Device for activating olfactory ability of user using electromagnetic waves, control method thereof, and method for providing information on activation of olfactory ability of user

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electromagnetic wave-based olfactory ability treatment method, a user olfactory ability activation device therefor, a control method thereof, and a method for providing information on activation of the olfactory ability of a user. The electromagnetic wave-based olfactory ability treatment method and the user olfactory ability activation device therefor according to the present invention can use electromagnetic waves to stimulate user's olfactory nerves and thereby directly activate the user's olfactory ability through non-invasive stimulation without contact with the user's body, and can achieve consistent therapeutic effects, enables user-customized treatment, and can precisely stimulate specific areas such as the olfactory bulb. In addition, the method and device can not only assess a user's olfactory ability and adjust the pattern and intensity of the electromagnetic waves emitted to the user to provide optimal olfactory ability activation stimulation according to the user, but can also measure changes in the user's electroencephalogram signals due to electromagnetic wave stimulation and provide information on the user's olfactory ability, and thus can be utilized to alleviate, prevent, or treat various diseases, disorders, and conditions related to the olfactory sense.

Description

A device for activating a user's olfactory ability using electromagnetic waves, a method for controlling the same, and a method for providing information on the activation of a user's olfactory ability.

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic wave-based method for treating olfactory ability, a device for activating a user's olfactory ability for the same, a method for controlling the same, and a method for providing information regarding the activation of a user's olfactory ability. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for treating olfactory ability by directly stimulating a user's olfactory nerve using electromagnetic waves, a device for activating a user's olfactory ability for the same, a method for controlling the device, and a method for providing information regarding the activation of a user's olfactory ability.

[0002] The human sense of smell is a crucial sense that detects and distinguishes external odors, thereby enabling the perception of the environment. Humans detect various odor molecules through olfactory receptors located in the olfactory epithelium inside the nose. After entering the nose via the air, odors are converted into electrical signals by olfactory receptor neurons, pass through the cribriform plates in the skull, and are transmitted to the olfactory bulb. Located at the base of the skull, the olfactory bulb collects and analyzes odor signals and sends them to the olfactory cortex of the cerebrum.

[0003] In this regard, interest in olfactory disorders has increased as many COVID-19 users experienced symptoms of olfactory loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, as the number of people experiencing olfactory loss is rising due to continuous environmental pollution and aging, and olfactory disorders are known to be early symptoms of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, research on the treatment of olfactory disorders has been continuously conducted.

[0004] Currently, olfactory stimulation compositions or kits that stimulate olfactory nerves by providing various smells, such as aromatic scents, are used for the diagnosis and treatment of olfactory disorders; these compositions or kits stimulate the olfactory nerves by having the user repeatedly smell specific odors.

[0005] For example, Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2427909 describes a composition capable of stimulating the sense of smell by including natural extracts such as rosemary extract, and Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1724310 discloses a composition capable of stimulating the sense of smell by including plum, lavender, and bamboo extracts.

[0006] However, in the case of conventional methods such as olfactory stimulation compositions or kits that use such specific scents, there is a lack of consistency in training effects because users' reactions and sensitivities to specific scents vary, there is the inconvenience of users having to conduct the training themselves, and there are problems that they cannot serve as a fundamental treatment method because they are more of an auxiliary training device than a therapeutic device.

[0007] In addition, although methods to stimulate nerves within the body using external electrical stimulation are being studied recently, there is a problem in that it is difficult to stimulate the olfactory nerve with general stimulation methods such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and alternating current stimulation (tACS) because the olfactory bulb, which transmits olfactory signals, is located deep within the skull.

[0008] For example, Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2513099 describes a method for improving cognitive function by stimulating brain nerves using transcranial electrical stimulation, and Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2100696 discloses a method for efficiently controlling brain nerves by stimulating the central and peripheral nerves using transcranial electrical stimulation, but does not disclose a method for stimulating olfactory nerves through external stimulation.

[0009] Under these circumstances, the inventors of the present invention discovered that the olfactory nerve can be effectively activated by stimulating it using electromagnetic waves, particularly electromagnetic waves having a specific range of frequencies, and completed the present invention.

[0010] The objective of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic wave-based method for treating olfactory ability.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device for activating a user's olfactory ability through olfactory nerve stimulation.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling the user's olfactory ability activation device.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a method for providing information regarding the activation of a user's olfactory ability.

[0014] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a user olfactory ability activation device comprising: a fixing part for fixing the user's olfactory ability activation device to the user's head; an olfactory nerve stimulation part having an antenna for emitting electromagnetic waves toward the user to stimulate the user's olfactory nerve; and a guide extending from the fixing part toward the front of the user and having the olfactory nerve stimulation part mounted at one end.

[0015] In the present invention, the electromagnetic wave may be an RF wave.

[0016] In the present invention, the frequency of the electromagnetic wave may be 0.1 to 30 GHz.

[0017] In the present invention, the olfactory nerve stimulation unit can emit electromagnetic waves with a power of 1 to 30 W.

[0018] In the present invention, the distance between the olfactory nerve stimulating part and the user may be 1 to 30 cm.

[0019] In the present invention, the electromagnetic waves can be emitted toward the user's forehead area.

[0020] In the present invention, the user olfactory ability activation device may further include a biosignal measuring unit that measures the user's electroencephalogram signal.

[0021] In the present invention, the electroencephalogram signal may be a change in brain waves in a frequency band of 30 to 100 Hz.

[0022] In the present invention, the user olfactory ability activation device may further include a control unit that determines the user's olfactory ability based on the user's electroencephalogram signal measured by a biosignal measurement unit.

[0023] In the present invention, the control unit can adjust one or more of the pattern and intensity of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the olfactory nerve stimulation unit based on the determined olfactory ability.

[0024] In the present invention, the user olfactory ability activation device may further include a communication interface, and the control unit may calculate an optimal distance value between an olfactory nerve stimulator and a user based on the determined olfactory ability, and transmit information requesting the olfactory nerve stimulator to move according to the distance value to a user terminal device through the communication interface.

[0025] In the present invention, the user olfactory ability activation device may further include a communication interface, and the control unit may calculate an optimal angle value between the olfactory nerve stimulator and the user based on the determined olfactory ability, and transmit information requesting the olfactory nerve stimulator to be rotated according to the angle value to a user terminal device through the communication interface.

[0026] In the present invention, the biosignal measuring unit may include a plurality of electrodes attached to the user's body.

[0027] In the present invention, the antenna may be a patch-type antenna.

[0028] In the present invention, the antenna size may be 3cm x 3cm to 7cm x 7cm.

[0029] In addition, the present invention provides a method for controlling a user's olfactory ability activation device, comprising the steps of: olfactory nerve stimulating unit emitting electromagnetic waves toward a user to stimulate the user's olfactory nerve; biosignal measuring unit measuring the user's electroencephalogram (EEG) signal; a control unit determining the user's olfactory ability based on the measured EEG signal; and the control unit adjusting one or more of the intensity and pattern of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the olfactory nerve stimulating unit based on the determined olfactory ability.

[0030] The present invention also provides a method for providing information on the activation of a user's olfactory ability, comprising the steps of: emitting electromagnetic waves toward a user to stimulate the user's olfactory nerves; measuring the user's electroencephalogram (EEG) signal; and determining whether the user's olfactory ability is activated from the measured EEG signal.

[0031] In the present invention, the step of measuring the user's electroencephalogram signal can be performed while the electromagnetic wave is being emitted.

[0032] In the present invention, if the user's electroencephalogram signal increases, it can be determined that the user's olfactory ability is activated.

[0033] In addition, the present invention provides a user olfactory ability activation system comprising: a user olfactory ability activation device fixed to the user's head and emitting electromagnetic waves toward the user to stimulate the user's olfactory nerves; a biosignal measuring device for measuring the user's electroencephalogram (EEG) signal; a server device for monitoring the user's olfactory ability based on the measured EEG signal; and a user terminal device.

[0034] The electromagnetic wave-based olfactory ability treatment method and the user olfactory ability activation device for the same according to the present invention stimulate the user's olfactory nerves using electromagnetic waves, thereby directly activating the user's olfactory ability through non-invasive stimulation without contacting the user's body, achieving consistent therapeutic effects, enabling customized treatment for the user, and precisely stimulating specific areas such as the olfactory bulb.

[0035] In addition, by assessing the user's olfactory ability and adjusting the pattern and intensity of electromagnetic waves emitted to the user, it is possible to provide optimal olfactory activation stimulation tailored to the user. Furthermore, by measuring changes in the user's electroencephalogram (EEG) signals in response to electromagnetic wave stimulation and providing information regarding the user's olfactory ability, it can be utilized to improve, prevent, or treat various diseases, disorders, and conditions related to the sense of smell.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a block diagram (a) of a user olfactory ability activation device including an olfactory nerve stimulation unit and a control unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a block diagram (b) of a user olfactory ability activation device further including a biosignal measurement unit.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view (a), a front view (b), and a side view (c) of a user olfactory ability activation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a detailed configuration diagram of a user olfactory ability activation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram showing a user olfactory ability activation device through electromagnetic wave-based olfactory nerve stimulation and a user terminal device interacting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing a user olfactory ability activation device, a biosignal measurement device, and a user terminal device interacting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a control method for a user olfactory ability activation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram of a user olfactory ability activation system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 8 shows the stimulation location and intensity using electromagnetic waves according to one embodiment of the present invention through 3D modeling.

[0044] FIG. 9 shows a specific absorption rate (a) according to electromagnetic wave emission power and a change in skin temperature (b) according to electromagnetic wave stimulation, represented through 3D modeling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 10 shows the change in electrical activity of the olfactory bulb before and after electromagnetic wave stimulation according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the change in threshold score for n-butanol according to electromagnetic wave emission power (a), the change in threshold score for n-butanol according to electromagnetic wave stimulation time (b), and the duration of the enhanced olfactory threshold after electromagnetic wave stimulation (c), according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 12 shows the change in the electrical response of the olfactory bulb to n-butanol before and after electromagnetic wave stimulation (a), the power spectral density of the olfactory bulb to n-butanol before and after electromagnetic wave stimulation (b), and the statistically significant interval (c) in the difference in response before and after electromagnetic wave stimulation.

[0048] Figure 13 shows the change in threshold scores for fruit scents of each experiment participant before and after electromagnetic wave stimulation (a) and the change in threshold scores for each fruit scent of the experiment participant (b).

[0049] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a skilled expert in the art to which the present invention pertains. In general, the nomenclature used herein is well known and commonly used in the art.

[0050] The terms 'part, module, component, block' as used in this specification may be implemented in software or hardware, and depending on the embodiments, a plurality of 'parts, modules, components, blocks' may be implemented as a single component, or a single 'part, module, component, block' may include a plurality of components.

[0051] As used herein, the expression “based on” is used to describe one or more factors affecting an act or action of a decision or judgment described in the phrase or sentence containing such expression, and such expression does not exclude additional factors affecting said act or action of a decision or judgment.

[0052] As used in this specification, the expression that a certain component (e.g., a first component) is "connected" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component) includes not only cases where the said component is directly connected or connected to the other component, but also cases where it is indirectly connected or connected, and may mean being connected or connected through a new other component (e.g., a third component), and indirect connection includes being connected through a wireless communication network.

[0053] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic wave-based method for treating olfactory ability.

[0054] In particular, the present invention can improve, treat, or prevent olfactory disorders, olfactory decline, loss of smell, and olfactory disorders by directly stimulating the olfactory bulb located inside the skull using electromagnetic waves having a specific range of frequencies among electromagnetic waves, thereby restoring olfactory function and increasing odor sensitivity.

[0055] Conventional research on olfactory therapy has primarily focused on methods of stimulating nerves by repeatedly smelling a specific scent. However, the present invention utilizes olfactory nerve stimulation using electromagnetic waves, enabling treatment through non-invasive stimulation while achieving consistent therapeutic effects. Furthermore, it allows for personalized treatment, precise stimulation of specific areas such as the olfactory bulb, and improved duration of effect.

[0056] Specifically, the electromagnetic wave-based olfactory ability treatment method according to the present invention includes the step of emitting electromagnetic waves toward a user to stimulate the user's olfactory nerves.

[0057] The electromagnetic waves emitted toward the user during the step of stimulating the olfactory nerve of the present invention may be radio frequency waves having a frequency in the radio frequency band. Since these RF waves have a relatively long wavelength compared to infrared rays, visible light, X-rays, gamma rays, etc., they are not easily absorbed or reflected by biological tissues and can reach deeper parts of the body.

[0058] In the present invention, by utilizing RF waves characterized by having a long wavelength and the ability to reach deep parts of the body, stimulation can be delivered to the olfactory bulb located inside the skull, thereby effectively activating the user's olfactory nerves.

[0059] In the present invention, the frequency of the electromagnetic waves used for olfactory therapy may be 0.1 to 30 GHz, preferably 1 to 10 GHz, and more preferably 1.5 to 3.5 GHz. Within this range, the electromagnetic waves can reach deep within biological tissues and efficiently transmit stimulation signals to the olfactory bulb while minimizing energy loss. Furthermore, within this range, the specific absorption rate (SAR) value, which indicates the amount of energy absorbed by the body from the electromagnetic field, can be maintained at a safe level, thereby maximizing the neurostimulatory effect while minimizing thermal damage or side effects. If the frequency of the electromagnetic waves is lower than or exceeds this range, the efficiency of stimulation transmission within the body decreases, and the risk of side effects may increase.

[0060] In the present invention, the output of the electromagnetic waves emitted to the user may be 1 to 30 W, preferably 10 to 20 W, and more preferably 13 to 17 W. By adjusting the output of the electromagnetic waves within the above range, the efficiency of olfactory nerve stimulation can be maximized, a specific absorption rate value of the electromagnetic waves can be maintained at a safe level, and side effects such as nerve overstimulation and thermal damage caused by excessive electromagnetic wave emission can be minimized. In one embodiment of the present invention, it was confirmed that even if the output of the electromagnetic waves is continuously increased, a range appears where the olfactory improvement effect is maintained without further increasing above a certain value.

[0061] In this invention, electromagnetic waves can be emitted toward the user's interocular region. The interocular region is a location where the distance from the olfactory bulb and signal loss are minimized; therefore, when electromagnetic waves are emitted toward the user's interocular region, olfactory bulb stimulation can be achieved more efficiently. In particular, since RF stimulation is transmitted intensively in a specific direction according to the radiation pattern, the direction in which the electromagnetic waves are emitted and the area reaching the user are important. When RF stimulation is emitted toward the interocular region, olfactory nerves are efficiently activated, thereby improving the responsiveness of the olfactory bulb and effectively activating the user's olfactory ability.

[0062] In addition, in the present invention, electromagnetic waves may be emitted through a device such as an antenna, and the distance between the electromagnetic wave emitting device and the user may be 1 to 30 cm, preferably 2 to 10 cm, and most preferably 3 to 7 cm. By adjusting the distance between the electromagnetic wave emitting device and the user's forehead within the above range, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave stimulation can be adjusted to maximize the efficiency of olfactory nerve stimulation while minimizing side effects.

[0063] The electromagnetic wave-based olfactory treatment method of the present invention may further include the step of emitting electromagnetic waves to stimulate the user's olfactory nerves and then measuring the user's electroencephalogram (EEG) signal; and the step of determining the user's olfactory ability based on the measured EEG signal.

[0064] Electroencephalogram (EEG) refers to a method of measuring and recording electrical signals generated in the brain. It is a non-invasive technology that measures and records electrical activity in the brain through electrodes attached to the scalp. Neurons in the brain generate electrical signals, such as action potentials, to transmit signals. When neurons are collectively activated, electrical activity accumulates, causing minute voltage changes that can be detected even on the scalp. By measuring these voltage changes, it is possible to determine the status and degree of activation of specific neurons or nerves.

[0065] In the present invention, changes in brain waves associated with olfactory neurons were measured through an electroencephalogram acquisition system, and in particular, electrical activity occurring in related neural regions including the olfactory bulb was analyzed. Specifically, the brain wave band associated with olfactory nerves may be a gamma wave band, that is, a frequency band of 30 to 100 Hz.

[0066] The electromagnetic wave-based olfactory treatment method of the present invention includes a step of determining the user's olfactory ability based on the electroencephalogram signal measured as above.

[0067] As described above, when the olfactory nerve is stimulated using electromagnetic waves, electrical changes occur in the olfactory nerve neurons, which can be measured through electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. Based on the EEG signals measured in this way, changes in brain waves in a specific frequency band can be identified, and in the case of the olfactory nerve, the user's olfactory ability can be determined by evaluating whether the olfactory nerve is activated and the degree of activation through changes in brain waves in the gamma wave band (i.e., 30 to 100 Hz). In one embodiment of the present invention, the brain wave power measured in the 30 to 100 Hz frequency band increased after electromagnetic wave stimulation, and through this, it was confirmed that the olfactory nerve was activated.

[0068] The electromagnetic wave-based olfactory treatment method of the present invention may further include the step of adjusting one or more of the pattern and intensity of electromagnetic waves emitted toward a user based on the determined olfactory ability.

[0069] Specifically, even though electromagnetic waves are emitted to stimulate the user's olfactory nerves, if the user's olfactory ability is assessed and the olfactory ability is not improved or the degree of improvement is insufficient, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves can be increased or the pattern of the electromagnetic waves can be adjusted.

[0070] Adjusting the pattern of electromagnetic waves can be equivalent to modulating the frequency of the electromagnetic waves. In particular, by adjusting the frequency of electromagnetic waves, it is possible to identify the frequency values ​​to which a user is sensitive. That is, since the frequency to which a user's olfactory nerves are sensitive may vary from user to user, if a user's olfactory ability does not improve or the degree of improvement is insignificant while emitting electromagnetic waves (or while increasing the intensity of the electromagnetic waves), the frequency of the electromagnetic waves can be adjusted to identify the frequency values ​​to which the user is more sensitive.

[0071] In this regard, the present invention relates to a method for providing information on the activation of a user's olfactory ability.

[0072] The present method may include the step of emitting electromagnetic waves toward a user to stimulate the user's olfactory nerves; the step of measuring the user's electroencephalogram (EEG) signal; and the step of determining whether the user's olfactory ability is activated from the measured EEG signal.

[0073] The step of measuring the user's electroencephalogram signal is preferably performed while electromagnetic waves are being emitted.

[0074] As explained above, electroencephalography is a method of measuring and recording electrical signals generated in the brain. Through the electroencephalogram signals obtained through this method, it is possible to determine electrical changes, activation status, and degree of activation of neurons or nerves in the brain. In particular, by analyzing the electrical activity in the gamma wave band (i.e., a frequency band of 30 to 100 Hz), which is a brainwave band associated with the olfactory nerve, it is possible to determine electrical changes, activation status, and degree of activation of the olfactory nerve. When changes in brainwave power are measured in the 30 to 100 Hz frequency band after electromagnetic wave stimulation, if the brainwave power increases, it can be determined that the olfactory nerve has been activated due to the electromagnetic wave stimulation.

[0075] In addition, the electromagnetic wave-based olfactory treatment method of the present invention can be performed through a user olfactory ability activation device according to one embodiment.

[0076] FIG. 1a is a block diagram of a user olfactory ability activation device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 1a, a user olfactory ability activation device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) and a control unit (120).

[0078] The above olfactory nerve stimulating unit (110) is an element for stimulating the user's olfactory nerve, and more specifically, can stimulate the user's olfactory nerve by emitting electromagnetic waves toward the user's olfactory nerve.

[0079] The electromagnetic waves emitted by the above-mentioned olfactory nerve stimulating unit (110) may be RF waves. As previously explained, these RF waves have a relatively long wavelength and can reach deeper parts of the body, such as the olfactory bulb, thereby effectively stimulating the olfactory nerve.

[0080] Specifically, the frequency of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) may be 0.1 to 30 GHz, preferably 1 to 10 GHz, and more preferably 1.5 to 3.5 GHz.

[0081] The above olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) may include an antenna (111) that emits electromagnetic waves. Any known antenna capable of emitting electromagnetic waves may be used for the antenna (111), but it is preferable to use a square, flat, patch-type antenna (111) to uniformly stimulate the olfactory nerve. More preferably, the antenna (111) may be a patch-type antenna with a size of 3 cm x 3 cm to 7 cm x 7 cm, and a patch-type antenna with a size of 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm or 5 cm x 5 cm is more preferable.

[0082] The olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) may include a signal generator (112). The signal generator (112) may generate an electrical signal corresponding to a set frequency and intensity for electromagnetic waves and transmit it to the antenna (111) through a cable, and the antenna (111) may convert the received electrical signal into an electromagnetic wave and emit it toward the user's olfactory nerve. At this time, the output of the electromagnetic wave emitted from the antenna (111) may be 1 to 30 W, preferably 10 to 20 W, more preferably 13 to 17 W, and by adjusting the output within the above range, the efficiency of olfactory nerve stimulation can be maximized and side effects minimized.

[0083] The olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) can emit electromagnetic waves of a preset frequency and intensity, and the preset frequency and intensity can be changed by the control unit (120). That is, the control unit (120) can emit various types of electromagnetic waves by adjusting the frequency and intensity set in the signal generator (112).

[0084] Next, the control unit (120) may be implemented as a memory that stores data for an algorithm or a program that reproduces the algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the olfactory ability activation device (100), and a processor (121) that performs the aforementioned operation using the data stored in the memory. At this time, the memory and the processor (121) may each be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip.

[0085] A processor (121) may refer to a data processing device embedded in hardware having a physically structured circuit to perform a function expressed by code or instructions included in a program. Such a data processing device embedded in hardware may be a processing device such as a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a processor (121) core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), etc., but is not limited thereto, and the processor (121) may include one or more processors (121).

[0086] Additionally, the control unit (120) may include a communication interface (122) that may include one or more components capable of communicating with an external device, and the communication interface (122) may include one or more of a short-range communication module, a wired communication module, and a wireless communication module.

[0087] The short-range communication module may include various short-range communication modules that transmit and receive signals using a wireless communication network at short range, such as a Bluetooth module, an infrared communication module, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) communication module, a WLAN (Wireless Local Access Network) communication module, an NFC communication module, and a Zigbee communication module.

[0088] Wired communication modules may include various wired communication modules such as Local Area Network (LAN) modules, Wide Area Network (WAN) modules, or Value Added Network (VAN) modules, as well as various cable communication modules such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), RS-232 (recommended standard 232), power line communication, or POTS (plain old telephone service).

[0089] In addition to Wi-Fi modules and WiBro (Wireless broadband) modules, the wireless communication module may include wireless communication modules that support various wireless communication methods such as GSM (global System for Mobile Communication), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system), TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), and LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0090] The above wireless communication module may include a wireless communication interface (122) comprising an antenna and a transmitter that transmit an electroencephalogram signal measured through a biosignal measuring unit (130), and the wireless communication module may further include an electroencephalogram signal conversion module that modulates a digital control signal output from the control unit (120) into an analog wireless signal through the wireless communication interface (122) under the control of the control unit (120).

[0091] Additionally, the wireless communication module may include a wireless communication interface (122) comprising an antenna and a receiver for receiving an electroencephalogram signal, and the wireless communication module may further include an electroencephalogram signal conversion module for demodulating an analog wireless signal received through the wireless communication interface (122) into a digital control signal.

[0092] The control unit (120) may include a storage unit (123), and the storage unit (123) may be implemented as at least one of a non-volatile memory device such as a cache, ROM (Read Only Memory), PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and flash memory, a volatile memory device such as RAM (Random Access Memory), or a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and CD-ROM, but is not limited thereto. The storage unit (123) may be a memory implemented as a separate chip from the processor (121) described above in relation to the control unit (120), or it may be implemented as a single chip with the processor (121).

[0093] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 1b, the user olfactory ability activation device according to the present invention may further include a biosignal measuring unit (130).

[0094] The biosignal measuring unit (130) can measure the user's biosignal, specifically, the user's electroencephalogram signal. To this end, the biosignal measuring unit (130) may include a plurality of electrodes (131) attached to the user's body and a controller (132) that controls the biosignal measuring unit (130).

[0095] The plurality of electrodes (131) may include a ground electrode, a reference electrode, and an active electrode, the ground electrode may be attached to an inactive area such as the user's forehead or behind the ear, the reference electrode may be attached to the mastoid, and the active electrode may be attached to the user's forehead, scalp, etc. as an electrode for measuring the user's electroencephalogram signal.

[0096] Meanwhile, although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the olfactory ability activation device (100) according to the present invention may further include a power supply unit that supplies power to an olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) and a control unit (120). Additionally, the olfactory ability activation device (100) according to the present invention may further include a shooting module (e.g., a camera) that acquires an image of the user's face, a microphone that acquires sound around the olfactory ability activation device (100), and a GPS sensor that detects the location of the olfactory ability activation device (100).

[0097] FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c are a perspective view, a front view, and a side view, respectively, of a device (100) that activates a user's olfactory ability through olfactory nerve stimulation according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 2a to 2c, an olfactory ability activation device according to one embodiment of the present invention may be composed of a fixing part (140) for fixing the olfactory ability activation device to the user's head, a guide (150), and an olfactory nerve stimulation part (110).

[0099] The fixing part (140) securely fixes the olfactory ability activation device to the user's head so that the olfactory nerve stimulation part (110) can maintain a certain distance from the user, and its shape is not particularly limited as long as it can perform this role. For example, the fixing part (140) can be implemented as a headband, headset, hat, helmet, headband, etc., and can be implemented as a material that is flexible and elastic, and can further include Velcro, belt, etc., which can adjust the circumference of the fixing part.

[0100] Additionally, referring to FIG. 2a, a guide (150) may be connected to one side of the fixed part (140). Specifically, a connecting part (152) may be formed at one end of the guide (150) to be connected to one side of the fixed part (140). At this time, the guide (150) may be formed to extend toward the front of the user when the olfactory ability activation device (100) is mounted on the user.

[0101] The length of the guide (150) may be 1 to 30 cm, preferably 2 to 10 cm, most preferably 3 cm to 7 cm, and by configuring it in this way, the length of the guide (150) can be adjusted so that the distance between the olfactory nerve stimulation part (110) and the user is 1 to 30 cm, preferably 2 to 10 cm, most preferably 3 to 7 cm.

[0102] A seating portion (151) may be formed at the other end of the guide (150). The seating portion (151) may be formed downward toward the ground from the other end of the guide (150) so as to face the user and be formed at an appropriate position to emit electromagnetic waves toward the user's forehead. In particular, an olfactory nerve stimulating portion (110) may be seated on the seating portion (151), and at this time, as the olfactory nerve stimulating portion (110) is seated on the seating portion (151), it may face the user and emit electromagnetic waves toward the user. In one embodiment, the mounting portion (151) may be implemented as a flat square-shaped case (e.g., card-shaped) corresponding to the shape of the patch-shaped antenna (111) of the olfactory nerve stimulation portion (110), and one side of the mounting portion (151) facing the user may be open so as not to interfere with electromagnetic waves emitted from the patch-shaped antenna (111).

[0103] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seating portion (151) may be connected to the other end of the guide (150) so as to be slidably movable on the guide (150). Specifically, a rail (or track, etc.) may be provided on the side of the guide (150) so that the seating portion (151) may be slidably movable toward the user on the guide (150), and a roller (or bearing, etc.) may be included in the seating portion (151). The seating portion (151) may be slidably movable on the guide (150) to adjust the distance between the user and the olfactory nerve stimulation portion (110).

[0104] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting portion (151) may be connected to the other end of the guide (150) so as to be rotatable around the other end of the guide (150) as a central axis. Specifically, the other end of the guide (150) and one surface of the mounting portion (151) (e.g., the top surface of the flat square-shaped mounting portion (151)) may be connected via a hinge around the other end of the guide (150) as a central axis. Meanwhile, the other end of the guide (150), particularly the hinge, may further include a stopper that fixes the rotation angle of the mounting portion (151). As the mounting portion (151) rotates around the other end of the guide (150) as a central axis, the emission angle of electromagnetic waves to the user's olfactory nerve can be adjusted.

[0105] FIG. 3 is a detailed configuration diagram of an olfactory ability activation device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 3, the olfactory ability activation device (100) includes an olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110), a biosignal measurement unit (130), a GPS sensor (160), a microphone (170), a humidity sensor (180), a camera (190), a user interface (200), and a control unit (120). A detailed description of the configurations shown in FIG. 3 that overlap with the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is omitted.

[0107] The GPS sensor (160) identifies the location of the olfactory ability activation device (100). At this time, the control unit (120) can identify the location of the user based on the coordinate information obtained through the GPS sensor (160).

[0108] The microphone (170) can acquire sound around the olfactory ability activation device (100). Additionally, the microphone (170) can receive user voice in response to user speech, and the received user voice may correspond to a control command (e.g., an electromagnetic wave emission command) for controlling the operation of the olfactory ability activation device (100). The microphone (170) acquires vibrations corresponding to the sound and converts the acquired vibrations into electrical signals. To this end, the microphone (170) may include an A / D converter (Analog to Digital Converter) and may operate in conjunction with an A / D converter located outside the microphone (170). Meanwhile, at least some of the user voice received through the microphone (170) may be input into a speech recognition and natural language understanding model.

[0109] A humidity sensor (180) can measure the humidity around the olfactory ability activation device (100). To do this, the humidity sensor (180) can determine the humidity by absorbing water vapor contained in the air according to a capacitive or resistive method.

[0110] The user interface (200) is a configuration used for the olfactory ability activation device (100) to perform interaction with the user, and may include one or more of a touch sensor, a motion sensor, a button, a jog dial, and a switch, but is not limited thereto. The control unit (120) may receive user identification information (ID, name, gender, etc.) or receive a command to start electromagnetic wave emission or a command to stop electromagnetic wave emission through the user interface (200).

[0111] The camera (190) captures the user and obtains an image of the user. Specifically, based on the image of the user obtained by the camera (190), the control unit (120) can determine the facial contour of the user. To this end, the camera (190) may be implemented as an image sensor having a CMOS structure (CIS, CMOS Image Sensor), an image sensor having a CCD structure (Charge Coupled Device), etc. However, it is not limited thereto, and the camera (190) may be implemented as a camera (190) module of various resolutions capable of capturing a subject. Meanwhile, the camera (190) may be implemented as a depth camera (190) (e.g., IR depth camera (190)), a stereo camera (190), or an RGB camera (190).

[0112] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram showing the interaction between a user olfactory ability activation device (100) and a user terminal device (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (120) determines the user's olfactory ability, calculates an optimal distance value between the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) and the user's face based on the determined olfactory ability, and can transmit information requesting the user terminal device to move the mounting unit (151) according to the distance value through a communication interface (122).

[0114] Specifically, as described above, the control unit (120) measures the electroencephalogram signal of the user through the biosignal measurement unit (130) while electromagnetic waves are emitted through the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110), and can determine the user's olfactory ability based on the user's electroencephalogram signal. At this time, the control unit (120) detects the amount of change in the user's olfactory ability due to the electromagnetic waves, and if the user's olfactory ability is not improved or is improved only slightly, it can decide to reduce the distance between the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) facing the user and the user's face. In particular, if the control unit (120) confirms that the user's olfactory ability is not improved or is improved only slightly despite adjusting the intensity and pattern of the electromagnetic waves, it can decide to reduce the distance between the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) and the user's face.

[0115] On the other hand, the control unit (120) detects the amount of change in the user's olfactory ability due to electromagnetic waves, and if it is determined that the user's olfactory ability is excessively improved or that it will affect other nerves of the user, it may decide to increase the distance between the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) facing the user and the user's face.

[0116] The control unit (120) can calculate a threshold value for the user's sense of smell based on the user's olfactory ability and calculate an optimal distance value between the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) and the user's face based on the threshold value. That is, if the user's olfactory ability is not improved by electromagnetic waves or is improved only slightly, the control unit (120) can reduce the distance between the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) facing the user's face and calculate an optimal distance value while considering the user's threshold value.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 4, the control unit (120) can transmit the calculated distance value (d) to a user terminal device (300) that is linked with the olfactory ability activation device (100) through a communication interface (122), and accordingly, the user (1) can be induced to adjust the distance between the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) and the user's face.

[0118] The user terminal device (300) can be implemented as a computer or portable terminal that can connect to the olfactory ability activation device (100) via a network. Here, the computer includes, for example, a laptop, desktop, laptop, tablet PC, slate PC, etc. equipped with a web browser, and the portable terminal may include, for example, a wireless communication device that ensures portability and mobility, all kinds of handheld-based wireless communication devices such as PCS (Personal Communication System), GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), PDC (Personal Digital Cellular), PHS (Personal Handyphone System), PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), IMT (International Mobile Telecommunication)-2000, CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)-2000, W-CDMA (W-Code Division Multiple Access), WiBro (Wireless Broadband Internet) terminal, smartphone, etc., and wearable devices such as watches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lenses, or head-mounted devices (HMDs).

[0119] Meanwhile, the control unit (120) can acquire a face image of the user through a camera and calculate an optimal distance value from the user's face (or glabella area) to the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) according to the user's face contour. This can be used as the initial distance value of the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110). Subsequently, the control unit (120) can detect a change in the user's olfactory ability and adjust the distance between the user's face and the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110).

[0120] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (120) determines the user's olfactory ability, calculates an optimal angle value between the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) and the user's face based on the determined olfactory ability, and can transmit information requesting the user terminal device to rotate the mounting unit (151) according to the angle value through a communication interface (122).

[0121] Specifically, as described above, the control unit (120) measures the electroencephalogram signal of the user through the biosignal measurement unit (130) while electromagnetic waves are emitted through the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110), and can determine the user's olfactory ability based on the user's electroencephalogram signal. At this time, the control unit (120) detects the amount of change in the user's olfactory ability due to the electromagnetic waves, and if the user's olfactory ability is not improved or is improved only slightly, it can decide to reduce the distance between the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) facing the user and the user's face. In particular, if the control unit (120) adjusts the intensity and pattern of the electromagnetic waves and, despite adjusting the distance between the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) and the user's face, it is confirmed that the user's olfactory ability is not improved or is improved only slightly, it can determine that the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) is not accurately targeting the user's olfactory nerve and decide to adjust the angle.

[0122] At this time, the control unit (120) can calculate a threshold value for the user's sense of smell based on the user's olfactory ability and calculate an optimal angle value for the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) for the olfactory nerve based on the threshold value. That is, if the user's olfactory ability is not improved by electromagnetic waves or is improved only slightly, the control unit (120) can adjust the angle of the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) facing the user, while calculating an optimal angle value by considering the user's threshold value. In particular, the control unit (120) can acquire a face image of the user through a camera and calculate an optimal angle value for the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) to target the user's olfactory nerve (i.e., the area between the eyebrows) according to the user's face contour.

[0123] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (120) identifies the user's surrounding environment based on the user's location information obtained through the sensor unit and the sound obtained through the microphone, and can adjust at least one of the pattern and intensity of the electromagnetic waves of the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) in response to the identified user's surrounding environment.

[0124] Specifically, the control unit (120) can determine the location of the user by acquiring the user's location information through a GPS sensor. Additionally, the control unit (120) can determine the state of the user's surrounding environment based on sounds around the user acquired through a microphone. Furthermore, the control unit (120) can determine the humidity around the user through a humidity sensor.

[0125] The control unit (120) can adjust at least one of the pattern and intensity of electromagnetic waves in response to the surrounding environment if it is determined that the user's surrounding environment, such as a dry environment, an allergy-inducing environment, a densely populated area, or a construction site, affects the user's sense of smell based on the user's location information, sound information, and humidity information. To this end, the storage unit (123) may store information on the pattern and intensity of electromagnetic waves corresponding to each surrounding environment. However, it is not limited thereto, and the control unit (120) may use a neural network model trained to output an appropriate pattern and intensity of electromagnetic waves by inputting location information, sound information, and humidity information. Here, the neural network model may be a model pre-trained with multiple training data including location information, sound information, and humidity information, and multiple label data including the corresponding pattern and intensity of electromagnetic waves. For example, the neural network model may include a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), etc.

[0126] Meanwhile, the control unit (120) transmits the user's location information and sound information to a server device linked with the olfactory ability activation device (100) to obtain electromagnetic wave pattern and intensity information, and can control the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) based on the obtained electromagnetic wave pattern and intensity information.

[0127] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing the interaction of a user olfactory ability activation device (100), a user terminal device (300), and a biosignal measurement device (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 5, the biosignal measuring unit (130) may be implemented as a biosignal measuring device (400) which is a separate device from the olfactory ability activation device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the biosignal measuring device (400) may be linked with the olfactory ability activation device (100) through a communication interface (122), and when the biosignal measuring device confirms that electromagnetic waves have been emitted to the user through the olfactory ability activation device (100), it may measure the user's electroencephalogram signal while the electromagnetic waves are being emitted and obtain information on changes in the electroencephalogram signal according to the electromagnetic waves.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 5, a biosignal measuring device (400) for measuring electroencephalogram signals may include a plurality of electrodes (410) attached to a user and a signal processing unit (420) for processing electrical signals transmitted from the electrodes.

[0130] Multiple electrodes (410) can detect minute potential differences on the surface of the scalp that reflect neural activity in the olfactory bulb and related brain regions activated by electromagnetic wave stimulation, and transmit electrical signals generated in the user's brain to the signal processing unit (420).

[0131] The signal processing unit (420) amplifies the electrical signal transmitted through the electrode (410), removes noise included in the electrical signal to separate only the pure brain signal, and extracts a specific frequency band related to the olfactory nerve to generate the user's electroencephalogram signal data. The signal processing unit (420) converts the generated electroencephalogram signal data into a digital signal and transmits it to the user terminal device (300).

[0132] The signal processing unit (420) may include a memory for storing data for an algorithm or a program that reproduces the algorithm for processing an electrical signal received from an electrode, a processor that performs processing of the aforementioned electrical signal using the data stored in the memory, and a communication interface that may include one or more components that enable communication with an external device, and the description of the aforementioned memory, processor, and communication interface may be applied in the same way.

[0133] The present invention may also provide a method for controlling the user's olfactory ability activation device.

[0134] FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a control method of a user olfactory ability activation device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 6, a control method for a user's olfactory ability activation device may include the steps of: olfactory nerve stimulating unit emitting electromagnetic waves toward the user to stimulate the user's olfactory nerve (S410); biosignal measuring unit measuring the user's electroencephalogram signal (S420); a control unit determining the user's olfactory ability based on the measured electroencephalogram signal (S430); and the control unit adjusting one or more of the intensity and pattern of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the olfactory nerve stimulating unit based on the determined olfactory ability (S440).

[0136] In step (S410), the control unit (120) can emit electromagnetic waves toward the user's olfactory nerve through the olfactory nerve stimulating unit (110) to stimulate the user's olfactory nerve.

[0137] Specifically, the control unit (120) can control the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) to emit electromagnetic waves toward the user when the olfactory ability activation device (100) is worn on the user's head. In particular, the control unit (120) can control the signal generator (112) to generate an electrical signal corresponding to a preset frequency and amplitude, and transmit the generated electrical signal through a cable to a patch-type antenna (111) mounted on the mounting unit (151) to emit electromagnetic waves.

[0138] At this time, the emitted electromagnetic waves may be RF waves, and the frequency may be 0.1 to 30 GHz, preferably 1 to 10 GHz, more preferably 1.5 to 3.5 GHz; the output of the electromagnetic waves may be 1 to 30 W, preferably 10 to 20 W, more preferably 13 to 17 W; and the distance between the electromagnetic wave emitting device and the user may be 1 to 30 cm, preferably 2 to 10 cm, most preferably 3 to 7 cm. In addition, the area where the electromagnetic waves reach may be the area between the user's eyes.

[0139] For example, the control unit (120) can detect the user's forehead area through a camera (not shown) and control the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) to emit electromagnetic waves to the detected forehead area. Meanwhile, the camera may be provided in one area of ​​the guide (150) to detect the user's face.

[0140] Subsequently, in step (S420), the biosignal measuring unit (130) can measure changes in the user's electroencephalogram signal caused by electromagnetic waves. The changes in the user's electroencephalogram signal measured in this way are used to evaluate the user's olfactory ability by the control unit (120).

[0141] Next, in step (S430), the control unit (120) can obtain the user's electroencephalogram signal through the electroencephalogram of the user measured by the biosignal measuring unit (130) while electromagnetic waves are emitted through the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110). Based on the user's electroencephalogram signal thus obtained, the control unit (120) can determine the user's olfactory ability.

[0142] In particular, the control unit (120) can monitor the user's olfactory ability while electromagnetic waves are being emitted and detect changes in olfactory ability. Specifically, in the case of an electroencephalogram signal, information on the activity of the olfactory nerve stimulation may be included, and this activity information may be information on brainwave power in a specific frequency band associated with the olfactory nerve, and in particular, information on brainwave power in a frequency band of 30 to 100 Hz.

[0143] The control unit (120) can obtain information on the user's olfactory nerve activity by analyzing the user's electroencephalogram signal obtained while electromagnetic waves are being emitted. For example, the control unit (120) may transmit the obtained electroencephalogram signal to a server device linked with the olfactory ability activation device (100) via a communication interface (122) and receive the analysis results regarding the olfactory nerve activity information from the server device.

[0144] Meanwhile, the control unit (120) can detect changes in the user's olfactory ability according to electromagnetic waves based on olfactory nerve activity information. In particular, the control unit (120) can determine whether the user's olfactory ability improves or the degree of improvement of the olfactory ability while the electromagnetic waves are being emitted.

[0145] Afterward, in step (S440), the control unit (120) can adjust one or more of the intensity and pattern of the electromagnetic waves based on the determined user's olfactory ability.

[0146] For example, the control unit (120) may increase the intensity of the electromagnetic waves if the user's olfactory ability is not improved or the degree of improvement is insufficient while emitting the electromagnetic waves. Alternatively, the control unit (120) may adjust the pattern of the electromagnetic waves, wherein adjusting the pattern of the electromagnetic waves may involve modulating the frequency of the electromagnetic waves. In particular, the control unit (120) may identify the frequency value to which the user responds sensitively by adjusting the frequency of the electromagnetic waves. That is, since the frequency to which the user's olfactory nerve responds sensitively may differ for each user, the control unit (120) may identify the frequency value to which the user responds more sensitively by adjusting the frequency of the electromagnetic waves if the user's olfactory ability is not improved or the degree of improvement is insufficient while emitting the electromagnetic waves (or while emitting with increased intensity of the electromagnetic waves).

[0147] The control unit (120) can store electromagnetic wave intensity and pattern information suitable for the user in the storage unit (123), and then emit electromagnetic waves based on the stored information when the user uses the olfactory ability activation device (100) again. At this time, the electromagnetic wave intensity and pattern information can be matched and stored in the storage unit (123) with each user's identification information (e.g., name, ID, etc.). When the control unit (120) receives the user's identification information through the user interface (e.g., key, button, etc.) of the olfactory ability activation device (100), it can match the user's identification information with the electromagnetic wave intensity and pattern information and store it in the storage unit (123).

[0148] Meanwhile, the control method of the user olfactory ability activation device of the present invention may further include the step of the control unit (120) determining the user's olfactory ability, calculating an optimal distance value between the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) and the user's face based on the determined olfactory ability, and transmitting information requesting the movement of the mounting unit (151) according to the distance value to a user terminal device through a communication interface (122).

[0149] Specifically, as described above, the control unit (120) detects the amount of change in the user's olfactory ability based on the electroencephalogram signal of the user measured through the biosignal measuring unit (130), and can adjust the distance between the olfactory nerve stimulating unit (110) and the user's face according to the amount of change in the user's olfactory ability, and can consider the threshold value of the user's olfactory ability when adjusting the distance.

[0150] Additionally, the control method of the user olfactory ability activation device of the present invention may further include the step of the control unit (120) determining the user's olfactory ability, calculating an optimal angle value between the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110) and the user's face based on the determined olfactory ability, and transmitting information requesting the user terminal device to rotate the mounting unit (151) according to the angle value through a communication interface (122).

[0151] Specifically, as described above, the control unit (120) detects the amount of change in the user's olfactory ability based on the electroencephalogram signal of the user measured through the biosignal measuring unit (130), and can determine the user's olfactory ability, and can adjust the angle of the olfactory nerve stimulating unit (110) according to the degree of improvement in the olfactory ability, and can consider the threshold value of the user's olfactory ability when adjusting the angle.

[0152] The present invention can also provide a system for activating a user's olfactory ability through electromagnetic wave-based olfactory nerve stimulation.

[0153] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram of a user olfactory ability activation system (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] The user olfactory ability activation system (1000) includes a user olfactory ability activation device (100), a user terminal device (300), and a server device (500). Meanwhile, the description of the user olfactory ability activation device (100), the user terminal device (300), and the server device (500) described above may be applied in the same way.

[0155] The user olfactory ability activation device (100) can transmit an electroencephalogram signal obtained through a biosignal measurement unit (130) to a server device (500). At this time, the server device (500) can monitor the obtained electroencephalogram signal to determine the amount of change in the user's olfactory ability and transmit information or control commands requesting the user olfactory ability activation device (100) to adjust the intensity and pattern of the electromagnetic waves. Accordingly, the control unit (120) of the user olfactory ability activation device (100) can adjust the intensity and pattern of the electromagnetic waves of the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110).

[0156] Additionally, the server device (500) can monitor the acquired electroencephalogram signal to determine the amount of change in the user's olfactory ability, calculate the optimal distance value or optimal angle value between the user and the olfactory nerve stimulation unit (110), and transmit it to the user terminal device (300).

[0157] Meanwhile, although not illustrated in FIG. 7, the user olfactory ability activation system (1000) may further include a separate biosignal measuring device, and the biosignal measuring device may be linked with the olfactory ability activation device (100) through a communication interface, and when the biosignal measuring device confirms that electromagnetic waves have been emitted to the user through the olfactory ability activation device (100), it may measure the user's electroencephalogram signal while the electromagnetic waves are being emitted and obtain information on electroencephalogram changes according to the electromagnetic waves.

[0158] In each step, identification codes are used for convenience of explanation and do not describe the order of the steps; the steps may be performed differently from the specified order unless a specific order is clearly indicated in the context.

[0159] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code and, when executed by a processor, may generate a program module to perform the operation of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0160] Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording media that store instructions that can be decoded by a computer. Examples include ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage devices, etc.

[0161] Examples

[0162] The present invention will be explained in more detail through the following examples. However, these examples represent some experimental methods and configurations to illustrate the invention, and the scope of the invention is not limited to these examples.

[0163] RF stimulation method

[0164] A head strap capable of securing an antenna was fabricated using 3D printing, and a 5 x 5 cm PCB (Printed Circuit Board) patch antenna was mounted on the head strap. The patch antenna was then positioned 5 cm away from the user's forehead. RF waves were continuously emitted without pulses at 2.45 GHz through the antenna to stimulate the user's olfactory nerves.

[0165] Method for recording olfactory bulb responses by RF stimulation

[0166] To record the olfactory bulb's response to RF stimulation, four electrodes were attached around the user's eyebrows, with the reference electrode and ground electrode attached behind the right and left ears, respectively, and the user was instructed to sit in a comfortable chair with their eyes closed and not move their head or body while the olfactory bulb response was being recorded.

[0167] Olfactory bulb response signals were recorded using an electroencephalogram acquisition system (actiCHamp 32ch, Brain Vision, USA) in a sealed space where air was purified and odors were removed, and electroencephalogram signals were sampled at 100,000 Hz. Signals in unwanted frequency ranges were removed using a band-pass filter with a cut-off frequency of 0.531 Hz to 100 Hz, and noise was removed by applying a 60 Hz notch filter.

[0168] Experimental Example 1: Verification of RF wave stimulation transmission using 3D modeling

[0169] To determine whether RF waves can effectively target and stimulate the user's olfactory bulb, the location and intensity of RF wave stimulation according to the radiation pattern of RF stimulation were measured through 3D modeling.

[0170] The intensity of the RF wave was expressed as power gain, which is the value obtained by dividing the radiated power of an isotropic antenna in a specific direction by the radiated power of an antenna mounted on the user's olfactory ability activation device of the present invention in a specific direction.

[0171] As shown in Figure 8, it was confirmed that RF waves pass through the skull to form an intensive radiation pattern in a specific direction, and reach the inside of the nose and inside the skull through the forehead to effectively stimulate the olfactory bulb.

[0172] In addition, the intensity of RF stimulation was highest around the nasal cavity where the olfactory bulb is located, which is indicated by the red dotted line in Figure 8, and the power gain around the nasal cavity was about 0.4 and was measured up to a maximum of 0.8.

[0173] Through this, it was confirmed that RF waves can be used to deliver stimulation to the olfactory bulb located deep within the user's scalp, thereby effectively stimulating the user's olfactory nerves.

[0174] Experimental Example 2: Verification of the Stability of RF Stimulation Using 3D Modeling

[0175] To verify the stability of RF wave stimulation, the specific absorption rate (SAR) according to input power was measured using 3D modeling when RF wave stimulation was applied at powers of 5, 10, 15, and 20 W.

[0176] As shown in Fig. 9a, the specific absorption rates measured at RF wave powers of 5, 10, 15, and 20 W were 6.6072, 16.2500, 19.4643, and 35.5358 W / kg, respectively, and in particular, at powers of 15 W or less, the SAR limit value of 20 W / kg for occupational exposure specified by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) was not exceeded.

[0177] In addition, to check for changes in skin temperature due to RF wave stimulation, RF waves were emitted at a power of 15W for 1 to 5 minutes to a user with normal body temperature in a closed room, and the user's skin temperature was measured using a thermal imaging camera.

[0178] As shown in Fig. 9b, the skin temperature at the RF wave stimulation site was stably maintained within the normal body temperature range at a power of 15W, confirming that there was no risk of overheating or risks associated with thermal effects.

[0179] Through this, it was confirmed that the RF wave stimulation according to the present invention can safely stimulate the user's olfactory nerves.

[0180] Experimental Example 3: Confirmation of the effect of olfactory bulb activation by RF wave stimulation

[0181] To determine the effect of RF stimulation on the olfactory bulb, the electrical activity of the user's olfactory bulb before and after RF stimulation was compared.

[0182] The user's electroencephalogram signal recorded through the electroencephalogram acquisition system was quantified and visualized using Python and MNE, and the power spectral density in the range of 30 to 100 Hz was calculated.

[0183] As shown in Figure 10, faint, short vertical lines within the 30 to 100 Hz spectrogram frequency range observed in the resting state prior to RF wave stimulation appeared as long vertical lines with higher power when RF wave stimulation was applied.

[0184] Through this, it was confirmed that when RF wave stimulation is applied, the electrical activity of the olfactory bulb increases, and in particular, the total power increases within the frequency range of 30 to 100 Hz, and the olfactory bulb is strongly activated.

[0185] Experimental Example 4: Confirmation of the effect of improving sensitivity to n-butanol by RF wave stimulation

[0186] To further confirm whether sensitivity to volatile organic compounds is improved when RF wave stimulation is applied, a sensitivity experiment was conducted on n-butanol.

[0187] Odor threshold tests were conducted based on the Korean version of Sniffin' Sticks Test-II (KVSS-II, Kwangwoo MeDix Inc.), and n-butanol odor threshold tests were performed on 5 participants. 16 pens were used, starting with n-butanol at a maximum concentration of 4%, and the concentration was gradually reduced by repeatedly diluting the n-butanol solution to the solvent at a 1:2 ratio.

[0188] First, the experiment participants were made accustomed to the smell of n-butanol using the pen with the highest n-butanol concentration, and then the test was conducted starting from the 16th pen, which had the lowest n-butanol concentration.

[0189] Each participant was asked to smell three randomly selected pens and identify the pen containing n-butanol. If a participant failed to select the pen containing n-butanol and selected a pen containing only the solvent, the test was continued with a pen with a concentration level two steps higher. If a participant correctly identified the pen containing n-butanol two consecutive times, the test was continued with a pen with a concentration level one step lower. This process was repeated until seven turning points were achieved, and the average score of the last four turning points was recorded as the olfactory threshold score.

[0190] Figure 11a shows the results of an odor threshold experiment conducted after applying RF wave stimulation for 5 minutes at powers of 5, 10, 15, and 20 W, and Figure 11b shows the results of an odor threshold experiment conducted after applying RF wave stimulation for 1 minute, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes at power of 15 W.

[0191] As shown in Figure 11a, the average olfactory threshold score of the subjects before RF wave stimulation was 7.75±1.22, but when stimulation was applied for 5 minutes at an output of 10 to 20 W, the olfactory threshold score improved significantly to 15.90±0.22. However, at an output of 15 W or higher, the olfactory threshold score did not improve further and remained constant.

[0192] In addition, as shown in Figure 11b, the average olfactory threshold score of the subjects improved to 12.50±2.28 after RF stimulation with a 15W output for 1 minute, and the olfactory threshold score improved significantly to 15.70±0.45 when stimulation was applied for 5 minutes or more. Furthermore, at stimulation times of 5 minutes or more, the olfactory threshold score showed a tendency to remain constant without further increasing.

[0193] Meanwhile, Figure 11c shows the duration of the enhanced olfactory threshold after RF stimulation, and it can be confirmed that the enhanced olfactory threshold is maintained for up to one week after RF stimulation.

[0194] Experimental Example 5: Confirmation of the effect of enhancing the activation of n-butanol in the olfactory bulb by electromagnetic wave stimulation

[0195] For all experiments on n-butanol conducted in Experiment 4, changes in the electrical response of the olfactory bulb were measured after RF stimulation.

[0196] Figure 12a shows the spectrogram of the electrical changes in the olfactory bulb response of all experiments performed on n-butanol after RF wave stimulation.

[0197] As shown in Figure 12a, the power spectrogram after RF stimulation shows higher power intensity across the entire frequency range, which confirms that the olfactory bulb exhibits a stronger response to n-butanol due to RF wave stimulation.

[0198] Figure 12b shows the power spectral density (PSD) of the olfactory bulb response to n-butanol before and after RF wave stimulation, where each data point represents the average of 20 odor response experiments to n-butanol.

[0199] As shown in Figure 12b, the power spectral density of the olfactory bulb for n-butanol increased after RF stimulation, and through this, it can be confirmed that the response of the olfactory bulb to n-butanol is increased by RF wave stimulation.

[0200] Figure 12c visualizes the statistically significant difference in olfactory bulb responses before and after RF stimulation using a spectrogram. To compare the difference in responses before and after stimulation, a non-paired two-sided Student's t-test was used to calculate the t-value, and only the results for the interval where the t-value exceeded 1.5 were shown. A higher t-value indicates that the difference between the groups before and after RF stimulation is statistically significant.

[0201] As shown in Fig. 12c, it can be confirmed that the power intensity of the electrical response of olfactory neurons during 0.4 seconds after RF wave stimulation is significantly higher across all frequency bands. Considering that the response time of olfactory neurons to olfactory stimulation occurs within 0.1 to 0.15 seconds, these results indicate that RF wave stimulation enhances the olfactory sensitivity of olfactory neurons, enabling a sensitive response to olfactory stimulation.

[0202] Experimental Example 6: Confirmation of the effect of improving sensitivity to fruit scents by electromagnetic wave stimulation

[0203] Additional experiments were conducted to determine whether sensitivity to specific fruit scents is improved when electromagnetic wave stimulation is applied.

[0204] The odor threshold test was conducted in the same manner as in Experimental Example 4, and the experiment was carried out using 16 pens prepared with grape, banana, and apple scents (EM906 / A, EM-907 and EM-16B173, Esfood) instead of n-butanol at the same concentration and dilution ratio as in Example 4.

[0205] Figure 13a shows the change in threshold scores for grape, banana, and apple scents for each experiment participant before and after electromagnetic wave stimulation, and Figure 13b shows the change in threshold scores for grape, banana, and apple scents for each experiment participant.

[0206] As can be seen in Figures 13a and 13b, the threshold scores for grape, banana, and apple scents of all participants improved after RF stimulation, confirming that RF stimulation can improve odor sensitivity to specific scents.

[0207] From the foregoing description, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. In this regard, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A fixing part for securing the user's olfactory ability activation device to the user's head; An olfactory nerve stimulator equipped with an antenna for emitting electromagnetic waves toward a user to stimulate the user's olfactory nerves; and A guide extending from the above-mentioned fixed part toward the front of the user, with the above-mentioned olfactory nerve stimulating part mounted at one end. A user olfactory ability activation device including 2. In Paragraph 1, The above electromagnetic waves are RF waves, a device for activating the user's sense of smell.

3. In Paragraph 1, A user olfactory ability activation device having an electromagnetic wave frequency of 0.1 to 30 GHz.

4. In Paragraph 1, A user olfactory ability activation device in which the above-mentioned olfactory nerve stimulating part emits electromagnetic waves with a power of 1 to 30W.

5. In Paragraph 1, A user olfactory ability activation device having a distance of 1 to 30 cm between the above-mentioned olfactory nerve stimulating part and the user.

6. In Paragraph 1, A device for activating a user's sense of smell, wherein the above-mentioned electromagnetic waves are emitted toward the user's forehead area.

7. In Paragraph 1, A user olfactory ability activation device further comprising a biosignal measuring unit for measuring the electroencephalogram of the user.

8. In Paragraph 7, A device for activating a user's olfactory ability, wherein the above electroencephalogram signal is a brainwave change in the frequency band of 30 to 100 Hz.

9. In Paragraph 7, A user olfactory ability activation device further comprising a control unit that determines the user's olfactory ability based on the user's electroencephalogram signal measured by a biosignal measuring unit.

10. In Paragraph 9, A user olfactory ability activation device that adjusts one or more of the pattern and intensity of electromagnetic waves emitted by the olfactory nerve stimulation unit based on the olfactory ability determined by the above-determined control unit.

11. In Paragraph 9, The above-mentioned user olfactory ability activation device further includes a communication interface, and A user olfactory ability activation device, wherein the above-described control unit calculates an optimal distance value between an olfactory nerve stimulating unit and a user based on the determined olfactory ability, and transmits information requesting the olfactory nerve stimulating unit to move according to the distance value to a user terminal device through the communication interface.

12. In Paragraph 9, The above-mentioned user olfactory ability activation device further includes a communication interface, and A user olfactory ability activation device, wherein the above-determined control unit calculates an optimal angle value between an olfactory nerve stimulating unit and a user based on the determined olfactory ability, and transmits information requesting the rotation of the olfactory nerve stimulating unit according to the angle value to a user terminal device through the communication interface.

13. In Paragraph 7, A user olfactory ability activation device comprising a plurality of electrodes attached to the user's body, wherein the above-mentioned biosignal measuring unit.

14. In Paragraph 1, A user olfactory ability activation device in which the above antenna is a patch-type antenna.

15. In Paragraph 14, A user olfactory ability activation device having an antenna size of 3cm x 3cm to 7cm x 7cm.

16. A step in which an olfactory nerve stimulating unit emits electromagnetic waves toward the user to stimulate the user's olfactory nerve; A step in which a biosignal measuring unit measures the user's electroencephalogram; A step in which a control unit determines the user's olfactory ability based on the measured electroencephalogram signal; and A step in which the control unit adjusts one or more of the intensity and pattern of electromagnetic waves emitted by the olfactory nerve stimulation unit based on the determined olfactory ability. A method for controlling a user's olfactory ability activation device, comprising 17. A step of stimulating the user's olfactory nerves by emitting electromagnetic waves toward the user; A step of measuring the electroencephalogram of the user; and A step of determining whether the user's olfactory ability is activated from the above-mentioned measured electroencephalogram signal A method for providing information on the activation of a user's olfactory ability, including 18. In Paragraph 17, A method for providing information on the activation of a user's olfactory ability, wherein the step of measuring the user's electroencephalogram signal is performed while the electromagnetic waves are emitted.

19. In Paragraph 17, A method for providing information on the activation of a user's olfactory ability, which determines that the user's olfactory ability is activated when the user's electroencephalogram signal increases.

20. A user olfactory ability activation device fixed to the user's head and emitting electromagnetic waves toward the user to stimulate the user's olfactory nerves; A biosignal measuring device that measures the user's electroencephalogram; A server device for monitoring the user's olfactory ability based on the measured electroencephalogram signal; and User terminal device including, User olfactory ability activation system.

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