EP1192010A1

EP1192010A1 - Programmable device for diffusing olfactory peaks

Info

Publication number: EP1192010A1
Application number: EP00945988A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Pierre Le Pesant; Jean-Claude Millet
Original assignee: Osmooze SA
Current assignee: Osmooze SA
Priority date: 1999-06-22
Filing date: 2000-06-22
Publication date: 2002-04-03
Also published as: FR2795348B1; US6712287B1; WO2000078467A1; FR2795348A1; AU5989900A

Abstract

The invention relates to a programmable device for diffusing olfactory substances, comprising a number n of means for the diffusion of fragrances, n being greater than or equal to 1, whereby said means can be independently controlled to emit fragrances or mixtures of fragrances from appropriate stores by a combination p of n sources. According to the invention, said device also comprises programmable control means (12) which can establish emission cycles for olfactory peaks, whereby said emission cycles have a specific duration and successive emission cycles for said olfactory peaks take into account saturation and desaturation times for the olfactory systems of users.

Description

PROGRAMMABLE DEVICE FOR DD7FUSION OF ODOR PICS

TECHNICAL AREA :

The present invention relates to a programmable device for diffusing active substances, such as odoriferous products, the device being intended inter alia to produce sensations or olfactory messages for educational, practical or playful purposes.

In the prior art, there are industrial or personal devices for diffusing olfactory products (perfumes, deodorants, etc.) or sanitary products (insecticides, bactericides, etc.).

They allow these products to be diffused by spraying either at regular intervals or in response to a detected action, such as opening a door or detecting a presence.

PRIOR TECHNIQUE:

Thus, European patent application EP-A-0714 709 discloses a device for projecting drops on demand. This document describes a device which comprises one or more sets of nozzles connected to one or more reservoirs of products to be diffused. An electronic control device makes it possible to distribute one or more of the products, either independently or in sequence. The diffusion can be triggered by a proximity detector or by a programmable clock system.

Most of the devices currently existing use means of nebulization by air jet of a single odor, without programming or at least with rudimentary emission cycles, as in the case of document EP-A-0714 709. These devices are not adapted to the physiology of the users, in particular because they do not take into account the saturation of the olfactory nerve endings and the effect of habituation of ambiance. Certain other known devices obtain the diffusion of odor by controlling an air flow on a surface comprising the olfactory principle to be evaporated. These devices have the same drawbacks as the previous ones. In addition, these devices are very limited in terms of multiplicity of use and combinatorial odors.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION:

Also, the subject of the invention is a programmable odor distribution device having operating characteristics particularly studied to take into account the physiology of the user. In particular, the devices according to the invention will be able to generate odor peaks taking into account the physiological characteristics of the users.

To this end, the invention provides a programmable device for diffusing odoriferous substances comprising a number n of means for diffusing odors, n being greater than or equal to 1, which can each be independently controlled to emit, from appropriate reserves, odors or mixtures of odors by combining p_ from n sources.

According to the invention, the device also comprises programmable control means making it possible to establish emission cycles of peaks of odors having determined emission durations and determined intervals between two successive emissions, these emission cycles successive peaks of odors taking into account the saturation and desaturation time of the users olfactory systems.

It should be understood that this saturation effect is caused by a neurosensory inhibition of the signals originating from the olfactory sensing cells, beyond a determined duration of exposure to the same odor. The object of the invention therefore aims to emit peaks of odors according to emission durations and intervals between two successive emissions which take into account the physiological characteristics of the olfactory systems of the users, that is to say the 'saturation effect of said olfactory systems. Indeed, at the end of a period of exposure to the same odor, the signals coming from the olfactory sensing cells are no longer taken into account by the brain, so that the odor is no longer perceived by the user. . A modification of the odoriferous environment of the user obtained by the emission of another odor peak allows a new perception of the odor by the user until the saturation effect of the olfactory system. The object of the invention leads to cyclically renewing the olfactory perception of users, taking into account their neuro-sensory characteristics. The diffusion of odoriferous substances in the form of peaks of odors leads to a reduction in the quantity of odoriferous substances diffused compared to a permanent diffusion. Therefore, the diffusion in the form of peaks of odors avoids the phenomena of olfactory addiction leading for example to headaches or to a feeling of nausea, which appear during a permanent emission of odoriferous substances.

As an indication, the peaks of odors have typical emission durations of five seconds to two minutes and typical emission intervals of two minutes to one hour and, preferably, from two to fifteen minutes.

Preferably, the odor peaks have typical transmission times from fifteen seconds to one minute and preferably on the order of thirty seconds, and typical emission intervals of two minutes to five minutes. Such devices can make it possible to generate peaks of odors for people distributed in places such as an office, a meeting room, a living room, a bedroom, etc.

The present invention makes it possible, according to different optional embodiments, to integrate one or more of the following aspects according to the choices of use and the envisaged applications:

- a number n of means of diffusion of active principles greater than or equal to 2;

vaporization means constituted by diffusion means adapted to emit drops sized so as to produce a dry mist effect, the elementary diameter of a drop then being of the order of

0.5 to 3 microns;

- vaporization means consisting of surface evaporation means such as an air flow;

active means for attenuating or suppressing noise in the form of anti-noise means;

- passive noise attenuation means; - means for diffusing drops which operate by the Venturi effect;

- means for diffusing drops which comprise an electromechanical actuator, for example a piezoelectric actuator, arranged to transmit vibrations towards a charge of liquid so as to eject droplets of this charge of liquid;

- means for diffusing drops which comprise means for producing a jet of liquid to be diffused and means for generating surface acoustic waves on the jet of liquid to detach droplets from this jet; - programmable control means which comprise signal input means intended to be connected to at least one physiological parameter sensor making it possible to control the activation and / or the evolution of a program for broadcasting active parameters as a function one or more physiological parameters detected; - a physiological parameter sensor in the form of a noise caused by snoring detector, the device being programmed to control the diffusion means to cause the emission of odorous product (s) in response to a detected snoring, in view to stop this snoring;

- a physiological parameter sensor in the form of a sleep state detector, the device being programmed to control the diffusion means to cause the emission of product (s) according to a detected physiological state;

- a detector of the electrical characteristic of the user's body, for example the electrical activity or the resistivity detected by electrodes; the programmable control means include time accounting means making it possible to control the activation and / or the evolution of a program for the diffusion of odors or other active principles as a function of one or more time parameters;

- the programmable control means are programmed to start, at a programmed time, a broadcast cycle capable of causing arousal; - the programmable control means are programmed to start at a programmed time or in response to an input on one of the interfaces a broadcast cycle capable of accompanying falling asleep;

the programmable control means include audio output means making it possible to manage the emission of sounds accompanying a broadcasting program;

- At least one of the different reservoirs of the diffusion means contains an odoriferous liquid specific to this reservoir, for example an essential oil;

- a preparation as a means of stimulating the awakening of a comatose state of a patient, at least one of the tanks containing an odorous liquid chosen to emit an odor having a relationship with the past or the surroundings, or patient tastes;

- at least one of the liquids contains a pheromone related to the parentage of the patient; - the odor peak generation cycles are calculated by taking into account the saturation and desaturation times of the olfactory nervous system and by adding a waiting time of such nature as to allow the user's desire to be created, in order to reinforce his pleasure when the smell peak arrives;

- The device further comprises means for automatic recognition of the product contained in a reserve by a predetermined coding means at the container forming said reserve and adjusts the broadcast program accordingly;

- the electrical supply can be given by the connection to the electrical circuit of a vehicle, in particular to the cigarette lighter of this vehicle; - the device is in the form of a portable assembly allowing personal and individual use;

- The device includes audio means associated with odor diffusion systems allowing the sending of a coherent overall smell-sound message, related to nature. To allow beneficial operation in certain applications, the means for diffusing drops are preferably of substantially silent type. The device can integrate active noise attenuation or suppression means in the form of noise reduction means and / or passive noise attenuation means.

The means for forming drops can be produced according to different techniques, being for example: - means operating by Venturi effect, these means possibly comprising at least one liquid outlet tube having a first end intended to be immersed in a liquid reservoir to diffuse and a second end intended to be exposed to an air flow, the second end having a reduced section. The air flow comes from a tube having a converging high speed air outlet end near the mouth of the liquid outlet tube, the liquid outlet tube and the air outlet tube having advantageously a diameter between

0.05 and 2 millimeters, and preferably between 0.2 and 1 millimeter;

- Means operating by electromechanical actuator, for example a piezoelectric actuator, arranged to transmit vibrations towards a charge of liquid so as to eject droplets of this charge of liquid. In this case, the charge of liquid may be contained in a cavity having on parallel flat faces respectively ejection orifices and the actuator. In this mode, the actuator is preferably supplied by an excitation voltage at a high frequency, generating acoustic vibrations beyond the audible spectrum; or

- means operating on the basis of surface acoustic waves, comprising means for producing a jet of liquid to be diffused and means for generating surface acoustic waves on the jet of liquid to detach droplets from the jet.

Advantageously, the drop diffusion programming means comprise signal input means intended to be connected to at least one physiological parameter sensor making it possible to control the activation and / or the evolution of a drop diffusion program. as a function of one or more physiological parameters detected.

The diffusion means can be of the semi-passive type, that is to say based on the evaporation of the liquid containing the active odoriferous principle by programmed passage of an air flow. We will hear throughout this text the term "odoriferous" as covering both the awareness of the sense of smell related to olfactory nerve endings and also the result of the solicitation of the vomeronasal organ by pheromones carrying specific olfactory messages. In this case diffusion means of the semi-passive type, we will associate means for forming an air flow and means for storing an odoriferous liquid, a gel or a solid, in a cartridge. which will provide a large area for evaporation. In this case, the device is advantageously put into operation in the immediate environment of the user, for example 1 to 2 meters. In the case of diffusion of a mist, as in the case of evaporation, the objective is always the same, that of obtaining odor peaks.

The device may for example be associated with a sensor of physiological parameters in the form of a noise detector caused by snoring, the device being programmed to control the means for diffusing odors to cause the emission of odorous product (s). ) in response to snoring detected, in order to suppress snoring by inhaling this odorous product, itself formulated so that it acts on the respiratory organs of the person who snores.

The device, in another example, can also be associated with a physiological parameter sensor in the form of a sleep state detector, the device being programmed to control the means for diffusing odors to cause the emission of product. (s) according to a detected physiological state. By way of example, the physiological parameter sensor comprises at least one of: - a breathing detector, and - a detector of the electrical characteristic of the user's body, for example the electrical activity or the resistivity detected by electrodes, for example at the level of brain activity. In the various configurations of the aforementioned device, the broadcasting programming means, with a view to generating an odor peak, may also include time recording means making it possible to control activation and / or evolution an odor diffusion program based on one or more time parameters. In a particular application of the invention, the means for programming the diffusion of odor peaks are programmed to start, at a programmed time, a cycle of diffusion of drops capable of causing arousal.

The odor diffusion programming means can also be programmed to start, at a programmed time, or in response to an input on one of the interfaces, a cycle of diffusion of odor peaks capable of accompanying falling asleep.

In advantageous embodiments of the invention, the means for scheduling the distribution of odor peaks comprise audio output means making it possible to manage the emission of sounds accompanying a program for the dissemination of odor peaks.

For many applications, at least one of the different reservoirs of the diffusion means contains an odoriferous liquid or other (gel or solid), specific to this reservoir, for example an essential oil. However, other products can also be considered: active ingredients, sanitary products, etc.

In one embodiment, the device is prepared as a means of stimulating the awakening of a comatose state of a patient, at least one of the reservoirs containing an odorous liquid chosen to emit an odor related to the physiological or emotional activity of the patient (relationship with his parents, spouse, relatives ...).

At least one of said liquids may contain pheromones related to the parentage or the environment of the patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

The invention will be better understood and the advantages which emerge from it will appear more clearly on reading the description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, given purely by way of nonlimiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: - fig. 1 is a general schematic view of a programmable vaporization device according to the present invention; - fig. 2 is a block diagram of a means for diffusing drops according to a first embodiment of the invention;

- fig. 3 is a block diagram of a means for diffusing drops according to a second embodiment of the invention; - fig. 4 is a block diagram of a means for diffusing drops according to a third embodiment of the invention;

- fig. 5 is a block diagram of a means for diffusing liquid vaporized by an air flow;

- fig. 6 is a block diagram of a variant of means for diffusing liquid vaporized by an air flow; and

- fig. 7 is a block diagram of the programmable control electronics for controlling the entire device in accordance with the present invention.

BEST WAY TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION:

Fig. 1 schematically shows all of the various assembled elements which make up the programmable device for distributing products according to a first embodiment of the invention. The device 1 is in the form of a box which brings together in a functional whole the following elements or sub-assemblies:

- means for emitting droplets, which are constituted, in the example, by a number n equal to three nebulization units 4a, 4b and 4c, each forming means for diffusing drops. Each nebulization unit is linked to a specific product dispenser

6a, 6b, 6c and further includes its own exit into the atmosphere of nebulized droplets 8a, 8b and 8c. The tanks can be extractable and interchangeable;

- An air flow generator, in the form of one or more air pumps 10, intended to supply the nebulization units 4a, 4b and 4c to ensure their operation from an air inlet 10a; an active noise canceling generator 14 comprising an acoustic energy output 14a making it possible to erase, or at least attenuate, the sound emissions of the device, in particular those emanating from the air flow generator 10, by phenomenon of destructive interference; a control electronics 12 comprising a programming block, making it possible to control in particular bursts of drops selectively from the nebulization units 4a, 4b and 4c;

an interface unit having a keyboard for entering programming data 16 and a device 21 for displaying the operating state of the device; and

an electric power supply unit 20 supplying the voltages necessary for the various organs of the device 1 from an internal battery or from a mains outlet. One or more of the following means can be added to these means, either by integration in the same housing, or by connection:

• means of creating a sound environment (music, voice, sound effects, etc.) from a recorded medium (compact disc, cassette, ...) or a sound synthesizer; and

• detection and triggering means, enabling various programmed functions to be activated and modified according to detected parameters (passage of time, physiological parameters, ambient brightness, ambient noise, presence of people, etc.).

To allow the implementation of the device 1 according to certain applications, in particular those related to awakening and / or falling asleep, one of the parameters may in particular be linked to a physiological activity of a person: respiratory rate, heart rate , noise emission such as snoring, electrical activity of the nervous system (electroencephalogram, or others), etc. In this case, the control electronics will present a sensor input of one or more of the parameters mentioned on a suitable interface (see fig. 7). Depending on the data supplied by these sensors, the control electronics will be able to trigger or modify an activation program for the means for diffusing drops 4. The noise canceling means 14 are advantageous for certain applications, in particular those linked to falling asleep or waking up, if the organs of the device tend to emit towards the environment a sound level deemed too high.

These noise canceling means 14 can replace or complement passive noise attenuation means, such as surface coatings with sound absorption.

The base of the device thus consists of means for emitting drops 4 which make it possible, according to a given programming, to generate very small droplets, very monodispersed, of a liquid. It can be a liquid containing an odoriferous principle, which one will prefer resulting from a natural extraction of plants, what it is agreed to call essential oils.

As will appear later in the description, these means for diffusing multiple drops 4 can work in series or in parallel from the tanks 6 containing the liquids with different odoriferous properties, as mentioned above.

The means for emitting drops (designated generically by the reference 4) can be based on different techniques, three examples of which, corresponding to respective embodiments, will now be described by way of example. According to the following embodiments, the implementation of some of the organs described in FIG. 1 can be either unnecessary or optional. Those skilled in the art will easily understand the adaptations necessary to take this fact into account.

Fig. 2 schematically represents a means 4 for emitting drops G according to a first embodiment, functionally integrated into the members of FIG. 1, the whole being housed in a housing 22. Of course, the housing 22 comprises several of these means for emitting drops 4, each being controlled independently.

The means for emitting drops 4 comprises first and second tubes 24 and 26 respectively connected to a reservoir of liquid to be diffused 6, for example in the form of an interchangeable cartridge, and to an outlet of the air pump 10.

The first tube 24 has a first end 24a immersed in the liquid tank 6, and a second end 24b having a conical section converging towards a mouth 24c of reduced section. This form of conical flare at the second end 24b of the first liquid inlet tube is advantageous because it has the effect of facilitating the formation of drops by tearing off the surface of the meniscus of liquid which is at this end 24b. The second tube 26 has a first end 26a connected to the air outlet 10a of the air pump 10 and a second end 26b also having a conical section converging towards a mouth 26c of reduced section.

The first and second tubes 24 and 26 are arranged at right angles, the first being here vertical, the ends at the mouths 24c and 26c of the two tubes being close to each other.

In operation, an air jet coming from the mouth 26c of the second tube 26 passes over the mouth 24c of the first tube 24.

With this arrangement, the air jet sucks in the Venturi effect the liquid in the first tube and projects it into fine droplets G which are entrained by the air jet. Advantageously, these means of spraying by Venturi effect 24 and 26 are produced with reduced dimensions and weight, while allowing a projection capacity suitable for uses related to waking and other applications of the device which are described below.

By way of example, the first and second tubes 24 and 26 used in this first embodiment have a diameter of the order of 0.2 to 1 millimeter.

The droplets G exit through an opening 22a specially provided in the housing 22 and which may be provided with means for recirculating the largest drops, to prevent them from leaving the atmosphere.

The air pump 10 regulates the flow of droplets G by the flow of air emitted, the flow being a function of the speed and the intensity of this flow. Also, the pump 10 is controlled by the control electronics 12 to provide a variable air flow in the second tube 26 according to an established programming, this being chosen by the user by means of the interface 16 or according to a pre-established program. In the example, the air pump 10 comprises a single turbine 10b which feeds each of several air flow outlets 10a which feed respective second tubes 26 of the various means for emitting drops 4 of the device. In in this case, the air flow control is carried out by flow control means, for example solenoid valves, associated with each of the outputs 10a. These means are individually controlled by the control electronics 12.

The noise canceling device 14 is arranged and controlled so as to suppress or attenuate the undesirable noise emissions from the device, these coming essentially from the mechanics of the air pump 10, in particular from the turbine 10b. To this end, the anti-noise device 14 is mounted near the air pump 10.

It comprises a sound emission sensor directed towards the mechanics of the pump and means for producing on the acoustic energy output 14a this same sound emission, but with a phase shift of the sound waves by 180 °. The emission of the acoustic energy thus phase shifted destructively interferes with the sound emission detected by the sensor (here coming from the mechanics of the pump), so that the latter is suppressed or substantially reduced.

The operating principle and the production of noise-reduction devices capable of satisfying the envisaged application are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be detailed here for the sake of brevity. The housing 22 also includes a coating 22c of noise absorbing material on all of its internal walls. This coating constitutes a passive noise reduction means, here used in addition to the noise reduction means 14. A similar noise reduction coating may surround the air pump 10 in addition to or in place of the coating 22c.

It is possible to provide an individual air pump 10 for each drop emission means 4. The control electronics 12 then acts on each of the air pumps 10.

It is then possible to provide a noise reduction device 14 associated, as explained above, with each air pump, or to provide a single noise reduction device 14 comprising sound sensors detecting the noise of the different pumps so that the acoustic emission represents a phase shifted spectrum of the different noises picked up.

The operating energy of the air pump 10, the noise reduction device 14, the control electronics 12 and the interface 16 is provided by the power supply 20. Fig. 3 illustrates a means for emitting drops 4 operating from acoustic waves according to a second embodiment of the invention.

This means consists of a cavity 30, forming a reserve of liquid, supplied with liquid to be diffused by a supply tube 32 connected to a liquid reservoir 6.

The cavity 30 has a first face and a second main face 30a and

30b substantially planar and mutually parallel. The first face 30a is formed by a plate pierced with a set of through holes forming orifices 34 of small diameter, for example from 1 to 10 microns, typical values being from 2 to 6 microns, these values being given purely by way of indicative.

The second face 30b comprises a piezoelectric actuator 36 electrically connected to the electrical supply 20. It comprises means forming a membrane occupying substantially the entire second face 30b of the cavity.

When the membrane-forming means receive an alternating excitation voltage from the electrical supply 20, they transform the electrical energy into vibratory mechanical energy, according to the principle of piezoelectricity. This high frequency vibrational energy produces acoustic waves which, transmitted inside the cavity 30, generate in the latter overpressures in the liquid contained. These high frequency overpressures cause the liquid to exit through the orifices 34 of the plate 30a in the form of fine drops.

By way of nonlimiting example, the frequency of the piezoelectric actuator can advantageously be of the order of 100 to 300 kilohertz, these frequencies not being audible by the human ear. The droplets thus formed are then blown into the atmosphere by a weak jet of air, produced for example by a small fan 38 connected to the electrical supply 20. This fan can be integrated either with the means for emitting drops 30, either to the whole that houses it.

Alternatively, the piezoelectric actuator 36 can be replaced by an electrostatic or acoustic actuator.

The rate of drops or droplets can be regulated by adjusting the parameters of the alternating excitation voltage of the actuator 36 (piezoelectric or other depending on the variants selected), such as: the amplitude of the signal, the intensity of current, frequency and / or duty cycle of the waveform. These parameters can be controlled on the power supply 20 from the control electronics 12.

The integration into a programmable diffuser device of a battery of means for emitting drops 4 according to this second embodiment, can be carried out very compactly. The fan 38 can be unique for the entire battery of drop emission means 4 or specific to each of these means, which are then individually controlled by the control electronics 12.

This second embodiment is of the very silent type, since the frequency range of the actuator 36 is not in the audible range and the fan 38 can easily be of silent manufacture. However, it is possible to optionally add an anti-noise device 14 (shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3), arranged in the same way as for the first embodiment.

According to a third embodiment shown schematically in FIG. 4, the means for emitting drops 4 are constituted by a low power pump 42 and piezoelectric means which form droplets by creating, by piezoelectric excitation at resonance, instabilities of surface waves on the jet of liquid 46 produced. by the pump or by the piezoelectric excitation itself.

These means include a parallelepipedal cavity 40 intended to temporarily hold a charge of liquid to be expelled in the form of droplets G. The cavity 40 is supplied with liquid by a tube 32 connecting the interior thereof to a liquid reservoir 6 through the low power pump 42.

The cavity 40 has a first face and a second substantially parallel face 40a and 40b. The first face 40a comprises a nozzle (or possibly several) for ejecting liquid 44, connecting the interior of the cavity 40 to the exterior. As will be explained below, the liquid 46 is emitted, by the nozzle (s) 44, in the form of a jet from which droplets G are created. The liquid of the jet 46 not transformed into droplets is recovered by a tray 48 and reintroduced into the tank 6.

The second face 40b incorporates a piezoelectric power actuator 36 connected to the power supply 20. Its operating mode is similar to that of the second embodiment, in particular as regards the control of its excitation voltage, and will not be not repeated for the sake of brevity. In operation, the pump 42 supplies the cavity 40 with liquid, causing a jet of liquid 46 through the nozzle (s) 44.

In response to an excitation voltage applied to the actuator 36 by the power supply 20, the latter produces surface acoustic waves on the liquid jet 46. These surface waves are coupled to the surface capillary waves on this jet 46 and cause therein surface instabilities. The resonance excitation of these instabilities causes roughness of increasing amplitude which causes the detachment of these roughness in the form of droplets G, the size of which depends on the conditions of excitation and on the viscosity and surface tension characteristics of the liquid used.

Thus, it is possible to control the characteristics of the droplets (size, density, speed, etc.) by playing on one or more parameters, such as the force of the jet (determined by the nozzle (s) and the flow rate of the pump. 42), the characteristics of the actuator 36 and / or of the excitation voltage (frequency, amplitude, intensity, etc.). The droplets G thus obtained are diffused towards the outside, possibly using a fan (not shown). In an implementation of this third embodiment with a fan for dispersing the droplets, the possibilities described for the second embodiment apply in this mode in a similar manner and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. Like the second embodiment, this embodiment is of the silent type, the pump 42 possibly being of very low noise emission. It is nevertheless possible to optionally add to this pump 42 (and / or to a possible fan) an anti-noise device 14 as described above.

Note also that passive noise attenuation means (for example a covering such as 22c) can be used for all the embodiments.

In all the embodiments described, the size of the droplets emitted will be fixed according to the criteria of use to ensure the proper functioning of the droplet projection device and for the satisfaction and comfort of its user. This droplet size will generally be small enough to allow rapid evaporation after spraying into the atmosphere. This condition allows on the one hand to avoid the liquid drips around the nebulizer device and on the other hand ensures a rapid and homogeneous mixing with the ambient air.

An order of magnitude of diameter of the drops making it possible to fulfill these conditions, given purely as an indication, is approximately 1 to 2 microns. This drop size makes it possible to obtain what is commonly called a "dry mist". Such means for diffusing very small droplets in large numbers are well suited for volumes of living rooms and meeting rooms, typically containing air volumes of the order of 30 to 100 cubic meters.

Fig. 5 schematically shows all of the assembled elements which make up the programmable device for diffusing products according to an embodiment of the invention which, unlike the previous modes, does not involve the creation of drops to be evaporated but passes through direct evaporation at the exposed surface of the liquid or gel or the like, containing the active principles, in particular odoriferous. In the embodiment shown in fig. 5, only one diffusion element is shown, but those skilled in the art will readily understand that this element can be duplicated n times, as has already been explained.

The device 1 brings together in a box an electrical supply 20 in the form of batteries or accumulators, and / or possibly a means of connection to an external electrical supply, a control interface for the user 16 and means for diffusing active products, for example odoriferous products.

In this embodiment, the or each means of diffusion of active product comprises:

- A diffusion substrate 3 connected to an active product reservoir 6, so that the substrate is soaked with active product. This substrate 3 is porous and lets an air flow through, which can be produced in a very fine mesh or being perforated;

- a fan 5 arranged upstream of the diffusion substrate 3 in order to direct an air flow towards the latter; and - a diffusion outlet 7 downstream of the diffusion substrate 3, allowing the evacuation of the air flow coming from the fan after its passage through the diffusion substrate. It is possible to provide a fan 5 for each diffusion means, or a single one ensuring the air flow for a group, or even all of the diffusion means.

Depending on the size of the diffuser device and the volume of the air flow, the quantities of product diffused can be, by way of nonlimiting example, between 0.01 and 1 microliter (millionth of a liter) per minute, for flows of air between 0.5 and 5 cubic meters per hour and electrical powers between 0.2 and 2 watts.

Such devices are well suited for an effect in the immediate environment of the user, typically 1 to 2 meters.

Fig. 6 schematically shows a programmable device for distributing products according to another embodiment of the invention, more particularly intended for use in vehicles of the automobile type, trucks, coaches, etc.

Each element shown in this figure having a function analogous to an element already described with reference to FIG. 5 has the same reference and will not be described again for the sake of brevity. It will be noted that the diffusion substrate 3 is in this case substantially in the plane of the outlet 7 for diffusion into the atmosphere and that the configuration of all of the elements is substantially more compact since it is intended to be embedded .

In this embodiment, the electrical energy is supplied by the electrical circuit of the vehicle, supplied by the battery, for example via the cigar lighter socket or any other electrical connection of accessories. The device shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6 may advantageously include a timed electronic sub-assembly for detecting the voltage level supplied by the vehicle's electrical system. So, when the vehicle is in operation, the voltage level is kept essentially constant, with frequent fluctuations, due to the activity of the engine and accessories (turn signals, wipers, headlights, etc.) over time intervals. several minutes. On the other hand, when the vehicle is not in operation, the engine being stopped for example for a few minutes, the fluctuations disappear and the timed electronic sub-assembly cuts the operation of the diffuser ("automatic shutdown of the diffuser").

This has the advantage of avoiding unnecessary operation of the diffuser and a discharge untimely battery when the driver has not himself stopped the operation of the diffuser.

In an alternative embodiment, the device shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6 can also be integrated into the dashboard of the vehicle. Fig. 7 is a functional diagram of the main elements of the control electronics 12 applicable in whole or in part to each embodiment of the invention. In the example of fig. 7, this control electronics 12 can be used with the five embodiments described; also, some interfaces shown could only concern some of these embodiments. The control electronics 12 are centered around a central unit 50 which manages all of the members of the programmable vaporization devices of FIGS. 1 to 6.

The central unit 50 comprises a microprocessor 52 programmed to execute a management execution program from software recorded in a frozen memory (ROM) 54. A random access memory (RAM) 56 is connected to the microprocessor 52 to exchange with the latter of evolving data, in particular the configuration and programming data by the user to perform different sequences of activation of combinations of means for diffusing drops 4.

All of the elements 52, 54, 56 are clocked by an oscillator 58 which also serves as a time base for the entire system.

The central unit 50 manages a set of interfaces associated with signal inputs which can be internal or external to the programmable vaporization devices of FIGS. 1 to 6, namely:

an audio interface 60 allowing the input connection of different audio sources (audio 1, audio 2,... audio L) which can be incorporated into the devices of FIGS. 1 to 6 or connected to these by wired or wireless connections, these audio sources being for example: a compact disc player, a cassette player, one or more synthesized or recorded sound generators, etc; an interface 62 for detecting the physiological parameters of the user allowing the activation of various functions programmed according to for example: the respiratory rhythm (by detection of the expansion of the lung, breathing flow, breathing sounds), snoring noises, movements of the sleeping body, electrical activity of the nervous system (electroencephalogram, or other), etc., the physiological detector (s) that can be integrated into the device 1 or connected to it; an interface 64 of the presence detector, allowing the activation of various functions programmed according to a detected presence, the presence detector (s) being able to be integrated into the device 1 or connected to it; and

- an action detector interface 66, enabling the activation of various functions programmed according to a detected action, for example the opening of a door, the switching on of an external device, the presence of ambient sounds (the programmable spraying which can then be sequenced as a function of these sounds), etc., the action detector (s) being able to be integrated into the device 1 or connected to it. The central unit 50 also manages output interfaces allowing the operation of the various operating members of the vaporization production means 4 according to the different embodiments and according to a programming and of the signals presented on the different input interfaces. . In the following, the elements of the programmable vaporization devices of FIGS. 1 to 6 previously described in isolation are identified by the same reference mark, to which is associated a sub-index indicating the rank in the multiplicity, the device 1 here comprising n means for diffusing drops 4, where n is greater than 1. These interfaces include :

- An interface 68 for controlling the turbines 10a of the air pumps 10ι-10 _n making it possible in particular to adjust the air flow to each second tube 26 26 _n when the device implements an individual pump for each means of diffusing drops 4 ;

an interface 70 for controlling the solenoid valves e. valvei, - e.vanne ,, associated with the outputs 10aι-10a „of the air pump 10 when the device uses a single air pump 10; - an interface 72 of the noise reduction device (s) 14ι-14 „according to the choices and the embodiments, the execution of calculations relating to the execution of the noise canceling function which can be carried out in part at least by the central unit 50;

- an interface 74 or 38 _n-38j fans, in particular for the control of this or these latter (s) in the second embodiment; and - an interface 76 of the liquid pumps 42ι-42 _n making it possible to regulate the flow of liquid, and therefore the jet 46, in the third embodiment. At the user interface level, the central unit also manages the control interface 16, here functionally broken down into three elements, namely:

- a clock 78 allowing the execution of the spraying programs (durations, emission intervals) as a function of the hour, of a programmed interval or of a countdown;

an interface 80 for controlling the display 16 making it possible to display the various operating and programming parameters; and

- A keyboard interface and command buttons 82 allowing the entry of various commands to the central unit 50 for execution.

Furthermore, the central unit 50 controls by a supply interface 84 the output of the various voltages necessary for the operation of the elements under control: diffusion means 4, interfaces, connected devices, etc.

Finally, the central unit 50 manages an audio output circuit 86, in particular to ensure the reproduction of the signals supplied to the audio input interface 60 as a function of programmed parameters, the audio reproduction means (amplifier and speaker or headphone output) which can be integrated into the programmable vaporization device 1 or connected to it by wireless connection.

The control electronics 12 thus make it possible, by programming managed by the central unit 50, to define and choose at each instant the transmission combinations of a number p _. of diffusers among the n available diffusers, where p is an integer less than or equal to n. It is thus possible, in the volume emitted at a given instant, to obtain the mixture of p odors or active ingredients. The next instant, we will optionally choose p 'diffusers among the n available and so on, where p' is an integer different from p and less than or equal to n. In other words, the number and / or the combination of broadcasting means 4 in the active state is subject to change over time as a function of programming managed by the device. By choosing in this way different combinations at successive instants, it is possible to construct variable sequences of combinations of odors or other active principles, etc.

The control electronics 12 can thus manage the n broadcasting means 4, in association with software programmed in memory structured around the time making it possible to establish emission cycles of peaks of odors having determined transmission times and determined intervals between two successive transmissions, as explained in the description. The control electronics 12 make it possible to manage the n broadcasting means 4 by virtue of three systems of perception of the users according to the examples of use, namely:

- smell, which we seek to optimize the capacities,

- wakefulness and sleep, generally associated with day and night, activity and rest, brain activity or dysfunction (coma) and,

- hearing, by association of sound sources with the functioning of the broadcasting means 4.

The multiplicity of broadcasting means 4 and the programming of combinations forming varied sequences allow access to various fields of use of the devices produced according to the invention, which will now be described by way of examples. In these examples, the number n of diffusion outlets for different products is chosen according to the applications envisaged.

It will be understood that in the examples which follow, the functions and the cycles described are obtained by programming managed at the level of the central unit 50 and of the interfaces under control. The multiplicity of diffusers 4 and the programming of combinations p, p ', ... forming varied sequences, allow access to various fields of use of programmed diffusion devices 1, as will appear in the nonlimiting examples given below. -after.

Application 1: field of practical life This particular application linked to wakefulness and sleep will be illustrated by the following two examples. Example 1.

The diffusion device is used as an olfactory alarm clock and / or as an accompaniment means for finding sleep.

The device is intended to be placed close to its user, who has chosen the time at which he wishes to wake up (for example by means of the programming block 16 using the keyboard 82 and the clock 78, cf. fig. 7 ). At this time, the diffusion device initiates the odor generation activation of an odorous product, for example an essential oil, chosen for its activity and according to the preferences of the user. This diffusion continues alone for a few tens of seconds and is repeated after interruption k times, thereby causing k peaks of odors which, for a certain number of users, are sufficient to cause awakening. If the user was not awake at this time, a sound effect is emitted by the device 1, by analogous means, with the aim of causing the awakening. This sound can be made of natural sounds, such as the sound of a waterfall or the song of cicadas. After a few minutes, and therefore a few peaks of smell, an audio message stored or reproduced in the device 1 (or supplied externally via the audio interface 60, fig. 7), completes the olfactory message in a coherent manner .

If the user was at that moment already awakened by the odor emitted by diffusion, the same noises would have a soothing character, allowing a gentle and pleasant exit from sleep.

Then, the programming will cause the sound to cut off after a few minutes, while the spraying cycle of odorous product (s) (essential oil (s) in the example) may possibly be extended depending control options programmed in the central unit 50.

Conversely, the same system can be used for falling asleep, starting with the association of noises, such as sounds of nature recorded or synthesized, and projections of odorous products (such as for example essential oils), and continuing with the sole emission of odorous products (essential oils). The devices of fig. 1 to 6 can also be programmed to detect the user falling asleep, or an undesirable effect of this falling asleep, such as snoring.

For falling asleep, we can for example measure the respiration rate, in order to modify the sound level of the sound effects emitted and the odor product emission cycle, until it stops. For snoring, a discreet emission of suitable odorant will modify the breathing conditions and stop snoring.

The detection of the operating condition allowing this cycle modification can be carried out by a suitable sensor connected to one of the input interfaces 60 to 66, according to the control parameter. For example, in the case of snoring detection, a microphone near the buzzer can be connected to the audio interface 60 or optionally to the action detection interface 66, the action here being an audible threshold being exceeded detected by conventional electronics. One can choose, by the multiplicity of diffusion means 4 integrated into the devices shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 1 to 6, a choice of perfumes, this choice being made for example to emit an odor of lesser force in the case of falling asleep than in that of awakening.

These programmed means can be combined with other controlled means, for example a more conventional alarm triggering a ringtone, tones, a radio, etc., included in the device 1 or connected from the outside.

Application 2: use of the device in therapy

Example 2.

This example is based on a more specific programming of the device 1 in accordance with the present invention aimed at awakening comatose states.

It is well known that the awakening of comatose states requires significant solicitations from the patient. Such solicitations are often obtained by the presence and the speech of relatives.

This exemplary implementation of the invention makes it possible to supplement these oral requests with olfactory requests. We can preferentially choose odors that have a connection with the patient's past and a transmission cycle will be programmed on device 1 by the practitioner or operator via interfaces 80 and 82 (fig. 7).

In such an implementation, the odors in question may even be pheromones related to the parentage of the patient or to his emotional life (wife, children, etc.). To this end, provision may be made for a bank of pheromones stored with a view to the possibility of association with a therapy which may intervene subsequently, like the constitution of a blood reserve by the patient himself, in view of an operation to be performed on himself. With means of storing pheromones over long periods, therapy can take place several years after the stock has been built up.

In these two examples, the functions of falling asleep and also of waking up are all the more beneficial as the device does not disturb the sleep of its user.

The described means allowing the silent operation of the drop diffusion means are thus particularly advantageous: passive sound insulation, active noise reduction means 14, technology of diffusers with very low noise emission.

Example 3.

The device shown diagrammatically in FIGS. l to 6 is programmed at the central unit 50 to emit, according to a predetermined sequence or at the user's command, drops intended to cure smoking. The emission of odorous product (s), studied (s) to dissuade from smoking, can be done according to times of the day when the user feels the strongest temptations.

Application 3: implementation of device 1 in the field of play, education or scientific research.

Example 4. The device shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 1 to 6 is programmed at the level of the central unit 50 to diffuse a single odor or else an odor at the same time by one of the n means for diffusing drops 4, but by changing the odor according to a programmed time sequence.

Example 5. This example is similar to Example 3, but the programming in this case is intended to broadcast a combination of mixtures of odors by two or three, or even more, and similarly change the pair or the triplet in the time sequence, and and so on. This combination of association could be more complex by programming the durations and emission intervals on each of the n droplet diffusion means 4 considered separately.

This programming of durations and intervals may in particular make it possible to adapt to the proper time constant of the olfactory terminations and nerve fibers of human beings (or possibly animals in the context of scientific research). This makes it possible in particular to avoid the phenomena of attenuation or disappearance of olfactory sensation by saturation or habituation: replacement of constant odors by "peaks of odors". To this end, it will be possible in particular to program the operation of the device according to the type of odor so that the emission duration, the intervals and the waiting times reinforce the need for olfaction and the desire to smell the selected odor. . This objective will be achieved in particular in the device by recognition, for example mechanical or electrical, of the type of cartridge, and therefore of the type of odor, that the user has inserted into this device. This will allow to take into account the fact that the durations of impregnation of the nerve fibers, of relaxation and of waiting are variable according to the odorous substance used (essential oil for example) and if necessary, according to the individual.

In all the embodiments described, it is possible to equip the device with means for automatic recognition of the active product to be diffused. This recognition can be achieved in particular by coding the container (cartridge or other reservoir of the product) which is readable by a reading device at the device. Such means can be based on:

- Bar codes, a bar code label being affixed to the reservoir or the cartridge 6 according to its content, and a bar code reader being integrated at the receptacle for the reservoir or the cartridge;

mechanical means, for example pins, recesses, etc., on a portion of the reservoir or of the cartridge and whose configuration is specific to the product contained, the configuration being detected by feeler means integrated at the receptacle for the reservoir, or the cartridge ; or an electronic chip carried by the cartridge or the reservoir and containing programming information specific to the product contained, the chip being able to be read by a communication interface integrated into the device 1. It will be understood that the various information given, both at the level of the modes realization that at the level of the envisaged applications can be combined according to the desired results.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. Programmable device for the diffusion of odoriferous substances, comprising a number n of odor diffusion means (4), n being greater than or equal to 1, which can be controlled each independently to emit, from appropriate reserves, odors or mixtures of odors by combination p_ of the n sources, characterized in that the device further comprises programmable control means (12) making it possible to establish emission cycles of peaks of odors having determined emission times and intervals determined between two successive emissions, these successive emission cycles of peaks of odors taking into account the time of saturation and desaturation of the olfactory systems of the users.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the odor peaks have typical emission durations of five seconds to two minutes and typical emission intervals of two minutes to one hour and, preferably, from two to fifteen minutes.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the odor peaks have typical emission durations of fifteen seconds to one minute and, preferably, of the order of thirty seconds, and intervals between emissions typical from two minutes to five minutes.

4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the number n of odor diffusion means (4) is greater than or equal to 2.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it incorporates active means for attenuating or suppressing noise in the form of anti-noise means (14).

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it incorporates passive noise attenuation means (22b).

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the diffusion means consist of means (4) adapted to emit drops (G) dimensioned so as to produce a dry mist effect, the diameter elementary of a drop being of the order of 0.5 to 3 microns.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the means for diffusing drops (4) operate by the Venturi effect.

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the drop diffusion means (4) comprise an electromechanical actuator, for example a piezoelectric actuator (36), arranged to transmit vibrations to a load of liquid contained in a cavity (30) so as to eject droplets of this charge of liquid.

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the means for diffusing drops (4) comprise means (42, 44) for producing a jet of liquid to be diffused (46) and means ( 36, 40) to generate surface acoustic waves on the liquid jet to detach droplets from this jet.

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the diffusion means consist of surface evaporation means (3, 5) such as an air flow.

12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the programmable control means (12) comprise signal input means (62) intended to be connected to at least one physiological parameter sensor allowing to command the activation and / or the evolution of an odor diffusion program as a function of one or more detected physiological parameters.

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that it is associated with a physiological parameter sensor in the form of a noise detector caused by snoring, the device being programmed to control the diffusion means (4) to cause the emission of odorous product (s) in response to a detected snoring, with the aim of stopping this snoring.

14. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it is also associated with a physiological parameter sensor in the form of a sleep state detector, the device being programmed to control the means of diffusion (4) to cause the emission of product (s) according to a detected physiological state.

15. Device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the physiological sensor comprises at least one of:

- a breathing detector, and

- a detector of the electrical characteristic of the user's body, for example the electrical activity or the resistivity detected by electrodes.

16. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the programmable control means (12) include time accounting means (78) for controlling the activation and / or the evolution of an odor diffusion program based on one or more time parameters.

17. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the programmable control means (12) are programmed to start, at a programmed time, a cycle of diffusion of odors by the means (4), able to cause arousal.

18. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the programmable control means are programmed to start at a programmed time or in response to an input on one of the interfaces a cycle of diffusion of odors by the means (4), able to accompany falling asleep.

19. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the programmable control means (12) comprise audio output means (86) making it possible to manage the emission of sounds accompanying a program of diffusion of odors.

20. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that at least one of the different tanks (6) of the odor diffusion means (4) contains an odoriferous liquid specific to this tank, for example an essential oil.

21. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, prepared as a means of requesting the awakening of a comatose state of a patient, characterized in that at least one of the reservoirs (6) contains an odorous liquid chosen to emit an odor related to the past, or the environment, or the tastes of the patient.

22. Device according to claim 21, characterized in that at least one of said liquids contains a pheromone related to the parentage or the emotional life of the patient.

23. Device according to claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the odor peak generation cycles are calculated by taking into account the saturation and desaturation times of the olfactory nervous system and by adding a waiting time of nature to let the desire of the user be created, to enhance his pleasure at the time of the arrival of the peak of smell.

24. Device according to claims 1 to 23, characterized in that it comprises means for automatic recognition of the product contained in a reserve by a predetermined coding means at the level of the container forming said reserve and that it adjusts the program accordingly broadcast.

25. Device according to claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the electrical supply can be given by connection to the electrical circuit of a vehicle, in particular to the cigarette lighter of this vehicle.

26. Device according to claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the device is in the form of a portable assembly allowing personal and individual use.

27. Device according to claims 1 to 26, characterized in that it comprises audio means associated with odor diffusion systems allowing the sending of a global coherent smell-sound message, related to nature.