Electronically controlled odor generation

Abstract

An electronically controlled scent generating device includes a body having a plurality of chambers, each chamber receiving a respective scent flavor, and an actuator, each actuator corresponding to the chamber and having an actuator port responsive to a scent emission instruction, the first and second motors configured to receive the scent flavor from the body, and a local control unit configured to control the first and second motors to transmit the scent flavor to the body. The local control unit is configured to selectively activate the second motor to displace the body to align the selected actuator port of the actuator of the respective selected chamber with the nozzle of the housing, and selectively activating the first motor to cause the scent essence contained in the selected chamber to be emitted through the selected actuator port to produce a scent emission directed through the nozzle to the external environment. Activation of the scent generating device may be initiated according to a scent trajectory linked to the audio / visual presentation, the scent trajectory including scent emission instructions having timing information and associated scent identification information such that a predetermined scent is emitted during a respective presentation scene.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the controlled generation and emission of scents. Background Art

[0002] In the realm of performance venues, particularly in movie theaters or home theater settings, the viewing experience can be improved by providing the audience with scents associated with appropriate scenes of the movie.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an improved system for scent delivery that can be used in conjunction with performance venues such as movie theaters. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronically controlled odor generating device is provided. The odor generating device comprises a movable body and a housing, the housing being configured to surround the body and comprising a nozzle extending through the housing. The body comprises a plurality of chambers, a plurality of actuators corresponding to the chambers, a first motor, a second motor, and a local control unit. The chambers are arranged along a base inside the body, each of the chambers being configured to receive a corresponding odor essence. Each of the actuators comprises an actuator port, and the actuator port cup is configured to be aligned in a selected direction relative to the body. The first motor is configured to drive the application of pressure in the selected actuator to cause the odor essence to be emitted through the actuator port. The second motor is configured to drive at least a portion of the body to shift. The local control unit is configured to selectively activate the second motor to shift the body in response to the odor emission instruction, so that the nozzle is aligned with the selected actuator port of the actuator corresponding to the selected chamber, and the local control unit is configured to selectively activate the first motor to cause the odor essence contained in the selected chamber to be emitted through the selected actuator port to generate an odor emission directed to the external environment through the nozzle. The odor generating device may further include a plurality of valves, each of which is configured to distribute the odor essence into a corresponding chamber. The odor generating device may further include a cam, a push member, a rocker, and a piston, the cam being connected to a first motor, wherein the first motor is driven to rotate the cam to drive the piston via the push member and the rocker so as to press the selected actuator to force at least a portion of the odor essence in the corresponding chamber to leave via the selected actuator port. The chamber may be arranged radially around the longitudinal axis of the body. The odor generating device may further include a plurality of receiving seats, each of which is associated with a corresponding chamber and receives a corresponding actuator, wherein each of the actuators includes a corresponding wing, and each of the receiving seats includes a corresponding slot, and the corresponding wing is configured to engage in the corresponding slot to maintain the direction of the corresponding actuator port. The housing may include a cover and a shell, whereby the cover is configured to be firmly engaged with the outer shell so as to surround the body, and wherein the nozzle extends through the wall of the cover, thereby providing a passage from the selected actuator port to the external environment to the cover. The scent generating device may further include a tray, wherein the body is fixed to the tray and is configured to rotate within the housing of the housing in response to activation of the second motor. The chambers may be separated by respective radial walls extending from an inner band to an inner wall of the base, each of the inner band and the inner wall describing a generally circular band at a predetermined radial distance from a longitudinal axis of the body, the radial distance of the inner wall being greater than the radial distance of the inner band. The body may be a circular body, wherein the second motor is a rotary motor configured to rotate the chambers so as to align a selected actuator port of a selected actuator corresponding to a selected chamber with the nozzle.The body may be a linear body, wherein the second motor is configured to translate the chamber so as to align a selected actuator port of a selected actuator corresponding to a selected chamber with the nozzle. The local control unit may be configured to receive a scent trail associated with the audio / visual presentation, the scent trail comprising scent emission instructions, the scent emission instructions comprising scent identification information and associated timing information, the local control unit being configured to: trigger activation of the scent generating device by selectively activating the second motor and the first motor in response to the scent trail to emit at least one scent according to the scent trail, so that at least one predetermined scent is emitted during the corresponding scene presented. The scent trail may be received from at least one of: a movie projection system, a video broadcast system, a television, a set-top box, a streaming media player, a computer device, an audio media source, a visual media source, and / or a live performance.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for generating a timed and position coordinated scent linked to an audio / visual presentation is provided. The system includes at least one electronically controlled scent generating device, the at least one electronically controlled scent generating device being positioned adjacent to a presented user. The scent generating device includes a movable body and a housing, the housing being configured to surround the body and including a nozzle extending through the housing. The body includes a plurality of chambers, a plurality of actuators, a first motor, a second motor, and a local control unit, the plurality of actuators corresponding to the chambers. The chambers are arranged along a base inside the body, each of the chambers being configured to receive a corresponding scent essence. Each of the actuators includes an actuator port, the actuator port being configured to align in a selected direction relative to the body. The first motor is configured to drive the application of pressure in the selected actuator to cause the scent essence to be emitted through the actuator port. The second motor is configured to drive at least a portion of the body to shift. In response to the scent emission instruction, the local control unit is configured to selectively activate the second motor to displace the body so that the nozzle is aligned with the selected actuator port of the actuator corresponding to the selected chamber, and the local control unit is configured to selectively activate the first motor to cause the scent essence contained in the selected chamber to be emitted through the selected actuator port so as to produce a scent emission directed to the external environment through the nozzle. The system further includes a central control unit that is communicatively connected to the local control unit. The central control unit is configured to transmit a scent track associated with the presentation to the scent generating device, the scent track including the scent emission instruction, the scent emission instruction including the scent identification information and the associated timing information and configured to initiate activation of the scent generating device in response to the scent track to emit at least one scent according to the scent emission instruction, so that at least one predetermined scent is emitted to the user during the corresponding scene of the presentation. The system may include a plurality of scent generating devices, each of the scent generating devices being positioned adjacent to a respective user of the presentation, wherein a central control unit is communicatively coupled to a local control unit of each of the scent generating devices, and the central control unit is configured to transmit a respective scent trajectory associated with the presentation and the respective user to a selected scent generating device, and initiate activation of the selected scent generating device in response to the respective scent trajectory to emit at least one scent according to a respective scent emission instruction such that at least one predetermined scent is emitted to the respective user during the respective scene of the presentation. The central control unit may be further configured to synchronize the timing of each of the scent generating devices. The central control unit may be associated with at least one of: a movie projection system, a video broadcast system, a television, a set-top box, a streaming media player, a computer device, an audio media source, a visual media source, and / or a live performance. The scent generating device may further include a plurality of valves, each of the valves being configured to dispense a scent essence into a respective one of the chambers.The odor generating device may further include a cam, a push member, a rocker, and a piston, wherein the cam is coupled to a first motor, wherein the first motor is driven to rotate the cam to drive the piston via the push member and the rocker, so as to press the selected actuator to force at least a portion of the odor essence in the corresponding chamber to leave via the selected actuator port. The chambers may be arranged radially around the longitudinal axis of the body. The odor generating device may further include a plurality of receiving seats, each of which is associated with a corresponding chamber and receives a corresponding actuator, wherein each of the actuators includes a corresponding wing, and each receiving seat includes a corresponding slot, and the corresponding wing is configured to engage in the corresponding slot to maintain the direction of the corresponding actuator port. The housing may include a cover and a shell, whereby the cover is configured to be firmly engaged with the shell to surround the body, and wherein the nozzle extends through the wall of the cover, thereby providing a passage from the selected actuator port to the external environment to the cover. The body may be a circular body, wherein the second motor is a rotary motor, the rotary motor being configured to rotate the chamber so as to align a selected actuator port of a selected actuator corresponding to a selected chamber with the nozzle. The body may be a linear body, wherein the second motor is configured to translate the chamber so as to align a selected actuator port of a selected actuator corresponding to a selected chamber with the nozzle. Each of the scent generating devices may be secured to an articulated arm of the seat such that the scent generating device is adjustable between an inactive position in which the scent generating device is not engaged with a user of the seat and an active position in which the scent generating device is positioned with the nozzle facing the user of the seat.

[0006] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for generating a timed and position coordinated odor linked to an audio / visual presentation is therefore provided. The method includes the step of positioning at least one electronically controlled odor generating device adjacent to a presented user. The odor generating device includes a movable body and a housing, the housing being configured to surround the body and including a nozzle extending through the housing. The body includes a plurality of chambers, a plurality of actuators, a first motor, a second motor, and a local control unit, the plurality of actuators corresponding to the chambers. The chambers are arranged along a base inside the body, each of the chambers being configured to receive a corresponding odor essence. Each of the actuators includes an actuator port, the actuator port being configured to align in a selected direction relative to the body. The first motor is configured to drive the application of pressure in the selected actuator to cause the odor essence to be emitted through the actuator port. The second motor is configured to drive at least a portion of the body to shift. The local control unit is configured to selectively activate the second motor to displace the body in response to the scent emission instruction so that the nozzle is aligned with the selected actuator port of the actuator corresponding to the selected chamber, and the local control unit is configured to selectively activate the first motor to cause the scent essence contained in the selected chamber to be emitted through the selected actuator port to produce a scent emission directed to the external environment through the nozzle. The method further includes the step of receiving a scent track associated with the presentation at the scent generating device, the scent track including the scent emission instruction, the scent emission instruction including the scent identification information and the associated timing information. The method further includes the step of initiating activation of the scent generating device in response to the scent track to emit at least one scent according to the scent emission instruction, so that at least one predetermined scent is emitted to the user during the corresponding scene of the presentation. The step of positioning at least one electronically controlled scent generating device adjacent to a presented user may include positioning a plurality of scent generating devices, each of the scent generating devices being positioned adjacent to a respective user of the presentation; the step of receiving at the scent generating device a scent track associated with the presentation may include receiving at a selected one of the scent generating devices a respective scent track associated with the presentation and associated with the respective user; and the step of initiating activation of the scent generating device in response to the scent track may include initiating activation of the selected scent generating device in response to the respective scent track to emit at least one scent in accordance with a respective scent emission instruction such that at least one predetermined scent is emitted to the respective user during the respective scene of the presentation. The method may further include the step of synchronizing the timing of each of the scent generating devices. The scent track may be received from at least one of: a movie projection system, a video broadcast system, a television, a set-top box, a streaming media player, a computer device, an audio media source, a visual media source, and / or a live performance.Positioning the plurality of scent generating devices may include securing each of the scent generating devices to an articulated arm of the seat such that the scent generating devices are adjustable between an inactive position in which the scent generating devices are not engaged with a user of the seat and an active position in which the scent generating devices are positioned with a nozzle facing the user of the seat. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1A is a perspective view illustration of an electronically controlled scent generating device with a cover removed, constructed and operable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] Figure 1B is constructed and operable in accordance with embodiments of the present invention Figure 1A A top view illustration of an electronically controlled odor generating device;

[0010] Figure 1C is constructed and operable in accordance with embodiments of the present invention Figure 1A An illustration of an interior perspective view of an exemplary housing of an electronically controlled scent generating device;

[0011] Figure 2A is constructed and operable in accordance with embodiments of the present invention Figure 1A A perspective view illustration of an exemplary body of an electronically controlled scent generating device;

[0012] Figure 2B is constructed and operable in accordance with embodiments of the present invention Figure 2A An exploded view illustration of an exemplary body of;

[0013] Figure 2C is constructed and operable in accordance with embodiments of the present invention Figure 2A A perspective bottom view illustration of an exemplary body of;

[0014] Figure 2D is constructed and operable in accordance with embodiments of the present invention Figure 1A A photographic illustration of an exemplary actuator of an electronically controlled scent generating device;

[0015] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary electronically controlled scent generating device with an assembled housing constructed and operable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary local control unit of an electronically controlled scent generating device constructed and operable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 5 is a flow chart of exemplary operations of a local control unit of an electronically controlled scent generating device operable to generate scents according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0018] Fig. 6A is a perspective view illustration of a seat having an articulated arm that secures an exemplary electronically controlled scent generating device in an inactive position, constructed and operable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 6B is a perspective view illustration of a seat having an articulated arm that secures an exemplary electronically controlled scent generating device in an active position, constructed and operable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Fig. 7A is a block diagram of an exemplary central control unit of a system for generating a timed and position coordinated scent linked to an audio / visual presentation, constructed and operable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 7B is a flow chart of an exemplary method for generating a timed and position coordinated scent linked to an audio / visual presentation operable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a system for controlled scent generation deployed in a cinema setting, constructed and operable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0023] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a system for controlled scent generation for deployment in a home theater setting, constructed and operable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0025] In its broadest aspect, the present invention relates to the delivery of scents associated with appropriate scenes of a presentation for the purpose of enhancing the listening or viewing experience of the viewer, listener or spectator of the presentation. In general, the objects that need to be addressed in order for such an operation to be successful include: uniform distribution of scents, timing and synchronization of scents, prevention of interference from scents (whether inside the installation or in the air), environmental impacts (e.g., cinema and air conditioning in relation to the scent supply), versatility and quantity of scents, infrastructure required, cost and efficiency.

[0026] Some of the difficulties relate to: interference of different scents with each other within the installation, persistence of scents in the air while new scents are being offered, long duration of scents, achieving precise synchronization of scents with relevant frames of the movie ("event"), automation of the scent system, simultaneous timing of scents in all seats of a cinema, effect of the air conditioning system on the distribution of scents, versatility and number of different scents available for a particular movie, removal of scents from the distribution system throughout the cinema, complex and expensive infrastructure of the system, time required to acclimate a cinema to the scents, cost of the system infrastructure, the requirement that scents be available only in such properly prepared cinemas and preventing the molecular cloud of scent from entering the nose directly to avoid user discomfort.

[0027] The distribution of a large number of odors, for example, filling a cinema hall, causes the odor molecules to exhibit persistence, i.e., a relatively long duration is required for the odor to "fade out." Before the odor has successfully "faded out," the introduction of any new odor results in an undesirable mixing of odors.

[0028] The present invention overcomes these challenges by providing novel electronically controlled scent generating devices and systems and methods for generating timed and position coordinated scents linked to audio / visual presentations. The system may include a plurality of scent generating devices, each of which is positioned adjacent to a respective user of the presentation, for example, fixed to a seat of a user watching a video broadcast or stream in a movie theater or home theater. Each scent generating device receives a respective scent track associated with the presentation and with the respective user, the scent track including scent emission instructions with timing information and associated scent identification information. In response to the respective scent track, the selected scent generating device is activated to emit one or more predetermined scents synchronized with the respective scene of the presentation according to the respective scent track. Thus, the systems and methods of the present invention can generate controlled scents at each of a plurality of user locations (such as respective seats of a theater or performance venue, etc.) without the need to provide and deploy a dedicated duct system or similar centrally operated scent generation infrastructure with associated complexity and cost. The present invention can further reduce the need for cleaning and maintenance of such duct systems. The systems and methods can be deployed in any suitable venue or presentation setting with minimal assembly, without requiring considerable expense or time investment to adapt the venue to accommodate scent generation and distribution, and involve minimal disruption to existing infrastructure at the venue (such as heating and air conditioning systems, etc.). The scent generating device of the present invention can provide versatility and robustness, such as the ability to produce a wide variety of scents over a short period of time, wherein different scents can be added or removed depending on the specific audio / visual presentation. The emitted scents can be characterized by a low degree of persistence, so that the emission of a first scent minimally interferes with the emission of subsequent scents emitted shortly thereafter, providing the user with an enhanced olfactory sensation and an improved presentation experience. In addition, the emission of scents can be adapted to each user's specific preferences or requirements (such as limiting or increasing scent intensity, etc.) or adjusting the distance relative to the user's nose or face to avoid user discomfort.

[0029] For a better understanding of certain embodiments and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the drawings in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding elements or sections throughout.

[0030] Referring now to the drawings in detail, it is emphasized that the details shown are presented by way of example only and for purposes of illustrative discussion of exemplary embodiments and for the purpose of providing what is believed to be a useful and easily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details in more detail than is necessary for a basic understanding, the description taken in conjunction with the drawings makes it clear to those skilled in the art how several forms may be embodied in practice.

[0031] As used herein, the terms "presentation" and "audio / visual presentation" refer to any form of audio or visual content that can be presented to and consumed by one or more individuals (users). Examples of such presentations may include, but are not limited to: movies, television programs, commercials or advertisements, video clips, audio clips, songs, musical performances, recorded audio or video performances (e.g., played on a streaming platform or played from a physical recording medium), live performances, live audio or video performances (e.g., played during a live concert, play, or show), visual information clips (which include written text and / or image content, such as in the form of a book, magazine article or other chapter, journal, newspaper publication, or website, etc.), paintings, photographs, cartoons, gallery presentations, lectures, courses, business presentations, etc.

[0032] As used herein, the term "scene" refers to a particular portion or section of a presentation. Examples of scenes may include, but are not limited to: a scene or action of a movie or television program; a frame or series of frames of a video or audio clip; a selected duration or segment of a song or audio recording or performance; a sentence, paragraph, page, or chapter of textual content; a slide or frame of a sequence of drawings; a selected duration or segment of a lecture or presentation, etc.

[0033] The term "user" herein refers to an individual on whom the method or system of the present invention operates, such as a person to whom an odor is selectively emitted. The subject may be any living entity, including an individual, a human, or an animal. The term "odor" as used herein refers broadly to a specific combination of compounds at any concentration that can be perceived by a person using his / her sense of smell, such as a fragrance or odor, etc., regardless of whether the perception is pleasant or unpleasant.

[0034] In the context of the present invention herein, the term "scent-generating device" and its combinations (such as scent generation, etc.) refer to the emission, spraying, delivery, discharge, release, distribution, etc. of readily made scent, rather than making, creating or manufacturing a scent.

[0035] The term "motor" is used herein in its broadest sense and may include any actuator characterized by any suitable motion (eg, rotary or linear), such as an electric drive, a magnetic solenoid, or a piezoelectric actuator.

[0036] See now Figure 1A , Figure 1B as well as Figure 1C . Figure 1A is a perspective view illustration of an electronically controlled scent generating device, generally indicated at 100, with a cover removed, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A top view of an electronically controlled odor producing device 100. Figure 1C yes Figure 1A 1 is an internal perspective view of an exemplary housing 102 of an electronically controlled odor generating device 100. The electronically controlled odor generating device 1 includes: a local control unit 105, a bottom tray 10, a body 20, a plurality of actuators 30, a plurality of duckbill valves 35, a first motor 40 (also called a whiff motor 40), a cam 45, a thrust member 50 (which can be implemented as a push rod), a rocker 60, a piston 70, a spring 75, a hinge 77, a second motor 80 (also called a rotary motor 80), a cogwheel 85, an inner wall 90 of the body 20 having an internal gear 95, and the housing 102. The housing 102 includes a cover 104 and a lower housing 310. In one example, the rotary motor 80 is a stepper motor. The body 20 is located on the bottom tray 10 and is configured to rotate freely within the lower housing 310, which is located below relative to the lower housing 310. Figure 3 Further description. The rotary motor 80 is fixed to the lower housing 310, and rotates around the axis of the rotary motor 80 in response to the local control unit 105 so as to rotate the cogwheel 85. The teeth of the cogwheel 85 mesh with the internal gear 95 of the body 20, and as a result, the body 20 rotates within the lower housing 310 in response to the control unit 105. The body 20 may be provided with bearings (such as ball bearings, etc.), and the lower housing 310 may be provided with rails to ensure that the body 20 rotates smoothly around the inner bottom plate of the lower housing 310 and on the bottom plate provided by the lower housing. The bearings may be provided on the bottom surface (not shown) of the bottom tray 10.

[0037] The suction motor 40 is fixed to the lower housing and rotates in response to the control unit 105. The cam 45 is connected to the rotating member of the suction motor 40 and rotates therewith in response to the control unit 105. During a portion of a single rotation, the cam 45 engages with the push member 50 to drive the rocker 60 so as to drive the piston 70 to depress the corresponding one of the actuators 30, and then disengages in response to the spring 75. The hinge 77 (the rocker 60 partially rotates on the hinge 77, and the hinge 77 fixes the rocker 60 to the cover 104) and the spring 75 cooperate so that in response to the push rod 50 driven by the cam 45 in the direction toward the cover 104, the piston 70 is driven away from the cover 104 so as to drive the piston 70 toward the corresponding actuator 30 so as to force a portion of the scent essence contained therein to leave the actuator 30 as the emitted scent. When the push rod 50 is not driven toward the cover 104 by the cam 45, the push rod 50 is driven backward toward the cam 45 by the spring 75, so that the piston 70 is withdrawn toward the cover 104 and is not engaged with the corresponding actuator 30. The nozzle 110 advances from the inner wall 120 of the cover 104 to the outer wall of the cover 104. The actuator 30 can be implemented as an aerosol actuator or a nebulizer respectively without limitation.

[0038] See now Figure 2A, Figure 2B , Figure 2C as well as Figure 2D . Figure 2A is constructed and operable in accordance with embodiments of the present invention Figure 1A A perspective view of an exemplary body 20 of an electronically controlled scent generating device 100 is shown. Figure 2B yes Figure 2A An exploded view of an exemplary body 20 is shown. Figure 2C yes Figure 2A A perspective bottom view illustration of an exemplary body of . Figure 2D yes Figure 1A 2 is a photographic illustration of an exemplary actuator 30 of the electronically controlled scent generating device 100. The body 20 includes: a base 210, a plurality of chambers 220, a flange 240, a plurality of receiving seats 250, and a plurality of slots 270. The actuators 30 each have an actuator port 280 and a fin 260, wherein the fin 260 is sized and dimensioned to fit within a corresponding slot 270 to maintain the orientation of the port 280. In the example shown, the fin 260 and the slot 270 cooperate to direct the port 280 radially outward from the longitudinal axis 290 of the body 20.

[0039] The flange 240 is radially displaced from the longitudinal axis 290 and provides support for the duckbill valves 35 radially arranged at equal angles around the longitudinal axis 290. The base 210 includes a plurality of chambers 220, each chamber 220 for receiving a scent essence, which can be provided through a corresponding duckbill valve 35. The term "scent essence" as used herein refers to a fixed concentration of a compound representing a specific fragrance or odor (smell), which is usually (but not necessarily) provided in liquid form, so that the scent essence emits an emitted odor in the form of a mist or vapor of the scent essence through an actuator port (further described below), which can be perceived by the user's sense of smell.

[0040] The chambers 220 are spaced apart from each other by respective radial walls 225 extending from the inner band 215 of the base 210 to the inner wall 217. Each of the inner band 215 and the inner wall 217 of the base 210 describes a generally circular band of material at a predetermined radial distance from the longitudinal axis 290, the inner wall 217 of the base 210 having a radial distance greater than the radial distance of the inner band 215 and cooperating with the respective radial wall 225 to define the chambers 220. The base 210 is fixed to the bottom tray 10, which has a mating component 227 to securely mate with each radial wall 225. In one non-limiting example, 45 chambers 220 are provided, although the scent generating device 100 may generally include any number of chambers 220.

[0041] Each chamber 220 can receive a unique scent essence, or multiple chambers 220 can receive a common scent essence. Each receiving seat 250 matches a corresponding chamber 220 and is further arranged to receive a corresponding actuator 30. Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C Depressing the corresponding actuator 30 (described above) provides pressure to the corresponding chamber 220, thereby forcing a portion of the scent essence contained therein to exit as a scent (e.g., in the form of mist or vapor) via the corresponding actuator port 280. The scent essence is refilled through the corresponding duckbill valve 35, which is in communication with the corresponding chamber 220 as described above.

[0042] like Figure 2D As shown, the sample actuator 30 may exhibit a spring pump having a tube for pumping the scent essence.

[0043] Although it should be understood that this is not meant to be limiting in any way, in the exemplary embodiment, the aroma generating device 100 has been specifically described as having a circular body. For example, the aroma generating device 100 may be embodied by a circular shaped body 20 that is at least partially rotatable relative to the housing 102 (i.e., the shell 310 and / or the cover 102), wherein the second motor 80 is a rotary motor that is configured to rotate the chamber 220 and / or the actuator 30 so as to align the actuator port 280 of the selected actuator 30 with the nozzle 110. Alternatively, the aroma generating device 100 may be embodied by a linear (e.g., rectangular shaped) body 20 that is at least partially movable relative to the housing 102 (i.e., the shell 310 and / or the cover 102), wherein the second motor 80 is configured to translate or linearly move the chamber 220 and / or the actuator 30 so as to align the actuator port 280 of the selected actuator 30 with the nozzle 110. Other shapes may similarly be utilized without exceeding the scope.

[0044] Now refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary electronically controlled scent generating device 100 with an assembled housing 102 constructed and operable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 The scent generating device 100 is shown with the cover 104 assembled to the lower housing 310.

[0045] The cover 104 meets the lower housing 310 so as to enclose the body 20 assembled to the bottom tray 10 and is fixed thereto. The nozzle 110 is a tube or pipe adapted to guide the external flow of the odor contained in the chamber 220 of the odor generating device 110. Specifically, the nozzle 110 is formed from the inner wall 120 (see FIG. Figure 1C) extends through to the outer wall 320 of the cover 104, and thus provides a passage to the surrounding environment for the output (i.e., the emitted scent) of the corresponding port 280 of the actuator 30 aligned with the nozzle 110. Although the nozzle 110 has been described as being within the cover 104, this is not meant to be limiting in any way, as the nozzle may alternatively be provided as part of the body 20. The cover 104 may be provided integrally with the body 20, or as a separate element, without limitation.

[0046] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 4 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary local control unit 105 of an electronically controlled odor generating device 100 constructed and operable according to an embodiment of the present invention. The local control unit 105 includes a local processor 410 (also referred to as a local main processor (LMP) 410), a memory 420, a communication module 430, and a motor driver 440. The memory 420 is loaded with electronically readable instructions that, when read by the LMP 410, direct the LMP 410 to perform the functions described herein. The LMP 410 communicates with each of the memory 420, the communication module 430, and the motor driver 440. Each of the suction motor 40 and the rotary motor 80 is coupled to a corresponding output of the motor driver 440 and responds to the corresponding output. The motor driver 440 can be implemented as a plurality of motor drivers, each of which drives a corresponding one of the drive motor 40 and the rotary motor 80 without exceeding the range. The communication module 430 can be implemented by any wireless communication module (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, or Wireless Personal Area Network), without limitation, or by an Ethernet module for wired communication.

[0047] The scent generating device 100 may optionally include and / or be associated with additional components not shown in the figure to implement embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. For example, the scent generating device 100 may include a power source (not shown) that may be implemented by an on-board rechargeable battery mounted in a portion of the body, by an external power source, or any combination thereof.

[0048] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 5 1 is a flow chart of exemplary operations of a local control unit (105) of an electronically controlled odor generating device (100) operable to generate an odor according to an embodiment of the present invention. In stage 510, an odor emission instruction is received to emit a selected odor at a selected time. Figure 1A , Figure 2A as well as Figure 4, the local control unit 105 of the scent generating device 100 receives the scent emission instructions, such as via the communication module 430. The scent emission instructions include an indication of one or more scents to be emitted from the scent generating device 100, the scents associated with the corresponding scent essences contained in the particular chamber 220 of the scent generating device 100, and timing information related to when the scents should be emitted.

[0049] In stage 520, the second motor is activated to align the nozzle with the actuator port of the corresponding actuator of the selected chamber containing the scent essence of the selected scent. Figure 1A , Figure 2A as well as Figure 4 , the local processor 410 of the local control unit 105 instructs the motor driver 440 to drive the second motor 80 to rotate (or translate) the chambers 220 so as to align the actuator port 280 of the corresponding actuator 30 of the specific chamber 220 containing the scent essence of the scent to be emitted with the nozzle 110. For example, the second motor 80 may rotate a predetermined number of steps, which rotates the cogwheel 85 and the inner gear 95 so as to rotate the rotating tray 90 to align the actuator port 280 of the actuator 30 of a specific one of the chambers 220 with the nozzle 110. Therefore, the actuator port 280 associated with the specific chamber 220 containing the specific scent essence is aligned with the nozzle 110, thereby establishing a flow channel for the scent to be emitted to the external environment. In the case of a linear layout, the second motor 80 translates the chambers 220 , for example by translating the body 20 , so as to align the corresponding actuator port 280 of the associated actuator 30 of a particular one of the chambers 220 with the nozzle 110 .

[0050] In stage 530, the first motor is activated to cause the scent essence contained in the selected chamber to be emitted through the actuator port to produce a scent that is directed to the external environment through the nozzle. Figure 1A , Figure 2A as well as Figure 4 , the local processor 410 of the local control unit 105 instructs the motor driver 440 to drive the first motor 40 so as to cause the emission of the scent essence contained in the selected chamber. In particular, the activation of the first motor 40 causes the cam 45 to rotate, which drives the push member 50 toward the cover 104. The rocker 60, which is engaged with the cover 104 by the hinge 77, converts the drive of the push member 50 into a pressure on the actuator 30 of the specific chamber 220, thereby causing the emission of the scent essence contained in the chamber 220 to leave via the actuator port 280 aligned with the nozzle 110, resulting in the emission of the scent through the nozzle to the external environment, such as a scent cloud in the form of mist or vapor, which can be perceived by the user.

[0051] The electronically controlled scent generating devices 100 of the disclosed embodiments may find particular application in venues or settings associated with audio / visual presentations, such as movie theaters. For example, multiple scent generating devices may be fixedly or removably mounted to respective seats in a theater and arranged adjacent to the occupants of the seats so that during the presentation, one or more scents emitted from the scent generating devices 100 will be directed to the seat occupants, such as in synchronization with one or more selected scenes of the presentation, etc.

[0052] Now refer to Fig. 6A , Fig. 6A is a perspective view illustration of a seat, generally designated 600, having an articulated arm 610 constructed and operable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, which secures an exemplary electronically controlled scent generating device 100 in an inactive position. The scent generating device 100 may be mounted to the seat 600 at a distal end of the articulated arm 610 (e.g., which may be spaced from but adjacent to an armrest of the seat), wherein the articulated arm 610 may be characterized by one or more axes of freedom of motion, enabling adjustment of the position and orientation of the mounted scent generating device 100 (e.g., by translating, tilting, rotating the arm 610 or a portion thereof). For example, the scent generating device 100 may be brought to an inactive position by manipulating the articulated arm 610 (i.e., along one or more axes of motion) such that the scent generating device 100 faces away from the seat 600, and the arm 610 is positioned sufficiently away from the seat body so as not to interfere with a user entering or exiting the seat 600. The scent generating device 100 can be fixedly mounted to the articulated arm 610, i.e., such that the scent generating device 100 cannot be easily removed from the articulated arm, or removably mounted to facilitate removal and reassembly (e.g., on a different seat, in the same or a different location).

[0053] Reference Figure 6B , Figure 6B6 is a perspective view illustration of a seat 600 having an articulated arm 610 constructed and operable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the articulated arm 610 securing an exemplary electronically controlled scent generating device 100 in an active position. By manipulating the articulated arm 610 (i.e., along one or more axes of motion) such that the scent generating device 100 faces the user of the seat 600, wherein the nozzle 110 of the scent generating device 100 is directed toward the user's nose, the scent generating device 100 can be brought to the active position in which the scent generating device 100 is ready to be activated to emit one or more scents in conjunction with a presentation in the theater. For example, the articulated arm 610 is configured and dimensioned such that the scent generating device 100 is approximately located at a predetermined distance relative to the nose (or nostril) of the user occupying the seat 600. Depending on the needs and requirements of a particular presentation, multiple seats 600 in a theater (or other presentation setting) can be configured with corresponding articulated arms on which corresponding scent generating devices 100 are mounted.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system for generating a timed and position coordinated smell linked to an audio / visual presentation is provided. The system includes at least one electronically controlled smell generating device 100 of the disclosed embodiment, each smell generating device 100 being positioned adjacent to a user of the presentation. The system includes a central control unit communicatively coupled to a local control unit 105 of each smell generating device 100. The central control unit is configured to transmit smell emission instructions to one or more smell generating devices in the form of a smell track associated with the presentation and the corresponding user. The smell track includes smell identification information related to an indication of one or more smells emitted in the context of a corresponding scene of the presentation. The smell track further includes timing information related to the timing and duration of the smell emission. The corresponding smell generating device can be activated in response to the smell track so as to emit at least one predetermined smell to the user during at least one corresponding scene of the presentation according to the smell identification information and timing information of the smell track.

[0055] Reference Fig. 7A , Fig. 7A 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary central control unit 650 of a system for generating a timed and position coordinated scent linked to an audio / visual presentation, constructed and operable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The central control unit 650 includes a central processor 652 (also referred to as a projection master processor (PMP) 652), a memory 654, and a central communication module 657. The memory 654 is loaded with electronically readable instructions that, when read by the PMP 652, direct the PMP 652 to perform the functions described herein. The PMP 652 is communicatively coupled to the memory 654 and the central communication module 657. The central communication module 657 further communicates with the communication module 430 ( Figure 4) are communicatively connected. The communication module 657 can be implemented by any wireless or wired communication module (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, Wireless Personal Area Network, Ethernet, but not limited thereto). The system can optionally include and / or be associated with additional components not shown in the drawings to achieve the implementation of the disclosed subject matter.

[0056] Reference Figure 7B , Figure 7B is a flow chart of an exemplary method for generating a timed and position coordinated scent linked to an audio / visual presentation operable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] In step 710, an aroma generating device is positioned adjacent to a corresponding user being presented. Figure 1A , Fig. 6A as well as Figure 6B , a plurality of scent generating devices 100 are positioned adjacent to respective users at a presentation location, such as fixedly or removably mounted to respective articulated arms 610 of respective seats 600 in a theater, etc. The articulated arms may be in an inactive position ( Fig. 6A ) and the activity position ( Figure 6B ), the inactive position assists the user in entering / leaving the seat 600, and in the active position, the scent generating device 100 is directed toward the user's nose and is ready to be activated to emit a scent in conjunction with a presentation.

[0058] In optional step 720, the timing of the scent generating device is synchronized. Figure 1A and Fig. 7A , such as by synchronizing the clock of the odor producing device 100 with the internal clock of the central control unit 650, so that the time of each positioned odor producing device is synchronized.

[0059] In step 730, at least one scent generating device receives an odor trajectory associated with the presentation, the odor trajectory including odor emission instructions having odor identification information and associated timing information. Figure 1A and Fig. 7A , the local control unit 105 of the scent generating device 100 receives the scent trajectory from the central control unit 650, for example via the communication module 430, 657. The scent trajectory includes scent emission instructions, which include instructions for combining presentation of one or more scents emitted from the scent generating device 100, each scent being associated with a scent essence contained in a particular chamber 220. The scent emission instructions further include combining presentation of timing information related to the timing and duration of each scent emitted.

[0060] In step 740, in response to the scent trajectory, activation of each scent generating device is initiated to emit at least one scent according to the scent emission instruction, so that at least one predetermined scent is emitted to the user during the corresponding scene presented. Figure 1A , Fig. 6A as well as Fig. 7A , the PMP 652 of the central control unit 650 may issue a command to each or a subset of the deployed scent generating devices 100 to initiate their activation. For example, a command may be sent to all selected scent generating devices 100 simultaneously to initiate their activation, wherein the command serves as a start command to begin operation according to the received scent trajectory. Each activated scent generating device 100 then, under the instruction of the local control unit 105, continues to emit one or more scents according to the scent emission instructions of the scent trajectory based on the indicated scent and its associated timing to activate the scent generating devices 100 according to stages 520, 530 ( Figure 5 ) can be applied to trigger the emission of the scent. Specifically, the local processor 410 of the local control unit 105 instructs the motor driver 440 to drive the second motor 80 to rotate (or translate) the chamber 220 so as to align the actuator port 280 of the corresponding actuator 30 of the specific chamber 220 containing the scent essence to be emitted with the nozzle 110 of the scent generating device 100 (stage 520). Subsequently, the local processor 410 of the local control unit 105 instructs the motor driver 440 to drive the first motor 40, driving the pushing member 50 converted by the rocker 60 into a pressure on the actuator 30 of the specific chamber 220, causing the emission of the scent essence contained in the chamber 220 to leave via the actuator port 280 aligned with the nozzle 110, resulting in the scent being emitted to the external environment through the nozzle 110, and it is perceived by the user (e.g., the occupant of the seat 600). In another example, each scent generating device 100 to be activated can operate independently in response to a corresponding synchronized clock and a received scent trajectory to be activated according to the timing information contained in the received scent emission instruction, so that no central start command issued by the central control unit 650 is required.

[0061] The above describes a non-limiting example where corresponding scent tracks are transmitted to a subset of scent generating devices, and the scent emission is coordinated based on synchronized clocks and activation start triggers, however this is not meant to be limiting. In one example, the clocks are not synchronized, and the operation is only in response to the received scent track and activation start. In another example, the corresponding scent tracks are sent to the subset of scent generating devices simultaneously, wherein the activation of each scent generating device is controlled by the central control unit 650 of the system in response to the corresponding scent track.

[0062] In one embodiment, each scent generating device 100 further includes a sensor or switch (not shown) that responds to the position of the scent generating device (i.e., active position or inactive position). When the scent generating device 100 is in the inactive position, the LMP 410 of the local control unit 105 cannot enable the motor driver 440 and no scent generating device 100 emits a scent. The LMP 410 can further maintain a count of each scent emitted from each chamber 220, and can provide the count to the PMP 652 upon request or at the end of the scent trail to provide the PMP 652 information related to the fill status of each chamber 220. In another example, the PMP 652 maintains a count of each scent emitted from each chamber 220 of each scent generating device 100.

[0063] Reference Figure 8 , Figure 8 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a system for controlling odor generation, generally designated 800, deployed in a movie theater setting, constructed and operable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system 800 includes: a ticket processor 810; a seat availability map 820; a PMP 652 ( Fig. 7A ); seat activation map 830; scent trajectory 840; data bus 850; and a plurality of scent generating devices 100, each scent generating device 100 and a corresponding seat (such as Fig. 6A and Figure 6B 600 described in ). The ticket processor 810 communicates with the PMP 652 via a data bus 850. The ticket processor 810 communicates with the seat availability map 820 and updates the seat availability map 820 based on ticketing and in response to information from the PMP 652. The PMP 652 communicates with each scent generating device 100. The PMP 652 further receives the scent trajectory 840 and sends the scent trajectory 840 to each corresponding scent generating device 100. The PMP 652 further maintains a seat activation map 830 and activates the corresponding scent generating device 100 in response to the seat activation map 830. Therefore, according to the seat availability map 820, unoccupied seats are so indicated in the seat activation map 830, and the corresponding scent generating devices 100 of the unoccupied seats are not enabled or activated. In one example, a disable command is sent to the corresponding scent generating devices 100 of the unoccupied seats to prevent them from responding to step 730 ( Figure 7B ) to activate the operation started.

[0064] The seat activation map 830 is further updated by the PMP 652 in response to information received from each respective scent generating device 100. Thus, in response to information that a particular chamber 220 of one or more scent generating devices 100 contains insufficient scent essence, the seat activation map 830 is updated so as not to trigger those scent generating devices 100 that have insufficient scent essence in at least one chamber 220, and the seat availability map 820 is updated to prevent occupancy of seats associated with the scent generating devices 100 that have insufficient scent essence in at least one chamber 220 (e.g., by not selling tickets for those seats). Alternatively, such seats may be allowed to be used under restricted conditions (e.g., by providing tickets at a reduced price). In addition, information may be provided to the operator to refill the scent essence into the respective chambers of the scent generating device, as needed. The seat information may be provided to the operator to simplify the refilling process.

[0065] The above has been described with respect to a cinema, however, this is not meant to be limiting in any way. The central control unit 650 may be used with a streaming application built into a television, set-top box, streaming media player, or an application on a mobile phone, tablet or computer. Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a system (generally represented by 900) for controlled scent generation deployed in a home theater setting, constructed and operable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system 900 includes at least one user device 910 in communication with the scent generating device 100. The user device 910 may be embodied by any type of electronic device having computing and network communication capabilities (including, but not limited to: a mobile computer, a desktop computer, a smart phone; a laptop computer; a netbook computer; a tablet computer; or any combination of the above). For example, the user device 910 may be a television, a set-top box, a streaming media player, or an application on a smart phone or a mobile computer. The user device 910 may transmit scent emission instructions 920 to the scent generating device 100, and in response to the received scent instructions 920 (such as in Figure 7B The odor generating device 100 emits one or more odors according to the odor emission instruction under the instruction of the local control unit 105 to trigger the odor emission (according to the Figure 5 The user device 910 may also utilize activation to initiate transmission of the scent trajectory to the scent generating device 100 (e.g., in Figure 7B ), and in response to the activation start, the odor generating device 100 emits one or more odors according to the odor emission instruction.

[0066] It should be understood that certain features of the invention, which for clarity are described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention described in the context of a single embodiment for brevity may also be provided individually or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0067] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods are described herein.

[0068] While certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter have been described to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the above description is intended to be illustrative only and should not be used to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter, which should be determined by reference to the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronically controlled odor generating device, comprising: A movable body and a housing configured to surround the body and including a nozzle extending through the housing, the body comprising: a plurality of chambers, the plurality of chambers being arranged along a base on the interior of the body, each chamber being configured to receive a corresponding scent essence; a plurality of actuators corresponding to the chambers, each of the actuators including an actuator port configured to align in a selected orientation relative to the body; a first motor configured to drive application of pressure in a selected actuator to cause emission of a scent essence through a port of the actuator; a second motor configured to drive displacement of at least a portion of the body; and A local control unit, which is configured to selectively activate the second motor to displace the body in response to the scent emission instruction so as to align the nozzle with the selected actuator port of the actuator corresponding to the selected chamber, and the local control unit is configured to selectively activate the first motor to cause the scent essence contained in the selected chamber to be emitted through the selected actuator port so as to produce a scent emission directed toward the external environment through the nozzle.

2. The scent generating device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of valves, each of the valves being configured to dispense the scent essence into a corresponding one of the chambers.

3. The odor generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a cam, a pushing member, a rocker and a piston, wherein the cam is coupled to the first motor, The first motor is driven to rotate the cam to drive the piston via the push member and the rocker to press the selected actuator to force at least a portion of the scent essence in the corresponding chamber to exit through the selected actuator port.

4. The odor generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The chambers are radially arranged about a longitudinal axis of the body.

5. The scent generating device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of receiving seats, each of the receiving seats being associated with a corresponding chamber and receiving a corresponding actuator, wherein Each of the actuators includes a corresponding tab and each of the receptacles includes a corresponding slot, the corresponding tab being configured to engage within the corresponding slot to maintain the orientation of the corresponding actuator port.

6. The odor generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a cover and a shell, wherein the cover is configured to be securely engaged with the shell so as to enclose the body, and wherein the nozzle extends through a wall of the cover to provide access to the cover from the selected actuator port to the external environment.

7. The odor generating device according to claim 6, comprising a tray, wherein: The body is secured to the tray and is configured to rotate within the housing of the casing in response to activation of the second motor.

8. The odor generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The chambers are separated by respective radial walls extending from an inner band to an inner wall of the base, each of the inner band and the inner wall describing a generally circular band at a predetermined radial distance from the longitudinal axis of the body, the radial distance of the inner wall being greater than the radial distance of the inner band.

9. The odor generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The body is selected from: a circular body, wherein the second motor is a rotary motor configured to rotate the chambers so as to align the selected actuator port of the selected actuator corresponding to the selected chamber with the nozzle; and A linear body wherein the second motor is configured to translate the chamber so as to align the selected actuator port of the selected actuator corresponding to the selected chamber with the nozzle.

10. The odor generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The local control unit is configured to receive an odor trail associated with an audio / visual presentation, the odor trail comprising the odor emission instructions including odor identification information and associated timing information, and the local control unit is configured to: trigger activation of the odor generating device by selectively activating the second motor and the first motor in response to the odor trail to emit at least one odor according to the odor trail, so that at least one predetermined odor is emitted during the corresponding scene of the presentation.

11. The odor generating device according to claim 10, wherein: The scent trail is received from at least one of: a movie projection system, a video broadcast system, a television, a set-top box, a streaming media player, a computer device, an audio media source, a visual media source, and a live performance.

12. A system for generating a timed and position coordinated scent linked to an audio / visual presentation, the system comprising: at least one electronically controlled scent generating device and a central control unit, said at least one electronically controlled scent generating device being positioned adjacent to said presented user; The odor generating device comprises: A movable body and a housing configured to surround the body, the housing including a nozzle extending through the housing, the body comprising: a plurality of chambers arranged along a base of the interior of the body, each of the chambers being configured to receive a corresponding scent essence; a plurality of actuators corresponding to the chambers, each of the actuators comprising an actuator port configured to align in a selected orientation relative to the body; a first motor configured to drive application of pressure in a selected actuator to cause emission of the scent essence through the actuator port; a second motor configured to drive displacement of at least a portion of the body; and a local control unit communicatively coupled to the central control unit and configured in response to a scent emission instruction to selectively activate the second motor to displace the body so as to align the nozzle with a selected actuator port of an actuator corresponding to the selected chamber, and the local control unit configured to selectively activate the first motor to cause the scent essence contained in the selected chamber to be emitted through the selected actuator port so as to produce a scent emission directed through the nozzle toward the external environment; The central control unit is communicatively coupled to the local control unit, the central control unit being configured to transmit an odor trajectory associated with the presentation to the odor generating device, the odor trajectory comprising odor emission instructions comprising odor identification information and associated timing information and being configured to initiate activation of the odor generating device in response to the odor trajectory to emit at least one odor according to the odor emission instructions, so that at least one predetermined odor is emitted to the user during the corresponding scene of the presentation.

13. The system of claim 12, comprising a plurality of scent generating devices, each of the scent generating devices being positioned adjacent to a respective user of the presentation, wherein: The central control unit is communicatively coupled to the local control unit of each of the odor generating devices, and the central control unit is configured to transmit a corresponding odor trajectory associated with the presentation and with the corresponding user to the selected odor generating device, and trigger activation of the selected odor generating device in response to the corresponding odor trajectory to emit at least one odor according to the corresponding odor emission instruction, so that at least one predetermined odor is emitted to the corresponding user during the corresponding scene of the presentation.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein: The central control unit is configured to synchronize the timing of each of the scent generating devices.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein: The central control unit is associated with at least one of: a movie projection system, a video broadcast system, a television, a set-top box, a streaming media player, a computer device, an audio media source, a visual media source, and a live performance.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein: The scent generating device further comprises a plurality of valves, each of the valves being configured to dispense a scent essence into a corresponding one of the chambers.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein: The scent generating device further includes: a cam, a pushing member, a rocker and a piston, wherein the cam is connected to the first motor, wherein the first motor is driven to rotate the cam to drive the piston via the pushing member and the rocker so as to press the selected actuator to force at least a portion of the scent essence in the corresponding chamber to leave through the selected actuator port.

18. The system of claim 12, wherein: The chambers are radially arranged about a longitudinal axis of the body.

19. The system of claim 12, wherein: The scent generating device further comprises a plurality of receptacles, each of the receptacles being associated with a respective chamber and receiving a respective actuator, wherein each of the actuators comprises a respective wing, and each of the receptacles comprises a respective slot, the respective wing being configured to engage within the respective slot so as to maintain the orientation of the respective actuator port.

20. The system of claim 12, wherein: The housing includes a cover and a shell, wherein the cover is configured to securely engage the shell so as to enclose the body, and wherein the nozzle extends through a wall of the cover to provide access to the cover from the selected actuator port to an external environment.

21. The system of claim 12, wherein: The odor generating device comprises a body, and the body is selected from: a circular body, wherein the second motor is a rotary motor configured to rotate the chambers so as to align the selected actuator port of the selected actuator corresponding to the selected chamber with the nozzle; and A linear body wherein the second motor is configured to translate the chamber to align the selected actuator port of the selected actuator corresponding to the selected chamber with the nozzle.

22. The system of claim 13, wherein: Each of the scent generating devices is secured to an articulated arm of the seat such that the scent generating device is adjustable between an inactive position in which the scent generating device is not engaged with a user of the seat and an active position in which the scent generating device is positioned with the nozzle facing the user of the seat.

23. A method for generating a timed and position coordinated scent linked to an audio / visual presentation, the method comprising the steps of: Positioning at least one electronically controlled scent producing device proximate to the presented user, the scent producing device comprising: A movable body and a housing configured to surround the body, the housing including a nozzle extending through the housing, the body comprising: a plurality of chambers, the plurality of chambers being arranged along a base of an interior of the body, each chamber being configured to receive a corresponding scent essence; a plurality of actuators corresponding to the chambers, each of the actuators comprising an actuator port configured to align in a selected orientation relative to the body; a first motor configured to drive application of pressure in a selected actuator to cause emission of the scent essence through the actuator port; a second motor configured to drive displacement of at least a portion of the body; and a local control unit, the local control unit being configured to selectively activate the second motor to displace the body in response to a scent emission instruction to align the nozzle with a selected actuator port of an actuator corresponding to the selected chamber, and the local control unit being configured to selectively activate the first motor to cause the scent essence contained in the selected chamber to be emitted through the selected actuator port to produce a scent emission directed through the nozzle toward the external environment; receiving, at the scent generating device, a scent track associated with the presentation, the scent track comprising scent emission instructions, the scent emission instructions comprising scent identification information and associated timing information; and In response to the scent trajectory, activation of the scent generating device is initiated to emit at least one scent according to the scent emission instructions, so that at least one predetermined scent is emitted to the user during the corresponding scene of the presentation.

24. The method according to claim 23, in, the step of positioning at least one electronically controlled scent generating device proximate to the presented user comprises positioning a plurality of scent generating devices, each scent generating device being positioned proximate to a respective one of the presented users, wherein the step of receiving at the scent generating device an odor track associated with the presentation comprises: receiving at a selected one of the odor generating devices a corresponding odor track associated with the presentation and with the corresponding user, and Among them, the step of initiating the activation of the odor producing device in response to the odor trajectory includes triggering the activation of the selected odor producing device among the odor producing devices in response to the corresponding odor trajectory to emit at least one odor according to the corresponding odor emission instruction, so that at least one predetermined odor is emitted to the corresponding user during the corresponding scene presented.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of synchronizing the timing of each of the scent generating devices.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein: The scent trail is received from at least one of: a movie projection system, a video broadcast system, a television, a set-top box, a streaming media player, a computer device, an audio media source, a visual media source, and a live performance.

27. The method according to claim 24, wherein: Positioning a plurality of scent generating devices includes securing each of the scent generating devices to an articulated arm of a seat such that the scent generating device is adjustable between an inactive position in which the scent generating device is not engaged with a user of the seat and an active position in which the scent generating device cup is positioned with the nozzle facing a user of the seat.

Images