JP2021186271A - Olfactory capacity derivation device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an olfactory capacity derivation device and a program, capable of accurately deriving olfactory capacity, relative to when incorrect data is not analyzed.SOLUTION: There is provided an olfactory capacity derivation device comprising: a response acquiring part for, when inspection related to olfactory capacity is performed multiple times, in a condition in which a kind and concentration of an odor component to be discharged are changed, acquiring for each inspection, information of the odor component selected as a response component, by a subject, out of plural odor components presented as choices; a score calculating part for calculating a score indicating olfactory capacity with respect to the discharged odor component, on the basis of relevance between the discharged odor component and the odor component selected as the response; and a deriving part for deriving an index value related to the olfactory capacity, using the calculated score.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a device and a program for deriving the sense of smell.

Patent Document 1 discloses a paresthesia detecting device that makes a user aware of the possibility of paresthesia in daily life.
In Patent Document 2, the fragrance component is microencapsulated into a powder, and the microcapsules are mixed with a solid base that is odorless and has a viscosity that can be adhered to paper or the like, and is molded into a stick shape. A stick-type odor presenter characterized by being loaded into a stick-type odor presenter is disclosed.
Patent Document 3 discloses an olfactory test card kit that can easily confirm various kinds of odors in a short time without diffusing odors (odors).
Patent Document 4 discloses an olfactory set that allows the user to learn and memorize scents in a simpler and more enjoyable and enthusiastic manner.
Patent Document 5 discloses devices for detecting, evaluating and / or monitoring olfactory dysfunction by measuring and determining the olfactory detection thresholds of the left and right nostrils of a patient in various embodiments.
Patent Document 6 discloses an apparatus capable of appropriately and easily inspecting a quantitative and comprehensive sensory function test as one item of a health diagnosis.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-171936 Japanese Patent No. 3649409 Japanese Patent No. 5390809 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-433 Special Table 2017-529885 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-129757

The sense of smell includes the ability to discriminate what smells and the ability to detect smells. In addition, it is known that the discriminating ability is first impaired in Alzheimer-type dementia, and the olfactory ability test is expected to be useful not only for the diagnosis of olfactory disorder but also for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer-type dementia. There is.

In the olfactory ability test, the subject selects an option that seems to correspond to the released odor component from the options such as a pattern or a character representing a plurality of presented odors. Although there are options such as "I don't know", the subject may select an appropriate odor even though he does not know. Further, only the result of the correct answer or the incorrect answer is obtained. For example, even if an option having a similar odor quality is selected or an option having a completely different odor quality is selected, the answer is also judged to be incorrect.

The inventors have completed the present invention by paying attention to the fact that the incorrect answer data contains information useful for deriving the olfactory ability.

An object of the present invention is to provide an olfactory ability deriving device and a program capable of deriving the olfactory ability more accurately than in the case where incorrect answer data is not analyzed.

The device for deriving the sense of smell of the present invention responds from a plurality of odor components presented as options by the subject when a plurality of tests for the sense of smell are performed while changing the type and concentration of the released odor component. Based on the relationship between the response acquisition unit that acquires the information of the odor component selected as the answer for each test, and the released odor component and the odor component selected as the answer for each odor component, the above. It is provided with a score calculation unit for calculating a score representing the olfactory ability for the released odor component, and a derivation unit for deriving an index value related to the olfactory ability using the calculated score.

According to the present invention, the sense of smell can be derived more accurately than in the case where the incorrect answer data is not analyzed.

It is a figure for demonstrating the similarity / dissimilarity of odor. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the electric structure of the olfactory ability derivation device. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the functional structure of the olfactory ability derivation device. (A) to (F) are diagrams showing various screens. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process flow of a detection ability derivation program. It is a figure which shows the derivation example of the score S (k). It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing flow of the discriminating ability derivation program. It is a chart which shows an example of the dissimilarity map. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process flow of the sense of body age estimation program. It is a figure which shows an example of the result display screen of the olfactory age estimation process.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Smell ability test>
First, the sense of smell test will be described.
In the olfactory ability test, the odor component is released from the odor component release device described later, and the subject is made to smell the odor (see FIG. 2). Then, as shown in FIG. 4D, the subject is presented with a plurality of options including the correct answer and asked for an answer. The subject selects and responds to the option that seems to correspond to the released odor component from the plurality of options presented. If the selected odor component and the released odor component match, the answer is "correct", and if the two do not match, the answer is "incorrect".

However, the subject may choose an appropriate odor, even though he does not know it. In addition, even if an option having a similar odor quality to the released odor component is selected or an option having a completely different odor quality is selected, the answer is equally judged to be incorrect. In this case, the sense of smell may not be derived accurately. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is decided to analyze the incorrect answer data and use the analysis result for deriving the olfactory ability.

(Reflecting the analysis result of incorrect answer data)
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the similarity / dissimilarity of odors. How you feel the scent depends on the historical and cultural background. There is a report categorizing how Japanese people perceive odors (Sachiko Saito, "Expressing bad odors and odors in daily life," Nioi Kaori Kankyo Society Journal, 44 (6) 2013). According to this report, odor species can be classified into four clusters: "vegetation", "chemical odor", "food / flower", and "foul odor". Therefore, when considering the degree of similarity / dissimilarity of odor species, it can be said that the two types of odors belonging to the same cluster are similar, and the two types of odors belonging to different clusters are dissimilar.

In the present embodiment, when the odor component selected by the subject is similar to the emitted odor component at the time of deriving the detection ability, it is determined that the emitted odor could be detected and treated in the same manner as the "correct answer". On the other hand, if the two are dissimilar, it is judged that the emitted odor cannot be detected and the answer is "incorrect". As a result, even if the two are similar, the detection capability can be derived more accurately than when the answer is "incorrect".

Also, when deriving the score representing the discriminating ability, if the two are similar, the feedback method of the result is changed, for example, adding points to the score. As a result, it becomes possible to derive the discriminating ability more accurately than when the two are similar but do not add points, and by extension, the sense of smell age can be estimated more accurately.

<First Embodiment>
First, the configuration of the olfactory ability derivation device will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the device for deriving the sense of smell. As shown in FIG. 2, the olfactory ability derivation device 10 includes an information processing unit 12, a display unit 14, an input unit 16, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 20, and an odor component discharging device 22.

The information processing unit 12 is a computer that controls the entire device and performs various calculations. It includes a CPU 12A, a ROM 12B that stores various programs, a RAM 12C that is used as a work area when executing a program, and an input / output unit (I / O) 12D. Each part is connected via a bus.

The display unit 14 is a display or the like that displays various screens to the subject. The input unit 16 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like that accepts an input operation from the subject. The storage unit 18 is an external storage device such as a hard disk. The communication unit 20 is an interface for communicating with an external device. The display unit 14 and the input unit 16 may be integrally configured as in the touch panel.

In this embodiment, various programs such as a "detection ability derivation program", a "discrimination ability derivation program", and a "smell age estimation program", which will be described later, are stored in the ROM 12B. The various programs and various data may be stored in other storage devices inside and outside the device, or may be recorded in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Further, various programs and various data may be acquired via communication.

The odor component releasing device 22 is configured to be able to release the odor component to the subject while changing the type and concentration of the odor component. The odor component discharging device 22 includes a plurality of containers for separately holding a plurality of odor components. By changing the container, the type of odor component can be changed. For example, a replaceable container such as a cartridge may be used so that the odor component used for the sense of smell test can be freely changed.

Next, the functional configuration of the olfactory ability derivation device will be described.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the sensory ability derivation device. The sensory ability derivation device 10 includes an answer acquisition unit 30, a score calculation unit 32, and a derivation unit 34.

When the response acquisition unit 30 tests the olfactory ability while changing the type and concentration of the released odor component, the subject who sniffed the released odor component presents a plurality of odor components as options. Information on the odor component selected as an answer from among them is acquired according to the type and concentration of the released odor component.

The score calculation unit 32 calculates a score representing the sense of smell for the released odor component based on the similarity or dissimilarity between the released odor component and the odor component selected as the answer. The derivation unit 34 derives an index value related to the sense of smell using the score calculated by the score calculation unit 32.

When the CPU 12A of the information processing unit 12 executes the above-mentioned "detection ability derivation program", "discrimination ability derivation program", and "smell age estimation program", the information processing unit 12 which is a computer functions as each functional unit. do.

(Detection capability derivation program)
In the first embodiment, an example of deriving the detection capability will be described.
4 (A) to 4 (F) are views showing various screens displayed on the display unit 14. Before the start of the olfactory ability test, the initial screen 100 shown in FIG. 4A is displayed as a default on the display unit 14 of the olfactory ability deriving device 10. The initial screen 100 includes buttons 102 to 106 for selecting inspection items and buttons 108 for instructing start. When the subject selects an inspection item and instructs the start, the setting screen 120 shown in FIG. 4B is displayed on the display unit 14.

The setting screen 120 includes boxes 122 to 126 for inputting setting values for setting items such as the number of odor species, the number of odor emissions, and age, a button 128 for instructing registration, and a button 130 for instructing to return to the initial screen 100. Includes. When the subject inputs the setting value for each setting item and instructs to register the input content, the start instruction screen 140 shown in FIG. 4C is displayed on the display unit 14.

The start instruction screen 140 includes a message 142 prompting the start of the detection ability test, a button 144 instructing the start of the detection ability test, and a button 146 instructing to return to the previous screen. The subject presses the button 144 to instruct the start of the detection ability test.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the detection capability derivation program. When the subject receives an instruction to start the detection ability test, the detection ability derivation program is executed by the CPU 12A of the information processing unit 12.

First, in step S100, the CPU 12A sets the test odor number (K) based on the content set by the subject. The CPU 12A randomly selects a number of odor components according to the number of odors (K) in the test, and stores the selected odor components in the RAM 12C as "test odor components" used for the inspection.

The K type odor component is identified by the variable k (= 1 to K). For example, the five types of odor components are variables such as k = 1 (wasabi), k = 2 (sulfur), k = 3 (lumber), k = 4 (ink), and k = 5 (banana). Identified by.

Next, in step S102, the CPU 12A sets the odor emission number (N) based on the content set by the subject. The CPU 12A sets the concentration of the odor component each time according to the number of times of odor emission (N), and stores the set concentration in the RAM 12C together with the number of times of emission. The concentration of the odor component is set to be light at first and to increase as the number of releases increases.

The number of releases is identified by the variable n (= 1 to N). For example, assuming that the number of times of odor release (N) is 3, the odor concentration of each time is n = 1 (light), n = 2 (intermediate), and n = 3 (dark).

Next, in step S104, the CPU 12A sets the variable k to 1. Next, in step S106, the CPU 12A sets the odor (k) to be emitted. First, the odor component of k = 1 is set.

Next, in step S108, the CPU 12A sets the variable n to 1. Next, in step S110, the CPU 12A sets the odor concentration (n) of the variable n and releases the odor component. At the first time, the odor component of k = 1 is released at the odor concentration corresponding to n = 1.

Next, in step S112, the CPU 12A receives the selection result of the subject and stores the selection result in the RAM 12C.

When the odor component is released, the selection screen 160 shown in FIG. 4D is displayed on the display unit 14. The selection screen 160 includes a plurality of options 162, a message 163 for prompting an answer, a button 164 for instructing an answer, and a button 166 for instructing to return to the previous screen. The plurality of options 162 includes five options (mandarin orange, apple, banana, melon, kiwi) including an option (banana) corresponding to the correct odor component, and an option for answering "I don't know". ..

The subject sniffs the released odor component and selects one option from a plurality of options to answer. For example, if it is determined that the smell is banana, banana is selected. If you don't know what it is, select "I don't know."

The CPU 12A stores the released odor component k, the number of times n released, and the set of the odor components selected by the subject in the RAM 12C as the selection result, based on the response contents of the subject. In the following, the released odor component k is referred to as "correct odor component", and the odor component selected by the subject is referred to as "answer odor component".

Further, the CPU 12A may determine whether or not the subject's answer is correct based on the selection result, and notify the subject of the determination result. For example, when the odor component of the answer matches the odor component of the correct answer, the correct answer screen 180 shown in FIG. 4 (E) is displayed on the display unit 14.

The correct answer screen 180 includes a display 182 indicating that the answer is correct, a message 184 indicating the number of remaining questions, a selection result 186, a button 188 instructing to proceed to the next, and a button 190 instructing to return to the previous screen. There is. If the odor component of the answer does not match the odor component of the correct answer, an incorrect answer screen (not shown) is displayed to the subject. The subject confirms the judgment result on these screens and proceeds to the next test.

Next, in step S114, the CPU 12A determines whether or not the variable n is less than the number of odor emission (N). If the variable n is less than N, the process proceeds to step S122. In step S122, the variable n is incremented by 1 and returned to step S110, the odor component of k = 1 is released at the odor concentration corresponding to n = 2, and the procedure of steps S110 to S114 is repeated. On the other hand, when the odor component of k = 1 is released N times and the variable n becomes equal to N, the process proceeds to step S116.

Next, in step S116, the CPU 12A derives a score S (k) for the odor component k from the selection results for N times for the odor component k, and stores the derived score S (k) in the RAM 12C. .. At the first time, the score S (k = 1) for the odor component of k = 1 is derived from the selection result of N times for the odor component of k = 1.

The score S (k) represents the detection ability for a specific odor component k.
FIG. 6 is a chart showing an example of deriving the score S (k). If the odor component of the answer belongs to the same cluster as the odor component of the correct answer, that is, if the odor component of the answer matches or is similar to the odor component of the correct answer, it is judged as "○ (detected)". On the other hand, if the odor component of the answer belongs to a cluster different from the odor component of the correct answer, that is, if the odor component of the answer is dissimilar to the odor component of the correct answer, it is determined as "x (undetectable)".

As shown in FIG. 6, the value of the score S (k) corresponding to the response pattern for N times represented by 〇 × is preset. As the number of releases increases, the concentration of the odor component increases. Therefore, the value of the score S (k) becomes higher when it can be detected (becomes 〇) at the stage where the number of releases is small.

The illustrated example is an example of three response patterns. When n = 1 (〇) / n = 2 (〇) / n = 3 (〇), the score S (k) = 3 points. When n = 1 (x) / n = 2 (〇) / n = 3 (〇), the score S (k) = 2 points. When n = 1 (×) / n = 2 (×) / n = 3 (〇), or when n = 1 (〇) / n = 2 (×) / n = 3 (〇), the score S (K) = 1 point. In the case of other answer patterns, the score S (k) = 0 points.

In the case of n = 1 (○) / n = 2 (×) / n = 3 (○), the odor component could be detected in the first test, but in the second test with a stronger odor concentration than the first test. This is an example in which the odor component could not be detected. In this case, the result of the first test is likely to be a fluke. Therefore, the score S (k) = 1 point is set as in the case where the odor component can be detected in the third test.

The CPU 12A acquires the answer pattern for N times from the selection result for N times for the odor component k, and sets the score S (k) corresponding to the answer pattern for N times as the score S (k) for the odor component k. do.

Next, in step S118, the CPU 12A determines whether or not the variable k is less than the odor number (K) in the test. If the variable k is less than K, the process proceeds to step S124. In step S124, the variable k is incremented by 1 and the process returns to step S106. Then, the odor component of k = 2 is set in step S106, and the procedures of steps S106 to S118 are repeated. On the other hand, when the variable k becomes equal to K, it is assumed that the tests for all the odor components have been completed, and the process proceeds to step S120.

Next, in step S120, the CPU 12A derives and outputs the detection capability value E, and ends the routine. The detection ability value E represents the comprehensive detection ability for the odor components of K types of tests, and is represented by the following formula (1).

As expressed by the above equation (1), the detection ability value E obtains the sum of the scores S (k) for the odor components of K types of tests, and the sum of the obtained scores S (k) is the number of odors in the test. It is a value divided by the product of (K) and the number of times of odor emission (N). The detection capability value E is a value of 0 or more and 1 or less. The detection ability value E indicates that the larger the value, the higher the detection ability, and when E = 1, the detection ability becomes the highest.

The CPU 12A may output the obtained detection ability value E and display it to the subject. The CPU 12A displays, for example, the result display screen 200 shown in FIG. 4F on the display unit 14. The result display screen 200 includes a display 202 of the subject's sense of smell detection ability, a button 204 instructing the end, and a button 206 instructing to return to the previous screen. The subject confirms his / her own detection ability value E on the result display screen 200.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the incorrect answer data is analyzed, and if the odor component of the answer is similar to the odor component of the correct answer, it is determined as "○ (detected)" as in the case where both match. On the other hand, if they are dissimilar, it is judged as "x (undetectable)" and reflected in the score indicating the detection ability. Compared to, it becomes possible to derive the detection capability more accurately.

<Second embodiment>
In the second embodiment, an example of deriving the discriminating ability will be described. Since the device configuration other than the program is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

(Discrimination ability derivation program)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the discrimination ability derivation program. When the subject receives an instruction to start the discrimination ability test, the discrimination ability derivation program is executed by the CPU 12A of the information processing unit 12.

Since steps S200 to S212 are the same as steps S100 to S112 of the detection capability derivation program shown in FIG. 5, the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, in step S214, the CPU 12A searches the dissimilarity map shown in FIG. 8 for the dissimilarity cor between the odor component of the correct answer and the odor component of the answer. If they belong to different clusters, the dissimilarity cor = 1, and if they belong to the same cluster, the dissimilarity cor = x. The dissimilarity cor = 0 between the same odor components.

FIG. 8 shows the degree of dissimilarity between the odor component on the horizontal axis and the odor component on the vertical axis in a map format. In FIG. 1, the value of the branch point of two different types of odor components belonging to the same cluster is the value of the dissimilarity cor. For example, in the case of tatami mats and straw, the degree of dissimilarity is cor = 0.25.

Next, in step S216, the CPU 12A derives a score S (k, n) for the number of times the variable n is released for the odor component of the variable k, and stores the derived score S (k, n) in the RAM 12C. back. First, the score S (1, 1) when the odor component of k = 1 is released at the odor concentration corresponding to n = 1 is derived.

The score S (k, n) represents the discriminating ability for the odor component k when the odor component is released at the concentration corresponding to the variable n, and is represented by the following formula (2).

When the odor component of the correct answer and the odor component of the answer match, the score S (k, n) = (Nn). When both are similar, the score S (k, n) = (Nn) * (1-x). If they are dissimilar, the score S (k, n) = 0.

The coefficient (N−n) becomes larger as the value of the variable n becomes smaller. Since the concentration of the odor component increases as the number of releases increases, a coefficient (Nn) is introduced into the above equation (2) so that the score value will be higher if it can be detected at the stage where the number of releases is small. There is.

For example, when N = 5 and n = 1, that is, when it can be detected in the first test out of five times, 4 (= 5-1) is multiplied as a coefficient. Further, in the case of N = 5 and n = 4, that is, when it can be detected in the fourth test out of the five times, 1 (= 5-4) is multiplied as a coefficient.

Next, in step S218, the CPU 12A determines whether or not the variable n is less than the number of odor emission (N). If the variable n is less than N, the process proceeds to step S224. In step S224, the variable n is incremented by 1 and returned to step S210, the odor component of k = 1 is released at the odor concentration corresponding to n = 2, and the procedure of steps S210 to S218 is repeated. On the other hand, when the odor component of k = 1 is released N times and the variable n becomes equal to N, the process proceeds to step S220.

Next, in step S220, the CPU 12A determines whether or not the variable k is less than the odor number (K) in the test. If the variable k is less than K, the process proceeds to step S226. In step S226, the variable k is incremented by 1 and the process returns to step S206. Then, the odor component of k = 2 is set in step S206, and the steps of steps S206 to S220 are repeated. On the other hand, when the variable k becomes equal to K, it is assumed that the tests for all the odor components have been completed, and the process proceeds to step S222.

Next, in step S222, the total score S_total (k) of the total number of releases is derived and output for each odor component, and the routine is terminated. The total score S_total (k) represents the ability to discriminate against a specific odor component k, and is represented by the following formula (3).

Similar to the first embodiment, the CPU 12A may output the obtained total score S_total (k) and display it to the subject. The subject confirms the total score S_total (k) indicating his / her discriminating ability on the result display screen (not shown).

As described above, in the present embodiment, if the incorrect answer data is analyzed and the odor component of the answer is similar to the odor component of the correct answer, the score S (k, n) = (Nn) * (1-x). ). Since this score S (k, n) is added to the total score S_total (k), when both do not match, the discrimination ability is more accurately compared to the case where the score S (k, n) = 0. It becomes possible to derive.

<Third embodiment>
In the third embodiment, an example of deriving the sensory age will be described. Since the device configuration other than the program is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the sensory age estimation program. The olfactory age estimation program is executed by the CPU 12A of the information processing unit 12 when the subject receives an instruction to start the olfactory age estimation.

First, in step S300, the CPU 12A executes the "discrimination ability derivation process" shown in FIG. 7. Next, in step S302, the CPU 12A acquires the sensory age using a regression equation from the total score S_total (k) of the odor component k (= 1 to K) obtained in step S300. Next, in step S304, the CPU 12A outputs the acquired sensory age and ends the routine.

The CPU 12A may display the obtained sensory age to the subject. The CPU 12A generates, for example, the result display screen 220 shown in FIG. 10 and displays it on the display unit 14. The result display screen 220 includes a display 222 of the estimation result of the sensory age, a button 224 instructing the end, and a button 226 instructing to return to the previous screen.

The display 222 includes, for example, a display of the sensory age and a radar chart. The radar chart is a spider web-shaped graph that allows the size of the total score S_total (k) for each odor component to be listed on the same scale. It shows that the discrimination ability is higher toward the outside. The ability to discriminate against the odor component D is high, but the ability to discriminate against other odor components is reduced. As you can see, according to the radar chart, it is possible to see at a glance which odor component the discrimination ability is reduced. The subject sees the result display screen 220 and confirms the estimation result of the sense of smell.

The regression equation for obtaining the sense of smell age is a regression equation with age (Age) as the objective variable and the total score S_total (k) as the explanatory variable. For example, a regression equation represented by the following equation (4) can be used.

In the above equation (4), each of β ₀ , β (1), ... β (k), ... β (K) is a coefficient. In _{addition to β 0} , each odor component has a coefficient β (k). The value of each coefficient is given by solving the regression problem using a fixed number of datasets (total score S_total (k) and age (Age)).

As described above, in the present embodiment, as in the second embodiment, when the odor component of the answer does not match the odor component of the correct answer, the score S (k, n) = 0 in all cases. In comparison, it becomes possible to derive the discrimination ability more accurately, and the estimation accuracy of the olfactory age is improved.

The regression equation is not limited to the above equation (4). For example, a regression equation represented by the following equation (5) or the following equation (6) may be used.

In the above formula (5), in _{addition to β 0} , one coefficient β is provided for all K types of odor components.

In the above equation (6), in _{addition to β 0} , each cluster has one coefficient β (cluster name). In this embodiment, it has four coefficients of (vegetation), β (chemical), β (food / flower), and β (odor) according to the four clusters.

When the regression equation of the above equation (4) is used, if the odor component of the test is the same as the odor component used to obtain the coefficient (hereinafter referred to as "odor component for coefficient calculation"), the olfactory age. However, if an odor component different from the odor component for coefficient calculation is added to the test odor component, the estimation accuracy will decrease.

On the other hand, in the above equation (5), the coefficient β is not determined for each odor component, so when the regression equation of the above equation (5) is used, the olfactory age can be accurately determined even if different odor components are added. Can be estimated. Similarly, in the regression equation of the above equation (6), the coefficient β is not determined for each odor component. If the odor components belong to the same cluster, the olfactory age can be estimated accurately even if different odor components are added.

Further, although the linear regression equation is exemplified in the above equations (4) to (6), a Poisson regression equation may be used.

<Modification example>
It goes without saying that the configuration of the olfactory ability derivation device and the program described in the above embodiment is an example, and the configuration may be changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. Various changes or improvements can be made to the above embodiments, and the modified or improved embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, the cluster and similarity of odor components are examples, and for example, the cluster and similarity of odor components can be determined based on various criteria such as a preference test and structural similarity of odor components. Further, in the second embodiment, the value x of the dissimilarity cor when the odor component of the correct answer and the odor component of the answer belong to the same cluster is set for each combination of the odor component of the correct answer and the odor component of the answer. Although it is sought, the value of x may be a constant value.

10 Smell ability derivation device 12 Information processing unit 14 Display unit 16 Input unit 18 Storage unit 20 Communication unit 22 Component release device 30 Answer acquisition unit 32 Score calculation unit 34 Derivation unit 100 Initial screen 120 Setting screen 140 Start instruction screen 160 Selection screen 180 Correct answer screen 200 Result display screen 220 Result display screen

Claims (10)

Information on the odor component selected as an answer from the multiple odor components presented as options by the subject when multiple tests for olfactory ability were performed while changing the type and concentration of the released odor component. , The answer acquisition unit acquired for each inspection,
For each odor component, a score calculation unit that calculates a score indicating the olfactory ability for the released odor component based on the relationship between the released odor component and the odor component selected as the answer.
A derivation unit that derives an index value related to the sense of smell using the calculated score, and
A device for deriving the sense of smell. The index value is an index value representing the ability to detect the sense of smell.
The score calculation unit
For multiple tests performed by changing the concentration of the odor component, if the specific odor component released and the odor component selected as the answer match, or as the released odor component and the answer. When the selected odor component is similar, it is determined that the released odor component has been detected, and it is determined that the emitted odor component has been detected.
A score corresponding to the concentration of the odor component when the released odor component is detected is calculated as the score.
The device for deriving the sense of smell according to claim 1. The score calculation unit
The score is set to a higher value as the concentration of the odor component when the released odor component is detected is lower.
The device for deriving the sense of smell according to claim 2. The score calculation unit
If the released odor component is not detected, the score is set to 0.
The olfactory ability derivation device according to claim 2 or 3. The derivation unit divides the sum of the plurality of scores acquired for the plurality of odor components by the number of tests to derive an index value representing the sense of smell detection ability.
The device for deriving the sense of smell according to any one of claims 2 to 4. The index value is an index value representing the ability to discriminate the sense of smell.
The score calculation unit
If the released odor component and the odor component selected as the answer are dissimilar to the answers obtained in each test, a first score is given as the score, and the released odor is given. When the component and the odor component selected as the answer are similar, a second score higher than the first score is given as the score, and the released odor component and the odor component selected as the answer are given. If they match, a third score higher than the second score is given as the score.
The derivation unit adds the scores obtained in a plurality of tests performed by changing the concentration of the odor component for each odor component, and the sum of the obtained scores represents the odor discrimination ability. Derived as an index value,
The device for deriving the sense of smell according to claim 1. The score calculation unit multiplies each of the second score and the third score by a coefficient that increases the score as the concentration of the released odor component decreases.
The device for deriving the sense of smell according to claim 6. The second score is set to a higher value as the degree of similarity between the released odor component and the odor component selected as the answer is higher.
The olfactory ability deriving device according to claim 6 or 7. The index value representing the olfactory discrimination ability is the olfactory age.
The derivation unit is a plurality of odor components calculated for each of the plurality of odor components used in the test using a regression equation expressing the relationship between the olfactory age and the plurality of scores corresponding to each of the plurality of reference odor components. Derivation of the subject's sensory age from the score,
The device for deriving the sense of smell according to any one of claims 6 to 8. Computer,
Information on the odor component selected as an answer from the multiple odor components presented as options by the subject when multiple tests for olfactory ability were performed while changing the type and concentration of the released odor component. , Answer acquisition department to acquire for each inspection
A score calculation unit that calculates a score representing the sense of smell for the released odor component based on the relationship between the released odor component and the odor component selected as the answer for each odor component.
A derivation unit that derives an index value related to the sense of smell using the calculated score.
A program to function as.

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