In a recent publication in Nature Communications, scientists from Beihang University and City University of Hong Kong presented separate designs of two devices that emit a smell when playing games or watching movies.
The first form is a wearable gadget that is placed just under the nose on the skin. The second form, meanwhile, is a versatile mask. The handheld device has the ability to produce two different scents, while the soft mask has the ability to produce up to nine scents.
Both devices incorporate scented wax, which can be quickly heated in about 1.5 seconds to emit the desired scent in a specific area.
The researchers successfully created a total of 30 distinct scents, which included scents such as rosemary, mojito, pancake, pineapple and durian. Although current virtual reality (VR) headsets can reproduce visual, auditory and tactile experiences, the realm of virtual worlds still lacks the sense of smell. This is partly due to the lack of an efficient method for incorporating aromas into bulky VR equipment.
The researchers envision their technology as a solution to this problem, aiming to improve the immersive user experience in video games, 4D movies, and virtual educational settings. They also suggested interesting possibilities, such as using scents as an alternative form of communication or to evoke memories.
Of course, this is just one approach to incorporating scent into VR, and other companies are up to the challenge. Some are developing scent cartridges for headphones, while others are exploring the idea of adding scents through neck straps. However, it will take some time before people can actually stop and enjoy the scent of virtual roses.
In Sweden, a team of researchers has developed a game controller accessory that adds an olfactory dimension to wine-focused virtual experiences.
Unlike previous technologies, this Chinese device has a lightweight design that requires no cables or additional components. Interestingly, it also doesn’t rely on the use of aromas, which has been a prominent feature in some existing VR headsets.
Researchers from Beihang University and City University of Hong Kong conducted experiments involving 11 volunteers to explore the potential of two wireless VR systems capable of producing scents.
Despite their contrasting designs, both devices feature small scent generators made of paraffin wax. The researchers suggest the possibility of modifying scents and conducted tests on a range of 30 different types of odors.
In addition, they explored more abstract smells such as ‘walking outside’, ‘happiness’ and ‘lunch’. However, it was observed that fragrances with lower boiling points were the most effective in achieving the desired results.
To obtain the distinct scents, the researchers mixed specific scents and wax at a temperature of 140°F or 60°C. These fragrances were reported to remain effective even after exposure to air for three weeks.
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