Systems, methods and articles to provide olfactory sensations

Abstract

A scent release system includes scent cartridges containing temperature activated scent media. The scent cartridges may bear machine-readable identification that specifies which scent media are carried by the cartridge. The scent release system can be controlled by a timer to initiate a phase change of the scent media to selectively release one or more scents, followed by a reverse phase change to selectively stop release of the respective scents. A scent release system in conjunction with a mobile electronic device, such as a smart phone, allows sending and receiving scent messages. The scent release system can be built into a case for the mobile electronic device, eliminating the need for a separate unit. A private scent delivery device in the form of a headset can be worn by users of a scent release system or by scent message recipients.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field[0002]This disclosure generally relates to providing olfactory sensations to one or more users via a controlled system.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]All of our five senses act as messengers that deliver information to the brain, which then processes this information, causing us to respond in relatively predictable ways. Within the context of our sense of smell, all odors present themselves in specific chemical configurations, allowing humans to perceive a wide variety of distinct odors. Odor perception initiates in the nose, where the respective molecules are detected by a large family of olfactory receptors. Olfactory receptors have diverse protein sequences, and are assigned to subfamilies on the basis of sequence relationships. These observations formed the basis for research into the mechanisms underlying human odor perception, leading to the 2004 grant of the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine to Linda B. Buck and Richard Axel.[0005]Ho...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]Various systems, methods, and articles are described which provide a scent sensory experience to end users. In some implementations, the system may allow the portable, discrete delivery of olfactory stimuli with audio and / or visual signals, enhancing the impact on human and animal behavior, while minimizing the impact on those not targeted by the olfactory stimuli, and thereby significantly enhancing the overall sensory experience of the user. Advantageously, such systems may be portable, allowing the user to have the benefit of the system, on demand, in a wide variety of environments. The programming of such a system can be activated by either a remote device such as a phone or other electronic equipment, or by the user. As noted above, as a complement to the programming control provided to the user, the system may also be configured to receive signals provided from a variety of devices in a remote manner, thereby allowing a third party to engage the user via olfactory stimuli in addition to audio and / or visual signals.

[0009]The system may be used not only to enhance the overall sensory experience of the user, but, notably through the connection of the olfactory and auditory / visual signals, may be used to induce or enhance behavior change, altering physiological states. For instance, the system can deliver coffee scent which will lead to greater states of alertness. The delivery of coffee scent may be accompanied by the presentation of music and visual imagery, e.g., a coffee cup, Or the system can deliver chocolate scent, which may optionally be accompanied by the presentation of associated with images of chocolate, and promote satiety.

Problems solved by technology

However, even given the significant importance of our sense of smell, relatively little has been done to develop the apparent physiological value of this sense or to more thoroughly incorporate it into how humans experience the world around them on a daily basis.

Although some systems and devices have been proposed for attempting to provide olfactory sensations to users, such systems and devices have proven inadequate as mobile, personal, targeted and effective delivery systems that may be used to alter behavior.

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