Integrated Odor Measurement and Imaging for Automated Attribute Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing odor measurement systems fail to capture attribute information such as the measurement target, location, and environment, requiring manual recording of these details each time an odor is measured.
Innovation Solution
An odor measurement apparatus with an integrated imaging device and odor sensor, where air introduction and imaging directions are aligned, allowing simultaneous odor detection and imaging, and includes a fan for ventilation and attribute data acquisition, enabling automated data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an odor sensor is used to measure odor in air, then odor detection capability is improved, but attribute information (measurement target, location, environment) cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an odor sensor and an imaging device into a single integrated measurement system. The odor sensor detects odor substances while the imaging device captures images of the measurement target, allowing simultaneous acquisition of both odor data and visual attribute information without requiring separate measurement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated measurement device serves multiple functions: it detects odor substances, captures images of the measurement target, and records measurement environment information. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate devices and manual recording procedures, automatically obtaining comprehensive attribute information.
2Loss of information
If manual recording of measurement attributes is performed, then attribute information can be collected, but measurement efficiency and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device performs self-service by automatically capturing and recording measurement attribute information through its integrated imaging device and sensors. The system autonomously obtains images of the measurement target and environmental data without requiring operator intervention for manual recording, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device captures images and records attribute information in advance during the measurement process itself, before any manual recording would be needed. This preliminary automatic capture of all necessary information streamlines the workflow and eliminates subsequent manual documentation steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging device and odor sensor are positioned separately, then each device can function independently, but simultaneous measurement and imaging become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the imaging device and odor sensor into a single unified device with a shared housing and control system. This merging allows both functions to operate simultaneously and coordinates their operation through a single control interface, making the device easier to operate while maintaining the functional independence of each component through modular design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simultaneous odor measurement and imaging, along with attribute data capture, facilitating efficient management and classification of odor data.
Implementation Method 1
a crystal oscillator that specifically adsorbs an odor substance in air to measure the odor of the air
Implementation Method 2
a fan controlling introduction of air from the introduction port to the sensor surface
Data Source
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AI summary
An odor measurement apparatus 1 is an odor measurement apparatus 1 including an odor sensor 10 detecting an odor, and an imaging device 20 having a lens portion 21, in which an imaging direction of the imaging device 20 and an introduction direction of air when the air is guided to a sensor surface 19 of the odor sensor 10 through an introduction port 33 are substantially the same direction. The odor measurement apparatus 1 detects odor substances contained in air using a sensor when an odor is measured, and measures attribute information of a measurement target or the like of the odor. An odor data management apparatus 60 stores and manages odor data measured by the odor measurement apparatus 1.