JP2019180664A - Olfactory capacity derivation method, program and device - Google Patents

Abstract

To change a discharge state of an odor component for easily deriving an olfactory capacity.SOLUTION: A plurality of patterns including a correct answer are displayed in a region 252 ni, and an odor component is discharged by a discharge amount for a unit time according to an age of a user. A selection result of a pattern is received, and based on the pattern indicating a correct answer and a selection result, an olfaction age of a user is derived.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to an olfactory ability derivation method, an olfactory ability derivation program, and an olfactory ability derivation device.

Patent Document 1 discloses a sensory abnormality detection device that allows a user to notice the possibility of a sensory abnormality in daily life.
In Patent Document 2, a fragrance component is microencapsulated into a powder form, and the microcapsule is mixed into a solid base having a viscosity that is odorless and attachable to paper, etc., and molded into a stick shape. There is disclosed a stick-type odor presenting device characterized in that it is mounted on a stick.
Patent Document 3 discloses an olfactory set that can learn and memorize fragrances in a simpler way and in a fun and ambitious manner.
In various embodiments, an apparatus for detecting, evaluating and / or monitoring olfactory dysfunction is disclosed in various embodiments by measuring and determining olfactory detection thresholds of the patient's left and right nostrils.
Patent Document 5 discloses an apparatus capable of appropriately and simply inspecting quantitative and comprehensive olfactory function tests as one item of a health check.

JP, 2006-171936, A Japanese Patent No. 3694409 JP 2004-433 A Special table 2017-529885 gazette Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-129577

  However, since the inventions disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 cannot vary the odor release concentration, accurate olfactory ability cannot be measured. Since the inventions of Patent Documents 4 to 5 are intended for examination, the olfactory ability may be accurately measured, but the operation is complicated and the equipment necessary for training to continuously smell is not provided.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an olfactory ability derivation method, an olfactory ability derivation program, and an olfactory ability derivation device that can easily derive an olfactory ability by changing the release state of an odor component.

  In order to achieve the above object, the olfactory ability derivation method according to claim 1 of the present application displays a plurality of options including correct answers, and releases an odor component in a release state determined according to the age of the trainee. Receiving an option selection result by the trainee, and deriving the olfactory ability of the trainee from the correct answer and the selection result.

The present invention displays a plurality of options including a correct answer, releases an odor component in a release state determined according to the age of the trainee, accepts a selection result of the options by the trainee, and receives the correct answer and the selection result. From the above, the olfactory ability of the trainee is derived.
The present invention derives the olfactory ability of the trainee by changing the release state of the odor component according to the age of the trainee and allowing the trainee to select an option. Therefore, the present invention can easily derive the olfactory ability by changing the release state of the odor component.

The olfactory ability derivation method of the invention described in claim 2 is the olfactory ability derivation method of the invention described in claim 1, when the selection result is not the selection of the correct answer, the release state is increased and the amount of release of odor components increases. And releasing the odor component in the modified release state.
The olfactory ability derivation method of the invention described in claim 3 further includes accepting a level of difficulty of training in the invention of claim 1 or 2, wherein the release state is the age and the level. It is decided according to.
The olfactory ability derivation method of the invention described in claim 4 further includes receiving a level of difficulty of training in the invention of claim 1 or claim 2, and the higher the level of difficulty, the more correct the answer is As options other than the above options, options similar to the correct option are displayed.
The olfactory ability derivation method of the invention described in claim 5 is the environmental humidity in which the odor component is released when the odor component is released in the invention of any one of claims 1 to 4. Is further set to a predetermined humidity.
The olfactory ability derivation method of the invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein information of a plurality of options displayed when the olfactory ability derivation method is executed is displayed. Further, when the plurality of options are displayed, a plurality of options that are not the plurality of options displayed when the olfactory ability derivation method is executed last time are displayed.

The olfactory ability derivation program of the invention according to claim 7 causes a computer to execute the olfactory ability derivation method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
An olfactory ability derivation device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is a storage medium storing an olfactory ability derivation program for causing a processor to execute an olfactory ability derivation method, and executes an olfactory ability derivation program stored in the storage medium An olfactory ability deriving device comprising: a processing device that executes the olfactory ability deriving method by performing the olfactory ability deriving method according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Is the method.

  The present invention can easily derive the olfactory ability by changing the release state of the odor component.

It is a block diagram of an olfactory training system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the client 10. 3 is a functional block of the CPU 22 of the client 10. 3 is a functional block of the CPU 22 of the server 12. It is a flowchart of a part of olfactory training program. It is the remaining flowchart of an olfactory training program. It is a flowchart of an olfactory training data processing program. It is a figure which shows the initial screen. It is a figure which shows the start screen. It is a figure which shows the guidance screen 240. FIG. It is a figure which shows the display screen 250 of a some symbol. It is a figure which shows the correct answer screen 260. FIG. It is a figure which shows the incorrect answer screen 270. FIG. It is a figure which shows the radar chart screen 280. FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the age about odor A, and the discharge | release amount per unit time of an odor component. It is a figure which shows a plurality of different symbols for each of a plurality of types for each of a plurality of odor groups. For each user, for the past olfactory training, the user's history data indicating which pattern was used for each odor, and for this olfactory training, the user's history data indicating which pattern is used for each odor, FIG. It is a figure which shows a correct answer table and an incorrect answer table. It is a figure which shows the correct answer screen 260 in a 12th modification.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an olfactory training system. As shown in FIG. 1, the olfactory training system includes a client 10, a server device (hereinafter referred to as “server”) 12, and an odor component releasing device 16. The client 10 and the server 12 are connected via a network 14 such as the Internet, for example. The odor component releasing device 16 can selectively release a plurality of, for example, a maximum of six types of odor components in accordance with a command from the client 10. The odor component discharging device 16 has six odor component tanks, and discharges the odor component from each tank through each discharge port.
The client 10 is an example of an olfactory ability deriving device according to the technique of the present disclosure.

  The user performs an olfactory training, which will be described later, at a position where the scent component released from the scent component release device 16 can be sniffed.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the client 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the client 10 includes a computer main body 20. The computer main body 20 includes a CPU 22, a ROM 24, a RAM 26, and an input / output (I / O) port 28 that are connected to each other via a bus 30. A display device 32, an input device 34, a communication device 36, and a storage device 38 are connected to the I / O port 28. The ROM 24 (or the storage device 38) stores an olfactory training program (see FIGS. 5 and 6) described later. The storage device 38 stores a correct answer table and an incorrect answer table (FIG. 18), which will be described later.
The olfactory training program (see FIGS. 5 and 6) is an example of the olfactory ability deriving program of the technology of the present disclosure. The CPU 22 is an example of a processing device according to the technique of the present disclosure. The ROM 24 (or the storage device 38) is an example of a storage medium according to the technology of the present disclosure.

  Since the server 12 has the same configuration as that of the client 10, the description thereof is omitted. The ROM 24 (or the storage device 38) of the server 12 stores an olfactory training data processing program. The storage device 38 of the server 12 stores the relationship between the age of each odor and the amount of odor components released per unit time (see FIG. 15).

  The olfactory training program has a communication processing function, an image processing function, a reception processing function, an odor component release processing function, and a memory processing function. When the CPU 22 of the client 10 executes the olfactory training program, the CPU 22 of the client 10 performs a communication processing unit 42, an image processing unit 44, a reception processing unit 46, an odor component release processing unit 48, and a storage process, as shown in FIG. It functions as the unit 50.

  The olfactory training data processing program has a communication processing function, a discharge amount determination processing function, a symbol determination processing function, and a storage process. When the CPU 22 of the server 12 executes the olfactory training data processing program, the CPU 22 of the server 12, as shown in FIG. 4, performs a communication processing unit 62, a discharge amount determination processing unit 64, a symbol determination processing unit 66, and a storage processing unit. It functions as 68.

  5 and 6 show flowcharts of the olfactory training program. The olfactory training process (olfactory ability derivation process) by the client 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. When the CPU 22 of the client 10 executes the olfactory training program, the olfactory training process shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6 is realized.

  An initial screen 200 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the screen of the display device 32 of the client 10. The initial screen 200 includes a training button 204 and an odor perfume button 206. The training button 204 is a button for starting olfactory training, that is, for starting an olfactory training program. The scent control button 206 is a button for instructing the control and release of the scent.

  When the training button 204 is pressed, the olfactory training program starts, and in step 72, the image processing unit 44 displays a start screen 210 shown in FIG. The start screen 210 includes a name input area 212 for inputting the user's name, an ID number input area 214 for inputting the user's ID number, a birth date input area 216 for inputting the user's date of birth, It has a gender selection button 218 for selecting the gender of the user. The start screen 210 has an ID number list display area 224 for displaying a list of ID numbers of users who have already registered their name, ID number, date of birth, and gender. When these registered users click their ID numbers from the list of ID numbers displayed in the ID number list display area 224, the registered names and IDs are displayed in the name input area 212 to the gender selection button 218. Number, date of birth, and gender are set.

  The start screen 210 includes an odor type number input area 220 for inputting the number of odor types used for training, and a difficulty level input area 222 for inputting a level of training difficulty. As described above, the odor component releasing device 16 can emit up to six types of odor components. A value from 1 to 6 is input to the odor type input area 220. There are five training difficulty levels: “1. Easy”, “2. Somewhat easy”, “3. Standard”, “4. Somewhat difficult”, and “5. Difficult”. When the difficulty level input area 222 is clicked, the names of the five levels of training difficulty are displayed as pull-down menus. The user selects a desired level.

  The start screen 210 includes a training start button 226, a data clear button 228 for erasing data input in the name input area 212 to the difficulty level input area 222, and a name input area 212 to a difficulty level input area 222. A data registration skip button 230 for starting training without registering data.

  In step 74, the reception processing unit 46 receives user data input via the name input area 212 to the difficulty level input area 222. The user data includes user age data (birth date).

  In step 76, the reception processing unit 46 determines whether or not the training start button 226 has been pressed. If it is not determined that the training start button 226 has been pressed, the determination is repeated until the training start button 226 is pressed. If it is determined that the training start button 226 has been pressed, the image processing unit 44 displays the guidance screen 240 shown in FIG. 10 on the screen of the display device 32 in step 78. The guidance screen 240 has a message display area 242 for displaying a message explaining a method of olfactory training, and a start button 244.

  In step 80, the reception processing unit 46 determines whether or not the start button 244 has been pressed. If it is not determined that the start button 244 has been pressed, the determination is repeated until it is determined that the start button 244 has been pressed. If it is determined that the start button 244 has been pressed, in step 82, the communication processing unit 42 transmits user data of name to difficulty level to the server 12. The server 12 executes an olfactory training data processing program (see FIG. 7) to be described later, and transmits the release amount of each odor component per unit time and the data of each odor pattern. Receives the amount of release of each odor component per unit time and the data of each odor design. There are a plurality of symbols for each odor, and a correct pattern is designated for each odor.

  In step 86, the odor component release processing unit 48 initializes variables n and ni, which will be described later in detail for use in the olfactory training program, to zero. In step 88, the odor component release processing unit 48 increments the variable n by 1. The variable n identifies each type of odor. For example, when 6 is input to the odor type number input area 220, the variable n identifies six types of odors. The variables n = 1 to 6 identify the smells A to F. As described above, since the correct pattern is specified for each odor, the correct patterns of the odors A to F are also identified by the variable n = 1 to 6.

  In step 89, the image processing unit 44 displays a plurality of symbol display screens 250 including symbols corresponding to the correct smell n on the screen of the display device 32 as shown in FIG. 11. The display screen 250 has an area 252ni for displaying five symbols including a symbol corresponding to the correct smell n and a symbol for answering “I don't know”. The display screen 250 includes an odor release start button 254, a cancel button 256 for canceling the answer, and an instruction button 258 for instructing to move to the next odor.

  In step 90, the odor component release processing unit 48 instructs the odor component release device 16 to set the release amount Pn per unit time of the odor component of odor n to Pn0.

  In step 91, the reception processing unit 46 determines whether or not the odor release start button 254 is pressed. If it is not determined that the odor release start button 254 is pressed, the determination is repeated until it is determined that the odor release start button 254 is pressed. If it is determined that the odor release start button 254 has been pressed, in step 92, the odor component release processing unit 48 causes the odor component release device 16 to release the odor component of the odor n at the release amount Pn per unit time. Instruct. In accordance with the instruction, the odor component releasing device 16 releases the odor component of odor n at a discharge amount Pn per unit time.

  Here, the odor component release device 16 may perform the release of the odor component of the odor n at the release amount Pn per unit time once or a plurality of times (for example, twice).

  In step 94, the odor component release processing unit 48 increments ni by one.

  When the odor component of odor n is released, the user selects an odor design corresponding to the emitted odor component via the input device 34. For example, when the variable n = 1, an odor component of apple odor is released. In the area 252ni of the display screen 250 in FIG. 11, five symbols (a mandarin orange, an apple, a banana, a melon, and a kiwi) including a symbol (apple) corresponding to the correct smell n = 1 and “I don't know” are answered. For the design.

  The user sniffs the released odor component. For example, when the odor n is determined to be an odor of an apple, the user selects an apple pattern. When it is determined that the smell n is the smell of a mandarin orange, a mandarin orange symbol is selected. If the odor n does not know what odor, the symbol for answering “I don't know” is selected.

  In step 98, the reception processing unit 46 determines whether or not there is an answer. If it is not determined that there has been an answer, in step 100, the reception processing unit 46 determines whether or not a certain time has elapsed. If it is not determined that the fixed time has elapsed, the process returns to step 98. If it is determined that there is no response and it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, in step 102, the image processing unit 44 displays a non-response message, which is a message indicating no response, on the screen of the display device 32. To display. After step 102, the olfactory training process proceeds to step 108.

  If it is determined in step 98 that an answer has been received, in step 104, the reception processing unit 46 determines whether or not a correct symbol has been selected. As described above, when the variables n = 1 to 6, the smells A to F are identified, and the correct symbols of each odor are also identified, so it is determined whether or not the symbol selected as the answer is the correct symbol. By doing so, it can be determined whether or not the correct pattern has been selected.

  For example, in the variable n = 1, when it is determined that the apple symbol is selected and the correct symbol is selected, the olfactory training process proceeds to step 106.

  On the other hand, for example, when the variable n = 1 and the apple symbol is not selected, for example, when another symbol (for example, melon symbol) is selected, or the symbol “I don't know” is selected. It is determined that the correct symbol has not been selected. If it is determined that the correct pattern has not been selected, the olfactory training process proceeds to step 108.

  If it is determined in step 104 that the correct pattern has been selected, in step 106, the storage processing unit 50 stores the incorrect answer in the ni-1th row of the odor n in the incorrect answer table shown in FIG. It is judged whether it is done.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the incorrect answer table and the correct answer table are tables that store the results of olfactory training performed in the area identified by ni in the odor n row.

  When step 106 is executed for the first time, it is not determined that an incorrect answer is stored in the (ni-1) th row of the odor n in the incorrect answer table, and the olfactory training process proceeds to step 112.

  In step 110, the image processing unit 44 displays the correct answer screen 260 shown in FIG. 12 on the screen of the display device 32. The correct answer screen 260 includes an interrupt button 262, a correct message display area 264 that displays a correct message, a progress status display area 266 that displays the current progress status, and the area 252ni. After step 106, the olfactory training process proceeds to step 112.

  In step 112, the storage processing unit 50 stores the ith nth row of the odor n in the correct answer table shown in FIG. 18. For example, if n = 3 and ni = 1, as shown in FIG. 18, “◯” indicating the correct answer is stored in the first area of the row of odor C (identified by n = 3).

  When the process of step 112 is executed, since the correct answer is selected (step 104: Y), the user is able to recognize the odor with the emission amount Pn per unit time of the current odor component. Can be determined. In this case, the user may have the ability to recognize the odor with a release amount smaller than the release amount Pn per unit time of the current odor component. In the present embodiment, in order to confirm whether or not the user has the ability to recognize the odor with a release amount smaller than the release amount Pn per unit time of the current odor component, first, in step 114, The odor component release processing unit 48 sets the release amount Pn per unit time of the odor component of odor n to Pn / 2. It is not limited to dividing by 2, but may be decreased by a certain amount Δp, such as Pn ← Pn−Δp. Then, the olfactory training process returns to step 91. Accordingly, steps 91 to 104 are executed.

  Since steps 91 to 104 are executed and the odor component is released with a smaller release amount than the previous time, the user may not select the correct pattern. In this case, a negative determination is made in step 104, and in step 108, the storage processing unit 50 determines whether or not the correct answer is stored in the (ni-1) th row of the odor n in the correct answer table (see FIG. 18).

  For example, when n = 3 (smell C) in FIG. 18 and ni = 2, the correct answer (“◯”) is stored in the area of ni−1 = 1st, so step 108 is affirmative. . In this case, in step 124 of FIG. 6, the storage processing unit 50 stores the incorrect answer (“×”) in the ni (= 2) -th row of the odor n (= 3) in the correct answer table. After step 124, the olfactory training process proceeds to step 126.

  Unlike the above example, for example, when n = 1 (scent A) and step 92 is first executed, and the user selects an incorrect answer, step 108 is negative. In this case, in step 118, the image processing unit 44 displays the incorrect answer screen 270 shown in FIG. 13 on the screen of the display device 32. The incorrect answer screen 270 includes an interrupt button 272, an incorrect answer message display area 274 for displaying an incorrect answer message, a progress status display area 276 for displaying the current progress status, and the area 252ni. After step 118, the olfactory training process proceeds to step 120.

  In step 120, as shown in FIG. 18, the storage processing unit 50 stores the incorrect answer (“×”) in the ni (= 1) th row of the odor n (= 1) in the incorrect answer table.

  When the process of step 120 is executed, since the incorrect answer has been selected (step 104: N), the user can recognize the odor by the current amount of release Pn of the odor component per unit time. It can be judged that it has no ability. In this case, the user may not have the capability of recognizing the odor with a release amount larger than the release amount Pn per unit time of the current odor component. In the present embodiment, in order to confirm whether or not the user has the ability to recognize the odor with a release amount larger than the release amount Pn per unit time of the current odor component, first, in step 122, The odor component release processing unit 48 sets the release amount Pn per unit time of the odor component of odor n to 2 * Pn. It is not limited to multiplying by 2, but may be increased by a certain amount Δp, such as Pn ← Pn + Δp. Then, the olfactory training process returns to step 91. Accordingly, steps 91 to 104 are executed.

  Steps 91 to 104 are executed, and the user may select the correct symbol. In this case, the correct answer screen 260 (see FIG. 12) is displayed in step 106, and in step 106, the storage processing unit 50 finds the incorrect answer in the ni-1th line of the odor n in the incorrect answer table (see FIG. 18). It is determined whether or not it is stored. In the case of the above example (n = 1 and ni = 2), the correct answer (“×”) is stored in the area of ni−1th = 1st. The processing unit 50 stores the correct answer (“◯”) in the ni (= 2) th row of the odor n (= 1) in the incorrect answer table. After step 116, the olfactory training process proceeds to step 126.

In step 126, the image processing unit 44 calculates the odor age of the odor n.
For example, in the incorrect answer table (see FIG. 18), when n = 1 (scent A), “x” is stored in the area of ni = 1, and “◯” is stored in the area of ni = 2. This is because the user does not have the ability to recognize the odor A at the initial release amount Pn0, but has the ability to recognize the odor A at the release amount 2 * Pn0. It can be judged that

  The olfactory age of the user is calculated as follows. First, for each odor, an odor coefficient (kn) for correcting the age of the user is determined in advance. A correction coefficient A for correcting the age of the user is determined according to the level of difficulty of training. Furthermore, a correction coefficient B for correcting the age of the user is determined according to the number of correct answers and incorrect answers. The olfactory age of the user is calculated based on the olfactory age calculation formula of (user age) × kn × A × B. Thus, the user's olfactory age does not increase or decrease by one year for each incorrect answer or correct answer, but is determined according to the type of odor, the level of difficulty of training, and the number of correct or incorrect answers.

After step 126, the olfactory training process proceeds to step 128.

  In step 128, the odor component release processing unit 48 determines whether n is the value N input to the odor type number input area 220. If it is determined that n = N, since there is a smell that has not yet been subjected to olfactory training, in step 130, the image processing unit 44 displays a smell change notification screen for notifying that the smell is changed on the display device 32. On the screen. After step 130, the olfactory training process returns to step 88, and the above processes (steps 88 to 128) are executed.

  When the olfactory training is completed for all the specified number of smells, step 128 is affirmative. Thereby, for example, the contents (“◯”, “X”) corresponding to the training result are stored in the correct answer table and the incorrect answer table of FIG.

  If step 128 is positive, the olfactory training process proceeds to step 132. In step 132, the image processing unit 44 displays the user's olfactory ability on the screen of the display device 32 on a radar chart screen 280 as shown in FIG. 14, for example. The radar chart screen 280 includes an olfactory age display area 281, a radar chart area 282, a date area 284, and buttons 286 to 290.

  The olfactory age display area 281 displays the olfactory age of the user. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the average value of the user's olfactory age is obtained for the smells A to F calculated according to the olfactory age calculation formula, and 45 years old is displayed as the obtained average value.

  The radar chart area 282 is an area for displaying the olfactory ability of each odor of the user in a radar chart. The plotting method is as follows. As described above, the level of training difficulty includes “1. Easy”, “2. Somewhat easy”, “3. Standard”, “4. Somewhat difficult”, and “5. Difficult”. For example, when “3. Standard” is selected, the standard for plotting is based on 3. When “1. Easy” and “2. Slightly easy” are selected, the plotting criteria are 2, 1 respectively. On the other hand, when “4. Difficult” and “5. Difficult” are selected, the plot criteria are 4 and 5, respectively. Then, each odor is plotted at a point “−1” from the reference, and “−2” from the reference, and “−2” from the reference. On the other hand, after each correct answer for each odor, a correct answer with a smaller release amount is plotted as “+1” from the reference, and a correct answer with a smaller release amount is plotted as “+2” from the reference. When the upper limit and the lower limit are reached, plots are made at 5 locations and 0 locations, respectively.

Furthermore, a message indicating the olfactory ability determined in accordance with the difference between the user's olfactory age (average value of the olfactory ages of each odor) and the user's actual age is predetermined as follows. For example, if the difference is in the range of +10 years or older, "Olfactory function is declining", if it is less than +10 years and in the range of +3 years or older, "Beginner" (below standard), under +3 years, from -3 years In the case of a large range, a “intermediate (age suitable)” message is defined. When the difference is less than −3 years and greater than −10 years old, “advanced (standard or higher)” is set, and when the difference is less than −10 years old, “sommelier (perfumer)” is set.
In the example of FIG. 14, the actual age of the user is 43 years old, and the obtained olfactory age (average value) of the user is 45 years old. Therefore, the difference between the user's olfactory age (average value) and the user's actual age is +2 years, and is in the range of less than +3 years and greater than -3 years. Therefore, as the olfactory ability determined according to the difference, “ "Intermediate (age suitable)" is displayed.

  The date area 284 is an area for displaying the date on which olfactory training was performed. Buttons 286 to 290 are a button for instructing to save the result, a button for instructing to perform olfactory training again, and a button for instructing to end olfactory training.

  If the button 290 is pressed, in step 134, the image processing unit 44 displays an unillustrated end screen on the screen of the display device 32, and the processing ends.

  FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the olfactory training data processing program. The olfactory training data processing by the server 12 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. When the CPU 22 of the server 12 executes the olfactory training data processing program, the olfactory training data processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is realized. When the olfactory training data processing program starts, the communication processing unit 62 determines whether or not user data is received from the client 10 in step 152. If it is not determined that user data has been received, the determination is repeated until it is determined that user data has been received.

  If it is determined that the user data has been received, in step 154, the release amount determination processing unit 64 extracts the user's age from the user data, and in step 156, the release amount determination processing unit 64 has a plurality of odors. From the relationship between the age and the amount of odorous components released per unit time, the amount of odorous components released per unit time corresponding to the extracted age is obtained for each odor.

  Here, the relationship between age and the amount of odor components released per unit time will be described. In the following, the case of n = 1 (scent A) will be described. However, the other odors B to F have the same concept as the scent A, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 15 shows the relationship between the age of odor A and the amount of odor components released per unit time. The amount of odor components released per unit time is determined by the following experiment. That is, for a plurality of subjects of the same age, an experiment was performed to determine the release amount at which each of the plurality of subjects could recognize the odor while gradually increasing the release amount of the odor component. The average value of the released amount per unit time at which the odor can be recognized is defined as the released amount per unit time of the odor component.

  The above relationship is obtained for each odor A to F and stored in the storage device 38 of the server 12. In step 156, the release amount determination processing unit 64 acquires the above relationship for each odor A to F and the release amount Pn0 per unit time of the odor component corresponding to the user's age AGO for each odor.

  In step 158, the released amount determination processing unit 64 corrects the released amount per unit time of the odor component acquired for each odor according to the set level of difficulty. As described above, the difficulty level input area 222 has five levels of “1. Easy”, “2. Somewhat easy”, “3. Standard”, “4. Somewhat difficult”, and “5. Difficult”. . When “3. Standard” is set, the correction amount of the discharge amount is zero. When “2. Somewhat easy” is set, the value is set to a value twice the amount of release acquired in step 156. When “1. Easy” is set, the value is set to four times the release amount acquired in step 156. When “4. Slightly difficult” is set, the value is set to 1/2 of the release amount acquired in step 156. If “5. Somewhat difficult” is set, the value is set to 1/4 of the release amount acquired in step 156.

  In step 160, the symbol determination processing unit 66 selects a symbol that has not been used in a plurality of past trainings for each odor from the user's history data.

  FIG. 16 shows a plurality of different symbols for a plurality of types, for example, five types, for each of a plurality of odor groups, for example, six groups. For example, the fruit group includes five types of oranges, apples, bananas, melons, and kiwis. A plurality of, for example, five symbols of data are stored for each type. For mandarin oranges, there are five different symbols A1-1, A1-2, ... A1-5. For apples, there are five different symbols A2-1, A2-2, ... A2-5. There are five different symbols A3-1, A3-2,... A3-5 for bananas. For melon, there are five different symbols A4-1, A4-2,... A4-5. For kiwi, there are five different symbols A5-1, A5-2,... A5-5. The same applies to the other groups. A1-1 and the like are symbol identification information (for example, numbers). These symbol data are stored in the storage device 38 of the server 12 corresponding to the corresponding numbers.

  FIG. 17 shows user history data indicating which symbols are used for each scent in the past for olfactory training for each user. For example, with respect to the user (00 00), in the olfactory training started at the start time of 00: 00: 00: 00: 00: For example, for odor A, A1-1, A1- 2,... A1-5 are stored, and it can be recognized that symbols A1-1, A1-2,. For other odors, numbers are similarly stored, and it is possible to recognize which symbol is used. The same applies to olfactory training started at other start dates.

  In step 160, the symbol determination processing unit 66 selects a symbol that has not been used in a plurality of past trainings, for example, three trainings, for each odor from the history data of the user. In the example shown in FIG. 17, for example, for the odor A, in the past three times, the types of symbols identified by A1-1..., A1-2. This time, a symbol identified by a type other than these, for example, A1-4, A2-4,... Is selected.

  In step 162, the communication processing unit 62 transmits the discharge amount per unit time of each odor component corrected in step 158 and the data of each symbol selected in step 160.

  In step 164, the storage processing unit 68 adds the numbers A1-4, A2-4,..., A5-4 of the current symbols to the user history data.

As described above, in this embodiment, since olfactory training can be performed simply and happily, the user can be guided to continuously execute the olfactory training.
By the way, it has been reported that the olfactory declines with aging (PSYCHOGERIATRICS 2011; 11: 196-20499) and the relationship between olfactory ability decline, mortality and dementia (PLOS ONE 2014; 9; e107541) 2013; 50: 243-248). It has also been reported that olfactory training improves olfactory ability (Laryngoscope 2009; 119: 496-499).
According to the present embodiment, olfactory training is continued, for example, by continuously executing several times a day, the number of olfactory neurons increases, the network of brain circuits strengthens, and the user can improve olfactory ability, Furthermore, dementia prevention and long life can be achieved. Daily health checks are also possible.

Next, various modifications will be described. The following modifications can be arbitrarily combined. For example, all of the first to twelfth modifications may be combined, or two or more of the first to twelfth modifications may be combined and less than 12 modifications.
(First modification)
In the said embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the olfactory training system is provided with the client 10, the server 12, and the odor component discharge | release apparatus 16. As shown in FIG. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, only the client 10 may be provided, and the function of the server 12 may be performed by the client 10.

(Second modification)
The odor component discharging device 16 has six odor component tanks, and discharges odor components from the respective tanks through respective discharge ports. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, there is provided an odor component releasing device having a configuration including a plurality of odor component tanks and one discharge port, and extracting and mixing odor components from a plurality of odor component tanks at a predetermined ratio to generate and emit a predetermined odor component. It may be used.

(Third Modification)
In the said embodiment, when releasing an odor component, environmental humidity is not ask | required. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the user releases the odor component while keeping the humidity of the space where the user smells the odor component from the odor component discharge device 16 at a predetermined optimum humidity, for example, 50% relative humidity (RH (relative humidity)). It may be. In this case, the odor component releasing device may be vaporized and humidified so that the odor component does not adhere to moisture.

(Fourth modification)
In the above embodiment, when the correct answer or the incorrect answer is selected for the first time, the pattern is not changed when the olfactory training is repeated until the correct answer or the correct answer is obtained. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. Although the types are the same, different designs may be presented. For example, in the first olfactory training, when the symbols A1-1, A2-1,... A5-1 are used, A1-2, A2-2,. -2 is used.

(Fifth modification)
In the above embodiment, when the correct answer is selected for the first time, the olfactory training is repeated with the amount of released odor components being reduced (step 114) until the answer is incorrect. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, when the correct answer is selected for the first time, an olfactory training may be immediately performed for another odor.

(Sixth Modification)
In the above-described embodiment, when the incorrect answer is selected for the first time, the olfactory training is repeated by increasing the amount of released odor components (step 122) until the answer is correct. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, when an incorrect answer is selected for the first time, olfactory training may be performed up to “number of presented symbols−2” times at the maximum.

(Seventh Modification)
In the said embodiment, the relationship (refer FIG. 15) between the age about each odor and the discharge | release amount per unit time of an odor component is determined irrespective of sex. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the above relationship (FIG. 15) may be determined for each gender, and the release amount may be determined in consideration of gender information. Further, the amount of the odor component released per unit time may be determined by the following experiment. That is, for a plurality of subjects of the same age, an experiment is performed to determine how many of the subjects can recognize the odor while gradually increasing the amount of odor components released. The release amount per unit time at which the majority of people can recognize the smell is defined as the release amount of the odor component per unit time.

(Eighth modification)
In the said embodiment, the discharge | release amount per unit time of an odor component is defined according to age. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the release amount per unit time is constant, but the release time of the odor component may be determined according to age. Further, the concentration gradient of the released amount per unit time may be determined according to the age. That is, depending on the age, at least one of the release state of the odor component, specifically, the release amount per unit time, the release time, and the concentration gradient of the release amount per unit time may be determined.

(Ninth Modification)
In the above embodiment, the number of symbols to be displayed is constant regardless of the level of difficulty. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the number of symbols to be displayed may be increased as the level of difficulty increases.

(10th modification)
In the said embodiment, the symbol displayed when releasing an odor component is a symbol of the type belonging to the group to which the odor belongs regardless of the level of difficulty. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, when the level of difficulty is “1. Easy”, one pattern from each of five groups including the correct group (for example, A1-1, B1-1, C1-1, D1-1, E1). -1) is selected and displayed. In accordance with the cases where the difficulty level is “2. Somewhat easy”, “3. Standard”, “4. Somewhat difficult”, the number of symbols with relatively similar odors to the correct answer is increased. When the level of difficulty is “5. Difficult”, five types of symbols (for example, A1-1, A2-1, A3-1, A4-1, A5) including the correct smell in the correct answer group. -1) is displayed.

(Eleventh modification)
In the above embodiment, the user's olfactory age for each odor is determined according to the olfactory age calculation formula, i.e., depending on the type of odor, the level of difficulty of training, and the number of correct and incorrect answers. I try to settle. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and may be as follows.

When the user's olfactory age is increased (aged) for each odor, there are the following three types.
First, even if the correct answer is selected in the first odor release, “1. Easy” and “2. Slightly easy” are selected as the level of training difficulty. When “1. Easy” is selected, the olfactory age is higher (aged) than when “2. Slightly easy” is selected.
Second, the number of consecutive incorrect answers increases.
Thirdly, even when the correct answer is selected for the first odor release, the displayed pattern is a pattern with a clearer difference in odor.
In the technology of the present disclosure, the user's olfactory age is determined according to at least one of the first to third cases. In the above embodiment, the first case and the second case are combined.

When the user's olfactory age decreases (rejuvenates) for each odor, there are the following three types.
Fourthly, even when the correct answer is selected in the first odor release, “4. Difficult” or “5. Difficult” is selected as the level of training difficulty. When “5. Difficult” is selected, the olfactory age is smaller (rejuvenated) than when “4. Somewhat difficult” is selected.
Fifth, the number of consecutive correct answers increases.
Sixth, there is a case where even if the correct answer is selected in the first scent emission, the displayed pattern is a pattern whose odor difference is not clear.
In the technology of the present disclosure, the user's olfactory age is determined according to at least one of the fourth to sixth cases. In the above embodiment, the fourth case and the fifth case are combined.

(Twelfth modification)
In the embodiment described above, when the correct answer is first obtained, the same odor is emitted while reducing the concentration until the incorrect answer is obtained, and when the correct answer is initially obtained, the same odor is applied until the correct answer is obtained. Release while thickening. Therefore, “Smell appears in the correct message display area 264 of the correct answer screen 260 in the case of the correct answer shown in FIG. 12 and the incorrect message display area 274 in the incorrect answer screen 270 in the case of the incorrect answer shown in FIG.・ ・ 」Message is displayed. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and may be as follows.
When the correct answer screen 260 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, the correct message display area 264 of the correct message display area 264 “An even thinner odor appears.” Or the incorrect answer screen 270 in the case of the incorrect answer shown in FIG. In the incorrect message display area 274, a message such as “A deeper smell will come out” may be displayed.
Also, once a certain odor is released, another odor may be emitted regardless of whether the correct answer, incorrect answer, or non-selection time has elapsed for a certain period of time. In this case, as shown in FIG. 19, the message “A different odor” may be displayed in the correct message display area 264 of the correct answer screen 260. Similarly, a message “A different odor appears.” May be displayed in the incorrect message display area 274 of the incorrect answer screen 270.

10 Client 12 Server 14 Network 16 Odor Component Release Device 22 CPU
42 Communication Processing Unit 44 Image Processing Unit 46 Reception Processing Unit 48 Odor Component Release Processing Unit 50 Storage Processing Unit 62 Communication Processing Unit 64 Release Amount Determination Processing Unit 66 Symbol Determination Processing Unit 68 Storage Processing Unit

Claims (8)

Display multiple choices including correct answers,
Releasing odor components in a release state determined according to the age of the trainee,
Accepting a choice result by the trainee;
Deriving the olfactory ability of the trainee from the correct answer and the selection result;
A method for deriving olfactory abilities including:   2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: changing the release state so that the amount of released odor components is increased when the selection result is not the selection of the correct answer, and releasing the odor components in the changed release state. The olfactory ability derivation method described. Further including accepting a level of training difficulty,
The release state is determined according to the age and the level,
The method for deriving an olfactory ability according to claim 1 or 2. Further including accepting a level of training difficulty,
As the level of difficulty is higher, options similar to the correct answer options are displayed as options other than the correct answer options.
The method for deriving an olfactory ability according to claim 1 or 2. Further, when releasing the odor component, the humidity of the environment from which the odor component is released is further set to a predetermined humidity.
The olfactory ability derivation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Storing information on a plurality of options displayed when the olfactory ability derivation method is executed,
When displaying the plurality of options, displaying a plurality of options that are not a plurality of options displayed when the olfactory ability derivation method is executed last time,
The olfactory ability derivation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The olfactory ability derivation program which makes a computer perform the olfactory ability derivation method of any one of Claims 1-6. A storage medium for storing an olfactory ability deriving program for causing a processor to execute an olfactory ability deriving method;
A processing device for executing the olfactory ability derivation method by executing the olfactory ability derivation program stored in the storage medium;
An olfactory ability deriving device comprising:
The olfactory ability derivation method is the olfactory ability derivation method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
Olfactory ability deriving device.