WO2021209805A1

WO2021209805A1 - Smart multi-sensory device

Info

Publication number: WO2021209805A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/057558
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michelle MICHELLE; Hans Ryan TANUBRATA; Tiannan YANG; Min Choi
Original assignee: Miscato Limited
Priority date: 2020-04-16
Filing date: 2020-08-12
Publication date: 2021-10-21

Abstract

A smart multi-sensory device (100,402) and a method associated with the device (100,402). With respect to the device (100,402), it contains an aroma-emitting unit (103,307) and a light-emitting unit (101,308). The multi-sensory output of aroma and lighting follows a synchronized schedule, stimulating the users' sense of smell and vision. With respect to the method, it is an IoT system providing a personalized multi-sensory experience. The system connected to the device (100,402) includes a mobile application (201,401) and a cloud server (200,403) containing a proprietary algorithm. Data points including user input, historical usage, demographic and environmental data, are supplied to the cloud server (200,403) from the device (100,402) and mobile application (201,401). The algorithm processes the data to provide a personalized mufti-sensory schedule, which is then sent to the device (100,402). Ultimately, the synchronized parameters of aroma and light create multi-sensory stimuli for end-users (400) to elevate their mood and adjust their circadian rhythms.

Description

Title of Invention: Smart Multi-Sensory Device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the fields of multi- sensory technology and IoT products. More specifically, the invention relates to a device synergizing the parameters of aroma, light and sound.

Background Art

Currently, there are a number of solutions for sensory therapy devices including aroma diffusers, lights and speakers. Some of these solutions attempt to stimulate either the sense of smell, sight or sound through aroma, light or sound therapy. However, these solutions fail to meet the needs of the industry because they do not create a solution that engages multiple senses or create a synchronized experience. Other solutions attempt to engage several senses, but there is a demand for a remotely or wirelessly controlled multi-sensory diffuser so that users do not have to be physically near the device to control it and enjoy its benefits. Traditionally, users need to change the setting manually for different use cases. Still, other solutions seek to have a remote control on the multi-sensory diffuser, but these solutions are not satisfactory because the controller merely acts as a medium for user input. Considering the vast variety of aroma, light and sound with different effects on the human body, users may not have the know-how to select suitable therapy experience for themselves. Therefore, there is a need for a smart recommendation of therapy schedule for users based on their needs and environmental data.

Summary of Invention

Conventional products generally focus on a single sensorial stimulus of either one of scent, light or sound. It is desirable to have a device that engages the sense of smell, sight, and hearing at the same time for a holistic therapy approach.

The multi- sensory therapy is not a mere combination of different sensorial stimuli but fully synergizes the different elements. Furthermore, it would also be desirable to have smart control on the device to ease operation, enable more user interactions and personalize the experience. Users lack the knowledge in selecting suitable stimuli settings based on their conditions. Integrating the collected data and an stimuli database, the proprietary algorithm prescribes an optimal therapy schedule for end users. In a nutshell, the disclosed device and associated method fills the gap from the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a smart multi- sensory diffuser that provides tailored therapeutic experience for the users.

Disclosed is a smart multi-sensory device, which consists of the following components: aroma- emitting unit that contains at least 1 aroma container, light- emitting unit that contains at least 1 light source, processor that controls the aroma and light units. These components are connected as follows: aroma-emitting unit and light- emitting unit are controlled by commands from the processor. The smart multisensory aroma diffuser is connected to a cloud server, which is controlled by a mobile application. The cloud server includes a proprietary algorithm that processes various data to generate optimal aroma and light therapy schedules for users. Moreover, the algorithm also processes commands from the mobile application, and the server sends the processed commands to the smart multi-sensory device to be executed. The device may also have one or more of the following: speaker, sensor, air purifying unit, fan, accessories. The device may be controlled manually with buttons or controllers, remotely using handheld devices such as a remote or phone, wirelessly using applications, voice or gesture. Method to control the device can be manually from user input or automatically from the changing environmental situations.

The disclosed device is unique when compared with other known devices and solutions because it provides multiple aroma and light units working in synergy; and sensors to collect environmental data to trigger different aroma and light combinations.

Similarly, the disclosed method is unique when compared with other known processes and solutions in that it provides synchronized multi- sensory stimuli including aroma and light; automatic synchronization of the multi-sensory stimuli based on environmental data; and automatic synchronization of the multi-sensory stimuli based on user input.

The disclosed device is unique in that it is structurally different from other known devices or solutions. More specifically, the device is unique due to the presence of aroma-emitting unit that has multiple aroma dispensing mechanism that does not require water or heat, where air pressure vaporizes the aroma; aroma-emitting unit that has multiple aroma dispensing mechanism that can be diffused one at a time, or multiple aroma at once; aroma-emitting unit that aroma bottle, nozzle the clasps the mouth of aroma bottle, atomizer with tube and cap; light-emitting unit that can serve as a mechanical switch to open and close main housing that hosts the aroma-emitting part; and light- emitting unit that can create animation and gradient effects using the light subcomponents inside.

Furthermore, the process associated with the aforementioned device is likewise unique. More specifically, the disclosed process owes its uniqueness to the fact that it provides wireless communication methods to synchronize device parameters remotely using an application, voice, gesture or other user input means; a method to respond to the environmental changes such as temperature, humidity, occupancy and synchronize device parameters accordingly; a method to recommend suitable device parameters to a user to help train user’ s biological clock; and a method to control multiple devices.

This disclosure will now provide a more detailed and specific description that will refer to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and specific descriptions of the drawings, as well as any specific or alternative embodiments discussed, are intended to be read in conjunction with the entirety of this disclosure. The Smart Multi-Sensory device may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and fully convey understanding to those skilled in the art.

Brief Description of Drawings For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments thereof, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a front side view of a smart multi- sensory device in accordance with the preferred version of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a smart multi-sensory device in accordance with the preferred version of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the light-emitting unit of the smart multi-sensory device. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the main housing after its lid is opened in accordance with the preferred version of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a computing architecture including the smart multi-sensory device, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of smart multi-sensory device hardware and software, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a message flow diagram in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is another message flow diagram in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is another message flow diagram in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 10 depicts different themes that synchronize multi- sensory stimuli, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of aroma- emitting unit in accordance with the preferred version of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of aroma- emitting unit with cap attached in accordance with the preferred version of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of aroma-emitting unit with nozzle attached after cap is removed from it, in accordance with the preferred version of the present invention.

FIG. 14 depicts air flow and aroma vapor flow inside the aroma-emitting unit, in accordance with the preferred version of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Invention

The present invention is directed to smart multi-sensory device. In its most complete form, the device is made up of the following components: aroma-emitting unit, light-emitting unit, processor, sound-emitting unit(speakers), sensors, air purifying unit, display unit and a fan. Sensors may include a microphone, occupancy sensor, humidity sensor, temperature sensor, light sensor, air quality sensor, gyroscope sensor, proximity sensor, airflow sensor, touch sensor.

These components are connected as follows: aroma- emitting unit, light-emitting unit, sound- emitting unit, air filtration unit, display unit and fan are controlled by a signal from the processor.

It should further be noted that: the smart multi-sensory device is connected to a computing architecture consisting of mobile application and cloud server. The cloud server includes a proprietary algorithm that processes various data including user input, environmental data and other data sources to generate optimal aroma, light and sound therapy schedules for users. The schedules are made up of parameters of the aroma, light and sound units including frequency, intensity, sequence, duration of each unit, as well as unit-specific features such as aroma type, color gradient and sound rhythm. The server sends the recommended schedules in the form of processed commands to the smart multi-sensory device to be executed.

The most complete form of performing the method associated with the disclosed device consists of the following steps: User controls the device directly with buttons or wirelessly using applications, voice, gesture. Device processor sends user commands to the server, which processes the commands using a proprietary algorithm. The result of the algorithm is translated into a suitable therapy schedule for users containing aroma, light and sound parameters.

It should further be noted that: Environmental, demographics and other data can be fed to the cloud server. The algorithm processes this information into a suitable therapy schedule for users.

Suitable therapy schedules recommended by the algorithm can be automatically executed by the device. Alternatively, this schedule can also be relayed to the user through various user interfaces for user approval before it is executed by the device.

FIG. 1 shows a front side view of a smart multi-sensory device 100 in accordance with the preferred version of the present invention. It depicts a main housing 102 including aroma- emitting unit 103 with aroma vent 105. It also depicts a light- emitting unit 101, device stand, buttons.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a smart multi- sensory device 100 in accordance with the preferred version of the present invention. It depicts a main housing 102 including an aroma- emitting unit with aroma vent 105, it also depicts a light-emitting unit 101, sensor 104, device stand.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the light-emitting unit 101 of smart multi-sensory device 100, acting as a mechanical switch to open and close the main housing 102 in accordance with the preferred version of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the main housing 102 after its lid is opened in accordance with the preferred version of the present invention. The main housing 102 is shown to contain the aroma-emitting unit of the device 103, and the lid includes aroma vent 105.

FIG. 5 depicts a computing architecture including the smart multi-sensory device 100, in accordance with an example embodiment. The architecture includes the smart multi- sensory device 100, mobile application 201, server data storage 202, external sensors device 203 connected to cloud server 200.

FIG.6 depicts a block diagram 300 of smart multi-sensory device hardware and software, in accordance with an example embodiment. It includes a communication interface 301, user interface 302, processor 303, power IC 304, sensors 309, processor 306, aroma- emitting unit 307 and light-emitting unit 308. The processor 303 is depicted to contain app/OS data 303A and app program/OS 303B. The processor 306 is depicted to contain real-time clock module 306 A.

FIG. 7 is a message flow diagram in accordance with an example embodiment. User 400 commands a parameter update onto the mobile application 401, which sends module command to the server 403. Server 403 processes the information and updates parameters 405. The parameter updates are sent as processed command to the device 402, which then executes the parameter updates 406. The device acknowledges command to server 403 and shows updated parameters through its indicators to users 400. Server 403 sends an ack message to mobile terminal 401, and user 400 receives an ack message sent by mobile terminal 401.

FIG. 8 is another message flow diagram in accordance with an example embodiment. User 400 gives voice command to device 402, and the audio is relayed to server 403. Server 403 interprets voice command and updates device parameters 405. Device 402 executes the parameter updates 406 based on the command. Device 402 acknowledged command and displayed its updated parameters through indicators.

FIG. 9 is another message flow diagram in accordance with an example embodiment. Sensors 407 updated its values, device 402 sends the updated values to server 403. The server processes the values and feeds them back to user 400 as a recommendation. If user 400 accepts the recommendation 408, server 403 updates device parameters 405 and sends the update as a processed command to device 402 to execute the updated parameters 405. Device 402 acknowledges the command and shows its updated parameters through its indicators.

FIG. 10 depicts different themes that synchronize multi- sensory stimuli, in accordance with an example embodiment. The graph 500 shows how different themes regulates the intensity parameter of aroma, light and sound of the smart multi-sensory device. Example Theme A 501 synchronizes the aroma, light and sound to start in low intensity before peaking and fading out; as Theme A is for morning time, it synchronizes the aroma to be an uplifting aroma, the light to glow from orange to white color, and the sound to be an awakening rooster sound. Example Theme B 502 synchronizes the aroma, light and sound to be in constant medium intensity; as Theme B is for relax time, it synchronizes the aroma to be calming aroma, light to show relaxing beach color gradient, and the sound to be meditation track. Example Theme C 503 synchronizes the aroma, light and sound to start from high intensity and gradually fade out; as Theme C is for sleep time, it synchronizes the aroma to be a sleep-inducing aroma, light to show sunset progression, and the sound to be relaxing music.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of aroma- emitting unit in accordance with the preferred version of the present invention. The aroma-emitting unit contains aroma bottle 109, atomizer with tube 108, nozzle 107 and cap 106.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of aroma-emitting unit 103 with cap attached in accordance with the preferred version of the present invention. The cap 106 is attached to aroma bottle 109 with the nozzle and atomizer attached inside. The cap prevents aroma from leaking out from the bottle.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of aroma-emitting unit with nozzle 107 attached after cap is removed from it, in accordance with the preferred version of the present invention. The nozzle 107 is attached to the aroma bottle 109.

FIG. 14 depicts air flow and aroma vapor flow inside the aroma-emitting unit, in accordance with the preferred version of the present invention. The air enters through nozzle 107, goes through atomizer with tube 108 to reach the aroma liquid inside the bottle. The aroma vapor leaves the bottle through the nozzle 108.

Different features, variations and multiple different embodiments have been shown and described with various details. What has been described in this application at times in terms of specific embodiments is done for illustrative purposes only and without the intent to limit or suggest that what has been conceived is only one particular embodiment or specific embodiments. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any single specific embodiments or enumerated variations. Many modifications, variations and other embodiments will come to mind of those skilled in the art, and which are intended to be and are in fact covered by this disclosure. It is indeed intended that the scope of this disclosure should be determined by a proper legal interpretation and construction of the disclosure, including equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the complete disclosure present at the time of filing.

Patent Literature

PTL1: CN110711262 (Shanghai Jiao Tong University) 21.01.2020, page 1, abstract PTL2: US09517286 (Puzhen Life Co., Limited) 13.12.2016, page 1, abstract PTL3: IN20174701 1201 ( BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO., LTD.,) 27.10.2017, page 1, abstract

PTL4: US20180010747, HABEMIT (INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD.) 11.01.2018, page 1, abstract

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Claims

1. A method comprising: a multi-sensory device including an aroma-emitting unit and a light-emitting unit working in synergy; the multi-sensory device is connected to a wireless computing architecture; and the multi- sensory device executing changes to the aroma and light parameters based on wireless command to change the multi- sensory status.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the computing architecture includes wireless external sensors and the internet, wherein changes in sensor values are processed and fed back to user as recommendation to change device parameters, and wherein accepted recommendations are executed by the device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless computing architecture includes mobile application, and wherein the wireless command is user input through mobile application that directs the multi-sensory device to change parameters of its aroma- emitting light- emitting units.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless command is a voice command that directs the multi-sensory device to change parameters of its aroma-emitting, light-emitting units.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the multi- sensory device includes a sound-emitting unit, and wherein the aroma-emitting, light-emitting and sound-emitting units are working in synergy.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless computing architecture includes a sound- emitting device, wherein the aroma-emitting, light- emitting and sound-emitting device are working in synergy.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the computing architecture includes server data storage to collect and store data to train AI algorithm.

8. A method comprising: a multi-sensory device including multiple aroma-emitting units and multiple light- emitting units working in synergy; the aroma-emitting units are configured to vaporize aroma using pressurized air; the light-emitting units are configured to show colors, gradients and light animations; and the multi-sensory device establishing a wireless connection with sound-emitting device.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the light- emitting units are placed on a structure that serves as a switch to open and close a housing that hosts the aroma- emitting units.

10. A method comprising: an aroma-emitting unit is connected to a source of pressurized air that vaporizes the aroma liquid from inside aroma bottle to an aroma chamber before being released to the air; the aroma-emitting unit is configured to contain an aroma bottle, a nozzle that clasps the mouth of the aroma bottle and an atomizer with tube; and the aroma-emitting unit is configured to have a removable cap that covers the nozzle and prevents leakage of the aroma.