XR Scent Carrier Layout for Compact Multi-Scent Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scent dispensing systems for extended reality (XR) devices are bulky, limited in scent variety, expensive, and difficult to adapt to AR devices due to weight constraints, limiting user immersion and adoption.
Innovation Solution
A scent release system using micro-encapsulation technology to store scents on a compact scent carrier, controlled by an XR device, which releases scents through mechanisms like abrasion, vibration, or liquid application based on XR device signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a liquid perfume-based cartridge system is used to store scents, then scents can be released to enhance XR experiences, but the device becomes bulky and limited in scent variety
Solution Approach 1:
The scent carrier is divided into multiple discrete scent areas, each containing different scents. These scent areas are segmented and distributed across the surface of the scent carrier, allowing selective release of individual scents without requiring separate cartridges for each scent.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple scents are arranged in a two-dimensional spatial distribution on the scent carrier surface rather than requiring three-dimensional stacking of separate vials. This dimensional transformation allows numerous scents to be packed into a compact area, dramatically increasing scent variety while minimizing device volume.
2Quantity of substance
If vial cartridges are used for each scent, then scents can be stored and released, but the cost for consumers becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual scent vials are merged into a single integrated scent carrier with multiple scent areas. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate cartridges, reducing manufacturing complexity and consumer cost while maintaining the ability to store and release multiple different scents.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive physical vials for each scent, the invention uses micro-encapsulated scent areas that can be replicated and distributed across the carrier surface. This copying approach allows multiple scents to be stored in a single inexpensive carrier rather than requiring multiple expensive vial cartridges.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a peripheral device is mounted onto an HMD to release scents, then olfactory stimuli can be provided, but the device becomes significantly bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The scent release functionality is extracted from a bulky peripheral cartridge system and integrated directly into a compact scent carrier that can be mounted on the HMD. This extraction eliminates the need for large external cartridges while preserving the olfactory enhancement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The compact scent carrier with micro-encapsulated scent areas is nested within or integrated into the HMD structure, allowing the olfactory system to be contained within the existing device form factor rather than requiring an external peripheral attachment.
4Area of stationary object
If room-scale olfactory devices with cartridge systems are used, then scents can be emitted into the entire room, but they are not suitable for consumer use due to commercial attraction positioning
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of emitting scents uniformly throughout the entire room, the invention provides localized scent release at the user's nose position. This local quality approach delivers olfactory stimuli precisely where needed for immersive XR experiences, making the system suitable for consumer use rather than commercial attractions.
Solution Approach 2:
The scent carrier acts as an intermediary device that bridges between room-scale scent systems and personal use. By positioning the compact scent carrier at the user's nose and using targeted release mechanisms, it provides the benefits of scent distribution without requiring large-scale infrastructure, enabling consumer adoption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables a wider range of scents, compact design, cost-effective, and adaptable to both VR and AR devices, enhancing user immersion and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The scent carrier comprises one or more micro-encapsulated scent areas distributed on the surface of the scent carrier
Implementation Method 2
The scent release unit is configured to release a scent from the selected scent area by applying abrasion to the surface of the selected scent area on the scent carrier
Implementation Method 3
The scent release unit is configured to release a scent from the selected scent area by applying vibration to the surface of the selected scent area on the scent carrier
Data Source
AI summary
A scent release system (100) for dispensing scents to a user of an XR device (110). The scent release system (100) comprises a scent device (120) a scent carrier (130). The scent device (120) comprises a signal processing unit (121) configured to communicate data with the XR device (110); a scent positioning unit (122) configured to select, based on data received from the XR device, a scent area (131, 132 . . . 13n) on a scent carrier (130) comprising one or more micro-encapsulated scent areas (131, 132 . . . 13n) distributed on the surface of the scent carrier (130); and a scent release unit (123) configured to release a scent from the selected scent area.WO