Scent Presentation Apparatus Using Randomized Pulse Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scent presentation methods and apparatuses are not effective in improving, maintaining, and enhancing human olfactory capabilities, despite the importance of smell for safety and overall wellness, and the decline in olfactory senses with aging or environmental changes.

Innovation Solution

A scent presentation method and apparatus that uses pulse ejection technology, controlled by a random number-generated presentation condition, to dynamically vary the type, intensity, and timing of scents, preventing adaptation and enhancing olfactory recognition through a system comprising a scent presentation apparatus, a control unit, and a display terminal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If scents are presented in a fixed pattern, then the presentation method is simple and easy to implement, but the user becomes adapted to the scent and olfactory capabilities are not effectively improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveolfactory capability improvementVSAvoidpresentation method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the scent presentation conditions variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts presentation conditions based on random numbers generated by the random number generating unit, creating unpredictable variations in scent delivery that prevent user adaptation while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic action through pulse ejection of scents at specific time intervals. The scent is ejected in pulses rather than continuously, with the timing and intensity varied based on random determination, creating a rhythmic yet unpredictable presentation pattern that stimulates olfactory receptors effectively without causing adaptation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If scents are presented continuously, then the olfactory stimulation is strong, but the user becomes adapted to the scent and recognition capability improves less

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveolfactory recognition capabilityVSAvoidscent adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by ejecting scents in pulses at specific time intervals rather than continuously. This pulsed delivery maintains strong olfactory stimulation while preventing adaptation by introducing rest periods between scent presentations, allowing the olfactory system to reset

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the timing and intensity of scent pulses based on random determination, creating variable inter-stimulus intervals that prevent the user from predicting when the next scent will occur, thereby reducing adaptation while maintaining stimulation effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10188767B2Scent presentation method, scent presentation apparatus, and olfaction improving apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.01.29 KEIO UNIV

AI summary

A scent presentation method is provided that includes generating a random number, determining a presentation condition based on the generated random number, and presenting a scent through pulse ejection based on the determined presentation condition.