JP2003042988A - Ordor detector and calibration system of ordor detector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology capable of precisely evaluating odor detection output which are different for each odor detection object part by an odor detector. SOLUTION: This detector is provided with an odor detection element 1, an odor detection part 3 for acquiring the odor detection output, when the odor detection element 1 detects an odor, a storage part 4 for storing an output/ evaluation value correlation table for showing the characteristic relation between the odor detection output at the odor detection object part and an odor evaluation value, and an operation part 5 for determining the odor evaluation value on reference to the output/evaluation value correlation table, based on the odor detection output.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an odor detector provided with an odor detecting element and an odor detecting section for detecting the odor from the odor detecting element to obtain an odor detecting output.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of odor detector has been used for simply knowing the degree of odor intensity from the odor detection output for a general odor. On the other hand, the objective measurement of the odor is performed by a method such as the three-point comparison odor bag method, the centimeter method, and the ASTM syringe method (here, it is distinguished from the odor obtained on an objective scale). In general, the general odor is called odor). In Japan, 1) A method of obtaining the odor index and odor concentration by the three-point comparison type odor bag method stipulated in the Offensive Odor Control Law, and a method of measuring the odor intensity by humans by directly smelling the odor in the field. Various odor evaluation values are obtained by a sensory test method or an olfactory measurement method, or 2) a method of examining the concentration of a specific malodorous substance with an analyzer such as a gas chromatography method is generally used.

Here, the odor concentration means one of the odors quantified by a sensory test (olfactory measuring method). Specifically, when the target odor is diluted with odorless clean air, the dilution factor when the odor disappears. While the odor intensity display method and the pleasantness / discomfort degree display method determine the degree of odor, this odor concentration display method determines the presence or absence of odor, so it is said that there is relatively little individual variation. There is.

The odor index is calculated as odor index = 10 × log (odor concentration) with respect to the odor concentration. The advantage of the odor index over the odor concentration is that it is a scale corresponding to the human sense of olfaction. In the offensive odor prevention law, the olfactory measurement method was introduced in 1995, and the odor index is used as a regulatory standard.

Further, the odor intensity is one of the scales for quantifying the odor by a sensory test (olfaction measuring method). It is a scale that focuses on the strength of odor, and more specifically, a 4 to 6 scale odor intensity scale is used. In Japan, the six-level odor intensity labeling method has been widely used since the enactment of the Odor Control Law in 1969. Specifically, the following expressions are used. 0: Odorless 1: Smell that can finally be detected (detection threshold) 2: Weak odor that can tell what the odor is (cognitive threshold) 3: Smell that can be easily detected 4: Strong odor 5: Strong odor

Since the method 1) depends on the human sense of smell, it takes time to prepare the measurement environment and adjust the sample, and it has been difficult to shorten the measurement time. Furthermore, due to the olfactory fatigue of the panel, it was impossible to continuously measure in a short time. Moreover, since the method 2) is expensive for measurement and requires a large-scale device, it is difficult to easily measure the actual odor at the odor generation site. In addition, the data obtained from the analysis results show low reproducibility data with low correlation with the odor quality due to the difference in the types of odor causing substances and the odor intensity depending on the amount of odor causing substances. It was difficult to take. In addition to this, when measuring the odor evaluation value for the site boundary line as the odor detection target part stipulated by the Odor Control Law, the outlet such as a chimney, and the discharge water generated by the business activities at the business site, There are various kinds such as dangerous places and distances between measurement places, and it may take a considerable amount of labor to prepare for the measurement, and depending on the location conditions, a considerable amount of labor may be required for the measurement. .

As a method for solving the above problems, the odor detection output by the odor detector is used simply as a substitute for the odor intensity and the odor index. With this method, the cost required for odor measurement can be kept low, and since the odor detector is also highly portable, it has the advantage that it can be easily applied to odor detection target parts where it is usually difficult to measure odor evaluation values. is there.

[0008]

However, there are various kinds of odors, and even if the odors have the same odor index,
The indicated value of the odor detector tends to differ depending on the type of substance contained in the odor, temperature, humidity, and other measurement environments. In addition, since the odor detector has no unit, it is difficult to relatively compare the odors of different qualities.

Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the relationship between the odor index, the odor concentration and the odor intensity obtained from the sensory test results and the odor detection output of the odor detector is investigated, and the output-evaluation showing the relationship is examined. It is possible to use a value correlation table. However, odor measurement by sensory test (olfaction measurement method) requires an odor judge to measure under certain environmental conditions, so the odor collected in the odor collection bag etc. can be measured from the collection location. It is necessary to transfer it to a place where the above-mentioned certain environmental conditions have been established, such as an authorized establishment. At that time, the odor is unavoidable due to leakage of odor during transportation and adsorption to the inner wall of the sampling bag, and the odor index may change slightly due to individual panel differences and measurement environment differences. . Therefore, if the olfactory measurement field and the calibration data creation field are different and the determination of the odor index and the measurement of the odor detection output are performed under different conditions, it is difficult to guarantee the accuracy. In addition, in order to calibrate the odor detector based on the sensory test, not only the odor sample obtained by the odor sampling bag, but also the odor detector itself performs the sensory test together with the odor sample. Must be delivered to business establishments. This is because the output-evaluation value correlation table by the sensory test cannot be established unless it is associated with the output of the odor detector. However, there is a problem in that the use of the odor detector itself is restricted in order to perform the calibration work of the odor detector in this way. Therefore, it is difficult to substitute the output of the odor detector for the sensory test, and it is not enough to call the accurate odor evaluation.

Therefore, in view of the above situation, it is an object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of more accurately evaluating an odor that differs for each odor detection target portion, even by using an odor detector.

[0011]

To achieve this object, the odor detector according to the present invention is characterized by providing an odor detecting element and obtaining an odor detecting output when the odor detecting element detects the odor. An odor detector provided with an odor detection unit, wherein a storage unit is provided for storing an output-evaluation value correlation table showing a unique relationship between the odor detection output and the odor evaluation value in the odor detection target unit, and the odor detection output On the basis of the above, there is provided a calculation section for obtaining the odor evaluation value by referring to the output-evaluation value correlation table.

Further, the storage unit is configured to store an output-evaluation value correlation table of a plurality of odor detection target units,
A switching mechanism may be provided for switching and referring to the output-evaluation value correlation tables of the plurality of odor detection target units for each of the odor detection target units.

Further, the calibration system characteristic structure of the odor detector of the present invention is provided with an odor detecting element and an odor detecting section for obtaining an odor detecting output when the odor detecting element detects the odor. A storage unit for storing an output-evaluation value correlation table showing a unique relationship between the odor detection output and the odor evaluation value in the unit is provided, and based on the odor detection output, the odor evaluation is performed by referring to the output-evaluation value correlation table. An odor detector is configured by providing a calculation unit for obtaining a value, and an output-evaluation value correlation table corresponding to an odor detection target unit is read from an output-evaluation value correlation table database having a plurality of output-evaluation value correlation tables. The point is that a data updating unit for updating the output-evaluation value correlation table stored in the storage unit is provided.
Further, it is preferable that the output-evaluation value correlation table is configured to be accessible via a communication line.

[Operation and Effect] Since the odor detecting element and the odor detecting section are provided, the odor detecting output based on the odor of the odor detecting target section can be obtained from the odor detecting element. Here, when the output-evaluation value correlation table showing the unique relationship between the odor detection output and the odor evaluation value in the odor detection target portion is stored in the storage portion, the output-evaluation value correlation stored in the storage portion. The calculation unit can calculate and obtain the odor evaluation value based on the odor detection output with reference to the table. In other words, in advance, check the relationship between the odor evaluation value in the odor detection target part and the odor detection output at an odor measurement certified establishment, etc.,
By creating an output-evaluation value correlation table,
If the odor detector of the same type as the odor detector used to create the output-evaluation value correlation table at the odor measurement certified establishment is used to measure the odor detection output in the odor detection target part, the output-evaluation is performed. The odor evaluation value in the odor detection target portion can be obtained according to the value correlation table. Therefore, the output from the odor detector is objectively obtained with high reproducibility. Further, according to the olfactory measurement method, while it takes several hours to measure per sample including the preparation time for the odor detection target part, when the odor evaluation value is obtained as described above, the measurement is performed in a few minutes. Can be finished. Therefore, even in a dangerous place or when there is a distance between the measurement places, the odor evaluation value can be easily obtained in a short time by the measurement using the odor detector.

Further, the storage unit is configured to be capable of storing output-evaluation value correlation tables of a plurality of odor detection target units, and the output-evaluation value correlation tables of the plurality of odor detection target units are stored in the odor detection target unit. If a switching mechanism for switching and referring to each part is provided, for example, one odor detector can evaluate odors in a plurality of odor detection target parts on the premises of one factory.

According to the characteristic configuration of the calibration system for the odor detector of the present invention, a plurality of output-evaluation value correlation tables stored in the storage section are stored by using the odor detector. From the output-evaluation value correlation table database having a table, the odor detector can be read and updated according to the odor detection target portion by the data updating means, so the odor detector only has at least one data rewritable storage portion. , The output-evaluation value correlation table corresponding to a plurality of odor detection target parts can be made switchable, and the odor evaluation value can be obtained using an appropriate output-evaluation value correlation table for each odor detection target part. Therefore, even with similar odors, it is possible to obtain the odor evaluation values of odors with slightly different qualities at different locations while properly calibrating. . Even when trying to detect an odor generated from the same odor detection target, even if the odor quality changes due to seasonal fluctuations, etc., the latest or optimum output-evaluation value correlation table is regularly updated. If updated, the current odor can be evaluated more accurately. To update the output-evaluation value correlation table described above, it is sufficient if there is a configuration that enables access to the output-evaluation value correlation table database using a line such as the Internet, a modem line, or a mobile phone. Data from the output-evaluation value correlation table is taken in from a telephone terminal, etc., and the data is passed to the odor detector, or the odor detector itself is provided with a connection function to a modem line, and the direct output-evaluation value correlation table A configuration for updating data in the storage unit can be adopted. In addition, the data can be transferred so that it can be directly written into an EEPROM or the like that constitutes the storage unit, or can be freely configured by using a medium such as a memory card or a flexible disk as the storage unit. .

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, an odor detector A according to the present invention is provided with an odor detecting element 1 incorporated in an odor detecting circuit 2 and outputs an odor detecting output when the odor detecting element 1 detects an odor. The storage unit 4 is provided with the odor detection unit 3 for obtaining and stores the output-evaluation value correlation tables C1, C2, C3 indicating the unique relationship between the odor detection output and the odor evaluation value in the odor detection target units B1, B2, B3. Provided is a calculation unit 5 for obtaining an odor evaluation value by referring to the output-evaluation value correlation tables C1, C2, C3 based on the odor detection output, and a display unit 6 for displaying the obtained odor evaluation value. It is provided. Also,
The storage unit 4 includes a plurality of odor detection target portions B1, B2.
The output-evaluation value correlation table C1, C2, C3 of B3 is configured to be memorable, and the output mechanism-evaluation value correlation table C1 is provided to the odor detection target portion B1 by the switching mechanism 7, for example.
Corresponding to a plurality of odor detection target parts B.
The output-evaluation value correlation tables C1, C2, C3 of the storage unit to be referred to can be switched for each of 1, B2, B3. Further, the plurality of output-evaluation value correlation tables C1, C2, C3 stored in the storage unit 4 are outputs on the Internet having a large number of output-evaluation value correlation tables C1, C2 ,. An appropriate output-evaluation value correlation table is read from the evaluation value correlation table database D by the data updating means 8 and the odor detection target portion B1,
The output-evaluation value correlation tables C1, C2, C3, ... Suitable for each of B2, B3 ,.

As the odor detecting element 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a noble metal wire coil 11 made of a noble metal wire such as platinum is provided with a sensitive layer 12 containing tin oxide as a main component, and an odor selective heat wire. Type semiconductor gas sensing element is used.

The output-evaluation value correlation tables C1, C
2, C3, ..., Sampling the odor of the odor detection target part in advance, sending the sampled odor to an odor measurement certified establishment, etc., and following the statutory (foul odor prevention law) method The relationship between the odor detection level of the odor and the odor detection output by the odor detector is investigated at the odor measurement certified establishment, and the relationship between the odor evaluation value such as the odor concentration and odor index and the odor detection output is converted into a conversion formula or conversion table. , It is created as a correspondence in the form of a calibration graph.

The data updating means 8 is connected to the Internet via a modem built in the odor detector, and the odor detection target portions B1 and B are detected from the output-evaluation value correlation table database D published on the Internet.
2, ..., And the output-evaluation value correlation tables C1, C2, ..., CN that match the odor generation conditions at that location are downloaded, and the odor concentration corresponding to the odor detection output is calculated by the calculation unit 5. The odor evaluation value such as the odor index or the odor index is stored in the storage unit 4 so as to be obtained from the conversion formula, the conversion table, and the calibration graph.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In general, the sensitivity characteristic of the odor detector A for each substance that becomes a source of odor may show different indication values even if the main concentration of odor is different, even if the concentration is the same, as shown in FIG. I know it.

At the same time as sampling the actual odor from a coating plant and measuring the odor index by the three-point comparison odor bag method, the odor detector A
When the relationship between the measured value and the indicated value was examined, a graph as shown in FIG. 4 was obtained. This graph is used as the output-evaluation value correlation table C1.

The device output-evaluation value correlation table C1 is
As shown in FIG. 5, the odor detector can be loaded by connecting it to a homepage on the Internet or a terminal using a telephone line such as a modem or a mobile phone K, and the odor detector can be calibrated. When there are a plurality of odor detection target portions B1, B2, B3, ...
By the switching mechanism, the odor evaluation value is obtained from the output of the odor detector A by applying the output-evaluation value correlation tables C1, C2, C3, ... Corresponding to each odor detection target portion. Incidentally, appropriate output-evaluation value correlation tables C1, C2,
When C3, ... Is not stored in the storage unit 4, the data updating unit 8 outputs-an appropriate output from the evaluation value correlation table database D-on the Internet.
The evaluation value correlation tables C1, C2, C3, ..., CN are read and updated for use. Also, the output-evaluation value correlation table C
By creating 1, C2, C3, ... Under the same environmental conditions, the output-evaluation value correlation table C1, which can minimize the fluctuation factors due to the measurement environment, the panel, etc. and perform highly accurate odor evaluation C2, C3, ... Can be created.

In the case of this method, since the existing communication technology is used, no large-scale equipment is required and the output is performed only once.
Since it is sufficient to create the evaluation value correlation table, labor can be saved. Also, by using multiple odor detectors A and mobile phones K, it is possible to measure in a wide range in real time.
It also saves the trouble of moving during measurement. Furthermore, when using the mail method for data transfer, communication charges are only required periodically or when necessary, so measurement can be performed at low cost.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an odor detector.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an odor detecting element.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing the sensitivity characteristic of the odor detector.

FIG. 4 is an example of an output-evaluation value correlation table.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a calibration system for an odor detector.

[Explanation of symbols]

A odor detector 1 Odor detection element 2 Odor detection circuit 3 Odor detector B Odor detection target part 4 memory 5 computing section 6 Display 7 Switching mechanism B Odor detection target part D output-evaluation value correlation table database 8 Data update means

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] July 24, 2002 (2002.7.2)
4)

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Claims]

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0012

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further , the output-evaluation value correlation table is
It is preferably created by an odor judge
In addition, the storage unit is configured to be capable of storing output-evaluation value correlation tables of a plurality of odor detection target units, and output-evaluation value correlation tables of the plurality of odor detection target units, for each odor detection target unit. A switching mechanism for switching and referencing may be provided. The odor judge is an olfactometer.
It is a qualification for performing the standard method, and it selects panels and samples.
Take control, conduct tests, and obtain results. Odor
Make sure that the olfaction method you care about is properly implemented and
・ For the purpose of accurately determining the effectiveness of deodorants
As an accreditation registration for each measurement establishment, "Smell measurement certification business"
Office (Type 1 and Type 2) system established,
Examination and registration are carried out by the Policy Research Association. Odor
Qualification as a qualified professional is the revised Odor Control Law (enforced on April 1, 1996)
State newly created by the introduction of odor index regulation by
It is a qualification. The odor judge is in charge of implementing the Odor Control Law.
Index and Odor Emissions Using the Smell of the Required Odor
The strength is measured under the consignment of the mayor (evil
Odor Control Law Articles 11 and 20).

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Hiroshi Kasahara             2-5-4 Mitsuyachu, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka             Issue New Cosmos Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Toshiyuki Yamada             2-5-4 Mitsuyachu, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka             Issue New Cosmos Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Azusa Kobayashi             2-5-4 Mitsuyachu, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka             Issue New Cosmos Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kayo Yokotani             2-5-4 Mitsuyachu, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka             Issue New Cosmos Electric Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2G046 AA00 BJ11 DC14 DC17 DC18                 2G060 AA01 AB26 AE19 AF07 AG01                       BA03 HC13 HC24 KA01

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An odor detector provided with an odor detection element and an odor detection section for obtaining an odor detection output when the odor detection element detects an odor, wherein the odor detection output in an odor detection target section is provided. A storage unit that stores an output-evaluation value correlation table showing a unique relationship with the odor evaluation value is provided, and based on the odor detection output, a calculation unit that obtains an odor evaluation value by referring to the output-evaluation value correlation table. The odor detector provided. 2. The storage unit is configured to be capable of storing output-evaluation value correlation tables of a plurality of odor detection target units, and the output-evaluation value correlation tables of the plurality of odor detection target units are stored in the odor detection target unit. The odor detector according to claim 1, further comprising a switching mechanism for switching and referring to each part. 3. An odor detecting element is provided, and an odor detecting section for obtaining an odor detecting output when the odor detecting element detects the odor is provided, and the odor detecting output and the odor evaluation value in the odor detecting target section are unique to each other. A storage unit that stores an output-evaluation value correlation table indicating a relationship is provided, and based on the odor detection output, an odor detector is configured by providing a calculation unit that obtains an odor evaluation value by referring to the output-evaluation value correlation table. In addition, the output-evaluation value correlation table having a plurality of output-evaluation value correlation tables is read from the output-evaluation value correlation table database, and the output-evaluation value correlation table corresponding to the odor detection target unit is stored in the storage unit. A odor detector calibration system provided with a data updating means for updating. 4. The odor detector calibration system according to claim 3, wherein the output-evaluation value correlation table is configured to be accessible via a communication line.