JP2014112050A - Scent selection method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a scent selection method for selecting scent which evokes impression.SOLUTION: A scent selection method includes steps of: preparing a plurality of scents (processing S1); acquiring expiration time data for every respiration when a subject group including one or more subjects scents the scent for every scent, (processing S2); and selecting a scent in which expiration time value acquired from the expiration time data exceeds a reference value among the scents (processing S5).

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for selecting a scent.

Conventionally, it is known that a person's emotion changes with fragrance (refer nonpatent literature 1). The emotions evoked by the scent are complex and diverse. The scent can give you a change in feelings, such as making you feel refreshed or feeling relaxed and peaceful.
Therefore, in order to evaluate the characteristics of the scent, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of setting a plurality of sensory rating terms and emotion rating terms and evaluating the scent.

On the other hand, it is also known that scent stimulation affects human biological responses.
For example, Patent Document 2 discloses that the disorder of the breathing pattern is alleviated by scent stimulation. Non-Patent Document 2 discloses that when a person smells a specific scent, the subject arouses memory and the breathing rhythm of the subject changes to a large and slow one.

JP 2001-174450 A JP 2006-325756 A

Takefumi Suzuki, Satoshi Hikiji, Naoto Suzuki, 2003, A rating scale of mood evoked by aroma, Aroma Research, 4 (3), 233-238 Masaoka et al. (2012) Slow breathing and emotions associated with odor-induced autobiographical memories. Chemical Senses, 37, 379-388.

Here, there is a possibility that the attractiveness of the product can be enhanced by utilizing the effect of the scent on human psychology.
There are pleasant feelings that the scent gives to human psychology, and these pleasant feelings include refreshing feelings such as “refreshing” and “refreshing”, calmness that is “settled” and “relaxing”, “enjoyed” Various mood factors such as “romantic” impression, “motivated”, “lively”, etc. are included.
In order to increase the attractiveness of a product by attaching it to the product, the present inventors objectively and reliably select a fragrance for arousing a specific mood factor among the pleasant emotions described above. Thought it would be very important.
Here, as in Non-Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 1, according to a method of obtaining an answer by a questionnaire, it is possible to identify a fragrance that evokes a specific mood factor, but objectively by means other than the questionnaire A method for identifying a scent that evokes a specific mood factor has not been known so far.
Non-patent document 2 and Patent document 2 disclose that the rhythm of breathing is changed by fragrance using an objective index called physiological measurement, but what fragrance is what mood factor. It has not been studied until it is linked to.

The present inventors considered that there is a need for a method of selecting a fragrance that evokes a specific mood in detail by an objective and reliable means without relying only on the subjective judgment of the subject. . Then, it was found that by measuring the change in expiration time while smelling the scent, it is possible to select the scent that gives “feeling” which is one of the mood factors.
The present invention has been invented based on such knowledge.
That is, according to the present invention,
Preparing a plurality of different scents;
A first acquisition step of acquiring, for each scent, expiration time data for each breath of the subject group in a state in which the subject group composed of one or more subjects sniffs the scent and smells the scent;
A scent selection method including a first selection step of selecting a scent from the plurality of different scents by any one of the following methods (A) or (B).
(A) A scent expiration time value is calculated for each scent from the expiration time data when the scent is sniffed, and a scent whose expiration time value exceeds a reference value is selected.
(B) The subject is plural,
For each scent, calculate the expiration time value of the scent for each subject from the expiration time data when smelling the scent,
For each scent, select the scent expiration time value for each subject exceeding the reference value, calculate the number of subjects corresponding to the number of scent expiration time values for each selected subject, and the number of subjects is equal to or greater than a certain value Choose a fragrance.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the selection method of the fragrance which can select the fragrance which stimulates impression is provided.

It is a figure which shows the selection procedure of the fragrance concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining minute ventilation, expiration time, etc. It is a figure which shows the evaluation result of the palatability | flavor preference in Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the minute ventilation value and the expiration time value in Example 1. It is a figure which shows the relationship between each fragrance and each mood factor. It is a figure which shows a measurement state typically.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is appropriately omitted so as not to overlap.
First, the outline | summary of the selection method of the fragrance of this embodiment is demonstrated.
As shown in FIG. 1, the method for selecting a scent of this embodiment is as follows.
Preparing a plurality of different scents (Process S1);
An acquisition step (processing S2) of acquiring, for each scent, expiration time data for each breath of the subject group in a state where the subject group composed of one or more subjects smells the scent;
A selection step (process S5) of selecting a scent by one of the following methods (A) or (B) from among the plurality of different scents.
(A) An expiration time value is calculated for each scent from the expiration time data, and a scent whose expiration time value exceeds the reference value is selected.
(B) The subject is plural,
For each scent, calculate the expiration time value of the scent for each subject from the expiration time data,
For each scent, select the scent expiration time value for each subject exceeding the reference value, calculate the number of subjects corresponding to the number of scent expiration time values for each selected subject, and the number of subjects is equal to or greater than a certain value Choose a fragrance.
According to such a selection method, it is possible to select a scent that can evoke a feeling of impression such as “enamorous” or “romantic”. Moreover, since the scent is selected using the measured expiration time value as an index, the scent can be selected without the influence of the subject's subjective judgment, and a highly reliable selection method can be provided.

Next, the selection method of the fragrance of this embodiment is demonstrated in detail.
(Processing S1)
In this step, a plurality of different scents are prepared.
First, a scent candidate group including a plurality of different scents is prepared. The scent candidate group is preferably composed of a larger number of different scents than the plurality of scents.
And this candidate group of fragrance is shown to a test subject, and the answer about palatability about each candidate is obtained from a test subject. The obtained answers are totaled, and a highly-preferred scent is selected from the scent candidate group, and this is set as the plurality of different scents.

Each scent of the scent candidate group may consist of one fragrance component, or may be a blended fragrance or a natural fragrance containing a plurality of fragrance components.
A subject's palatability is evaluated about each fragrance contained in the fragrance candidate group, for example, 10-20 types of fragrance.
The number of subjects is not particularly limited, but is preferably plural. In addition, the subject may be the same as or different from the subject whose scent is presented in the process after step S2 described later, but is preferably a different subject.
Each subject may evaluate the preference of all scents, some subjects will evaluate the preference of some scents, and some other subjects may like the preference of some other scents May be evaluated.
For the evaluation of the preference, for example, how much the scent is liked is evaluated numerically. “0: Very dislike”, “1: Dislike”, “2: Dislike”, “3: Neither”, “4: Dislike”, “5: Dislike”, “6: Very dislike” Select one item.
Then, the average value of the evaluation results of the subject's preference is selected as a plurality of different fragrances, for example, a medium value of the evaluation score, for example, the median value of the evaluation score or more, that is, 3 or more if the above-mentioned 7-step evaluation is performed. be able to. A plurality of different scents may be selected from the scent candidate group in descending order of the average preference value.
Also, for example, when palatability is evaluated in the above seven stages, the evaluation result of “slightly like” that is stage 4 that is larger than the median evaluation score is regarded as having a high palatability evaluation result, and the others are low And Then, a plurality of different scents may be selected by selecting a scent from the scent candidate group in descending order of the number of subjects having high preference evaluation results.
A plurality of different scents are prepared as described above.

Here, since the different fragrances prepared are all highly scented, when the subject sniffs each scent, the ventilation value per breath for each scent (one scent ventilation) (Amount value) is not significantly different. The presence or absence of a difference in the tidal volume value of each scent can be determined by the following method.
From the ventilation volume data per breath when a subject group composed of one or more subjects smells each scent, the scent ventilation value VT _(fragrance) is acquired for each scent.
The tidal volume value VT _(fragrance) of each scent may be an average value, median value, or mode value of the tidal volume data of each scent. The calculation method of the average value, the median value, or the mode value is the same as the expiration time value TE _{(fragrance) of} each fragrance described later.
And the ventilation volume value VT _(fragrance) of each fragrance is compared. For example, an analysis of variance is performed and the significance probability P is calculated. Since analysis of variance is a technique generally known as a significant difference test for examining the difference between the mean values, the significance probability P can be calculated using any statistical analysis software. When the calculated significance probability P is greater than the significance criterion 5%, which is a preset criterion, it is determined that there is no significant difference, and it is determined that all have the same preference.

(Processing S2)
Next, the prepared plurality of different scents are presented to a subject group composed of one or more subjects. This subject group may be a subject group that participates in the step of preparing a plurality of different scents having high palatability by evaluating the preference of the scent shown in the processing S1, or may be a different subject group.
Preferably, there are multiple subjects, some subjects may smell some scents, some other subjects may smell some other scents, and all subjects may You can smell the scent. In this embodiment, all subjects smell all scents.
Then, the respiratory activity of the subject when smelling each scent is measured to obtain respiratory data.

Here, an example of a procedure for measuring the respiratory activity of the subject when smelling each scent will be described. Here, the plurality of different scents are, for example, four types of scents.
First, at the same time as having the subject sniff the first scent among the plurality of different scents, the respiratory activity is measured and the respiratory data is acquired (processing S2-1).
As a measuring device, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, a mask 13 attached to the subject's nose, a respiratory measurement transducer 12 connected to the mask 13 via a tube (not shown), and the respiratory measurement. A device including an analysis device (breathing analysis device) 10 connected to the transducer 12 for use can be used. Another tube 14 is connected to the mask 13 described above, and the scent is introduced into the mask 13 by presenting the scent to the inlet of the tube 14 so that the subject sniffs the scent.
The first scent is continuously presented to the inlet of the tube 14 for a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds, and the subject is allowed to smell the scent for a predetermined time (30 seconds).
Meanwhile, the respiratory data of the subject is acquired by the analyzer 10. The breathing data to be measured may include expiration time data, but preferably includes minute ventilation data.
Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the expiration time means the time (second) to exhale in one breath, and the minute ventilation is the ventilation per minute (l / min). ).

Next, without presenting the scent to the inlet of the tube 14, the subject smells the odorless air without the scent. Even while the subject sniffs odorless air, breathing data is acquired using the above-described device (processing S2-2).
Here, the breathing data to be acquired may include expiration time data, but preferably includes minute ventilation data.

  As an apparatus for measuring respiration data, any apparatus that can measure expiration time data may not be an apparatus having the above-described configuration. Preferably, any device that can measure minute ventilation data, which is ventilation per minute, in addition to expiration time data may be used.

Next, the same operation as the above-described process S2-1 is performed for the second scent.
The second scent is presented to the subject and the second scent is sniffed, and at the same time, respiratory data is acquired (processing S2-3). Except for the point that the type of fragrance is different, the same operation as the above-described process S2-1 is performed.
After that, without presenting the second scent, the subject smells odorless air without a scent like the process S2-2 described above, and measures respiratory data (process S2-4).

As described above, the operations of the processes S2-1 and 2-2 are performed for the third scent and the fourth scent as well as the first scent.
Specifically, the third scent is presented to the subject, the third scent is sniffed, and at the same time, respiratory data is acquired (processing S2-5). Except for the point that the type of fragrance is different, the same operation as the above-described process S2-1 is performed.
Then, without presenting the third scent, the subject smells odorless air without a scent like the process S2-2 described above, and obtains respiratory data (process S2-6).
Furthermore, the fourth scent is presented to the subject, the fourth scent is sniffed, and at the same time, respiratory data is measured (processing S2-7). Except for the point that the type of fragrance is different, the same operation as the above-described process S2-1 is performed.
Then, without presenting the fourth scent, the subject smells the odorless air without the scent, and obtains breathing data (processing S2-8).

Here, in order to increase the reliability of the data, it is preferable to repeat a series of operations of the processing S2-1 to S2-8 a plurality of times. Each fragrance may be measured once, but it is preferable to measure five or more times in order to improve the reliability of the respiratory data (processing S3).
And in this embodiment, the above operation | work is implemented with respect to each test subject's test subject group.
Thereby, a plurality of breath data per breath for each scent can be obtained both within and between individuals.
By alternately performing the process of sniffing the scent and the process of sniffing odorless air with no scent attached, the first scent and the second scent can be prevented from mixing and breathing. Data reliability can be improved. In addition, olfactory fatigue caused by continuing to smell can be prevented.
In addition, it is preferable not to continuously present the same scent with odorless air in view of reducing the possibility of the subject adapting to the scent. That is, it is preferable to present a different scent across the odorless air. Further, from the viewpoint of reducing the influence of the intentional reaction of the subject and the influence of the impression due to the presentation order of the fragrance, it is preferable that the order of presentation is completely random.
Furthermore, the measurement time for breathing data (the time for sniffing each scent) is preferably 20 seconds to 1 minute, and most preferably 20 seconds to 40 seconds. In most cases, a certain measurement time includes multiple respiratory rates. An average value of a plurality of respiration rates can be used for calculation of individual respiration data such as tidal volume and expiration time, and the data can be stabilized. On the other hand, if the scent is continuously smelled for a certain period of time or longer, the subject cannot adapt to the scent and sense the scent. Therefore, the time for the subject to smell each scent is preferably a time that does not cause adaptation to the scent, that is, 20 seconds to 1 minute.

(Processing S4)
Next, the expiration time value TE _(fragrance) when each scent is smelled is calculated from the expiration time information composed of a plurality of expiration time data obtained for each scent as described above. Below, expiration time value when smelling the scent TE (the _smell), that the smell of expiratory time value TE _(fragrance). For each scent, a scent expiration time value TE _(scent) is calculated.
The scent expiration time value TE _(fragrance) includes an average value, a median value, or a mode value calculated from expiration time data when the scent is smelled.
As a method for calculating the expiration time value TE _(fragrance) of each scent, for example, one of the following may be mentioned.
(1) The average value (or median or mode) of expiration time data is calculated for each scent, and this value is set as the expiration time value TE _(fragrance) of the scent for each scent.
(2) Exclude the first measured expiration time data and the last measured expiration time data for each subject. Thereafter, based on expiration time data other than the excluded expiration time data, an average value (or median or mode) of expiration time data is calculated for each scent. And let the computed value be the expiration time value TE _{(fragrance) of the} fragrance in each fragrance.
(3) The expiration time data of each scent are arranged in numerical order, and the minimum value and the maximum value of the expiration time data are excluded for each scent. Then, for each scent, an average value (or median or mode) is calculated from the remaining expiration time data, and this value is used as the scent expiration time value TE _(fragrance) for each scent.

Next, from the minute ventilation information including a plurality of minute ventilation data for each scent, V _(fragrance) is calculated as the minute ventilation value when each scent is sniffed. Hereinafter, the minute ventilation value V _(fragrance) when smelling the scent is referred to as the fragrance minute ventilation value V _(fragrance) . For each scent, the scent minute ventilation value V _(fragrance) is calculated.
Examples of the fragrance minute ventilation value V _(fragrance) include an average value, a median value, or a mode value calculated from minute minute ventilation data when the scent is smelled. The calculation method of the fragrance minute ventilation value V _{(fragrance) is the same as} the calculation method of the scent expiration time value TE _(fragrance) .

Moreover, the expiration time value TE _{(odorless air)} at the time of no _odor is calculated from the breathing time information comprised of a plurality of expiration time data when the subject sniffs the odorless air in a state where no scent is presented.
The odorless when exhalation time value TE _{(odorless air),} the average value calculated from odorless when breathing time data, but the median or the mode may be mentioned, expiration time value TE _(Scent described above ₎ , It is preferable to calculate the same kind of value as the _scent expiration time value TE _(fragrance) . The calculation method of the _expiration time value TE _{(odorless air) when} there is no _odor is the same as the calculation method of the expiration time value TE _(fragrance) of the scent described above. Specifically, it can be calculated by any of the following methods.
(1) The average value (or median or mode) of expiration time data when smelling odorless air is calculated, and this value is defined as the expiration time value TE _{(odorless air) when there} is no _odor .
(2) Exclude the first measured expiration time data and the last measured expiration time data for each subject. After that, based on exhalation time data other than the exhaled exhalation time data, the average value (or median or mode) of exhalation time data at the time of no odor is calculated, and this value is used as the exhalation time at the time of no odor. Value TE _{(odorless air)} .
(3) The expiration time data are arranged in numerical order, and the minimum value and the maximum value of the expiration time data are excluded. An average value (or median value or mode) is calculated from the remaining expiration time data, and this value is defined as an expiration time value TE _{(odorless air) when there} is no _odor .

Also, the odorless minute ventilation value V _{(odorless air)} is calculated from multiple minute ventilation data (mineral ventilation information) when the subject sniffs odorless air with no scent presented. To do. The odorless minute ventilation value V _{(odorless air)} includes an average value, a median value, or a mode value calculated from the minute ventilation information when there is no odor. for comparison with the minute ventilation values V _(smell), who calculates the value of the smell of minute ventilation values V _(smell) and allogeneic it is preferred. The calculation method of the minute ventilation value V _{(odorless air)} at the time of no odor is the same as the calculation method of the expiration time value TE _{(odorless air)} at the time of no odor.

(Processing S5)
In this step, a scent is selected from a plurality of different scents.
Although mentioned later in detail, in process S5-2, 5-3, a fragrance is selected from the said several different fragrance by the method of either the following (A) or (B).
(A) A scent whose expiration time value TE _(scent) calculated from the expiration time data when smelling the scent exceeds the reference value is selected.
(B) There are a plurality of subjects, and for each scent, the expiration time value TE _{(individual, scent)} of the scent for each subject is calculated from the expiration time data when the scent is sniffed for each subject. For each scent, the scent expiration time value TE _{(individual, fragrance)} for each subject exceeding the reference value is selected, and the number of scent expiration time values TE _{(individual, scent)} for each selected subject. A scent whose number of subjects corresponding to is a certain value or more is selected.
Reference values include, for example, the average value, median value, and mode value of all exhalation time data when smelling scents or the expiration time value TE _(fragrance) of all scents when smelling scents Further, the expiration time value TE _{(odorless air)} at the time of no odor may be calculated, and the expiration time value at the time of no odor may be used as a reference value.
In the present embodiment, the step of using any one of the average value, median value, and mode value of the expiration time data when smelling the scent as a reference value (processing S5-2), the expiration time when there is no odor The process (process S5-3) which calculates a value and uses the value exceeding the expiration time value at the time of no odor as a reference value will be described.
In the present embodiment, the processing S5-1 is performed prior to the processing S5-2 and the processing S5-3 from the viewpoint of preventing the influence of the breathing change intentionally performed by the subject and performing highly reliable evaluation. It is preferable to do this. And in this embodiment, process S5-2 and process S5-3 are implemented about the fragrance selected by process S5-1. However, the order in which the processes S5-1 to S5-3 are performed is not particularly limited. For example, processing S5-1 to processing S5-3 may be performed in parallel, and the scent selected in all the steps may be selected.
Hereinafter, each processing step will be described in detail.

(Processing S5-1)
Compare the fragrance minute ventilation value V _(fragrance) (ventilation rate per minute) with the odorless minute ventilation value V _{(odorless air)} without fragrance, Confirm that there is no statistically significant difference. If there is no difference between the minute ventilation value V _(fragrance) of the _scent and the minute ventilation value V _{(odorless air)} when there is no odor, the scent is selected. On the other hand, if it can be said that there is a difference between the minute ventilation value V _(fragrance) of the _scent and the minute ventilation value V _{(odorless air)} when there is no odor, that scent is not selected.
For example, regarding the _odorless minute ventilation value V _{(odorless air)} when smelling odorless air with no scent attached, and the fragrance minute ventilation value V _(fragrance) for each _scent , the average values Statistical analysis to compare When the significance level as a reference is set to 5% and the significance probability P calculated according to a predetermined procedure is greater than 5% (no significant difference), the fragrance minute ventilation value V _(fragrance) and Make sure that there is no difference from the minute ventilation value V _{(odorless air)} when there is no odor and no odor.
Here, as a method for calculating the significance probability, any method may be used as long as it is a method used in normal statistical analysis. For example, the minute ventilation value V _{(odorless air)} when there is no odor and any scent In the case of comparing two average values of the minute ventilation value V _(fragrance) , the significance probability P can be calculated using t-test or analysis of variance. When comparing a plurality of data at the same time, the significance probability P is calculated using analysis of variance and multiple comparisons, and the odorless minute ventilation value V _{(odorless air)} and the fragrance minute ventilation value V _{( It} is possible to judge whether there is a significant difference with the _scent .
For the calculation of the significance probability P, general statistical software, Microsoft Excel, SPSS Statistics, or the like can be used.
When the subject intentionally changes their breathing, there is a high possibility that the minute ventilation will fluctuate. The fact that there is no significant difference between the scent minute ventilation value V and the odorless minute ventilation value V _{(odorless air)} means that when smelling scent, smelling odorless air In any state, it means that the subject has not intentionally changed his / her breathing. Thereby, the reliability of the selection method of fragrance can be improved.

(Processing S5-2)
Here, the fragrance is selected by either of the following methods (1) or (2).
(1) The scent exhalation time value TE _(scent) calculated from the exhalation time data when smelling the scent is selected, and the scent that does not exceed the reference value is not selected.
For example, it can be calculated by any one of the following methods (1-1) and (1-2).
(1-1) The average value, median value and mode value of expiration time data when all scents are smelled, or the average value, center value of all expiration time values TE _(fragrance) One of the value and the mode value is set as the reference value A, and the scent whose expiration time value TE _(fragrance) exceeds the reference value A is selected from the scents selected in the process S5-1. . A fragrance with a reference value A or less is not selected.
In addition, from the viewpoint of making a more precise selection, the expiration time value TE _(fragrance) of the _scent is significantly longer than the reference value A, for example, the reference significance is set to 5%, and the reference You may select what has a significant difference (statistical significant difference) with respect to the value A. FIG. Do not select those that are not significantly different.
Here, as a method of calculating the significance probability, any method may be used as long as it is a method used in normal statistical analysis. For example, when comparing two average values of the reference value A (average value) and the expiration time value TE _(fragrance) (average value) of any fragrance, the significance probability P is calculated using t-test or analysis of variance. Can be calculated. In addition, when comparing three or more values including the reference value A (average value) and the expiration time value TE (average value) of two or more fragrances, comparison of which combination is performed using analysis of variance and multiple comparison. Whether there is a significant difference between them, and the significance probability P can be calculated.
When the calculated significance probability is 5% or less, it can be determined that there is a significant difference.
General statistical software used for calculating the significance probability P is as described in the process S5-1.
(1-2) compares each scent exhalation time value TE _(smell), in order of scent exhalation time value TE _(fragrance) is large, a plurality of different scent, selecting some scent May be. In this case, the expiration time value of the unselected scent becomes the reference value B, and the scent having the expiration time value TE _(scent) of the _scent exceeding the reference value B is selected.

(2) For each scent, the scent expiration time value TE _{(individual, scent)} for each subject is calculated. The calculation method of the _scent expiration time value TE _{(individual, scent)} for each subject is the same as the calculation method of the scent expiration time value TE _(scent) described above. For each scent, the average value (or median or mode) of expiration time data may be calculated for each subject.
And the expiration time value TE _{(individual, fragrance)} of the said fragrance for every said test subject who exceeds the reference value A mentioned above for every _fragrance is selected. And the scent which the test subject number corresponding to the number of the expiration time value TE _{(individual, scent)} of the scent for each said subject selected becomes a certain value or more is selected. Scents that are less than a certain value are not selected.
When selecting the expiration time value TE _{(individual, fragrance)} of the scent for each subject that exceeds the reference value A described above for each scent, a value that is significantly longer than the reference value A, for example, the significance of the reference The probability may be set to 5%, and the one having a significant difference (statistical significant difference) with respect to the reference value A may be selected.
For example, it can be selected by any of the following methods.
(2-1) The number of subjects whose scent expiration time TE _{(individual, scent)} for each subject exceeds the reference value A described above may be calculated, and the scent having the largest number of calculated subjects may be selected.
(2-2) In addition, in order of the number of subjects whose _scent expiration time TE _{(individual, scent)} exceeds the reference value A, select some scents from a plurality of different scents. May be.
(2-3) The scent expiration time value TE _{(individual, scent)} of each subject exceeds the reference value A, and the scent exceeds 50% of the total number of subjects who sniff each scent, preferably A plurality of scents exceeding 60% may be selected.

(Processing S5-3)
In this step, a scent whose expiration time when smelling a scent is significantly longer than the expiration time when smelling odorless air is selected. A scent whose expiration time when smelling the scent is not significantly longer than the expiration time when smelling odorless air is not selected.
Here, either of the following methods (1) or (2) can be employed.
(1) The scent expiration time value TE _(scent) calculated from the expiration time data when sniffing each scent exceeds the reference value C calculated from the expiration time data when _scented odorless air Choose a scent. A value that does not exceed the reference value C is not selected.
As the reference value C, the expiration time value TE _{(odorless air)} at the time of odorless, that is, one of the average value, median value, and mode value calculated from the expiration data when smelling odorless air is used. use.
When determining that the expiration time value TE _(fragrance) of the scent when smelling the scent is significantly longer than the _expiration time value TE _{(odorless air)} when smelling the odorless air, process S5 Like -2, it is preferable to confirm that the significance probability is 5% or less.
Specifically, for each fragrance, scent exhalation time value TE _(fragrance) is compared with the odorless during exhalation time value TE _{(odorless air),} odorless when exhalation time value TE _{(odorless air )} , A scent that significantly increases the _scent expiration time TE _(fragrance) is selected. For example, when the reference significance probability is set to 5%, the expiration time value TE _{(fragrance) of} a scent that has a significant difference (statistical difference _{) from the expiration} time value TE _{(odorless air)} when there is no odor Select the fragrance that becomes. The significance probability P may be any method as long as it is a method used in usual statistical analysis as in the case of the process S5-2. For example, the reference value C is set as an average value of expiration time data when smelling odorless air. When comparing the reference value C and the expiration time value TE _(fragrance) of any scent, the significance probability P can be calculated using t-test or analysis of variance. Further, when comparing a plurality of data, analysis of variance and multiple comparison are used to examine the significant difference between the reference value C and which combination of comparisons, and the significance probability P can be calculated. .

(2) For each subject, the expiration time value TE _{(individual, scent)} for each scent is calculated.
The smell of expiration time value TE _{(individual fragrance)} for each of the subject exceeds the reference value for each fragrance is selected, the number of selected aroma exhalation time value TE of each of the subject _{(individual, aroma)} A scent whose corresponding number of subjects is a certain value or more is selected. Do not select a scent that is less than a certain value.
When selecting the expiration time value TE _{(individual, fragrance)} for each subject that exceeds the reference value for each scent, a value that is significantly longer than the reference value, for example, 5% as a reference significance probability May be selected so that there is a significant difference (statistically significant difference) with respect to the reference value.
For example, any of the following methods can be employed.
(2-1) For each scent, the scent expiration time value TE _{(individual, scent)} for each subject is calculated.
On the other hand, the expiration time value TE _{(individual, odorless air)} when smelling _{odorless air} is calculated for each subject. The method of calculating the expiration time value during odorless each subject TE _{(personal, odorless air)} is the same as previously described odorless during exhalation time value TE _{(odorless air).} Here, the expiration time value TE _{(individual, odorless air)} at the time of no odor for each subject is the reference value.
Then, in the same subject, the expiration time value TE _{(individual, fragrance) of the scent} for each subject and the expiration time value TE _{(individual, odorless air)} at the time of no odor for each subject are compared. The number of subjects whose scent expiration time value TE _{(individual, scent)} for each subject is greater than _{the scentless expiration} time value TE _{(individual, odorless air)} for each subject, When the number of subjects is 50% or more, preferably 60% or more, it is determined that the expiration time when smelling scent is longer than the expiration time when smelling odorless air, Choose a scent.
When the method (2-1) is adopted, it is not necessary to calculate the _expiration time value TE _{(odorless air)} when there is no odor in the process S4.

(2-2) For each scent, the scent expiration time value TE _{(individual, scent)} for each subject is calculated.
For each scent, the breath time value TE _{(individual, scent) of the} scent for each subject and the scentless breath time value TE _{(odorless air)} already calculated in step S4 are compared. The number of subjects whose scent expiration time value TE _{(individual, scent)} for each subject is larger than the reference value C (that is _{, the scent} expiration time value TE _{(odorless air)} ), for example, smells each scent. However, if it is 50% or more of the total number of subjects, preferably 60% or more, it is determined that the expiration time when smelling scent is longer than the expiration time when smelling odorless air Choose the scent.
The process S5-3 may be performed only for the scent selected in the process S5-2, but the process S5-3 is performed in parallel with the process S5-2 for the scent selected in the process S5-1. Then, the scent selected in both the processes S5-2 and S5-3 may be the finally selected scent.
In the present embodiment, the processing S5-2 and the processing S5-3 are performed, but either the processing S5-2 or the processing S5-3 may be performed.
Furthermore, the process S5-1 may not be performed.

The exhalation time when smelling a touching scent tends to be longer than the exhalation time when smelling odorless air, so the expiration time when smelling scent is the same as when smelling odorless air By selecting a scent that is longer than the expiration time, it is possible to reliably select a scent that gives impression.
In addition, if the exhalation time when smelling scent is shorter than the exhalation time when smelling odorless air, you feel uncomfortable feeling by smelling the scent. Suggests low. In order to eliminate fragrances with low palatability, a comparison between the expiration time when smelling scent and the expiration time when smelling odorless air can be used.

  The scent selected in the above processing S5-2 or S5-3 is a scent that can evoke an emotional feeling such as “enjoyed” or “romantic”. Among them, the scent selected in all the steps of the above-described processes S5-1 to S5-3 is a scent that can particularly evoke the feeling of impression such as “enjoyed” or “romantic”, and has been described above. According to the selection method, it is possible to select a fragrance that evokes impression.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, when selecting a fragrance with high palatability from a candidate group of fragrances, the subject is asked to answer about the palatability of the scent, and based on this answer, a plurality of scents with high palatability are added in the previous period. However, the method of preparing a plurality of different scents is not limited to this.

For example, a plurality of different scents may be selected using the biological reaction when the subject sniffs the scent candidate as an index. For example, the ventilation volume per breath of the subject may be measured, and a plurality of different scents may be selected using this ventilation volume as an index.
Specifically, ventilation volume data is obtained by measuring the ventilation volume per breath when the subject smells each scent candidate. At this time, it is preferable to repeat the procedure of sniffing odorless air with no scent for a predetermined time after sniffing the scent candidate, and then sniffing another different scent candidate, as in the above embodiment.
And the test subject also measures the ventilation amount data per breath when the scented odorless air is added.
A ventilation value VT _{(scent candidate)} is calculated from a plurality of ventilation data of each scent candidate. Further, a ventilation value VT _(odorless) when smelling odorless air is also calculated. The calculation method of the ventilation volume value VT is the same as the calculation method of the expiration time value TE _(fragrance) in the process S4 described above. Moreover, the calculation method of ventilation volume VT _{(odorless) is the same as} the calculation method of expiration time value TE _(odorless) of process S4 mentioned above.
Then, a ventilation value VT of each aroma candidate _{(aroma candidates),} compared with the ventilation value VT _(odorless), aroma ventilation value VT _{(smell candidate)} is greater than the ventilation value VT _(odorless) A plurality of selections are made, and these are set as the plurality of different scents.
Since a highly-preferred scent has a larger ventilation rate than the breathing rate when smelling odorless air, a highly-preferred scent is prepared as the plurality of different scents even in such a method. be able to.

Furthermore, in the said embodiment, after comparing the minute ventilation value V _{(fragrance) of} each fragrance with the minute ventilation value V _{(odorless air)} at the time of no odor, and performing a significant difference test, If there is a significant difference, the scent is not selected, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the oxygen consumption data when smelling each scent and the oxygen consumption data when smelling odorless air without scent are obtained, and there is no statistically significant difference between these values. Make sure. For example, the odorless oxygen consumption value S _{(odorless air)} when smelling odorless air with no scent attached and the oxygen consumption value S _(fragrance) for each scent Analyze. When the significance level as a reference is set to 5% and the significance probability P calculated according to a predetermined procedure is smaller than 5% (there is a significant difference), the scent may not be selected. If the subject is intentionally breathing, the metabolism may change and the oxygen consumption data may vary, so doing this increases the reliability of the fragrance selection method be able to.

  In relation to the above-described embodiment, the present invention further discloses the following method.

<1>
Preparing a plurality of different scents;
A first acquisition step of acquiring, for each scent, expiration time data for each breath of the subject group in a state in which the subject group composed of one or more subjects sniffs the scent and smells the scent;
A scent selection method comprising: a first selection step of selecting a scent from the plurality of different scents by any of the following methods (A) or (B).
(A) A scent expiration time value is calculated for each scent from the expiration time data when the scent is sniffed, and a scent whose expiration time value exceeds a reference value is selected.
(B) The subject is plural,
For each scent, calculate the expiration time value of the scent for each subject from the expiration time data when smelling the scent,
For each scent, select the scent expiration time value for each subject exceeding the reference value, calculate the number of subjects corresponding to the number of scent expiration time values for each selected subject, and the number of subjects is equal to or greater than a certain value Choose a fragrance.

<2>
In (A), when selecting a scent whose exhalation time value exceeds the reference value, or in (B), selecting an exhalation time value for each subject whose scent exceeds the reference value When
The scent selection method according to <1>, wherein the scent expiration time value or the scent expiration time value for each subject is selected as a result of statistical processing and is significantly longer than the reference value.
<3>
The reference value is the average value, expiratory time data of the subject group in the state of smelling the scent, the median value or the mode or the mean value of expiratory time data in the state of the subject group smelling odorless air, the median value Or the selection method of fragrance as described in <1> or <2> which is the mode.
<4>
In the step of preparing a plurality of different scents,
Preparing a candidate group of scents including the plurality of different scents;
Presenting the scent candidate group to the subject;
From the subject, obtaining an answer about palatability for each candidate;
Any one of <1> to <3>, including selecting a highly-preferred scent from the candidate group of scents based on answers about the subject's preference and preparing the plurality of different scents The selection method of the fragrance of crab.
<5>
In the first acquisition step, the minute ventilation data in a state where the subject group sniffs odorless air and the minute ventilation data in a state where the subject group sniffs each of the plurality of different scents, and
The minute ventilation value of the scent obtained from the minute ventilation data when the subject group sniffs the scent is compared to the minute ventilation value obtained from the minute ventilation data when smelling odorless air. As a result of statistical processing, the second selection step of selecting a fragrance without significant difference is performed,
The fragrance selection method according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the fragrance selected in the first selection step and selected in the second selection step is selected.
<6>
In the first acquisition step, the step of measuring the respiratory activity including the expiration time in a state where the subject group smells the scent, and the step of measuring the respiratory activity including the expiration time in a state where the subject group does not present the scent The method for selecting a fragrance according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the steps are alternately performed.
<7>
In the first acquisition step, the scent selection method according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein each time the scent is presented to the subject group a plurality of times, the expiration time is measured to acquire expiration time data. .
<8>
In the method for selecting a scent, the method for selecting a scent according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the scent is selected as a scent that arouses impression.
<9>
The fragrance selection method according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein in the first acquisition step, the acquisition time of exhalation time data per time of the subject group is 20 seconds to 1 minute.
<10>
In the step of preparing a plurality of different scents, subjects who are presented with a candidate group of the scent and who answer about palatability for each candidate are different from subjects whose expiration time data is acquired in the first acquisition step <1>. The selection method of the fragrance in any one of <9>.
<11>
In the step of preparing a plurality of different scents, any one of the following <1> to <10> is a selection method for selecting a highly scented scent from the scent candidate group. How to choose the fragrance of
(1) Select an aroma whose average evaluation result of the subject's preference is equal to or higher than the median value of the evaluation scores.
(2) A plurality of different fragrances are selected from the fragrance candidate group in descending order of the average value of the evaluation scores which are the evaluation results of the palatability.
(3) Scents are selected in descending order of the number of subjects who have evaluated a score greater than the median of the preference score for preference.

Example 1
Next, examples of the present invention will be described.
(Processing S1)
Fourty scents of each of the fruit type, citrus type, vanilla type, and mint type were sniffed by 38 subjects, and the preference was evaluated.
The subjects were asked to evaluate the taste of the scent in seven levels: “0: very uncomfortable to 6: very pleasant”. And the average value of palatability evaluation was computed about each fragrance. As shown in FIG. 3, the average value of any scent was significantly higher than the medium level 3 and was highly scented.
It is known that these scents do not cause a significant difference in the tidal volume value VT _(scent) of each scent.

(Processing S2, 3)
The four types of fragrances employed in the process S1 were sniffed by a subject group different from the subject in the process S1, and respiratory data were measured.
The test subjects were 26 healthy adults (men and women in their 20s and 40s).
In order to measure and record the respiratory activity data, as shown in FIG. 6, the subject H was fitted with a nasal mask 13 (Comfort Gel Blue Nasal Mask, manufactured by Philips Respironics). A respiratory measurement transducer 12 is attached to the nasal mask 13, and the transducer 12 is connected to a gas analyzer 10 (CPX, Alco System). Further, another tube 14 is connected to the mask 13 via a two-way valve (1410A, manufactured by Hans Rudolph), and the fragrance is shown in the mask 13 by presenting the scent to the inlet of the other tube 14. Is introduced and the subject H smells the scent.
Subject wears nose mask and sits in relax chair. Subjects were instructed to keep their eyes closed and relaxed and to move as little as possible.
As for the scent, the four types of scent selected in the treatment S1 were diluted to an appropriate concentration, and a small amount was attached to the tip of the filter paper cut long and thinly, and presented to the suction port of the tube connected to the nasal mask. The scent was presented for 30 seconds at a time. When the presentation for 30 seconds was finished, an attempt was made to sandwich the odorless 30 seconds without presenting anything and present the next scent for 30 seconds. This was the same method as in the previous embodiment, and adjustment was made so that the same scent was not continuously presented. Finally, four types of fragrances were presented 8 times each.
Breathing data was continuously collected while the scent was presented and the subject was sniffing the scent and while the subject was sniffing odorless air without the scent being presented. From the gas analyzer (CPX, ARCO system), we obtained minute ventilation data (ventilation volume per minute of breathing) and expiration time data per breath (time of exhaling) as breathing data. .

For each scent, the average value of exhalation time data at the time of smelling the scent was calculated, and this was used as the exhalation time value TE _(fragrance) of each scent. Moreover, the average value of the expiration time data at the time of smelling odorless air was computed, and this was made into the expiration time value TE _{(odorless air)} at the time of no _odor .
Furthermore, for each scent, the average value of minute ventilation data when smelling the scent was calculated, and this was used as the minute ventilation value V _(fragrance) of the scent for each scent.
Moreover, the average value of the minute ventilation data at the time of smelling odorless air was computed, and this was made into the minute ventilation value V _{(odorless air)} at the time of no _odor .

A one-way analysis of variance was performed using the analysis software SPSS Statistics version 18. The scent expiration time value TE _(fragrance) and the odorless expiration time value TE _{(odorless air)} when no scent is presented are compared by analysis of variance, and the scent expiration time value TE _(fragrance) And multiple comparisons comparing all combinations of _odorless exhalation time value TE _{(odorless air)} with each other. For the multiple comparison, the Bonferroni method with a total significance of 5% was used.
Similarly, the minute ventilation value V _(fragrance) of _fragrance and the minute ventilation value V _{(odorless air)} of no _odor were compared with each other, and multiple comparisons were performed. For the multiple comparison, the Bonferroni method with a total significance of 5% was used.

As shown in FIG. 4A, regarding the minute ventilation value, no statistically significant difference was found between odorless air and a plurality of different scents. Since there was no difference in the minute ventilation value, it was suggested that the subject did not intentionally manipulate the breathing rhythm, inhalation amount, or exhalation amount.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4 (B), the expiration time value per breath is statistically only the expiration time value when smelling a fruit-type scent compared to odorless air. Significantly longer, the exhalation time value when smelling fruit-type scents was longer than the exhalation time value when smelling other scents.
Expiration time value is greater than other scents and significantly greater than the breath time of odorless air, and minute ventilation value is compared to minute ventilation when sniffing other scents and odorless air A fruit-type scent with no significant difference was selected as a touching scent.

(Verification)
Next, we examined the effect that the fruit-type fragrance actually had.
Before the start of measurement of respiratory data, the 26 subjects who participated in the above examples were asked to respond to a mood evaluation measurement questionnaire (created with reference to Non-Patent Document 1) regarding their mood at that time.
This was a questionnaire consisting of mood assessment terms representing a total of 8 factors of positive or negative mood changes (Table 1). The subject indicates how much each mood evaluation term applies to his / her mood at the present time, “0: Not applicable at all”, “1: Not applicable at all”, “2: Somewhat applicable”, “3: Applicable”, “4: It was rated on a scale of "very applicable".

Evaluation terms and mood factors in the mood assessment questionnaire

After the measurement of the respiration data, the scents of the four scents were again smelled, and the same evaluation as described above was obtained for the mood when the scents were sniffed during the measurement.
In the analysis, first, the number of data for which the degree of fit to each mood evaluation term was “2: somewhat applicable”, “3: applicable”, “4: very applicable” was determined for each of the 8 mood factors, before and after the measurement. Totaled for each of the four fragrances.
These multidimensional data were analyzed by correspondence analysis using the multivariate analysis software SPSS Statistics version 16 and mapped to a multidimensional space to show the relationship between elements. Relatively, elements with strong similarity / relationship are placed close to each other, and weak elements are placed far away.
The results are shown in FIG. The aroma is represented by diamonds and the mood factor is represented by squares. The fruit-type scent is particularly close to the emotional mood factor, while the citrus-type scent is vibrant, the mint-type scent is refreshing, and the vanilla-type scent is mapped to calmness. It can be seen that each scent aroused a different positive mood change, and that the fruit-type scent actually aroused the emotional feeling.
From the above, it was confirmed that in the examples, it was possible to select a scent that surely aroused the emotion.
Moreover, when referring to the evaluation result of the preference in the processing S1 of Example 1, the scent having the highest preference was the citrus type. However, the expiration time value of the citrus type scent is smaller than the expiration time value of the fruit type, and there is no significant difference from the expiration time value when smelling odorless air. The expiry time value is related to an element different from palatability, and it was confirmed by this verification that the element arouses impression.
In Patent Document 2, it is disclosed that a breathing pattern that rises due to external stress or negative emotion is made into an ideal breathing pattern by stimulating a good scent, but in Patent Document 2, There is no disclosure that the expiratory time value is associated with the pleasant feeling of stimulating. The same applies to Non-Patent Document 2, and it is not disclosed at all that the expiratory time value is associated with the pleasant feeling of stimulating emotion.
The fact that the expiration time value is related to the pleasant feeling of inspiring emotions is a finding found by the present inventors for the first time.

H Subject 13 Nasal mask 14 Tube 10 Gas analyzer 12 Transducer

Claims (8)

Preparing a plurality of different scents;
A first acquisition step of acquiring, for each scent, expiration time data for each breath of the subject group in a state in which the subject group composed of one or more subjects sniffs the scent and smells the scent;
A scent selection method comprising: a first selection step of selecting a scent from the plurality of different scents by any of the following methods (A) or (B).
(A) A scent expiration time value is calculated for each scent from the expiration time data when the scent is sniffed, and a scent whose expiration time value exceeds a reference value is selected.
(B) The subject is plural,
For each scent, calculate the expiration time value of the scent for each subject from the expiration time data when smelling the scent,
For each scent, select the scent expiration time value for each subject exceeding the reference value, calculate the number of subjects corresponding to the number of scent expiration time values for each selected subject, and the number of subjects is equal to or greater than a certain value Choose a fragrance. In (A), when selecting a scent whose exhalation time value exceeds the reference value, or in (B), selecting an exhalation time value for each subject whose scent exceeds the reference value When
The scent selection method according to claim 1, wherein the scent expiration time value or the scent expiration time value for each subject is selected to be significantly longer than the reference value as a result of statistical processing.   The reference value is the average value, expiratory time data of the subject group in the state of smelling the scent, the median value or the mode or the mean value of expiratory time data in the state of the subject group smelling odorless air, the median value Or it is a mode value, The selection method of the fragrance of Claim 1 or 2. In the step of preparing a plurality of different scents,
Preparing a candidate group of scents including the plurality of different scents;
Presenting the scent candidate group to the subject;
From the subject, obtaining an answer about palatability for each presented candidate;
The method comprising: selecting a highly-preferred scent from the candidate group of scents based on an answer about a subject's preference and preparing the plurality of different scents. Selection method of description fragrance. In the first acquisition step, the minute ventilation data in the state in which the subject group sniffs odorless air and the minute ventilation data in the state in which the subject group sniffs each of the plurality of different scents, and
The minute ventilation value of the scent obtained from the minute ventilation data when the subject group smelled the scent is the odorless minute ventilation value obtained from the minute ventilation data when smelling the odorless air. As a result of statistical processing for the second, the second selection step of selecting a fragrance without significant difference,
The scent selection method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the scent selected in the first selection step and selected in the second selection step is selected.   In the first acquisition step, the step of measuring the respiratory activity including the expiration time in a state where the subject group smells the scent, and the step of measuring the respiratory activity including the expiration time in a state where the subject group does not present the scent The method for selecting a fragrance according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the steps are alternately performed.   The scent selection method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the first acquisition step, the expiration time is acquired by measuring the expiration time each time the scent is presented to the subject group a plurality of times.   In the scent selection method, the scent selection method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the scent is selected as a scent that evokes impression.

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