New virtual reality technology reproduces scents for users

Researchers at Beihang University in China and City University of Hong Kong unveiled two flexible, miniature scent generators (OGs) on May 9 that could revolutionize virtual reality technology. adding the olfactory experience to complete immersion in a simulated environment.

According to the article published in the journal Nature Communications, its principles are based on commercial liquid atomizers, although there are some GOs that work; in addition to being bulky, they are operationally inept.

In this sense, the new study provided some assumptions for delivering personalized scents in a small area close to users’ noses:

1. a soft, wearable substrate with miniature size and lightness;
2. various fragrances with adjustable, long-lasting concentrations;
3. wireless and programmable olfactory interface that can interact with users;
4. use easily accessible and biocompatible fragrance sources;
5. Fast response time in “explosive” or suppressive odors and odor control.

How does the technology of the new scent generators work?

In the difficult task of simulating flavors in virtual reality, researchers have developed two device formatsshown in the videos. The first of these is an adhesive that adheres directly to the human skin in the upper lip area of ​​the user and can create two odors. Second, a soft mask produces up to nine scents.

To make the olfactory experience happen, the device uses OGs made of scented paraffin wax (the kind used in scented candles) connected to a programmable heat source. solid hydrocarbon It can be heated in “approximately 1.44 seconds” to diffuse the desired scent into a specific area.says study.

Interaction with the virtual reality of fragrance

To test the OG devices, the team ran VR simulations with people walking in an orchard or picking a rose in the garden. Using the device, people started interacting with a virtual scent source, For example, taking the flower to the nose.

At that moment, the device began to heat up more and produce a stronger smell. When the virtual stimulus is out of reach of the user, a magnetic induction coil quickly turns off the heat and smell. A starter “grid” with 30 scents is already availableIt even contains an unexpected scent of durian, an Asian fruit similar to jackfruit and known for its strong and unpleasant smell.

The new OGs are the starting point for a truly immersive VR experience, ranging from movies and video games to medical or educational applications.