potential pollution from their involuntary circulation of air inside the cartridges when the cartridge is not activated.

[0138]

[0128] The fan housing area is masked once the control module is assembled by a side cover 36 which includes openings 14 to allow intake air to pass through.

[0139]

[0129] According to one embodiment, the axis of each fan can be parallel to the transverse direction X of the control module.

[0140]

[0130] According to another embodiment, the fan axes are inclined relative to the transverse direction X, so that the fans can overlap, thus providing partial overlap of one fan on another, resulting in a more compact control module. Generally, the airflow activation elements are located in the immediate vicinity of the corresponding ports. This short distance between the delivery elements and the outlet port and inlet holes 24 of the cartridge promotes a short response time and avoids aerodynamic pressure drop effects.

[0141] 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.

[0142]

[0132] According to one illustrated possibility, 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.

[0143]

[0133] Alternatively, the cartridges could be received by individual clipping into each of the locations provided in the control module.

[0144]

[0134] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the width L3 of the control module can be between 80 mm and 90 mm. Such a width is much smaller 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.

[0145]

[0135] 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.

[0146]

[0136] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148]

[0138] Charger

[0149]

[0139] The illustrated magazine includes a base case 8a, with a base that can be largely perforated and a cover 8b that closes the magazine from the front.

[0150]

[0140] The charger 8 includes on its side cheeks orifices which correspond geometrically to the position of the lights of the control module.

[0151]

[0141] 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.

[0152] The 8b cover can be clipped onto and unclipped from the base case as needed. The 8b cover can be perforated and include vents or a grille 87 to allow air into the magazine's interior if necessary.

[0153]

[0143] 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.

[0154] An electronic tag 88 is provided on the charger, enabling automatic identification of the charger. The charger and its cartridge contents have been prepared beforehand. The contents may correspond to a presentation scenario for the odorants, also known as a session kit.

[0145] The session kit is identifiable by the control module 3 via the electronic identifier 88.

[0155]

[0146] The identifier and the identifier reader 76 are preferably of the NFC tag type.

[0156] The electronic board and microcontroller of the control module are of known technology per se and therefore not described in detail here.

[0157]

[0148] According to one option, the control module 3 may include a battery 17 which provides power to the dispensing system for a considerable period. The battery 17 may be rechargeable.

[0158]

[0149] According to an alternative embodiment, the battery is not located in the control module; it is positioned in an occipital area relative to the user's head in order to balance the weight between the front and back and to avoid disturbing the user. In this case, the battery is placed in a specific component or housed in one of the occipital support straps, and two electrical wires are provided to power the control module from the battery.

[0159]

[0150] 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).

[0160] The 70 microcontroller includes a wireless communication coupler, for example a WiFi coupler or a Bluetooth coupler, which enables the microcontroller to communicate with a remote control system.

[0161]

[0152] 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.

[0162]

[0153] System aspects

[0163]

[0154] 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.

[0164]

[0155] An example of a diffusion sequence for odorants is shown in Figure 16 where the control module activates each of the airflow diffusion elements corresponding to a cartridge containing a particular odorant product or substance in turn.

[0165]

[0156] Other points and variations

[0166]

[0157] 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 cross member 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 member 31, and a second pipe supplies the left-hand side member 32. In addition, at each of the openings, the side member includes a miniature solenoid valve 64.

[0167]

[0158] Each of the supports comprises three solenoid valves which replace the fans of the main embodiment described above.

[0159] A diaphragm flapper on a flapper seat can be used as a miniature solenoid valve, the diaphragm being moved by an electromagnetic or piezoelectric effect.

[0168]

[0160] It is noted that in this case, the operating noise when one of the cartridges is activated is extremely low.

[0169] According to another variant not shown in the figures, the aforementioned small fans could be replaced by miniature piezoelectric pumps.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Control module (3) configured for selective delivery of odorants, the control module comprising two side posts (31, 32) and a top cross member (30), the top cross member being interposed between the two side posts, the two side posts generally being parallel and spaced apart, and configured to frame a plurality of cartridges (2) each containing an odorant, either directly or via a cartridge feeder (8), the control module comprising an electronic control unit (7), preferably arranged in the top cross member, the control module forming a frame or gantry structure, each of the side posts extending vertically downwards from one end of the top cross member extending horizontally, characterized in that the control module comprises at least two airflow delivery devices (F1,F3) arranged in the first lateral upright (31) and configured to generate an airflow towards the second lateral upright (32), and at least two airflow delivery devices (F2,F4) arranged in the second lateral upright (32) and configured to generate an airflow towards the first lateral upright (31), the electronic control unit being adapted to selectively control the activation of one of the airflow delivery devices.

2. Control module according to claim 1, wherein the airflow delivery elements are fans (F1, F2, F3, F4), preferably of the blackout type with zero speed.

3. Control module according to claim 2, wherein three fans are provided in the first side post (31) and three fans in the second side post (32).

4. Control module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which blowing lights (51, 52, 53, 54) are provided, with a blowing light in aerodynamic communication with a respective air flow delivery element, the blowing light being located opposite air inlet ports (24) in a respective opposite cartridge.

5. Control module according to claim 4, wherein the blower lights of the first side post (31) are at offset positions relative to the blower lights of the second side post (32).

6. Control module according to any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein opposite each air flow delivery element, a deflector is provided to direct the air flow towards the corresponding blowing light.

7. Control module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising two cover covers (36) on the external sides of the two respective side posts (31, 32), each covering the air flow delivery elements arranged in the respective side post.

8. Control module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electronic control unit (7) comprises an electronic 'PCB' board with a microcontroller, and optionally a battery (17).

9. Device for selective diffusion of odorous substances comprising a control module (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a plurality of cartridges (2) each containing an odorous substance, and received in the control module.

10. Selective diffusion device according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of cartridges (2) is formed as a series with even cartridges (C2,C4,C6) and odd cartridges (C1,C3,C5), the air flow delivery members of the first lateral post (31) serving the odd cartridges and the air flow delivery members of the second lateral post (32) serving the even cartridges.

11. Selective diffusion device according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the control module is capable of receiving a plurality of cartridges (2) each containing an odorant substance, the cartridges being interchangeable.

12. Selective diffusion device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein each cartridge (2) has a general external prismatic shape, with a base (CB) of trapezoidal shape and an elongation direction (X) perpendicular to the base.

13. Selective diffusion device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein each cartridge has air inlet orifices (24) on one of the longitudinal end faces (22,23) of the cartridge, to receive a pulsed airflow from an airflow delivery element.

14. Selective diffusion device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, further comprising a cartridge charger (8) including cartridge slots, forming a session kit, the cartridge charger being suitable for being received in the control module (3).

Images