JP2006317254A - Odor measuring device, method and program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a odor measuring method capable of deriving an odor evaluation value with a simple configuration or by a simple procedure. <P>SOLUTION: Instead of a conventional odor measuring method for determining an odor evaluation value, an odor sensor for outputting an output value corresponding to odor intensity is prepared, and a plurality of calibration curves for showing correlation between a sample output value and a sample odor evaluation value classified by each of a plurality of measuring samples are stored beforehand correlatively with each of sample odor qualities, and a calibration curve related to a sample odor quality similar to the odor quality of a measuring object is selected from among the plurality of calibration curves, and an odor evaluation value corresponding to the output value from the odor sensor measuring the odor of the measuring object is derived by using the selected calibration curve. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an odor measuring apparatus, an odor measuring method, and an odor measuring program for measuring a gas odor. In particular, the present invention relates to an odor measuring device, an odor measuring method, and an odor measuring program characterized by the procedure and the configuration representing the intensity and quality of the measured odor.

There are various types of odor measuring devices for measuring the odor of gas depending on the type of odor sensor.
Examples of the odor sensor include an odor sensor using a metal oxide semiconductor, an odor sensor combining a synthetic film and a crystal resonator, and an odor sensor using a biosensor.
In either case, the odor is measured by paying attention to the fact that the odorous substance contained in the gas to be measured adheres to the sensitive part and changes the physical characteristics, chemical characteristics, and electrical characteristics of the odor sensor.
The smell is specified by the intensity of the smell and the kind of the smell. The intensity of the odor of gas and the kind of odor are expressed with the odor of a specific gas as a zero point.
The type of odor is also called odor quality.
In general, a specific gas is air (hereinafter referred to as odorless air) having a weak odor that humans cannot perceive.
Typically, odorless air is air that has been passed through activated carbon or standard air.
Standard air is artificial air obtained by mixing nitrogen and oxygen in the same ratio as air.

For example, the operation principle of a metal oxide semiconductor odor sensor will be described.
The metal oxide semiconductor is made of a metal oxide, for example, an n-type semiconductor in which an appropriate oxidation catalyst is mixed in tin oxide or zinc oxide. By appropriately selecting the type of oxidation catalyst, the operating temperature, the pore diameter of the porous sintered structure, and the like, an odor sensor having desired sensitivity characteristics for various odors can be obtained.
Most of the odorous substances contained in the gas are volatile reducing substances.
In order to measure this gas odor with an odor sensor, the following procedure is used.
In the initial state, odorless air such as standard air is supplied to the sensitive part of the odor sensor. Oxygen contained in the odorless air oxidizes the surface of the sensitive part of the odor sensor and takes away the electrons inside the metal oxide semiconductor. Since there is a shortage of electrons inside the metal oxide semiconductor, the metal oxide semiconductor has low electrical conductivity. Therefore, the electrical resistance value is increased.
When the odorous substance adheres to the sensitive part of the odor sensor, the odorous substance supplies electrons to the oxygen on the surface of the sensitive part, so that the electrons taken by the oxygen return to the metal oxide semiconductor, and inside the metal oxide semiconductor. The number of electrons increases and the electrical conductivity increases. Therefore, the electrical resistance value is lowered.
This variation in electrical conductivity or electrical resistance value is electrically detected and quantified, and used as an odor measuring device.

  For example, the odor measuring device includes a measurement space in which the sensitive part of the odor sensor is exposed. . The odor measuring device sucks odorous substances together with the atmosphere through a conduit with an air pump and guides them to the measurement space of the measurement chamber. Since the gas containing the odorous substance is supplied to the sensitive part of the odor sensor and the above-described movement of electrons occurs, the odor sensor can sense the odor. After capturing the output of the odor sensor, the gas containing the odor substance is discharged from the measurement space.

The output value obtained in this way does not necessarily match the odor evaluation value that represents the intensity of the odor used conventionally. In order to effectively use the result obtained by the odor measuring device, it is necessary to convert the output value of the odor sensor into an odor evaluation value.
The odor evaluation value is a value defined for objectively evaluating the odor intensity of the measurement target.
For example, the odor evaluation value is an odor concentration, an odor index, or a concentration of an odor component.
The odor concentration and odor index are obtained by quantifying the intensity of odor by a sensory test.
Odor concentration is a measure that determines whether an odor can still be perceived even if it spreads and spreads over odorless air. The sensory test determines how many times the odor is diluted with odorless air before it becomes odorless. The odor is diluted with odorless clean air, and the odor concentration is determined by the dilution factor when no odor is felt. An odor having an odor concentration of 1000 means that most people do not feel the odor when the odor is diluted 1000 times. As a measuring method, there are an ASTM syringe method, an olfactometer method, a centmeter method, and the like. In Japan, the three-point comparison type odor bag method is used in many local governments.
The odor index is a scale obtained by converting the odor concentration, and is obtained by the following formula.
Odor index = 10 × liter Odor concentration The odor index is a scale corresponding to the amount of human sense of smell.
In Japan, odor-related laws and regulations use odor concentration and odor index as quantities representing odor intensity.

In order to derive the odor evaluation value from the output value of the odor sensor, it is necessary to know in advance the correlation between the output value of the odor sensor and the odor evaluation value.
It is known that the correlation is unique to each measurement object.
Therefore, it is necessary to know the correlation for each measurement target.
In general, using a measurement sample as a measurement sample, the odor sensor measures the odor and outputs an output value, while the odor evaluation value is derived according to a predetermined procedure. A line representing the correlation between the obtained output value and the odor evaluation value is stored as a calibration curve.
The calibration curve represents the correlation between the output value of the odor sensor and the odor evaluation value.
For example, the calibration curve is represented by a line in a scatter graph with the output value and the odor evaluation value as variables.
The procedure for measuring the odor of the measurement object will be described below.
Step 1: Prepare a calibration curve obtained in advance for the measurement object.
Step 2: The odor of the measurement target is measured with an odor sensor.
Step 3: The odor sensor output value is converted into an odor evaluation value using a calibration curve.
Step 4: Display the obtained odor evaluation value.
Conventionally, it has been necessary to create a calibration curve every time the measurement object changes. Therefore, each time a new measurement object is measured, a calibration curve specific to the measurement object is created.

On the other hand, the inventor has invented a method for quantifying the quality of the odor of the measurement target.
Odor quality refers to aromatic odor (eg garlic odor), vegetable odor (eg wood odor), earthy odor, musty odor, fish odor, chemical odor, metallic odor, septic odor, unpleasant odor, etc. That is.
The inventor named the odor quality numerically the odor odor quality value.
The inventor has found that if the measurement object is the same, the odor quality value does not change even if the odor intensity changes. From this, it was predicted that when the odor quality of the plurality of measurement objects is different, the odor quality value is different, and when the odor quality of the plurality of measurement objects approximates, the difference in odor fragrance value is small.

JP 2003-42988 A Registered Utility Model No. 3074494

  In view of the problems described above, the present invention has been devised on the basis of the knowledge described above, and an odor measuring device capable of deriving an odor evaluation value with a simple configuration or a simple procedure; An odor measurement method and an odor measurement program are provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, an odor measurement program for determining an odor evaluation value defined for evaluating the odor intensity of a measurement object according to the present invention, an output value corresponding to the odor intensity, A sample output value that is the output value of the odor sensor that measures the odor of the measurement sample for each measurement sample that is a plurality of measurement target samples, and a data processing unit for an odor measurement device that has an odor sensor to output, and the A storage function for storing in advance a plurality of calibration curves representing the correlation with the sample odor evaluation value, which is the odor evaluation value of the measurement sample, in association with the sample odor quality, which is the odor quality of the measurement sample, and a plurality of the calibrations A calibration curve selection function for selecting the calibration curve associated with the sample odor quality that approximates the odor quality of the measurement target from among the lines, and measurement using the selected calibration curve It was assumed to be implemented and odor evaluation value deriving function for deriving an odor evaluation value corresponding to the output value of the odor sensor measure the odor elephant, a.

  With the configuration of the present invention, the odor sensor outputs an output value corresponding to the intensity of the odor. The storage function stores in advance a plurality of calibration curves representing the correlation between the sample output value and the sample odor evaluation value for each of the plurality of measurement samples, in association with the sample odor quality. The calibration curve selection function selects the calibration curve associated with the sample odor quality approximated to the odor quality of the measurement target from the plurality of calibration curves. The odor evaluation value deriving function derives an odor evaluation value corresponding to the output value of the odor sensor that measures the odor of the measurement object using the selected calibration curve. As a result, the calibration curve appropriate for the measurement target can be selected according to the quality of the odor of the measurement target, and the odor evaluation value of the measurement target can be derived from the output value of the measurement result using the calibration curve.

Furthermore, the odor measurement program according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of sample output values obtained by measuring a plurality of measurement samples obtained by diluting a measurement target at different magnifications with a calibration curve using the odor sensor and a plurality of sample output values. It is obtained approximately based on at least two measurement points whose elements are the sample odor evaluation value obtained according to the procedure defined from the measurement sample.
According to the configuration of the above embodiment, a plurality of measurement samples are prepared by diluting a measurement target at different magnifications, a plurality of measurement samples are measured by the odor sensor, and the sample output value is output, and the plurality of measurement samples are defined. The sample odor evaluation value is obtained in accordance with the procedure described above, and a calibration curve is approximately obtained based on at least two measurement points having the sample output value and the sample odor evaluation value as elements. As a result, if there is one sample to be measured, a new calibration curve can be easily created.

Further, in the odor measurement program according to the embodiment of the present invention, the calibration curve selection function associates the calibration curve associated with the sample odor quality belonging to the odor group into N odor groups in which the odor quality is classified. , One odor group is selected from the N odor groups, and the calibration curve assigned to the selected odor group is selected.
According to the configuration of the above embodiment, one odor group is selected from the N odor groups, and the calibration curve assigned to the selected odor group is selected.
As a result, when an odor group to which the odor quality of the target substance belongs is selected from a plurality of odor groups, the odor measuring device can determine the odor evaluation value.

  In order to achieve the above object, an odor measuring device for determining an odor evaluation value defined for evaluating the odor intensity of a measurement object according to the present invention is provided with an output value corresponding to the odor intensity. An odor sensor for output and a data processing unit incorporating the odor measurement program described above were provided.

  With the configuration of the present invention, the odor sensor outputs an output value corresponding to the intensity of the odor. Since the data processing unit realizes the function described above, the calibration curve appropriate for the measurement target can be selected according to the quality of the odor of the measurement target, and the measurement target is measured from the output value of the measurement result using the calibration curve. The odor evaluation value can be derived.

  In order to achieve the above object, an odor measurement program for determining an odor evaluation value defined for evaluating the odor intensity of a measurement object according to the present invention is output as an output value A corresponding to the odor intensity. A data processing unit for an odor measuring device having an odor sensor A that outputs an odor and an odor sensor B that outputs an output value B according to the intensity of the odor, and one or both of the output value A and the output value B The odor intensity value deriving function for deriving the odor intensity value, which is a value having an increase / decrease tendency that substantially matches the increase / decrease tendency, and the odor intensity corresponding to the ratio of both of the output value A and the output value B The odor and odor quality value deriving function for deriving the quality value, the sample odor intensity value that is the odor intensity value of the measurement sample and the odor evaluation value of the measurement sample for each measurement sample that is a plurality of measurement target samples Correlation with sample odor evaluation value A storage function for pre-storing a plurality of calibration curves in association with each of the sample odor and odor values of the measurement sample, and the odor and odor value to be measured from the plurality of calibration curves A calibration curve selection function for selecting the calibration curve associated with the sample odor odor quality value approximated to, and the odor evaluation value corresponding to the odor intensity value of the measurement target is derived using the selected calibration curve The odor evaluation value deriving function is realized.

  With the configuration of the present invention, the odor sensor A outputs an output value A corresponding to the intensity of the odor. The odor sensor B outputs an output value B corresponding to the intensity of the odor. The odor intensity value deriving function derives an odor intensity value that is a value having an increase / decrease tendency that approximately matches one or both of the increase / decrease trends from the output value A and the output value B. The odor and scent value deriving function derives an odor and scent value which is a value corresponding to the ratio of both from the output value A and the output value B. The storage function stores in advance a plurality of calibration curves representing the correlation between the sample odor intensity value and the sample odor evaluation value for each of the plurality of measurement samples, in association with the sample odor quality value. The calibration curve selection function selects the calibration curve associated with the sample odor fragrance value approximated to the odor fragrance value of the measurement target from the plurality of calibration curves. The odor evaluation value deriving function derives an odor evaluation value corresponding to the odor intensity value to be measured using the selected calibration curve. Since there is a correlation between the odor intensity value and the odor intensity, and there is a correlation between the odor quality value and the odor quality, as a result, it is more suitable for the measurement object according to the odor quality value of the measurement object. The calibration curve can be selected, and the odor evaluation value of the measurement object can be derived from the odor intensity value of the measurement result using the calibration curve.

Furthermore, in the odor measurement program according to the embodiment of the present invention, the sensitivity characteristic of the odor sensor A and the sensitivity characteristic of the odor sensor B differ depending on the quality of the odor.
With the above-described configuration of the present invention, the sensitivity characteristic of the odor sensor A and the sensitivity characteristic of the odor sensor B differ depending on the odor quality. As a result, the odor quality value corresponding to the ratio between the output value A and the output value B has a strong correlation with the odor quality.

Further, in the odor measurement program according to the embodiment of the present invention, the calibration curve selection means includes the divided numerical value width obtained by dividing the numerical value width of the odorous odor value by N into the divided numerical value widths. Each of N calibration curves associated with the sample odor quality value is assigned, and from among the N calibration curves, the calibration curve assigned to the divided value range including the odor quality value to be measured is selected. To do.
According to the configuration of the above embodiment, an arbitrary numerical value width of the odor fragrance value is divided into N, and each of the divided numerical value widths is divided into N pieces of values associated with the sample odor fragrance values included in the divided numerical value width. Each calibration curve is assigned. The calibration curve assigned to the divided numerical value width including the odor quality value of the odor to be measured is selected from the N calibration curves. As a result, even when there is no calibration curve directly derived from the measurement object, the calibration curve more appropriate for the measurement object can be selected according to the odor and odor quality value of the measurement object.

Further, in the odor measurement program according to the embodiment of the present invention, the calibration curve is defined from the sample odor intensity values of a plurality of measurement samples obtained by diluting the measurement target at different magnifications and the plurality of measurement samples. Obtained approximately based on at least two measurement points having the sample odor evaluation value obtained according to the above procedure as an element.
According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the measurement object is diluted at different magnifications to create a plurality of measurement samples, the sample odor intensity value is obtained from the plurality of measurement samples, and the sample is determined according to a procedure defined from the plurality of measurement samples. An odor evaluation value is obtained, and a calibration curve is approximately obtained based on at least two measurement points having the sample odor intensity value and the sample odor evaluation value as elements. As a result, if there is one sample to be measured, a new calibration curve can be easily created.

Further, in the odor measurement program according to the embodiment of the present invention, the calibration curve selection function converts the plurality of sample odor fragrance values that approximate the odor fragrance value to be measured from the plurality of calibration curves. A plurality of the calibration curves associated with each other are extracted, and a virtual line generated by an interpolation method or an extrapolation method is used as the calibration curve based on the extracted odor quality values as variables. select.
With the configuration of the above embodiment, a plurality of calibration curves associated with the plurality of sample odor odor values approximate to the odor odor quality value of the odor to be measured are extracted from the plurality of calibration curves. Based on the extracted plurality of calibration curves, a virtual line generated by an interpolation method or an extrapolation method is selected as the calibration curve using the odor and odor value as a variable. As a result, it is possible to create a more appropriate calibration curve by calculating the difference between the sample odor odor quality value and the odor odor quality value from a plurality of pre-recorded calibration curves, and the odor odor quality to be measured The calibration curve more appropriate for the measurement object can be selected according to the value.

  In order to achieve the above object, an odor measuring apparatus for determining an odor evaluation value defined for evaluating the odor intensity of a measurement object according to the present invention is provided with an output value A corresponding to the odor intensity. The odor sensor A outputs an output value B corresponding to the intensity of the odor, and the data processing unit incorporates the odor measurement program described above.

  With the configuration of the present invention, the odor sensor A outputs an output value A corresponding to the intensity of the odor. The odor sensor B outputs an output value B corresponding to the intensity of the odor. Since the data processing unit realizes the function described above, the calibration curve more appropriate for the measurement target can be selected according to the odor quality value of the measurement target, and the odor intensity of the measurement result using the calibration curve The odor evaluation value of the measurement object can be derived from the value.

  In order to achieve the above object, an odor measurement method for determining an odor evaluation value defined for evaluating the odor intensity of a measurement object according to the present invention is output, and an output value corresponding to the odor intensity is output. An odor sensor preparation step for preparing an odor sensor to be performed, a sample output value that is the output value of the odor sensor that measures the odor of the measurement sample for each measurement sample that is a plurality of measurement target samples, and an odor of the measurement sample A plurality of calibration curves representing the correlation with the sample odor evaluation value, which is an evaluation value, in advance associated with each sample odor quality, which is the odor quality of the measurement sample, and a storage step; A calibration curve selection step for selecting the calibration curve associated with the sample odor quality that approximates the odor quality of the measurement target, and the measurement target odor is measured using the selected calibration curve. An evaluation value deriving step of deriving the odor evaluation value corresponding to the output value of the odor sensor was intended to comprise a.

  With the configuration of the present invention, the odor sensor outputs an output value corresponding to the intensity of the odor. A plurality of calibration curves representing the correlation between the sample output value and the sample odor evaluation value are stored in advance in association with the sample odor quality for each of a plurality of measurement samples. The calibration curve associated with the sample odor quality approximate to the odor quality of the measurement target is selected from the plurality of calibration curves. An odor evaluation value corresponding to the output value of the odor sensor obtained by measuring the odor of the measurement object is derived using the selected calibration curve. As a result, the calibration curve appropriate for the measurement object can be selected according to the quality of the odor of the measurement object, and the odor evaluation value of the measurement object can be derived from the output value of the measurement result using the calibration curve.

Furthermore, in the odor measurement method according to the embodiment of the present invention, the sample output value obtained by measuring a plurality of measurement samples obtained by diluting the measurement target at different magnifications by the calibration curve with the sample output value and the plurality of the sample outputs It is obtained approximately based on at least two measurement points whose elements are the sample odor evaluation value obtained according to the procedure defined from the measurement sample.
According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the measurement target is diluted at different magnifications to create a plurality of measurement samples, the plurality of measurement samples are measured by the odor sensor, the sample output value is obtained, and defined from the plurality of measurement samples. The sample odor evaluation value is obtained according to the above procedure, and a calibration curve is approximately obtained based on at least two measurement points having the sample output value and the sample odor evaluation value as elements. As a result, if there is one sample to be measured, a new calibration curve can be easily created.

Furthermore, in the odor measurement method according to the embodiment of the present invention, the calibration curve selection step includes the calibration curve associated with the sample odor quality belonging to the odor group in N odor groups classified by odor quality. One of the N odor groups is selected and the odor group is selected, and the calibration curve assigned to the selected odor group is selected.
According to the configuration of the above embodiment, one odor group is selected from the N odor groups, and the calibration curve assigned to the selected odor group is selected. As a result, when an odor group to which the odor quality of the target substance belongs is selected from a plurality of odor groups, the odor measuring device can derive an odor evaluation value.

In order to achieve the above object, an odor measurement method for determining an odor evaluation value defined for evaluating the odor intensity of a measurement object according to the present invention, an output value A corresponding to the odor intensity, An odor sensor preparation step for preparing an odor sensor A for output and an odor sensor B for outputting an output value B corresponding to the intensity of the odor, and the output value A and the output value B tend to increase or decrease one or both. An odor intensity value deriving step for deriving an odor intensity value that is a value having a coincident increase / decrease tendency, and an odor that derives an odor quality value that is a value corresponding to both ratios from the output value A and the output value B A fragrance value deriving step;
A plurality of calibrations representing a correlation between a sample odor intensity value that is the odor intensity value of the measurement sample and a sample odor evaluation value that is an odor evaluation value of the measurement sample for each measurement sample that is a plurality of measurement target samples A storage step of storing a line in advance associated with each of the sample odor and odor values, which is the odor and odor value of the measurement sample, and the approximation of the odor and odor value of the measurement target from the plurality of calibration curves A calibration curve selection step of selecting the calibration curve associated with the sample odor odor quality value, and odor evaluation value derivation for deriving an odor evaluation value corresponding to the odor intensity value of the measurement object using the selected calibration curve And a process.

  With the configuration of the present invention, the odor sensor A outputs an output value A corresponding to the intensity of the odor. The odor sensor B outputs an output value B corresponding to the intensity of the odor. From the output value A and the output value B, an odor intensity value which is a value having an increasing / decreasing tendency that matches one or both increasing / decreasing trends is derived. From the output value A and the output value B, an odor and odor quality value corresponding to both ratios is derived. A plurality of calibration curves representing the correlation between the sample odor intensity value and the sample odor evaluation value are stored in advance in association with the sample odor quality value for each of the plurality of measurement samples. The calibration curve associated with the sample odor scent value approximated to the odor scent value to be measured is selected from among the plurality of calibration curves. An odor evaluation value corresponding to the odor intensity value to be measured is derived using the selected calibration curve. Since there is a correlation between the odor intensity value and the odor intensity, and there is a correlation between the odor quality value and the odor quality, as a result, it is more suitable for the measurement object according to the odor quality value of the measurement object. The calibration curve can be selected, and the odor evaluation value of the measurement object can be derived from the odor intensity value of the measurement result using the calibration curve.

Furthermore, in the odor measuring method according to the embodiment of the present invention, the sensitive characteristic of the odor sensor A and the sensitive characteristic of the odor sensor B are different depending on the odor quality.
With the configuration of the above-described embodiment, the sensitivity characteristic of the odor sensor A and the sensitivity characteristic of the odor sensor B differ depending on the odor quality. As a result, the odor quality value corresponding to the ratio between the output value A and the output value B has a strong correlation with the odor quality.

Furthermore, in the odor measuring method according to the embodiment of the present invention, the sample included in the divided numerical value width in each divided numerical value width obtained by dividing the numerical value width of the odorous odor quality value into N by the calibration curve selecting step. N calibration curves associated with odor and scent values are respectively assigned, and the calibration curve assigned to the division value range including the odor and scent values to be measured is selected from the N calibration curves. .
According to the configuration of the above embodiment, an arbitrary numerical value width of the odor fragrance value is divided into N, and each of the divided numerical value widths is divided into N pieces of values associated with the sample odor fragrance values included in the divided numerical value width. Each calibration curve is assigned. The calibration curve assigned to the divided numerical value width including the odor quality value of the odor to be measured is selected from the N calibration curves. As a result, even when there is no calibration curve directly derived from the measurement object, the calibration curve more appropriate for the measurement object can be selected according to the odor and odor quality value of the measurement object.

Furthermore, in the odor measuring method according to the embodiment of the present invention, the calibration curve is a procedure defined by the odor intensity values of a plurality of measurement samples obtained by diluting the measurement target at different magnifications and the plurality of measurement samples. Is obtained approximately on the basis of at least two measurement points having the sample odor evaluation value obtained as described above as an element.
According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the measurement object is diluted at different magnifications to create a plurality of measurement samples, the sample odor intensity value is obtained from the plurality of measurement samples, and the sample is determined according to a procedure defined from the plurality of measurement samples. An odor evaluation value is obtained, and a calibration curve is approximately obtained based on at least two measurement points having the sample odor intensity value and the sample odor evaluation value as elements. As a result, if there is one sample to be measured, a new calibration curve can be easily created.

Furthermore, in the odor measurement method according to the embodiment of the present invention, the calibration curve selection step relates to a plurality of sample odor fragrance values that approximate the odor fragrance value to be measured from the plurality of calibration curves. A plurality of the calibration curves obtained are extracted, and a virtual line generated by an interpolation method or an extrapolation method is selected as the calibration curve based on the plurality of the extracted calibration curves and the odor quality value as a variable. To do.
With the configuration of the above embodiment, a plurality of calibration curves associated with the plurality of sample odor odor values approximate to the odor odor quality value of the odor to be measured are extracted from the plurality of calibration curves. Based on the extracted plurality of calibration curves, a virtual line generated by an interpolation method or an extrapolation method is selected as the calibration curve using the odor and odor value as a variable. As a result, it is possible to create a more appropriate calibration curve by calculating the difference between the sample odor odor quality value and the odor odor quality value from a plurality of previously recorded calibration curves, and to measure the odor of the measurement target. The calibration curve more appropriate for the measurement object can be selected according to the fragrance value.

As described above, the odor measurement program, the odor measurement apparatus, and the odor measurement method for measuring the odor of the measurement object according to the present invention have the following effects depending on the configuration.
Using an odor sensor that outputs an output value corresponding to the intensity of the odor, a calibration curve representing the correlation between the output value created in advance using the measurement sample and the odor evaluation value is stored in association with the odor quality and measured Since the odor evaluation value is derived from the output value using the calibration curve related to the odor quality approximate to the odor quality of the odor, the calibration curve more appropriate for the measurement object is selected according to the odor quality of the measurement object. The odor evaluation value of the measurement object can be derived from the output value of the measurement result using the calibration curve.
In addition, since the measurement target is diluted to create a plurality of measurement samples, the calibration curve is approximated from the measurement points whose elements are the output value and the odor evaluation value obtained by measuring the measurement sample. If you have one sample, you can easily create a new calibration curve by diluting it to several.
Further, since one odor group is selected from the N odor groups and the calibration curve assigned to the selected odor group is selected, the odor of the target substance is selected from the plurality of odor groups. When an odor group to which quality belongs is selected, an odor evaluation value can be derived.

Using an odor sensor A that outputs an output value A corresponding to the intensity of the odor and an odor sensor B that outputs an output value B, the odor and odor of which one or both of the increasing / decreasing tendencies are matched from the output value A and the output value B The calibration value indicating the correlation between the odor intensity value and the odor evaluation value prepared in advance using a measurement sample, by obtaining an intensity value, obtaining an odor quality value corresponding to the ratio between the output value A and the output value B A line is stored in association with the odor odor value, and the odor evaluation value is calculated from the odor intensity value using the calibration curve associated with the odor odor value approximated to the odor odor value to be measured. When derived, there is a correlation between the odor intensity value and the odor intensity, and since there is a correlation between the odor odor value and the odor quality, the more appropriate for the measurement object according to the odor quality of the measurement object A calibration curve can be selected, and the calibration curve is used to determine the measurement target from the output value of the measurement result. There evaluation value can be derived.
Further, when the sensitivity characteristic of the odor sensor A and the sensitivity characteristic of the odor sensor B are different depending on the measurement object having different odor quality, the odor quality value and the odor quality have a strong correlation.
Moreover, since the numerical value range of the odor fragrance value is divided into N, a calibration curve is assigned to the divided numerical value width, and the calibration curve assigned to the divided numerical value width including the odor odor quality value to be measured is used. Even when there is no calibration curve directly derived from the measurement object, the calibration curve more appropriate for the measurement object can be selected according to the odor quality value of the measurement object.
In addition, a calibration curve is approximately obtained from the measurement points having the odor intensity value and the odor evaluation value obtained by diluting the measurement object to make a plurality of measurement samples and measuring the measurement sample, If there is one target sample, it is possible to easily create a new calibration curve by dividing it and diluting it into several types.
Further, since a more appropriate calibration curve is generated by calculation using an interpolating method or an extrapolating method using a difference between each odor and odor quality value from a plurality of pre-recorded calibration curves, the measurement target The calibration curve more appropriate for the measurement object can be selected according to the odor and scent value.
Therefore, it is possible to provide an odor measuring device, an odor measuring method, and an odor measuring program that can derive an odor evaluation value with a simple configuration or simple procedure.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each figure, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

First, an odor measurement apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an odor measurement program according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the odor measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of an odor sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a sensitivity characteristic diagram of the odor sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of the data processing unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a scatter graph of a calibration curve according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Hereinafter, the case where the odor measuring apparatus includes a measurement chamber will be described as an example. The odor measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment includes one odor sensor.

First, the configuration of the odor measuring device will be described.
The odor measurement device 10 is a device that measures the odor of gas, and includes an odor sensor 100, a gas supply means 200, an odorless gas supply means 300, a measurement chamber 400, a gas discharge means 500, and a data processing unit 600. .

The odor sensor 100 is a sensor that outputs an output value corresponding to the intensity of the odor.
The odor sensor 100 has a sensitive unit 101 that can sense the odor of gas. The sensitive part 101 is made of, for example, a metal oxide semiconductor. When the odorous substance adheres to the sensitive part, the electrical specification of the sensitive part changes depending on the amount and type of the odorous substance.
FIG. 3 shows a conceptual diagram of the odor sensor.
For example, the odor sensor 100 includes a sensitive unit 101, a heater 102, a switching element 103, a load resistor 104, and a power source 105.

The sensitive part 101 is a part where the scent of gas can be felt.
The sensitive part 101 is made of, for example, a metal oxide semiconductor to which a catalyst is added. Depending on the type of material, the type of catalyst, the structure, etc., there is a large difference in sensitivity to odor molecules constituting the odor.
The sensitive part 101 is exposed to a measurement chamber 400 described later.

The heater 102 heats the sensitive part 101, for example, a platinum thin film.
The sensitive part 101 and the heater 102 have an integral structure. The heater 102 is energized to generate heat, and can heat the sensitive unit 101 to a predetermined temperature. For example, when the sensitive part 101 is a metal oxide semiconductor, the predetermined temperature is about 400 ° C. In this way, the sensitive part 101 is less affected by changes in ambient temperature and the presence of moisture, and a decrease in the sensitivity of the odor sensor can be prevented. Moreover, it becomes easy to wash and remove odor molecules attached to the sensitive part 101 with the washing air.
The heater 102 is preferably heated by applying a pulse current.

The switching element 103 is an electronic element for supplying a current to the heater 102. The switching element 103 receives a pulsed heater heating pulse 106 and supplies a pulsed current to the heater 102.
The heater heating pulse 106 is preferably input to the switching element via an input resistor.

  The load resistor 104 is a resistor circuit connected in series with the sensitive unit 101. The load resistor 104 may be a circuit configured by a resistance element, or may be a circuit in which a resistance element and a capacitor are connected in parallel.

A power source 105 supplies current to the sensitive unit 101 and the heater 102.
An odor measurement output 107 is output from a connection point between the sensitive unit 101 and the load resistor 104.

When an odorous substance, which is a volatile reducing chemical substance, adheres to the sensitive part 101, electrons are supplied to oxygen in the sensitive part 101. Since the electrons of the sensitive part 101 increase, the electrical conductivity of the sensitive part becomes high.
When the odor measurement output Vcc of the plurality of odor sensors 100 is monitored, the amount and type of the odor substance can be measured.

The gas supply means 200 is a device that can supply gas to the sensitive part.
For example, when the measurement chamber 400 is provided in the odor measurement apparatus, the gas supply unit 200 is configured by the gas introduction unit 210.
The gas introduction unit 210 is a unit that introduces gas into the measurement space H, and includes a sample suction pipe 211, a sample valve 212, and a sample introduction pipe 213.
The sample suction pipe 211 is a pipe that communicates the outside with the sample valve 212. The piping is made of a material (for example, a tube made of PTFE) to which odorous substances are difficult to adhere.
The sample valve 212 is a valve that can be opened and closed. For example, the sample valve 212 can open or close the passage according to an on signal or an off signal of the electrical signal.
The sample introduction pipe 213 is a pipe that connects the sample valve 212 and the measurement chamber 400.
Therefore, when the ON signal is given to the sample valve 212, the sample valve 212 is opened, and the sample can be introduced into the measurement space H from the outside. When the off signal is given to the sample valve 212, the sample valve 212 is closed, and the sample cannot be introduced into the measurement space H from the outside.

The odorless gas supply means 300 is a device that can supply odorless gas to the sensitive part.
For example, when the measurement chamber is provided in the odor measuring apparatus, the odorless gas supply means 300 includes an odorless gas generation means 310 and an odorless gas introduction means 320.
The odorless gas generating means 310 generates odorless gas, and is, for example, a case filled with activated carbon.
The odorless gas introducing means 320 includes a cleaning suction pipe 321, a cleaning valve 322, and a cleaning introduction pipe 323.
The cleaning suction pipe 321 is a pipe that communicates the odorless gas generating means 310 and the cleaning valve 322.
The cleaning valve 322 is a valve that can be opened and closed. For example, the flush valve 322 can open or close the passage according to an on signal or an off signal of the electrical signal.
The cleaning introduction pipe 323 is a pipe that communicates the cleaning valve 322 and the measurement chamber 400.
Accordingly, when the ON signal is given to the cleaning valve 322, the cleaning valve 322 is opened, and odorless gas can be introduced into the measurement space H. When the OFF signal is given to the cleaning valve 322, the cleaning valve 322 is closed, and the odorless gas cannot be introduced into the measurement space H.

  The measurement chamber 400 is a container-like device having a measurement space H that can be sealed. The sensitive part 101 of the odor sensor 100 is exposed to the measurement space H. Therefore, when the gas mixed with the odorous substance is introduced into the measurement space H, the gas is supplied to the sensitive part, and the odorous substance adheres to the sensitive part.

The gas discharge means 500 is a device that discharges gas from the measurement chamber 400, and includes gas discharge pipes 501, 503, 505, a discharge valve 502, and a gas discharge pump 504.
The gas discharge pipe 501 is a pipe that connects the measurement chamber 400 and the discharge valve 502.
The discharge valve 502 is a valve that can be opened and closed. For example, the discharge valve 502 can open or close the passage according to an on signal or an off signal of an electrical signal.
The gas discharge pipe 503 is a pipe that connects the discharge valve 502 and the inlet of the gas discharge pump 504.
The gas discharge pump 504 is a pump that discharges gas from the measurement space H. For example, the pump is a fan, a blower, a diaphragm pump, or the like.
The gas discharge pipe 505 is a pipe that communicates the outlet of the gas discharge pump 504 with the outside.
Accordingly, when an ON signal is given to the discharge valve 502 and the gas discharge pump 504 is driven, the gas in the measurement space H is discharged to the outside.

The data processing unit 600 is a device that controls the odor sensor 100, the gas supply unit 200, the odorless gas supply unit 300, and the gas discharge unit 500, measures the odor of gas, and performs data processing.
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a data processing unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.
The data processing unit 600 includes a main control unit 601, a pulse generation unit 602, a measurement time setting timer 603, an interface unit 604, an A / D conversion unit 605, a data storage unit 606, a data calculation unit 607, and a display unit 608. The
The main control unit 601 operates according to a built-in control program, and includes a pulse generation unit 602, a measurement time setting timer 603, an interface unit 604, an A / D conversion unit 605, a data storage unit 606, a data calculation unit 607, and a display unit 608. To control.
The pulse generator 602 is a part that generates a pulse control signal having a predetermined cycle and number of pulses and supplies the pulse control signal to the switching element 103 of the odor sensor 100. The predetermined period and the number of pulses are set according to the heating temperature of the heater 102.
The measurement time setting timer 603 outputs a timing signal for measurement to the main control unit 601.

The interface unit 604 is an input / output unit that outputs a signal or data from the main control unit 601 to the outside and takes in an external signal or data into the main control unit 601. The interface unit 604 is connected to an external personal computer, for example. The time change data of the odor sensor 100 odor measurement output, and the measurement results of the odor intensity and the odor type are transferred to the external personal computer 20 via the interface unit 604.
The A / D conversion unit 605 takes the odor measurement output from the odor sensor 100 at a predetermined timing, performs analog / digital conversion, and sends digital data to the main control unit 601.
The data storage unit 606 is a device that stores the odor measurement output in accordance with the designation from the main control unit 601.
The data calculation unit 607 takes in the odor measurement data recorded in the data storage unit 606 and stores it in the data storage unit 606.
The display unit 608 is a device that displays the odor evaluation value and the odor quality recorded in the data recording unit 606 as necessary. The display unit 608 can monitor the intensity of the odor and the type of the odor in time series.

The odor measurement program according to the first embodiment is built in the data processing unit 600 of the odor measurement apparatus according to the first embodiment.
The odor measurement program according to the first embodiment is a program for determining an odor evaluation value defined for evaluating the odor intensity of a measurement target.
The odor measurement program according to the first embodiment includes an output value capture function F11, a recording function F12, and a data processing unit for an odor measurement apparatus having an odor sensor that outputs an output value corresponding to the intensity of the odor. A calibration curve selection function F13, an odor evaluation value derivation function F14, and a measurement result output function F15 are realized.

The odor evaluation value is a value defined for evaluating the odor intensity of the measurement target.
For example, the odor evaluation value is an odor substance concentration. The odor substance concentration is the concentration (ppm) of the odor component to be measured.

  For example, the odor evaluation value is an odor concentration. The odor concentration is a value of the dilution factor when the odor is diluted with odorless normal air and the odor is no longer felt. As the measuring method, there are a three-point comparison type odor bag method, an ASTM syringe method, an olfactometer method, a centmeter method, and the like.

For example, the odor evaluation value is an odor index. The odor index is a value obtained by converting the odor concentration as follows.
Odor index = 10 x liter odor concentration

For example, the odor evaluation value is the odor intensity. The odor intensity is a reference value indicating sensory strength to odor. It is expressed in 4 steps, 5 steps, 6 steps, 7 steps, 8 steps, etc. In the 6-step odor intensity display method, it is quantified as follows.
0 Odorless 1 Smell that can be finally detected 2 Weak scent to understand what smell is 3 Smell that can be easily detected 4 Strong smell 5 Strong smell

The output value capturing function F11 is a function of driving the odor sensor 100 to measure the odor of the measurement target and capturing the output value.
Odorless gas (odorless air) is introduced into the measurement chamber 400.
The measurement object is introduced into the measurement chamber 400 that drives the odor sensor 100 and takes in the odor measurement output Vz.
The odor sensor 100 is driven to capture the odor measurement output V0.
The odor measurement output V0 is zero-corrected using the odor measurement output Vz.
That is, the following calculation is performed.
V = V0-Vz
V is an output value corresponding to the intensity of the odor.
The output value V is 0 when the object to be measured is odorless, and increases as the odor intensity increases.

The recording function F12 is a function for storing in advance a plurality of calibration curves representing the correlation between the sample output value and the sample odor evaluation value in association with the sample odor quality for each measurement sample which is a plurality of measurement target samples. is there.
The sample output value is an output value of the odor sensor that measures the odor of the measurement sample.
The sample odor evaluation value is the odor evaluation value of the measurement sample. The odor evaluation value is obtained from the measurement sample according to the procedure defined.
The sample odor quality is the odor quality of the measurement sample. The quality of odor is determined by the human sense of smell.
The quality of the scent is expressed by the linguistic expression of the scent.
The data recording unit 606 stores a plurality of calibration curves respectively associated with a plurality of sample odor qualities.

As for the quality of the odor, the original odor has not yet been elucidated and the classification has not yet been established, so there is something like "burnt odor", "rotty odor", "flowery odor", etc. It is displayed in linguistic expressions such as smell.
For example, the quality of odor is classified as follows.
Aromatic odor (melon, violet, garlic, cucumber, etc.)
Plant odor (algae odor, green grass odor, wood odor, seaweed odor, etc.)
Earthy odor, musty odor (earthy odor, swampy odor, musty odor, etc.)
Seafood odor (fish odor, liver oil odor, fluffy odor, etc.)
Chemical odor (phenol odor, tar odor, oil odor, fat odor, paraffin odor, hydrogen sulfide odor, chlorine odor, chlorophenol odor, etc.)
Metallic odors
Septic odor (brassy odor, sewage odor, swine odor, rot odor, etc.)
Unpleasant odor (unpleasant odor with strong fish odor, pig hut odor, rot odor, etc.)

The calibration curve is a sample output value obtained by measuring a plurality of measurement samples obtained by diluting the measurement target at different magnifications with an odor sensor, and a sample odor evaluation value obtained according to a procedure defined from the plurality of measurement samples. May be obtained approximately on the basis of at least two measurement points having the element.
Multiple measurement samples are made by diluting the measurement target at different magnifications.
Each of the plurality of measurement samples is measured to obtain a sample output value.
A sample odor evaluation value is obtained for each of a plurality of measurement samples according to a defined procedure.
A calibration curve is approximately obtained from measurement points having the obtained sample output value and sample odor evaluation value as elements.
For example, the calibration curve may be a broken line connecting a plurality of measurement points with straight lines.
For example, the calibration curve may be a curve obtained by a least square method from a plurality of measurement points. The curve may be an exponential function or an Nth order function with the odor evaluation value as a variable.
The data recording unit 606 stores the calibration curve in association with the odor quality.

When the calibration curve is represented by an exponential function, it is represented by the following formula.
Vs = Kse ^μx
Here, Vs is an output value. Ks is a coefficient of 1. μ is a coefficient of 2. x is an odor evaluation value. For example, the odor evaluation value is the concentration of the odor component.
When the calibration curve is approximated by an exponential function with the odor evaluation value as a variable, the calibration curve can be defined simply by determining the coefficients Ks and μ of the exponential function, and the exponential curve is well related to the correlation between the odor intensity value and the odor evaluation value. In addition, a calibration curve can be handled with a simple configuration.
In addition, since the calibration curve can be determined simply by determining the coefficients Ks and μ, the storage unit can store many calibration curves with a small capacity.
Different measurement objects have different values of the coefficients Ks and μ.

The calibration curve selection function F13 is a function for selecting a calibration curve associated with a sample odor quality approximate to the odor quality of the measurement target from a plurality of calibration curves.
Identify the quality of the odor being measured. For example, the quality of smell is specified by human sense of smell. Alternatively, the odor quality is empirically specified from the characteristics of the measurement target.
A sample odor quality approximating the specified odor quality is selected from the stored ones.
Select a calibration curve associated with the selected odor quality.

For example, a calibration curve associated with the sample odor quality belonging to the odor group is assigned to the N odor groups classified by odor quality, and one odor group is selected from the N odor groups, and the selected odor is selected. A calibration curve assigned to a group may be selected.
For example, the scent group may be displayed in a linguistic expression such as “what a scent”. The odor group names include aromatic odor, vegetable odor, earthy odor, musty odor, seafood odor, chemical odor, metallic odor, septic odor, and unpleasant odor.
For example, the odor group may be displayed by the name of the odor component substance. The names of odor components are “methyl mercaplan”, “trimethylamine”, “acetaldehyde”, “ethyl acetate”, “toluene”, “ammonia”, and the like.
For example, the odor group may be displayed in a term associated with a measurement object having an odor representing the quality of the odor. The terms associated with the measurement target are "Bill Pit", "Print Factory Entrance", "Print Factory Exit", "Coating Factory Entrance", "Paint Factory Exit", "Meat Processing Plant Entrance", "Meat Processing Plant Middle", "Garden", "Activated Carbon Deodorizer". “Agricultural wastewater”, “Plasma deodorizer”, etc.

The data recording unit 606 classifies and stores a plurality of calibration curves into a plurality of odor groups.
The data processing unit causes the operator who operates the odor measuring device to select the odor group.
The operator specifies an odor group to which the odor to be measured belongs.
The data processing unit 600 selects a calibration curve assigned to the specified odor group.

The odor evaluation value deriving function F14 is a function for deriving an odor evaluation value corresponding to the output value of the odor sensor that measures the odor of the measurement object using the selected calibration curve.
The odor evaluation value is derived from the output value of the odor sensor.
For example, the concentration (ppm) of the odor component or the odor index is derived from the output value (voltage) of the odor sensor using a calibration curve.

The measurement result output function F15 is a function for displaying the derived odor evaluation value.
The display unit 608 displays the obtained odor evaluation value in a graph or numerical value.

Next, an odor measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of an odor measurement program according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of an odor measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a vector diagram of odor output according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a data processing unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a scatter graph 1 of a calibration curve according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a second scatter graph of a calibration curve according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Hereinafter, the case where the odor measuring apparatus includes a measurement chamber will be described as an example.
The odor measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment includes a plurality (for example, two) of odor sensors.

  The description of the odor evaluation value is the same as the description of the odor measurement apparatus and the odor measurement program according to the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

First, the configuration of the odor measuring device will be described.
The odor measurement device 10 is a device that measures the odor of gas, and includes an odor sensor 100, a gas supply means 200, an odorless gas supply means 300, a measurement chamber 400, a gas discharge means 500, and a data processing unit 600. .

The configurations of the gas supply means 200, the odorless gas supply means 300, the measurement chamber 400, the gas discharge means 500, and the data processing unit 600 are the same as those of the odor measurement apparatus of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
The odor measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment has a plurality of odor sensors having different correlations between electrical characteristics and amounts and types of odorous substances.
For example, the odor sensor 100 includes an odor sensor A 100a and an odor sensor B 100b.

The sensitivity characteristic of the odor sensor A100a and the sensitivity characteristic of the odor sensor B100b may be different depending on the odor quality.
For example, the odor sensor A100a has a large variation in electrical characteristics with respect to an odor substance having a large molecular weight, and the odor sensor B100b has a large variation in electrical characteristics with respect to an odor substance having a small molecular weight.

For example, the sensitive unit 101 of the odor sensor A 100a has high sensitivity to heavy odor molecules having a relatively large molecular weight and low volatility. A typical example of the heavy odor molecule is an unsaturated aromatic hydrocarbon compound.
For example, the sensitive part 101 of the odor sensor B100b has high sensitivity to light odor molecules having a relatively small molecular weight and high volatility. A typical example of light odor molecules is alcohol.
The amount of the odor substance and the kind of the odor substance can be specified from the combination of the odor measurement outputs of the odor sensor A 100a and the odor sensor B 100b.

  Since the structure of each odor sensor A and odor sensor B has been described in the odor measuring apparatus of the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

By monitoring the odor measurement output Vcc of the plurality of odor sensors 100a and 100b, the amount and type of the odor substance can be measured.
The principle will be described below.

Odors and aromas are generally rarely present as a single chemical. A complex odor mixed with various simple chemical substances stimulates human olfaction. For this reason, the correlation between the amount of sensation given to the human sense of smell and the output value of the odor measuring device becomes extremely complicated.
A metal oxide semiconductor used as an element of an odor sensor has a good durability and a good correlation with an olfactory sense. The sensitive characteristics of this type of odor sensor react to a wide variety of odorous substances with a relatively wide range. It is also possible to select the sensitive characteristics by adjusting the oxidation-reduction reaction control by the catalyst and temperature and the molecular weight selectivity by the porous physical shape. Therefore, it is possible to provide sensitive selectivity for odor substances.
That is, sulfur compounds such as hydrogen sulfide, those having a hydroxyl group such as ammonia and alcohol, those having an aldehyde group such as acetaldehyde, those having a carboxyl group such as acetic acid, those having an amino group such as trinitroamine, acetic acid Sensor elements having characteristic sensitivity characteristics that can be classified into those having an ester bond such as ethyl and aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene and xylene can be manufactured.
Therefore, it is possible to determine the odor and smell by combining the odor sensor elements and calculating the various combinations of the output values thereof.

Hereinafter, a method for measuring the odor intensity and the odor type using the odor measurement outputs Vcc of the two odor sensors will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 9 shows an odor output vector according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the figure,
Aо is the output value Vcc of the odor sensor 100a.
Az is the calibration value Vcc of the odor sensor 100a.
Bо is the output value Vcc of the odor sensor 100b.
Bz is the calibration value Vcc of the odor sensor 100b.
The output values Aо and Bо are odor measurement outputs Vcc when gas is supplied to the sensitive part.
The calibration values Az and Bz are odor measurement outputs Vcc when odorless air is supplied to the sensitive part.
In the vector diagram, the output value Vcc of the odor sensor A100a with high sensitivity to the heavy system is calibrated with the calibration value Vcc (Aо-Az) as an X-axis element, and the output value of the odor sensor B100b with high sensitivity to the light system. This is an orthogonal coordinate system displaying vectors obtained when a value (B-Bz) obtained by calibrating Vcc with a calibration value Vcc is used as a Y-axis element. This vector is called an odor vector.
FIG. 9 shows an odor vector representing an odor 1 having lighter odor components than a heavy odor component, and an odor vector representing an odor 2 having a heavy odor component more than a light odor component. .
In this vector diagram, for example, the length of the odor vector is referred to as “odor intensity value”, and the value obtained by quantifying the inclination or direction of the odor vector is referred to as “odor smell value” representing “odor type”.
Experiments have confirmed that the correlation between the “odor intensity value” and the odor intensity, and the “odor value” and the correlation with the odor type approximate human sensitivity.

The data processing unit 600 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below.
FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a data processing unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.
The configuration of the data processing unit 600 is the same except that the data processing unit 600 includes a plurality of A / D conversion units 605 corresponding to the odor sensor A 100a and the odor sensor B 100b, and the odor measurement program built in the data processing unit is different. Only different points will be described.
The A / D conversion unit 605 takes the odor measurement output from the odor sensor A 100 a and the odor sensor B 100 b at a predetermined timing, performs analog / digital conversion, and sends the digital data to the main control unit 601.
The data storage unit 606 is a device that stores the odor measurement output in accordance with the designation from the main control unit 601.
The data calculation unit 607 takes in the odor measurement data recorded in the data storage unit 606, calculates the odor vector described above, and stores it in the data storage unit 606.
The display unit 608 is a device that displays the odor intensity and the odor type recorded in the data recording unit 606 as necessary. The display unit 608 displays an odor vector corresponding to the odor to be measured, and can monitor the intensity and type of each odor in time series from the length and inclination of the odor vector.

The odor measurement program according to the second embodiment is built in the data processing unit 600 of the odor measurement apparatus according to the second embodiment.
The odor measurement program according to the second embodiment is a program for determining an odor evaluation value defined for evaluating the odor intensity of a measurement target.
The odor measurement program according to the second embodiment has an odor sensor A that outputs an output value A corresponding to the intensity of the odor and an odor sensor B that outputs an output value B corresponding to the intensity of the odor. The data processing unit for the measuring device includes an output value capturing function F21, an odor intensity value deriving function F22, an odor and odor quality value deriving function F23, a recording function F24, a calibration curve selection function F25, an odor evaluation value deriving function F26, and a measurement. The result output function F27 is realized.

The functions realized by the odor measurement program according to the second embodiment will be described in detail.
The output value capturing function F21 is a function of driving the odor sensor A 100a and the odor sensor B 100b and capturing the output value A and the output value B.

Odorless gas (odorless air) is introduced into the measurement chamber.
The odor sensor A100a is driven to capture the odor measurement output Az.
The odor sensor B100b is driven to capture the odor measurement output Bz.
A measurement object is introduced into the measurement chamber 400.
The odor sensor A100a is driven and the odor measurement output AO is captured.
The odor sensor B100b is driven to capture the odor measurement output BO.
The odor measurement outputs AO and BO are corrected to zero using the odor measurement outputs Az and Bz.
That is, the following calculation is performed.
Va = A0−Az
Vb = B0-Bz
Va and Vb are output values corresponding to odor intensity.
The output value V is 0 when the object to be measured is odorless, and increases as the odor intensity increases.

The odor intensity value deriving function F22 is a function for deriving an odor intensity value from the output value A and the output value B. The odor intensity value is a value having an increasing / decreasing tendency that approximately matches the increasing / decreasing tendency of one or both of the output value A and the output value B. The odor intensity value is an increase / decrease of both the output value A and the output value B. You may increase / decrease substantially according to a tendency.
For example, when the output value A increases, the odor intensity value increases, and when the output value A decreases, the odor intensity value decreases. Further, when the output value B increases, the odor intensity value increases, and when the output value B decreases, the odor intensity value decreases.

For example, the odor intensity value may be the square root of the sum of the square of the output value A and the square of the output value B.
That is,

For example, the odor intensity value may be a product of the output value A and the output value B.
That is,
Odor intensity value = Va × Vb

  The odor intensity value may be increased or decreased substantially in accordance with one of the increasing and decreasing trends of the output value A and the output value B.

When the output value A increases, the odor intensity value increases, and when the output value A decreases, the odor intensity value decreases.
For example, the odor intensity value may be the output value A.
That is,
Odor intensity value = Va

When the output value B increases, the odor intensity value increases, and when the output value B decreases, the odor intensity value decreases.
For example, the odor intensity value may be the output value B.
That is,
Odor intensity value = Vb

  The odor fragrance value deriving function F23 is a function for deriving the odor fragrance value from the output value A and the output value B. The odor quality value is a value corresponding to the ratio between the output value A and the output value B.

For example, the odor quality value is a value obtained by dividing the output value A by the output value B.
That is,
Odor and odor quality value = output value A / output value B

For example, the odor quality value is a value obtained by dividing the output value B by the output value A.
That is,
Odor and odor quality value = output value B / output value A

For example, the odor quality value is the following angle θ.
tan θ = output value A / output value B

For example, the odor quality value is the following angle θ.
tan θ = output value B / output value A

The recording function F24 previously associates a plurality of calibration curves representing the correlation between the sample odor intensity value and the sample odor evaluation value for each measurement sample, which is a plurality of measurement target samples, in association with the sample odor odor quality value. It is a function to memorize.

The sample odor intensity value is the odor intensity value of the measurement sample.
The sample odor evaluation value is the odor evaluation value of the measurement sample.
The sample odor quality value is the odor quality value of the measurement sample.
The data recording unit 606 stores a plurality of calibration curves associated with a plurality of odor quality values.

The calibration curve includes at least two sample odor scent intensity values of a plurality of measurement samples obtained by diluting the measurement target at different magnifications and a sample odor evaluation value obtained according to a procedure defined from the plurality of measurement samples. It may be obtained approximately based on two measurement points.
Multiple measurement samples are made by diluting the measurement target at different magnifications.
The output value A and the output value B are measured by measuring each of the plurality of measurement samples.
From the output value A and the output value B, the sample odor intensity value and the sample odor quality value are derived.
A sample odor evaluation value is obtained for each of a plurality of measurement samples according to a defined procedure.
A calibration curve is approximately obtained from measurement points having the obtained sample output value and sample odor evaluation value as elements.
For example, the calibration curve may be a broken line connecting a plurality of measurement points with straight lines.
For example, the calibration curve may be a curve obtained by a least square method from a plurality of measurement points. The curve may be an exponential function or an Nth order function with the odor evaluation value as a variable.
For example, the calibration curve may be an exponential function with an odor evaluation value connecting two measurement points as a variable.
The data storage unit 606 stores the calibration curve in association with the sample odor quality value.

The case where the calibration curve is expressed by an exponential function with the odor evaluation value as a variable will be described.
S = Kse ^μx
Here, S is an odor intensity value. Ks is a coefficient of 1. μ is a coefficient of 2. x is an odor evaluation value. For example, the odor evaluation value is the concentration of the odor component.
When the calibration curve is approximated by an exponential function with the odor evaluation value as a variable, the calibration curve can be defined simply by determining the coefficients Ks and μ of the exponential function, and the exponential curve is well related to the correlation between the odor intensity value and the odor evaluation value. In addition, a calibration curve can be handled with a simple configuration.
In addition, the calibration curve can be determined simply by determining the coefficients Ks and μ.
When the sample odor and fragrance values are different, the values of the coefficients Ks and μ are different.

The calibration curve selection function F25 selects a calibration curve associated with the sample odor fragrance value approximated to the odor fragrance value to be measured from the plurality of calibration curves P.
Identify the odor and odor values to be measured.
A sample odor scent value that approximates the specified odor scent value is selected from the calibration curve stored in the data storage unit 606.
Select a calibration curve associated with the selected odor value.

Arbitrary numerical value ranges of odor and scent values are divided into N, N calibration curves associated with sample odor and scent values included in the divided numerical value ranges are assigned to the respective divided numerical value ranges, and N calibration values are assigned. You may select the calibration curve allocated to the division | segmentation numerical value width | variety containing the odor odor quality value of a measuring object from a line.
An arbitrary numerical range of the odor and fragrance value is divided into N.
For example, when the odor quality value is displayed by θ, the numerical value range of 90 degrees is divided into three in units of 30 degrees.
N calibration curves associated with the sample odor and fragrance values included in the divided numerical value width are assigned to the respective divided numerical value widths.
For example, a calibration curve obtained from a measurement sample in which the sample odor and fragrance value is measured as 15 degrees is assigned to a divided numerical value range of 0 to 30 degrees. A calibration curve obtained from a measurement sample in which the sample odor and fragrance value is measured as 45 degrees is assigned to a divided numerical value range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. A calibration curve obtained from a measurement sample having a sample odor quality value of 75 degrees is assigned to a divided numerical value range of 60 degrees to 90 degrees.
From the N calibration curves, the calibration curve assigned to the divided numerical value range including the odor and odor value to be measured is selected.
For example, when the measurement target odor and odor quality value is 40 degrees, a calibration curve assigned to a divided numerical value range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees is selected.

The calibration curve selection function F25 extracts a plurality of calibration curves associated with a plurality of sample odor scent values approximated to the measurement target odor scent value from the plurality of calibration curves, and the extracted plurality of calibration curves. An imaginary line generated by interpolation or extrapolation may be selected as a calibration curve based on odor and odor quality values as variables.
Derive the odor quality value of the measurement target.
From the plurality of calibration curves, find the closest sample odor quality value smaller than the measurement target odor quality value. In addition, the closest sample odor quality value that is larger than the odor quality value to be measured is found. From the two calibration curves associated with the sample odor odor value and the two sample odor odor values, an optimal virtual line is generated by the interpolation method for the odor odor value to be measured, and the imaginary line is used as the calibration curve. Select as.
From the plurality of calibration curves, find the two closest sample odor odor values that are smaller or larger than the odor odor value to be measured. From the two calibration curves associated with the sample odor odor values and the two sample odor odor values, an imaginary line that is optimal for the odor odor value of the measurement target is generated by extrapolation, and the imaginary line is used as the calibration curve. Select as.
FIG. 11 shows the odor and odor values obtained from a calibration curve P obtained from a measurement sample having a sample odor fragrance value of 30 degrees and a calibration curve P obtained from a measurement sample having a sample odor and fragrance value of 40 degrees. A state is shown in which a virtual line Q having an odor and odor quality value of 35 degrees is generated by an interpolation method using as a variable.

The odor evaluation value deriving function F26 is a function for deriving an odor evaluation value corresponding to the odor intensity value to be measured using the selected calibration curve P.
The odor intensity value is derived from the odor sensor A, the output value A, and the output value B of the odor sensor B.
An odor evaluation value is obtained using a calibration curve selected from odor intensity values.
For example, the concentration (ppm) of the odor component or the odor index is derived from the odor intensity value using a calibration curve.

The measurement result output function F27 displays the derived odor evaluation value.
The display unit 608 displays the obtained odor evaluation value in a graph or numerical value.

Next, the odor measuring method according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 13 is a procedure diagram of the odor measuring method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The odor measurement method according to the first embodiment is a method for determining an odor evaluation value defined for evaluating the odor intensity of a measurement target.
The odor measurement method according to the first embodiment includes an odor sensor preparation step S10, an output value capture step S11, a storage step S12, a calibration curve selection step S13, an odor evaluation value derivation step S14, and a measurement result output step S15. Is done.

(Odor sensor preparation process)
The odor sensor preparation step S10 is a step of preparing an odor sensor that outputs an output value corresponding to the intensity of the odor.
The odor sensor outputs an output value corresponding to the intensity of the odor.

(Output value capture process)
The output value capturing step S11 is a step of measuring an object to be measured by an odor sensor and capturing an output value.
Odorless gas (odorless air) is brought into contact with the sensitive part of the odor sensor 100.
The odor sensor 100 is driven to capture the odor measurement output Vz. The measurement object is brought into contact with the sensitive part of the odor sensor 100.
The odor sensor 100 is driven to capture the odor measurement output V0.
The odor measurement output V0 is zero-corrected using the odor measurement output Vz.
That is, the following calculation is performed.
V = V0-Vz
V is an output value corresponding to the intensity of the odor.
The output value V is 0 when the object to be measured is odorless, and increases as the odor intensity increases.

(Memory process)
The storing step is a step of storing in advance a plurality of calibration curves representing the correlation between the sample output value and the sample odor evaluation value in association with each sample odor quality for each measurement sample that is a plurality of measurement target samples. .
The sample output value is an output value of the odor sensor that measures the odor of the measurement sample.
The sample odor evaluation value is the odor evaluation value of the measurement sample.
The sample odor quality is the odor quality of the measurement sample.
What kind of smell is the quality of the smell?
A plurality of calibration curves respectively associated with a plurality of sample odor qualities are stored.
The description of the odor quality is the same as the description of the odor measuring apparatus, and will be omitted.

Sample odor evaluation value obtained according to a procedure defined from a plurality of measurement samples and a sample output value obtained by measuring with the odor sensor of a plurality of measurement samples obtained by diluting the measurement target at different magnifications May be obtained approximately on the basis of at least two measurement points having the element.
Multiple measurement samples are made by diluting the measurement target at different magnifications.
Each of the plurality of measurement samples is measured to obtain a sample output value.
A sample odor evaluation value is obtained for each of a plurality of measurement samples according to a defined procedure.
A calibration curve is approximately obtained from measurement points having the obtained sample output value and sample odor evaluation value as elements.
For example, the calibration curve may be a broken line connecting a plurality of measurement points with straight lines.
For example, the calibration curve may be a curve obtained by a least square method from a plurality of measurement points. The curve may be an exponential function or an Nth order function with the odor evaluation value as a variable.

(Calibration curve selection process)
The calibration curve selection step S13 is a step of selecting a calibration curve associated with the sample odor quality approximated to the odor quality of the measurement target from a plurality of calibration curves.
Identify the quality of the odor being measured.
A sample odor quality approximating the specified odor quality is selected from the stored ones.
Select a calibration curve associated with the selected odor quality.

For example, a calibration curve associated with the sample odor quality belonging to the odor group is assigned to the N odor groups classified by odor quality, and one odor group is selected from the N odor groups, and the selected odor is selected. A calibration curve assigned to a group may be selected.
The description of the odor group is the same as the description of the odor measuring apparatus, and will be omitted.

(Odor evaluation value derivation process)
The evaluation value deriving step S14 is a step of deriving an odor evaluation value corresponding to the output value of the odor sensor that measures the odor of the measurement object using the selected calibration curve.
The odor evaluation value is derived from the output value of the odor sensor.
For example, the concentration (ppm) of the odor component or the odor index is derived from the output value (voltage) of the odor sensor using a calibration curve.

(Measurement result output process)
The measurement result output step S15 is a step of outputting the measured odor evaluation value.
The obtained odor evaluation value is displayed graphically or numerically.

Next, an odor measurement method according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 14 is a procedure diagram of the odor measuring method according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
The odor measurement method according to the second embodiment is a method for determining an odor evaluation value defined for evaluating the odor intensity of a measurement target.
The odor measuring method includes odor sensor preparation step S20, output value capturing step S21, odor intensity value derivation step S22, odor odor quality value derivation step S23, storage step S24, calibration curve selection step S25, and odor evaluation value derivation step S26. And measurement result output step S27.

(Odor sensor preparation process)
The odor sensor preparation step S20 is a step of preparing an odor sensor A that outputs an output value A corresponding to the odor intensity and an odor sensor B that outputs an output value B corresponding to the odor intensity.
The odor sensor A measures the odor to be measured and outputs an output value A corresponding to the intensity of the odor.
The odor sensor B measures the odor of the measurement target and outputs an output value B corresponding to the intensity of the odor.

  The sensitivity characteristic of the odor sensor A and the sensitivity characteristic of the odor sensor B may be different depending on the quality of the odor.

(Output value capture process)
The output value capturing step S21 is a step of measuring the measurement object with the odor sensor A and capturing the output value A, and measuring the measurement object with the odor sensor B and capturing the output value B.
Odorless gas (odorless air) is introduced into the measurement chamber.
The odor sensor A100a is driven to capture the odor measurement output Az.
The odor sensor B100b is driven to capture the odor measurement output Bz.
A measurement object is introduced into the measurement chamber 400.
The odor sensor A100a is driven and the odor measurement output AO is captured.
The odor sensor B100b is driven to capture the odor measurement output BO.
The odor measurement outputs AO and BO are corrected to zero using the odor measurement outputs Az and Bz.
That is, the following calculation is performed.
Va = A0−Az
Vb = B0-Bz
Va and Vb are output values corresponding to odor intensity.
The output values Va and Vb are 0 when the object to be measured is odorless, and increase as the odor intensity increases.

(Odor intensity value deriving process)
The odor intensity value deriving step S22 is a step of deriving an odor intensity value that is a value having an increase / decrease tendency that matches one or both of the increase / decrease trends from the output value A and the output value B.
When the output value A increases, the odor intensity value increases, and when the output value A decreases, the odor intensity value decreases.
When the output value B increases, the odor intensity value increases, and when the output value B decreases, the odor intensity value decreases.
Since the description of the odor intensity value is the same as that described in the odor measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment, it will be omitted.

(Odor and scent quality value derivation process)
The odor and scent value deriving step S23 is a step of deriving an odor and scent value that is a value corresponding to both ratios from the output value A and the output value B.
Since the description of the odor quality value is the same as the description of the odor measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

(Memory process)
The storing step S24 stores in advance a plurality of calibration curves representing the correlation between the sample odor intensity value and the sample odor evaluation value for each sample, which is a plurality of samples to be measured, in association with the sample odor odor values. It is.
The sample odor intensity value is the odor intensity value of the measurement sample.
The sample odor evaluation value is the odor evaluation value of the measurement sample.
The sample odor quality value is the odor quality value of the measurement sample.
The data recording unit 606 stores a plurality of calibration curves associated with a plurality of odor quality values.

The calibration curve includes at least two odor intensity values of a plurality of measurement samples obtained by diluting the measurement target at different magnifications and sample odor evaluation values obtained according to a procedure defined from the plurality of measurement samples. It may be obtained approximately based on the measurement point.
Multiple measurement samples are made by diluting the measurement target at different magnifications.
The output value A and the output value B are measured by measuring each of the plurality of measurement samples.
From the output value A and the output value B, the sample odor intensity value and the sample odor quality value are derived.
A sample odor evaluation value is obtained according to a procedure defined from each of a plurality of measurement samples.
A calibration curve is approximately obtained from measurement points having the obtained sample output value and sample odor evaluation value as elements.
For example, the calibration curve may be a broken line connecting a plurality of measurement points with straight lines.
For example, the calibration curve may be a curve obtained by a least square method from a plurality of measurement points. The curve may be an exponential function or an Nth order function with the odor evaluation value as a variable.
This calibration curve is stored in association with the sample odor quality value.
The description when the calibration curve is expressed by an exponential function is the same as the description of the odor measurement apparatus and the odor measurement program according to the second embodiment, and will be omitted.

(Calibration curve selection process)
The calibration curve selection step S25 is a step of selecting a calibration curve associated with the sample odor fragrance value approximated to the odor fragrance value to be measured from a plurality of calibration curves.
Identify the odor and odor values to be measured.
A sample odor scent value that approximates the specified odor scent value is selected from those stored in the data storage unit 606.
Select a calibration curve associated with the selected odor value.

For example, an arbitrary numerical value range of odor and fragrance values is divided into N, and N calibration curves associated with sample odor and odor values included in the divided numerical value width are assigned to the divided numerical value ranges, respectively. The calibration curve assigned to the divided numerical value range including the odor and odor quality value to be measured may be selected from the calibration curves.
The description of the N-division method is the same as the description of the odor measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment, and will be omitted.

For example, from a plurality of calibration curves, a plurality of calibration curves associated with a plurality of sample odor odor values that approximate the odor quality value to be measured are extracted, and the odor is extracted based on the extracted plurality of calibration curves. A virtual line generated by interpolation or extrapolation using the fragrance value as a variable may be selected as a calibration curve.
Since the description of the procedure for generating the calibration curve is the same as that of the odor measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

(Odor evaluation value derivation process)
The odor evaluation value deriving step S26 is a step of deriving an odor evaluation value corresponding to the odor intensity value to be measured using the selected calibration curve.
The odor intensity value is derived from the odor sensor A, the output value A, and the output value B of the odor sensor B.
An odor evaluation value is obtained using a calibration curve selected from odor intensity values.
For example, the concentration (ppm) of the odor component or the odor index is derived from the odor intensity value using a calibration curve.

(Measurement result output process)
In the measurement result output step S27, the derived odor evaluation value is displayed.
The obtained odor evaluation value is displayed graphically or numerically.

Below, the operation method of the odor measuring apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention is demonstrated based on figures.
FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram of a system using the odor measuring apparatus according to the present invention.
(1) Acquisition of calibration curve data In order to obtain a calibration curve, the target odor is measured with an odor measuring device.
The value measured by the odor measuring device is transferred to a terminal device 20 such as a personal computer or a workstation having a communication program with the odor measuring device 10.

(2) Creation of calibration curve data The terminal device 20 generates a measured value and a value estimated based on the measured value as calibration curve data.
The data to be generated is inferred based on the odor intensity value obtained by measuring with an odor measuring device.
The data of the odor quality value obtained by measuring with the odor measuring device is added to the generated data.
The generated data includes at least two measurement points obtained by diluting a source odor and a product diluted at a predetermined dilution rate until it is judged as odorless.
"Odor name", "dilution ratio", "odor intensity value", "odor quality", and "odor index" are added to the generated data. A summary of these is called odor index data.
The odor index data is added to the “measurement date” and “data creation date” data and recorded in the terminal device as an odor data file.

(3) Registration of calibration curve data Odor index data managed by the terminal device is transmitted to the odor measuring device via a communication program with the odor measuring device.
The data to be transmitted can be arbitrarily selected by the operator using “odor name”, “measurement date”, and “data creation date” as keys from the managed odor index data.
The odor measuring device stores received odor index data.
The odor measuring device can additionally register odor index data.
The odor measuring device stores appropriate odor and odor index data in the storage unit in the initial state.
For example, the odor fragrance value is registered in the odor measuring apparatus as one data default value in the range of 0 to 30 degrees. The odor quality value is registered in the odor measuring apparatus as one data default value in the range of 30 to 60 degrees. The odor quality value is registered in the odor measuring apparatus as one data default value within the range of 60 to 90 degrees.

(4) Reflection of calibration curve data The odor measuring device selects a calibration curve related to the closest odor quality value from the odor index data registered in the storage unit, and the odor intensity value during measurement. The odor index is derived from
The odor index is based on the odor intensity value of the selected odor data, and is a linear interpolation method from the most recently registered value and the most recently registered value of the odor intensity value being measured. Calculate by proportional calculation.
The measured odor index is displayed on the display of the odor measuring device.

Next, test results conducted for verifying and evaluating the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 15 is a graph showing the relationship between the odor intensity value and the odor component concentration according to the example. FIG. 16 is a graph showing the relationship between the odor and odor quality value and the concentration of odor components according to the example. FIG. 17 is a graph showing the relationship between the odor intensity value and the odor index according to the example.
FIG. 15 is a graph showing the measurement results of the correlation between typical odor intensity values of methyl mercaptan, trimethylamine, acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, toluene, and ammonia and the concentration of odor components.
It can be seen that the correlation between the odor intensity value and the concentration differs depending on each odor component.
A correlation curve between the odor intensity value and the concentration is a calibration curve.

FIG. 16 shows the result of measuring the odor quality value using two odor sensors.
The odor sensor A having an output value on the X axis has reaction characteristics sensitive to aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene and xylene.
The odor sensor B having an output axis on the Y axis has a reaction measurement sensitive to hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, alcohol, acetic acid, acetaldehyde, amines, esters and the like.
From the corrected 0 point (no odor) as the starting point, an odor vector can be formed whose ending point is the orthogonal coordinate intersection of the values on the X and Y axes, which are the output values of each odor sensor.
The length of the odor vector corresponds to the odor intensity value, and the inclination of the odor vector corresponds to the odor quality value.
Heavy odor values such as toluene are low around 20 degrees.
Ammonia, trimethylamine, acetaldehyde, etc. show high values of 50 degrees or more.
In this way, since the inclination of the odor vector differs depending on the type and ratio of the odor component constituting the measurement object, the odor quality can be determined based on the odor quality value.
From this, it is understood that it is possible to select a calibration curve related to the odor quality value close to the odor quality value to be measured by storing a plurality of calibration curves and discriminating the inclination of the odor vector. .

FIG. 17 is a graph showing the correlation between the odor intensity value and the odor index for various complex odors.
Sampling odors such as building pits, printing plants, painting plants, meat processing plants, garbage processing plants, deodorizers, dirty ponds, agricultural wastewater, etc., which generate odors, and correlate odor intensity values with odor indexes Was determined by actual measurement.
It can be seen that the types of constituent chemical substances and the composition ratios of the composite odor generated vary depending on the facility, and the correlation between the odor intensity value obtained by the odor measuring apparatus and the odor index is different.
It can be seen that a calibration curve is stored in the storage unit of the odor measuring device, and the odor intensity value can be converted into an odor index during measurement.

If the odor measuring apparatus, the odor measuring method, and the odor measuring program of the above-described embodiment are used, the following effects are exhibited.
Using the odor sensor 100 that outputs an output value corresponding to the intensity of the odor, a calibration curve representing the correlation between the output value created in advance using the measurement sample and the odor evaluation value is stored in association with the odor quality and measured. Since the odor evaluation value is derived from the output value using the calibration curve related to the odor quality approximate to the odor quality of the target, it is more appropriate for the measurement target according to the odor quality of the measurement target. A calibration curve can be selected.
Further, the odor evaluation value of the measurement target can be derived from the output value of the measurement result using the calibration curve.
In addition, since the measurement target is diluted to create a plurality of measurement samples, the calibration curve is approximated from the measurement points whose elements are the output value and the odor evaluation value obtained by measuring the measurement sample. If you have one sample, you can easily create a new calibration curve by diluting it to several.
In addition, since one odor group is selected from the N odor groups and the calibration curve assigned to the selected odor group is selected, the odor quality of the target substance is selected from the plurality of odor groups. When the odor group to which the odor belongs is selected, the odor measuring device can derive the odor evaluation value.
Moreover, since the calibration curve is approximated by an exponential function with the odor evaluation value as a variable, the calibration curve can be defined simply by determining the coefficients Ks and μ of the exponential function, and the exponential curve is the correlation between the odor intensity value and the odor evaluation value. The calibration curve can be handled with a simple configuration.
Using the odor sensor A that outputs the output value A corresponding to the intensity of the odor and the odor sensor B that outputs the output value B, the increase / decrease tendency corresponding to one or both of the increase / decrease trends from the output value A and the output value B The odor intensity value corresponding to the ratio between the output value A and the output value B is obtained, and the correlation between the odor intensity value and the odor evaluation value created in advance using the point sample is calculated. The calibration curve to be expressed is stored in association with the odor odor value, and the odor evaluation value is derived from the odor intensity value using the calibration curve associated with the odor odor value approximated to the odor odor value to be measured. Since there is a correlation between the odor intensity value and the odor intensity, and there is a correlation between the odor quality value and the odor quality, it is possible to select a more appropriate calibration curve for the measurement object according to the odor quality of the measurement object. The odor evaluation value of the measurement object can be derived from the output value of the measurement result using the calibration curve.
Using the odor sensor A that outputs the output value A corresponding to the intensity of the odor and the odor sensor B that outputs the output value B, the square root of (Va ² + Vb ² ) is expressed from the output value Aa and the output value BVb. The calibration curve representing the correlation between the odor intensity value and the odor evaluation value created in advance using the measurement sample is obtained. The odor intensity value is derived from the odor intensity value using a calibration curve that is stored in association with the odor intensity value and is related to the odor intensity value approximated to the measurement target odor intensity value. Value and odor intensity are correlated, and there is a correlation between odor and odor quality values and odor quality, so it is possible to select a more appropriate calibration curve for the measurement target according to the odor quality of the measurement target. Can be used to derive the odor evaluation value of the measurement object from the output value of the measurement result.
Further, when the sensitivity characteristics of the odor sensor A and the sensitivity characteristics of the odor sensor B are different depending on the measurement object having different odor quality, the odor quality value and the odor quality have a strong correlation. Since the odor quality value and the odor quality have a strong correlation, when a calibration curve is selected based on the odor quality value, a calibration curve suitable for the measurement object can be selected.
Moreover, since the numerical range of the odor quality value is divided into N, a calibration curve is assigned to the divided numerical value width, and the calibration curve assigned to the divided numerical value width including the odor quality value of the measurement target is used, Even when there is no directly derived calibration curve, the calibration curve more appropriate for the measurement object can be selected according to the odor and odor quality value of the measurement object.
Further, the numerical value width 90 degrees of the odorous value θ represented by tan θ = Vb / Va is divided into N, a calibration curve is assigned to the divided numerical value width, and the divided numerical value width including the odorous value to be measured is obtained. Since the assigned calibration curve is used, even when there is no calibration curve directly derived from the measurement object, the calibration curve more appropriate for the measurement object can be selected according to the odor and odor quality value of the measurement object.
In addition, since the measurement target is diluted to create a plurality of measurement samples, the calibration curve is approximated from the measurement points whose elements are the odor intensity value and the odor evaluation value obtained by measuring the measurement sample. If there is a single sample, it is possible to easily create a new calibration curve by dividing it and diluting it into several types.
In addition, since a more appropriate calibration curve is created by calculation by interpolation or extrapolation method using the difference between odor and scent values from a plurality of pre-recorded calibration curves, depending on the odor and scent value to be measured Thus, the calibration curve more suitable for the measurement object can be selected.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
Although the odor measuring device, the odor measuring method, and the odor measuring program using one or two odor sensors have been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more odor sensors may be used.

It is a functional block diagram of the program for odor measurement which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an odor measuring apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the odor sensor which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a sensitivity characteristic figure of the odor sensor which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the data processing part which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a dispersion | distribution graph of the calibration curve which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the program for odor measurement which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the odor measuring apparatus which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a vector diagram of the odor output which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the data processing part which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is the dispersion | distribution graph 1 of the calibration curve which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is the dispersion | distribution graph 2 of the calibration curve which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure of the odor measuring method which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure of the odor measuring method which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a relationship graph figure of the odor intensity | strength value-concentration of an odor component which concerns on an Example. It is a relationship graph figure of the odor intensity | strength value-odor index | exponent which concerns on an Example. It is a relationship graph figure of the odor quality value-concentration of an odor component which concerns on an Example. It is a system diagram using the odor measuring apparatus according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

H Measurement space F11 Output value capture function F12 Storage function F13 Calibration curve selection function F14 Odor evaluation value derivation function F15 Measurement result output function F21 Output value capture function F22 Odor scent intensity value derivation function F23 Odor scent quality value derivation function F24 Memory Function F25 Calibration curve selection function F26 Odor evaluation value derivation function F27 Measurement result output function S10 Odor sensor preparation process S11 Output value capture process S12 Storage process S13 Calibration curve selection function S14 Odor evaluation value derivation process S15 Measurement result output process S20 Odor sensor Preparatory process S21 Output value capture process S22 Odor intensity value derivation process S23 Odor odor quality value derivation process S24 Storage process S25 Calibration curve selection process S26 Odor evaluation value derivation process S27 Measurement result output process P Calibration curve Q Virtual line 10 Odor measurement Device 20 Personal computer 100 Odor sensor 100a Odor Capacitors A
100b Odor sensor B
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Sensing part 102 Heater 103 Switching element 104 Load resistance 105 Power supply 106 Heater heating pulse 107 Odor measurement output 200 Gas supply means 210 Gas introduction means 211 Sample suction pipe 212 Sample valve 213 Sample introduction pipe 300 Odorless gas supply means 310 Odorless gas generation means 320 Odorless gas introduction means 400 Measurement chamber 500 Gas discharge means 501 Gas discharge pipe 502 Discharge valve 503 Gas discharge pipe 504 Gas discharge pump 505 Gas discharge pipe 600 Data processing section 601 Main control section 602 Pulse generation section 603 Measurement time setting timer 604 interface Unit 605 A / D conversion unit 606 data storage unit 607 data operation unit 608 display unit

Claims (18)

An odor measurement program for determining an odor evaluation value defined for evaluating the odor intensity of a measurement object,
In the data processing unit for an odor measuring device having an odor sensor that outputs an output value corresponding to the intensity of the odor,
Correlation between the sample output value, which is the output value of the odor sensor, and the sample odor evaluation value, which is the odor evaluation value of the measurement sample, for each measurement sample that is a plurality of measurement target samples. A storage function for storing in advance a plurality of calibration curves representing the sample odor quality, which is the odor quality of the measurement sample,
A calibration curve selection function for selecting the calibration curve associated with the sample odor quality approximated to the odor quality of the measurement target from the plurality of calibration curves;
An odor evaluation value deriving function for deriving an odor evaluation value corresponding to the output value of the odor sensor that measures the odor of the measurement object using the selected calibration curve;
An odor measurement program characterized by realizing The sample odor obtained by a calibration curve according to a procedure defined from the sample output value obtained by measuring a plurality of measurement samples obtained by diluting the measurement object at different magnifications with the odor sensor and the plurality of measurement samples. It is approximately obtained based on at least two measurement points whose elements are evaluation values.
The odor measurement program according to claim 1, wherein: The calibration curve selection function assigns the calibration curve associated with the sample odor quality belonging to the odor group to N odor groups classified by odor quality,
One odor group is selected from the N odor groups,
Selecting the calibration curve assigned to the selected odor group;
The odor measurement program according to claim 1, wherein: An odor measuring device for determining an odor evaluation value defined for evaluating the odor intensity of a measurement object,
An odor sensor that outputs an output value corresponding to the intensity of the odor;
A data processing unit including the odor measurement program according to claim 1;
An odor measuring apparatus comprising: An odor measurement program for determining an odor evaluation value defined for evaluating the odor intensity of a measurement object,
A data processing unit for an odor measuring apparatus having an odor sensor A that outputs an output value A corresponding to the intensity of the odor and an odor sensor B that outputs an output value B corresponding to the intensity of the odor.
An odor intensity value deriving function for deriving an odor intensity value that is a value having an increase / decrease tendency that approximately matches one or both of the increase / decrease trends from the output value A and the output value B;
An odor and odor value derivation function for deriving an odor and odor value that is a value corresponding to both ratios from the output value A and the output value B;
A plurality of calibrations representing a correlation between a sample odor intensity value that is the odor intensity value of the measurement sample and a sample odor evaluation value that is an odor evaluation value of the measurement sample for each measurement sample that is a plurality of measurement target samples A storage function for storing a line in advance in association with each sample odor odor value that is the odor odor value of the measurement sample;
A calibration curve selection function for selecting the calibration curve associated with the sample odor odor quality value approximated to the odor odor quality value to be measured from a plurality of calibration curves;
An odor evaluation value deriving function for deriving an odor evaluation value corresponding to the odor intensity value of the measurement object using the selected calibration curve;
An odor measurement program characterized by realizing The sensitivity characteristics of the odor sensor A and the sensitivity characteristics of the odor sensor B differ depending on the odor quality.
The odor measurement program according to claim 5. The calibration curve selection function includes N calibration curves associated with the sample odor fragrance values included in the divided numerical value widths in respective divided numerical value widths obtained by dividing an arbitrary numerical value width of the odor fragrance values into N. Each assigned,
Selecting the calibration curve assigned to the divided numerical value range including the odor and odor quality value to be measured from the N calibration curves;
The odor measurement program according to claim 5. The calibration curve includes, as elements, the sample odor intensity values of a plurality of measurement samples obtained by diluting the measurement target at different magnifications, and the sample odor evaluation values obtained according to a procedure defined from the plurality of measurement samples. Is obtained approximately based on at least two measurement points.
The odor measurement program according to claim 5. The calibration curve selection function extracts a plurality of calibration curves associated with the plurality of sample odor odor values that approximate the odor odor value of the measurement target from the plurality of calibration curves, and is extracted. Selecting, as the calibration curve, a virtual line generated by an interpolation method or an extrapolation method using the odor and odor value as a variable based on the plurality of calibration curves;
The odor measurement program according to claim 5. An odor measuring device for determining an odor evaluation value defined for evaluating the odor intensity of a measurement object,
An odor sensor A that outputs an output value A corresponding to the intensity of the odor,
An odor sensor B that outputs an output value B corresponding to the intensity of the odor;
A data processing unit incorporating the odor measurement program according to claim 5;
An odor measuring apparatus comprising: An odor measurement method for determining an odor evaluation value defined for evaluating the odor intensity of a measurement object,
An odor sensor preparation step of preparing an odor sensor that outputs an output value corresponding to the intensity of the odor;
Correlation between the sample output value, which is the output value of the odor sensor, and the sample odor evaluation value, which is the odor evaluation value of the measurement sample, for each measurement sample that is a plurality of measurement target samples. A storage step of storing in advance a plurality of calibration curves representing the sample odor quality, which is the odor quality of the measurement sample, in association with each of them;
A calibration curve selection step of selecting the calibration curve associated with the sample odor quality approximated to the odor quality of the measurement target from the plurality of calibration curves;
An evaluation value deriving step of deriving an odor evaluation value corresponding to the output value of the odor sensor that measures the odor of the measurement object using the selected calibration curve;
An odor measurement method comprising: The sample odor obtained by a calibration curve according to a procedure defined from the sample output value obtained by measuring a plurality of measurement samples obtained by diluting the measurement object at different magnifications with the odor sensor and the plurality of measurement samples. It is approximately obtained based on at least two measurement points whose elements are evaluation values.
The odor measurement method according to claim 11. The calibration curve selection step assigns the calibration curve associated with the sample odor quality belonging to the odor group to N odor groups classified by odor quality,
Selecting one odor group from among the N odor groups, and selecting the calibration curve assigned to the selected odor group;
The odor measurement method according to claim 11. An odor measurement method for determining an odor evaluation value defined for evaluating the odor intensity of a measurement object,
An odor sensor preparation step of preparing an odor sensor A that outputs an output value A corresponding to an odor intensity and an odor sensor B that outputs an output value B corresponding to an odor intensity;
An odor intensity value deriving step for deriving an odor intensity value that is a value having an increasing / decreasing tendency that matches one or both increasing / decreasing trends from the output value A and the output value B;
An odor and odor value deriving step for deriving an odor and odor value that is a value corresponding to both ratios from the output value A and the output value B;
A plurality of calibrations representing a correlation between a sample odor intensity value that is the odor intensity value of the measurement sample and a sample odor evaluation value that is an odor evaluation value of the measurement sample for each measurement sample that is a plurality of measurement target samples A storage step of storing a line in advance associated with each sample odor odor value, which is the odor odor value of the measurement sample;
A calibration curve selection step of selecting the calibration curve associated with the sample odor odor quality value approximated to the odor odor quality value to be measured from a plurality of calibration curves;
An odor evaluation value deriving step for deriving an odor evaluation value corresponding to the odor intensity value of the measurement object using the selected calibration curve;
An odor measurement method comprising: The sensitivity characteristics of the odor sensor A and the sensitivity characteristics of the odor sensor B differ depending on the odor quality.
The odor measuring method according to claim 14. In the calibration curve selecting step, N calibration curves associated with the sample odor fragrance values included in the divided numerical value width are divided into respective divided numerical value widths obtained by dividing an arbitrary numerical value width of the odor fragrance value into N. Each assigned,
Selecting the calibration curve assigned to the divided numerical value range including the odor and odor quality value to be measured from the N calibration curves;
The odor measuring method according to claim 14. The calibration curve includes the odor intensity values of a plurality of measurement samples obtained by diluting the measurement target at different magnifications and the sample odor evaluation values obtained according to a procedure defined from the plurality of measurement samples. It is obtained approximately based on at least two measurement points.
The odor measuring method according to claim 14. The calibration curve selection step extracts a plurality of calibration curves associated with the plurality of sample odor odor values approximated to the odor quality value of the measurement target from the plurality of calibration curves, and extracted. Selecting, as the calibration curve, a virtual line generated by interpolation or extrapolation based on a plurality of calibration curves and using the odor and scent values as variables,
The odor measuring method according to claim 14.

Images