Coordinated emission of frangrance, light, and sound

• US 20050185392A1
• Filed: 05/13/2003
• Published: 08/25/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/13/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SC Johnson & Son Incorporated
• Original Assignee: SC Johnson & Son Incorporated
• Inventors: Calpino, Barry T., Porchia, Jose N.M.I., Helf, Thomas A., Wolf, Jeffrey J., Walter, Scott D., Crapser, James R., Rich, Kelley H., Tomkins, David A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,687,744 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/96
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2209/12 Lighting means
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2209/13 Dispensing or storing means for active compounds
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/037 comprising a wick
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/122 comprising a fan
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/127 comprising a wick
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/145 air-liquid contact processes, e.g. scrubbing
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 17/0646 Vibrating plates, i.e. plates being directly subjected to the vibrations, e.g. having a piezoelectric transducer attached thereto
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 17/0684 Wicks or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 7/1686 involving vaporisation of the material to be sprayed or of an atomising-fluid-generating product
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/20 Controlling the colour of the light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/175 by remote control

Abstract

A novel apparatus for producing combined presentation of light and aroma to produce a desired overall sensory effect. The includes a fragrance dispenser (31), a light source (42), an audio system (52), and a microprocessor (99). The fragrance dispenser (31) is refillable and controllable, so as to adjust the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses a fragrance. The light source (42) comprises a plurality of LEDs (40a-40c) of at least two different colors and is controllable so as to adjust the operation of the plurality of LEDs (40a-40c). The audio system (52) controls sounds to be emitted from the apparatus. The microprocessor (99) controls the rate at which the fragrance dispenser (31) dispenses fragrance and the operation of the light source (42) and audio system (52).

Claims

1. An apparatus for producing a combined presentation of light and aroma to produce a desired overall sensory effect, the apparatus comprising:

a fragrance dispenser for dispensing fragrance, the fragrance dispenser being refillable and having a fragrance controller for adjusting the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses the fragrance; and

a light source for emitting light, the light source comprising a plurality of LEDs of at least two different colors and a light controller for controlling the operation of the plurality of LEDs,

wherein the fragrance controller and the light controller are positioned in a single housing.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fragrance controller and the light controller communicate so as to work in synchronization with each other.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance using a piezoelectrically actuated atomization device.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance using a heat-assisted evaporation device.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance using a fan-assisted evaporation device.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a single on/off power switch for operating the fragrance dispenser and the light source.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a processor for controlling the operation of the light controller and fragrance controller to control the light source and the fragrance dispenser to produce a predetermined presentation for a set period of time, wherein the predetermined presentation sets the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance over the course of the presentation, and varies at least one of the color and intensity of at least one of the plurality of LEDs over the course of the presentation.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined presentation varies the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance over the course of the presentation.

9. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a programmable processor that allows a user to program the operation of the fragrance controller and light controller to control both the light source and the fragrance dispenser to produce a desired presentation over a set period.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the user may program the processor to set (i) the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance over the course of the presentation, (ii) and at least one of the color and intensity of at least one of the plurality of LEDs.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a programmable processor that allows a user to program the operation of the fragrance controller and light controller to control both the light source and the fragrance dispenser to produce a desired presentation over a set period of time.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the user may program the processor to create a presentation that varies at least one of (i) the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance over the course of the preset presentation, and (ii) at least one of the color and intensity of at least one of the plurality of LEDs over the course of the present presentation.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a photosensor which detects light, wherein the photosensor controls at least one of the fragrance controller and light controller to activate the fragrance dispenser and light source, respectively, based on a detection by the photosensor of a predetermined amount of light.

14. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a photosensor which detects light, wherein a detection by the photosensor of a predetermined amount of light causes the processor to produce the predetermined presentation.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a motion sensor which detects motion, wherein the motion sensor controls at least one of the fragrance controller and light controller to activate the fragrance dispenser and light source, respectively, based on a detection by the motion sensor of a predetermined amount of motion.

16. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a timing mechanism for measuring time, wherein a user may program the timing mechanism to cause the processor to begin the predetermined presentation at a set time.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an acoustical generator for generating sounds.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising (i) a memory for storing at least one audio file and (ii) a processor for causing the acoustical generator to generate sounds in accordance with the at least one audio file.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the processor is programmable so as to allow a user to set control of the acoustical generator, light controller, and fragrance controller to produce a desired presentation over a set period of time, wherein the desired presentation sets at least two of (i) the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance over the course of the presentation, (ii) at least one of the color and intensity of at least one of the plurality of LEDs, and (iii) the audio file played by the acoustical generator.

53. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a sound sensor for sensing sound levels, a motion sensor for sensing objects moving relative to the apparatus, and a fragrance sensor for sensing fragrance levels in the air,

wherein the at least one sensor controls at least one of the fragrance controller and light controller to activate the fragrance dispenser and light source, respectively.

20. An apparatus for producing a combined presentation of light and aroma to produce a desired overall sensory effect, comprising:

a fragrance dispenser for dispensing fragrance, the fragrance dispenser being (i) refillable and (ii) controllable so as to adjust the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses the fragrance;

a light source for emitting light, the light source comprising a plurality of LEDs of at least two different colors and being controllable so as to adjust the operation of the plurality of LEDs; and

a microprocessor for controlling the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance and the operation of the light source.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance using a piezoelectrically actuated atomization device.

22. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance using a heat-assisted evaporation device.

23. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance using a fan-assisted evaporation device.

24. The apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising a memory, wherein the memory stores a program for causing the microprocessor to control the light source and the fragrance dispenser to produce a predetermined presentation.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the predetermined presentation sets (i) the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance over the course of the presentation, and (ii) at least one of the color and intensity of at least one of the plurality of LEDs.

26. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the predetermined presentation varies, over the course of the presentation, at least one of (i) the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance, (ii) the color of at least one of the plurality of LEDs, and (iii) the intensity of at least one of the plurality of LEDs.

27. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the microprocessor is programable so as to allow a user to program the operation of both the light source and the fragrance dispenser to produce a desired presentation over a set period of time.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the user may program the presentation to set at least one of (i) the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance over the course of the presentation, (ii) the color of at least one of the plurality of LEDs, and (iii) the intensity of at least one of the plurality of LEDs.

29. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the user may program the presentation to vary, over the course of the presentation, at least one of (i) the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance, (ii) the color of at least one of the plurality of LEDs, and (iii) the intensity of at least one of the plurality of LEDs.

30. The apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising a photosensor for detecting light, wherein the photosensor controls the microprocessor to activate at least one of the fragrance dispenser and light source when the photosensor detects a predetermined amount of light.

31. The apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising a photosensor for detecting light, wherein the photosensor controls the microprocessor to activate the program stored in the memory when the photosensor detects a predetermined amount of light.

32. The apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising a motion sensor which detects motion, wherein the motion sensor controls the microprocessor to activate one of at least one of the fragrance dispenser and light source, based on a detection by the motion sensor of a predetermined amount of motion.

33. The apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising an acoustical generator for generating sounds.

34. The apparatus according to claim 33, further comprising a memory for storing one or more audio files,

wherein the microprocessor causes the acoustical generator to generate sounds in accordance with the one or more audio files.

35. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the microprocessor allows a user to program the operation of the acoustical generator, light source, and fragrance dispenser to produce a desired presentation.

36. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the user may program the presentation to set at least two of (i) the rate at which the fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance over the course of the presentation, (ii) at least one of the color and intensity of at least one of the plurality of LEDs, and (iii) an audio file to be played by the acoustical generator.

54. The apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising at least one of a sound sensor for sensing sound levels, a motion sensor for sensing objects moving relative to the apparatus, and a fragrance sensor for sensing fragrance levels in the air,

wherein the at least one sensor controls the microprocessor to activate the program stored in the memory.

37. An apparatus for producing a combined presentation of light and aroma to produce a desired overall sensory effect, comprising:

a plurality of fragrance dispensers for dispensing fragrance, the fragrance dispensers each being (i) refillable and (ii) separately controllable so as to adjust the rate at which each the fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance;

a light source for emitting light, the light source comprising a plurality of LEDs of at least two different colors and being controllable so as to adjust the operation of the plurality of LEDs; and

a microprocessor for controlling the rate at which each fragrance dispenser dispenses the fragrance and the operation of the light source.

38. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the fragrance dispensers dispense fragrance using a piezoelectrically actuated atomization device.

39. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the fragrance dispensers dispense fragrance using a heat-assisted evaporation device.

40. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the fragrance dispensers dispense fragrance using a fan-assisted evaporation device.

41. The apparatus according to claim 37, further comprising a memory, wherein the memory stores a program for causing the microprocessor to control the light source and the plurality of fragrance dispensers to produce a predetermined presentation.

42. The apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the predetermined presentation sets (i) at least one designated fragrance dispenser of the plurality of fragrance dispensers to dispense fragrance, (ii) the rate at which the at least one designated fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance over the course of the presentation, and (iii) at least one of the color and intensity of at least one of the plurality of LEDs.

43. The apparatus according to claim 42, wherein the predetermined presentation varies, over the course of the presentation, at least one of (i) the rate at which the at least one designated fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance, (ii) which fragrance dispensers are designated to dispense fragrance, (iii) the color of at least one of the plurality of LEDs, and (iv) the intensity of at least one of the plurality of LEDs.

44. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the microprocessor is programable so as to allow a user to program the operation of both the light source and the plurality of fragrance dispensers to produce a desired presentation over a set period of time.

45. The apparatus according to claim 44, wherein the presentation sets at least one of (i) at least one designated fragrance dispenser of the plurality of fragrance dispensers to dispense fragrance over the course of the presentation, (ii) the rate at which the at least one designated fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance over the course of the presentation, (iii) the color of at least one of the plurality of LEDs, and (iv) the intensity of at least one of the plurality of LEDs.

46. The apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the use may program the presentation to vary, over the course of the presentation, at least one of (i) which or fragrance dispensers are designated to dispense fragrance, (ii) the rate at which the at least one designated fragrance dispenser dispenses fragrance, (iii) the color of at least one of the plurality of LEDs, and (iv) the intensity of at least one of the plurality of LEDs.

47. A method for presenting, in an enclosed area such as a room, a combined presentation of light sound and aroma to produce a desired overall sensory effect on persons within the room, said method comprising the steps of providing in said room a plurality of controllable lamps, controllable acoustical generators and controllable fragrance dispensers and controlling the operation of said lamps, acoustical generators and fragrance dispensers in an integrated manner to produce the desired sensory effect.

48. A method according to claim 47, wherein said step of controlling includes transmitting of control signals to individual ones of said lamps, speakers and fragrance generators.

49. A method according to claim 48, wherein said control signals are generated by use of a control program.

50. Apparatus for presenting, in an enclosed area such as a room, a combined presentation of light sound and aroma to produce a desired overall sensory effect on persons within the room, said apparatus comprising a plurality of controllable lamps, controllable acoustical generators and controllable fragrance dispensers, all located in said room, and a programmed controller, said controller being programmed and connected to control the operation of said lamps, acoustical generators and fragrance dispensers in an integrated manner to produce said desired sensory effect.

51. Apparatus according to claim 50, wherein said controller is constructed and connected to transmit control signals to individual ones of said lamps, speakers and fragrance generators.

52. A method according to claim 51, wherein said controller is configured to be operated according to a control program.