Correcting method for output waveform and correcting device therefor

Abstract

Provided are a correcting method for output waveform and correcting device therefor, capable of accurately identifying an odorous substance, regardless of the flow velocity of the odorous substance, when identifying the odorous substance on the basis of an output waveform of an odor sensor. The method comprises: a first detection step for detecting an odorous substance by a sensor element 310α1; a second detection step for detecting the odorous substance by a sensor element 310α2, the second detection step being arranged further downstream than the sensor element 310α1 in a flow direction Df, and having the same adsorption characteristics as the sensor element 310α1; a calculation step for calculating a correction coefficient K on the basis of a distance S1 between the sensor element 310α1 and the sensor element 310α2 in the flow direction Df, a timing t1 at which the odorous substance is detected by the sensor element 310α1, and a timing t2 at which the odorous substance is detected by the sensor element 310α2; an acquisition step for acquiring an output waveform output from the sensor element 310α1 and / or the sensor element 310α2; and a correction step of correcting the output waveform by using the correction coefficient K.

Description

Output waveform correction method and correction device

[0001] The present invention relates to an output waveform correction method and a correction device.

[0002] Conventionally, in order to measure the intensity of an odor or identify the type of an odor, detection of odor substances contained in a gas has been performed using an odor sensor. For example, detection of odor substances is performed by a user blowing exhaled breath onto a device equipped with an odor sensor. An odor sensor has, for example, an adsorption film that adsorbs an odor substance, and a detection unit that detects a change in the surface state (surface characteristics) resulting from the adsorption of the odor substance onto the adsorption film (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Conductive materials such as conductive polymers like polyaniline and ionic liquid materials, which have high electron or ion conductivity (excellent conductivity) (hereinafter referred to as conductive materials), are used for the adsorption film of the odor sensor. Further, for the detection unit, a field effect transistor sensor capable of detecting an electrical property change of the adsorption film, a charge transfer type sensor array (hereinafter referred to as a CMOS sensor) as described in Non-Patent Document 1, etc. are used.

[0003] International Publication No. 2017 / 085939

[0004] Naoya Shinmei, Tatsuya Iwata, Kenichi Hashizume, Shunichiro Kuroki, Kazuaki Sawada (2017), Gas distribution imaging by a charge transfer type sensor array using a polyaniline sensitive film, The 64th Annual Conference of the Physical Society of Japan, 16p-416-6

[0005] However, the flow rate of the gas passing over the odor sensor during detection of an odor substance is not constant. For example, when a user blows exhaled breath onto a device equipped with an odor sensor, there are users who blow the exhaled breath vigorously and users who blow the exhaled breath slowly. Conventional odor sensors have the same adsorption film, and even when the same odor substance is blown, they output different waveforms depending on the flow rate of the odor substance passing over the odor sensor. Therefore, when an odor substance is identified based on the output waveform, there is a possibility of misidentifying (false detection) an odor substance different from the actual odor substance as the identification result.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its exemplary objective is to provide a method and apparatus for correcting the output waveform of an odor sensor that can accurately identify odor substances regardless of the flow velocity of the odor substances when identifying odor substances based on the output waveform of the odor sensor.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the output waveform correction method, as an exemplary aspect of the present invention, has the following configuration.

[0008] A method for correcting an output waveform output from an odor sensor having an odor adsorption part and a base, wherein the odor adsorption part undergoes a change in physicochemical properties when an odor substance is not adsorbed and when an odor substance is adsorbed, the base is an element that outputs the change in physicochemical properties as a signal, the method comprising: a first detection step of detecting the odor substance with a first odor sensor arranged to detect the odor substance; a second detection step of detecting the odor substance with a second odor sensor arranged downstream of the first odor sensor in the flow direction of the odor substance and having an odor adsorption part having the same adsorption properties as the odor adsorption part of the first odor sensor; a calculation step of calculating a correction coefficient based on the distance between the first odor sensor and the second odor sensor in the flow direction, a first timing of detection of the odor substance by the first odor sensor, and a second timing of detection of the odor substance by the second odor sensor; an acquisition step of acquiring the output waveform output from the first odor sensor and / or the second odor sensor; and a correction step of correcting the output waveform using the correction coefficient.

[0009] A method for correcting an output waveform, as yet another exemplary aspect of the present invention, has the following configuration.

[0010] A method for correcting an output waveform output from an odor sensor having an odor adsorption part and a base, wherein the odor adsorption part undergoes a change in physicochemical properties when an odor substance is not adsorbed and when it is adsorbed, the base is an element that outputs the change in physicochemical properties as a signal, a first detection step of detecting the odor substance with a first odor sensor arranged to detect the odor substance, a second detection step of detecting the odor substance with a second odor sensor arranged downstream of the first odor sensor in the flow direction of the odor substance and having an odor adsorption part having the same adsorption characteristics as the odor adsorption part of the first odor sensor, a calculation step of calculating a correction coefficient based on the distance between the first odor sensor and the second odor sensor in the flow direction, a first timing of detection of the odor substance by the first odor sensor, and a second timing of detection of the odor substance by the second odor sensor, and an acquisition step of acquiring an output waveform output from a third odor sensor having an odor adsorption part having the same or different adsorption characteristics as the odor adsorption parts of the first and second odor sensors. A method for correcting an output waveform, comprising: a correction step of correcting the output waveform using the correction coefficient;

[0011] To solve the above problems, the correction device as an exemplary aspect of the present invention has the following configuration.

[0012] A correction device for correcting an output waveform output from an odor sensor having an odor adsorption part and a base part, wherein the odor adsorption part undergoes a change in physicochemical properties when an odor substance is not adsorbed and when it is adsorbed, the base part is an element that outputs the change in physicochemical properties as a signal, the correction device comprising: a first odor sensor that is arranged to detect the odor substance and detects the odor substance; a second odor sensor that is arranged downstream of the first odor sensor in the flow direction of the odor substance and has an odor adsorption part having the same adsorption characteristics as the odor adsorption part of the first odor sensor and detects the odor substance; a calculation means for calculating a correction coefficient based on the distance between the first odor sensor and the second odor sensor in the flow direction, a first timing at which the odor substance is detected by the first odor sensor, and a second timing at which the odor substance is detected by the second odor sensor; an acquisition means for acquiring an output waveform output from the first odor sensor and / or the second odor sensor; and a correction means for correcting the output waveform using the correction coefficient.

[0013] A corrective device, as yet another exemplary aspect of the present invention, has the following configuration.

[0014] A correction device for correcting an output waveform output from an odor sensor having an odor adsorption part and a base part, wherein the odor adsorption part exhibits a change in physicochemical properties when odor substances are not adsorbed and when they are adsorbed, the base part is an element that outputs the change in physicochemical properties as a signal, a first odor sensor that is arranged to detect the odor substances and detects the odor substances, a second odor sensor that is arranged downstream of the first odor sensor in the flow direction of the odor substances and has an odor adsorption part having the same adsorption characteristics as the odor adsorption part of the first odor sensor and detects the odor substances, a third odor sensor that has an odor adsorption part having the same or different adsorption characteristics as the odor adsorption part of the first odor sensor and / or the second odor sensor, a calculation means for calculating a correction coefficient based on the distance between the first odor sensor and the second odor sensor in the flow direction, a first timing at which the odor substances are detected by the first odor sensor, and a second timing at which the odor substances are detected by the second odor sensor, and an acquisition means for acquiring an output waveform output from the third odor sensor. A correction device comprising: a correction means for correcting the output waveform using the correction coefficient;

[0015] Further objects or other features of the present invention will be revealed by preferred embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] According to the present invention, when identifying odor substances based on the output waveform of an odor sensor, it is possible to provide a method and apparatus for correcting the output waveform that can accurately identify odor substances regardless of the flow velocity of the odor substances.

[0017] A schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the odor sensor of the embodiment, (a) a top view of the odor sensor, (b) a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in (a). A schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the odor sensor of the embodiment, (a) a top view of the odor sensor, (b) a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B in (a). A schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the odor data analysis device of the embodiment. A diagram showing the output waveform of the sensor element when a gas containing the same odor substance is detected at various flow rates using the sensor element having the same adsorption membrane as in Embodiment 1. A schematic diagram showing the odor detection device of Embodiment 1. A diagram showing the output waveform after correcting the output waveform of Figure 4 in Embodiment 1. A diagram showing the unbranched flow path and sensor element of Embodiment 1. A diagram showing Embodiment 1 of Embodiment 1, (a) a diagram showing the output waveform of the sensor element for determining the correction coefficient K, (b) a diagram showing the output waveform before correction, (c) a diagram showing the output waveform after correction. A diagram showing the branched flow path and sensor element of Embodiment 1. A diagram showing the general configuration of the odor sensor unit of Embodiment 2.

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "odor substance" broadly refers to a substance that can be adsorbed onto the adsorption membrane (odor adsorption part). Therefore, "odor substance" includes substances that are not generally considered to be odor-causing substances, substances that are not recognized as odor substances, or unknown odor substances. Furthermore, "odor substance" includes not only individual odor substances but also "aggregates of multiple odor substances." In the embodiments described below, the CMOS sensor refers to the sensor described in the non-patent literature mentioned above, but is not limited to a CMOS sensor.

[0019] <Odor Sensor> Figure 1 shows an odor sensor 100, where (a) is a top view of the odor sensor 100 and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in (a). The odor sensor 100 has a plurality of sensor elements 110 and a substrate 120. The sensor element 110 has an adsorption film 112, a detection unit 114, and an electrode 116.

[0020] The odor sensor 100 in Figure 1 has, for example, nine sensor elements 110a to 110i. Specifically, sensor element 110a has an adsorption membrane 112a, a detection unit 114a, and an electrode 116a; sensor element 110b has an adsorption membrane 112b, a detection unit 114b, and an electrode 116b; ..., sensor element 110i has an adsorption membrane 112i, a detection unit 114i, and an electrode 116i. Note that when the sensor elements (adsorption membrane, detection unit, electrode) are not specified, the subscripts a to i (including j to l which will be described later) are omitted. The adsorption membrane 112 is a membrane that adsorbs odor substances, and its details will be described later.

[0021] The detection unit 114 detects changes in the adsorption state (also called adsorption characteristics) caused by the adsorption of odor substances onto the adsorption film 112. Note that "adsorption of odor substances onto the adsorption film 112" includes not only the adsorption of odor substances onto the surface of the adsorption film 112, but also the absorption of odor substances into the interior of the adsorption film 112. Here, the change in the adsorption state caused by the adsorption of odor substances onto the adsorption film 112 includes changes in the mechanical, optical, electrical, or chemical properties (hereinafter referred to as physicochemical properties) of the odor substances. The detection unit 114 outputs the change in the adsorption state of the adsorption film 112 as a signal, for example. In other words, the detection unit 114 also functions as a signal converter (transducer).

[0022] "Changes in mechanical properties" include, for example, changes in the resonant frequency of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), changes in the velocity of surface acoustic waves, expansion and contraction of films in piezoelectric elements, or changes in deflection. "Changes in optical properties" include changes in absorption wavelength, absorbance, fluorescence and emission characteristics, and changes in refractive index in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) elements, etc. "Changes in electrical properties" include, for example, changes in electrical conductivity, resistance, dielectric constant, and electrochemical impedance in charge-coupled elements, changes in oxidation-reduction potential in oxide semiconductor sensors, and changes in gate current, gate voltage, impedance, and band gap in field-effect transistor (FET) sensors and CMOS sensors, etc.

[0023] Examples of elements (sensors) that can be used in the detection unit 114 include the following: quartz crystal oscillator sensors (QCMs), surface acoustic wave sensors, field-effect transistor (FET) sensors, MOS field-effect transistor sensors, charge-coupled element sensors, metal oxide semiconductor sensors, organic conductive polymer sensors, electrochemical sensors, etc. The elements used in the detection unit 114 are not limited to these, and various elements can be used as appropriate depending on the purpose of use of the odor sensor 100.

[0024] The "adsorption state of odor substances to the adsorption membrane 112" includes, for example, the "amount of odor substances adsorbed to the adsorption membrane 112." The mechanical, optical, or electrical properties of the adsorption membrane 112 change as the amount of odor substances adsorbed to the adsorption membrane 112 increases or decreases, and the detection unit 114 detects the adsorption state of odor substances to the adsorption membrane 112 by detecting the amount of change.

[0025] The electrode 116 can be formed from a predetermined conductive material. Examples of predetermined conductive materials include inorganic materials and organic materials. Inorganic materials include, for example, gold, silver, platinum, chromium, titanium, aluminum, nickel, nickel alloys, silicon, etc. Organic materials include, for example, polypyrrole, polyaniline, carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and other nanocarbon materials.

[0026] The substrate 120 is, for example, a flat plate having a surface 120a and a surface 120b, with the sensor element 110 mounted on one surface 120a and the electrode 116 mounted on the other surface 120b (see Figure 1(b)). The substrate 120 can be, for example, a silicon substrate, a substrate made of quartz crystal, a printed circuit board, a ceramic substrate, a resin substrate, etc. Alternatively, the substrate 120 may be a multilayer wiring board such as an interposer substrate.

[0027] <Sensor Elements> The odor sensor 100 shown in Figure 1(a) has nine sensor elements 110a to 110i arranged in a 3x3 grid, but the number and arrangement (configuration) of the sensor elements 110 are not limited to this. Also, the sensor element 110 shown in Figure 1 has a one-to-one correspondence between the detection unit 114 and the adsorption film 112, but this is not limited to this. Figure 2 shows another correspondence between the detection unit 114 and the adsorption film 112, where (a) is a top view of the odor sensor 100 and (b) is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B in (a).

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, one adsorption film 112j may correspond to three detection units 114a, 114d, and 114g, forming three sensor elements 110a, 110d, and 110g. Alternatively, one adsorption film 112k may correspond to two detection units 114b and 114c, forming two sensor elements 110b and 110c. Furthermore, one adsorption film 112l may correspond to four detection units 114e, 114f, 114h, and 114i, forming four sensor elements 110e, 110f, 110h, and 110i. In other words, one adsorption film 112 may be provided on n detection units 114 to form n sensor elements 110. Here, n is an integer of 1 or more. Furthermore, one or more sensor elements 110 may be used as reference sensor elements 110 without forming an adsorption film 112 on the detection unit 114.

[0029] <Odor Data Analysis Device> Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the odor data analysis device 200 of Embodiment 1. The odor data analysis device 200 has the odor sensor 100 and the analysis unit 220 described above.

[0030] The analysis unit 220 is for analyzing the odor data F1 output from the odor sensor 100. The analysis unit 220 mainly consists of a processing unit (CPU) 220a, and may also have a memory 220b. The memory 220b may be provided externally, separate from the analysis unit 220. The analysis unit 220 also has a data input / output port 220c. The input / output port 220c has the function of receiving the odor data F1 from the odor sensor 100 and the function of transmitting the calculated data R as a result of the calculation processing performed by the CPU 220a to the control unit (not shown). The control unit (not shown) may be the control unit of an external device, such as a personal computer, to which the odor data analysis device 200 is connected by known wired or wireless communication means.

[0031] The memory 220b stores an analysis program Prg for analyzing odor data F1. This analysis program Prg performs known calculations on the analysis unit 220, which acts as a computer, specifically the CPU 220a, which is the main component of the analysis unit 220, thereby enabling the analysis of odor data F1. Although the data analysis device 200 in Figure 3 has one odor sensor 100, it may have multiple odor sensors 100.

[0032] [Embodiment 1] <Regarding flow velocity and output waveform> In the following description, the gas containing odor substances will simply be referred to as gas. The distance a fluid (in this case, gas) travels per unit time is called the flow velocity and is expressed in meters per second (m / s). The volume of fluid (in this case, gas) flowing per unit time is called the flow rate and is expressed in liters per second (L / s). Note that the flow rate is expressed in cubic meters per second (m ３ The flow velocity and flow rate can also be expressed as ( / s). ２ The relationship is expressed as "flow velocity = flow rate ÷ cross-sectional area" using ). Note that the unit system is not limited to the MKS unit system, but may also be the CGS unit system.

[0033] Figure 4 shows the output waveforms of an odor sensor 100 having the same adsorption membrane 112 when detecting a gas containing the same odor substance at various flow rates. In Figure 4, the unit of flow rate is liters per minute (L / min). In Figure 4, the horizontal axis is time (milliseconds (ms)) and the vertical axis is the voltage (millivolts (mV)) output from the odor sensor 100. The waveforms shown in Figure 4 are the output waveforms obtained from the odor sensor 100. Furthermore, output waveform a in Figure 4 shows the waveform when the flow rate is 0.2 L / min, output waveform b shows the waveform when the flow rate is 0.4 L / min, and output waveform c shows the waveform when the flow rate is 0.6 L / min. Additionally, output waveform d shows the waveform when the flow rate is 0.8 L / min, output waveform e shows the waveform when the flow rate is 1.0 L / min, and output waveform f shows the waveform when the flow rate is 1.2 L / min.

[0034] As shown in the output waveforms a to f of Figure 4, even when a gas containing the same odor substance is detected by an odor sensor 100 having the same adsorption membrane 112, the output waveforms are different. For example, the timing of the voltage fall, the slope of the fall, the timing of reaching the lowest point of the fall, the voltage value at the lowest point, and the waveform when the voltage value rises from the lowest point are different. When identifying which odor substance is contained in the gas based on the timing and slope of the fall of the output waveform of the odor sensor 100, for example, the timing of the fall and the slope will be different between output waveform a with a small (slow) flow rate and output waveform f with a large (fast) flow rate. The slope is gentle in output waveform a with a small flow rate, but steep in output waveform f with a large flow rate.

[0035] Therefore, when the CPU 220a identifies odor substances based on the slope of the output waveform, etc., there is a risk that it may identify a substance other than the actual odor substance as the odor substance (false detection).

[0036] Note that the output waveforms a to f in Figure 4 have a falling edge shape from the time the odor sensor 100 starts detecting odor substances, but this is not the only example. The same applies to output waveforms that rise from the time the odor sensor 100 starts detecting odor substances.

[0037] <Correction of Output Waveform> The method for correcting the output waveform of Embodiment 1 comprises a first detection step, a second detection step, a calculation step, an acquisition step, and a correction step. The first detection step is a step of detecting an odor substance using a first odor sensor that is positioned to detect the odor substance. The second detection step is a step of detecting an odor substance using a second odor sensor that is positioned downstream of the first odor sensor in the flow direction of the odor substance and has an odor adsorption part having the same adsorption characteristics as the odor adsorption part of the first odor sensor. The calculation step is a step of calculating a correction coefficient based on the distance between the first odor sensor and the second odor sensor in the flow direction, a first timing at which the odor substance is detected by the first odor sensor, and a second timing at which the odor substance is detected by the second odor sensor. The acquisition step is a step of acquiring the output waveform output from the first odor sensor and / or the second odor sensor. The correction step is a step of correcting the output waveform using the correction coefficient.

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an odor detection device 300 to which the configuration of Embodiment 1 is applied. Note that the odor data analysis device 200 described above in Figure 3 functions as a correction device, and the odor sensor 100 in Figure 3 can be replaced with the odor detection device 300. Other than this, the configuration is the same as in Figure 3, and only the differences from Figure 3 will be explained below.

[0039] The odor detection device 300 has an intake port 301, an exhaust port 302, a flow path 303, and an odor sensor 305. The intake port 301 is an opening for taking in gas G containing the odor substance to be detected into the flow path 303. The exhaust port 302 is an opening for discharging gas G containing the odor substance from the flow path 303 to the outside.

[0040] The flow path 303 is provided between the intake port 301 and the exhaust port 302, and is a pipe through which the gas G taken in from the intake port 301 flows toward the exhaust port 302. The flow path 303 is formed so that no other gases flow in or out between the intake port 301 and the exhaust port 302. In the following description, the flow direction of the gas G in the flow path 303 will be denoted as Df. That is, the intake port 301 is located upstream of the flow direction Df, and the exhaust port 302 is located downstream of the flow direction Df.

[0041] The odor sensor 305 includes a plurality of sensor elements 310 arranged to be able to detect odor substances. The sensor element 310 has an adsorption film 312 and a detection unit 314. The adsorption film 312 causes a physicochemical property change when the odor substance is not adsorbed and when it is adsorbed. The detection unit 314 is an element that outputs the physicochemical property change that occurs in the adsorption film 312 as a signal.

[0042] The odor sensor 305 includes at least two sensor elements 310 having adsorption films 312 with the same adsorption characteristics. Note that the odor sensor 305 may include sensor elements 310 having adsorption films 312 with different adsorption characteristics. In FIG. 5, the odor sensor 305 includes a plurality of sensor elements 310 having adsorption films 312 with the same adsorption characteristics and a plurality of sensor elements 310 having adsorption films 312 with different adsorption characteristics.

[0043] The fact that the sensor element 310 has an adsorption film 312 with different adsorption characteristics is represented by subscripts α, β, γ, δ,... etc. of symbols. Also, when it is necessary to distinguish two or more sensor elements 310 having adsorption films 312 with the same adsorption characteristics, if necessary, 1, 2, 3,... etc. are further added to the subscript of the symbol in order from the upstream in the flow direction Df for distinction. That is, when denoted as the sensor element 310α, it means having the adsorption film 312α. Also, the sensor element 310α1 and the sensor element 310α2 are two sensor elements 310α having the adsorption film 312α with the same adsorption characteristics, and it means that they are arranged in the order of the sensor element 310α1 and the sensor element 310α2 from the upstream in the flow direction Df.

[0044] In FIG. 5, they are arranged as the sensor elements 310α1, 310β1, 310γ1, 310δ1, 310α2, 310γ2, 310β1, 310δ2 from the upstream to the downstream in the flow direction Df. The detection unit 314 (314α1 to 314δ2) is the same as the detection unit 114 described above.

[0045] <Correction Factor>To obtain the correction factor K described below, two sensor elements 310 having adsorption films 312 with the same adsorption characteristics are selected. In Embodiment 1, in order to obtain the correction factor K for correcting the output waveform of the sensor element 310, the sensor element 310α1 (first odor sensor) and the sensor element 310α2 (second odor sensor) are selected. Note that the sensor element 310 for obtaining the correction factor K only needs to react to the odor substance, but it is desirable to have a general-purpose adsorption film 312.

[0046] Here, let the distance between the sensor element 310α1 and the sensor element 310α2 be S1. Note that the distance S1 is the distance between the upstream ends in the flow direction Df of each sensor element 310α, but it may be the distance between the downstream ends in the flow direction Df or the distance between the central portions in the flow direction Df. The distance S1 is a known value obtained when the odor sensor 305 is manufactured.

[0047] It is assumed that the CPU 220a starts a timer (not shown) at least when the gas G flows in from the intake port 301. The CPU 220a acquires the time when the odor substance is detected by the sensor element 310α1 (hereinafter referred to as timing t1 (first timing)) and the time when the odor substance is detected by the sensor element 310α2 (hereinafter referred to as timing t2 (second timing)). Here, the timings t1 and t2 at which the odor substance is detected are, for example, the timings at which the voltage value starts to fall in the graph of FIG. 4.

[0048] Thereby, the CPU 220a can obtain the flow velocity Vf by the following formula (1). Vf = S1 / (t2 - t1) (1) Also, assuming that the cross-sectional area A of the flow path 303 is constant, the CPU 220a can obtain the flow rate Lf by the following formula (2). Lf = Vf × A = {S1 / (t2 - t1)} × A (2) Note that the flow rate Lf may be appropriately converted in units according to the characteristics of the odor detection device 300, such as cubic meters per second, cubic meters per minute, or liters per minute.

[0049] In Embodiment 1, the flow rate Lf obtained by equation (2) is used as a correction coefficient K for correcting the output waveform. The CPU 220a functions as a calculation means for calculating the correction coefficient K. Sensor elements 310α1 and 310α2 can be said to be sensor elements 310 for obtaining the correction coefficient K. In the following description, the flow rate Lf may also be referred to as the correction coefficient K.

[0050] In the example shown in Figure 5, the odor sensor 305 also has sensor elements 310β1, 310β2, 310γ1, 310γ2, 310δ1, and 310δ2. Since each sensor element 310 is paired up in two, one upstream and one downstream in the flow direction Df, any pair of sensor elements 310 can be selected to determine the correction coefficient K. For example, the correction coefficient K (hereinafter referred to as the correction coefficient Kβ) may be determined using sensor elements 310β1 and 310β2. Furthermore, the correction coefficient Kγ may be determined using sensor elements 310γ1 and 310γ2, and the correction coefficient Kδ may be determined using sensor elements 310δ1 and 310δ2. The correction coefficient K determined using sensor elements 310α1 and 310α2 will be referred to as the correction coefficient Kα.

[0051] By determining one correction coefficient K using any one pair of sensor elements 310, the correction coefficient K can be used to correct the output waveforms of the pair of sensor elements 310 used to calculate the correction coefficient K, and also the output waveforms of the other sensor elements 310 (third odor sensor). Note that the other sensor elements 310 are different from the pair of sensor elements 310 used to determine the correction coefficient K. The other sensor elements 310 may include both sensor elements 310 having an adsorption film 312 with the same adsorption characteristics as the pair of sensor elements 310, and sensor elements 310 having an adsorption film 312 with different adsorption characteristics.

[0052] Ideally, Kα = Kβ = Kγ = Kδ, but the correction coefficient K may vary due to variations in the reaction speed and arrangement of the sensor element 310. In this case, multiple correction coefficients K(Kα, Kβ, Kγ, Kδ) may be obtained, and the average value of the multiple correction coefficients K(Kα, Kβ, Kγ, Kδ) may be used as the new correction coefficient K, or the maximum or minimum value may be used as the new correction coefficient K.

[0053] <Correction Method> Next, a correction method for correcting the output waveforms of sensor element 310α1 and / or sensor element 310α2 using a correction coefficient K (Kα) will be described. Note that the sensor element 310 to be corrected may be any other sensor element 310 (310β, 310γ, 310δ).

[0054] By correcting the output waveform of the sensor element 310 using the correction method of Embodiment 1, for example, when a user blows exhaled air into the air intake port 301 to detect odor substances, results independent of the flow rate can be obtained. That is, whether the exhaled air is blown forcefully (high flow rate) or blown slowly (low flow rate), the output waveform can be corrected by the correction coefficient K, allowing for accurate identification of odor substances regardless of the flow rate.

[0055] The specific correction method is described below. The CPU 220a acquires the uncorrected output waveforms output from the sensor elements 310α1 and 310α2, as shown in Figure 4. The CPU 220a functions as an acquisition means for acquiring the output waveforms. The CPU 220a acquires a new waveform (hereinafter referred to as the corrected output waveform) with the horizontal axis representing the value obtained by multiplying each time point (hereinafter referred to as timing t) of the output waveform by the correction coefficient K. That is, the CPU 220a converts time (t) into volume (Vol) by multiplying each time point of the output waveform by the correction coefficient K (Equation (3)). The CPU 220a functions as a correction means for correcting the output waveform. The following equation (3) is the correction formula using the correction coefficient K. Vol = t × K = t × Lf = t × {S1 / (t2 - t1)} × A (3)

[0056] Figure 6 is a graph showing the corrected output waveforms a' to f' obtained by correcting the output waveforms a to f in Figure 4 using the correction coefficient K of Embodiment 1. In Figure 6, the horizontal axis is volume (mL). As shown in Figure 6, the corrected output waveforms a' to f', which were obtained by detecting the same odor substance at different flow rates using sensor elements 310 having the same adsorption membrane 312, have the same falling timing and slope.

[0057] Here, the correction coefficient K is a value obtained from the flow rate Lf, but by assuming a reference flow rate of 1 (L / min, etc.), the correction coefficient K can be treated as a dimensionless quantity. That is, by treating the correction coefficient K as Lf(L / min) / 1(L / min) = Lf (unitless), the horizontal axis of Figure 6 can be considered as time. In this way, for example, the point on the horizontal axis of Figure 6 where the falling edge begins can be considered as time (timing).

[0058] Thus, by using the correction method of Embodiment 1, sensor elements 310 having the same adsorption characteristics as adsorption films 312 will produce the same output waveform regardless of the flow rate (flow rate) for the same odor substance, preventing false detection and improving the detection accuracy of odor substances.

[0059] <Typical flow path: Unbranched flow path> In the above-mentioned formula (2) for calculating the correction coefficient K(Lf), it was explained assuming that the flow path 303 has a constant cross-sectional area A. In actual flow paths, the cross-sectional area A is not constant, but changes depending on the position in the flow direction Df. Therefore, the explanation below will be generalized to the case where the cross-sectional area A depends on the flow direction Df.

[0060] Figure 7 shows an odor detection device 300A having a general, unbranched flow path 303A. Although only sensor elements 310α1 and 310α2 are shown for the odor detection device 300A, it may also have other sensor elements 310 having different adsorption films 312, as shown in Figure 5.

[0061] In the flow direction Df, the position of sensor element 310α1 is P1, and the position of sensor element 310α2 is P2. The positions of sensor elements 310α1 and 310α2 are at the upstream end of the flow direction Df, but they may also be at the downstream end or in the center of the flow direction Df. When the cross-sectional area A depends on the position P in the flow direction Df, the cross-sectional area A can be expressed as a function of position P, A(P). For this reason, the correction coefficient K mentioned above can be expressed by the following equation (4).

[0062] Furthermore, the corrected output waveform, obtained by converting time t to volume Vol, can be obtained from the following equation (5).

[0063] <Example 1> Figure 8 shows Example 1, where Figure 8(a) is a graph showing the output waveform g obtained from sensor element 310α1 and the output waveform h obtained from sensor element 310α2 when a gas G containing a predetermined odor substance is supplied at a flow rate of 0.3 mL / min. In Figure 8(a), the horizontal axis represents time (ms) and the vertical axis represents voltage (mV). The difference t2-t1 (hereinafter also referred to as the response timing difference) between the timings t1 and t2 in which the odor substance was detected by sensor elements 310α1 and 310α2 was 2.62 s. The volume of the flow path 303 from sensor element 310α1 to sensor element 310α2 was 13.8 mL. In this case, the correction coefficient K is 0.316 L / min.

[0064] Figure 8(b) shows the output waveforms when a sensor element 310α having an adsorption membrane 312α detects gas G containing the same odor substance at different flow rates; that is, it shows the output waveforms before correction. The horizontal and vertical axes in Figure 8(b) are the same as in Figure 8(a). Output waveform g is shown for a flow rate of 0.3 mL / min, output waveform i is shown for a flow rate of 1.0 mL / min, and output waveform j is shown for a flow rate of 0.1 mL / min. As shown in Figure 8(b), the output waveforms before correction differ depending on the flow rate.

[0065] Figure 8(c) shows the output waveform after correction using the correction coefficient K (= 0.316 L / min) of Embodiment 1, with volume (mL) on the horizontal axis and voltage (mV) on the vertical axis. In Figure 8(c), output waveform g' shows the corrected waveform of output waveform g, output waveform i' shows the corrected waveform of output waveform i, and output waveform j' shows the corrected waveform of output waveform j. With the correction method of Embodiment 1, the output waveforms corrected using the correction coefficient K all have the same rise timing and slope regardless of the flow rate, and the CPU 220a can accurately identify odor substances regardless of the flow rate based on the corrected output waveform.

[0066] <Typical Flow Path: Branching Flow Path> In Figure 7, the flow path 303A was described as not branching. In actual flow paths, there are branches, and the sensor element 310α2 may be located in a branched flow path different from that of the sensor element 310α1. Therefore, the odor detection device 300B having a branching flow path 303B will be described.

[0067] Figure 9 shows the branched flow path 303B and the sensor elements 310α1 and 310α2. Flow path 303B branches from an unbranched flow path 303B1 (one flow path) that continues from the intake port 301 into a first flow path 303B2 where the sensor element 310α1 is located, and a second flow path 303B3 where the sensor element 310α2 is located, which is different from flow path 303B2. Flow path 303B2 and flow path 303B3 merge at the confluence point Pc upstream of the exhaust port 302, becoming one flow path again (flow path 303B4). Note that for the odor detection device 300B, only the sensor elements 310α1 and 310α2 are shown.

[0068] In the flow direction Df, the branching point where the flow path 303B1 branches into flow path 303B2 and flow path 303B3 is defined as P0. Similarly to Figure 7, the position of sensor element 310α1 is defined as P1, and the position of sensor element 310α2 is defined as P2. The positions of sensor elements 310α1 and 310α2 are at the upstream end of the flow direction Df, but they may also be at the downstream end of the flow direction Df, or in the center of the flow direction Df.

[0069] When the cross-sectional area of ​​a flow path from the branching point P0 through the flow path 303B2 to the confluence point Pc depends on the position P in the flow direction Df, the cross-sectional area can be expressed as a function of position P, A1(P). Note that function A1(P) may also include the cross-sectional areas of the flow path 303B1 upstream of the branching point P0 in the flow direction Df and the flow path 303B4 downstream of the confluence point Pc in the flow direction Df. When the cross-sectional area of ​​a flow path from the branching point P0 through the flow path 303B3 to the confluence point Pc depends on the position P in the flow direction Df, the cross-sectional area can be expressed as a function of position P, A2(P). Note that function A2(P) may also include the cross-sectional areas of the flow path 303B1 upstream of the branching point P0 in the flow direction Df and the flow path 303B4 downstream of the confluence point Pc in the flow direction Df.

[0070] Furthermore, let K1 be the correction coefficient when correcting the output waveform of the sensor element 310α1 located in the flow path 303B2. Let K2 be the correction coefficient when correcting the output waveform of the sensor element 310α2 located in the flow path 303B3. In this way, when the flow path 303B is branched, the correction coefficients K1 and K2 are calculated according to the cross-sectional area (or volume) of the branched flow paths 303B2 and 303B3, respectively. The correction coefficient K1 can be expressed by the following equation (6), and the correction coefficient K2 can be expressed by the following equation (7).

[0071] The corrected output waveform of sensor element 310α1 (output waveform converted from time to volume) can be obtained from the following equation (8), and the corrected output waveform of sensor element 310α2 (output waveform converted from time to volume) can be obtained from the following equation (9).

[0072] Furthermore, because the flow path 303B has a branching and merging shape, the gas G flowing through the flow path 303B collides with the inner wall forming the flow path 303B, reducing its kinetic energy and causing pressure loss (flow path pressure loss). The constant k (constant value) in equations (6) to (9) is a constant based on the pressure loss of the flow path 303B, and is a value obtained when the flow path 303B is designed. More specifically, the constant k is the distribution constant of the flow rates of flow paths 303B2 and 303B3, which is determined by the flow path pressure loss.

[0073] Furthermore, if other sensor elements 310 besides sensor elements 310α1 and 310α2 are present, the output waveforms of the other sensor elements 310 can be corrected as follows: The output waveform of the other sensor elements 310 located in the same flow path 303B2 as sensor element 310α1 can be corrected using a correction coefficient K1. On the other hand, the output waveform of the other sensor elements 310 located in the same flow path 303B3 as sensor element 310α2 can be corrected using a correction coefficient K2.

[0074] In this way, even when the flow path 303B is branched and the cross-sectional area is not constant, the correction coefficient K can be determined and the output waveform of the sensor element 310 can be corrected. As a result, the CPU 220a can accurately identify odor substances regardless of the flow rate (flow velocity) of the gas G.

[0075] <Arrangement of Multiple Sensor Elements: Non-periodic Arrangement> In Figure 5, if we use symbols such as α to represent the adsorption characteristics, the sensor elements 310 are arranged in a non-periodic order, as follows: α1→β1→γ1→δ1→α2→γ2→β2→δ2. From the viewpoint of the responsiveness of the sensor elements 310, it may be better if the distance (S1, etc., as described above) between a pair of sensor elements 310 (e.g., 310α1, 310α2) that are used to determine the correction coefficient K is large (further apart). For example, the distance S1 between sensor elements 310α1 and 310α2 for determining the correction coefficient K may be increased, as in α1→β1→γ1→δ1→γ2→β2→δ2→α2, and other sensor elements 310 may be placed between sensor elements 310α1 and 310α2. This makes it possible to accurately detect the timings t1 and t2 regardless of the response characteristics of the sensor elements 310.

[0076] <Arrangement of multiple sensor elements: Periodic arrangement> Alternatively, for example, the sensor elements 310 may be arranged in a periodic order as follows: α1→β1→γ1→δ1→α2→β2→γ2→δ2 This ensures that the distance between sensor elements 310 is the same for any pair of sensor elements 310, and the difference between timing t1 and timing t2 is also the same. Therefore, the variation in the obtained correction coefficient K is reduced regardless of which pair of sensor elements 310 is used.

[0077] As described above, Embodiment 1 provides a method and apparatus for correcting the output waveform of an odor sensor, which enables accurate identification of odor substances based on the output waveform of the odor substance, regardless of the flow velocity of the odor substance. Furthermore, the flow rate can be obtained without using a flow meter.

[0078] [Embodiment 2] The odor sensor according to Embodiment 2 will be described below.

[0079] <Configuration of Odor Sensor> In an odor sensor, an adsorption film is formed on the surface of the base to adsorb specific odor substances. This adsorption film is formed by adding additives to a film material such as a conductive polymer film.

[0080] A quartz crystal oscillator (QCM) sensor can be used as the base. Other sensors that can be used as the base include, for example, surface acoustic wave sensors, field-effect transistors (FETs), charge-coupled element sensors, MOS field-effect transistors, metal oxide semiconductor sensors, organic conductive polymer sensors, electrochemical sensors, piezoelectric element sensors, and SPR sensors. Depending on the base used, the physical quantities that constitute the odor data F1 may include frequency, potential, mass, wavelength and intensity of light and sound, resistance, and current.

[0081] For the membrane material constituting the adsorption film, conductive polymers such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, and polythiophene can be used. Ionic liquids, general-purpose resins, plasticizers, and salts can also be used as membrane materials. Furthermore, inorganic materials such as gold, silver, platinum, chromium, titanium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-based alloys, and silicon can be used for the electrodes. Other materials such as carbon, carbon nanotubes, and graphene (nanocarbon materials) can also be used.

[0082] As additives, for example, inorganic ions, organic acid anions, and polymeric acid anions can be used. Examples of inorganic ions include chloride ions, chloride ions, bromide ions, sulfate ions, nitrate ions, and borate ions. Examples of organic acid anions include alkyl sulfonic acids, benzenesulfonic acids, and carboxylic acids. Examples of polymeric acid anions include organic acid anions such as alkyl sulfonic acids, benzenesulfonic acids, and carboxylic acids, as well as polymeric acid anions such as polyacrylic acid and polystyrene sulfonic acid. Other possible additives include host materials such as cyclodextrins and crown ether derivatives, organic base materials such as alkylamines, arylamines, and nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, and hydrogen-bonding materials such as urea derivatives and thiourea derivatives. Various ionic liquids can also be used as additives.

[0083] <Arrangement of Odor Sensors> Odor sensors can be used by arranging multiple adsorption films on the surface of one or more bases. In this case, for example, multiple different adsorption films, each having unique adsorption characteristics for different odor substances, can be arranged in a line. Alternatively, multiple adsorption films can be arranged vertically and horizontally in groups of multiples to create a planar arrangement.

[0084] By using information about the arrangement of adsorption films with different adsorption characteristics as an encryption key or passcode, security can be enhanced in various situations. This odor sensor, or the entire system including it, can be used as a security system utilizing odor.

[0085] <Anonymization of Odor Database> Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the odor sensor unit 1010 according to Embodiment 2. The odor sensor unit 1010 has five odor sensors 1010a to 1010e. The odor sensors 1010a to 1010e use, for example, a quartz crystal oscillator sensor (QCM) as the base portion 1002. In this Embodiment 2, the five odor sensors 1010a to 1010e are arranged in a row in order. Adsorption films 1004a to 1004e are formed on the surface of each of the five base portions 1002, and each of the adsorption films 1004a to 1004e corresponds to an odor sensor 1010a to 1010e. The adsorption films 1004a to 1004e are formed by adding additives 1006a to 1006e to a conductive polymer film 1005. Due to the differences in the properties of each additive 1006a to 1006e, the adsorption films 1004a to 1004e exhibit adsorption properties that allow them to adsorb different odor substances.

[0086] Let's assume that this odor sensor 1010 detects the odors of three types of gases, Ga, Gb, and Gc, and stores them in the database DB1. The detection results when gases Ga, Gb, and Gc are detected by odor sensors 1010a to 1010e are as follows: The numbers in parentheses are the output values ​​of odor sensors 1010a to 1010e, respectively. Gas Ga: (0, 5, 10, 5, 0) Gas Gb: (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) Gas Gc: (10, 8, 6, 4, 2)

[0087] If these output values ​​are stored directly in the odor database DB, and the information in that odor database DB is stolen, the detection results from the odor sensors 1010a to 1010e for gases Ga to Gc will be easily exposed to the thief. However, for example, if the arrangement order of the output values ​​of the five odor sensors 1010a to 1010e is changed, and the output values ​​from the odor sensors 1010a to 1010e are stored in the odor database DB with the changed arrangement order, and if the information of this changed order is managed separately from the odor database DB as an encryption key, then even if the information in the database DB is stolen, the thief will not be able to easily obtain the detection results from the odor sensors 1010a to 1010e for gases Ga to Gc.

[0088] For example, if the order of the output values ​​of the five odor sensors 1010a to 1010e is (1, 3, 5, 2, 4), then the detection results for each gas Ga to Gc stored in the odor database DB will be as follows: Gas Ga: (0, 10, 0, 5, 5) Gas Gb: (2, 6, 10, 4, 8) Gas Gc: (10, 6, 2, 8, 4)

[0089] Without an encryption key, the detection results from the odor sensors 1010a to 1010e for gases Ga to Gc cannot be reproduced in the correct sensor order. However, by using the encryption keys (1, 3, 5, 2, 4), the detection results for gases Ga to Gc in the odor database DB can be decrypted in the correct order from the odor sensors 1010a to 1010e. This measure improves the security of the odor data stored in the odor database DB.

[0090] Furthermore, for example, the order of the sensor array within an odor sensor unit used to detect odor data stored in the odor database DB can be changed from the order of the sensor array within an odor sensor unit sold to the user, and this change can be used as an encryption key. In addition, when producing multiple odor sensor units, changing the sensor array within each unit or each lot and managing this change as an encryption key can further contribute to improving the confidentiality and management of odor data.

[0091] <Entry / Exit Management Using Odor> By using the odor sensor unit 1010 shown in Figure 10, entry / exit management using odor can be realized, for example. Locking and unlocking of entry / exit is performed using a gas with a specific odor. Here, the odor used for entry / exit will be called the "odor key". The odor key may be, for example, a specific perfume or an individual's body odor. By linking the odor sensor unit 1010 with an entry / exit control system that controls the locking and unlocking of room doors, door unlocking can be achieved using the odor key.

[0092] Here, for example, the system can be configured so that the door cannot be unlocked by the scent key alone, and only after entering the sensor array information within the scent sensor unit 1010 as a password can it be unlocked. For example, the detection result for unlocking the door is (2, 4, 6, 8, 10), and this information is stored in a database in the access control system or in the cloud. If the scent key detection result from the scent sensor unit 1010 is (2, 6, 10, 4, 8), the door cannot be unlocked. However, when the sensor array information (1, 3, 5, 2, 4) within the scent sensor unit 1010 is entered, the detection result of (2, 6, 10, 4, 8) is converted to (2, 4, 6, 8, 10). The converted detection result is compared with the detection result stored in the database, and if they match, the door can be unlocked.

[0093] <Industrial Applicability> By using the odor sensor and the method for analyzing the odor data detected by the odor sensor described in the above embodiment, it is possible to quickly and accurately identify odor substances contained in a gas containing multiple different odor substances. It is also possible to reduce the load on the processing unit. When discriminating between the odor of a specific gas and another gas, it is possible to discriminate between the two quickly and accurately. Furthermore, when identifying odor substances contained in the detected gas by comparing the detected odor data with odor data stored in a database, etc., it is possible to compare them quickly and accurately. Note that the odor sensors 1010a to 1010e in Embodiment 2 can be replaced with the odor sensors 100 and 305 in Embodiment 1.

[0094] As described above, in Embodiment 2 as well, when identifying odor substances based on the output waveform of an odor sensor, a method and apparatus for correcting the output waveform can be provided that can accurately identify odor substances regardless of the flow velocity of the odor substances.

[0095] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its essence. For example, the present invention includes the following aspects. (Purpose 1) A method for correcting an output waveform output from an odor sensor having an odor adsorption part and a base, wherein the odor adsorption part undergoes a change in physicochemical properties when an odor substance is not adsorbed and when it is adsorbed, the base is an element that outputs the change in physicochemical properties as a signal, and the method comprises: a first detection step of detecting the odor substance with a first odor sensor arranged to detect the odor substance; a second detection step of detecting the odor substance with a second odor sensor arranged downstream of the first odor sensor in the flow direction of the odor substance and having an odor adsorption part having the same adsorption properties as the odor adsorption part of the first odor sensor; a calculation step of calculating a correction coefficient based on the distance between the first odor sensor and the second odor sensor in the flow direction, a first timing at which the odor substance is detected by the first odor sensor, and a second timing at which the odor substance is detected by the second odor sensor; an acquisition step of acquiring the output waveform output from the first odor sensor and / or the second odor sensor; and a correction step of correcting the output waveform using the correction coefficient.(Purpose 2) A method for correcting an output waveform output from an odor sensor having an odor adsorption part and a base, wherein the odor adsorption part undergoes a change in physicochemical properties when an odor substance is not adsorbed and when it is adsorbed, the base is an element that outputs the change in physicochemical properties as a signal, a first detection step of detecting the odor substance with a first odor sensor arranged to detect the odor substance, a second detection step of detecting the odor substance with a second odor sensor arranged downstream of the first odor sensor in the flow direction of the odor substance and having an odor adsorption part having the same adsorption characteristics as the odor adsorption part of the first odor sensor, a calculation step of calculating a correction coefficient based on the distance between the first odor sensor and the second odor sensor in the flow direction, a first timing when the odor substance is detected by the first odor sensor, and a second timing when the odor substance is detected by the second odor sensor, and an acquisition step of acquiring an output waveform output from a third odor sensor having an odor adsorption part having the same or different adsorption characteristics as the odor adsorption parts of the first and second odor sensors. A method for correcting an output waveform, comprising: a correction step of correcting the output waveform using the correction coefficient. (Purpose 3) The first odor sensor and the second odor sensor are arranged in the same flow path, and the correction coefficient may be the value obtained by dividing the volume of the flow path from the position of the first odor sensor to the position of the second odor sensor by the difference between the second timing and the first timing. (Purpose 4) The first odor sensor is arranged in a first flow path, and the second odor sensor is arranged in a second flow path different from the first flow path, and the first flow path and the second flow path branch off from one flow path at an upstream branching point in the flow direction and rejoin one flow path at a downstream confluence point, and the correction coefficient may be calculated based on the volume of the first flow path from the branching point to the position of the first odor sensor, the volume of the second flow path from the branching point to the position of the second odor sensor, the difference between the second timing and the first timing, and a constant value based on the pressure loss of the first flow path and the second flow path.(Purpose 5) The system may have a plurality of first odor sensors and a plurality of second odor sensors. (Purpose 6) The plurality of first odor sensors and the plurality of second odor sensors may be arranged periodically or aperiodically in the flow direction. (Purpose 7) A correction device for correcting an output waveform output from an odor sensor having an odor adsorption part and a base part, wherein the odor adsorption part undergoes a change in physicochemical properties when an odor substance is not adsorbed and when it is adsorbed, the base part is an element that outputs the change in physicochemical properties as a signal, the correction device comprising: a first odor sensor that is arranged to detect the odor substance and detects the odor substance; a second odor sensor that is arranged downstream of the first odor sensor in the flow direction of the odor substance and has an odor adsorption part having the same adsorption properties as the odor adsorption part of the first odor sensor and detects the odor substance; a calculation means for calculating a correction coefficient based on the distance between the first odor sensor and the second odor sensor in the flow direction, a first timing at which the odor substance is detected by the first odor sensor, and a second timing at which the odor substance is detected by the second odor sensor; an acquisition means for acquiring an output waveform output from the first odor sensor and / or the second odor sensor; and a correction means for correcting the output waveform using the correction coefficient.(Purpose 8) A correction device for correcting an output waveform output from an odor sensor having an odor adsorption part and a base part, wherein the odor adsorption part produces a change in physicochemical properties when an odor substance is not adsorbed and when it is adsorbed, the base part is an element that outputs the change in physicochemical properties as a signal, a first odor sensor that is arranged to detect the odor substance and detects the odor substance, a second odor sensor that is arranged downstream of the first odor sensor in the flow direction of the odor substance and has an odor adsorption part having the same adsorption characteristics as the odor adsorption part of the first odor sensor and detects the odor substance, a third odor sensor that has an odor adsorption part having the same or different adsorption characteristics as the odor adsorption part of the first odor sensor and / or the second odor sensor, a calculation means for calculating a correction coefficient based on the distance between the first odor sensor and the second odor sensor in the flow direction, a first timing when the odor substance is detected by the first odor sensor, and a second timing when the odor substance is detected by the second odor sensor, and an acquisition means for acquiring an output waveform output from the third odor sensor, Correction device comprising: correction means for correcting the output waveform using the correction coefficient. (Purpose 9) The first odor sensor and the second odor sensor are arranged in the same flow path, and the calculation means may calculate the correction coefficient by dividing the volume of the flow path from the position of the first odor sensor to the position of the second odor sensor by the difference between the second timing and the first timing. (Purpose 10) The first odor sensor is arranged in a first flow path, and the second odor sensor is arranged in a second flow path different from the first flow path, and the first flow path and the second flow path branch off from one flow path at an upstream branching point in the flow direction and merge into one flow path downstream, and the calculation means may calculate the correction coefficient based on the volume of the first flow path from the branching point to the position of the first odor sensor, the volume of the second flow path from the branching point to the position of the second odor sensor, the difference between the second timing and the first timing, and a constant value based on the pressure loss of the first flow path and the second flow path.(Purpose 11) The system may have a plurality of first odor sensors and a plurality of second odor sensors. (Purpose 12) The plurality of first odor sensors and the plurality of second odor sensors may be arranged periodically or aperiodically in the flow direction.

[0096] 100, 305 Odor sensors 110, 110a-110l, 310, 310α-310δ, 310α1-310δ1, 310α2-310δ2 Sensor elements 112, 112a-112l, 312, 312α-312δ Adsorption films 114, 114a-114l, 314, 314α-314δ Detection units 116, 116a-116l Electrodes 120 Substrate, 120a, 120b Surface 200 Odor data analysis device 220 Analysis unit, 220a CPU, 220b Memory, 220c Input / output ports 300, 300A, 300B Odor detection device 301 Intake port, 302 Exhaust port 303, 303A, 303B, 303B1-303B4 Flow path 1002 Base 1004a-1004e Adsorption film 1005 Conductive polymer film 1006a-1006e Additive 1010 Odor sensor unit 1010a-1010e Odor sensor A, A1, A2 Cross-sectional area DB, DB1 Database Df Flow direction F1 Odor data G, Ga-Gc Gas K, K1, K2, Kα, Kβ, Kγ, Kδ Correction coefficient Lf Flow rate P, P0, P1, P2, Pc Position Prg Analysis program R Calculated data S1 Distance Vf Flow velocity Vol Volume a-j, a'-j' Output waveform k Constant t, t1, t2 Timing

Claims

1. A method for correcting an output waveform output from an odor sensor having an odor adsorption part and a base, wherein the odor adsorption part undergoes a change in physicochemical properties when an odor substance is not adsorbed and when it is adsorbed, the base is an element that outputs the change in physicochemical properties as a signal, and the method comprises: a first detection step of detecting the odor substance with a first odor sensor arranged to detect the odor substance; a second detection step of detecting the odor substance with a second odor sensor arranged downstream of the first odor sensor in the flow direction of the odor substance and having an odor adsorption part having the same adsorption properties as the odor adsorption part of the first odor sensor; a calculation step of calculating a correction coefficient based on the distance between the first odor sensor and the second odor sensor in the flow direction, a first timing at which the odor substance is detected by the first odor sensor, and a second timing at which the odor substance is detected by the second odor sensor; an acquisition step of acquiring the output waveform output from the first odor sensor and / or the second odor sensor; and a correction step of correcting the output waveform using the correction coefficient.

2. A method for correcting an output waveform output from an odor sensor having an odor adsorption part and a base, wherein the odor adsorption part undergoes a change in physicochemical properties when an odor substance is not adsorbed and when it is adsorbed, the base is an element that outputs the change in physicochemical properties as a signal, a first detection step of detecting the odor substance with a first odor sensor arranged to detect the odor substance, a second detection step of detecting the odor substance with a second odor sensor arranged downstream of the first odor sensor in the flow direction of the odor substance and having an odor adsorption part having the same adsorption characteristics as the odor adsorption part of the first odor sensor, a calculation step of calculating a correction coefficient based on the distance between the first odor sensor and the second odor sensor in the flow direction, a first timing when the odor substance is detected by the first odor sensor, and a second timing when the odor substance is detected by the second odor sensor, and an acquisition step of acquiring an output waveform output from a third odor sensor having an odor adsorption part having the same or different adsorption characteristics as the odor adsorption parts of the first and second odor sensors. A method for correcting an output waveform, comprising: a correction step of correcting the output waveform using the correction coefficient; 3. The method for correcting an output waveform according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first odor sensor and the second odor sensor are arranged in the same flow path, and the correction coefficient is the value obtained by dividing the volume of the flow path from the position of the first odor sensor to the position of the second odor sensor by the difference between the second timing and the first timing.

4. The method for correcting an output waveform according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first odor sensor is located in a first flow path, the second odor sensor is located in a second flow path different from the first flow path, the first flow path and the second flow path branch off from one flow path at an upstream branching point in the flow direction and rejoin a single flow path at a downstream confluence point, and the correction coefficient is calculated based on the volume of the first flow path from the branching point to the position of the first odor sensor, the volume of the second flow path from the branching point to the position of the second odor sensor, the difference between the second timing and the first timing, and a constant value based on the pressure loss of the first flow path and the second flow path.

5. A method for correcting an output waveform according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a plurality of first odor sensors and a plurality of second odor sensors.

6. The method for correcting an output waveform according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of first odor sensors and the plurality of second odor sensors are arranged periodically or aperiodically in the flow direction.

7. A correction device for correcting an output waveform output from an odor sensor having an odor adsorption part and a base part, wherein the odor adsorption part undergoes a change in physicochemical properties when an odor substance is not adsorbed and when it is adsorbed, the base part is an element that outputs the change in physicochemical properties as a signal, the correction device comprising: a first odor sensor that is arranged to detect the odor substance and detects the odor substance; a second odor sensor that is arranged downstream of the first odor sensor in the flow direction of the odor substance and has an odor adsorption part having the same adsorption characteristics as the odor adsorption part of the first odor sensor and detects the odor substance; a calculation means for calculating a correction coefficient based on the distance between the first odor sensor and the second odor sensor in the flow direction, a first timing at which the odor substance is detected by the first odor sensor, and a second timing at which the odor substance is detected by the second odor sensor; an acquisition means for acquiring an output waveform output from the first odor sensor and / or the second odor sensor; and a correction means for correcting the output waveform using the correction coefficient.

8. A correction device for correcting an output waveform output from an odor sensor having an odor adsorption part and a base, wherein the odor adsorption part exhibits a change in physicochemical properties when odor substances are not adsorbed and when they are adsorbed, the base is an element that outputs the change in physicochemical properties as a signal, a first odor sensor arranged to detect the odor substances and detecting the odor substances, a second odor sensor arranged downstream of the first odor sensor in the flow direction of the odor substances and having an odor adsorption part having the same adsorption characteristics as the odor adsorption part of the first odor sensor and detecting the odor substances, a third odor sensor having an odor adsorption part having the same or different adsorption characteristics as the odor adsorption part of the first odor sensor and / or the second odor sensor, a calculation means for calculating a correction coefficient based on the distance between the first odor sensor and the second odor sensor in the flow direction, a first timing at which the odor substances are detected by the first odor sensor, and a second timing at which the odor substances are detected by the second odor sensor, and an acquisition means for acquiring an output waveform output from the third odor sensor. A correction device comprising: a correction means for correcting the output waveform using the correction coefficient; 9. The correction device according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the first odor sensor and the second odor sensor are arranged in the same flow path, and the calculation means calculates the correction coefficient by dividing the volume of the flow path from the position of the first odor sensor to the position of the second odor sensor by the difference between the second timing and the first timing.

10. The correction device according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the first odor sensor is located in a first flow path, the second odor sensor is located in a second flow path different from the first flow path, the first flow path and the second flow path branch off from one flow path at an upstream branching point in the flow direction and merge into one flow path downstream, and the calculation means calculates the correction coefficient based on the volume of the first flow path from the branching point to the position of the first odor sensor, the volume of the second flow path from the branching point to the position of the second odor sensor, the difference between the second timing and the first timing, and a constant value based on the pressure loss of the first flow path and the second flow path.

11. The correction device according to claim 7 or claim 8, comprising a plurality of the first odor sensors and a plurality of the second odor sensors.

12. The correction device according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of first odor sensors and the plurality of second odor sensors are arranged periodically or aperiodically in the flow direction.

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