Data processing: generic control systems or specific application – Specific application – apparatus or process – Article handling
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-30
2001-08-28
Ellis, Christopher P. (Department: 3651)
Data processing: generic control systems or specific application
Specific application, apparatus or process
Article handling
C700S241000, C700S265000, C422S005000, C422S108000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06282458
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The current invention is generally related to methods and systems for controlling olfactory stimuli, and more particularly related to the methods and the system for controlling the olfactory stimuli to provide directionality based upon an input signal.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Olfactory stimuli often elicit certain responses in humans. For example, certain olfactory stimuli generally make us feel refreshed while others make us feel nauseated. Yet other olfactory stimuli increase our appetite. In other words, olfactory stimuli have a wide variety of roles and effects in our daily lives. Such a variety of effects is reflected in languages such as in Japanese in which three different characters respectively express “aroma,” “desirable scent” and “undesirable odor.” However, despite the wide variety of scents that humans perceive, according to one theory, there are only 20 to 30 original scents, and the wide variety is generated by the combinations of these original scents.
To control the variety of undesirable odor, various products have been available. For example, deodorants and perfumes overpower body odors while air refreshers control undesirable odors. These products generally suppresses an existing odor by an overwhelming additional odor. In contrast to the above described suppression, certain other products such as bathroom products neutralize an existing undesirable odor. For example, a certain solid product is sublimated for reacting with an odor-causing agent such as ammonia in the air so as to neutralize it.
In contrast, desirable scents are used for elevating mood or promoting ambience. In fact, the use of certain aroma-causing agents has been known in aroma therapy for relaxation of body and mind. Olfactory stimuli are generated by incense burning or releasing aroma-causing agents in the air. In this regard, “Scent and Environment” Iwasaki, (Science and Engineering Books Kabushiki Kaisha, Feb. 25, 1997) discloses an aroma dispensing system which is incorporated into an air conditioning system. The aroma dispensing system circulates a selected aroma-causing agent through air ducts based upon a control signal. However, the control signal is limited to the relatively constant generation of a selected scent.
The above described scent generation system is generally limited in its capability to quickly adapt to a new circumstance. In other words, the above system is substantially static and lacks dynamic adaptation over a short period of time. Thus, it is desired that a scent generation system is able to respond to control signals each of which specifies one of a variety of distinctive olfactory stimuli. A selected scent should be presented without being affected by an existing or residual scent in the environment. Furthermore, it is also desired that the control signals are generated in response to certain conditions of the environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In order to accomplish the above and other objectives, according to one aspect of the current invention, a method of controlling olfactory stimuli, including the steps of: a) releasing a first aroma-causing agent in environment; b) storing information on the first aroma-causing agent; c) releasing a first aroma-removing agent in the environment based upon the information stored in the step b); and d) releasing a second aroma-causing agent in the environment after the step c).
According to a second aspect of the current invention, a method of controlling olfactory stimuli, including the steps of: a) measuring a predetermined characteristic of environment; b) generating an environmental signal; and c) releasing a first aroma-causing agent in the environment based upon the environmental signal.
According to a third aspect of the current invention, a system for controlling olfactory stimuli, including: an environmental measuring unit for measuring a predetermined characteristic of environment and generating an environmental signal; a controller connected to the environmental measuring unit for generating an aroma releasing signal in response to the environmental signal; an aroma storage unit for storing a plurality of aroma-causing agents; and an aroma releasing unit connected to the controller and the aroma storage unit for selectively releasing one or more of the aroma-causing agents in the environment based upon the environmental signal.
According to a fourth aspect of the current invention, a system for controlling olfactory stimuli, including: an environmental measuring unit for measuring a predetermined characteristic of environment and generating an environmental signal; a controller connected to the environmental measuring unit for generating an aroma releasing signal in response to the environmental signal; an aroma storage unit for storing a plurality of aroma-causing agents; and an aroma releasing unit connected to the controller and the aroma storage unit for selectively releasing one or more of the aroma-causing agents in the environment based upon the environmental signal.
These and various other advantages and features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
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Murayama Noboru
Suzuki Koichi
Yamauchi Satoshi
Ellis Christopher P.
Knoble & Yoshida LLC
Ricoh & Company, Ltd.
Tran Khoi M.
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