Hong Kong researchers have developed an olfactory system that reproduces smells using heated wax. It is designed to be used with a virtual reality headset, allowing you to smell the scent of virtual objects.
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Virtual reality headsets make it possible to see and hear completely newly created worlds. Some accessories even have haptic feedback, providing a sense of touch. However, currently there is no device to smell the smell of a virtual object. That could soon change thanks to a device invented by researchers at Hong Kong Municipal University and published in the journal Nature Communications.
The device is inspired by scented candles. The simplest prototype consists of two “smell generators” mounted on a flexible carrier and glued directly under the nose. Each of the generators contains perfumed paraffin wax in combination with a thermal actuator.
Fragrances that don’t need to be refilled frequently
When the wax is heated by the actuator, it softens and releases its scent. The actuator can then be flipped over to quickly cool the wax and stop the smell. For example, the device could be connected to a virtual reality headset to release a floral scent when the user smells a virtual flower. The researchers also created another version, this time in the form of a mask containing nine scent generators. By running multiple fragrances at the same time, they can be combined to create many different scents. According to the researchers, they managed to create around thirty scents in this way, including rosemary, pineapple, pancakes or even durian, an exotic fruit known for its very strong smell.
The researchers tested their scents on 11 volunteers, whom they identified with a 93% success rate. The use of perfumed paraffin wax allows for long-term use without the need for frequent replacement of elements. The system already has a very short response time, but the researchers want to make it even faster and smaller so that it can be better integrated into virtual, augmented or mixed reality headsets.