METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CREATING AND MANAGING FRAGRANCE-RELATED USER PROFILES

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for creating and managing fragrance-related user profiles, comprising the following steps: —Identifying an initial fragrance preferences profile based on input by a user to be profiled (S2-S5); —Providing the user with a first number of aromatic accords based on the initial fragrance preference profile, wherein the fragrances are provided in fragrance cartridges adapted to be used with an automated fragrance dispenser unit (12) (S6); —Creating a user profile based on the initial fragrance preferences profile and an evaluation of use patterns in accordance with the operation of the automated fragrance dispenser unit (12) (S8); and —Periodically providing the user with replacement fragrance cartridges based on the user profile and updating the user profile based on evaluations of use patterns of the automated fragrance dispenser unit (12) (S10, S8).

Claims

1. Method for creating and managing fragrance-related user profiles, comprising the following steps: Identifying an initial fragrance preferences profile based on input by a user to be profiled; Providing the user with a first number of aromatic accords based on the initial fragrance preference profile, wherein the fragrances are provided in fragrance cartridges adapted to be used with an automated fragrance dispenser unit; Creating a user profile based on the initial fragrance preferences profile and an evaluation of use patterns in accordance with the operation of the automated fragrance dispenser unit; and Periodically providing the user with replacement fragrance cartridges based on the user profile and updating the user profile based on evaluations of use patterns of the automated fragrance dispenser unit.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the identifying of the initial fragrance preferences profile comprises providing the user with a second number of fragrances, the second number of fragrances being larger than the first number of aromatic accords, for identifying olfactory preferences and/or perception thresholds.

3. Method according to claim 1, wherein the identifying of the initial fragrance preferences profile comprises a selection of one out of multiple pre-defined initial fragrance preferences profiles.

4. Method according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the automated fragrance dispenser unit is based on input by the user and/or adjusted based on the user profile.

5. Method according to claim 1, wherein the period for providing the user with replacement fragrance cartridges is adjusted based on the operational history of the automated fragrance dispenser unit and/or the user profile.

6. Method according to claim 1, wherein the use patterns of multiple automated fragrance dispenser units can be evaluated for updating a single user profile.

7. Method according to claim 1, wherein the identification of the initial fragrance preferences profile and the updating of the user profiles are additionally performed based on the user profile of at least one additional user.

8. Method according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation of use patterns comprises an identification of use cycles.

9. Method according to claim 1, wherein the user profile is additionally updated based on physiological and/or psychological variables of the user.

10. Method according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation of use patterns and updating of the user profile is performed using a neural network.

11. Method according to claim 1, wherein the fragrances are scent accords comprising multiple aromatic accords.

12. Method according to claim 1, wherein the automated fragrance dispenser unit is arranged to dispense multiple fragrances concurrently with controlled mass flow ratios between them.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the mass flow ratios according to which the fragrances are concurrently dispensed are time-modulated in a pre-determined of random manner within pre-defined boundaries.

14. Method according to claim 1, wherein the first number of aromatic accords is at least five and the second number of fragrances is at least 10.

15. System for performing a method according claim 1, comprising an automated dispenser unit and a backend server in data communication.

Description

[0026] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become even clearer from the following description of an embodiment when considered together with the accompanying FIG. 1. Said FIG. 1 shows a flowchart and a schematic view of an embodiment of the method and system according to the present invention.

[0027] Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 1, according to the present invention, a potential user of the method first orders a so-called “scent master kit” at step S1. He or she may already enter data into a web form or a smartphone application before having received said kit, for example answering questions on his/her scent preferences by selecting one out of multiple pre-defined initial fragrance preferences profiles or other personal data which may be usable for the identifying of an initial fragrance preferences profile (step S2).

[0028] After the scent master kit, which may contain about 30 representative samples of scent accords, has been shipped to the user at step S3, he/she may at step S4 sample the different scents at home and enter more data concerning preferences and perception thresholds into the above-mentioned web form or smartphone application.

[0029] From the data received at steps S2 and S4, at step S5, a back end server 10 employing sophisticated data analysis techniques such as neural networks or other dedicated and tuned algorithms and possibly also taking into account additional data, such as profiles of other users with similar preferences and/or personalities, will identify the user's initial fragrance preferences profile.

[0030] Based on said initial fragrance preferences profile, at step S6, a number of fragrance cartridges are shipped to the user, which are foreseen to be used in the automated fragrance dispenser unit 12. The actual number of cartridges to be shipped may vary depending on the type of automated fragrance dispenser unit and the user's choice, however typically about five such cartridges will be employed in the automated fragrance dispenser unit 12.

[0031] At step S7, in order to kick off the feedback loop according to the invention, the user starts and adjusts the operation of the automated fragrance dispenser unit 12 according to his/her preferences with the fragrances provided in step S6. The automated fragrance dispenser unit 12 and connected smartphone application constantly monitor the use patterns controlled by the user and forwards data related to said use patterns to the back end server 10 via a data link L.

[0032] At the first occurrence of step S8, the back end server 10 recognizes the use patterns of the operation of the automated fragrance dispenser unit 12 and based on an evaluation thereof together with the initial fragrance preferences profile, creates a user profile. Said user profile is forwarded to the automated fragrance dispenser unit 12 and smartphone application again via the data link L, such that in step S9, the automated fragrance dispenser unit 12 can adjust its operation based on the derived user profile and predictions about user preferences in real-time.

[0033] Said predictions may include start and stop times of the operation, mass flow ratios of scent accords to be dispensed etc. The feedback loop closes in step S10 where periodically new fragrance cartridges are delivered to the user, either simply replacing empty ones or different ones, based on user feedback such as manual adjustments of the operation parameters of the automated fragrance dispenser unit 12.

[0034] When in step S7, the user again starts and adjusts the operation of the automated fragrance dispenser unit 12 with the replaced cartridges, his/her user profile is still stored in the backend server such that in step S8, no new profile needs to be created, but rather the existing profile will be updated, again based on user feedback such as manual adjustments of the operation parameters of the automated fragrance dispenser unit 12. It has to be noted that such an update can be performed at any time of the operation of the automated fragrance dispenser unit 12 and not only after the delivery of new cartridges, for example at fixed time intervals or after each manual adjustment of the operation parameters of the dispenser unit 12 and smartphone application by the user.

[0035] Concerning the design and layout of the back end server 10 and the automated fragrance dispenser unit 12, various embodiments can be used as long as the basic functionality needed for the method according to the invention is provided. For this purpose, the back end server 10 requires sufficient computing power and storage as well as a high-throughput network connection in order to handle incoming and outgoing data streams and computing tasks as well as to store the user profiles. The automated dispenser unit 12 on the other hand has to be capable of some sort of interaction with its user in order to control its operation, preferably via a bluetooth link to a mobile phone or an integrated control panel. Furthermore, it needs to have sufficient computing power and storage to record the user's use patterns and needs to be in data connection with the back end server 12 in order to provide said data to the server and receive the created and updated user profile back regularly.