Primary Odor Selection Using Sensor Arrays and Feature Endpoints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies have not established a method to systematically select primary odors, synthesize odors using these primary odors, represent odors by a single color, or convert odors into a form perceivable by perception other than olfaction.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a sensor array, such as a nanomechanical sensor, to detect odors, select primary odors through endpoint detection in feature space, and represent or synthesize odors using these primary odors, associating them with colors for perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If odor is represented by separation into primary odors using existing methods (e.g., Henning's odor prism), then odor classification is achieved, but not all odors can be represented by mixed odors of these primary odors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the odor space by selecting a specific number k of primary odors from the odor set, where k is determined based on the dimensionality of the sensor output signals. This segmentation allows systematic representation of odors while adapting to the actual sensor capabilities, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of primary odor selection from fixed theoretical categories (like Henning's six primary odors) to dynamically selected odors based on sensor data analysis. By using endpoint detection in feature space and selecting primary odors whose feature vectors form extreme points, the system adapts to actual sensor responses, improving both representation capability and synthesis accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a large number of reference odors are used for odor detection, then odor representation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and data processing burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for odor representation by selecting k primary odors that form extreme points in the feature space. Instead of using all available reference odors, the system extracts the minimal set that spans the odor space, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the use of sensor arrays and mathematical optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified mathematical model (feature space representation) that copies the essential characteristics of odor relationships without requiring physical storage of all reference odor samples. The endpoint detection method creates a computational copy of the odor space structure, allowing accurate odor representation with reduced complexity.
3Ease of operation
If odor is converted into color form for visual perception, then odor understanding becomes more intuitive, but the conversion method is not established
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the olfactory perception mechanism with visual perception by mapping odor feature vectors to color space coordinates. The system replaces the biological olfactory system's complex pattern recognition with a mathematical transformation to RGB color space, making odor information visually accessible while managing complexity through standardized color mapping algorithms.
4Extent of automation
If endpoint detection is used to select primary odors, then a systematic selection method is achieved, but computational processing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically performs endpoint detection, primary odor selection, and color conversion without human intervention. The computational energy consumption is justified by the complete automation of the odor analysis pipeline, from raw sensor data to visual odor representation, eliminating manual processing steps.
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 the representation and synthesis of odors in a perceivable form, such as color, allowing for intuitive understanding and approximation of any odor using a subset of primary odors.
Implementation Method 1
detecting each of odors in a set of the odors
Implementation Method 2
synthesizing an odor as an odor obtained by mixing a plurality of primary odors
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A
AI summary
The present invention makes it possible to represent or synthesize any odor by separating the odor into a combination of a relatively small number of odors, similarly to separating a color into three primary colors. Since the "primary odors" corresponding to the primary colors have not yet been ascertained, the present invention provides a feasible method and apparatus in which, instead of presetting such fixed primary odors, the separation, synthesis, and the like can be performed by selecting a subset of odors from among a set consisting of a plurality of odors which subset or odors enables approximation of other odors as much as possible by mixture.