JP2002238990A - Device and process for diffusing perfume - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device and process for diffusing perfume by which a fragrant substance shed from a perfume sample can be diffused synchronously to the information presented to the user by means of an electronic device. SOLUTION: The perfume diffusing device is synchronized to the information, particularly, an image, voices or speech, etc., presented to the user. The device is provided with a container 14 which is positioned in perfume sample storing means 16 and 22 and to which a means 28 that selectively brings the sample into contact with the atmosphere following an instruction from a control means 30 is attached. The control means 30 is provided with a means which stores an algorism of controlling the operation of the means 28 that selectively brings the sample into contact with the atmosphere.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a perfume diffusion apparatus, and more particularly, to a method for cooperating with an electronic device such as a microcomputer, a television set, a digital television decoder, a video recorder or a multimedia terminal, etc. And a perfume diffusion device configured as described above.

[0002] The invention also relates to a perfume diffusion process realized with such a device.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a scented substance emanating from a perfume sample in synchronism with information presented on or by an electronic device to the user, in particular images, sounds or words. Is to be able to spread.

[0004]

The subject of the present invention is a perfume diffusion device synchronized with information presented to a user, in particular information such as images, sounds or words. The perfume diffusion device comprises a container disposed in a means for storing a sample of perfume, the container being provided with means for selectively contacting the sample with the atmosphere under the direction of the control means. The means are characterized by being loaded with an algorithm for controlling the operation of the means for exposing the sample to the atmosphere associated with the information presented to the user.

[0005] The perfume diffuser may also have one or more of the following features, independently or in accordance with all technically possible combinations: First of all, the storage means comprises a rotating disc supporting a collection of reservoirs for storing perfume samples. Also, the means for exposing the sample to the atmosphere comprises motor means for moving the angular displacement of the disc under the supervision of the control means to position one of the reservoirs opposite the perfume diffusion window.

Second, the storage means comprises a card with a fragile pouch filled with perfume. Third, the perfume diffusion device further comprises a second control means for controlling the means for bringing the sample into contact with the atmosphere. This second control is manually operated by the user to select one of the perfume samples and expose it to the atmosphere.

Fourth, the perfume diffusion device has at least one socket for connection to an output of an electronic device selected from among a microcomputer, a digital television set, a digital television decoder, a video recorder and a multimedia station. Can be This control algorithm is loaded and / or activated from the electronic device.

Another subject of the invention is a perfume diffusion process using equipment attached to a perfume diffusion device as defined above, in particular synchronized with information such as images, sounds or words. This is characterized in that, in synchronization with the presentation of the predetermined information sequence to the user, an algorithm is transmitted to the perfume diffusion means, which controls the means for selectively bringing the perfume sample into the atmosphere.

Preferably, transmitting the control algorithm comprises: transmitting a start command for activating the perfume diffusion device; transmitting an identification message of a storage means to be placed in the container; Sending an addressing command to address the reservoir or pouch to be filled; and transmitting a spreading command to diffuse a sample of perfume contained in the addressed reservoir or port;
After a predetermined time has elapsed, the method includes a step of transmitting a diffusion stop command to stop diffusion of the perfume, and a step of transmitting a stop command to stop the perfume diffusion device.

According to another feature of the process, following the stop diffusion command, at least one second addressing command for addressing another reservoir or pouch and at least one second addressing command for spreading the corresponding perfume sample. The second spreading command is issued continuously. Preferably, the command for initializing and / or activating the algorithm for controlling the perfume diffusion device is inserted into an information stream transmitted to the user using a telecommunications network connected to the device.

Alternatively, the control algorithm is provided and / or activated in the form of a program stored on a CD-ROM type disc. According to yet another feature of the process, the electronic device comprises a microcomputer or multimedia station loaded with a navigation algorithm for access to a server center by an access provider. This control algorithm is downloaded from a link included in a hypertext page stored in a server center that communicates with the microcomputer or the terminal. This link downloads the control algorithm from the memory area where it is stored to the microcomputer or terminal.

Alternatively, the device comprises a digital television decoder. This control algorithm is transmitted and / or activated by the generator of the digital television signal and thereafter stored in the device. Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a perfume diffusion device according to the present invention, designated by the reference numeral 10. A perfume or scent sample stored in a suitable sample storage means emits an odorous substance, in particular in synchronization with information presented to the user, such as images, sounds or words.

[0014] To or by the information presented to the user, mass market electronic devices, such as microcomputers, multimedia terminals, digital television sets, digital television decoders or video recorders, are brought together. I have. Therefore, perfume can be emitted, for example, corresponding to the image displayed on the screen.

[0015] As shown in FIG.
It mainly comprises a box 12 provided with a container 14 arranged on a removable sample storage means 16 and a voltage supply means (not shown). The container 14 is a container 14
Shielded by hinged flaps 18 to allow for loading and unloading. The flap 18 is provided with a window 20 through which a sample of perfume can communicate with the atmosphere.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the means for storing perfume samples comprises a reservoir 2 for storing perfume samples.
4 is provided with a rotating disk 22 that supports the set of four. At least one of the reservoirs 24 is empty or filled with a odorous or neutralizing substance. The disc and the container can each be identified by an address.

When the perfume diffuser is off, the empty container is located opposite the diffusion window 20. The positioning pin 26 allows the angle of the disk 22 in the container 14 to be accurately positioned. Also,
Window 27 allows the user to identify the disc.

The disk 22 is associated with motor means 28 for selectively contacting the sample with the atmosphere. This means that one of the reservoirs 24 is located opposite the diffusion window 20, and the information presented to the user, such as diffusing the perfume corresponding to the image presented to the user, Done related. Motor means 2
Reference numeral 8 includes a step motor operated by the operation means 30.

The operating means comprises a central unit 30 in which commands or algorithms for controlling the motor 28 are stored. The central unit 30 is configured as a second operating means to which the push buttons 32 and 34 are connected and which can be manually activated by the user, such that one of the reservoirs 24 is located opposite the diffusion window 20. The disk 22 can be rotated.

Even without corresponding visible and audible information, the odorous substance can be diffused at will. As further shown in FIG. 2, the central unit 30 is connected to a conventional type interface circuit 36. The interface 36 includes the perfume diffusion device 10
Sockets 38, 40, 42 for connecting the
And 43 are attached.

As already mentioned, the device may be a microcomputer, a multimedia terminal, a digital television set, a digital television decoder or a video recorder. Of course, it can work with any type of electronic device that can present visible or audible information.

If the perfume diffuser 10 is connected to a video recorder, the algorithm controlling the stepper motor 28 is integrated into the video recorder's microcontroller when manufacturing the video recorder. When the perfume diffuser 10 is connected to a digital television set or a digital television decoder, the control algorithm takes the form of downloaded software, which is known under the application "Java Applet". This software is transmitted by a television signal transmitter into a stream of information transmitted to the user using a particular channel associated with DVB ("Digital Video Broadcasting") signaling and stored in a perfume diffuser Is done.

When the perfume diffuser 10 is linked to a microcomputer, the control algorithm is also in the form of a downloaded program, ie, a "Java applet". This program is loaded the first time the microcomputer communicates to the appropriate server center to provide such services and is stored on the perfume diffuser.

In this case, one of the hypertext pages obtained from the server center and laid out according to HTML (Hypertext Markup Words) is stored in a corresponding memory area, for example, in the same server center or a different server center. An active link is provided to obtain the software.
This control software is transmitted to the microcomputer and then to the perfume diffusion device 10.

In various embodiments that can be imagined, the perfume diffusion device 10 is preferably connected to a terminal for connection to a voice card of an electronic device or to a USB bus of a microcomputer. A point will be noted. Therefore, the software for controlling the motor 28 is processed together with the audio files that are normally transmitted to audio equipment equipped with equipment for broadcasting audio signals.

It will be noted that in the case of a microcomputer, the control algorithm may also be provided and / or started in the form of software stored on a CD-ROM type disc. The process for operation of the perfume diffuser described above will be apparent with reference to FIG.

The procedure starts at a first step 44, in which an algorithm for controlling the motor 28 is received (downloading an applet), as already mentioned. Various steps follow to carry out the algorithm. To execute this algorithm, in step 46, the perfume diffusion device 10 is activated. In response, the perfume diffuser 10 sends an acknowledgment of receipt to the transmitter of the control algorithm. Then, an identifier of the disk 22 to be inserted into the container 14 is provided. Then, after the user approaching the flap 18 recognizes, the control algorithm is activated (step 4).
8).

Otherwise, that is, if the user has not inserted the disc, the procedure proceeds to step 50. Here, using the display 51 (FIG. 1) provided for this purpose, the user is urged to re-insert the appropriate disc. The display 51 is also used to display information related to the released scent in a general manner.

In the next step 52, the disc is placed in the container 1.
4, the central unit 30 of the perfume diffuser 10 sends to the motor 28 the address of the reservoir to be located facing the diffusion window 20. In the next step 54, a spreading command is sent to the motor means to rotate the disk to the appropriate angular position.

During this step, the diffusion time can optionally be transmitted to the motor means. Similarly, during this step, a message to the display 51 can be transmitted simultaneously with the transmission of the spreading command to provide information about the scent contained in the addressed reservoir. When this step 54 is over,
That is, when the planned diffusion time has elapsed, the central unit 30 transmits a diffusion stop command to the motor 28. In response, the motor 28 rotates the disk 22 such that the container 24 without the odorous substance is located opposite the window 20.

Alternatively, a reservoir filled with a suitable neutralizing substance capable of absorbing the scent may be provided in the window 20.
May be rotated so as to be located in the opposite direction. Note that this alternative is advantageous if one wishes to emit another perfume. In such a case, the process returns to the previous step 52, and the central unit 30
Sends a new address corresponding to another reservoir to the motor 28 along with another spreading command.

When the spreading sequence is completed, the procedure is:
Step 5 where the perfume diffuser receives the deactivation command
Proceed to 6. If the perfume diffuser is coupled to a microcomputer, this deactivation command can be effected automatically as soon as the HTML page containing the link addressing the memory area containing the control algorithm is discarded.

The procedure described above can be replaced by a manual mode of operation, whereby the user himself can
By operating the push buttons 32 and 34, the user can freely select the perfume desired to be spread. It will be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. In particular, in the above description,
The perfume sample storage means comprises a rotating disc associated with a motor means for controlling this angular position.

As an alternative, the means for storing the perfume sample in the form of a card fitted with a fragile pouch, each filled with a sample of perfume, can be attached to the perfume diffusion device. In this case, the means for the action of selectively contacting the sample with the atmosphere comprises, for example, an electrode for selectively melting the pouch wall.

In the two embodiments described, ventilation or heating means can also be attached to the perfume diffuser,
This can improve the diffusion of odorous substances.

[0036]

According to the above invention, information such as visible or audible information can be related to odor.
For example, it will be appreciated that the scent of the sea can be diffused when the sea background is presented on the screen. For example, a person skilled in the perfume factory or cosmetics department can present the public with a sample of perfume available for sale by associating the scent with a site accessible via a computer network, such as an Internet site. . Also, for example, in the education field, a new scent associated with an atmosphere full of scent corresponding to the displayed image can be created.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a perfume diffusion device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the perfume diffusion device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a means for storing a perfume sample incorporated in the perfume diffusion device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating various scenes of a process implemented using the apparatus of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Perfume diffusion device 12 ... Box 14 ... Container 16 ... Sample storage means 18 ... Flap 22 ... Rotating disk 24 ... Storage 26 ... Locating pin 28 ... Motor means 30 ... Operating means 36 ... Interface circuits 38, 40, 42, 43 …socket

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 3E068 AA40 AC09 EE36 EE40 4C002 AA01 AA04 KK04

Claims (10)

[Claims] A perfume diffusion device synchronized with information presented to a user, particularly information such as images, sounds or words, said container being located in means (16, 22) for storing a sample of perfume. ) Wherein the container is provided with means (28) for selectively contacting the sample with the atmosphere under the direction of the control means (30), the control means presenting to the user A means for storing an algorithm for controlling the operation of the means (28) for selectively contacting the sample with the atmosphere in relation to the information obtained. 2. A means (16, 2) for storing said sample.
2) a storage (24) for storing the perfume sample;
Means for selectively contacting the sample with the atmosphere, comprising, in conjunction with the control algorithm, a window (2) for diffusing perfume.
Perfume diffuser according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises motor means (28) for manipulating the angular displacement of the disc, which positions one of the reservoirs opposite 0). 3. A means (16, 2) for storing said sample.
The perfume diffusion device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 2) comprises a card having a fragile pouch filled with perfume. 4. The perfume diffusion device includes at least one socket (38, 40) for connecting an output of an electronic device selected from a computer, a multimedia terminal, a digital television set, a digital television decoder, and a video recorder. , 42, 43), wherein the control algorithm is downloaded from the electronic device to the means for storing the sample of the perfume diffuser. Perfume diffusion device. 5. A perfume diffusion process synchronized with information presented to a user by an electronic device to which the perfume diffusion device according to claim 1 is attached, in particular, information such as images, sounds or words. An algorithm that controls means for selectively contacting the sample with the atmosphere associated with the information presented to the user in synchronization with the presentation of the predetermined information sequence to the user. ) Is transmitted to the control means (30) for controlling the perfume diffusion process. 6. Transmitting the control algorithm, after the transmitting step, activating the perfume diffusion device (10), and transmitting a message identifying a means (16) for storing a sample located in the container. Addressing a reservoir (24) or pouch filled with a sample of perfume; diffusing a sample of the perfume contained in the addressed reservoir (24) or pouch; After the elapse of the time, a step of executing the control algorithm, comprising: a diffusion stopping step of stopping diffusion of the perfume; and a deactivation step of deactivating the perfume diffusion device (10). A perfume diffusion process according to claim 5. 7. Following the step of stopping the diffusion,
At least one second addressing step of addressing another reservoir (24) or pouch;
At least one second diffusion step for diffusing a corresponding sample of the perfume. 8. The method according to claim 5, wherein the algorithm for controlling the perfume diffusion device is transmitted from a program stored in a CD-ROM type disk. Perfume diffusion process. 9. The electronic device comprises a microcomputer or a multimedia terminal loaded with an navigation algorithm for browsing a computer network for access to a server center by an access provider, the control algorithm comprising: A link included in a hypertext stored in a server center with which the microcomputer communicates, the link being downloaded from a link that downloads the control algorithm from a memory area where it is stored to the control means (30). A perfume diffusion process according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that: 10. The electronic device is a digital television decoder, wherein the control algorithm is transmitted by a digital television signal transmitter and then stored in the control means of the perfume diffusion device (10). A perfume diffusion process according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that: