Aroma control device, virtual experience system, and aroma control program

Abstract

This aroma control device 2 improves the quality of a user's experience regarding media. The aroma control device 2 comprises: an acquisition unit 100 that acquires media information including at least one of image information and audio information; a first control unit (aroma control unit 106) that performs control so that a dispensing device 3, configured to be able to dispense components into a space, dispenses an aroma component on the basis of the media information; and a second control unit (aroma reduction control unit 108) that performs control so that the dispensing device 3 dispenses a component that reduces aroma on the basis of the media information.

Description

Scent control device, virtual experience system, and scent control program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a scent control device, a virtual experience system, and a scent control program.

[0002] Conventionally, technologies for providing a virtual experience to a user are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to an image display device that can be commercialized at low cost while saving space, and provides a sense of realism and immersion to senses other than vision and hearing, thereby also taking into consideration issues such as VE sickness.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-012290

[0004] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot sufficiently improve the quality of a user's experience regarding media. For example, there remains room for study regarding the control of scents experienced by a user.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a scent control device, a virtual experience system, and a scent control program capable of improving the quality of a user's experience regarding media.

[0006] A scent control device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires media information including at least one of image information and audio information; a first control unit that controls an ejection device, which is configured to be capable of ejecting a component into a space, to eject a scent component based on the media information; and a second control unit that controls the ejection device to eject a scent-reducing component based on the media information.

[0007] A virtual experience system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires media information including at least one of image information and audio information; an output unit that outputs the media information; a first ejection unit that ejects a scent component based on the media information; and a second ejection unit that ejects a scent-reducing component based on the media information.

[0008] A fragrance control program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the following actions: acquire media information including at least one of image information and sound information; control a spraying device configured to spray components into space to spray fragrance components based on the media information; and control the spraying device to spray components that reduce fragrance based on the media information.

[0009] This disclosure can improve the quality of the user experience with media, particularly the quality of the user's experience with fragrance.

[0010] This is a conceptual diagram of the virtual experience system 1 according to this embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the virtual experience system 1 according to this embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the scent control device 2 according to this embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the scent control device 2 according to this embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the scent control device 2 according to this embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the scent control device 2 according to this embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the scent control device 2 according to this embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of each device included in the virtual experience system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0011] 1. Overview Conventionally, technologies have been known that improve the quality of the user experience by providing users with scents along with images and / or audio. However, conventional technologies had room for improvement regarding, for example, changing the scent along with the transition of scenes in the images and / or audio. In particular, when the images and / or audio transition from the first scene to the second scene, the scent provided in the first scene may be perceived in the second scene as well, which could reduce the quality of the user experience (for example, immersion in the images and / or audio).

[0012] The virtual experience system 1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "virtual experience system 1") can solve the problems related to this example. The overview of the operation of the virtual experience system 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 1.

[0013] In the virtual experience system 1, the media output device 4 provides video and / or audio to the user. In this embodiment, the concept including at least video and / or audio is referred to as "media." In this embodiment, the act of a user receiving media (i.e., for example, the user viewing video and the user listening to audio) may be expressed as "the user experiencing the media."

[0014] The virtual experience system 1 includes a fragrance control device 2 and a fragrance dispensing device 3. First, the media output device 4 starts outputting the first scene of the media. The fragrance control device 2 obtains information via the media output device 4 indicating that the first scene of the media has started (S1). Next, based on this information, the fragrance control device 2 sends an instruction to the dispensing device 3 to dispense fragrance components corresponding to the first scene into the space (hereinafter, the instruction to dispense fragrance components into the space will be referred to as a "fragrance instruction") (S2). In response, the dispensing device 3 dispenses fragrance components corresponding to the first scene into the space (S3). Through this series of processes, the user can experience the media of the first scene and further experience the fragrance corresponding to the first scene.

[0015] Next, the media output device 4 finishes outputting the first scene of the media and starts outputting the second scene. The fragrance control device 2 receives information via the media output device 4 indicating that the second scene of the media has started (S4). Next, based on this information, the fragrance control device 2 sends an instruction to the spraying device 3 to spray a fragrance-reducing component (hereinafter referred to as "fragrance-reducing component") into the space (hereinafter referred to as "fragrance-reducing instruction") (S5). In response, the spraying device 3 sprays the fragrance-reducing component into the space (S6). As a result of this series of processes, the fragrance corresponding to the first scene in the space is reduced, allowing the user to experience the second scene without their immersion being hindered by the fragrance corresponding to the first scene.

[0016] As described above, the fragrance control device 2 acquires media information including at least one of image information and sound information, and controls the spraying device 3, which is configured to spray components into space, to spray fragrance components based on the media information, and also controls the spraying device 3 to spray fragrance-reducing components that reduce the fragrance based on the media information. An example of acquiring media information including at least one of image information and sound information is to acquire information indicating that the first scene and the second scene of the media have each started (see S1 and S4). An example of controlling the spraying device 3, which is configured to spray components into space, to spray fragrance components based on the media information is to transmit a fragrance instruction to the spraying device 3 based on information indicating that the first scene has started (see S2). An example of controlling the spraying device 3 to spray fragrance-reducing components that reduce the fragrance based on the media information is to transmit a fragrance-reducing instruction to the spraying device 3 based on information indicating that the second scene has started (see S5).

[0017] According to the fragrance control device 2, the release of fragrance components can be controlled according to media information, and the release of fragrance-reducing components can be further controlled. This allows for control of the fragrance provided to the user along with the media, thereby improving the quality of the user experience.

[0018] The configuration example of the fragrance control device 2 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 2 to 9.

[0019] 2. Referring to Functional Configuration Diagram 2, the functional configuration of the virtual experience system 1 of this embodiment will be described. The virtual experience system 1 includes a fragrance control device 2, a spraying device 3, a media output device 4, a media input device 5, a fragrance sensor 6, and a communication network 7. The fragrance control device 2, the spraying device 3, the media output device 4, the media input device 5, and the fragrance sensor 6 are configured to communicate with each other via the communication network 7.

[0020] 2.1 Media Output Device 4 The media output device 4 is a device that outputs media to the user. The media output device 4 may be equipped with a display 4a and a speaker 4b. The media output device 4 can read media information from a storage medium (e.g., HDD, CD-ROM, USB memory, etc.) and output media based on that information.

[0021] 2.2 Media Input Device 5 The media input device 5 is a device that detects media output by the media output device 4 using various sensors. The media input device 5 may be equipped with a camera 5a and a microphone 5b.

[0022] 2.3 Dispensing Device 3 The dispensing device 3 is a device configured to dispense fragrance components and fragrance reduction components into space. The dispensing device 3 may include an instruction acquisition unit 3a, a blending unit 3b, a fragrance component dispensing unit 3c, and a fragrance reduction component dispensing unit 3d. The instruction acquisition unit 3a acquires fragrance instructions and fragrance reduction instructions. The blending unit 3b blends fragrance components from one or more components that form the basis of fragrance components. The fragrance component dispensing unit 3c dispenses fragrance components based on the fragrance instructions. The fragrance reduction component dispensing unit 3d dispenses fragrance reduction components based on the fragrance reduction instructions. The dispensing device 3 may be configured to have a cartridge containing one or more components that form the basis of fragrance components that can be attached and detached.

[0023] In this specification, “space” is not limited to enclosed or semi-enclosed physical spaces (macrospaces) such as rooms, facilities, or booths in which a user resides. Such “space” may, for example, be the space inside the housing of a head-mounted display, smart glasses, headphones, mask-type device, or neckband-type wearable device worn by the user, or the space formed between the device and the user's face. Furthermore, such “space” includes localized spaces in which a specific component can be perceived by the user, such as when the component ejected from the ejection device 3 remains near the user's nasal cavity or around the olfactory organs.

[0024] One or more components that form the basis of the fragrance may be natural fragrances or synthetic fragrances. Natural fragrances may be fragrances selected from the list of natural fragrance source substances stipulated in Article 4, Paragraph 3 of the Food Sanitation Act, and may be, for example, plant-derived fragrances extracted from flowers, plants, fruits, etc. Synthetic fragrances may be fragrances synthesized by methods utilizing chemical reactions, and may be appropriately selected based on the knowledge of a person skilled in the art from among the approximately 400 designated additives listed in "Appendix 1 of the Enforcement Regulations of the Food Sanitation Act," which includes 141 items and 18 categories. One or more components that form the basis of the fragrance may be, for example, components containing terpene compounds such as limonene, linalool, and menthol.

[0025] In one embodiment, the fragrance-reducing component comprises an aqueous solution containing at least a radical source and a radical generation catalyst. This configuration allows for the chemical decomposition of fragrance molecules, thereby "eliminating" the fragrance components. This allows for more effective suppression of fragrance contamination compared to methods such as temporarily adsorbing fragrance components to reduce the amount of fragrance in the air. As a result, a greater sense of immersion can be provided to the user.

[0026] In one embodiment, the radical source includes at least one selected from the group consisting of halogenous acid, halogenous acid ions, and halogenated salts. In one embodiment, the halogenous acid includes at least one selected from the group consisting of chlorite, bromic acid, and iodic acid. In one embodiment, the radical generation catalyst includes an ammonium salt with a Lewis acidity of 0.4 eV or higher. In one embodiment, the ammonium salt with a Lewis acidity of 0.4 eV or higher includes at least one selected from the group consisting of benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, tetramethylammonium chloride, ammonium chloride, methylammonium chloride, and tetrabutylammonium chloride. Those skilled in the art can appropriately understand the fragrance-reducing components by referring to publications such as, for example, Japanese Patent No. 6236057, Japanese Patent No. 6268152, and Japanese Patent No. 6268151.

[0027] 2.4 Aroma Sensor 6 The aroma sensor 6 generates spatial aroma information regarding the aroma components in the space where the user is present. The aroma sensor 6 may utilize the accumulation of charge on the surface of a CMOS sensor and convert the increase or decrease in charge amount caused by the adsorption / desorption of aroma molecules onto the CMOS sensor surface into numerical data.

[0028] 2.5 Aroma Control Device 2 The aroma control device 2 is a device that performs at least a part of the processing related to improving the quality of the user experience. The aroma control device 2 comprises a control unit 10, a storage unit 12, a network interface unit 14, and a bus 16. The control unit 10, the storage unit 12, and the network interface unit 14 are electrically connected via the bus 16.

[0029] 2.5.1 Control Unit 10 The control unit 10 can function as an acquisition unit 100, a determination unit 102, a judgment unit 104, a fragrance control unit 106, and a fragrance reduction control unit 108 by executing various programs stored in the storage unit 12, which will be described later. The following describes some configuration examples that can be realized based on these functions.

[0030] 2.5.1.1 Basic Configuration Example The acquisition unit 100 acquires media information including at least one of image information and audio information. The fragrance control unit 106 controls the spraying device 3, which is configured to spray components into space, to spray fragrance components based on the media information. The fragrance reduction control unit 108 controls the spraying device 3 to spray fragrance reduction components that reduce the fragrance based on the media information. With this configuration, not only the spraying of fragrance components but also the spraying of fragrance reduction components is controlled based on the media information, so the user's sense of immersion can be improved, for example, when there is a change in fragrance between scenes. As a result, the quality of the user experience is improved.

[0031] 2.5.1.2 Configuration Example Regarding Fragrance Switching Between Scenes In one embodiment, the media information includes first media information corresponding to the first scene and second media information corresponding to the second scene which is output continuously after the first scene. The fragrance control unit 106 controls the spraying device 3 to spray fragrance components based on the first media information, and the fragrance reduction control unit 108 controls the spraying device 3 to spray fragrance reduction components that reduce the fragrance between the first scene and the second scene. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately control the fragrance experienced by the user as the scene changes.

[0032] In this embodiment, a "scene" in media may be a part of media from which a user can perceive a coherence based on the subject, location, content of expression, and / or transitions between these. For example, if a video data includes video data of a person walking in a forest and video data of the same person eating, then both "video of the person walking in the forest" and "video of the person eating" may be examples of "scenes." Media information may include scene identification information corresponding to each point in time in the media (i.e., information indicating which scene each point in time in the media relates to).

[0033] In this embodiment, controlling the dispensing device 3 to dispense a fragrance component at a certain point in time may be done by the fragrance control unit 106 transmitting a fragrance instruction to the dispensing device 3 at that point in time, or by transmitting a fragrance instruction in advance so that the dispensing device 3 dispenses a fragrance component at that point in time. Similarly, in this embodiment, controlling the dispensing device 3 to dispense a fragrance reduction component at a certain point in time may be done by the fragrance reduction control unit 108 transmitting a fragrance reduction instruction to the dispensing device 3 at that point in time, or by transmitting a fragrance reduction instruction in advance so that the dispensing device 3 dispenses a fragrance reduction component at that point in time.

[0034] In this embodiment, when the fragrance reduction control unit 108 controls the spraying device 3 to spray a fragrance reduction component between the first scene and the second scene, "between the first scene and the second scene" may include at least a portion of the period from when the spraying device 3 starts spraying the fragrance component corresponding to the first scene until it stops spraying the fragrance component corresponding to the second scene. In one example, "between the first scene and the second scene" may be a portion of the period from when the spraying device 3 stops spraying the fragrance component corresponding to the first scene until it starts spraying the fragrance component corresponding to the second scene, as shown in Figure 3. In another example, "between the first scene and the second scene" may be a portion of the period from when the spraying device 3 starts spraying the fragrance component corresponding to the first scene until it starts spraying the fragrance component corresponding to the second scene. In yet another example, "between the first scene and the second scene" may be a portion of the period from when the spraying device 3 stops spraying the fragrance component corresponding to the first scene until it stops spraying the fragrance component corresponding to the second scene.

[0035] In one embodiment, the media information includes first media information corresponding to a first scene and second media information corresponding to a second scene that is output continuously after the first scene. The fragrance control unit 106 controls the dispensing device 3 to dispense fragrance components based on the first media information. The fragrance reduction control unit 108 controls the dispensing device 3 to dispense a fragrance reduction component between the first and second scenes if there is no predetermined relationship between the first and second scenes, and does not dispense the fragrance reduction component between the dispensing device 3 if there is a predetermined relationship between the first and second scenes. In one example, the determination unit 104 can determine whether or not there is a predetermined relationship between the first and second scenes. In another example, whether or not there is a predetermined relationship between the first and second scenes can be defined in the media information. With this configuration, the fragrance reduction component can be dispensed at a necessary and sufficient timing, thereby suppressing the amount of fragrance reduction component dispensed while maintaining the user's sense of immersion.

[0036] In one embodiment, the predetermined relationship includes the fact that the objects included in the first scene and the objects included in the second scene are common. For example, if both the video of the first scene and the video of the second scene contain a common food (an example of "object"), the determination unit 104 may determine that there is a predetermined relationship between the first scene and the second scene. In this case, the fragrance reduction control unit 108 does not spray the fragrance reduction component from the spraying device 3. On the other hand, for example, if the video of the first scene contains a certain food, but the video of the second scene does not contain that food, the determination unit 104 may determine that there is no predetermined relationship between the first scene and the second scene. In this case, the fragrance reduction control unit 108 sprays the fragrance reduction component from the spraying device 3 between the first scene and the second scene.

[0037] In one embodiment, the predetermined relationship includes the fact that the location and / or atmosphere in the first scene is the same as the location and / or atmosphere in the second scene. For example, if both the video of the first scene and the video of the second scene are set on the same beach (an example of "location and / or atmosphere"), the determination unit 104 can determine that there is a predetermined relationship between the first scene and the second scene. In this case, the fragrance reduction control unit 108 does not dispense the fragrance reduction component from the dispensing device 3. Conversely, for example, if the video of the first scene is set on a beach and the video of the second scene is set in a forest, the determination unit 104 can determine that there is no predetermined relationship between the first scene and the second scene. In this case, the fragrance reduction control unit 108 dispenses the fragrance reduction component from the dispensing device 3 between the first scene and the second scene.

[0038] 2.5.1.3 Configuration Example Regarding Reading / Determining Fragrance Information In one embodiment, the media information further includes fragrance information, the fragrance control unit 106 controls the spraying device 3 to spray fragrance components based on the fragrance information contained in the media information, and the fragrance reduction control unit 108 controls the spraying device 3 to spray fragrance reduction components that reduce the fragrance based on the fragrance information contained in the media information. With this configuration, fragrance information can be handled together with image information and / or audio information.

[0039] This configuration will be explained illustratively with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram of the data structure of media information according to one embodiment. The media information may include a video track, an audio track, and a scent track. The video track, audio track, and scent track are examples of image information, audio information, and scent information, respectively. The media output device 4 can output video on the display 4a and audio on the speaker 4b by sequentially reading chunks of the video track and audio track from the media information. In contrast, the scent control device 2 controls the spraying device 3 by sequentially reading chunks of the scent track from the media information.

[0040] For example, at time t11 shown in Figure 3, the video track has video data for the first scene recorded on it, and the audio track has audio data for the first scene recorded on it. Therefore, the media output device 4 outputs the video and audio for the first scene. In contrast, at time t11, the scent track has scent data for the first scene recorded on it. Therefore, the fragrance control unit 106 sends a fragrance instruction to the dispensing device 3 to dispense the fragrance components corresponding to the first scene.

[0041] Subsequently, at time t12 as shown in Figure 3, the media output device 4 continues to output the video and audio of the first scene. At time t12, since fragrance reduction data is recorded in the fragrance track, the fragrance reduction control unit 108 transmits a fragrance reduction instruction to the spraying device 3.

[0042] Subsequently, at time t13 as shown in Figure 3, the video track has video data for the second scene recorded, and the audio track has audio data for the second scene recorded. Therefore, the media output device 4 outputs the video and audio for the second scene. In contrast, at time t13, the scent track has scent data for the second scene recorded. Therefore, the fragrance control unit 106 sends a fragrance instruction to the dispensing device 3 to dispense the fragrance components corresponding to the second scene.

[0043] In one embodiment, the determining unit 102 determines scent information based on media information. The aroma control unit 106 controls the ejection device 3 to eject a scent component based on the scent information determined by the determining unit 102. The scent reduction control unit 108 controls the ejection device 3 to eject a scent reduction component that reduces the scent based on the scent information determined by the determining unit 102. According to this configuration, the scent can be controlled even when the media information does not directly include scent information.

[0044] In one example, when the media information includes image information related to a scene where a person is eating, the determining unit 102 can determine scent information corresponding to the content of the meal. In another example, when the media information includes image information related to a scene where a person is in a forest, the determining unit 102 can determine scent information corresponding to the scent of a forest.

[0045] This configuration will be exemplarily described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a data structure of media information according to an embodiment and scent information determined based thereon.

[0046] For example, at time point t21 illustrated in FIG. 4, video data of a first scene is recorded in a video track, and audio data of the first scene is recorded in an audio track, so the media output device 4 outputs video and audio of the first scene. Then, the determining unit 102 determines scent data of the first scene based on the video data and audio data of the first scene. The aroma control unit 106 transmits an aroma instruction based on the determined scent data to the ejection device 3.

[0047] Thereafter, at time point t22 illustrated in FIG. 4, video data of a second scene is recorded in the video track, and audio data of the second scene is recorded in the audio track, so the media output device 4 outputs video and audio of the second scene. Then, the determining unit 102 determines scent reduction data based on the scene change from the first scene to the second scene. The scent reduction control unit 108 transmits a scent reduction instruction based on the determined scent reduction data to the ejection device 3.

[0048] Thereafter, at time point t23 illustrated in FIG. 4, the media output device 4 continues to output the video and audio of the second scene. Then, the determining unit 102 determines scent data for the second scene based on the video data and audio data of the second scene. The aroma control unit 106 transmits an aroma instruction based on the determined scent data to the ejection device 3.

[0049] It should be noted that, among the exemplary description with reference to FIG. 4, determining the scent data of the first scene based on the video data and audio data of the first scene, determining scent reduction data based on the transition from the first scene to the second scene, and determining the scent data of the second scene based on the video data and audio data of the second scene are all examples of determining scent information based on media information.

[0050] 2.5.1.4 Example Configuration Related to Blending Scent Components In one embodiment, the aroma control unit 106 further outputs a blending instruction for blending a scent component from one or more base components that are sources of the scent component. The aroma control unit 106 may transmit the blending instruction to the ejection device 3. In response to this, the blending unit 3b of the ejection device 3 can blend the scent component. According to this configuration, a wide variety of scent components can be realized based on a combination of one or more base components thereof.

[0051] In one example, the blending instruction may include a recipe for the scent component, and the ejection device 3 can blend the scent component based on the recipe. In another example, the blending instruction may include identification information of the scent component to be finally blended, and the ejection device 3 can specify the recipe for the scent component and blend the scent component based on the recipe. Note that the recipe for a scent component may include information on the amounts of one or more components, and the order and environment (e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.) for mixing the respective components.

[0052] 2.5.1.5 Configuration Examples Regarding Fragrance Feedback In one embodiment, the acquisition unit 100 further acquires spatial fragrance information regarding fragrance components in the space where the user is present, and the fragrance control unit 106 controls the dispensing device 3 to dispense fragrance components based on the spatial fragrance information. In another embodiment, the acquisition unit 100 further acquires spatial fragrance information, and the fragrance reduction control unit 108 controls the dispensing device 3 to dispense fragrance reduction components that reduce the fragrance, based on the spatial fragrance information. That is, the fragrance control unit 106 and the fragrance reduction control unit 108 can perform feedback control based on the current fragrance in the space. The spatial fragrance information can be generated by the fragrance sensor 6. With these configurations, the dispensing device 3 can be controlled based on the current fragrance, so the fragrance experienced by the user can be controlled more appropriately.

[0053] The fragrance control unit 106 and the fragrance reduction control unit 108 compare information regarding the type and / or strength of the fragrance to be realized based on media information (hereinafter referred to as the "target fragrance") with spatial fragrance information, and can control the spraying device 3 so that the fragrance in the space approaches the target fragrance. In this case, the control of the spraying device 3 by the fragrance control unit 106 may include increasing and / or decreasing the amount of fragrance components sprayed by the spraying device 3, and changing the fragrance components. In this case, the control of the spraying device 3 by the fragrance reduction control unit 108 may include increasing and / or decreasing the amount of fragrance reduction components sprayed by the spraying device 3.

[0054] 2.5.1.6 Configuration Example Regarding the Acquisition Path of Media Information In one embodiment, the acquisition unit 100 acquires media information from a storage medium that can be read by the media output device 4. In one example, when the media output device 4 reads media information from a CD-ROM (an example of a storage medium) and outputs video and / or audio, the acquisition unit 100 acquires media information from the CD-ROM.

[0055] In one embodiment, the acquisition unit 100 acquires media information via the camera 5a and / or microphone 5b provided by the media input device 5. In one example, when the media output device 4 outputs video and audio, the camera 5a captures the video and the microphone 5b records the audio, and the acquisition unit 100 can acquire the video from the camera 5a and the audio from the microphone 5b. With this configuration, even if the scent control device 2 and the media output device 4 (or the storage medium read by the media output device 4) are not connected by a communication network 7, the acquisition unit 100 can acquire media information.

[0056] 2.5.2 Storage Unit 12 The storage unit 12 stores various information necessary for the operation of the fragrance control device 2. In one embodiment, the storage unit 12 stores the program to be executed by the control unit 10.

[0057] 2.5.3 Network Interface Unit 14 The network interface unit 14 enables communication with other devices via the communication network 7.

[0058] 2.6 Communication Network 7 The communication network 7 enables communication between each device included in the virtual experience system 1. The communication network 7 enables communication between each device based on, for example, the TCP / IP protocol.

[0059] 3. An example of the operation of the virtual experience system 1 will be described with reference to operation diagrams 5 to 8. Note that each operation of the fragrance control device 2 described below can be realized based on at least one of the acquisition unit 100, determination unit 102, judgment unit 104, fragrance control unit 106, and fragrance reduction control unit 108.

[0060] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the fragrance control device 2. First, the fragrance control device 2 acquires media information including image information and sound information (S100). Next, the fragrance control device 2 determines fragrance information based on the acquired image information and sound information (S102). Next, the fragrance control device 2 acquires spatial fragrance information (S104).

[0061] Based on the scent information determined in step S102 and the spatial scent information acquired in step S104, the scent control device 2 determines whether or not the target scent is present in the space where the user is currently located (S106). If the target scent is not present (S106 NO), the scent control device 2 executes a fragrance change process (S108). The fragrance change process will be described later with reference to Figure 6.

[0062] In response, if the target scent has been realized (S106 YES), the scent control device 2 determines whether the video and audio have finished (S110). If the video and audio have not finished (S110 NO), the scent control device 2 acquires the next image and audio information (S100) and executes the subsequent processing. If the video and audio have finished (S110 YES), the scent control device 2 terminates the processing.

[0063] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the fragrance modification process. First, the fragrance control device 2 sends a fragrance reduction instruction to the spraying device 3 (S200). As a result, the spraying device 3 sprays fragrance reduction components into the space, reducing the fragrance in the space where the user is present.

[0064] Next, the fragrance control device 2 acquires spatial fragrance information (S202) and determines whether a predetermined amount or more of the fragrance component that was most recently sprayed from the spraying device 3 remains in the space (S204). If it is determined that fragrance components remain (S204 YES), the fragrance control device 2 sends a fragrance reduction instruction to the spraying device 3 again (S200) and executes the subsequent processing. If it is determined that the fragrance components have been sufficiently eliminated (S204 NO), the fragrance control device 2 determines a blending instruction based on the fragrance information determined most recently (S206). Next, the fragrance control device 2 sends a blending instruction to the spraying device 3 (S208). As a result, the spraying device 3 prepares to spray the fragrance components.

[0065] Next, the fragrance control device 2 transmits a fragrance instruction to the dispensing device 3 (S210). As a result, the dispensing device 3 sprays fragrance components into the space, and the space where the user is present is scented.

[0066] Next, the fragrance control device 2 acquires spatial fragrance information (S212) and determines whether or not the target fragrance is present in the space (S214). If it is determined that the target fragrance is not present (S214 NO), the fragrance control device 2 sends a fragrance instruction to the dispensing device 3 again (S210) and executes the subsequent processing. If it is determined that the target fragrance is present (S214 YES), the fragrance control device 2 terminates the fragrance change process.

[0067] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation of the scent control device 2. After acquiring image information and sound information (S300), the scent control device 2 determines whether or not a scene has switched based on this information (S302).

[0068] If it is determined that the scene has not changed (S302 NO), the scent control device 2 determines whether the video and audio have finished (S308). If the video and audio have not finished (S308 NO), the scent control device 2 acquires the next image and audio information (S300) and executes the subsequent processing. If the video and audio have finished (S308 YES), the scent control device 2 terminates processing.

[0069] In response to this, if it is determined that the scene has switched (S302 YES), the scent control device 2 determines whether there is a predetermined relationship between the scenes before and after the switch (S304). If it is determined that there is a predetermined relationship between the scenes (S304 YES), the scent control device 2 determines whether the video and audio have ended (S308). If it is determined that there is no predetermined relationship between the scenes (S304 NO), the scent control device 2 executes the fragrance change process (S306).

[0070] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation of the fragrance control device 2. Steps S400 to S406 and S414 in Figure 8 may be the same as steps S100 to S106 and S110 explained with reference to Figure 5, so their explanation will be omitted below.

[0071] If it is determined in step S406 that the target fragrance has not been achieved (S406 NO), the fragrance control device 2 determines whether a fragrance reduction instruction is required to achieve the target fragrance (S408). If it is determined that a fragrance reduction instruction is required (S408 YES), the fragrance control device 2 executes a fragrance modification process (S410). On the other hand, if it is determined that a fragrance reduction instruction is not required (S408 NO), the fragrance control device 2 executes a fragrance superposition process (S412). The fragrance superposition process may include the process of spraying a fragrance component different from the fragrance components already present in the space into the spraying device 3.

[0072] 4. Referring to Hardware Configuration Diagram 9, an example of a hardware configuration when the devices included in the virtual experience system 1 described above are implemented by a computer 70 will be explained. Note that the functions of each device can also be implemented by dividing them among multiple devices.

[0073] As shown in Figure 9, the computer 70 includes a processor 700, a storage device 702, an input interface 704, a data interface 706, a communication interface 708, and a display device 710.

[0074] The processor 700 controls various processes in the computer 70 by executing programs stored in the storage device 702. For example, each functional unit of the control unit 10 of the fragrance control device 2 can be realized by the processor 700 executing programs stored in the storage device 702.

[0075] The storage device 702 is a storage medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM temporarily stores the program code of the program executed by the processor 700, as well as data required when the program is executed.

[0076] The storage device 702 can also be a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory. The storage device 702 stores the operating system and various programs for realizing the above configurations. The storage medium storing these various programs may be a computer-readable non-temporary storage medium (non-transitor computer-readable medium). In addition, the storage device 702 can also store tables for registering various information and a database (DB) for managing these tables. Such programs and data are loaded into the storage device 702 as needed and accessed by the processor 700.

[0077] The input interface 704 is a device for receiving input from the user. Specific examples of the input interface 704 include cameras, buttons, microphones, keyboards, mice, touch panels, various sensors, and wearable devices. The input interface 704 may be connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0078] The data interface 706 is a device for inputting data from outside the computer 70. Specific examples of the data interface 706 include drive devices for reading data stored on various storage media. The data interface 706 may also be located outside the computer 70. In that case, the data interface 706 would be connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as USB.

[0079] The communication interface 708 is a device for performing data communication with external devices of the computer 70 via a communication network 7, either by wire or wireless connection. The communication interface 708 may also be located outside the computer 70. In that case, the communication interface 708 is connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as USB.

[0080] The display device 710 is a device for displaying various types of information. Specific examples of the display device 710 include liquid crystal displays, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) displays, and displays for wearable devices. The display device 710 may be located outside the computer 70. In that case, the display device 710 is connected to the computer 70 via, for example, a display cable. Furthermore, if a touch panel is used as the input I / F 704, the display device 710 can be configured as an integrated unit with the input I / F 704.

[0081] Furthermore, the components of the device included in the virtual experience system 1 described in the above embodiment are such that a program stored in the storage device 702 is executed by the processor 700, thereby realizing a defined process in cooperation with other hardware. In other words, these components can be envisioned as software or firmware, or as corresponding hardware, and in both concepts, they can be described and interpreted as "function," "means," "part," "processing circuit," "unit," or "module," etc.

[0082] 5. Modifications The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the Disclosure and are not intended to limit the Disclosure. The configurations that the embodiments may have are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, it is possible to partially substitute or combine configurations shown in different embodiments.

[0083] The configuration described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and those skilled in the art can rearrange it as appropriate. In one example, the fragrance control device 2 and the spraying device 3 were described as separate components in the above embodiment, but they may be configured as a single unit. In another example, the media output device 4 and the spraying device 3 were described as separate components in the above embodiment, but they may be configured as a single unit. Thus, the configuration of the device in the above embodiment (especially the physical configuration) can be modified as appropriate by those skilled in the art, as long as it does not create a technical inconsistency.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the scent control device 2 can identify the scene in the media through various processes. In one example, the media information includes information defining the scene, and the scent control device 2 identifies the scene in the media based on this information. In another example, the scent control device 2 can identify the scene by recognizing objects or scenes contained in a video and / or audio based on image recognition technology and / or speech recognition technology. In yet another example, the scent control device 2 can identify the scene in the media by inputting the media information into an AI model (which may include a large-scale deep learning model such as Transformer).

[0085] In the above embodiment, the scent control device 2 can determine whether or not there is a predetermined relationship between scenes in the media through various processes. In one example, the media information includes information defining the relationship between scenes, and the scent control device 2 determines whether or not there is a predetermined relationship between scenes in the media based on this information. In another example, the scent control device 2 can determine whether or not there is a predetermined relationship between scenes based on image recognition technology and / or speech recognition technology. In yet another example, the scent control device 2 can determine whether or not there is a predetermined relationship between scenes in the media by inputting the media information into an AI model (which may include a large-scale deep learning model such as Transformer).

[0086] 6. Supplementary Information The wording in this embodiment may be understood as follows, to the extent that it does not cause any contradiction.

[0087] In this embodiment, "performing a predetermined process based on predetermined information" may mean performing the predetermined process based on at least a portion of the predetermined information, performing the predetermined process based on at least the predetermined information, or performing the predetermined process probabilistically based on the predetermined information. In other words, "performing a predetermined process based on predetermined information" is not limited to performing the predetermined process based solely on the predetermined information.

[0088] In this embodiment, "executing another process based on a predetermined process" may mean any of the following: executing the other process after the predetermined process has been executed; executing the predetermined process and the other process consecutively; executing the other process based on information determined by the predetermined process; executing the other process on the condition that the predetermined process has been executed; or executing the other process by means of the predetermined process. Furthermore, "executing another process by a predetermined process" may be understood in the same way as "executing another process based on a predetermined process."

[0089] In this embodiment, "the predetermined information includes other information" may mean either that at least a portion of the predetermined information is the other information, or that the other information can be obtained based on the predetermined information.

[0090] In this embodiment, "a predetermined process includes other processes" may mean either that at least a part of the predetermined process is the other process (i.e., the other process is performed in the process of obtaining the result of the predetermined process), or that one aspect of the predetermined process is the other process.

[0091] In this embodiment, "a predetermined object and another object correspond" may mean that there is a one-to-one relationship between the predetermined object and the other object, that the other object is included in a predetermined set identified based on the predetermined object, or that the other object can be identified based on the predetermined object. Furthermore, "a predetermined object and another object corresponding" is not limited to being managed, for example, in a database. Also, "a predetermined object and another object being associated" may be understood in the same way as "a predetermined object and another object corresponding."

[0092] In this embodiment, "acquiring information" includes making the information processable by the control unit 10. "Acquiring information" may include, for example, receiving the information from another device, obtaining the information through predetermined processing, and reading the information from the storage unit 12.

[0093] In this embodiment, "generating information" may mean either making the information obtained by a predetermined process processable in the control unit 10, or storing the information obtained by the predetermined process in the storage unit 12.

[0094] In this embodiment, "determining information" may mean either selecting at least one piece of information from one or more pieces of information, or generating new information.

[0095] In this embodiment, "outputting information" may mean either transmitting the information to another device or outputting the information as audio or video.

[0096] 7. Configuration Examples This disclosure includes the following technologies. Terms in parentheses indicate terms used in the above embodiments.

[0097] [Note 1] A fragrance control device 2 comprising: an acquisition unit 100 that acquires media information including at least one of image information and sound information; a first control unit (fragrance control unit 106) that controls a spraying device 3 configured to spray components into space based on the media information to spray fragrance components; and a second control unit (fragrance reduction control unit 108) that controls the spraying device 3 to spray components that reduce fragrance based on the media information.

[0098] [Note 2] The fragrance control device 2 as described in Note 1, wherein the media information further includes fragrance information relating to fragrance, the first control unit (fragrance control unit 106) controls the dispensing device 3 to dispense fragrance components based on the fragrance information, and the second control unit (fragrance reduction control unit 108) controls the dispensing device 3 to dispense components that reduce fragrance based on the fragrance information.

[0099] [Note 3] The fragrance control device 2 according to Note 1 or 2, further comprising a determination unit 102 that determines fragrance information based on media information, wherein a first control unit (fragrance control unit 106) controls the dispensing device 3 to dispense fragrance components based on the fragrance information, and a second control unit (fragrance reduction control unit 108) controls the dispensing device 3 to dispense components that reduce fragrance based on the fragrance information.

[0100] [Note 4] The first control unit (fragrance control unit 106) further outputs a blending instruction to blend fragrance components from one or more components that are the source of fragrance components, as described in any one of Notes 1 to 3.

[0101] [Note 5] The fragrance control device 2 according to any one of Notes 1 to 4, wherein the acquisition unit 100 further acquires spatial fragrance information relating to fragrance components in the space, the first control unit (fragrance control unit 106) controls the dispensing device 3 to dispense fragrance components based on the spatial fragrance information, and the second control unit (fragrance reduction control unit 108) controls the dispensing device 3 to dispense components that reduce fragrance based on the spatial fragrance information.

[0102] [Note 6] The fragrance control device 2 according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, wherein the media information includes first media information corresponding to the first scene and second media information corresponding to the second scene which is output continuously after the first scene, the first control unit (fragrance control unit 106) controls the dispensing device 3 to dispense fragrance components based on the first media information, and the second control unit (fragrance reduction control unit 108) controls the dispensing device 3 to dispense fragrance reduction components between the first scene and the second scene.

[0103] [Note 7] The media information includes first media information corresponding to the first scene and second media information corresponding to the second scene which is output continuously after the first scene, the first control unit (fragrance control unit 106) controls the dispensing device 3 to dispense fragrance components based on the first media information, the second control unit (fragrance reduction control unit 108) controls the dispensing device 3 to dispense a fragrance-reducing component between the first scene and the second scene if there is no predetermined relationship between the first scene and the second scene, and does not allow the dispensing device 3 to dispense a fragrance-reducing component if there is a predetermined relationship between the first scene and the second scene, the fragrance control device 2 as described in any one of Notes 1 to 6.

[0104] [Note 8] The acquisition unit 100 is a fragrance control device 2 according to any one of Notes 1 to 7, which acquires media information via a camera 5a and / or a microphone 5b.

[0105] [Note 9] The fragrance control device 2 according to any one of Notes 1 to 8, wherein the component that reduces fragrance includes at least an aqueous solution containing a radical source and a radical generating catalyst.

[0106] [Note 10] A virtual experience system 1 comprising: an acquisition unit 100 that acquires media information including at least one of image information and audio information; an output unit (media output device 4) that outputs media information; a first ejection unit (fragrance component ejection unit 3c) that ejects fragrance components based on the media information; and a second ejection unit (fragrance reduction component ejection unit 3d) that ejects fragrance-reducing components based on the media information.

[0107] [Note 11] A fragrance control program that causes the computer 70 to perform the following actions: acquire media information including at least one of image information and sound information; control the ejection device 3, which is configured to eject components into space, to eject fragrance components based on the media information; and control the ejection device 3 to eject components that reduce fragrance based on the media information.

[0108] 1...Virtual experience system, 2...Fragrance control device, 3...Dispensing device, 3a...Instruction acquisition unit, 3b...Blending unit, 3c...Fragrance component dispensing unit, 3d...Fragrance reduction component dispensing unit, 4...Media output device, 4a...Display, 4b...Speaker, 5...Media input device, 5a...Camera, 5b...Microphone, 6...Fragrance sensor, 7...Communication network, 10...Control unit, 12...Storage unit, 70...Computer, 100...Acquisition unit, 102...Decision unit, 104...Judgment unit, 106...Fragrance control unit, 108...Fragrance reduction control unit

Claims

1. A fragrance control device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires media information including at least one of image information and sound information; a first control unit that controls a dispensing device configured to dispense components into space based on the media information to dispense fragrance components; and a second control unit that controls the dispensing device to dispense components that reduce fragrance based on the media information.

2. The fragrance control device according to claim 1, wherein the media information further includes fragrance information relating to a fragrance, the first control unit controls the dispensing device to dispense the fragrance component based on the fragrance information, and the second control unit controls the dispensing device to dispense a component that reduces fragrance based on the fragrance information.

3. A determination unit that determines fragrance information based on the media information, wherein the first control unit controls the dispensing device to dispense the fragrance component based on the fragrance information, and the second control unit controls the dispensing device to dispense a component that reduces fragrance based on the fragrance information, as described in claim 1.

4. The fragrance control device according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit further outputs a blending instruction to blend the fragrance components from one or more components that form the fragrance components.

5. The fragrance control device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit further acquires spatial fragrance information relating to the fragrance components in the space, the first control unit controls the dispensing device to dispense the fragrance components based on the spatial fragrance information, and the second control unit controls the dispensing device to dispense a component that reduces the fragrance based on the spatial fragrance information.

6. The fragrance control device according to claim 1, wherein the media information includes first media information corresponding to a first scene and second media information corresponding to a second scene that is output continuously after the first scene, the first control unit controls the dispensing device to dispense the fragrance component based on the first media information, and the second control unit controls the dispensing device to dispense a component that reduces the fragrance between the first scene and the second scene.

7. The fragrance control device according to claim 1, wherein the media information includes first media information corresponding to a first scene and second media information corresponding to a second scene that is output continuously after the first scene, the first control unit controls the dispensing device to dispense the fragrance component based on the first media information, the second control unit controls the dispensing device to dispense a component that reduces the fragrance between the first scene and the second scene if there is no predetermined relationship between the first scene and the second scene, and does not dispense the component that reduces the fragrance from the dispensing device if there is the predetermined relationship between the first scene and the second scene.

8. The fragrance control device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the media information via a camera and / or microphone.

9. The fragrance control device according to claim 1, wherein the component that reduces the fragrance includes at least an aqueous solution containing a radical source and a radical generating catalyst.

10. A virtual experience system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires media information including at least one of image information and audio information; an output unit that outputs the media information; a first ejection unit that ejects fragrance components based on the media information; and a second ejection unit that ejects components that reduce fragrance based on the media information.

11. A fragrance control program that causes a computer to perform the following actions: acquire media information including at least one of image information and sound information; control a spraying device configured to spray components into space based on the media information to spray fragrance components; and control the spraying device to spray components that reduce fragrance based on the media information.

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