JP2002200157A - Fragrance generating device, and fragrance substance cartridge, and fragrance substance cartridge kit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fragrance substance cartridge kit to increase the actually attending feeling of a fragrance by which a user uses a fragrance substance cartridge without mistake for each content, and the fragrance substance cartridge, and a fragrance generating device. SOLUTION: This fragrance generating device is constituted of a fragrance generating body section 1 which generates a fragrance, an administration assisting section 2 which assists the administration of a fragrance substance, and an adding section 3 which provides images, sounds, forces and winds to impart a virtually realistic feeling other than the fragrance. The body section 1 comprises a housing section 11, a diffusing section 12, a control information-feeding section 13, a memory section 14, and a communication section 15. Then, the body section 1 evaporates and diffuses the fragrance substance based on fragrance control information. An electrode group 104 to identify the housed fragrance substance is provided on the surface of the housing section 11. Identification information constituted by the electrode group 104 is read by an electrode group 123 which is provided in the diffusing section 12. Whether a content is suitable for a required fragrance substance or not is judged by the control information-feeding section 13. When the content is not suitable, warning is emitted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an odor generating device, an odor material cartridge, and an odor material cartridge kit, and more particularly to enhancing the sense of reality when enjoying video and music on a home theater, a personal computer, a home game machine, and the like. The present invention relates to an odor generation device, an odor substance cartridge, and an odor substance cartridge kit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a method for improving the sense of reality of a video or game, means for presenting a stereoscopic video, reproducing a stereoscopic sound field, generating mechanical vibrations and movements, and releasing odorous substances have been proposed.

[0003] In particular, regarding the release of odorants, the following 2
There was a way to improve the realism. (Method 1) Generate an odor appropriate to the atmosphere and mood of the place (Method 2) Generate an odor in addition to the video and sound according to the substance appearing in the scene For example, in a combat game, the smell of gunpowder from beginning to end The method of letting a haunted house fill a room with a stinky smell is equivalent to the above (method 1). A method in which a scent of perfume or soap is smelled together with a picture or voice of a lover in a kiss scene of a simulation game corresponds to the above (method 2).

[0004] The difference between the two is that (method 1) raises the atmosphere by generating a scent that is the basis of the entire scene, whereas (method 2) determines the existence of objects appearing in the scene if it is only visual or auditory. It is aimed at making the user perceive through the sense of smell.

[0005] Based on the concept of generating odors to improve the sense of reality, odor generation devices of an early age that have been put to practical use have been implemented in movie theaters and amusement facilities.

That is, as the content (movie or scenario) progresses, the operator opens the valve of the container storing the specific odor substance at an appropriate timing, and through the conduit having the opening provided in the customer seat, It emitted odorous substances. Such a facility-type odor generating device is a large-scale facility for allowing a large number of spectators to emit a desired odor almost simultaneously, and performs an odor release operation separately from the spectators,
It was run with dedicated staff to replenish odorants.

However, in home theaters, personal computers, home game machines, and the like, which are assumed to be operated and used by individuals, the user himself purchases such a large-scale odor generating device and operates such a device. It is difficult to manage, and the user himself or herself must perform the operation of releasing the odor during the actual video viewing or game play, because it seriously impairs the sense of reality and must be avoided.

[0008] Therefore, it is impossible to immediately use the facility-type odor generating device for personal use, and the following three problems must be solved. (Issue 1) Miniaturization of the device (for the user to install and operate the odor generator personally) (Issue 2) Automation of the control method to control the odor generation (The user concentrates on video viewing and game play (Issue 3) Simplification of management of odor substances (Because the user performs maintenance of the odor generator without requiring specialized knowledge) Next, a conventional odor generator that solves such problems will be described. . (Conventional technology that conceptually describes the use of smell) Virtual reality (VR)
ty) are disclosed in, for example, JP-A-5-289603, JP-A-6-161348, and JP-A-7-129789. These publications do not specifically specify which of the above (method 1) and (method 2) should be used to enhance the sense of presence.However, it is also possible to provide an odor generating means to enhance the sense of presence. It is described as possible.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-155474 discloses a device for generating a sulfur odor in order to add a primitive-era atmosphere to a dinosaur-type roller coaster. It has been shown to use a specific odor for aromatherapy for the purpose. This is a method for improving the sense of reality corresponding to (method 1).

[0010] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-69449 discloses that when a user approaches a flower in a virtual space, control is performed so as to generate an odor such that the scent of the flower is smelled. . This is a method for improving the sense of presence corresponding to (method 2).

[0011] In the above-described conventional technology, an odor is generated in order to further enhance the sense of reality that the user receives. However, the specific configuration of the odor generating means is not shown, and there is only description that generation of a predetermined odor is automatically controlled based on predetermined control data.

This indicates that in order to solve the (Problem 2), some kind of odor generating means that can be controlled by a machine is required, but the detailed configuration is not disclosed at all. (Conventional technology describing odor generating means) Regarding the configuration of the odor generating means, JP-A-8-332273, JP-A-10-85
No. 315 and JP-A-11-226235. [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-332273 This is a game machine (pachinko machine) equipped with odor generating means for sending molecules of odorous substances generated by spontaneous emission of fragrances or heat evaporation to wind of a blower. The generation of the odor is controlled so that the user can have a pleasant scent when the game is played at a specific stage, that is, when the winning probability of the user increases due to the probability fluctuation. This can be considered as a kind of the realism improvement corresponding to (method 1). This device automates the odor generation operation according to the playing situation, thus (Problem 2)
It is also a device that solves. Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-85315 This is a small odor generating device that solves (Problem 1) on the assumption that it is used by individuals. This device is a small helmet-shaped device having a built-in means for emitting a liquid odor substance by ultrasonic vibration or heating. The device controls the type and amount of the odorous substance to be emitted manually or automatically by the device receiving a user operation or analyzing the scene represented by the content. This device solves (Problem 2) because the generation of odor can be automatically controlled. In addition, there is a description that this device can give a scent that relaxes the user and can generate the scent of the atmosphere of the scene and the things that appear in the scene. (Method 1), (Method 2) It is a device that can be used for both. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-226235 This device heats a solid incense body to emit odorous substances and sends it to the user by a breeze, and provides a sense of reality according to the content of the game, that is, the progress of the game. Excite
Control means for odor generation corresponding to (method 1).
This is an apparatus for solving (Problem 2), in which an odor is automatically generated according to a virtual situation represented by a content (game).

[0013] However, the three conventional techniques described above solve (Problem 1) and (Problem 2), but are easy to handle in terms of management such as replenishment and recombination of odor substances, that is,
(Issue 3) has not been resolved at all. (Conventional technology that describes the mechanism of olfaction and the method of odor synthesis) Ease of handling in management aspects such as replenishment and recombination of odorous substances, that is, a limited set of odorous substances as a technology related to (Issue 3) Therefore, there is a problem of how to generate a desired odor. This means that if there is no odor substance to generate the desired odor,
This is because it must be newly prepared.

In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to clarify the mechanism of olfaction in humans. The elucidation of the sense of smell is an ongoing task, and the full mechanism of the mechanism has not been clarified.
HYPERLINK "http: //www.katsurao-jhs.katsurao.fukush
ima.jp/~honma/kaori/h_kaori2.html "http: //www.kats
urao-jhs.katsurao.fukushima.jp/~honma/kaori/h_kaor
It is disclosed in i2.html (fragrance molecular dictionary-key and keyhole). According to this theory, there are seven basic odors (camphor odor, ether odor, peppermint odor, jade odor, flower fragrance, pungent odor, putrid odor)
The former five are perceived by the odor molecules fitting into dedicated cavities (keyholes) in the odor cell receptors, and the latter two are positive and negative of the odor molecules. It is believed to be perceived by charge. According to this theory, it is likely that humans can perceive an arbitrary odor by preparing at most seven types of substances and adjusting their concentration combination pattern.

According to JP-A-10-66058, JP-A-11-112971, JP-A-11-316769, and P2000-35973, video, sound, and odor of a remote live spot are input and transmitted. A system that reproduces the information at hand is proposed.

These four publications employ a method of synthesizing an odor close to the real one by mixing predetermined odor substances when reproducing the odor at a live spot. Although it has not been written down, the local odor environment is converted into data by using multiple sensors with central sensitivity to different odor substances, and the odor substance is similarly obtained by the user based on the detection ratio of each odor substance given by this data. It is thought that it mixes with. Therefore, the set of odor substances to be held by the odor generating means can be the set of odor substances having the central sensitivity of the sensor at the live spot. In particular, if it corresponds to the seven sets of basic odors described above, there is a possibility that an arbitrary odor can be synthesized with considerable accuracy.

Further, in the systems disclosed in these publications, the timing of generation of the odor is given by the actual situation of the live condition point to be reproduced, so
(Problem 2) in (Method 2) for improving the sense of presence is solved.

However, these publications do not consider replenishment of insufficient odor substances,
(Issue 3) has not been solved yet.

By the way, the above-mentioned "key and keyhole" is a theory that is still being improved, and it is becoming clear that the olfactory mechanism is not simple enough to be completely solved as described above. HYPERLINK "http://www.et
l.go.jp/~7832/ORN-exp.html "http://www.etl.go.jp/~
According to the research results of odor cells disclosed in 7832 / ORN-exp.html, the types of odor-receiving proteins (odor receptors) corresponding to keyholes are tens of dozens, and several hundred to one thousand in rodents. It is said that there is. Then, according to the experiment, it is considered that the odor is perceived by the reaction pattern of the odor receptor that reacts only to a specific type of odor molecule.

That is, the above-mentioned conventional technique is considered to be correct in principle that a desired odor can be synthesized by a combination of finite types of odor molecules.

However, as a practical matter, a very large number of odor substances corresponding to the types of odor receptors and information on the mixing ratio for determining their concentrations must be prepared, which may increase the size of the apparatus itself. Is considered first.
Moreover, the elucidation of the pattern-like perceptual properties of odors has not yet been completed, and it may be possible to reliably perceive odors in the middle by combining odor substances with central sensitivity with each of the individual receptors. Not confirmed,
Furthermore, since the type of necessary odor substance (basal odor substance) to be possessed by the apparatus has not yet been specified, at present, it is necessary to prepare an apparatus that synthesizes an arbitrary odor by linearly combining finite types of base odor substances. Can not.

If it is impossible at present to synthesize an appropriate odor in any situation, that is, to synthesize an arbitrary odor as an intensity pattern of a finite type of base odor substance, the content is required. It is currently effective to prepare a combination of odorants to be used each time. That is, it is required to solve (Issue 3) in terms of ease of management in terms of management such as replenishment and rearrangement of odorous substances.

As described above, in the above-mentioned plurality of conventional techniques, the problems from the following viewpoints have not been solved.

In both the (method 1) and (method 2) methods for improving the sense of realism, the set of necessary odor substances should be determined by the content. Conversely, if the content is exchanged, the required odor substance is required. Excess or deficiency also occurs in the type of substance. Therefore, the set of odor substances to be loaded in the apparatus must be appropriately replaced.

For example, unlike the case of preparing only a fixed finite type of odor substance corresponding to the type of odor sensor disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-66058 and reproducing only the odor that can be detected by this set of sensors, it is actually installed. For content that expresses a virtual world, such as a game that expresses a virtual world that is not subject to the restrictions of sensors that are used, exchanging a set of odor substances used for each content ensures the freedom of expression. Seems also essential.

In particular, when contents are frequently replaced by a user such as a home theater, a personal computer, or a home game machine, and as a result, a set of odorants must be replaced, the replacement can be easily performed. At that time, the set of necessary odor substances can be exchanged without mistake for each content, or the missing odor substances can be easily obtained,
It is necessary for an individual to be able to handle and replenish such a smell at home easily.

However, the above-described conventional technology does not solve (Problem 3) in such a situation.

[0028]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and makes it easy for a user to replenish or exchange odorous substances. It is an object of the present invention to provide an odor substance cartridge, an odor substance cartridge, and an odor generation device which can surely replace a necessary odor substance.

[0029]

Means for Solving the Problems To achieve the above object, an odor generating device of the present invention contains an odor substance therein,
On the surface, a container provided with identification information holding means for holding different identification information for each of the contained odor substances, a container holding means having identification information reading means for making the container detachable and reading the identification information, It is characterized by having.

Further, the odor substance cartridge of the present invention comprises:
An odor substance cartridge comprising a container in which an odor substance is stored therein, characterized in that identification information holding means for holding different identification information for each of the odor substances stored therein is provided on the surface of the container. .

Further, the odor substance cartridge kit of the present invention has a storage medium in which at least an image signal and an odor control signal for controlling emission of a desired odor substance are recorded in correspondence with the image signal, and the storage medium has therein the odor control signal. A container provided with identification information holding means for holding identification information different for each of the stored odor substances, the container being provided with the odor substance contained therein;

Further, the container is provided with a replenishing port for replenishing the contained odorant.

Also, the odor generating device provides light, sound,
Warning means for issuing a warning by at least one of the vibrations is provided. This warning is, if the container is not mounted on the container holding means, if the container is mounted on the container holding means but the odor substance required by the storage medium to be reproduced is not mounted, When the container is mounted on the container holding means, but the remaining amount of the mounted odorant is smaller than the used amount required by the storage medium (in one reproduction), or when prompting replenishment when the amount is small, Etc. are emitted. The warning is performed by operating an LED, a speaker, and a motor (including a vibrator) provided in the odor generating device. It is also possible to emit video and sound on a display (reproducing video and sound on a storage medium) to which the odor generating device is connected.

The odor control signal in the storage medium includes information for presenting a sound, a force, and a wind to a user in association with a reproduced image and a sound.

The odor generating device is provided with a communication device (at least a receiving device) for receiving an operation program for operating the odor generating device and information on images, sounds, odors and the like from a storage medium.

[0036] The container is characterized in that a plurality of odorants are stored separately.

Further, there is a replenishing container having at least a supply portion connectable to the replenishing port provided in the container and containing an odorant therein, and the replenishing container is sold as a single unit.

Further, the odor generating device is provided with a display device such as a display for displaying an odor substance in the mounted container.

[0039]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the odor generating device.

The odor generation device includes an odor generation main unit 1 for generating a desired odor, a management auxiliary unit 2 for assisting the user in managing odor substances, and a device for giving the user a virtual reality feeling other than the odor. It consists of an additional unit 3 that provides video, sound, power and wind.

The odor generation main body 1 includes a storage section 11, a divergence section 12,
It comprises a control information supply unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a communication unit 15. The odor generation main body 1 functions as a device that freely emits odor substances based on odor control information to generate odors.

The storage section 11 and the diverging section 12 are provided substantially integrally. The communication unit 15 outputs various information to the storage unit 14. The storage unit 14 outputs various information to the control information supply unit 13. The control information supply unit 13 outputs the odor control information to the diverging unit 12.
The diverging unit 12 outputs various information to the management auxiliary unit 2.

The storage section 11 is provided with containers each containing one or more types of odor substances that allow a user to perceive a specific odor when diverging into the air. Each container is given a track number in a predetermined manner. For example, when the storage unit 11 has six containers each containing one type of odorant, track numbers 1 to 6 are assigned to each container in a predetermined order.

The diverging section 12 is an ultrasonic generator or a heater for vaporizing and diverging molecules of the odorant. The ultrasonic generator or the heater is provided for each track so that the odorant can be vaporized and emitted from the container of each track number. The molecules of the odorous substance that are vaporized and diffused are diffused into the atmosphere around the device, and the diffused odorous molecules reach the user's olfactory cells, thereby causing the user to perceive the odor. In addition, the diverging unit 12 uses the management auxiliary unit 2 to identify what kind of odor substance is stored in the container of which track number, and to use the remaining amount of the odor substance of the container of each track number as the remaining amount. Output as information.

The control information supply section 13 outputs odor control information for operating the diverging section 12, that is, the driving strength of the ultrasonic generator or the heater, and controls the concentration of the odor substance emitted. The driving intensity is a signal for controlling the intensity of the generated ultrasonic wave and the amount of heat to be emitted. If the diverging unit 12 is an ultrasonic generator, PWM control is performed to change the duty ratio between the ON period and the OFF period of the oscillation, and if the diverging unit 12 is a heater, the ON period and the OFF period of the current supplied to the heater PWM control is performed to change the duty ratio.

As a result, the molecular concentration of each odorant diffused in the atmosphere around the device is roughly controlled by controlling the duty ratio.

The odor control information is a digital representation of a time-sequential emission amount of various odor substances, that is, a time-discrete or time-function waveform indicating a time-series drive strength for each track of the emission part 12. It is described as data. This data can be recorded, transmitted, processed, and reused through a computer or similar digital device. In the PWM control, the duty ratio is determined by obtaining the integrated value of the driving intensity in one cycle T (unit period for controlling the duty ratio) from the waveform data. In particular, in the case of time-discrete waveform data, if the discrete time is made equal to one cycle T, it is not necessary to perform an integration process, and the calculation cost can be reduced.

The storage unit 14 is provided inside the apparatus and stores various information including at least odor control information. The control information supply unit 13 reads the odor control information from the storage unit 14 and supplies the odor control information to the emission unit 12. Further, the storage unit 14 stores the control information supply unit 13
In addition, storage information such as which odor substance is stored in the container stored in the storage unit 11 and the remaining amount of the odor substance in the stored container are output as remaining amount information.

The communication unit 15 causes various types of information including at least odor control information to be transferred to the storage unit 14 from outside the device. The storage unit 14 stores the transferred information. Further, the odor generating device can also receive odor control information from outside the device via the communication unit 15 and generate a desired odor according to this information. Note that the various information includes accommodation information, application target information, and reproduction target information in addition to the control information.

The management assisting unit 2 comprises a loading status detecting unit 21 and an alarm output unit 22.

The loading status detecting section 21 outputs the identification information from the diverging section 12 to the storage section 14 and obtains accommodation information indicating which odor substance is contained in which truck. Further, the storage unit 14 obtains which odor substance and how much remains as remaining amount information. Further, application target information indicating a content to which the odor substance specified by the identification information is applicable,
The reproduction target information indicating the content that the odor generating device is currently trying to reproduce is obtained from the storage unit 14. These identification information, remaining amount information, accommodation information, application target information, and reproduction target information are collectively referred to as loading status information.

The storage unit 14 stores control information, accommodation information,
Although it is assumed that the application target information and the reproduction target information are held, the information is stored in the storage unit 14 through the communication unit 15,
New supply or update supply may be appropriately performed from outside the apparatus.

The alarm output section 22 receives the loading status information from the loading status detecting section 21. When detecting a predetermined situation from the loading status information, the alarm output unit 22 alerts the user to the following (non-loading alarm, non-applicable alarm, low-capacity alarm).
Is output. For this reason, the alarm output unit 22 uses the control information supply unit 13 as the alarm content information that the odor generation has failed.
To stop the generation of odor, and the alarm described in the alarm content information via the control information supply unit 13,
Output to the addition unit 3, and the addition unit 3 presents a warning to the user. As for the output of the alarm, the alarm output unit 22 can independently output the alarm using a video, a sound, or the like. -Not loaded alarm The alarm output unit 22 refers to the identification information in the loading status information,
It is verified whether or not the container for storing the odor substance is loaded in the odor generation main body 1. If a container is not loaded, the user is notified of the current content to be played back by the adding unit 3 and a list of necessary containers corresponding to the content is notified to load the container to be loaded. Outputs a warning to prompt. When outputting an alarm, the generation of odor by the control information supply unit 13 is stopped. After the alarm output unit 22 confirms that the desired container is loaded, the alarm output unit 22 then refers to the reproduction target information and the application target information in the loading status information to determine the current reproduction target. Verify whether the content that is currently included is included in the application target of the currently loaded container. If not included, an alarm is output to prompt the user to replace the object to be reproduced with a container to be included in the application. When outputting the alarm, the alarm output unit 22 stops the generation of the odor by the control information supply unit 21. This content is stored in a storage medium such as a DVD or a CD, and the type of odor substance corresponding to the video and sound signals is stored in the storage medium. The remaining amount insufficient alarm The alarm output unit 22 confirms that the desired container is loaded and the content that is currently being reproduced is included in the application target of the currently loaded container, next,
Referring to the remaining amount information in the loading status information, it is verified whether or not the remaining amount of the odorant contained in the container is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If the remaining amount of one of the necessary odor substances is less than a predetermined value, the user is informed that the remaining amount of the odor substance is insufficient.
(Replacement) is warned, and the odor substance in the container is refilled or the container itself is replaced. When outputting an alarm,
The alarm output unit 22 stops the generation of the odor by the control information supply unit 21.

The addition unit 3 includes a video output unit 23, a sound output unit 24,
It comprises a force output unit 25 and a wind output unit 26. Video output unit 2
3. The sound output unit 24, the force output unit 25, and the wind output unit 26 are connected to the control information supply unit 13. Further, the adding unit 3 functions as a device that comprehensively reproduces the content by a method other than the smell.

The odor control information for generating the odor is:
It is information that controls the types of odors to be generated and the timing of the generation, in order to excite the atmosphere of the scene or to make the user perceive the odor of a substance appearing in the scene. Since the generation of the odor accompanies the progress of the scene, the odor control information must be synchronized with the information that controls the progress of the scene, that is, the content itself.

The video output unit 23 receives the video control information read by the control information supply unit 13 and stored in the storage unit 14, and outputs a video according to this information.

The sound output unit 24 receives the sound control information read by the control information supply unit 13 and stored in the storage unit 14, and outputs a sound according to the information.

The force output unit 25 receives the force control information stored in the storage unit 14 read by the control information supply unit 13, and generates a vibration (acceleration) according to the information.

The wind output unit 26 receives the wind control information stored in the storage unit 14 read by the control information supply unit 13 and outputs a wind carrying odor while controlling the temperature and the air flow according to the information.

Next, a description will be given with reference to the sectional views of the storage section 11 or the diverging section 12 shown in FIGS.

The storage section 11 and the diverging section 12 are devices for storing or vaporizing and odorous substances. The storing section 11 and the diverging section 12 are containers for storing liquid odorous substances as contents. It consists of a barrel odor substance cartridge and a docking bay in which the cartridge is detachable.

(A) shows a container-type odor substance cartridge 31.
FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of FIG.

(B) is a cross-sectional view of an odor substance cartridge 32 provided with a device for vaporizing and radiating an odor substance. The odor substance cartridge 32 accommodates an arbitrary odor substance and a device for vaporizing and radiating this odor substance. ing.

(C) is a sectional view of the refillable odor substance cartridge 33, which is a cartridge for refilling the odor substance cartridges 31, 32 with the odor substance.

(D) is a container-only type odor substance cartridge 31.
5 is a sectional view of a dedicated docking bay 34. FIG.

(E) is a docking bay 35 dedicated to the odor substance cartridge 32 equipped with a device for vaporizing and radiating the odor substance.
It is.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the odor substance cartridge 31. A case 100 for containing the odor substance has, at the top, a vent 101 for letting air inside, and a refill port for replenishing the odor substance. An outlet 103 for sending out the odorant from the inside is formed in the lower portion 102, and an electrode group 104 for electrically coupling with the docking bay is provided on the surface. Further, in order to indicate that the odor substance cartridge 31 is unused, seals 105 to 107 are attached to each of the ventilation port 101, the refill port 102, and the delivery port 103. When the odor substance cartridge 31 is not used, the seals 105 to 107 are re-applied so as to cover each mouth in order to prevent the odor substance from evaporating. Inside the case 100 of the replenishing port 102, a replenishing port valve 108 for closing the replenishing port 102 except when replenishing is provided. Inside the case of the outlet 103, an outlet valve 109 that closes the outlet 103 except at the time of sending is provided. In the case 100, there is provided a float 111 floating on the liquid surface 110 of the odorant, and the float 111 moves with the height of the liquid surface 110. In the case 100, a floating guide 112 for guiding the floating 111 in the vertical direction is provided.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the odor substance cartridge 32. A case 120 for accommodating the odor substance has, at the top, a vent 121 for allowing air to pass therethrough, and a refill port for replenishing the odor substance. 122, respectively, and an electrode group 123 for electrically coupling with the docking bay is provided on the surface. Further, in order to indicate that the odor substance cartridge 32 is unused, seals 124 and 125 are attached to the vent 121 and the refill 122, respectively. Note that this seal 12
When the odor substance cartridge 32 is not used, 4, 125 is re-applied so as to close each mouth in order to prevent the odor substance from evaporating. A replenishing port valve 126 for closing the replenishing port 122 is provided inside the case 120 of the replenishing port 122 except during replenishment. In the case 120, a float 128 is provided which floats on the liquid surface 127 of the odorant, and the float 128 moves with the height of the liquid surface 127. In the case 120, a floating guide 129 for guiding the floating 128 in the vertical direction is provided.

A heater 129-1 is provided on the bottom surface in the case 120, and the heater 129-1 is connected to the electrode group 123.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the refillable odor substance cartridge 33. A case 130 for containing the odor substance therein has an upper portion, a vent 131 for allowing air to pass therethrough, and a lower portion having a vent hole 131 from the inside. Outlets 132 for delivering odorous substances are respectively formed. In the outlet 132 outside the case 130,
A conduit 133 is provided to be inserted into the refill ports 102, 122 of the odor substance cartridges 31, 32. In addition, in order to show that the replenishing odor substance cartridge 33 is unused, the vent 131,
Seals 134 and 135 are attached to the outlets 132, respectively.
The seals 134 and 135 are provided on the odor substance cartridge 33.
When is not used, it is re-applied so as to close each mouth to prevent evaporation of the odorant.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the docking bay 34. The case 141 has a concave docking portion 142 in which the odor substance cartridge 31 is mounted. The cross section of the docking portion 142 has substantially the same shape and size as the cross section of the odor substance cartridge 31. An electrode group 143 that is electrically connected to the electrode group 104 is provided on a side surface of the docking section 142. On the bottom surface of the docking portion 142, a pin 144 that is inserted into the outlet 103 of the odor substance cartridge 31 and pushes up the outlet valve 109 is provided to protrude. A hole is formed in the bottom surface of the docking section 142 to introduce the odor substance released from the outlet 103, and this hole is connected to a vaporization chamber 145 formed inside the case 141. The vaporization chamber 145 is provided with a heater 146 for vaporizing a liquid odorant. In addition, a chimney-shaped discharge section 147 that discharges the vaporized odor substance to the outside of the case 141 is connected to the vaporization chamber 145.

In this case 141, the odor substance cartridge 31
When the is attached, the seals 105 and 107 of the odor substance cartridge 31 are removed in advance. By doing this,
The outside air enters the inside of the odor substance cartridge 31 from the ventilation port 101, and the odor substance in the odor substance cartridge 31 is guided from the outlet 103 to the vaporization chamber 145 and vaporized.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view before the odor substance cartridge 31 is attached to the docking bay 34, and FIG. 7B is a perspective view after the attachment.

The odor substance cartridge 31 has a structure that can be fitted to the docking portion 142 of the docking bay 34.

On the side surface of the odor substance cartridge 31, there are provided a rail 113 formed in the insertion direction, a depression 114 serving as a locking mechanism so as not to be easily removed after mounting, and an electrode group 104. A label 115 indicating the type of the substance and the type of the content corresponding to the odorant is attached to the upper surface or the side surface at a position that can be visually recognized by the user after insertion. This rail 113 (together with the groove 116 described later)
Is a guide mechanism provided so that the odor substance cartridge 31 and the docking bay 34 can be mounted (easy) without erroneous mounting while maintaining a predetermined positional relationship.

At the position where the rail 113 of the docking bay 34 is fitted, a groove 116 conforming to the shape of the rail 113 is formed. Further, when the odor substance cartridge 31 is mounted at a desired position, a claw 117 is formed so as to protrude at a position facing the depression 114. Further, an electrode group 143 is provided at a position corresponding to the electrode group 104 (see (a)).

With such a configuration, the rail 113 is
Attach along 6 Thereafter, the mounting is completed when the pawl 117 is fitted into the recess 114. The locking mechanism is formed by the engagement of the pawl 117 with the recess 114, thereby preventing inadvertent separation. In this state, the electrode group 104 and the electrode group 143 are connected (see (b)).

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view before the odor substance cartridge 31 is mounted on the docking bay 34, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view after the mounting.

As shown in (a), the odor substance cartridge 31 is mounted in the docking bay 34. At this time, the exit 103
The pin 144 is inserted into the.

As shown in (b), the odor substance cartridge 31
Is attached to the docking bay 34. At this time, the odor substance flows into the vaporization chamber 145 from inside the odor substance cartridge 31 because the pin 144 pushes up the delivery port 109. In the vaporization chamber 145, the odor substance is vaporized by the heater 146.
The vaporized odor substance (molecule) is released from the discharge unit 147 to the outside of the device. At the time of attachment, the odor substance cartridge 3
The one electrode group 104 and the electrode group 143 of the docking bay 34 are in contact with each other.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the docking bay 35. A case 151 is formed with a concave docking portion 152 in which the odor substance cartridge 32 is mounted. The cross section of the docking section 152 has substantially the same shape and size as the cross section of the odor substance cartridge 32. An electrode group 153 that is electrically connected to the electrode group 123 is provided on a side surface of the docking section 152.

In this case 151, the odor substance cartridge 32
When the is attached, the seal 124 of the odor substance cartridge 32 is removed in advance. In this manner, the odor substance effective in the odor substance cartridge 32 is supplied to the vent 121.
As a result, the odor substance is released to the outside of the cartridge 32.

The odor substance cartridge 32 and the docking bay 34 are also provided with a guide mechanism, a lock mechanism, and a label, similarly to the odor substance cartridge 31 and the docking bay 33 described above.

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view before the odor substance cartridge 32 is mounted on the docking bay 35, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view after the mounting.

As shown in (a), the odor substance cartridge 32 is mounted in the docking bay 35.

As shown in (b), the odor substance cartridge 3
2 is attached to the docking bay 35. At this time, the electrode group 123 of the odor substance cartridge 32 is in contact with the electrode group 153 of the docking bay 35.

FIG. 11 is displayed by a label 115.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a method for automatically identifying a type of an odor substance and a type of applicable content by an apparatus.

The type of odor substance contained in the odor substance cartridge, as represented by the label 115, or some information for specifying the type of content to which this odor substance can be applied is used as identification information.

The electrode group 104 (or 123) of the odor substance cartridge 31 (or 32) includes a plurality of electrodes 104-1, 104-2,..., 104-10 (or 105-1, 105) connected in parallel with each other. -
2, ..., 105-10).

The electrode group 14 of the docking bay 34 (or 35)
Electrodes 143-1 to 143-10 are provided at positions corresponding to the electrodes 104-1 to 104-10 on 3 (or 153). The electrode 143-3 has
Amplifier 160-1 and resistor 161-1 are connected in parallel.
43-4 to 143-10, amplifiers 160-2 to 160-8, resistors 161-2 to 16
1-8 are connected.

The positive potential Vcc is applied to the electrode 104-1 from outside the odor substance cartridge 31. A zero potential GND is applied to the electrode 104-2 from outside the odorant cartridge 31.
Electrodes 104-3, 104-5, 104-6, 104-7 and 104-8 are connected to GND, and electrodes 104-4, 104-9 and 104-10 are connected to Vcc.

The electrodes 104-3 to 104-10 are connected to Bits 0 to 7
The potential Vcc is 1, and the potential GND is 0. Then, the binary value represented by the connected electrodes 104-10 to 104-3 is 11000010, that is, 194 in decimal. The numerical value of “194” corresponds to the odor substance cartridge 31.
Is a model number of "194". This model number is identification information, and it is possible to specify the type of odor substance and the type of applicable content by this model number. Electrode 104 when Vcc and GND are applied to electrodes 104-1 and 104-2
The potential of −3 to 104-10, that is, the numerical value indicating the model number of the odor substance cartridge 31 described in a binary number is read by the electrode group 143 through the electrode group 104. Binary 0 in electrode group 143
The electrode detecting “1” outputs “L = 0”, and the electrode detecting “1” outputs “H = 1”.

If the odor substance cartridge 31 is not mounted in the docking bay 34, the voltage drop due to the pull-up resistors 161-1 to 161-8 does not occur because all the electrode groups 143 are open. The potential becomes Vcc, that is, 1. Therefore, when not mounted, all digits of the identification information are “1”. The electrode 143- on the odorant cartridge side
For 1 to 143-10, the connection "11111111" is not used. Therefore, since the identification information “11111111” is not detected when the odor substance cartridge is mounted, the identification information “11111111” can be used as special identification information indicating that the odor substance cartridge is not mounted, that is, identification information when the odor substance cartridge is not mounted.

While the power is supplied to the odor generating device, the identification information at the time of non-mounting is input to the loading status detecting unit 16 and when the alarm output unit 17 detects this information, the user is notified. Alarm. The user is presented with a list of the current content to be reproduced and the model number of the odor substance cartridge corresponding to the content, and the user is required to select the odor substance cartridge to be mounted from this model number and mount it. Prompt. When an alarm is issued, the control information supply unit 13 outputs odor control information for stopping the vaporization and emission of the odor substance.

The machine-readable identification information is used by the loading status detecting section (6) to verify the correctness of the mounted odor substance cartridge.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams of a method for detecting the remaining amount of the odorant in the odorant cartridge. FIG. 12A shows a case where the remaining amount is large, and FIG. 12B shows a case where the remaining amount is medium. And (c) show the case where the remaining amount is small.

The remaining amount of the odorant is stored in the odorant cartridge 3
The liquid level of the odorant contained in 1 or 32 is electrically measured and determined. The device for calculating the remaining amount is the remaining amount detecting device 170, which is provided in the electrode group 104 or 123.

The remaining amount detecting device 170 includes a variable resistor 171, a variable terminal 172 of the variable resistor 171, a Vcc electrode 17 for applying a positive potential.
3. An electrode 174 connected to the variable terminal 172 and a GND electrode 175 for applying a zero potential. One end of the variable resistor 171 has Vc
The c electrode 172 is connected, and the other end is connected to the GND electrode 175. The variable terminal 172 is mechanically floated 111 or 128
The variable terminal 172 moves as the float 111 moves. For example, when the float 111 moves upward along the guide 112 (the liquid level 110 rises), the variable terminal 172 also moves upward, so that the resistance value between the floating terminal and Vcc decreases and the If the potential rises (close to the positive potential Vcc) and the float 111 moves downward,
Since 72 also moves downward, the resistance value with respect to GND decreases, and the potential of the electrode 174 decreases (close to zero potential GND).

As described above, the electrode 174 can generate a partial pressure (a potential between GND and Vcc) proportional to the liquid level of the odorant.

The Vcc electrode 172, the electrode 174, and the GND electrode 175 are connected to the Vcc electrode 143-1 and the electrode 144- in the electrode group 143 or 153, respectively.
11. Connected to correspond to GND electrode 143-2. Electrode 144
Reference numeral -11 denotes an electrode provided for detecting the remaining amount of the odorant, and the electrode 144-11 is connected to the amplifier 160-11.

In (a), the liquid level height 110 of the odorant is high,
Since the remaining amount is large, the variable terminal 172 also faces upward, and the potential of the electrode 174 in this state is also high.

[0103] In (b), since the liquid level 110 is lower than in (a), the potential of the electrode 174 is lower than in (a).

In (c), since the liquid level height 110 is lower than in (b), the potential of the electrode 174 is further lower than in (b).

By such a method, the remaining amount of the odorant can be detected.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram when a warning is issued to the user after detecting the remaining amount of the odorous substance. The odor generating device in FIG. 13 includes a storage unit 11, a diverging unit 12, a control information supply unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a communication unit 15. The detection of the remaining amount of the odor generating device having such a configuration and a warning at the time of the shortage will be described.

The odor substance cartridge of the odor generating apparatus includes a container-type odor substance cartridge 190 and an odor substance cartridge 19 provided with a device for vaporizing and dispersing the odor substance.
There is one.

The odor substance cartridge 190 (or 191)
The odor substance cartridge 31 (or 32) further includes an arithmetic circuit 192 for detecting remaining amount and warning, and a light emitting section 193. The arithmetic circuit 192 is arranged in a recess embedded in the outer wall of the case 100 (or 120), and the light emitting unit 193 is provided at a position visible to the user, for example, on the upper surface of the case 100.

The arithmetic circuit 192 includes a Vcc electrode 194, a GND electrode 195,
Variable resistor 196, Variable terminal 197, Schmitt trigger NOT circuit 198, NOT circuit 199, Common emitter transistor 200,
It consists of 201. Vcc electrode 194 and GND electrode 195
It is common to the Vcc electrode and the GND electrode in 104 (or the electrode group 123).

The light emitting section 193 includes a red LED 202 (including a resistor indicated in the drawing) and a green LED 203 (including a resistor indicated in the drawing).
Consists of

The variable terminal 197 slides in proportion to the liquid level of the odor substance of the float 111 floating on the liquid level, and the liquid level becomes the resistance value of the variable resistor 196 and is converted into a voltage. This voltage is binarized by the Schmitt trigger type NOT circuit 198 to either the H potential or the L potential. If the liquid level is below the threshold, the output from the Schmitt trigger NOT circuit 198 will be at the H potential. Conversely, if it is equal to or higher than the threshold, the potential becomes L potential.
When the output potential is the H potential, the emitter-collector of the transistor 200 conducts, and a current flows through the red LED 202 to emit light. At this time, the output from the NOT circuit 199 has an L potential opposite to that of the Schmitt trigger type NOT circuit 198, so that the emitter-collector of the transistor 201 does not conduct, and the green LED 203 does not emit light. Conversely, when the output from the Schmitt trigger NOT circuit 198 is at the L potential,
The potential is output to the transistor 201, the conduction between the emitter and the collector is conducted, and the current flows through the green LED 203 to emit light. At this time, the red LED 202 does not emit light because the output of the Schmitt trigger NOT circuit 198 is at the L potential.

The red LED 202 and the green LED 203 do not emit light at the same time, and if the remaining amount of the odorant is less than the threshold,
The red LED 202 emits light to warn the user of replenishment, and if it is equal to or greater than the threshold, the green LED 203 is emitted.

The green LED 203 may not be required in the light emitting section 193 if the remaining amount of the odor substance is only detected and a refill warning is issued.

FIG. 14 (a) is a cross-sectional view before the refillable odor substance cartridge 33 is mounted on the container-only odor substance cartridge 31, and FIG. 14 (b) is a cross-sectional view after the state.

The docking bay for the odor substance cartridge 31
While attached to 34, seal 1 of odor substance cartridge 31
06 and the seal 135 of the refillable odor substance cartridge 33 are removed. At the stage where only the seal 135 is removed, the outlet 132 of the refillable odor substance cartridge 33 is sufficiently thin, so that the odor substance inside the refill odor substance cartridge 33 does not leak. Then, the conduit 133 of the refill odor substance cartridge 33 is inserted into the refill port 102 of the odor substance cartridge 31, and the refill port valve 108 is pushed open. At this time, since the bottom surface of the odor substance cartridge 33 for replenishment and the bottom surface of the odor substance cartridge 31 are not closely attached and are attached with a gap therebetween, the vent 101 of the odor substance cartridge 31 is not blocked. Next, the seal 134 of the odorant cartridge 33
Remove. As a result, air can flow from the ventilation port 131 of the refill odor substance cartridge 33 to the inside, and at the same time, air can flow from the ventilation port 101 of the odor substance cartridge 31 to the outside of the odor substance cartridge 31. The odor substance inside flows into the odor substance cartridge 31 and is replenished. After the odor substance replenishment, the conduit 133 of the odor substance cartridge 33 for replenishment is pulled out from the replenishment port 102 of the odor substance cartridge 31, the seal 106 is attached again, and the refill port 102 is closed. Refillable odor substance cartridge 3
3 is recycled to refill and use odorants.

FIG. 15 (a) is a cross-sectional view before the refilling odor substance cartridge 33 is mounted on the odor substance cartridge 32 provided with a device for vaporizing and diffusing the odor substance.
Is a cross-sectional view after mounting.

The docking bay for the odor substance cartridge 32
While attached to 35, seal the odor substance cartridge 32
The seal 135 of the odor substance cartridge 33 for replenishment is peeled off. At the stage where only the seal 135 is removed, the outlet 132 of the refillable odor substance cartridge 33 is sufficiently thin, so that the odor substance inside the refill odor substance cartridge 33 does not leak. Then, refill odor substance cartridge 33
Is inserted into the refill port 122 of the odor substance cartridge 32, and the refill port valve 126 is pushed open. At this time, the bottom surface of the replenishing odor material cartridge 33 and the bottom surface of the odor material cartridge 32 are not closely attached and are attached with a gap therebetween, so that the ventilation holes 121 of the odor material cartridge 32 are not blocked. . Next, the seal 134 of the odor substance cartridge 33 is removed. As a result, air can flow from the ventilation port 131 of the refillable odor substance cartridge 33 to the inside, and at the same time, air can flow from the ventilation port 121 of the odor substance cartridge 32 to the outside of the odor substance cartridge 32. The odor substance inside flows into the odor substance cartridge 32 and is replenished. After the refilling of the odorant, the conduit 133 of the refilling odorant cartridge 33 is pulled out from the refilling port 122 of the odorant cartridge 32, and the seal 125 is attached again to refill the refilling port 12.
Keep 2 closed. The replenishing odor substance cartridge 33 is recycled in order to replenish and use the odor substance.

With the above configuration, the present invention can solve the problem (3) of the simplification of the management of the odorant described in the related art.
It has the following effects. (Effect 1) Odor substance cartridges 31-33 and docking bay 3
According to 4, 35, the user attaches the odor substance to the docking bay while keeping the odor substance in the container as the odor substance cartridge.
Can be detached. Normally, the odor substance to be used differs for each content to be reproduced, but the user simply replaces the odor substance cartridge storing the odor substance corresponding to each content as necessary, and the odor substance necessary for the content is obtained. Can be easily replaced. (Effect 2) The refillable odor substance cartridge 33 allows the user to safely and conveniently replenish the insufficient odor substance without removing the odor substance from the container. (Effect 3) The supplier of the odor substance to the user can safely and easily distribute the odor substance to the user by using the odor substance cartridges 31 to 33. In addition, the user,
By distributing and supplying the odor substance cartridge separately from the odor generating device excluding the odor substance cartridge, various odors, that is, various types of odors can be obtained simply by obtaining and replacing the desired odor substance cartridge without replacing the entire device. Content can be enjoyed. (Effect 4) Excluding production of odorants and dismantling after use,
In the intermediate steps of distribution, storage, and use of the odorant, there is no need for a user who is not specialized in the handling of the odorant to directly remove the odorant from the odorant cartridge.
Therefore, the user can perform the mounting work by himself without causing an accident such as leakage of the odor substance, unintended scattering, and attachment to clothes and the body. It is easy for the user to enjoy various contents with a sense of presence accompanied by smell.

The effects obtained by providing the guide mechanism, the lock mechanism, and the label are as follows. (Effect 5) By the guide mechanism, the user can dock 34,
The odor substance cartridges 31, 32 mounted on the 35 can be easily and reliably mounted in the correct orientation. For this reason, accidents such as malfunction of the odor generating device due to erroneous mounting and damage to the odor substance cartridges 31, 32 and docking bays 34, 35 due to erroneous mounting can be prevented. (Effect 6) The locking mechanism allows the user to connect the docking bay 3
4, 35 and the odor substance cartridges 31, 32 can be securely mounted, and as a result, unexpected separation and malfunction due to the odor substance cartridges 31, 32 not being completely mounted in the docking bays 34, 35 In addition, accidents or the like caused by poor electrical connection do not occur.

Further, as a result of preventing the separation and falling off by the locking mechanism, the odor substance cartridges 31 and 32 and the docking bay
It is not necessary to make the fitting with 34 and 35 firm, and the user can easily pull out and insert the odor substance cartridge with a small force, imposing an excessive physical burden on the user, or a device with excessive force Can be prevented from being damaged. (Effect 7) By releasing the lock mechanism, the user can easily separate the docking bays 34 and 35 from the odor substance cartridges 31 and 32, and can easily replace the odor substance cartridges 31 and 32. . (Effect 8) By using the label, the user can use the odor substance cartridges 31 and 32 and the supplement odor substance cartridge 33.
The types of odor substances possessed by the odor substance cartridges 31 and 32, and the types of content that can be applied and the odor substance cartridges 31 and 32 to which the refillable odor substance cartridge 33 can be applied can be known. On the other hand, it is possible to prevent a wrong odor substance (including a plurality of odor substances) from being loaded. (Effect 9) By detecting the machine-readable identification information by the odor generating device, the odor generating device determines the type of the odor material contained in the odor material cartridge and the type of content to which the contained odor material can be applied. It can be grasped and the legitimacy of the mounting can be determined. (Effect 10) By providing the arithmetic circuit and the light emitting unit for detecting the remaining amount of the odorant, the user can quickly grasp the remaining amount of the odorant in the odorant cartridge and the necessity of replenishment. (Effect 11) By outputting an alarm from the alarm output unit 17, the user can determine whether or not a necessary odor substance cartridge is mounted on the odor generating device, or if the odor substance is not insufficient. Even if the user does not check the intention, he / she can know by using the odor generating device and turning on the device.

That is, a warning can be automatically received from the odor generating device only by executing the minimum procedure (for example, turning on the power) necessary for enjoying the sense of presence accompanied by the odor. It is possible to eliminate obstacles by knowing precisely whether or not there is a problem and how to deal with it with little effort and time. (Effect 12) The ability to read various types of information required for alarm output from the outside of the odor generation device allows new odor substance cartridges and content suppliers to add new accommodation information and application targets for this odor substance cartridge and content. Information can be easily distributed and provided to users via a storage medium or a communication path.

Next, the configuration of an odor generating device using a plurality of odor substances will be described. Usually, a plurality of odor substances are used instead of a single substance in order to give the user a more realistic feeling.

FIG. 16A is an explanatory view in which one odor substance cartridge is mounted on one docking bay, and a plurality of the odor substance cartridges are provided to constitute one odor generating device. As described so far, one odor substance cartridge contains one odor substance.

[0124] One odor substance cartridge 32 is mounted in one docking bay 35, and a plurality of odor substance cartridges can be used by providing a plurality of odor substance cartridges. A track number is assigned to each odor substance cartridge, and the odor substance cartridge 3
If there are six 2, the track numbers are track 1 to track 6. The electrode group 153 of each docking bay 35 is connected to the control information supply unit 13 and obtains odor control information from the control information supply unit 13. The storage unit 14 and the communication unit 15 are connected to the control information supply unit 13.

The odor control information is output from the control information supply unit 13 to each odor substance cartridge, and an odor is generated from at least one odor substance cartridge to generate a desired odor.

FIG. 16B is an explanatory view in which one docking bay is provided with an odor substance cartridge accommodating a plurality of odor substances therein to constitute one odor generating device. .

An odor substance cartridge 32 for accommodating a plurality of odor substances is mounted in one docking bay 35. The interior is divided into a plurality of accommodation rooms for accommodating each odorant, and a track number is given to each accommodation room. When there are six accommodation rooms, the track numbers are set to truck 1 to truck 6. The control information supply unit 13 is connected to the heaters 129-1 built in the respective accommodation chambers of the odorant cartridge 32 via the electrode group 153 of the docking bay 35, and the control information supply unit 13
The heater 129-1 is controlled by obtaining the odor control information from the controller. The storage unit 14 and the communication unit 15 are connected to the control information supply unit 13.

The odor control information is output from the control information supply unit 13 to each odor substance cartridge, and at least one odor substance is vaporized and diffused by the heater 129-1 to generate a desired odor.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing a configuration in which a plurality of odor substances are accommodated in one odor substance cartridge. FIG. 17 (a) is a cross-sectional view of a single container odor substance cartridge.
(b) is a cross-sectional view of an odor substance cartridge provided with a device for vaporizing an odor substance, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of a refill odor substance cartridge. The odor substance cartridge containing a plurality of odor substances in one odor substance cartridge as described above is defined as a continuous odor substance cartridge.

(A) is a single-unit container-type odor substance cartridge 180 in which a plurality of single-unit odor substance cartridges 31 shown in FIG. In the example in the figure, six types of odor substances are stored, so
6 The individual configuration is the same as that of the odor substance cartridge 31, but the electrode group 104 is provided on the outer wall of the leftmost accommodation room. It is also assumed that a guide mechanism and a lock mechanism for preventing erroneous mounting and accidental dropping are provided similarly to the cartridge 31. As a result, in connection with the docking bay, incorrect mounting such as reverse insertion can be prevented.

The vents 101 and the outlets 103 of the respective accommodation chambers are equally spaced at a distance d2, but only the leftmost is the distance d1 (> d2), and the rest is the distance d. The interval is equal at d2. That is, the arrangement of the replenishing port 102 has direction specificity. This is to prevent incorrect connection (reverse insertion) of the refilling odor substance cartridge or connection with the position being shifted when refilling the odor substance described later, so that correct mounting can be easily performed. It is a device to do it.

(B) shows a continuous type odor substance cartridge 181 provided with a plurality of odor substance cartridges 32 each having a device for vaporizing an odor substance shown in FIG. is there. In the example shown in the figure, the number of odor substances is six, and the number of odor substances is six. The individual configuration is the same as that of the odorant cartridge 32, but the electrode group 123 is provided on the outer wall of the leftmost accommodation room. Electrode group 1
23 is connected to the heater 129-1 of each accommodation room. Also,
It is also assumed that a guide mechanism and a lock mechanism for preventing erroneous mounting and accidental dropping are provided similarly to the cartridge 32.
As a result, in connection with the docking bay, incorrect mounting such as reverse insertion can be prevented.

The vents 121 of each accommodation room are arranged at regular intervals of a distance d2, but the intervals of the replenishing openings 122 are the distance d1 (> d2) only at the leftmost, and the rest are equidistant at the distance d2. It has become. That is, the arrangement of the replenishing ports 122 has direction specificity. This is to prevent incorrect connection (reverse insertion) of the refillable odor substance cartridge or connection with the position being shifted when refilling the odor substance described later, so that correct mounting can be easily performed. It is a device to do it.

FIG. 5C shows a replenishing continuous odor substance cartridge 182 in which a plurality of refilling odor substance cartridges 33 shown in FIG. In the example shown in the figure, the number of odor substances is six, and the number of odor substances is six. Each configuration is the same as that of the refillable odor substance cartridge 33.

The ventilation holes 131 of each accommodation room are arranged at regular intervals at a distance d2, but the distance between the outlets 132 is the distance d1 (> d2) only at the leftmost, and the rest at the same distance at the distance d2. It has become. That is, the arrangement of the outlet 132 has direction specificity. This is the refill port for cartridges 180 and 181 described above.
An arrangement that conforms to the orientation-specific arrangement of 102 and 122,
As a result, when the supplementary odor substance cartridge 182 is connected to the odor substance cartridges 180 and 181, the insertion direction is not mistaken (reverse insertion) and the odor substance cartridge 182 is not used while being displaced. You can do it.

FIG. 18 (a) is a cross-sectional view of a docking bay in which a container-type continuous odor substance cartridge is mounted.
(b) is a cross-sectional view of the docking bay of the continuous odor substance cartridge provided with a device for vaporizing odor substances.

The docking bay 183 of (a) has a case 184 in which a container-type continuous odor substance cartridge (180) is mounted.
A concave docking portion 185 is formed at the bottom. Docking section 1
On the bottom surface of 85, six pins 186 are provided at an interval d2. In the vicinity of the base of each pin 186, a hole is provided for introducing an odor substance into the docking bay 183 from the container-type continuous odor substance cartridge. This hole is arranged so as to correspond to the position of the outlet (103) of the container-type continuous odor substance cartridge. The hole is connected to the vaporization chamber 187, and this vaporization chamber 1
87 is provided with a heater 188 for vaporizing an odorant.
The vaporized odor substance is released to the outside from a chimney-shaped discharge port 189 connected to the vaporization chamber 187. Also, the docking unit 18
An electrode group 190 is provided on the inner side surface of the inner surface of 5 at a position corresponding to the electrode group 104 of the odor substance cartridge (180) when the single container type odor substance cartridge is mounted in the docking bay 183. Through this electrode group 190, the odor substance contained in the container unit type continuous odor substance cartridge,
The content to which the contained odor substance is applied, and the remaining amount of each odor substance are read by the control information supply unit (3).

The size of the docking portion 185 corresponds to the number of consecutive odor substance cartridges to be mounted alone, and if the number of consecutive odor substance cartridges is six, the size corresponding to the number of consecutive odor substance cartridges is six. If the number of connected units is 3, the size corresponds to the number of connected units 3. However, in this case, the size of the storage chamber for storing each odorant is the same.

In the docking bay 191 of (b), a concave docking portion 193 is formed in a case 192 in which an odor substance cartridge (181) having a device for vaporizing an odor substance is mounted. An electrode group 194 is provided on the inner surface of the docking section 193 at a position corresponding to the electrode group 123 of the odor substance cartridge when the odor substance cartridge is mounted in the docking bay 191. Via the electrode group 194, the control information supply unit (3) reads the odor substance contained in the odor substance cartridge, the content to which the contained odor substance is applied, and the remaining amount of each odor substance.

Note that the size of the docking portion 193 is the same as that of (a) described above.

With the above configuration, the present invention can solve the problem (3) of the simplification of the management of the odorant described in the related art.
It has the following effects. (Effect 13) When only one kind of odor substance is used in one content, the user can supply a necessary odor substance with one odor substance cartridge containing the odor substance. In addition, even when a plurality of types of odor substances are used simultaneously in one content, the odor substance cartridge containing the plurality of types of odor substances can supply necessary odor substances to the odor generation device. Therefore, the user can use the dedicated (2
Preparation of enjoying desired content can be easily performed only by mounting one odor substance cartridge (containing the above). (Effect 14) The user manages the content (recorded medium) and the continuous odor substance cartridge corresponding to the content as a set, so that the replacement of the odor substance cartridge accompanying the replacement of the content can be easily performed. It can be done without mistake. (Effect 15) The odor substance supplier can easily and almost certainly distribute all odor substances necessary for the content to the user by the continuous odor substance cartridge. In addition, the user can easily, reliably, and collectively obtain a set of necessary odor substances by such distribution. (Effect 16) By arranging some of the plurality of replenishing ports provided in the refilling odor substance cartridge at unequal intervals, the user can refill the refilling odor substance cartridge only from a predetermined correct position and orientation. Can be attached to the continuous odor substance cartridge, and the fixed odor substance can be definitely added to the continuous odor substance cartridge.

Next, a description will be given of a odor substance cartridge of a single container type connected to a different type from that of FIG. 17A with reference to FIG.

FIG. 19 (a) is a cross-sectional view of a single-unit, continuous-type odor substance cartridge with four containers, (b) is a cross-sectional view of a single-unit, continuous-type odor substance cartridge with six units, and (c) is a cross-sectional view. It is sectional drawing of the docking bay in which (a) or (b) is mounted.

The cross section of the odor substance cartridge 195 with a single unit of four containers shown in (a) is approximately the same as the cross section of the odor substance cartridge 180 with a single unit of container with six units shown in (b). Are identical. The cross section of the odor substance cartridge 195 is substantially the same as the cross section of the docking portion 185 of the docking bay 183.

The interior of the odor substance cartridge 195 is divided into four storage chambers. For example, as shown in FIG.
The second and the second containment chambers are approximately twice as large as the third or fourth containment chamber. Also, one outlet 103-1 to 103-4 and one outlet valve 109-1 to 109-
4 are provided.

When the odor substance cartridge 180 shown in (b) is attached to the docking bay 183, the docking bay 1
All 83 pins 186-1 to 186-6 push and open the outlet valve 109,
When the odor substance cartridge 195 of (a) is attached to the docking bay 183, the pins 186-2, 4,
5 and 6 push open only the outlet valves 109-1 to 109-4. At this time, the pins 186-1 and 186-3 are inserted into the concave portions 195-1 and 195-2 formed in the case 100 in a concave shape.

The odorous substances are introduced into the vaporization chamber 145 from the outlet valves 109-1 to 109-4 which are pushed and opened by the pins 186-2, 4, 5, and 6, respectively.

Frequent replenishment of the odor substance whose use frequency is higher than that of the other odor substances can be suppressed by storing the odor substance in the first or second storage room which is wider than the other odor substances.

Further, a continuous type odor substance cartridge provided with a device for vaporizing an odor substance in a form different from that of FIG. 17 (b) will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 20 (a) is a cross-sectional view of a continuous type odor substance cartridge provided with a device for vaporizing an odor substance having a number of four, and FIG. 20 (b) is a serial apparatus provided with a device for vaporizing an odor substance having a number of six. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a type odor substance cartridge, and FIG. 4 (c) is a cross-sectional view of a docking bay in which (a) or (b) is mounted.

The cross section of the odor substance cartridge 196 having four connected units shown in (a) is substantially the same as the cross section of the odor substance cartridge 197 having six connected units shown in (b). The cross section of the odor substance cartridge 196 is substantially the same as the cross section of the docking section 193 of the docking bay 191.

The interior of the odor substance cartridge 196 is divided into four storage chambers, and for example, as shown in FIG.
The third to third accommodation chambers have larger capacities than the fourth area, and the first to third accommodation chambers have substantially the same capacity.

Although FIGS. 19 and 20 show an example of a docking bay allowing up to six consecutive odor substance cartridges and four or six consecutive odor substance cartridges which can be mounted therein, the design of the odor generating apparatus (required) Depending on the type of the odorant), the maximum number of the consecutively connected units may be smaller or larger.

With such a configuration, the present invention can solve the above-mentioned (problem 3) simplification of management of odor substances in the related art.
It has the following effects. (Effect 17) Even if the number of odor substances required for each content is different (that is, even if the inside is divided into several parts), the size of the odor substance cartridge to be mounted in the docking bay is the same, The user can prepare for enjoying the content simply by mounting one continuous odor substance cartridge required by the content to one docking bay corresponding to a sufficient maximum allowable number of the consecutively mounted devices.

Next, the odor substance contained in the continuous type odor substance cartridge will be described with reference to FIG.

FIGS. 21 (a) to 21 (d) are cross-sectional views of six odor substance cartridges, and FIGS. 21 (a) and (b) show a single container type, and FIGS.
(d) is provided with a device for vaporizing an odorant.

The interior of each odor substance cartridge is divided into six regions, and is referred to as track 1 to track 6 from left to right in the figure.

The odor substances contained in each of the tracks 1 to 6 of (a) to (d) are as shown in Table 1 below.

[0159]

[Table 1] However, A, B, C, D, E and F are different types of odor substances.

(A) and (c) contain six types of odorants,
(b) has three types and (d) has two types.

As described above, the manner of accommodating the odorant in each truck may be all different types, or the same type may be accommodated in a plurality of trucks.

The amount of each odor substance to be accommodated is calculated from the consumption ratio of each odor substance used in the corresponding content and accommodated. The result of allocating the amount to be accommodated to the containers with the maximum allowable number of connected units is an accommodation pattern having a combination as shown in Table 1, for example.

When one type of odor substance is contained in N areas, the odor control information for vaporizing and diverging this odor substance is obtained by dividing the total amount of the odor substance to be vaporized and divided by N from each track. It is output to be vaporized.

The output of the odor control information and the emission amount of the odor substance will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 22 shows a case where all six trucks store different odor substances A to F, and FIG. 23 shows a case where six tracks store three different odor substances A to C. is there.

First, FIG. 22 (a) is a cross-sectional view of an odor substance cartridge to be used, (b) is a graph showing the relationship between the time of each track and odor control information, and (c) is the time of each odor substance. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the divergence and the divergence. The horizontal axis of (b) and (c) is the time axis, and the vertical axis indicates the intensity of the odor control information or the amount of divergence.

[0167] As shown in FIG.
Contains odorants A to F.

Then, the heater 129-1 provided in each track is operated by the control information supply section (3). The odor control information output to each heater is as shown in (b).
A length proportional to the intensity of this output odor control information (ON
A voltage pulse (PWM control) having a period is applied to each heater. Tracks 1 to 6 are applied with voltage pulses of a desired length at desired timings according to the patterns 200 to 205. Here, since each odor substance occupies only one track each, the amount corresponding to the applied voltage pulse is the amount to be vaporized and diffused.

With the control as shown in (b), the emission amount of the odorous substance from each track is as shown in (c). In (c), the time difference for vaporizing the liquid odor substance is set to 0.

Next, FIG. 23 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the used odor substance cartridge, (b) is a graph showing the relationship between the time of each track and the odor control information, and (c) is a graph showing the relationship between each odor substance. It is a graph showing the relationship between time and the amount of divergence. The horizontal axis of (b) and (c) is the time axis, and the vertical axis indicates the intensity of the odor control information or the amount of divergence.

As shown in (a), track 1 to track 6
Contains odorants A, A, B, B, C, C.

Then, the heater 129-1 provided on each track is operated by the control information supply section (3). The odor control information output to each heater is as shown in (b).
A length proportional to the intensity of this output odor control information (ON
A voltage pulse (PWM control) having a period is applied to each heater. Tracks 1 to 6 are applied with voltage pulses of a desired length at desired timings according to the patterns 206 to 211. Patterns 206 and 207 have the same waveform, patterns 208 and 209 have the same waveform, and patterns 210 and 211 have the same waveform. Since each odor substance occupies two tracks, the applied voltage pulse is 1/2 the length of the desired divergence.

With the control as shown in (b), the amount of odorant emitted from each track is as shown in (c). Odor substance A
Is the sum of the amounts emitted from tracks 1 and 2,
Similarly, the emission amount of the odorant B is the sum of the tracks 3 and 4, and the emission amount of the odorant C is the sum of the tracks 5 and 6. In (c), the time difference for vaporizing the liquid odorant is set to 0.

The control for vaporizing and dispersing the odor substance when using the odor substance cartridge as shown in FIG. 23A will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 24A is a cross-sectional view of the odor substance cartridge used, FIG. 24B is information on the remaining amount of the odor substance in each truck,
(c) is an odor substance contained in each truck, and (d) is a diagram showing the relationship between the odor substance contained in each truck and the remaining amount.

When one type of odor substance is contained in only one truck, the remaining amount of the odor substance in the truck is reduced.
Until it becomes 0, the required amount is diverged according to the odor control information from the control information supply unit (3). In addition, even when one kind of odor substance is stored in an equal amount in N tracks, the required number of divergence of the odor substance is set to 1 / N to operate the heater, so that the N tracks are generated. At the same time, this odorant is released in the required amount until it is emptied. Therefore, it is the same as the case where one kind of odor substance is stored in one odor substance cartridge. It should be noted that the odor control information is controlled so that the remaining amount of the truck in which one odor substance is divided and stored becomes almost zero at the same time.

However, depending on the circumstances so far, 1
If the remaining amount of each odor substance cartridge in the odor substance cartridge containing two odor substances is not equal, the amount of divergence from each track is evenly divided by 1 / N of the required divergence amount. A track that becomes empty early occurs, and thereafter, the actual divergence does not match the required divergence.

In such a situation, in order to make the actual divergence amount and the required divergence amount longer, it is necessary to perform one of the following two adaptive controls. (Adaptive control 1) In the truck of the double odor substance cartridge,
When the same type of odorant is stored in multiple trucks, the amount of the required divergence of this odorant is distributed at a ratio corresponding to the remaining amount of the odorant stored in each truck, and the amount of divergence from each truck is By doing so, each track becomes almost empty at the same time, and the required divergence is diverged during the time until the track becomes empty. Then, the time becomes a period until the total storage amount of the odor substance is used up, and the odor substance can be used for a long time. (Applied control 2)
When the same type of odor substance is contained in multiple tracks, the required divergence amount for this odor substance is diverged from one track in ascending track number, for example, and when the odor substance of this track becomes empty, the next track Control is performed such that odor substances contained in the truck with the number are emitted. Each track is emptied in turn, and the required divergence is diverged during the time until all tracks are emptied. Then, this time is a time until the total amount of the odorant contained is used up, and is longer.

In either of the above-described adaptive controls 1 and 2, it is difficult to set odor control information in advance for each track. In the adaptive controls 1 and 2, data describing the time transition of the required divergence amount of each odorant as waveform data must be used as odor control information. Here, the odor control information that specifies the amount of divergence for each track is called odor substance control information at the time of driving, and the odor control information that specifies the amount of divergence for each odor substance is called target odor control information.

The drive-time odor control information is lower-order odor control information for designating at what intensity (heat generation amount) the heater of each track must be actually operated. In addition, the target odor control information indicates the intensity of each odor substance.
This is higher-level odor control information that specifies whether or not divergence is required in (divergence amount).

With the introduction of the remaining amount information and the accommodation information described above, the odor generating device grasps what odor substance is contained in which truck and how much.

As a result, based on the target odor control information,
Adaptive control 1 and 2 can be performed. In other words, based on the required emission amount (target odor control information) for each odor substance and the accommodation information, it is possible to calculate from which track of which odor substance cartridge, at what timing, and how much odor substance should be released. I do. That is, the driving odor control information is calculated from the required divergence amount for each track. Each heater is driven by the calculated driving odor control information, and a predetermined amount of the odor substance is vaporized and diverged from one of the tracks. As a result, a target required divergence is secured.

As shown in FIG. 24 (a), the odor substance is accommodated in the continuous odor substance cartridge.

At this time, information on the remaining amount of the odor substance in each track is as shown in FIG.

[0185] The accommodation information of the odor substances accommodated in each truck is as shown in (c).

The state of loading of the odorant in the odorant cartridge is grasped from the remaining amount information and the accommodation information (see (d)).

In such a loading situation, the case where the odor generating device is controlled by one of the application controls 1 and 2 is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 25 (a) is a graph showing the relationship between the time of each odor substance and the intensity (divergence) regarding the target odor control information,
(b) is a graph showing the relationship between time and intensity (divergence) from each track when performing adaptive control 1 on each track,
(c) is a graph showing the relationship between time and intensity (divergence) from each track when adaptive control 2 is performed on each track.

This target odor control information is stored in the storage section (14). Further, it is also possible to supply from outside the odor generating device via the communication section (15). The drive odor control information is calculated by the control information supply unit (3) based on the target odor control information read from the storage unit (14).

The timing of divergence of each odor substance emitted corresponding to the content is as shown in FIG.

The pattern of the target odor control information of odor substance A is pattern 220, the pattern of the target control information of odor substance B is pattern 221 and the pattern of the target control information of odor substance C is pattern 222. is there.

When each odorant emitted by such a pattern is controlled by the adaptive control 1, the pattern of each track is as follows:
(b).

Since the trucks 1 and 2 contain the odorant A, the total amount of divergence emitted from the trucks 1 and 2 becomes
Control is performed so that the required amount of odorant A is emitted. At this time, the patterns 225 and 226 of the tracks 1 and 2 have the same waveform pattern.

Since the trucks 3 and 4 contain the odorant B, the total amount of emission from the trucks 3 and 4 is:
Control is performed so that the required amount of odorant B is emitted. At this time, the patterns 227 and 228 of the tracks 3 and 4 have the same waveform pattern.

Since the trucks 5 and 6 contain the odorant C, the total amount of emission from the trucks 5 and 6 is
Control is performed so that the required amount of odorant C is emitted. At this time, the patterns 229 and 230 of the tracks 5 and 6 have the same waveform pattern.

In the application control 1, the transition of the required divergence amount of each odor substance described in the target odor control information is divided into two equal parts in a truck containing each odor substance so that the remaining amount ratio becomes 1: 1. Pattern.

Further, the pattern of each track when each odorant emitted by such a pattern is controlled by the application control 2 is as shown in (c).

Since the odor substances A are stored in the trucks 1 and 2, the amount of divergence emitted from one of the tracks 1 and 2 is controlled so as to be the required divergence amount of the odor substance A. When the odor substance A in the track 1 runs out during the content implementation, the odor substance A is immediately vaporized and emitted from the track 2. The patterns of the tracks 1 and 2 are patterns 231 and 232, and the waveform obtained by combining the patterns 231 and 232 is the same as the pattern 220.

Since the trucks 3 and 4 contain the odorant B, the amount of divergence emitted from one of the trucks 3 and 4 is controlled to be the required amount of the odorant B. If the odor substance B in the truck 3 runs out during the content implementation, the odor substance B is immediately vaporized and diffused from the track 4, but when implementing this content, only the odor substance B contained in the track 3 can be handled Therefore, no waveform pattern is generated on the track 4. The pattern of the track 3 is a pattern 233, which is the same as the pattern 221.

[0200] Since the odor substance C is stored in the trucks 5 and 6, the amount of divergence emitted from one of the trucks 5 and 6 is controlled so as to be the required amount of the odor substance C. When the odor substance C in the truck 5 is exhausted during the content implementation, the odor substance C is immediately vaporized and diffused from the track 6, but when the content is implemented, the odor substance C contained in the truck 5 can be used only. Therefore, no waveform pattern is generated on the track 6. The pattern of the track 5 is a pattern 234, which is the same as the pattern 222.

In the application control 2, 100% of the required divergence is allocated to the track (1, 3, 5) with a small track number until the track becomes empty. The required divergence amount of the content is allocated 100% to the track (2, 4, 6) of the track number.

With this configuration, the present invention can solve the problem (3) of the simplification of the management of the odorant described in the related art.
It has the following effects. (Effect 18) The supplier of the odor substance cartridge does not produce a variety of odor substance cartridges individually, but to some extent standardizes whether the types of odor substances to be used and the combination of odor substances are different. Produced odor substance cartridges need only be produced in a smaller number depending on the type of content. Therefore, manufacturing costs can be reduced. Thus, the user can obtain the odor substance cartridge with reduced manufacturing cost at low cost,
The operation cost of the odor generation device can be reduced.

Further, with such a configuration, the present invention has the following effects with respect to the automation of the odor generation control described above (Problem 2) in the related art. (Effect 19) The odor generating device automatically generates the drive-time odor control information from the target odor control information by the application control 1 and 2, so that the odor generating device does not use the odor control device until the odor generating device uses up the total amount of the odor substance. It is possible to maintain the required amount of divergence specified by the target odor control information for the odor substance.

Next, the configuration of a dedicated odor generating device in which the storage unit 11, the diverging unit 12, the control information supply unit 13, the storage unit 14, and the communication unit 15 are integrated will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the dedicated odor generating device.

The dedicated odor generating device includes an odor substance cartridge 240 serving as the storage section 11, a docking bay 241 serving as the diverging section 12,
The CPU 242 serving as the control information supply unit 13, the main storage device 243 serving as the communication device 14, the auxiliary storage device 244, the communication device 245 serving as the communication unit 15,
The video output device 246, the sound output device 247, the force output device 248, and the wind output device 249 are integrally configured.

The auxiliary storage device 247 is, for example, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM.
And the like. CR-ROM storing information with which communication device 245 can communicate
By applying the storage medium 250 such as to the auxiliary storage device 244,
Necessary information can be supplied to the odor generation device without communication via wireless communication or the like.

Information communicated (transmitted / received) by the communication device 245 includes various control information (contents, video control information, sound control information, force control information, wind control information, odor control information) and various auxiliary information (accommodation information, (Applicable information, playback information), CPU24
2 is a program that stores and describes the function of generating an odor substance when executed by the apparatus.

When the communication device 245 receives the information, the same information as the information stored in the storage medium 250 is transferred to the communication path 251.
If you can collectively receive via (wireless, wired),
Batch supply and update of information that can be performed by the storage medium 250 can be performed via communication.

Next, the configuration of a computer external odor generating device in which the storage unit 11, the diverging unit 12, the control information supply unit 13, the storage unit 14, and the communication unit 15 are separate units will be described with reference to FIG. explain.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an external odor generating device attached to a computer.

The components are the same as those of the dedicated odor generating device of FIG. 26, except that the CPU 242, the main storage device 243, the auxiliary storage device 244,
The communication device 245 is integrally configured as a computer 260, and separately from the computer 260, the odor substance cartridge 240 and the docking bay 241 are integrally configured as an odor generation device. The video output device 246 and the sound output device 24
7, the force output device 248, the wind output device 249, the computer 26
0, separate from the odor generator.

[0213] The odor substance cartridge mounted on the computer-installed odor generation device having such a configuration will be described with reference to Figs. 28 (a) to 28 (c).

FIG. 28A is a cross-sectional view before mounting the odor substance cartridge 240 in the docking bay 241, FIG. 28B is a cross-sectional view after mounting, and FIG. 28C is a front view of the computer 260.

The components of the docking bay 241 and the components of the odor substance cartridge 240 are shown in FIGS.
Is the same as One side surface (not the bottom surface) of the odorant cartridge 240 is inserted into the docking bay 241 (see (a)).

The mounting is completed when the electrode group 153 of the docking bay 241 and the electrode group 123 of the odor substance cartridge are connected to each other (see (b)).

When the attachment is completed, the odor substance cartridge
A part of 240 protrudes from the docking bay 241, and a vent 121 and a replenishing port 122 are provided in the protruding part.

The computer 260 includes an arithmetic unit 243 equipped with a CPU and a storage device, a storage medium reproducing device 244, and a switch.
261 and 262 are provided. Switches 261 and 262 are a main power supply and a reset switch. Further, the computer 260 is provided with a docking bay insertion portion into which the docking bay 241 is fitted, and the docking bay 241 is fitted into this insertion portion.

A storage medium 250 such as a DVD or a CD can be mounted on the storage medium reproducing device 244. Further, the communication device 245 can receive various information (including an operation program) via the communication path 251. The storage medium 250 stores images, sounds, types of necessary odor substances, usage amounts of odor substances (necessary for one reproduction), timings for emitting odor substances, menu screens, and the like. . The display for reproducing the video and sound stored in the storage medium 250 is a computer 2
It is connected to 60 and operates to display various information while playing back video and sound.

The operation of the device having such a configuration will be described.

The main power supply 261 is depressed and the computer 260 is operated.

A user mounts the odor substance cartridge 240 in the docking bay 241.

After the odor substance cartridge 240 is mounted, the type of the odor substance contained in the odor substance cartridge 240 and the remaining amount of each odor substance are read from the electrode group 123 via the electrode group 153 and stored in the storage device.

[0224] The storage medium 250 is inserted into the storage medium reproducing device 244, and the type of the odor substance required by the storage medium and the usage amount of each odor substance are read from the storage medium 250 and stored in the storage apparatus. Note that the storage medium 250 is stored in the storage medium reproducing device 244.
Without being inserted into the communication device 251, it is also possible to input, to the communication device 245, a video, a sound to be reproduced, an odor substance to be used, a usage amount of the odor substance, a signal for instructing the odor substance emission timing, etc., in the communication path 251 it can.

The CPU compares the odor substance and the remaining amount of the odor substance cartridge 240 with the odor substance required by the storage medium and the usage amount thereof, and determines at least one of the following (A) to (E).
Two selectors appear on the display as a menu screen. (B) The odor substance cartridge 240 is correctly mounted (the odor substance cartridge 240 is inserted into the docking bay 241 and the type of odor substance contained therein).

Also, the reproduction is started because the remaining amount of each odor substance in the odor substance cartridge 240 ≧ the usage amount. (B) There is no erroneous installation of the odor substance cartridge 240, but the remaining amount <usage amount. However, playback is started (the video and sound continue to be played and the emission of the odor substance is stopped when the odor substance is exhausted). (C) There is no erroneous installation of the odor substance cartridge 240, but the remaining amount <usage. However, the reproduction is started (when the odor substance is exhausted, the reproduction of the video and the sound is paused, and the replenishment and replacement of the odor substance cartridge 240 with the odor substance are displayed). It is wearing. Attach the correct odor substance cartridge 240. (e) The odor substance cartridge 240 is incorrectly mounted. However, one of the above-described selectors, which does not emit the odor substance but only the image and the sound, is selected, and a control signal is output from the CPU to the odor substance cartridge 240 along the selector.

The odor substance cartridge 240 vaporizes and emits a desired odor substance according to the control signal.

After the output of the video and the sound is started (the start of the display of the video on the display and the start of the output of the sound), a control signal indicating which odor substance is to be vaporized and diffused from the storage medium 250, at what amount and at what timing. The storage media playback device 24
3 reads the control signal, processes the control signal in the CPU, and outputs the control signal to the odor substance cartridge 240. Odor substance cartridge 240
Energizes a desired heater to vaporize a desired odorant according to the control signal. The odor substance is heated by the heater to be vaporized and diffused.

[0229] The menu screen displayed on the display shows (a) if the device is correctly mounted and the remaining amount is sufficient (more than the used amount), and the menu screen is displayed if the device is correctly mounted and the remaining amount is smaller (less than the used amount). If there is, (b) and (c) are displayed, and if they are erroneously mounted, (d) and (e) are displayed.
If (d) is selected, the menu screen is displayed again to detect the type and remaining amount of the odor substance in the odor substance cartridge 240. As means for selecting the selector, a mouse and a keyboard connected to the computer 260, and a selection button (cross key,
Determination button, cancel button, etc.).

With the above configuration, the present invention can solve the problem (3) of simplification of management of odorous substances described in the related art.
It has the following effects. (Effect 20) As various information can be supplied to the CPU via a removable storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a communication path, various auxiliary information and programs, along with various control information as contents themselves, are transferred to a recording medium or a communication medium. It can be distributed and supplied collectively by the route. Then, the user can appropriately replace the odor control information, the auxiliary information, and the program corresponding to the content through the content replacement itself. (Effect 21) The user is required to distribute and supply the odor substance cartridge corresponding to the content together with the storage medium on which various auxiliary information and programs are recorded together with various control information as the content itself. And replacing the odor substance cartridge 2
By the two exchange operations, it is possible to prepare for enjoying the viewing of the content accompanied by the sense of presence due to the smell.

It is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be carried out in various modifications without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the combination of odor substances contained in one container may be any number as long as it corresponds to the content.

The display and the computer need not be connected as long as various signals (control signals) can be wirelessly input from the computer to the display. However, it is assumed that the display has at least a receiving device and the computer has at least a transmitting device.

[0233]

According to the invention as described above, the content is frequently replaced by the user, such as a home theater, a personal computer, and a home game machine, and as a result, the set of odorants must also be replaced. In the case of disappearance, the odor substance cartridge can be easily and definitely replaced, and the individual can easily enjoy the sense of presence at home at home.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an odor generating device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the odor generating device of the present invention, wherein (a)
Is a vertical cross-sectional view of a container-only odor substance cartridge, (b) is a vertical cross-sectional view of an odor substance cartridge provided with a vaporizer, (c) is a vertical cross-sectional view of a refill odor substance cartridge, (d)
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a docking bay of an odor substance cartridge of a single container type, and FIG. 4 (e) is a longitudinal sectional view of a docking bay of an odor substance cartridge provided with a vaporizer.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of an odor substance cartridge of a single container type of the odor generation device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an odor substance cartridge provided with the vaporization and emission device of the odor generation device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a refillable odor substance cartridge of the odor generating device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a docking bay of the odor substance cartridge for a single container of the odor generating device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates the odor generating device of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view before a container-only odor substance cartridge is attached to a docking bay, and FIG.

FIG. 8 illustrates the odor generating device of the present invention.
(a) is a perspective view before the odor substance cartridge is mounted on the docking bay, and (b) is a perspective view after the mounting.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a docking bay of an odor substance cartridge provided with a vaporization and emission device of the odor generation device of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an odor generating device of the present invention.
(a) is a longitudinal sectional view before the odor substance cartridge is mounted on the docking bay, and (b) is a longitudinal sectional view after the mounting.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of an electrode group of the odor generating device of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates the odor generating device of the present invention.
(a) is an explanatory diagram of a remaining amount detecting method when the remaining amount of the odorant is large, (b) is an explanatory diagram of a case where the remaining amount is medium, and (c) is an explanatory diagram of a case where the remaining amount is small.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an operation when a warning is issued by the odor generating device of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates the odor generating device of the present invention.
(a) is a longitudinal sectional view before a refillable odor substance cartridge is fitted to a container unit type odor substance cartridge, and (b) is a longitudinal sectional view after fitting.

FIG. 15 illustrates the odor generating device of the present invention.
(a) is a longitudinal sectional view before a refill odor substance cartridge is fitted to an odor substance cartridge provided with a vaporization and diffusion device, and (b) is a longitudinal sectional view after fitting.

FIG. 16 illustrates an odor generating device of the present invention.
(a) is an explanatory diagram of an operation when a plurality of odor substance cartridges are used, and (b) is an explanatory view of an operation when a single odor substance cartridge is used.

FIG. 17 illustrates the odor generating device of the present invention.
(a) is a longitudinal sectional view of a container-type continuous odor substance cartridge, (b) is a vertical sectional view of a continuous odor substance cartridge provided with a vaporization / emission device, and (c) is a continuous odor substance cartridge for replenishment. Longitudinal section.

FIG. 18 illustrates the odor generating device of the present invention.
(a) is a vertical cross-sectional view of a docking bay of a container-type continuous odor substance cartridge, and (b) is a vertical cross-sectional view of a continuous odor substance cartridge provided with a vaporizer.

FIG. 19 illustrates an odor generating device of the present invention.
(a) is a vertical cross-sectional view of a four-unit single-unit continuous-type odor substance cartridge, (b) is a vertical cross-sectional view of a six-unit single-unit continuous-type odor substance cartridge, and (c) is a six-unit docking bay. Longitudinal section.

FIG. 20 illustrates the odor generating device of the present invention.
(a) is a longitudinal sectional view of a continuous odor substance cartridge provided with four consecutive vaporization and divergence devices, (b) is a vertical sectional view of a continuous odor substance cartridge provided with six consecutive vaporization and divergence devices,
(c) is a longitudinal sectional view of the docking bay of (a) or (b).

FIG. 21 illustrates an odor generating device of the present invention.
(a) is a vertical cross-sectional view of a six-unit container-type odor substance cartridge, (b) is a vertical cross-sectional view of an odor substance cartridge containing an odor substance different from a part of the odor substance of (a), (c) is FIG. 5D is a longitudinal sectional view of a six-unit odor substance cartridge provided with a vaporization and diffusion device, and FIG. 5D is a longitudinal sectional view of an odor substance cartridge containing an odor substance different from a part of the odor substance of FIG.

FIG. 22 illustrates the odor generating device of the present invention.
(a) is a longitudinal sectional view of the used odor substance cartridge, (b)
Is a graph showing the relationship between time and divergence of each track,
(c) is a graph showing the relationship between the time and the amount of emission of each odorant.

FIG. 23 illustrates the odor generating device of the present invention.
(a) is a longitudinal sectional view of the odor substance cartridge used, (b)
Is a graph showing the relationship between time and divergence of each track,
(c) is a graph showing the relationship between the time and the amount of emission of each odorant.

FIG. 24 illustrates the odor generating device of the present invention.
(a) is a longitudinal sectional view of the odor substance cartridge used, (b)
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the remaining amount of the odorant in each truck, (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the odorant contained in each truck, and (d) is a graph showing the relationship between the remaining amount of the truck and the odorant.

FIG. 25 illustrates an odor generating device of the present invention.
(a) is a graph showing the relationship between time and emission amount of each odorant, (b) is a graph showing the relationship between time and emission amount of each track, (c) is time and emission amount of each track Graph showing the relationship with the amount.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of the odor generating device of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of an odor generating device of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a view for explaining the odor generating device of the present invention.
(a) is a vertical cross-sectional view before mounting the odor substance cartridge in the docking bay, (b) is a vertical cross-sectional view after mounting, and (c) is a front view in which the odor generating device is mounted on the computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Odor generation main unit 2 Management auxiliary unit 3 Addition unit 11 Storage unit 12 Dispersion unit 13 Control information supply unit 14 Storage unit 15 Communication unit 21 Loading status detection unit 22 Alarm output unit 23 Video output unit 24 Sound output unit 25 Power output unit 26 Wind output section

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A container having an odor substance contained therein and having on its surface identification information holding means for holding identification information different for each odor substance contained therein, said container being detachable, A odor generating device comprising: container holding means having identification information reading means for reading information. 2. An odor substance discharge port is provided in a part of the container in contact with the container holding means, and an odor substance introduction port is provided in the container holding means at a position corresponding to the odor substance discharge port. The container holding means is provided with a means for vaporizing an odorous substance introduced from the container.
An odor generating device according to claim 1. 3. The identification information holding means, wherein a plurality of electrodes are arranged, and the identification information is represented by short-circuiting desired electrodes among the plurality of electrodes. The odor generator according to 1. 4. The identification information reading means has a plurality of electrodes arranged corresponding to the electrodes, and is short-circuited by applying a voltage from the electrodes to predetermined electrodes of the identification information holding means. 4. The odor generating device according to claim 3, wherein a potential is generated at the electrode, and the potential is read as the identification information. 5. An odor substance cartridge comprising a container in which an odor substance is stored therein, wherein identification information holding means for holding different identification information for each of the odor substances stored therein is provided on a surface of the container. An odor substance cartridge, characterized in that: 6. The identification information holding means is provided with a plurality of electrodes, and by setting a desired electrode to any one of two different common potentials among the plurality of electrodes, two types of the electrodes are provided. 6. The odor substance cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the identification information is expressed by giving a potential value of: 7. The odor substance cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the container is provided with at least two holes communicating the inside and the outside of the container. 8. The odor substance cartridge according to claim 5, wherein a means for vaporizing the odor substance is provided in the container. 9. A storage medium in which at least an image signal and an odor control signal for controlling emission of a desired odor substance corresponding to the image signal are recorded, and the odor substance is housed inside, and A container provided with identification information holding means for holding different identification information for each of the stored odor substances.