Quantum Virtual Nose for Smell Simulation and Odor Prediction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine olfaction systems suffer from poor accuracy, limited range of detectable smells, and inability to predict the future state of odors, relying on computationally intensive correlation and pattern recognition techniques.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing quantum computing techniques, including quantum simulation and hybrid quantum machine learning, to simulate a spectrum of smells, predict future states, and generate feedback for improved accuracy and efficiency in smell detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If quantum computing techniques are used to simulate smells and predict future states, then measurement precision and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of smell detectionVSAvoidcomplexity of quantum computing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses quantum computing as an intermediary system to process olfactory data. The quantum computer receives partition coefficients from gas chromatography, processes them through quantum algorithms (QAOA, quantum autoencoders), and outputs predicted smell compositions and future states. This intermediary quantum processing layer enables high-precision smell analysis without requiring direct complex quantum sensing of odors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional classical computing and pattern recognition methods with quantum computing mechanisms. Instead of using classical machine learning for smell identification, the system employs quantum algorithms including quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA) and quantum autoencoders to simulate molecular properties and predict odor compositions, achieving superior precision through quantum mechanical principles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of time

If quantum simulation is used to predict future odor states, then loss of time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime to predict odor evolutionVSAvoidcomplexity of quantum simulation system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The quantum computer performs preliminary simulation of future odor states before they actually occur. By inputting current partition coefficients and using quantum algorithms to simulate molecular interactions and degradation processes, the system predicts future smell compositions and identifies potential issues (such as spoilage) before they manifest, enabling proactive quality control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The quantum simulation changes temporal parameters by predicting odor states at future time points. The system takes current partition coefficients as input and outputs predicted partition coefficients at future times, along with predicted smell compositions. This parameter transformation from present to future states enables rapid time-based prediction without waiting for actual odor evolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4224159B1Virtual nose using quantum machine learning and quantum simulation
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 ACCENTURE GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LTD
  • EP4224159B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4224159B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4224159B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

In some implementations, an olfaction system may receive partition coefficients associated with one or more molecules detected in a headspace of a sample captured from an environment. The olfaction system may generate a quantum-ready dataset based on the partition coefficients using a partial quantum autoencoder that includes one or more quantum gate layers. The olfaction system may use a quantum approximate optimization algorithm to identify, within a spectrum of potential smells simulated by a quantum circuit, a set of smells emitted by the sample based on the quantum-ready dataset. The olfaction system may map a set of objects to the set of smells emitted by the sample. The olfaction system may predict a future state associated with the set of smells emitted by the sample using one or more hybrid quantum machine learning models.