JP6695609B2 - Olfactory test equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an olfactory test apparatus used for testing olfactory function.

The test of olfactory function is difficult among the five senses because the standard odor has not been found yet compared to the sense of sight, hearing, or touch, and there is currently no suitable and simple test device.
By the way, in recent years, it is known that the olfactory function declines in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Has been attracting attention as an enabler for early diagnosis related to brain diseases such as disease and Parkinson's disease.

For example, it has been attempted to identify early Alzheimer's dementia based on the difference in how peanut butter smells (Non-Patent Document 1).
In the peanut butter test of Non-Patent Document 1, 18 patients with high possibility of Alzheimer's dementia, 24 patients with mild cognitive impairment, 26 patients diagnosed with dementia other than Alzheimer's, cognitive function 26 control subjects with no deterioration were asked to have their eyes closed, a vertical ruler was applied to the position of the nostril, and a teaspoon (16 g) of peanut butter was placed in the position 30 cm below. Put the container down, remove the lid of the closed container and ask if it smells anything. If unsure, bring the closed container closer to 1 cm above (nostril) and repeat the same process again, and record the position where the odor is felt.

In the group of patients with suspected Alzheimer's dementia, the left nose had an average odor of 5.1 cm under the nose, while the right nose had an average of 17.4 cm. There is a decrease in the left olfactory function. When evaluated by the difference between left and right numerical values (left-right), the average of 26 controls was 0.0, whereas in the Alzheimer's group it was -12.4 and in the mild cognitive decline group-1.9. , 4.8 in the dementia group other than Alzheimer's disease, and the difference clearly appeared between Alzheimer's disease and the other cases.
In this way, in the early stage of Alzheimer's dementia, if a strong olfactory cortical abnormality occurs in the left hemisphere, and if it is a phenomenon that appears in coincidence with the early stages of Alzheimer's dementia, it is possible to examine the difference in odor between the left and right sides. , It is possible to determine or suggest the risk of Alzheimer's dementia.

  In particular, the treatment of Alzheimer's disease can delay the progress of the disease when it is affected, but a cure for it has not yet been developed. Early detection is important for Alzheimer's disease, because it can be expected that if it is discovered early, it can be expected to recover to a state close to normal and that the progress can be considerably suppressed, as demonstrated by the example of Aricept (registered trademark). When we become aware of this, the progress has begun, and the major issue is how we can detect changes in the brain (olfaction) function in a preventive manner as a physical examination. In addition, a recent study also reported that when early signs of Alzheimer's disease were observed, the symptoms were improved by stimulation of the brain by exercise or speech, and brain stimulation by odor, and thus preventive early treatment Diagnosis is also an important issue for coping with appropriate symptom improvement.

Journal of the Neurological Science, Volume 333, Issue1, Pages 19-24, 15 October 2013

  For example, in the peanut butter test, the strength of the peanut butter solid is adjusted by gradually moving it closer to the nose, and the olfactory function is tested by measuring the distance from the nose with a ruler. .. In addition, as an olfactory function test, a different odor quality is generally placed near the nose, and a distinction test is performed to determine whether or not it smells.

  However, although these methods are very simple, they are reproducible considering that the odor intensity is regulated by the distance from the nose and it is manual, and the odor quality is volatilized and carried by the air flow. Since the strength of the odor cannot be supplied, the inspection varies and the reliability of the inspection is significantly impaired. In addition, the olfactory function causes a so-called adaptation phenomenon in which the olfactory sensitivity decreases when the same odor is sniffed for a long time.Also, although it is possible to make an accurate comparison with the olfactory odor just before, the olfactory sensation slightly before However, there is no test equipment that considers them, and reproducible olfactory function could not be tested.

Furthermore, in the conventional method, whether or not the odor quality could be recognized was tested, but in this case it is difficult to make a quantitative evaluation, and odor intensity, different odor qualities, mixed odor qualities, and other functions related to olfaction can be detected. It was not possible to make a comprehensive judgment.
In short, conventional olfactory function tests are far from quantitative or comprehensive olfactory function tests, and there is no device that can be tested appropriately and simply as one item for health checkups, such as sight and hearing. The current situation.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and is an olfactory test apparatus capable of appropriately and simply testing a quantitative or comprehensive olfactory function test as one item of a health checkup such as sight and hearing. Is intended to provide.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the olfactory test apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention has an odor quality generation mechanism and an odorless gas generation mechanism that store an odor quality and generate a odor quality whose concentration or intensity is regulated. A gas supply unit that supplies the odorous gas or odorless gas from the odor quality generation mechanism and the odorless gas generation mechanism to the subject via the generation unit and the odor presenting mechanism applied to the nostril of the subject, and the odor quality An odorous gas and an odorless gas are alternately supplied from the gas supply unit to the subject by providing a response means capable of indicating the intention when sniffing.

The olfactory test apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention is the olfactory test apparatus of the present invention according to claim 1, wherein the odor quality generating mechanism adjusts the concentration of the odor quality so as to logarithmically change the strength of the odor quality. It is a thing. This is because the human nose has a sensitivity proportional to the logarithm of the concentration.

The odor quality generating mechanism in the olfactory test apparatus according to the first aspect and the second aspect of the present invention prevents crosstalk of the odor quality by forming an independent flow path, and keeps the concentration constant over time. A specific mechanism includes a small cylinder, a diffusion tube, a permeator, and an odorous cartridge. Further, the odorless gas generating mechanism provides odorless gas, and may be, for example, a tube containing high-purity clean air (corresponding to 99.9999%) or activated carbon. However, as with the odor quality generation mechanism, it is necessary that odorlessness is always guaranteed.

Furthermore, in the odor quality generating mechanism in the olfactory test apparatus of the first aspect and the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of odor qualities in which one type of odor quality is accommodated and the intensity of the odor quality is changed stepwise. It also includes a generation mechanism, a plurality of odor quality generation mechanisms containing different odor qualities, or an odor quality generation mechanism in which two or more odor qualities are mixed. On the other hand, as the odorless gas generating mechanism, a odorous cartridge containing no odorous substance can be diverted, but at least a hollow tubular body or passage through which odorless clean air can pass.

  Further, when the odorous gas or the odorless gas is alternately supplied to the nostril from the odorous gas generating mechanism and the odorless gas generating mechanism, it is preferable that the odorous gas or the odorless gas is alternately smelled in accordance with the breathing of the subject. .. In this case, the timings of exhalation and inhalation can be displayed on the computer screen so that the smell can be forcibly smelled at a reasonable timing. This is because the impression of odor quality and strength usually disappears immediately, so that two odors to be compared are sniffed in the shortest possible time. Further, depending on the odor quality, it is not always necessary to supply the odorous gas and the odorless gas to the nostrils once, and the odorless gas may be continuously supplied at least twice before the next supply of the odorous gas. May be made, and such aspects are also included in alternate categories.

Moreover, the olfactory test apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention is the olfactory test apparatus according to the first aspect or the second aspect of the present invention, wherein an odorous gas or an odorless gas is added to the left and right of the nostrils in the odor presenting mechanism. It is provided with means for selectively supplying either one or both left and right. As a means for selectively supplying the odorous gas or the odorless gas, a pipe that provides the odorous gas only to one nostril is provided, or in the case of a mechanism that blocks the nostril on one side, it is appropriate. Anything can be applied, and a means for pressing from the outside or a means for plugging the nostril may be adopted. The nostril selection mechanism is selectively controlled to provide odorous or odorless gas to either the left or right side or both the left and right sides according to the test protocol. In addition, when supplying the odorous gas to the nostrils, it is preferable that the odorous gas is directly introduced into the nostrils so that the breath of the subject himself is not mixed as much as possible.

Furthermore, an olfactory test device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the olfactory test device according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, wherein the odor generating part is driven intermittently. It has a cartridge housing, an odorous cartridge and a blank cartridge of odorless gas are arranged in the cartridge housing, and a gas supply unit is arranged at a predetermined position on the movement trajectory of the cartridge housing. The cartridge housing is formed with a plurality of insertion holes into which a plurality of odorous cartridges and at least one odorless gas blank cartridge are inserted, and these odorous cartridges and odorless gas blank cartridges are placed at predetermined positions on their movement paths. Is intermittently driven so as to move to the position of the gas supply unit disposed in the cartridge housing, and preferably, the temperature of the cartridge housing (odorous cartridge) is controlled in order to keep the generation of odorous substance constant.

Furthermore, the olfactory test apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the olfactory test apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the odorous cartridge is provided with a check valve at both ends of a hollow cylindrical shape, and an intermediate portion therebetween. The part is packed with particles containing an odorant. The particles containing an odorous substance are preferably those obtained by adsorbing an odorous species on the surface of the particles such as Tenax (registered trademark). In the case of such particles, the odor intensity can be easily adjusted and changed by the number of particles packed in the cartridge.

Further, an olfactory test apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the olfactory test apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, wherein the odor generating unit has a constant amount of odorless air. While flowing, the flow rate of the odorous gas from the odorous substance generating mechanism is gradually adjusted and mixed to change its concentration or intensity.

An olfactory test apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the olfactory test apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, wherein the answering unit has a voice recognition function, When the subject sniffs the odor, he or she can indicate his intention by voice. The voice recognition function can use the voice recognition software which has already been sold and put into practical use.

Furthermore, the olfactory test apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention includes a display unit that displays the content of the reply from the reply unit. The display means for displaying the answer content is not only the answer when the smell of the answer means is sniffed, but also the result of comprehensive evaluation based on the content of the answer, for example, a panel display such as a liquid crystal display. Can be used.

Furthermore, the olfactory test apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is provided with an odor sensor in the gas supply unit so that it can be confirmed that odorous gas is being generated from the odor generating unit. A known sensor can be used as the odor sensor.

Further, the olfactory test apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention includes means for confirming the reaction of the brain function to the smell of the subject. As a means for confirming the response of the brain function to the odor, a sensor such as an electroencephalograph or a blood flow meter attached to the subject can be applied.

According to the olfactory test apparatus of the present invention, since the odorous gas and the odorless gas are alternately supplied to the subject from the odor generating mechanism and the odorless gas generating mechanism, adaptation can be avoided, and odorless can be confirmed immediately before, so it is odorless. Is easy to determine. In addition, when the subject sniffs the odor, it is configured to indicate (answer) intentions by the answering means. Therefore, the reproducible odor intensity can be supplied by using the odor quality control mechanism with the adjusted odor quality. Therefore, it is possible to improve the reliability of the test and to test the olfactory function with reproducibility without causing variations in the test.
In addition, the olfactory intensity sensitivity can be quantitatively grasped by changing the odor quality concentration logarithmically.

Further, according to the olfactory test apparatus of the present invention, the odor generating mechanism and the odorless generating mechanism are disposed in the cartridge housing that is driven intermittently, and the odor generating mechanism of the gas supply unit is disposed at a predetermined position on the movement path of the cartridge housing. Since there is also a method of moving to a position, the inspection device can be assembled compactly with a minimum of complicated moving mechanism, and the temperature of the cartridge housing (odorous cartridge) is controlled to keep the generation of odorous quality constant. In this case, it can be effectively configured.
It should be noted that the concentration or strength of the odorous gas can be quickly changed by gradually adjusting the flow rate of the odorous gas from the odorous substance generating mechanism while mixing the odorless air in a constant flow.

  Further, according to one embodiment of the olfactory test apparatus of the present invention, the odorant cartridge is provided with check valves provided at both ends of a hollow cylinder, and is configured by stuffing particles containing an odorant into an intermediate portion thereof. Not only the odor intensity of each odor quality cartridge, but also different odor qualities, mixed odor qualities, etc. can be easily prepared, and the functions related to the sense of smell can be comprehensively determined.

  Further, according to the olfactory test apparatus of the present invention, the answering means has a voice recognition function and can indicate the intention by voice when the subject smells the odor, so that it is used for the initial diagnosis of Alzheimer's dementia, for example. In general, the subjects with this kind of disease are often relatively elderly, are unfamiliar with manual operations such as sticks and buttons, and cannot operate well, and there is a possibility that incorrect answers may occur. The olfactory test device can definitely indicate (answer) the intention by voice, and can correctly test the olfaction when determining or suggesting the risk of Alzheimer's dementia.

  Furthermore, according to the olfactory test apparatus of the present invention, since the display means for displaying the content of the response means is provided, by appropriately devising the display method, for example, the progress status of Alzheimer's dementia can be efficiently and easily obtained. It can also be used as an index to know, and can be checked by the subject himself.

  Further, according to the olfactory test apparatus of the present invention, the gas supply unit is provided with an odor sensor, and it is possible to confirm that the odorous gas is being generated from the odor generating unit, so an inspection error due to the odorous gas not being supplied can be made. It is possible to prevent it in advance.

  Further, according to the olfactory test apparatus of the present invention, a means for confirming the response of the brain function to the odor of the subject is provided, and it is possible to correlate the response content and the change in the brain function when the subject sniffs the odor, The credibility of the answers can be increased and a more accurate olfactory test can be performed.

  According to the olfactory test apparatus of the present invention, as described above, it can be effectively used for the initial diagnosis of Alzheimer's dementia and the determination of its progress, for example, as a secondary effect, a healthy person In addition, it can be used as a preventive measure for olfactory stimulation, and it can also be expected as a device that helps strengthen brain function by odor stimulation in patients with Alzheimer's dementia and the like.

It is the whole schematic structure figure showing the composition of one example in the embodiment of the olfactory inspection device of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the odor generation part and gas supply part in embodiment of the olfactory test apparatus of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of the gas supply part of one Example in embodiment of the olfactory test apparatus of this invention. It is a schematic structure figure showing an example of a nostril obstruction mechanism in an embodiment of an olfactory inspection device of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the odor quality cartridge of the odor generating part in one Embodiment of the olfactory test apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the odor substance cartridge of the odor generating part in one Embodiment of the olfactory test apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other modification of the odor quality cartridge of the odor production | generation part in one Embodiment of the olfactory test apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows another embodiment of the olfactory test apparatus of this invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of changing the odor concentration according to the embodiment of the olfactory test apparatus of the present invention FIG. 8. It is a figure which shows an example of the test protocol by embodiment of the olfactory test apparatus of this invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the timing of exhalation and inhalation according to the embodiment of the olfactory test apparatus of the present invention FIG. 8. It is a figure which shows an example of the response screen and display means corresponding to the inspection protocol by embodiment of the olfactory inspection apparatus of this invention.

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the olfactory test apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an overall schematic configuration diagram showing a main configuration in an embodiment of the olfactory test apparatus of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, in one embodiment of the olfactory test apparatus of the present invention, an odor generating section 1 having an odorous substance-containing cartridge and a blank cartridge of odorless gas, which will be described later, and an odorant applied to the nostrils of the subject 2 are presented. A gas supply unit 4 for supplying an odorous gas or an odorless gas to a subject 2 from a odorous cartridge and an odorless blank cartridge via a mechanism 3, and an answering means 5 capable of indicating an intention when the subject 2 sniffs an odorous substance. And a display means 6 for displaying the contents of the answer means 5 are mainly constituted.

The configurations of the odor generating unit 1 and the gas supply unit 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.
As shown in FIG. 2, the odor generating unit 1 has a cartridge housing 8 which is driven to rotate intermittently by a drive mechanism 7, and an odorous cartridge 9 and an odorless gas blank cartridge are inserted into the cartridge housing 8 and inserted. It has holes 10, 11. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the insertion hole 11 corresponds to the odorless gas blank cartridge. The cartridge housing 8 is fixed and supported by a connecting portion (not shown) that connects the cartridge housing 8 and the drive mechanism 7. Further, by controlling the temperature inside the cartridge housing 8 by an appropriate means, the generation of odor can be made constant.

  Further, when the odorous cartridge 9 and the odorless blank cartridge 11 are arranged in the cartridge housing 8, it is not always necessary to alternately insert every other cartridge, and a neutral position is provided in the cartridge housing 8 to provide an odorless blank cartridge. It is also possible to insert the (insertion hole) 11 in only one place of the neutral position.

The specific structure of the odorous cartridge 9 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, the odorous cartridge 9 comprises a hollow cylindrical housing 12 provided with check valves 13 and 14 at both ends, and the function of the check valves 13 and 14 is to prevent gas inside the hollow from leaking outward. To prevent.
The hollow cylindrical housing 12 is filled with particles 17 containing an odorous substance, which are isolated from each other by the check valves 13 and 14 and the filters 15 and 16, in the middle portion. As the particles 17 containing an odor substance, for example, those obtained by coating or adsorbing an odorous species on the surface of particles such as Tenax (registered trademark) are suitable. In the case of such particles, the odor intensity can be easily adjusted and changed by the number of the particles 17 containing the odor substance packed in the hollow cylindrical housing 12 for adjusting the amount of the odor substance adsorbed on the particles 17.
The odorless blank cartridge 11 corresponds to the insertion hole 11 of the cartridge housing 8 in the embodiment of FIG. 2, but a odorous cartridge in which particles containing an odorous substance are not packed or a simple hollow cylindrical tube is used. You can also

In FIG. 3, (a) is an odorant cartridge 9 in which only particles 17 containing a single odorant are packed, and (b) is a particle 17 containing a single odorant and an odorant on the particle surface. The odorant cartridge 9 is obtained by mixing odorless particles 17a which are not coated or adsorbed with the odorant in an appropriate ratio, and (c) shows a particle 17 containing a certain odorant and a different odorant. It is an example of a mixed odorous cartridge 9 in which particles 17b are mixed at an appropriate ratio.
As the type of odor quality, it is difficult to determine what odor quality is effective for the olfactory test, but in the embodiment of the olfactory test apparatus of the present invention, the type of odor quality is specified. Without it, normally, as long as the odor quality that a healthy person can distinguish the odor, any odor quality may be used, but, for example, when exemplifying a specific odor quality, a healthy person and an Alzheimer's patient Ink, wood, orange, rose, cypress, garlic, lemon, etc., which have different sensitivities among different smells (Daiki JINBO et al. Specific feature of olfactory dysfunction with Alzheimer's disease inspected by the Odor Stick Identification Test, PSYCHOGERIATRICS 2011; 11: 196-204).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the gas supply unit 4 that supplies an odorous gas or an odorless gas to the subject 2 includes a pair of adapters 18 and 19 and a pair of adapters 18 and 19 that sandwich the cartridge housing 8 at a predetermined position. An adapter drive mechanism 20 for moving the odorous cartridge 9 and the odorless blank cartridge 11 inserted in the cartridge housing 8 toward both ends, a conduit 21 for connecting one adapter 18 to the odor presenting mechanism 3, and the other. Of the adapter 19 of the cartridge housing 8 to the clean air supply mechanism 23, the timing of the operation of the drive mechanism 7, the adapter drive mechanism 20, and the clean air supply mechanism 23 of the cartridge housing 8 is controlled by the control unit 24. It That is, the control unit 24 drives the adapter drive mechanism 20 when the odorous cartridge 9 or the odorless blank cartridge 11 inserted in the cartridge housing 8 reaches the positions of the adapters 18 and 19, and then supplies the clean air. The mechanism 23 is controlled so as to be driven.

  A concrete configuration of the adapters 18 and 19 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the adapters 18 and 19 have protrusions 18 a and 19 a that press and open the check valves 13 and 14 provided at both ends of the odorous cartridge 9, and when the check valves 13 and 14 are released, the odorous gas is exposed to the outside. Seal portions 18b and 19b are provided so as not to leak to the inside. In addition, 18c and 19c are expansion and contraction pipes for maintaining the degrees of freedom of the pipe lines 21 and 22 to which the adapters 18 and 19 and the odor presenting mechanism 3 and the clean air supply mechanism 23 are connected.

  For the odorous gas, adapters 18 and 19 are pressed against both ends of the odorous cartridge 9 to open the check valves 13 and 14, and the clean air supplied from the clean air supply mechanism 23 is packed with particles containing the odorous substance. The odorous substance is supplied to the subject 2 through the odor presenting mechanism 3 by passing through the middle part of the odorant cartridge 9. The odorless gas is supplied to the subject 2 via the odor presenting mechanism 3 by passing the clean air from the clean air supplying mechanism 23 through the odorless blank cartridge 11.

Further, an odor sensor 25 is provided at an appropriate location of the gas supply unit 4, in the middle of the conduit 21 for supplying the odorous gas or the odorless gas to the subject 2 in the embodiment of FIG. A known sensor can be used as the odor sensor 25. For example, when an odor molecule is adsorbed on the surface of a metal oxide semiconductor, the electric conductivity is improved and the resistance value is lowered. Therefore, there is known a sensor that detects the generation of odor quality by utilizing the change in the resistance value.
When it is detected by the output signal from the odor sensor 25 that the odor quality is not supplied according to the inspection protocol described later, the failure is notified by an appropriate alarm means (not shown), and the odor quality cartridge 9 is thereby notified. It is possible to prevent an inspection error due to the quality gas not being supplied to the subject 2.

FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the odor presenting mechanism 3. In FIG. 5, the odor presenting mechanism 3 is a cone-shaped member that wraps around the nostril, and is held on the head of the subject 2 by means of a band or the like, which is not shown. The other end of the conduit 21 whose one end is connected to the adapter 18 is connected to the odor presenting mechanism 3, and the odorous gas or the odorless gas is supplied to the subject 2 through the conduit 21.
Further, the odor presenting mechanism 3 is provided with a nostril closing mechanism 26 that closes either the right or left of the nostril. As the nostril closing mechanism 26, an appropriate one can be applied, but for example, a means for pressing the nostril from the outside to close it is suitable. Further, it is more preferable to have an independent flow path for each nostril so that the odorous gas is supplied to only one of them and the odorless gas is supplied to the other.
The nostril obstruction mechanism 26 is selectively controlled by the control unit 24 described above according to an inspection protocol to be described so that the odorous gas or the odorless gas is supplied to one of the left and right sides or both of the left and right sides.

  In addition, it is preferable to attach a means for confirming the reaction of the brain function to the odor of the subject 2, for example, an electroencephalograph 27 to the subject 2 to perform an olfactory test. As the electroencephalograph 27, a simple electroencephalograph with a sensor band attached to the head has already been sold. The output signal (electroencephalogram data) from the electroencephalograph 27 is taken into the above-described control unit 24, and the response content when the subject 2 smells the odor and the change in brain function can be associated with each other. As a result, the reliability of the response content can be increased and a more correct inspection can be performed.

  6 and 7 show modified examples of the odorous cartridge 9. In FIG. 6, the odorant cartridge 9 of this embodiment is not packed with the odorant-containing particles 17. A spray mechanism 29 protruding from the clean air supply mechanism 23 via the pipe 22 and the adapter 19 (see FIG. 4) to the middle portion of the downstream side of the check valve 13 on the inlet side of the odorous cartridge 9. As a result, the odorous liquid stored in the odorous liquid container 28 is introduced into the odorous cartridge 9 as a spray gas, and is passed through the adapter 18 and the pipe 21 (see FIG. 4) as an odorous gas mixed with clean air. Are supplied to the subject 2.

  FIG. 7 shows another modification of the odorous cartridge 9. In FIG. 7, in this embodiment as well, as in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the odorous substance cartridge 9 is not filled with the particles 17 containing the odorous substance. A spray mechanism 31 projecting from the clean air supply mechanism 23 via the conduit 22 and the adapter 19 (see FIG. 4) to the middle portion of the rear stage of the check valve 13 on the inlet side of the odorous cartridge 9. As a result, the odorous gas enclosed in the odorous gas cylinder 30 is introduced into the odorant cartridge 9 as a spray gas, and the odorous gas mixed with clean air is passed through the adapter 18 and the conduit 21 (see FIG. 4). Supplied to subject 2. Reference numeral 32 is a spray control valve.

  In the example of FIGS. 6 and 7, when performing an olfactory test using a plurality of types of odorous liquids or odorous gases, a plurality of odorous qualities that store a plurality of types of odorous liquids are not shown. This can be easily realized by sequentially switching the connection passages with the liquid container or the plurality of odorous gas cylinders in which a plurality of types of odorous gas are enclosed by the multiple passage switching mechanism.

  For example, in order to obtain the olfactory sensitivity for each odor quality, the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is proposed as a device in which the odor quality is continuously changed by sandwiching an odorless gas in multiple stages. This device is a device for temporarily diluting the odorous substance contained in the odorant bag 33 or the odorant cylinder 34 through the flow path switching mechanisms 35 and 36 while flowing an odorless gas at a constant flow rate (for example, 200 ml / min). A syringe (not shown) of 37 is suctioned, and the syringe of the syringe is intermittently driven (lowered) to mix the odorous gas discharged from the syringe with the flowing odorless gas. By adjusting the descending speed of the syringe of the syringe at this time, the dilution rate changes because the flow rate on the odorless gas side is constant.

  As shown in FIG. 9, if the flow rate of the odorous gas is reduced with respect to the constant flow rate of the odorless gas (for example, 200 ml / min), the dilution rate gradually decreases and the concentration (intensity) increases logarithmically (becomes stronger). ) It will be. On the contrary, if the flow rate of the odorous gas is increased with respect to the constant flow rate of the odorless gas (for example, 200 ml / min), the concentration decreases logarithmically. In addition, 38 is a stop valve and 39 is a flow meter.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the inspection protocol. In FIG. 10, (a) shows the intensity of the odor quality step by step from weak to strong (ascending method with gradually increasing odor) and from strong to weak (decreasing method with gradually decreasing odor). This is an example in which the response to the strength of the odor quality is examined by changing it. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, (1) odor index 12, (2) odor index 10, (3) odor index 8, (4) odor index 6, (5) ) Odor index 4, (4) odor index 6, (3) odor index 8, (2) odor index 10, and (1) odor index 12. In this case, since the odorless gas can be supplied and confirmed every time the odor intensity changes, the detection becomes easier.

  Here, the expression of the odor index is used to have a scientific meaning as an index of the strength of odor quality. The odor index is "a multiple of the dilution of gas or water (odor concentration) when the gas or water is diluted by the method specified by the Minister of the Environment until the odor of the sample gas or water cannot be detected by the human sense of smell. And the logarithm of the odor concentration is multiplied by ten to obtain a value. ”(Article 1 of the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Odor Control Act).

  That is, the lowest concentration at which the olfactory smells the odor is the threshold concentration, and if the concentration at which the odor actually exists is x (ppm) and the threshold concentration is y (ppm), x / y = odor concentration That is, the odor index becomes odor index = 10 × log (odor concentration) from the odor concentration. If it has a normal olfaction, it becomes odorless only after its odor is diluted by the odor index. However, when the sensitivity of the sense of smell is reduced, the smell with an odor index of 4 or 6 cannot be sniffed.

Therefore, the smaller the odor index is, the weaker the odor quality is, and in general, the odor index is usually about 3 although there is some variation in sensitivity even in healthy people.
Further, in this case, only the ascending method or the descending method may be used, and it is also effective to inspect the odor quality for a plurality of odor qualities or a plurality of mixed odor qualities. When the intensity of the odor quality is changed stepwise, the olfactory sensitivity is sensed as the logarithm of the concentration, so it is preferable to increase or decrease the concentration logarithmically. When the ascending method and the descending method are applied, the reliability of the inspection can be further improved by assuming that the inspection is effective when the result falls within a predetermined range.

(B) is an example of examining the reaction to different odor qualities. Specific examples of the odor quality include the ink, wood, orange, rose, cypress, garlic, lemon, etc. described above, and the number of odor quality (odor quality cartridge 9) is 5 in the illustrated embodiment. It is an example of an individual (five types).
(C) is an example of examining the reaction to the mixed odor quality. This is a so-called sniffing test. Also in this case, the illustrated embodiment shows an example of five mixed odorous cartridges 9 (see FIG. 3C).

  In any of the protocols (a), (b), and (c), the odorless gas (blank) is supplied once, but depending on the odor quality, the odorless gas is supplied twice continuously. It doesn't matter. In this case, the influence of the previous odor quality on the subject 2 can be eliminated to improve the accuracy of the olfactory test. In addition, in the examination, the difference in the reaction is examined on both the right side and the left side of the nostril, but the protocols (a) to (c) can be performed at random. These series of operations are performed by the control unit 24 described above.

FIG. 12 shows an example of response screens and display means corresponding to the inspection protocols (a), (b) and (c) shown in FIG. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the answer is as simple as possible, and in order to prevent an incorrect answer, the answer is made while looking at the answer screen of the display means 6 which is, for example, a liquid crystal display screen.
(A) is an answer screen corresponding to the protocol (FIG. 10 (a)) for inspecting the reaction to the strength of the odor quality, and the stick 5a of the answer means 5 is tilted left and right to indicate "Yes", "No". "" And answer.
(B) is an answer screen corresponding to the protocol (Fig. 10 (b)) for inspecting the reaction to different odor qualities, and the odor quality found from the selection screen by tilting the stick 5a of the answering means 5 vertically and horizontally. Answer your name.
(C) is an answer screen corresponding to the protocol (Fig. 10 (c)) for inspecting the reaction to the mixed odor quality. The scent 5a of the answer means 5 is tilted vertically and horizontally, and the odor displayed on the display means 6 is displayed. Answer the mixed odor quality name found from the combination of different qualities (2 types).
In addition, instead of operating the stick 5a, it is possible to verbally indicate the intention while looking at the answer screen. Although not shown, a device having a variety of voice recognition functions is already known, and this can be used as the answering means 5.

  FIG. 12D is an example of a display mode of the inspection result on the display unit 6. Odor quality inspection result (inspection protocol (corresponding to Fig. 10 (a)), odor quality inspection result (inspection protocol Fig. 10 (b)), mixed odor quality (fractionation) inspection result (inspection protocol Fig. 10 (c)) , And the comprehensive olfactory determination result is displayed in each mode.

Next, the operation of the olfactory test apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
According to the inspection protocol (see FIG. 10), the odorous cartridge 9 and the odorless blank cartridge 11 are inserted into the cartridge housing 8 (insertion holes 10 and 11) of the odor generating portion 1 and the subject 2 wraps the nostril cone. The odor presenting mechanism 3 is held on the head by means of a band or the like, and the preparation for the olfactory test is completed.
First, the test subject 2 supplies air from the clean air supply unit 23 to the blank cartridge 11 of odorless gas at a predetermined position of the cartridge housing 8, and the odorless gas is supplied to the subject 2 through the odor presenting mechanism 3 to confirm odorless. Next, when the cartridge housing 8 of the odor generating unit 1 is driven to rotate intermittently by the drive mechanism 7 in accordance with the inspection protocol and reaches a predetermined position, the signals from the control unit 24 cause the adapters 18 and 19 of the gas supply unit 4 to move and the odor. Air is supplied from the clean air supply device 23 by pressing and joining to both ends of the quality cartridge 9, and the particles 17 containing the odorous substance in the odorous substance cartridge 9 are contacted and mixed, and the odorous gas is emitted from the odor presenting mechanism 3. Supplied to subject 2.

  The odorous gas and the odorless gas are alternately supplied, but in this case, the timing of exhalation and inspiration can be displayed on the personal computer screen so that the odor can be forcibly smelled at a reasonable timing. FIG. 11 shows an example of the timing of expiration and inspiration. In the illustrated example, the odorless gas and the odorous gas are supplied at intervals of 10 seconds, but in each interval, the first 7 seconds are assigned to exhalation and the next 3 seconds are assigned to inhalation. This is to eliminate the influence of the immediately preceding gas as much as possible.

For the odor quality test with different intensities, the odor quality is supplied to the test subject 2 according to the test protocol of FIG. 10 (a), and the test subject 2 displays a response screen corresponding to the test protocol of FIG. 10 (a) (see FIG. 12 (a). )) Is displayed on the display means 6, and "yes" and "no" are selected by the stick 5a of the response means 5 to answer.
For example, an odor cartridge 9 having (1) odor index 4, (2) odor index 6, (3) odor index 8, (4) odor index 10, and (5) odor index 12 with different odor qualities is prepared, While smelling according to the inspection protocol of FIG. 10 (a), the stick 5a was operated to answer “yes” and “no”, and the odor quality was not understood at all, 0 point, (1) odor index 4 When the odor quality is known, the points are distributed so as to be 5 points, and the points are displayed on the screen of the display means 6 as numbers or graphs.

Similarly, a different odorous gas is supplied from the odor generating unit 1 to the subject 2 according to the inspection protocol of FIG. 10 (b), and a response screen corresponding to the inspection protocol of FIG. 10 (b) (see FIG. 12 (b)). ) Is displayed on the display means 6, and the scent quality name found is selected from the selection screen by the stick 5a of the response means and the answer is given.
For example, odor quality cartridges 9 of (1) rose, (2) cypress, (3) garlic, (4) India ink, and (5) lemon having an odor index of about 6 are prepared as shown in FIG. While smelling according to the inspection protocol of No. 2, the correct answer is selected from the options on the answer screen (see FIG. 12B) by operating the stick 5a. If the selection is correct, the score is 1; if the selection is incorrect or unknown, the score is 0; and if everything is normal, the score is 5 and displayed on the screen of the display means 6 as numbers or graphs.

  In the inspection protocol of FIG. 10C, a combination of different odor qualities is displayed on the response display screen, and the response is selected from them. For example, (1) lemon, (2) rose, (3) cypress, (4) garlic, and (5) India ink, which have a strong odor index of about 6 as odor quality, for example, (1) lemon-based As the odor quality, prepare the odor quality cartridge 9 mixed with each odor quality, operate the stick 5a while sniffing the odor according to the inspection protocol of FIG. 10 (c), and display the response screen (see FIG. 12 (c)). Select the correct answer from the options. If the selection is correct, 1 point is given; if the selection is wrong or unknown, 0 point is given; if all are normal, 5 points are given and displayed on the screen of the display means 6 as numbers, graphs and the like.

  The series of operations is performed by the nostril obstruction mechanism 26 in the order of both nostrils, right nostril, and left nostril for inspection. After performing three inspection protocols (see FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C), the state of each function of the olfactory sense is displayed on the display unit 6.

The olfactory test apparatus of the present invention does not judge the onset of MCI (mild cognitive impairment), but suggests the possibility by using a test of the olfactory function. Therefore, if the subject is a healthy person, all test values are 100% correct, and a low score in any test protocol indicates a risk of developing MCI.
For example, in the inspection protocol of FIG. 10 (a), even a healthy person usually has a little variation in sensitivity, but it is said that the normal olfaction has an odor index of about 3, and if the odor index of 4 (score of 5) cannot be smelled. It should be noted that if the odor index 6 (score of 4 points) cannot be smelled, it is quite doubtful, and if the odor index of 8 or higher (score of 3 points or less) is abnormal, the risk of developing MCI can be suggested.
Further, the olfactory test apparatus of the present invention can be used not only for the purpose of the olfactory test but also for olfactory stimulation as a preventive in a healthy person according to the olfactory test, and in a patient with Alzheimer-type dementia, etc. It is also effective as a device that helps strengthen the brain function by.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Smell generating part 2 Subject 3 Smell presenting mechanism 4 Gas supplying part 5 Answering means 5a Stick 6 Display means 7 Driving mechanism 8 Cartridge housing 9 Smell cartridge 10, 11 Insert hole 12 Hollow cylindrical housing 13, 14 Check valves 15, 16 Filter 17 Particles containing odor 17a Odorless particles 17b Particles containing different odors 18, 19 Adapters 18a, 19a Projections 18b, 19b Seals 18c, 19c Expansion tube 20 Adapter drive mechanism 21, 22 Pipe line 23 Clean Air supply mechanism 24 Control unit 25 Odor sensor 26 Nasal obstruction mechanism 27 EEG 28 Odorous liquid container 29 Spray mechanism 30 Smell gas cylinder 31 Spray mechanism 32 Spray control valve 33 Smell bag 34 Smell cylinders 35, 36 Channel switching mechanism 37 Dilution Mixer 38 Stop Valve 39 Flow Meter

Claims (10)

(1) What different concentrations or intensities der, by switching the plurality of odor quality bomb for containing the known odor quality sensitivity difference snuff partitioned between healthy individuals and Alzheimer patients are out, or , (2) and the flow rate of the odorless gas from below odorless gas generating mechanism, I given concentration or intensity der, known odor quality sensitivity differences are on the sniffing between healthy individuals and Alzheimer patients The odor generation mechanism and the odorless gas generation mechanism that generate the odorous gas whose concentration or strength is regulated by controlling the ratio with the flow rate of the odorous gas supplied from the odorous gas container And the gas supply unit that alternately supplies the odorous gas or the odorless gas from the odor generating mechanism and the odorless gas generating mechanism to the subject through the odor presenting mechanism applied to the nostrils An olfactory test apparatus, comprising: an answering unit capable of indicating an intention when a person sniffs.  The olfactory test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the odor quality generating mechanism sucks the odor quality contained in the odor quality cylinder into a syringe and adjusts a descending speed of the syringe of the syringe to adjust the odor quality. An olfactory test apparatus characterized in that its concentration is adjusted so as to change its intensity logarithmically.    The olfactory test apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the odor presenting mechanism includes means for selectively supplying the odorous gas or the odorless gas to the left or right side or both the left and right sides of the nostril. An olfactory test device characterized by.    The olfactory test apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the odor generating unit changes the flow rate of the odorous gas from the odorant generating mechanism to a place where a constant amount of odorless air flows. An olfactory test apparatus characterized in that its concentration or intensity is changed by gradually adjusting and changing it. By switching a plurality of odorant cartridges containing odorants of different concentrations or intensities, an odor generating part having an odorant generating mechanism and an odorless gas generating mechanism for generating an odorant gas with a specified concentration or intensity, Through the odor presenting mechanism that is applied to the nostrils of the test subject, the gas supply unit alternately supplies the odorous gas or the odorless gas from the odor generating mechanism and the odorless gas generating mechanism to the test subject, and the test subject sniffed the odor. The odor generating unit has a cartridge housing that is intermittently driven, and the plurality of odorous cartridges and odorless gas blank cartridges are arranged in the cartridge housing, and the gas supply is provided. An olfactory test apparatus, wherein the portion is arranged at a predetermined position on the movement path of the cartridge housing.    The olfactory test apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the odorant cartridge is provided with check valves at both ends of a hollow cylindrical shape, and odorant-containing particles are packed in an intermediate portion thereof. Inspection equipment.    The olfactory test apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the answering unit has a voice recognition function and can indicate the intention by voice when the subject smells the odor. Olfactory test device.    The olfactory test apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a display unit that displays the response content of the response unit.   The olfactory test apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an odor sensor is provided in the gas supply unit, and it is possible to confirm that an odorous gas is being generated from the odor generating unit. Olfactory test device.    The olfactory test apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising means for confirming a reaction of a brain function to a subject's odor.

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