US20210138415A1

US20210138415A1 - Generative Scent Design System

Info

Publication number: US20210138415A1
Application number: US17/053,310
Authority: US
Inventors: Frederik Duerinck; C.M.J. Meeuwenoord
Original assignee: Scentronix Inc
Current assignee: Scentronix Inc
Priority date: 2018-05-07
Filing date: 2019-05-07
Publication date: 2021-05-13
Also published as: KR20210006423A; BR112021022214A2; CA3099541A1; EP3813993A4; WO2020227329A1; BR112020022520A2; US20220226791A1; EP3965923A1; EP3813993A1; AU2019266237A1; KR102664890B1; SG11202010761RA; CN114206487A; WO2019217490A1; AU2019266237B2; EP3965923A4; JP2021523004A; CN112236220A

Abstract

A generative scent design system may used to create unique and custom scents (fragrances, perfumes) in real time based upon input from a user. The system may also be utilized for creating other unique and custom formulations of beverages, alcohols, juices, medications, lotions, shampoos and other products, etc. The generative scent design system may have an input receiver, an input processor, a plurality of scents, a plurality of dispensers, a conveyor belt, a plurality of motion sensors, a container, a label, a cap, and, at least one sound output device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/668,224, filed May 7, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to a system to create unique and custom scents (fragrances, perfumes) in real time based upon input from a user. The system may also be utilized for creating other unique and custom formulations of beverages, alcohols, juices, medications, lotions, shampoos and other products, etc.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment of the present invention, a generative scent design system comprises an input receiver, an input processor, a mixing element, a plurality of scents, a plurality of scent dispensers, a conveyor belt, a plurality of motion sensors, a container, a container dispenser, a label maker, a cap, and, at least one sound output device. Other embodiments do not have the sound output device. In this description, scent in not meant to be limiting and may refer to scents, fragrances, perfumes, flavors, liquids with different taste, and other similar fluids. The input receiver receives input data. The data is selected from the group consisting of questionnaire answers, user-entered data, social-media based data, biometric feedback, stock exchange based data, weather based data, personal emotion based data, sports based data, sound based data, smell based data, sensor based data, image based data, and combinations thereof. The input processor analyzes the data to generate a configuration based on the data. An algorithm in the input processor uses the configuration to determine a formula containing an amount of each of the plurality of scents. The amount of each of the plurality of scents are dispensed from the plurality of scent dispensers into the container. The container is transported on the conveyor belt to avow the container to be movably positioned to receive each of the plurality of scents from each of the plurality of scent dispensers. The plurality of motion sensors guide the container on the conveyor belt. The input processor generates information for the label. The label is affixed to the container. The cap is secured to the container. The input processor may calculate data to generate sounds. The at least one sound output device outputs the sounds.
In an embodiment of the invention, a generative scent design system comprises
a frame, an input receiver, an input processor, a plurality of scents, a plurality of dispensers, conveyor belt, a plurality of motion sensors, and a container. The plurality of dispensers, the conveyor belt, and the plurality of motion sensors are attached to the frame. The input receiver receives data. The data is selected from the group consisting of questionnaire answers, user-entered data, social-media based data, biometric feedback, stock exchange based data, weather based data, personal emotion based data, sports based data, sound based data, smell based data, sensor based data, image based data, and combinations thereof. The input processor calculates the data to determine a formula containing an amount of each of the plurality of scents. The amount of each of the plurality of scents are dispensed from the plurality of dispensers into the container. The container is transported on the conveyor belt to allow the container to be movably positioned to receive each of the plurality of scents from each of the plurality of dispensers. The plurality of motion sensors guide the container on the conveyor belt.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the conveyor belt comprises a puck and a plurality of cleats. The puck is configured to hold the container. The plurality of cleats is configured to hold the puck.
In another embodiment of the invention, the generative scent design system further comprises a label printer. The input processor generates information for a label. The label printer prints the label.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the generative scent design system further comprises a label applicator. The label applicator affixes the label to the container.
In another embodiment of the invention, the generative scent design system further comprises a dispenser manifold. The dispenser manifold is configured to hold the plurality of dispensers to allow the plurality of dispensers to dispense the plurality of scents simultaneously into the container.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of dispensers are vacuum flexible containers.
In another embodiment of the invention, the generative scent design system further comprises a capping system. The capping system secures a cap on the container.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the generative scent design system further comprises a sound output device. The input processor calculates the data to generate sounds. The sound output device outputs the sounds.
In another embodiment of the invention, the generative scent design system further comprises a plurality of exit stations.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the generative scent design system further comprises a container dispenser. The container dispenser dispenses the container onto the conveyor belt.
In another embodiment of the invention, the generative scent design system further comprises a visual output device.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of scents are perfume ingredients.
In another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of scents are beverage ingredients selected from the group consisting of alcoholic drink ingredients, non-alcoholic drink ingredients and combinations thereof.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of scents are liquid personal products ingredients.
Other embodiments may comprise at least one visual output device, such as display, mobile device display, projectors, and other. In such embodiments, the input processor may calculate the data to generate images, or other visual outputs that can be displayed on the at least one visual output device.
The invention can be used to allow users to create in real time individualized perfumes based on input data, for example, the user's emotion at the time, particular sound or music, an image, and other data. In a different embodiment, the invention can be used to create individualized cocktails based on data from a user, to create alcoholic beverages, or to create non-alcoholic beverages. In those embodiments the scent dispensers may contain drinks, flavors, juices, etc. The system of the invention can be scaled for use in a retail environment, bar, food establishment, even a pop-up stand, as well as in an industrial setting. It allows the mixing of very small amounts of perfume, beverages, and other liquids amounts for sale to a specific individual or small group of individuals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood as the following description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 are perspective views of embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a screenshot of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

For clarity purposes, all reference numerals may not be included in every figure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The figures illustrate a generative scent design system 100 comprising an input receiver 120, an input processor 130, a plurality of scents 140, a plurality of scent dispensers 150, a conveyor belt 160, a plurality of motion sensors 170, a container 180, a container dispenser, a label 192, a cap 210, at least one sound output device 220, and at least one visual output device 240.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of scent dispensers 150 attached to a frame 110. Also attached to the frame 110 is an input processor 130 such as a computer and related peripherals. The peripherals include, but are not limited to, a display, a keyboard, speakers (sound output device 220), and a label maker (label printer 190). A user may provide input data into the input processor 130 to generate a formulation (the generated formulation is also referred to as “generation”). Alternatively, the formulation (or generation) may be generated from input data provided remotely to the input processor 130, or received by the input processor 130 from the ambient surroundings. With that formulation (or generation), a unique and custom scent or perfume can be made. A container 180 may be placed (e.g., automatically by the container dispenser, by a user or operator, or by other instrumentality) on a conveyor belt 160 and moves along under each of the scent dispensers 150. Each scent dispenser 150 contains a scent. As the container 180 moves along the conveyor belt 160, the container 180 is filled with scents from the scent dispensers 150 according to the formula. After the container 180 is filled, a cap 210 is placed on the container 180. Then, a label 192 is generated by the label maker 190 for that particular container 180 and formulation (or generation). Although the components are shown to be attached to the frame 110 in the figures, the invention does not require that all the components to be attached to the frame 110. The plurality of dispensers 150, the conveyor belt 160, and the plurality of motion sensors 170 are attached to the frame 110, However, other components, such as the input receiver 120, the input processor 130, the label printer 190, the sound output device 220 and the visual output device 240 are not required to be attached to the frame 110. For example, the information may be transmitted wirelessly to the sound output device 220, which may not be attached to the frame 110.
On the label 192 is a specific code representing a specific generation (or formulation), as illustrated in FIG. 2. The code can be in a digital or physical format, it can be numeric, text, 2D or 3D barcode, QR Code or similar. The unique code allows the user to recreate the particular scent formulation at any time—immediately after the first time the formulation was generated, or at a later time. The user can also share the unique code with others to enable them to recreate the same formulation of scent. The unique code can be associated with a particular user, and can be used for various purposes, such as membership, loyalty programs, community programs, affiliate programs, cash back (or royalties) for sales of perfumes created by users, or others.
FIG. 5 illustrates a scent dispenser 150. The scent dispenser 150 may include valves and flowmeters. The computer controls the scent dispensers 150 including the valves and flowmeters to dispense the proper amount of each scent. The scent dispensers 150 contain different scents (single ingredient or compound, neat oil (without a carrier) or in solution). Each scent dispenser 150 may contain pure scents, such as essential oils (neat, without a carrier), or mixture of oils with carriers, or other perfume bases. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the scent dispensers 150 contain scents, premixed with carriers (perfume base), named as follows: Animal, Ether, Floral, Greens, Luminous, Soil, Wet, Woody, and Zest. The system may contain more scent dispensers 150 with more scents, and different scents. The scent in the scent dispensers 150 can be proprietary, can be based on the Perfume (or Fragrance) Wheel, or can be any other scents.
In different embodiments the scent dispensers 150 may contain other liquids, for example, different juices, alcoholic beverages, flavors, health supplements, and others, health and beauty products and ingredients.
FIG. 2 illustrates a label printer 190 and label 192.
FIG. 6 illustrates a screenshot from the visual output device 240 and shows a generation (or a generated formulation) for a scent. Based upon the formula, the scents are dispensed. For example, Woody 3.38%; Greens 12.84%; Ether at 7.43%; Wet at 0.00%; Soil at 12.16%; Zest at 12.84%; Animal at 6.76%; Floral at 33.11%, and Luminous at 11.49%;
FIG. 10 illustrates various feed-back loop possibilities of the generative scent design system 100.
In one embodiment of the invention, the scents may be described according to their characteristics or features in several categories (“Feature Categories”). Exemplary Feature Categories are illustrated in the following table. As illustrated in the table, the Feature Categories may be represented by a numeric value, text, color picker, geographical coordinates, or a combination of the foregoing.

Example Feature Categories Describing Scents

Temporal	Energy:
(Most	(Most	Perceptual	Harmonic
Long-lasting	Diffusive	(Most sharp	(Most Pleasant/
to feast long-	to feast	to least sharp/	Harmonic to
lasting)	diffusive)	more round)	most disruptive)
Numeric value	Numeric value	Numeric value	Numeric value
scale	scale	scale	scale

Color	Texture	Emotion/Mood	Associations with
Text, numeric	Text	Text	locations, life
value or color	E.g. Cotton	e.g. Scared	situations, events,
picker			feelings. Text
E.g. Blue
Season	Weather	Natural/Unnatural	Sensations
Text	Text, numeric	Numeric value	Text or numeric
	value	scale	value
Olfactive	Memories	Biometric data	price and
territories/	Text	on the	regulatory data,
families		responses to	CAS number
e.g. citrus, green,		ingredients or
floral, woody,		compounds
oriental, musk,
etc. and
combinations
thereof
Text and
coordinates
Origin	Naturals/	Molecule family	List of opposites.
	Synthetic		Text, numeric

The Feature Categories depend on the type of input data. Some Feature Categories can be applied to multiple types of input data. For example the Temporal Categories (describing, e.g., lastingness of input data) can be applied to sound (audio), visual input (light, colors, etc.), and others.
The value (e.g., numeric, text, color, etc.) of the Feature Categories is calculated by the input processor 130 based on measurement or analysis of various input data parameters. For example, the Feature Categories for sound input may be characterized by the parameters as shown in the following table:

Sound Feature Category table

	Sound Features/	Measured
	Category	Parameters

	Temporal (Life span: Lastingness/	Total Energy,
	Volatility of scent)	Loudness, Spectral
	Scale - Numeric value	Decrease
	Energy (Physical presence/	Spectral Spread, Spectral
	Diffusion of scent)	Skewness, Perceptual
	Scale - Numeric value	Spectral Variation
	Harmonic (Stylistic/	Harmonic Energy,
	Pleasant versus disruptive)	Noise Energy,
	Scale - Numeric value	Noisiness, Inharmonicity
	Perceptual	Perceptual Spectral
	(Shape & Aesthetics: linear,	Centroid, Sharpness
	sharp, round liquid)	Spectral Flatness,
	Scale - Numeric value	Harmonic Energy

The individual scents may be categorized according to the Features Categories in a relationship such that particular scent will correlate to a particular description for a Feature Category. For example, a particular scent may correlate to a particular value for the Temporal Feature Category. Within the scope of this invention, the Feature Categories are referred to as Scent Descriptors in their association with scents. The following table illustrates Scent Descriptors (Feature Categories) for sound input data with their associated scents. The scents are ordered as described in the table (i.e., the top scent represent the “Most” portion of the scale).

Scents Categories for Sound Input Data

			Harmonic
Temporal	Energy	Perceptual	(Most
(Most long-	(Most	(Most	pleasant/
lasting	diffusive	sharp to	harmonic to least
to least	to least	least sharp/	harmonic/most
long-lasting)	diffusive)	most round)	disruptive)

Ether	Floral	Soil	Floral
Animal	Wet	Woody	Ether
Woody	Soil	Luminous	Zest
Floral	Woody	Wet	Animal
Soil	Zest	Greens	Greens
Wet	Animal	Zest	Woody
Greens	Greens	Floral	Wet
Luminous	Luminous	Animal	Soil
Zest	Ether	Ether	Luminous

The input receiver 120 can receive input data from a user, from the surroundings, from another device, or from its own stored data. For example, a user can provide input by typing, scanning a document, uploading a file to the system, speaking into a microphone, and various other methods. The input receiver 120 can also collect input data from the surroundings, for example, noise and light levels, music, radio frequencies, etc. The input data can also be provided to the input receiver 120 via another device, such as a mobile device via wireless communications, or from network or internet location that contains the data. The input processor 130 may be a computer with peripheral devices, such as a display, keyboard, touchpad, stylus, and other peripheral devices. The input receiver 120 may also comprise various instrumentation for receiving, sensing, measuring or detecting the input data, such as microphones, temperature sensors, light/dark sensor, color sensors, radio frequency sensors, spectral analyzers, sound frequency analyzer, vision systems and cameras, face recognition, microphones, text recognition, voice recognition, image recognition, biometric sensors, and numerous others. In some embodiments, one device may act both as an input receiver 120 and a visual output device 240; for example, a monitor that has touch-screen capabilities.
In an embodiment for an autonomous generative scent creation process, the input receiver 120 can also receive input data on its own from previously created generations (or formulations) of scent. Such embodiment may be configured to continuously generate new scent formulations without external input, based on internally provided input data,
The input data may be questionnaire answers, chosen price ranges, chosen ingredients (e.g., specific scents, categories of scents, Naturals or Synthetic, etc.) user-entered data, social-media based data, biometric feedback, financial data, stock exchange-based data, weather-based data, personal/emotion-based data, sports-based data, sound-based data, scent(s)-based data, sensor-based data, image-based data, and combinations thereof. The user may utilize a mobile application to generate the data. For example, the mobile application may have a questionnaire to which the user provides answers. The answers are then transmitted to the input processor 130. Additionally, the user may input data directly into the input processor 130. Alternatively, the input processor 130 may receive data in the forms of social-media based data, biometric feedback, stock exchange-based data, weather-based data, personal emotion-based data, sports based data, sound based data, scent(s)-based data, sensor-based data, or image-based data.
The input processor 130 ingests the input data and analyzes it. For example for sound input data the input processor 130 can measure various parameters that describe the sound (“Sound Descriptors”) such as Total Energy, Loudness, Spectral Decrease, Spectral Spread, Spectral Skewness, Perceptual Spectral Variation, Harmonic Energy, Noise Energy, Noisiness, Inharmonicity, Perceptual Spectral Centroid, Sharpness Spectral flatness, Harmonic Energy, and others. For example, for a sound input data, the input processor 130 may analyze the context of a song. For visual input data (e.g., image(s), video(s), surrounding(s), etc.), the input processor 130 may analyze the data for presence and amount of different color, hue, darkness and lightness, luminosity, what is the in the scene, the presence and number of people, whether the image is of urban or nature environment, and various other indicators (“Visual Descriptors”). For people (whether in an image or surroundings) the input processor 130 may analyze the facial expression and emotions, assess and assign a value (e.g., on a sliding scale) for gender, ethnicity, race, age, etc. (“Personal Descriptors”). For text input, the input processor 130 may analyze the source, the context and any known associations with it.
Based upon the analysis of the input data the input receiver 120 creates a description of the input data. The description may be numeric, text or both. For example, for sound input data, the input processor 130 will assign a numeric value to several categories that describe the features of the sound input data. Such categories may be 1) Temporal Features, 2) Energy Features, 3) Perceptual features and 4) Harmonic features. The numeric value assigned to each category of features will be based on the analysis of the appropriate Sound Descriptors representative of each feature category, as set forth in the Sound Feature Category table. Also as set forth in the table the numeric value represent the level each feature is present in the sound input data. For example the numeric value for the Temporal Features category will be representative of the sound input data on a scale of Most Long-Lasting to Least Long-Lasting (e.g., a high number may represent a long lasting sound, while a low number a short sound, or vice versa).
Similarly, for an image (or other visual) input data, the input processor 130 creates a description of the input data by assigning a numeric value to several feature categories based on the Visual Descriptors, and on Personal Descriptors if people are present. Those features categories may include Brightness, Hue, Color Palette, Contrast, People, Nature, and if people are present, Emotion.
In addition to or instead of, numeric values the input processor 130 may assign text descriptors to the input data. For example the text descriptor may include descriptive words, such as “bright,” “blue,” “fast,” “allegro,” “warm,” “emotional,” “sad,” “green,” “grey,” “sunny,” “forest,” “wild,” “disharmony,” “melodic,” and numerous others. The input processor 130 may also associate additional text descriptors to the exemplary text descriptors in the previous sentence based on the input. For example the “grey” descriptor may be associated with the additional descriptors “dull” and/or “risk avoiding.”
Based on the analysis performed by the input processor 130, the algorithm correlates the input data descriptors to the Scent Descriptors (i.e. Feature Categories) and creates a “recipe” (also referred to as a formulation, or generation) for mixing of the different scents (single ingredients, or compounds). Based on the description (numeric, text, or other) of Features Categories the algorithm selects the different scents and the amount of each scent to dispense. For example, for long lasting sound input data (e.g., in the Temporal Feature Category), the algorithm processor may select “Ether” scent, and an amount based on a pre-programmed algorithm. Based on the Harmonic, Perceptual, and Energy Feature Categories for the same sound the algorithm processor may select different amounts of the following scents Woody, Greens, Ether, Wet, Soil, Zest, Animal, Floral and Luminous resulting in a recipe as illustrated in FIG. 6.
The input processor 130 and algorithm may operate as illustrated in the flow-chart in the following figure (also shown as FIG. 7):
In the preceding algorithm, input data audio files are selected and analyzed according to the sound Feature Categories illustrated in the Example Feature Categories Describing Scents Table, above. The analysis results in a configuration for each Feature Category. In one example, each Feature Category configuration consist of a “pool”, “index,” and “drops.” The configurations for each Feature Category are combined into a single configuration, which is then saved as a new generation (or formulation) of scent.
A system embodying the algorithm illustrated in the figure above, may select (randomly or otherwise) several (e.g., 3) input data audio files from a number of existing pre-stored audio files (e.g., in one embodiment, 450). The existing audio files are divided into pools of a smaller number of files (e.g., 50 files). Each of the pools is associated with a specific scent dispenser 150 containing a particular scent.
For each of the Sound Descriptors the algorithm may perform the following steps:
1) Determine from which pool to select a file for each Sound Descriptor. This is the “pool” value in the configuration.
2) Select a file from the chosen pool. This is the “index” value.
3) Calculate the number of drops in the scent formula for each Sound Descriptor.
In one example, the process for the creation of a generation of fragrance starts by selecting 3 input audio files randomly. More or less input audio files may be also selected. Also, the audio files may be selected by a user, may be received by the input receiver 120 (e.g., as files, or through a microphone).
To select the pool for each Sound Descriptor, the algorithm operates as follows. The Algorithm calculates the mean for the Sound Descriptor for each of the input audio files. This calculation results into one file having the highest mean value, one file having the lowest mean value and one file having a value in between the highest and the lowest. The difference between the highest and the lowest value is divided by a predetermined number. In this example, the predetermined number is 9, corresponding to the number of Sound Descriptors or to the number of scents in each Scents Category for Sound Input Data, illustrated above. If the middle value is below the median, the algorithm chooses the first whole number below the median on this scale of 9. If the middle value is above the median, the algorithm chooses the first whole number above the median on this scale of 9. This number determines from which pool the algorithm will select a file for a particular Sound Descriptor. The algorithm repeats this process of selecting a pool for each Sound Descriptor. Each pool is associated with a specific scent dispenser 150 (or scent).
To select the index (number corresponding to, e.g., a file within the chosen pool of files) for each Sound Descriptor, the algorithm operates as follows. The algorithm calculates the median value of the Sound Descriptor for each of the input audio files. The algorithm then subtracts the lowest median value from the highest median value for each Sound Descriptor and divides the number of files by the result, so that the result of the division will provide a scale in which the highest median value will correspond to the highest possible index (i.e., file number) and the lowest median will correspond to the lowest index (i.e., lowest file number, e.g, 0 or 1). To determine the scale, for example, the algorithm may determine the straight line on a Cartesian (e.g., X, Y) coordinate system defined by the X, Y number pairs (highest median, highest index) and (lowest median, lowest index). In the next step the algorithm calculates a new median (“Median.new”) of the previously calculated median values. In the example with three median values (i.e., three input audio files), Median.new will be the middle value. Next the algorithm determines the index (file number) to which Median.new corresponds by mapping Median.new to the scale calculated above (in which the highest median corresponds to the highest index, and lowest median corresponds to the lowest index). The resulting number represents the index, corresponding to a file in the pool.
To select the number of drops (e.g., the amount of particular scent determined by the pool, above) for each Sound Descriptor, the algorithm operates as follows. The algorithm calculates the mean (value z) of the means (as calculated above) for each Sound Descriptor. Next, the algorithm maps z on a scale of the number of files in the pool (e.g., 50) of what could have been the maximum and minimum value for this Sound Descriptor. The algorithm subtracts z from the chosen index (e.g., audio file number) calculated above, and converts the resulting number to an absolute number. The resulting absolute number, x, represents a number of drops of a scent for each Sound Descriptor.
After calculating the configuration for each Sound Descriptor by determining the pool, index, and drops as described above, the algorithm combines the individual configurations. The algorithm adds the x (i.e., drops) values for all Sound Descriptors and calculates the percentage per Sound Descriptor within the formula of the currently generated fragrance (i.e., generation). Because each pool is associated with a specific scent dispenser 150, the drops associated with each pool (i.e., scent) are calculated as a percentage of the total amount of drops for the formulation. This percentage is calculated into an absolute amount of volume of ingredient (e.g., scents) per scent dispenser 150 for each Scent Descriptor so that the desired quantity is being compounded in the correct ratio.
The input processor 130 and algorithm can also be programmed to correlate the input data to the scents according to the following flow chart (also shown as FIG. 8):
The amount of each of the plurality of scents 140 are dispensed from the plurality of scent dispensers 150 into the container 180. The container 180 is transported on the conveyor belt 160 to allow the container 180 to be movably positioned to receive each of the plurality of scents 140 from each of the plurality of scent dispensers 150. The plurality of motion sensors 170 guide the container 180 on the conveyor belt 160. The input processor 130 generates information for the label 192 and the unique code. The label 192 is affixed to the container 180. The cap 210 is secured to the container 180.
The following chart (also shown as FIG. 9) illustrates an exemplary algorithm for dispensing the specific amounts of each scent.
In another embodiment, the system can allow a user to convert scent to specific sound. In this embodiment, the input processor 130 calculates the data to generate sounds. The at least one sound output device 220 outputs the sounds. The input processor 130 translates scent properties to sound properties. The scent properties include (1) Life Span, (2) Physical Presence, (3) Stylistic, and (4) Shape/Aesthetics. Life Span is the lastingness or volatility of the scent. Life Span may be translated to the sound properties (a) Total Energy, (b) Loudness, and (c) Spectral Decrease. Physical Presence is the diffusion of the scent. Physical Presence may be translated to the sound properties (a) Spectral Spread, (b) Spectral Skewness, and (c) Perceptual Spectral Variation. Stylistic is the pleasantness of the scent compared to its disruptiveness. Stylistic may be translated to the sound properties (a) Harmonic Energy, (b) Noise Energy, (c) Noisiness, and (d) Inharmonicity. Shape/Aesthetics is the shape of the scent, such as linear, sharp or round liquid. Shape/Aesthetics may be translated to the sound properties (a) Perceptual Spectral Centroid, (b) Sharpness, (c) Spectral Flatness, and (d) Harmonic Energy. The input processor 130 outputs sound through the sound output device 220 based upon the sound properties that are translated based upon the scent properties.
In one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the dispenser 150 may be a metal container, a vacuum flexible containers (bags) 150 a, or a vacuum flexible container 150 a within a metal container. The vacuum flexible containers 150 a aid in preventing vaporization and/or oxidizing of the scents. The vacuum flexible containers 150 a may hang in the metal container, and are easily exchangeable due to its hydraulic connectors, valves and stopcocks. The dispensers 150 can be outfitted with output devices such as displays to bestow a wide array of information to the users. This may include, but is not limited to, user-information, scent-information, machine status-information, audio-visuals, (scannable) graphics, etc.
In one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, a dispenser manifold 200 may be configured as eight dispensers 150 in a circular pattern on the dispenser manifold 200. The dispenser needles may be bent to a 90° angle, and the needle tips join in a circular pattern at the center of the manifold 200. This allows for a plurality of dispensers 150 to be used at the same time, quickening the dispense time. This is a representative embodiment with eight dispensers in a circular pattern, and the scope of the invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, there may be four dispensers in a square pattern.
In one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, a conveyor belt 160 with cleats 164 is used to retain the pucks 162 wherein the containers 180 reside. Furthermore, the cleats 164 maintain a stable increment of the position of the conveyor belt 160. The pucks 162 can be molded to any specific shape to hold any shape of container 180 within its boundaries.
In one embodiment of the invention, a capping system may be used that may account for different sizes and shapes of caps 210. A funneling gate system may provide the right cap 210 from a plurality of cap-magazines. The cap-magazines may easily exchanged to refill with caps 210, or to swap to the desired cap size. While a gripper arm connected to a linear actuator guides the cap 210 toward the container 180, a mechanically opening funnel makes sure the dip tube of the mist sprayer cap 210 enters the opening of the container 180 before it opens up to drive the head of the cap 210 on top of the container 180. The cap 210 may be a mist sprayer cap with a dip tube as described above and as illustrated in FIG. 13. Alternatively, the cap 210 may not be one without sprayer capabilities, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
In one embodiment of the invention, a crimping tool may be used to attach the cap 210 to the container 180 in a watertight way. This may be extended with a sleevepress and/or a system that attaches a closure on top of the cap's mist sprayer.
In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of exit stations 230 are installed on the generative scent design system 100. The conveyor belt 160 may guide the container 180 to the desired exit station 230. The exit station 230 is equipped with an actuator may take the container 180 off of the conveyor belt 160. This facilitates the invention to be used by a plurality of users. The exit stations 230 may be outfitted with output devices such as displays to bestow information to the users.
While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions, and/or additions may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.

Claims

We claim:

1. A generative scent design system comprising:

a frame;

an input receiver;

an input processor;

a plurality of scents;

a plurality of dispensers;

a conveyor belt;

a plurality of motion sensors; and,

a container;

wherein the plurality of dispensers, the conveyor belt, and the plurality of motion sensors are attached to the frame;

wherein the input receiver receives data;

wherein the data is selected from the group consisting of questionnaire answers, user-entered data, social-media based data, biometric feedback, stock exchange based data, weather based data, personal emotion based data, sports based data, sound based data, smell based data, sensor based data, image based data, and combinations thereof;

wherein the input processor calculates the data to determine a formula containing an amount of each of the plurality of scents;

wherein the amount of each of the plurality of scents are dispensed from the plurality of dispensers into the container;

wherein the container is transported on the conveyor belt to allow the container to be movably positioned to receive each of the plurality of scents from each of the plurality of dispensers; and,

wherein the plurality of motion sensors guide the container on the conveyor belt.

2. The generative scent design system of claim 1, wherein the conveyor belt comprises:

a puck; and,

a plurality of cleats;

wherein the puck is configured to hold the container; and,

wherein the plurality of cleats is configured to hold the puck.

3. The generative scent design system of claim 1 further comprises:

a label printer;

wherein the input processor generates information for a label; and,

wherein the label printer prints the label.

4. The generative scent design system of claim 3 further comprises:

a label applicator;

wherein the label applicator affixes the label to the container.

5. The generative scent design system of claim 1 further comprises a dispenser manifold;

wherein the dispenser manifold is configured to hold the plurality of dispensers to allow the plurality of dispensers to dispense the plurality of scents simultaneously into the container.

6. The generative scent design system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of dispensers are vacuum flexible containers.

7. The generative scent design system of claim 1 further comprises a capping system;

wherein the capping system secures a cap on the container.

8. The generative scent design system of claim 1 further comprises a sound output device;

wherein the input processor calculates the data to generate sounds; and,

wherein the sound output device outputs the sounds.

9. The generative scent design system of claim 1 further comprises a plurality of exit stations.

10. The generative scent design system of claim 1 further comprises a container dispenser;

wherein the container dispenser dispenses the container onto the conveyor belt.

11. The generative scent design system of claim 1 further comprises a visual output device.

12. The generative scent design system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of scents are perfume ingredients.

13. The generative scent design system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of scents are beverage ingredients selected from the group consisting of alcoholic drink ingredients, non-alcoholic drink ingredients and combinations thereof.

14. The generative scent design system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of scents are liquid personal products ingredients.