VR interface for odor transmission

2023: Product Announcement

On May 9, 2023, Chinese researchers from the City University of Hong Kong and Beijing Aviation and Space University announced the development of a new technology that brings odors to virtual reality (VR).

The system is designed to expand the capabilities of VR spaces by complementing visual, auditory and tactile sensations with aromatic effects. The project participants emphasize that smell plays an important role in the perception of the environment. The new technology will provide a more complete immersion in the virtual universe, as well as lead to the emergence of interactive applications and services of the next generation.

The new system is designed to expand the capabilities of VR spaces by complementing visual, auditory and tactile sensations with aromatic effects

The researchers proposed two options for implementing their technology. In one of them, the solution is a small plate fixed under the user's nose: in this case, only two odors can be generated. The second version is made in the form of a wearable mask headset with the ability to reproduce nine different aromas. The set of odors can vary: in total, approximately 30 components are available to simulate the aromas of pineapple, ginger, green tea, coffee, caramel, sweets, rosemary, pancakes, ethyl alcohol, etc.

From a technical point of view, the system uses small paraffin pads containing aromatics. On command from the computer, the heating element is activated, as a result of which an odor is emitted. It is claimed that the proposed solution has a high response rate, low power consumption, good stability and long continuous operation time. In addition, the concentration of vaporized substances can be controlled, which allows the intensity of odors generated to be varied. In the future, the systems can find application not only in the field of entertainment, but also in the educational field, as well as in human-machine interfaces of a new type.^[1]

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