ODOR DETECTION DEVICE, ODOR ANALYSIS SYSTEM, AND ODOR ANALYSIS METHOD

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is based on, and claims priority from Japanese Patent Application Number 2021-013456, filed Jan. 29, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a technique of an odor detection device, an odor analysis system, and an odor analysis method.

2. Description of the Related Art

In an odor sensing technique, development of a technique using a plurality of odor sensors having different sensitivities has been in progress in addition to a device represented by a field detector such as a fire alarm. In such an odor sensing technique, the number of techniques having a communication function and a cooperation function with a DB and an analysis platform will increase in the future in the trend of IoT.

Here, there is a technique of a sensing system, a program, an information processing device, and an information processing method, in which “a sensing system includes a sensor device including at least one detection element that detects an amount of a causative substance of an odor contained in air in the vicinity of a target object, and an information processing device including a determination unit that determines intensity of the odor of the air in the vicinity of the target object on the basis of a pattern representing a detection value of each of the at least one detection element, and an alarm output unit that outputs an alarm in a case where the intensity of the odor of the air in the vicinity of the target object is larger than a predetermined threshold”. For example, there is a technique described in JP 2019-113420 A (see Abstract).

Further, there is a technique called an alcohol detection device, in which “in an alcohol detection device 101 including a composite gas sensor, a fan 6 is arranged on an upstream side of a device main body unit 7, and a temperature sensor 9, a humidity sensor 11, an alcohol detection sensor 12, and an oxygen sensor 13 are arranged on a downstream side of the fan 6 in this order, so that an influence of heat generation by the alcohol detection sensor 12 and the oxygen sensor 13 does not reach the temperature sensor 9 and the humidity sensor 11”. For example, there is a technique described in JP 2011-53049 A (see Abstract).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order for a device to be used in various sites, portability becomes important. However, when a power source of a battery or the like or a communication function is provided in an odor detection device having an odor sensor, the device becomes large in size, and portability is deteriorated.

The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide an odor detection device, an odor analysis system, and an odor analysis method excellent in portability.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is an odor detection device including: an odor sensor for measuring an ambient odor; a fan for exhausting air around the sensor; and a control device for controlling the fan and the sensor, in which electric power supplied to the sensor, the fan, and the control device is supplied from the outside of the detection device, the control device includes a communication device capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device that is a device separate from the detection device, and the fan is installed downstream of an airflow generated by the fan itself with respect to the sensor.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an odor detection device, an odor analysis system, and an odor analysis method excellent in portability.

An object, configuration, and effect other than those described above will be clarified by description of an embodiment below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an odor detection device according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a duct;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an odor analysis system according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of the odor detection device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an analysis device;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of default setting processing performed by the analysis device in the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of odor analysis processing performed by the analysis device in the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of another example of the odor analysis system;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the analysis device in the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates an output example of an odor sensor in a case where an air flow rate of a fan is small;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an output example of the odor sensor in a case where an air flow rate of the fan is large;

FIG. 12 is a bar graph illustrating a relationship between an average value of output values in various odor sensors and an air flow rate of the fan;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the odor analysis processing performed by the analysis device in a second embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the analysis device in a third embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the default setting processing performed by the analysis device in the third embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the odor analysis processing performed by the analysis device in the third embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a deodorizing system according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the analysis device in the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of deodorizing operation processing in the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a server system according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of a cloud service;

FIG. 22 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating an example of the cloud service;

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a variation of the odor detection device according to the present embodiment; and

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an arithmetic device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment is for describing the present invention, and omission and simplification are made as appropriate for the sake of clarity of description. The present invention can be carried out in other various forms. Unless otherwise specified, each constituent may be singular or plural.

There is a case where a position, size, shape, range, and the like of each constituent shown in the drawings do not represent an actual position, size, shape, range, and the like, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. For this reason, the present invention is not necessarily limited to a position, size, shape, range, and the like disclosed in the drawings.

Examples of various types of information may be described in terms of expressions such as “table”, “list”, and “queue”. However, various types of information may be expressed in a data structure other than these. For example, various types of information such as “XX table”, “XX list”, and “XX queue” may be “XX information”. In describing identification information, expressions such as “identification information”, “identifier”, “name”, “ID”, and “number” are used. However, these can be replaced with each other.

In a case where there are a plurality of constituents having the same or similar functions, description may be made by attaching different subscripts to the same reference numerals. Further, in a case where a plurality of such constituents do not need to be distinguished from each other, the description may be made by omitting a subscript.

In the embodiment, there is a case where processing performed by executing a program is described. As described later with reference to FIG. 24, a computer executes a program by a processor (for example, CPU, GPU), and performs processing defined by the program using a storage resource, an interface device (for example, a communication port), and the like. The storage resource includes a memory, a hard disk (HD), a solid state drive (SSD), an integrated circuit (IC) card, a secure digital (SD) card, and a digital versatile disc (DVD).

For this reason, the subject of the processing performed by executing the program may be a processor. Similarly, the subject of the processing performed by executing the program may be a control unit, a device, a system, a computer, or a node having a processor. The subject of the processing performed by executing the program only needs to be an arithmetic unit, and may include a dedicated circuit that performs specific processing. Here, the dedicated circuit is, for example, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or the like.

The program may be installed on the computer from a program source. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable storage medium. In a case where the program source is a program distribution server, the program distribution server may include a processor and a storage resource that stores a program to be distributed, and the processor of the program distribution server may distribute the program to be distributed to another computer. Further, in the embodiment, two or more programs may be realized as one program, or one program may be realized as two or more programs.

First Embodiment
(Odor Detection Device 1)

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an odor detection device 1 according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a duct 112 illustrated in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the odor detection device 1 includes a plurality of odor sensors 111 on a substrate 11 having a connection unit 12. Then, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the odor sensors 111 is installed inside a duct 112 having a tubular shape. Note that, in the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, four of the odor sensors 111 (111a to 111d) are provided. However, the number of the odor sensors 111 only needs to be one or more. Four of the odor sensors 111a to 111d have different sensitivities to a specific substance. Hereinafter, simple description of the odor sensor 111 collectively refers to four of the odor sensors 111a to 111d. Although four of the odor sensors are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, five or more sensors may be used.

Here, a white arrow illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 indicates the airflow. Then, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a fan 113 is provided at one end of the duct 112. Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fan 113 is provided to exhaust the air in the duct 112. In other words, the fan 113 is provided downstream of the airflow flowing in the duct 112 (flowing over the odor sensor 111). The odor sensor 111 (111a to 111d), the duct 112, and the fan 113 constitute an odor sensor unit 110.

Here, as the fan 113, one that is heavy and has a large air flow rate is not employed, but one that is power-saving and has a small air flow rate (approximately 0.2 m³/min or less) is used. In the present embodiment, as described above, the odor sensor 111 is arranged inside the duct 112, and the fan 113 exhausts the internal air of the duct 112. Ambient air introduced into the duct 112 passes over the odor sensor 111. In this way, the ambient air can be efficiently and stably sent to the odor sensor 111 even by the fan 113 that is power-saving and has a small air flow rate.

In a case where the fan 113 is contaminated, if the fan 113 is provided upstream of the airflow (on an opening A side), a contaminant of the fan 113 flows to the odor sensor 111. In this manner, the contaminant of the fan 113 adheres to the odor sensor 111, which reduces the sensitivity of the odor sensor 111 and affects an output signal. Furthermore, the contaminant also adhere to the inside of the duct 112. The contaminant adhering to the odor sensor 111 and the inside of the duct 112 is gradually desorbed from the odor sensor 111 and the duct 112, and thus affects the detection of the odor sensor 111 over a long period of time.

In contrast, in the present embodiment, as described above, the fan 113 is provided to exhaust the air in the duct 112, in other words, the fan 113 is provided on the downstream side of the airflow flowing in the duct 112. In this manner, even in a case where the fan 113 is contaminated, a contaminant of the fan 113 does not flow toward the odor sensor 111. As a result, it is possible to prevent the odor sensor 111 and the duct 112 from being contaminated by a contaminant adhering to the fan 113.

Further, in general, a flow velocity of the airflow generated on the downstream side of the fan 113 is higher than a flow velocity of the airflow generated on the upstream side. If the fan 113 is provided on the upstream side (opening A side) of the airflow flowing over the odor sensor 111, the odor sensor 111 is cooled by the airflow of a high flow velocity, and the sensitivity of the odor sensor 111 is lowered. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the fan 113 is provided on the downstream side of the airflow flowing in the duct 112. In this manner, since the odor sensor 111 is not exposed to the airflow having a high flow velocity, the sensitivity of the odor sensor 111 can be stabilized.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the odor sensors 111 are arranged and installed on a straight line in the duct 112. However, the odor sensors 111 only need to be installed in the duct 112, and do not need to be arranged on a straight line. Further, in FIGS. 1 and 2, all of the odor sensors 111 are installed at the bottom of the duct 112. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Among a plurality of the odor sensors 111, all or a predetermined one of the odor sensors 111 may be installed on an inner side surface or a top surface side of the duct 112. Note that the top surface side of the duct 112 is a position facing a bottom surface side when the side of the substrate 11 is the bottom surface side.

As described above, as a plurality of the odor sensors 111 are installed in the duct 112, odor substances are not diffused and detected by the odor sensors 111. That is, the detection accuracy of the odor detection device 1 can be improved. Note that the fan 113 may be installed outside the duct 112 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 or inside the duct 112 as long as the fan 113 is installed on the downstream side of the airflow with respect to all the odor sensors 111. Further, the duct 112 does not need to be a cylinder.

The connection unit 12 provided on the substrate 11 is, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) connection terminal.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an odor analysis system Z1.

The odor analysis system Z1 is configured in a manner that the odor detection device 1 is connected to a mobile terminal 3.

When the connection unit 12 of the odor detection device 1 is inserted into an insertion unit 32 of the mobile terminal 3, the odor detection device 1 is mounted on the mobile terminal 3. The insertion unit 32 of the mobile terminal 3 is, for example, a USB terminal insertion unit provided on the mobile terminal 3. Note that, in FIG. 3, the substrate 11, the duct 112, the odor sensor 111, and the fan 113 illustrated in FIG. 1 are housed in a housing 13.

The mobile terminal 3 supplies electric power to the odor detection device 1 via the connection unit 12. That is, an electronic component, the odor sensor 111, and the fan 113 provided on the substrate 11 of the odor detection device 1 receive power supply from the mobile terminal 3 via the connection unit 12.

Further, the mobile terminal 3 and the odor detection device 1 transmit and receive information via the connection unit 12. As described above, the odor detection device 1 transmits and receives information to and from the mobile terminal 3 by wired connection. Note that the odor detection device 1 may wirelessly transmit and receive information to and from the mobile terminal 3. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 3 further includes a display unit 31 that displays a result of analysis by the odor detection device 1. Then, an opening of duct 112 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided on a side surface of the housing 13. By transmission and reception of information by wired connection between the odor detection device 1 and the mobile terminal 3, stability of transmission and reception of information can be enhanced. Furthermore, by transmission and reception of information by wired connection between the odor detection device 1 and the mobile terminal 3, power supply and transmission and reception of information can be performed with the same connection configuration (USB or the like).

(Device Configuration)

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of the odor detection device 1 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates the odor analysis system Z1 in which the odor detection device 1 is connected to the mobile terminal 3.

The odor detection device 1 includes an odor sensor unit 110, a measurement control device 121, an analog/digital (A/D) converter 122, an analysis device 200, and a communication device 123. Note that, in FIG. 4, an alternate long and short dash line indicates power supply. The measurement control device 121, the A/D converter 122, the communication device 123, and the analysis device 200 are realized by electronic components such as an integrated circuit provided on the substrate 11 illustrated in FIG. 1.

Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the odor sensor unit 110 includes the odor sensor 111 that is installed in the duct 112 and detects an odor substance diffused from an odor source SC, and the fan 113. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, one or more of the odor sensors 111 are provided. The odor source SC emits a specific odor.

The analysis device 200 performs, for example, odor determination described later on the basis of an output value output from the odor sensor 111. The configuration of the analysis device 200 will be described later.

The communication device 123 transmits an odor determination result and the like output from the analysis device 200 to the mobile terminal 3. Note that two lines connecting the communication device 123 and the mobile terminal 3 indicate a communication path from the odor detection device 1 to the mobile terminal 3 and a communication path from the mobile terminal 3 to the odor detection device 1. As described above, wired communication via the connection unit 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 is used for communication between the communication device 123 and the mobile terminal 3.

The mobile terminal 3 displays a call for attention or the like on the display unit 31 (see FIG. 3) on the basis of an odor determination result or the like output from the analysis device 200.

The measurement control device 121 performs on/off control of the odor sensor 111, rotation speed control of the fan 113, and the like based on a command from the analysis device 200.

The A/D converter 122 converts an analog signal output from the odor sensor 111 into a digital signal, and sends the converted digital signal to the analysis device 200.

As described above, in FIG. 4, the alternate long and short dash line indicates a power supply path. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the communication device 123, the analysis device 200, the measurement control device 121, the A/D converter 122, and the odor sensor unit 110 are supplied with power from the mobile terminal 3 via the connection unit 12 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. As described above, the odor detection device 1 does not have a power source such as a battery, and is supplied with power from an external device such as the mobile terminal 3.

(Analysis Device 200)

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the analysis device 200.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the analysis device 200 includes a processing unit 210 and a storage unit 220.

The processing unit 210 includes an analysis unit 211, a storage processing unit 212, and a fan control processing unit 213.

The analysis unit 211 performs odor determination for introduced ambient air. Further, the analysis unit 211 creates information for performing odor determination.

The storage processing unit 212 stores an output value of the odor sensor 111 in the storage unit 220 as odorless data 221 for ambient air (odorless ambient air) in an environment where no odor source SC exists.

The fan control processing unit 213 controls driving of the fan 113.

The storage unit 220 stores the odorless data 221 and an output range 222.

The odorless data 221 is output data of the odor sensor 111 for ambient air in an environment where no odor source SC (see FIG. 4) exists.

The output range 222 is calculated based on the odorless data 221, and is information for determining whether or not the output of the odor sensor 111 is abnormal.

(Flowchart)

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of default setting processing performed by the analysis device 200 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 4 and 5 are appropriately referred to.

First, the fan control processing unit 213 drives the fan 113 to introduce ambient air (referred to as odorless ambient air) in an environment where no odor source SC exists (S101).

Then, the storage processing unit 212 stores an output value of the odor sensor 111 in the storage unit 220 as the odorless data 221 (S102).

The user determines whether or not the odorless data 221 for calculating the output range 222 in Step S104 is sufficiently collected (S103).

In a case where the odorless data 221 is not sufficiently collected (S103→No), the processing unit 210 returns the processing to Step S101 and continues to collect the odorless data 221. In this way, the processing unit 210 repeats the processing of Steps S101 and S102. The repetition frequency may be many times a day, once every three days, or the like. Further, as for a location for introduction, under an environment where the odor source SC does not exist, the processing may be repeated in the same location or may be repeated in different locations.

When the odorless data 221 is sufficiently collected (S103→Yes), the analysis unit 211 determines the output range 222 for determining “no odor” based on the variation (standard deviation or the like) in output values stored in the storage unit 220 (S104).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of odor analysis processing performed by the analysis device 200 in the first embodiment.

First, the fan control processing unit 213 drives the fan 113 to introduce ambient air (referred to as ambient air for inspection) in an inspection target environment into the duct 112 (S111).

Subsequently, the analysis unit 211 performs odor determination to determine whether or not an odor is detected (S112). The odor determination is made based on whether or not an output value output from each of the odor sensors 111 exceeds the variation in the output values calculated in Step S104 of FIG. 6 as a result of introduction of the ambient air for inspection in Step S111. When the variation is exceeded, the analysis unit determines it as “abnormal”, and when the variation is not exceeded, the analysis unit 211 determines it as “normal”. The analysis unit 211 may determine it as “abnormal” when there exists at least one of the odor sensors 111 that has an output value exceeding the variation, or may determine it as “normal” only when all the odor sensors 111 have an output value not exceeding the variation.

“Normal” indicates that the output value of the odor sensor 111 acquired in Step S111 has a characteristic similar to that of the odorless data 221, in other words, indicates that the ambient air for inspection is in an odorless environment. “Abnormal” indicates that the output value of the odor sensor 111 has a characteristic different from that of the odorless data 221, in other words, indicates that the ambient air for inspection is in an odorous environment. The odorous environment is an environment in which a specific odor source SC exists around the odor detection device 1.

In a case where it is determined as “normal” in Step S112 (S112→“normal”), the storage processing unit 212 additionally stores the output value of the odor sensor 111 in the storage unit 220 as the odorless data 221 (S121).

Thereafter, the analysis unit 211 redetermines the output range 222 for determining “no odor” based on the odorless data 221 additionally stored (S122). Processing in Step S122, which is similar to the processing in Step S104 in FIG. 6, is omitted from description here. Note that the processing in Step S122 may be performed as background processing after the processing in FIG. 7 is completed.

In a case where it is determined as “abnormal” in Step S112 (S112→“abnormal”), the analysis unit 211 determines an odor type on the basis of an output pattern of the odor sensor 111 (S131). The odor type is determined by comparison with an output pattern (not shown) of the odor sensor 111 stored in advance in the storage unit 220. This output pattern is determined by each output value of a plurality (four in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2) of the odor sensors 111. That is, output patterns are the same for the same odor type, and output patterns vary for different odors, and it is determined as “abnormal”. Alternatively, even with the same odor and the same output pattern, in a case where the output value is higher than “normal”, that is, the concentration is high, it can be regarded as “abnormal”.

Thereafter, the mobile terminal 3 displays a call for attention on the display unit 31 (see FIG. 3) (S132). Note that, in Step S132, the mobile terminal 3 may display a determined odor type together with a call for attention.

In the present embodiment, the analysis unit 211 determines that an odorless environment is “normal”. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the analysis unit 211 may determine that even an odorous environment is “normal” as long as the environment does not have a specific odor source SC to be inspected. Further, the fan control processing unit 213 stops driving of the fan 113 when the processing of FIGS. 6 and 7 ends.

(Another Example of Analysis System Z1)

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of another example (odor analysis system Z1a) of the odor analysis system Z1. In FIG. 8, a configuration similar to that in FIG. 4 is denoted by the same reference numeral, and omitted from description.

The odor analysis system Zia illustrated in FIG. 8 differs from that of FIG. 4 in points described below.

(A1) An odor detection device 1A in which the analysis device 200 is omitted from the odor detection device 1 is used.

(A2) A mobile side analysis unit 33 having a similar function to the analysis device 200 of FIG. 4 is mounted on the mobile terminal 3.

That is, an output value of the odor sensor 111 is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal by the A/D converter 122 and then transmitted to the mobile terminal 3 via the communication device 123. Then, the mobile side analysis unit 33 of the mobile terminal 3 analyzes the transmitted output value of the odor detection device 1A. A configuration of the mobile side analysis unit 33 is similar to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5, and processing performed by the mobile side analysis unit 33 is similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

According to the configuration shown in the first embodiment, the odor detection device 1 is configured not to include a power source such as a battery by being supplied with electric power from the mobile terminal 3. Further, by causing the mobile terminal 3 to display an odor analysis result, the odor detection device 1 does not include a display unit. With such a configuration, the odor detection device 1 can have a minimum configuration for detecting an odor. That is, according to the configuration shown in the first embodiment, it is possible to provide the odor detection device 1 that achieves weight reduction and is excellent in portability.

Further, according to the configuration of the first embodiment, the analysis device 200 makes the determination in Step S122 based on the odorless data 221 collected in the odorless atmosphere. As a result, it is possible to determine an environment in which the odor source SC exists (abnormality determination).

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the odor detection device 1 is connected to the mobile terminal 3. As described above, as the odor detection device 1 is used by being connected to the mobile terminal 3 excellent in portability, the odor detection device 1 can be used while portability is maintained.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the odor detection device 1 displays an odor determination result or the like on the display unit 31 of the mobile terminal 3. In this way, the odor detection device 1 does not include the display unit 31, and downsizing of the odor detection device 1 can be achieved. That is, it is possible to provide the odor detection device 1 that achieves weight reduction and is excellent in portability.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the fan 113 is controlled according to an output value of the odor sensor 111.

Note that the configuration of the analysis device 200 is similar to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5, and omitted from description here.

(Analysis Device 200a)

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an analysis device 200a according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 9, a configuration similar to that in FIG. 5 is denoted by the same reference numeral, and omitted from description.

The configuration of the analysis device 200a illustrated in FIG. 9 is different from the configuration of the analysis device 200 illustrated in FIG. 5 in that a processing unit 210a includes a fan control processing unit 213a. Here, the fan control processing unit 213 illustrated in FIG. 5 only controls on/off of the fan 113. In contrast, the fan control processing unit 213a illustrated in FIG. 9 controls a rotation amount (rotation speed) of the fan 113 according to an output of the odor sensor 111 in addition to the on/off control.

(Air Flow Rate Control)

Next, air flow rate control by the odor detection device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12. FIG. 9 is referred to as appropriate.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an output example of the odor sensor 111 in a case where an air flow rate of the fan 113 is small, and FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an output example of the odor sensor 111 in a case where an air flow rate of the fan 113 is large.

In FIGS. 10 and 11, a graph L1 represents an output value indicated by the odor sensor 111a (see FIG. 1), and a graph L2 represents an output value indicated by the odor sensor 111b (see FIG. 1). Further, a graph L3 represents an output value indicated by the odor sensor 111c (see FIG. 1), and a graph L4 represents an output indicated by the odor sensor 111d (see FIG. 1). Note that, in FIGS. 10 and 11, the output indicated by the odor sensor 111 is indicated as a voltage (sensor voltage (V)) output by the odor sensor 111.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, in the case where the air flow rate of the fan 113 is small, the graphs L1 to L3 reach a maximum output value (line LM). That is, outputs of the odor sensors 111a to 111c indicated by the graphs L1 to L3 exceed the range. Note that, the graph L4 (the odor sensor 111d) does not exceed the range.

In view of the above, in a case where such exceeding of the range occurs, the fan control processing unit 213a decreases the output values of the odor sensors 111 by increasing the air flow rate. When the air flow rate of the fan 113 increases, odor substances detected by the odor sensor 111 decrease due to a dilution effect. For this reason, when the air flow rate of the fan 113 increases, the output of the odor sensor 111 decreases as illustrated in FIG. 11. In this manner, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the graphs L1 to L3 that exceed the range in FIG. 10 are lowered, and the output values of these can be read. In the first embodiment, the fan control processing unit 213 drives (turns on and off) the fan 113, but does not control the air flow rate of the fan 113. Further, the graph L4 (the output value of the odor sensor 111d) is read from the graph illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a bar graph showing a relationship between an average value of output values of various ones of the odor sensors 111 and the air flow rate of the fan 113. A bar graph G1 indicates an average value of output values of the odor sensors 111 in a case where the air flow rate of the fan 113 is “large”. Note that, in FIG. 12, the output value of the odor sensor 111 is shown as a voltage (sensor voltage (V)) output by the odor sensor 111.

Further, a bar graph G2 indicates an average value of output values of the odor sensors 111 (sensor output voltage) in a case where the air flow rate of the fan 113 is “small”. Ranges R1 and R2 of the standard deviation are illustrated at the top of each of the bar graphs G1 and G2.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, as the air flow rate of the fan 113 increases, the output value (sensor voltage (V)) of the odor sensor 111 decreases. Further, when the air flow rate of the fan 113 decreases, the output value (sensor voltage (V)) of the odor sensor 111 increases.

That is, the fan control processing unit 213a decreases the output of the odor sensors 111a to 111c (graphs L1 to L3) that exceeds the range when the air flow rate is small by increasing the air flow rate. Further, as described above, the fan control processing unit 213a detects an output value of the odor sensor 111d (graph L4) having a small output value in a state where the air flow rate is small (FIG. 10).

As described above, the air flow rate of the fan 113 is controlled according to an output range of the odor sensor 111, so that it is possible to cope with a case where there is a wide range of a plurality of the odor sensors 111.

Note that, in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, the air flow rate of the fan 113 is controlled in two stages of “large” and “small”. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the air flow rate may be controlled in three or more stages. The air flow rate of the fan 113 is controlled to be larger as the output value of the odor sensor 111 is larger, and is controlled to be smaller as the output value of the odor sensor 111 is smaller.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the odor analysis processing performed by the analysis device 200a in a second embodiment. In FIG. 13, processing similar to that in FIG. 7 is denoted by the same step number, and omitted from description. Further, a procedure of default setting processing, which is similar to that in FIG. 6, is omitted from description here.

After Step S111, the fan control processing unit 213a determines whether or not control of the fan 113 is necessary (S141). Whether or not control of the fan 113 is necessary is determined by whether or not the output value of the odor sensor 111 exceeds the range, or whether or not there exists the odor sensor 111 whose output value is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The fan control processing unit 213a determines that control of the fan 113 is necessary in a case where the output value of the odor sensor 111 exceeds the range or there exists the odor sensor 111 whose output value is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

As a result of Step S141, in a case where the control of the fan 113 is not necessary (S141→“not necessary”), the analysis unit 211 performs the process of Step S112. The processing in and after Step S112, which is similar to the processing in and after Step S112 illustrated in FIG. 7, is omitted from description.

As a result of Step S141, in a case where control of the fan 113 is necessary (S141→“necessary”), the analysis unit 211 temporarily stores the output value of the odor sensor 111 that can be analyzed at the present time in a memory 601 (see FIG. 24) or the like (S142). For example, if the current state is the state of FIG. 10, the output value of the odor sensor 111d indicating the graph L4 can be used for analysis. Therefore, the analysis unit 211 temporarily stores the output value of the odor sensor 111d in the memory 601 or the like together with information on the air flow rate.

The fan control processing unit 213a performs fan control for controlling the rotation amount of the fan 113 (S143). Here, in a case where the output value of the odor sensor 111 exceeds the range, the fan control processing unit 213a increases the rotation amount of the fan 113. Further, in a case where there exists the odor sensor 111 whose output value is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the fan control processing unit 213a decreases the rotation amount of the fan 113.

At this time, in Step S142, the fan control processing unit 213a monitors the output values of the odor sensors 111, and increases the air flow rate of the fan 113 so that all the odor sensors 111 do not exceed the range. Alternatively, the fan control processing unit 213a decreases the air flow rate of the fan 113 so that the output values of all the odor sensors 111 become equal to or more than a predetermined value.

After the processing of Step S143 is performed, the processing unit 210a returns the processing to Step S111.

The processing in and after Step S112 is substantially similar to the processing illustrated in FIG. 7, but differs in points described below.

(B1) In Steps S112 and S113, the analysis unit 211 uses the output value temporarily stored in Step S142 when the output value is inappropriate with the current air flow rate (after the air flow rate control in S143). For example, the state illustrated in FIG. 11 is assumed to be obtained as a result of the air flow rate control in Step S143. In this case, the graph L4 (the output value of the odor sensor 111d) is too small to be appropriate. In such a case, the analysis unit 211 performs the processing of Steps S112 and S113 using the output value temporarily stored in Step S142, that is, the output value illustrated in the graph L4 of FIG. 10.

(B2) The analysis unit 211 equalizes ranges of the output values of the odor sensors 111 at the time of analysis such as odor determination (S112) and odor type determination (S131). For example, the analysis unit 211 equalizes ranges of the output values (the graphs L1 to L3 in FIG. 11) of the odor sensors 111a to 111c detected with a large air flow rate and the output value (the graph L4 in FIG. 10) of the odor sensor 111d detected with a small air flow rate. For example, the analysis unit 211 equalizes the ranges of the output values by, for example, multiplying the output values of the odor sensors 111 by a coefficient proportional to the air flow rate.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the air flow rate of the fan 113 is controlled according to an output range of the odor sensor 111, so that it is possible to cope with a case where there is a wide range of a plurality of the odor sensors 111.

Third Embodiment
(Analysis Device 200b)

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an analysis device 200b according to a third embodiment. In FIG. 14, a configuration similar to that in FIG. 5 is denoted by the same reference numeral, and omitted from description. FIG. 4 is referred to as appropriate.

The analysis device 200b illustrated in FIG. 14 is different from the analysis device 200 illustrated in FIG. 5 in points described below.

(C1) A processing unit 210b includes a learning unit 214.

(C2) In a storage unit 220b, the odorless data 221 and the output range 222 shown in FIG. 5 are omitted, and learning data 223 is stored.

The learning unit 214 performs learning processing of dividing an output pattern of the odor sensor 111 into “abnormal” and “normal” for the ambient air introduced into the odor detection device 1.

The learning data 223 stored in the storage unit 220b is data for learning by the learning unit 214, and output data of the odor sensors 111 for various types of ambient air is collected and stored. The various types of ambient air include ambient air in an environment with the odor source SC and ambient air in an environment without the odor source SC.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the default setting processing performed by the analysis device 200b in the third embodiment.

First, the odor detection device 1 drives the fan 113 to introduce ambient air in various environments (S151).

Then, the storage processing unit 212 stores the output value of the odor sensor 111 in the storage unit 220b as the learning data 223 (S152). At this time, the storage processing unit 212 stores the output value in the odorless environment and the output value in the odorous environment in the learning data 223 by distinguishing the output values from each other.

Thereafter, the learning unit 214 performs learning processing using the stored learning data 223 (S153).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the odor analysis processing performed by the analysis device 200b in the third embodiment. In FIG. 16, processing similar to that in FIG. 7 is denoted by the same step number, and omitted from description.

After the ambient air for inspection is introduced in Step S111, the analysis unit 211 performs odor determination by machine learning determination (S112a). Step S112a is performed on the basis of a result of the learning performed in Step S153.

In a case where it is determined as “normal” in Step S112a (S112a→“normal”), the storage processing unit 212 additionally stores the output value output from the odor sensor 111 in the learning data 223 of the storage unit 220b (S161). Thereafter, the learning unit 214 performs learning using the learning data 223 (S162).

Further, in a case where it is determined as “abnormal” in Step S112a (Step S112a→“normal”), the analysis unit 211 performs the processing of Step S131 shown in FIG. 7, and then the mobile terminal 3 performs the processing of Step S132. Thereafter, the storage processing unit 212 additionally stores the output value of the odor sensor 111 in the learning data 223 (S163). Then, the learning unit 214 performs learning processing using the learning data 223 (S162).

Note that the learning processing in Step S162 does not need to be performed in the background after the processing of FIG. 16 is completed.

According to the third embodiment, the odor determination based on learning is performed, and odor determination can be performed in a complicated odor environment.

Fourth Embodiment
(Deodorizing System 400)

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a deodorizing system 400 according to a fourth embodiment.

The deodorizing system 400 includes a reception control device 410 and a deodorizing device 401. The reception control device 410 receives an instruction for deodorizing operation to be described later with reference to FIG. 19 from the mobile terminal 3 to which the odor detection device 1 is connected (the analysis system Z1). Upon receiving the instruction for the deodorizing operation, the reception control device 410 performs the deodorizing operation by turning on the deodorizing device 401 or by setting operation of the deodorizing device 401 to a high-power operation mode. Alternatively, a fragrance may be introduced into the deodorizing device 401 in advance, and a deodorant or the fragrance may be contained in blown-out air during the deodorizing operation.

(Analysis Device 200c)

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the analysis device 200c in the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 18, a configuration similar to that in FIG. 5 is denoted by the same reference numeral, and omitted from description.

The analysis device 200c illustrated in FIG. 18 is different from the analysis device 200 illustrated in FIG. 5 in that a deodorizing operation control unit 215 is included.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, the analysis device 200c includes a processing unit 210c and the storage unit 220.

In a case where it is determined as “abnormal” as a result of the odor determination, the deodorizing operation control unit 215 operates the deodorizing device 401 such as an air conditioner 401a or an air cleaner 401b to deodorize the surrounding environment.

Note that, although FIG. 18 shows a configuration in which the deodorizing operation control unit 215 is added to processing unit 210 shown in FIG. 5, the deodorizing operation control unit 215 may be added to the processing units 210a and 210b shown in FIGS. 9 and 14.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of deodorizing operation processing in the fourth embodiment.

First, the deodorizing operation control unit 215 determines whether or not it is determined as “abnormal” in Step S112 in FIGS. 7 and 13 or Step S112a in FIG. 16 (S201). In other words, if the analysis device 200c has a configuration in which the deodorizing operation control unit 215 is added to the configurations of the first and second embodiments, the deodorizing operation control unit 215 makes the determination in Step S201 based on the determination in Step S112 in FIGS. 7 and 13. If the analysis device 200c has a configuration in which the deodorizing operation control unit 215 is added to the configuration of the third embodiment, the deodorizing operation control unit 215 makes the determination in Step S201 based on the determination in Step S112a in FIG. 16.

In a case where it is determined as “abnormal” (S201→No), the analysis device 200c ends the processing.

When it is determined as “abnormal” (S201→Yes), the deodorizing operation control unit 215 instructs the reception control device 410 via the mobile terminal 3 to perform the deodorizing operation (S202). The reception control device 410 instructs the deodorizing device 401 (the air conditioner 401a and the air cleaner 401b in the example of FIG. 17) to perform the deodorizing operation. In this manner, for example, as described above, the air conditioner 401a and the air cleaner 401b are turned on or are set to a high-power operation mode to perform the deodorizing operation. Alternatively, as described above, a deodorant or a fragrance may be previously introduced into the deodorizing device 401, and the deodorizing operation may be performed by including the deodorant or the fragrance in the blown-out air during the deodorizing operation.

Then, the fan control processing unit 213 drives the fan 113 to introduce the ambient air for inspection (S211). The operation in Step S211 is processing similar to that in Step S111 in FIGS. 7, 13, and 16.

Then, the analysis unit 211 performs the odor determination to determine whether or not an odor is detected (S212). Step S212 is processing similar to that is Step S112 in FIGS. 7 and 13 or Step S112a in FIG. 16. In other words, if the analysis device 200c has a configuration in which the deodorizing operation control unit 215 is added to the configurations of the first and second embodiments, in Step S212, the deodorizing operation control unit 215 makes determination similar to that in Step S112 in FIGS. 7 and 13. Further, if the analysis device 200c has a configuration in which the deodorizing operation control unit 215 is added to the configurations of the third embodiment, in Step S212, the deodorizing operation control unit 215 makes determination similar to that in Step S112a in FIG. 16.

In a case where it is determined as “normal” as a result of Step S212 (S212→“normal”), the deodorizing operation control unit 215 stops the deodorizing operation (S213), and the processing unit 210c ends the processing. Alternatively, the processing unit 210c returns the processing to Step S201 as necessary to continue the processing of FIG. 19.

In a case where it is determined as “abnormal” as a result of Step S212 (S212→“abnormal”), the deodorizing operation control unit 215 returns the processing to Step S202 to continue the deodorizing operation.

According to the fourth embodiment, in a case where the analysis device 200 determines it as “abnormal”, the deodorizing device 401 can be operated to deodorize the environment. This makes it possible to quickly eliminate discomfort and the like caused by an off-odor.

Fifth Embodiment
(System Configuration)

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a server system 500 according to a fifth embodiment.

In the configuration of the server system 500 illustrated in FIG. 20, the mobile terminal 3 and a remote personal computer (PC) 5 such as a cloud server are communicably connected. Note that the configuration of the odor detection device 1 is the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 or 8. Further, for the odor detection device 1, any of the analysis devices 200 and 200a to 200c illustrated in FIGS. 5, 9, 14, and 18 may be used.

The remote PC 5 collects information from the mobile terminal 3 to which the odor detection device 1 is connected. Then, the remote PC 5 collects information such as output data of the odor sensor 111 via the mobile terminal 3, analyzes the collected information, and displays an analysis (result of the odor determination) by the analysis device 200 on a screen. Further, the remote PC 5 may perform the operation illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 13, 15, 16, and 19 as necessary. In FIG. 20, a solid line indicates wired communication and a broken line indicates wireless communication.

(Example of Cloud Service: Part 1)

FIG. 21 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of a cloud service. FIG. 2 is referred to as appropriate.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 21, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 3 on which the odor detection device 1 is mounted (the analysis system Z1) is present in a work place WP. The output value of the odor sensor 111 is sent to the remote PC 5 such as a cloud server via the mobile terminal 3 on which the odor detection device 1 is mounted. The odor analysis system Z1 and the remote PC 5 constitute the server system 500.

The remote PC 5 performs odor analysis processing and the like as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 16, and transmits an odor analysis result of the processing to the mobile terminal 3. Then, the mobile terminal 3 displays, on the display unit 31 (see FIG. 3), an odor analysis result as indicated by reference numeral 311.

Further, the remote PC 5 transmits the odor analysis result to a server (not illustrated) installed in an office F. Based on the sent odor analysis result and the like, the office F sends an instruction to a worker of the work place WP where the odor detection device 1 is present. For example, in a case where an odor is based on a harmful one, a company sends an evacuation instruction to the worker in the work place WP. As described above, the office F performs centralized management of the odor analysis result and the like.

(Example of Cloud Service: Part 2)

FIG. 22 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating an example of a cloud service. In the example shown in FIG. 22, the odorless data 221 (see FIGS. 5, 9, and 18) and the learning data 223 (see FIG. 14) are transmitted to a database 51 from a plurality of the mobile terminals 3 on each of which the odor detection device 1 is mounted. Note that the database 51 is connected to a remote PC (see FIG. 20). In this way, the odorless data 221 and the learning data 223 in various environments can be collected. In this case, the remote PC 5 may perform determination of the output range illustrated in FIG. 6, re-determination of the output range 222 illustrated in FIG. 17, or the learning processing illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16. In this way, the accuracy of the odor determination can be improved.

As described above, the odor detection device 1 and the remote PC 5 such as a cloud server cooperate with each other, so that it is possible to provide services as illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22.

(Variation)

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a variation of the odor detection device 1 according to the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the mobile terminal 3 is connected by the connection unit 12 provided on the substrate 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 23, an odor detection device 1C and the mobile terminal 3 may be connected by a cable CA. Here, the cable CA allows information to be transmitted and received between the odor detection device 1C and the mobile terminal 3 and is capable of supplying power to the odor detection device 1C by the mobile terminal 3, and is, for example, a USB cable or the like.

(Hardware)

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an arithmetic device 6.

The arithmetic device 6 corresponds to the analysis device 200 (see FIG. 5), the analysis device 200a (see FIG. 9), the analysis device 200b (FIG. 14), the analysis device 200c (FIG. 18), the mobile terminal 3 (see FIG. 4 and the like), and the remote PC 5 (see FIG. 20).

The arithmetic device 6 includes a memory 601, a central processing unit (CPU) 602, a storage device 603, and the like. Among these, the storage device 603 corresponds to the storage unit 220 illustrated in FIGS. 5, 9, and 18 and the storage unit 220b illustrated in FIG. 14.

Then, a program stored in the storage device 603 is loaded into the memory 601, and the loaded program is executed by the CPU 602. In this manner, the units 211 to 215 illustrated in FIGS. 5, 9, 14, and 18 and the analysis unit 211 illustrated in FIG. 8 are embodied.

In the present embodiment, a form in which the odor detection device 1 is connected to the mobile terminal 3 such as a smartphone and used is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this form. Any form may be used as long as the form allows information to be transmitted and received to and from the odor detection device 1 and power to be supplied to the odor detection device 1. For example, the odor detection device 1 may be used by being connected to a PC via USB connection. Further, power may be supplied to the odor detection device 1 by general household power from an outlet or the like, or business power.

Furthermore, the form may be such that the odor detection device 1 is provided inside the mobile terminal. That is, the odor sensor unit 110 and the control substrate 11 illustrated in FIG. 1 or 2 may be provided inside the mobile terminal 3. In this case, the odor inspection device 1 is supplied with electric power from the mobile terminal 3 inside the mobile terminal 3. That is, the odor inspection device 1 is supplied with electric power from the mobile terminal 3 that is a device different from the odor inspection device 1 inside the mobile terminal 3.

Further, a filter for removing dust and the like may be provided at both ends of the duct 112, that is, at the inlet and outlet of the airflow.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and includes a variety of variations. For example, the above embodiment is described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to an embodiment that includes all the described configurations. Part of a configuration of a certain embodiment can be replaced with a configuration of another embodiment, and a configuration of a certain embodiment can be added to a configuration of another embodiment. Further, for part of a configuration of each embodiment, other configurations may be added, removed, or replaced with.

Each embodiment shows a control line and an information line that are considered necessary for explanation, and does not always show all control lines or information lines on a product. In practice, almost all configurations can be considered to be connected mutually.

ODOR DETECTION DEVICE, ODOR ANALYSIS SYSTEM, AND ODOR ANALYSIS METHOD

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