Replaceable scent and multimedia storage medium for use with a playback apparatus having electrostatic scents release

• US 20030206834A1
• Filed: 05/09/2003
• Published: 11/06/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/16/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Chien-An Chang, Dahshiarn Chiao
• Original Assignee: Chien-An Chang, Dahshiarn Chiao
• Inventors: Chang, Chien-An, Chiao, DahShiarn
• Application Number:
  US10/436,608
• Publication Number:
  US 20030206834A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/124
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2209/22 Treatment by sorption, e.g. absorption, adsorption, chemisorption, scrubbing, wet cleaning
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/014 containing sorbent material, e.g. activated carbon
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/02 using substances evaporated in the air by heating or combustion
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/035 emanating multiple odours
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/04 using substances evaporated in the air without heating
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/042 with the help of a macromolecular compound as a carrier or diluent A61L9/048 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/122 comprising a fan
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/125 emanating multiple odours
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/145 air-liquid contact processes, e.g. scrubbing
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/22 Ionisation
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/011 Arrangements for interaction with the human body, e.g. for user immersion in virtual reality blind teaching G09B21/00

Abstract

The present invention concerns a scent-bearing and multimedia disk or cartridge for use with separate multimedia playback and scent recovery systems. The scent-bearing and multimedia disk or cartridge comprises at least one scent release unit for effectively releasing scent, an associated scent storage medium for storing at least one scent, and an encapsulated multimedia storage medium for storing multimedia and scent release control information. The scent-bearing and multimedia disk or cartridge contains various scent release means for use by an associated scent recovery/release and multimedia playback system. The scent recovery/release and multimedia playback system is designed to be a portable, hand-held, self-contained, battery operated electrostatic multiple scents releasing, with a replaceable scent-bearing and multimedia disk or cartridge. The scent related content and recovery information is used by the multimedia playback and scent recovery/release system to coordinate scent release with or without multimedia playback. Additional embodiments of the present invention comprise electrostatic, ultrasonic nebulizing, and thermal scent release systems and methods for effectively and efficiently releasing scent stored in the scent-bearing and multimedia disk or cartridge. Further embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and systems for integrating the multimedia playback and scent recovery/release system with other applications.

Claims

1. A scent-bearing disk or cartridge for use with encapsulated multimedia storage devices of the type wherein a multimedia storage medium is contained in a storage housing, the scent-bearing disk or cartridge and encapsulated multimedia storage devices for use with a separate multimedia playback and scent recovery/release system, the scent-bearing disk or cartridge comprising:

a scent storage region for storing at least one scent;

a scent release unit;

a scent conducting tube connecting the scent storage region to the scent release unit, wherein during scent release operations scent flows from the scent storage region to the scent release unit; and

an encapsulated multimedia storage medium for storing multimedia and scent release control information.

2. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 1 wherein the scent storage structure integrates with a wireless communication device or a personal assistance device, the hand-held device integrated scent-bearing disk or cartridge having a housing structure encapsulating a removable multiple scent storage region and a communication port with the hand-held device which it receive the control signal from the hand-held device.

3. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 1 wherein the scent storage region stores a plurality of scents.

4. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 1 wherein the scent storage region comprises:

a housing for containing scent storage structures and scent release micro-pumping units; and

a scent storage reservoir contained in the housing.

5. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 4 wherein the scent release micro-pumping unit comprises:

a nozzle plate for pumping scent through scent conducting tube during scent release operations to improve the flow of scent from the scent storage region to the scent release unit.

6. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 5 wherein the nozzle plate comprises a three dimensional region enclosed on all sides except having a scent release opening facing scent release unit for releasing scent from the scent storage region, and a scent conducting tube connecting the scent storage region to the scent release unit;

and

scent pumping means for pumping scent through scent conducting tube during scent release operations to improve the flow of scent from the scent storage region to the scent release unit.

7. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 1 wherein the scent release unit is made from anti-erosive material and wherein the scent release unit further comprises:

a scent collecting chamber for collecting and then releasing scent into air; and

scent releasing means for releasing the scent into the air.

8. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 6 wherein the scent pumping means further comprises:

piezoelectric scent pumping apparatus for pumping scent through scent conducting tube during scent release operations to improve the flow of scent from the scent storage region to the scent release unit.

9. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 6 wherein the scent pumping means further comprises:

thermal bubble scent pumping apparatus for pumping scent through scent conducting tube during scent release operations to improve the flow of scent from the scent storage region to the scent release unit.

10. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 6 wherein the scent pumping means further comprises:

micro-valve scent pumping apparatus for conducting scent through scent conducting tube during scent release operations to improve the flow of scent from the scent storage region to the scent release unit.

11. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 6 wherein the scent pumping means further comprises:

electrophoresis scent pumping apparatus for conducting scent through scent conducting tube during scent release operations to improve the flow of scent from the scent storage region to the scent release unit.

12. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 5 wherein the nozzle plate and the scent storage region further comprises:

a integrated nozzle plate and scent storage reservoir unit.

13. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 5 wherein the nozzle plate and the scent storage region further comprises:

a detachable nozzle plate and scent storage reservoir unit.

14. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 7 wherein the scent releasing means further comprises:

electrostatic scent release apparatus for ionizing scent in the scent collecting chamber.

15. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 7 wherein the scent releasing means further comprises:

ultrasonic nebulizing scent release apparatus for vibrating scent in the scent collecting chamber.

16. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 7 wherein the scent releasing means further comprises:

thermal scent release apparatus for vaporizing scent in the scent collecting chamber.

19. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 7 wherein the scent collecting chamber further comprises an absorbent material for momentarily retaining scent to be released from the scent-bearing disk or cartridge.

20. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 14 wherein the electrostatic scent release apparatus further comprises:

corona discharge pin for creating corona discharge to ionize scent; and

wiring for connecting the corona discharge pin to an external voltage source.

21. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 15 wherein the ultrasonic nebulizing scent release apparatus further comprises:

piezoelectric plate for creating ultrasonic vibration to vaporize scent; and

wiring for connecting the piezoelectric plate to an external power source.

22. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 16 wherein the thermal scent release apparatus further comprises:

thermal heater plate for creating heat to vaporize scent; and

wiring for connecting the thermal heater plate to an external power source.

23. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 20 wherein the electrostatic scent release apparatus further comprises:

a grid opposite from the corona discharge pin for attracting ionized scent molecules to assist in the scent release process.

24. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 20 wherein the electrostatic scent release apparatus further comprises:

unipolar or bipolar high voltage source for creating corona discharge to ionize scent.

25. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 21 wherein the ultrasonic nebulizing scent release apparatus further comprises:

a corona discharge pin mounted above the piezoelectric plate for ionizing ultrasonic-vibrated scent molecules to assist in the scent release process.

26. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 22 wherein the thermal scent release apparatus further comprises:

a corona discharge pin mounted above the thermal heater plate for ionizing thermal-vaporized scent molecules to assist in the scent release process.

39. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 1 wherein the scent storage region stores a plurality of therapeutic agents.

40. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of claim 14 wherein the electrostatic scent release apparatus further comprises:

corona discharge pin for creating corona discharge to ionize therapeutic agent; and

increasing the level of electrostatic charge on the particle of the therapeutic agent to assist in depositing the inhalabe therapeutic agent within the respiratory tract of the user.

41. The method of claims 20, 21, and 22 wherein the external power source further comprises an electromagnetic wave inducible voltage or power generator.

42. A method for generating high voltage or power by a electromagnetic wave, the electromagnetic wave inducible voltage or power generator of claim 41 further comprising a receiver for receiving electromagnetic wave from a remote source, a inducible electrical currents generator, and a high voltage generating circuit transforming a low voltage into a high voltage for assisting in the scent release from electrostatic scent release apparatus, the method comprising the following steps:

receiving the electromagnetic wave by the receiver from a remote source;

inducing electrical currents within the generator;

activating the high voltage generating circuit for transforming a low voltage into a high voltage;

energizing the electrostatic scent release apparatus, thereby ionizing the scent molecules;

creating an air flow near the scent release unit to assist in the venting of the released scent to a user, thereby entraining the scent molecules in the air flow; and

venting the scent molecules entrained in the air flow to the user without making any scent deposit on the housing or surrounding.

43. The method of claim 42 wherein the electromagnetic wave scent release apparatus further comprises:

creating high energy electromagnetic wave to ionize the scent molecules in the scent collecting chamber.

50. The scent-bearing cartridge of claim 1 wherein the scent recovery/release system further comprises:

a security system integrated scent recovery/release system for releasing scent to assist in the alarm or alert operation for the user.

51. The scent-bearing cartridge of claim 1 wherein the scent recovery/release system further comprises:

a driver fatigue monitoring system integrated scent recovery/release system for releasing scent to assist in increasing the alertness or preventing drowsiness of the driver while the monitoring system has been triggered.

52. The scent-bearing cartridge of claim 1 wherein the scent recovery/release system further comprises:

a driver handlebar integrated control unit for sending control signal to the scent recovery/release system for releasing scent in the car while a manual input is from a driver.

53. The scent-bearing cartridge of claim 1 wherein the scent recovery/release system further comprises:

a driver seatbelt integrated fatigue monitoring system for sending control signal to the scent recovery/release system for releasing scent to the driver while the driver'"'"'s fatigue condition has been detected by the monitor.

54. The scent recovery/release system of claim 53 wherein the driver seatbelt integrated fatigue monitoring system further comprises:

a heartbeat, pulse, breath, and blood pressure monitoring system to assist in monitoring the drossiness of the driver for sending control signal to the scent recovery/release system for releasing scent to the driver while the driver'"'"'s fatigue condition has been detected by the monitor.

55. The scent-bearing cartridge of claim 1 wherein the scent recovery/release system further comprises:

a sensor integrated scent recovery/release system for releasing scent in response to an electromagnetic wave, a vibration, a sound, an infrared detection, or other means of determining activation within the vicinity of the device.

17. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of 7 wherein the scent collecting chamber further comprises:

a groove structure on the bottom surface of the scent collecting chamber to divide multiple scent onto each individual collecting zone, whereby the groove structure hinder one scent from trespassing onto another collecting zone while scent is releasing into the scent collecting chamber.

18. The scent-bearing disk or cartridge of 7 wherein the scent collecting chamber further comprises:

a orifice mounted above the piezoelectric vibration plate of the scent collecting chamber to assist in vaporizing scent into air through the pores of the top orifice, whereby, the orifice with multiple pore (size less than 80 micron) will be able to retain the scent liquid within the scent collecting chamber under normal air pressure without accuratation by the bottom piezoelectric vibration plate.

27. A method for releasing scent from a scent storage and release unit, wherein the electrostatic scent release unit comprises a scent storage region;

a scent release unit;

a scent conducting tube connecting the scent release unit to the scent storage region;

an electrostatic scent release apparatus located in the scent release unit; and

a scent release micro-pumping unit, the method comprising the following steps;

opening the scent storage region to permit scent to flow from the scent storage region to the scent release unit;

activating the scent release micro-pumping units to improve scent flow from the scent storage region to the scent collecting chamber;

energizing the electrostatic scent release apparatus, thereby ionizing the scent molecules in the scent collecting chamber; and

energizing an oppositely-charged grid to attract the ionized scent molecules and thereby draw them out of the scent release unit;

creating an air flow near the scent release unit to assist in the venting of the released scent to a user, thereby entraining the scent molecules in the air flow; and

venting the scent molecules entrained in the air flow to the user without making any scent deposit on the housing or surrounding.

28. The method of claim 27 comprising the following further step:

releasing a scent-neutralizing substance to neutralize the previously-released scent.

29. The method of claim 28 wherein the scent-neutralizing substance comprises ozone.

30. The method of claim 27 comprising the following further step:

releasing another scent after the previously-released scent has been neutralized by the scent-neutralizing substance.

31. The method of claim 30 comprising the following further step:

releasing another scent after the previously-released scent has been neutralized by the ozone.

32. The method of claim 27 comprising the following further step:

releasing another ion and ozone after the previously-released ionized scent has been entrained in the air flow; and

ionizing or degrading the scent retention over the pores of the nozzle plate, thereby removing any retention or residual of previously-released scent.

36. The method of claim 27 comprising the following further step:

mixing multiple scent substances at the scent collecting chamber;

creating an air flow near the scent release unit to assist in the venting of the released scent to a user, thereby entraining the scent molecules in the air flow; and

venting the scent molecules entrained in the air flow to the user.

37. The method of claim 36 wherein the multiple scent substances comprises liquid, gel, or solid form.

38. The method of claim 27 comprising the following further step:

mixing multiple gaseous scent substances within the scent releasing unit;

creating an air flow near the scent release unit to assist in the venting of the released scent to a user, thereby entraining the scent molecules in the air flow; and

venting the scent molecules entrained in the air flow to the user.

44. The method of claim 27 comprising the following further step:

releasing controlled amount of ozone in a controlled frequency after previously-released scent;

creating an air flow faster than the previously-released scent flow to assist in the process of catching up the previously-released scent within a controlled range, thereby neutralizing or degrading the previously-released scent molecules in the air flow; and

preventing the scent molecules from trespassing over the controlled range adjusted by the user.

45. The method of claim 44 comprising the following further step:

rotating automatically scent release unit in various angle;

releasing controlled amount of ozone in a controlled frequency to assist in neutralizing or degrading of the previously-released scent, dust, or other particles within the controlled range.

33. A method for releasing scent from a scent storage and release unit, wherein the ultrasonic nebulizing scent release unit comprises a scent storage region;

a scent release unit;

a scent conducting tube connecting the scent release unit to the scent storage region;

an ultrasonic nebulizing scent release apparatus located in the scent release unit; and

a scent release micro-pumping unit, the method comprising the following steps;

opening the scent storage region to permit scent to flow from the scent storage region to the scent release unit;

activating the scent release micro-pumping units to improve scent flow from the scent storage region to the scent collecting chamber;

energizing the ultrasonic nebulizing scent release apparatus, thereby vaporizing the scent molecules in the scent collecting chamber; and

creating an air flow near the scent release unit to assist in the venting of the released scent to a user, thereby entraining the scent molecules in the air flow; and

venting the scent molecules entrained in the air flow to the user without making any scent deposit on the housing or surrounding.

34. The method of claim 33 comprising the following further step:

energizing the ultrasonic nebulizing scent release apparatus, thereby vibrating the scent deposited within the special constructed cup or container indirectly through water or other non-erosive liquid;

creating an air flow near the scent release unit to assist in the venting of the released scent to a user, thereby entraining the vaporized scent in the air flow; and

venting the vaporized scent entrained in the air flow to the user.

35. A method for releasing scent from a scent storage and release unit, wherein the thermal scent release unit comprises a scent storage region;

a scent release unit;

a scent conducting tube connecting the scent release unit to the scent storage region;

an thermal scent release apparatus located in the scent release unit; and

a scent release micro-pumping unit, the method comprising the following steps;

opening the scent storage region to permit scent to flow from the scent storage region to the scent release unit;

activating the scent release micro-pumping units to improve scent flow from the scent storage region to the scent collecting chamber;

energizing the thermal scent release apparatus, thereby vaporizing the scent molecules in the scent collecting chamber; and

creating an air flow near the scent release unit to assist in the venting of the released scent to a user, thereby entraining the scent molecules in the air flow; and

venting the scent molecules entrained in the air flow to the user without making any scent deposit on the housing or surrounding.

46. A method for using a scent-bearing and multimedia disk or cartridge having scent release means, wherein the method uses a separate scent recovery/release and multimedia playback system to release scent and recover multimedia and scent release control information from the scent-bearing and multimedia cartridge, and wherein the method comprises the following steps:

receiving an input command from a user to initiate scent release and multimedia playback;

recovering digital scent release and multimedia playback control information corresponding to the user input command from the scent-bearing and multimedia portion of the disk;

initiating multimedia recovery and playback corresponding to the multimedia segment selected by the user;

interpreting the identity, time, and duration of scent release reflected in the digital scent release control information; and

releasing the proper scents at the proper time and for the proper duration from the scent-bearing and multimedia cartridge using scent release means.

47. The method of claim 46 wherein a plurality of scents are released simultaneously.

48. The method of claim 46 comprising the additional following step:

releasing a scent neutralizing agent following the release of a scent.

49. The method of claim 46 comprising the following further step:

releasing a controlled amount of energizing or refreshing scent at a user-inputted preprogram time of the scent recovery/release system to assist in increasing alertness of the user.

56. A scent-bearing and multimedia disk or cartridge comprising:

a housing containing an interior cavity, the housing having at least one opening for releasing scent;

at least one scent release unit, wherein the scent release unit comprises

a scent storage unit for storing scent, the scent storage unit enclosed on three sides, the scent storage unit having an upwardly facing opening for releasing scent;

an absorbent material for retaining scent before scent release operations; and

an electrostatic, a ultrasonic nebulizing, or a thermal scent release apparatus for ionizing or vaporizing scent to be released from the scent storage unit.

60. The scent-bearing and multimedia disk or cartridge of claim 56 wherein the scent release means comprises a single release valve.

57. A method for releasing scent from a scent-bearing and multimedia disk or cartridge, the scent-bearing and multimedia disk or cartridge storing scent in a scent storage unit, the scent storage unit further comprising a cover for covering the scent release unit when scent is not being released from the scent-bearing and multimedia disk or cartridge and electrostatic scent release apparatus for assisting in the scent release, the method comprising the following steps:

opening the cover to permit scent release to a region immediately adjacent to the scent release unit;

energizing the electrostatic scent release apparatus, thereby ionizing the scent molecules;

energizing an oppositely-charged grid to attract the ionized scent molecules and thereby draw them out of the scent storage unit;

creating an air flow near the scent storage unit to assist in the venting of the released scent to a user, thereby entraining the scent molecules in the air flow; and

venting the scent molecules entrained in the air flow to the user.

58. A method for releasing scent from a scent-bearing and multimedia disk or cartridge, the scent-bearing and multimedia disk or cartridge storing scent in a scent storage unit, the scent storage unit further comprising a cover for covering the scent release unit when scent is not being released from the scent-bearing and multimedia disk or cartridge and ultrasonic nebulizing scent release apparatus for assisting in the scent release, the method comprising the following steps:

opening the cover to permit scent release to a region immediately adjacent to the scent release unit;

energizing the ultrasonic nebulizing scent release apparatus, thereby vaporizing the scent molecules;

creating an air flow near the scent storage unit to assist in the venting of the released scent to a user, thereby entraining the scent molecules in the air flow; and

venting the scent molecules entrained in the air flow to the user.

59. A method for releasing scent from a scent-bearing and multimedia disk or cartridge, the scent-bearing and multimedia disk or cartridge storing scent in a scent storage unit, the scent storage unit further comprising a cover for covering the scent release unit when scent is not being released from the scent-bearing and multimedia disk or cartridge and thermal scent release apparatus for assisting in the scent release, the method comprising the following steps:

opening the cover to permit scent release to a region immediately adjacent to the scent release unit;

energizing the thermal scent release apparatus, thereby vaporizing the scent molecules;

creating an air flow near the scent storage unit to assist in the venting of the released scent to a user, thereby entraining the scent molecules in the air flow; and

venting the scent molecules entrained in the air flow to the user.

61. A scent and multimedia-bearing cartridge for use with a separate multimedia playback and scent recovery system, the scent and multimedia-bearing cartridge comprising:

a scent storage region for storing at least one scent;

a scent release unit;

a scent conducting tube connecting the scent storage region to the scent release unit, wherein during scent release operations scent flows from the scent storage region to the scent release unit; and

an encapsulated multimedia storage medium for storing multimedia and scent release control information.

62. The scent and multimedia-bearing cartridge of claim 61 wherein the multimedia storage structure comprises a Type II DVD-RAM-like cassette device, the Type II DVD-RAM-like cassette having a housing structure encapsulating a removable DVD-RAM or DVD disc.

63. The scent and multimedia -bearing cartridge of claim 61 wherein the scent storage region stores a plurality of scents.

64. A micro-pump and electrostatic scent release nosepiece for releasing scent directly to the nose and/or mouth of a user, the micro-pump and electrostatic scent release nosepiece further comprising:

a nose-bridge-mounted control unit placed directly above the nose-bridge of the user for transmitting the control signal;

flexible-plastic-covered wirings to connect the scent storage and micro-pump release unit;

a scent storage and micro-pump release unit, the scent storage and micro-pump release unit further comprising;

a nosepiece housing that comfortably fits over the nose of a user;

at least one scent storage unit;

at least one micro-pump unit; and

at least one electrostatic scent release unit

65. The micro-pump and electrostatic scent release nosepiece of claim 64, wherein the at least one scent storage unit, at least one micro-pump unit and at least one electrostatic scent release unit are positioned adjacent to the nose to release scent directly to the nose of the user.

66. The micro-pump and electrostatic scent release nosepiece of claim 64, wherein the micro-pump means further comprises:

a micro-pump unit for releasing scent from the at least one scent storage unit;

a scent conducting tube connecting to at least one scent storage unit to the micro-pump unit; and

wirings connecting the micro-pump unit and the control unit.

67. The micro-pump and electrostatic scent release nosepiece of claim 64, wherein the electrostatic scent release means further comprises:

an electrostatic discharge needle for ionizing scent to be released from the at least one scent storage means;

a source of electric potential to supply electricity to the electrostatic discharge needle; and

wiring connecting the electrostatic discharge needle and the source of electric potential.

68. The micro-pump and electrostatic scent release nosepiece of claim 64 wherein the scent storage unit stores a plurality of therapeutic agents.

69. A multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release desktop diffuser for releasing scent directly to the user, the multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release desktop diffuser further comprising:

a display screen mounted on the housing to display multimedia information;

a housing for containing scent-bearing cartridge;

speakers to play back auditory information;

a user input pad and interface; and

at least one electrostatic scent release unit.

70. The multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release desktop diffuser of claim 69, wherein the scent release means further comprises:

a special design nozzle head for pumping scent through the activation of a solenoid during scent releasing operation to improve the flow of scent from the scent storage region to the scent release unit.

71. The multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release desktop diffuser of claim 69, wherein scent-bearing disk or cartridge means further comprises:

an independently replaceable and customizing scent storage region for refilling and rearranging at least one scent by the user.

72. The method of claim 71 wherein during customizing the scent storage region means the scents can be related to each other in a manner which is not dependent on some other media, and/or are not designed to be used simultaneously with other media.

73. A multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release desktop diffuser for releasing scent directly to the user, the multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release desktop diffuser further comprising:

a display screen mounted on the housing to display multimedia information;

a separate multimedia playback and scent recovery system;

a housing for containing scent-bearing cartridge;

speakers to play back auditory information;

a user input means; and

at least one electrostatic scent release unit.

74. The multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release desktop diffuser of claim 73, wherein the separate multimedia playback and scent recovery system further comprises:

a scent related content and recovery information for the scent-bearing disk or cartridge is provided by a separated multimedia storage medium from the multimedia playback system.

75. The multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release desktop diffuser of claim 74, wherein the separate multimedia playback and scent recovery system further comprises:

a scent related content and scent release control information for the scent-bearing disk or cartridge is provided by a remote source(e.g. internet, server, LAN, or wireless LAN).

76. The multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release desktop diffuser of claim 73, wherein the scent-bearing disk or cartridge further comprises:

a graphical or text labeling on the storage case to provide user with the scent related content, texts or recovery information.

77. The multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release desktop diffuser of claim 73, wherein the user input means further comprises:

inputting the graphical or text labeling information into the diffuser by the user.

78. The method of claim 77 wherein during the user inputting of scent related content and texts information the scents can be related to each other in a manner which is not dependent on some other media, and/or are not designed to be used simultaneously with other media.

79. A multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release desktop diffuser for releasing scent directly to the user, the multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release desktop diffuser further comprising:

a docking structure for holding a hand-held device;

a communication and power supply port to connect between the multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release desktop diffuser and the hand-held device;

a housing for containing scent-bearing cartridge;

speakers to play back auditory information;

a user input pad and interface; and

at least one electrostatic scent release unit.

80. The multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release desktop diffuser of claim 79, wherein the hand-held device further comprises:

a receiver for receiving wireless signal from a remote source; and

a transceiver to transmit the control signal to the multimedia playback and scent recovery system through the communication and power supply port.

81. A multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release personal diffuser for releasing scent directly to the user, the multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release personal diffuser further comprising:

an attachment means placed directly adjacent to the housing of the diffuser;

a display screen mounted on the housing to display multimedia information;

an earphone port to output auditory information;

a housing for containing scent-bearing cartridge;

a user input pad and interface; and

at least one electrostatic scent release unit.

82. The multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release personal diffuser of claim 81, wherein the attachment means further comprises a clip structure, a drawstring, a interlocking, a loop of fabric, a VELCRO- like fabric patches, or a mechanical snap.

83. The multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release personal diffuser of claim 81, wherein the electrostatic scent release means further comprises:

an electrostatic discharge needle for ionizing scent to be released from the at least one scent storage unit;

a source of electric potential to supply electricity to the electrostatic discharge needle; and

wiring connecting the electrostatic discharge needle and the source of electric potential.

84. The multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release personal diffuser of claim 81, wherein the electrostatic scent release means further comprises:

a fan and ducting to create an airflow in the vicinity of the electrostatic discharge needle to assist in entraining scent ionized by the electrostatic discharge needle.

85. The multimedia playback and electrostatic scent release personal diffuser of claim 81 wherein the scent storage unit stores a plurality of therapeutic agents.