Fragrance Delivery for Multimedia Systems

• US 20070023540A1
• Filed: 09/18/2006
• Published: 02/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/03/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: International Flavors & Fragrances Incorporated
• Original Assignee: International Flavors & Fragrances Incorporated
• Inventors: Selander, Raymond
• Application Number:
  US11/532,677
• Publication Number:
  US 20070023540A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 239/34
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2209/22 Treatment by sorption, e.g. absorption, adsorption, chemisorption, scrubbing, wet cleaning
• 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

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for fragrance sensory stimulation connected to a multimedia source that has at least one audiovisual signal connected to an audiovisual display, and also has fragrance information synchronized with the audiovisual signal is disclosed. In preferred embodiments, a fragrance generator processes the fragrance information into a fragrance signal and at least one fragrance control system accepts a fragrance signal as an input, and generates a control signal and a controlled airflow. In turn, a fragrance delivery system preferably comprising a plurality of fragrance chemicals in communication with the controlled airflow, selectively volatilizes the fragrance chemicals is so that a short burst of fragrance is sensed by the subject. In certain embodiments, the fragrance delivery system comprises an indexing turret containing a plurality of ports, each port containing one of said plurality of fragrance chemicals. In other preferred embodiment, a multiport micro-valve or array of such valves contains an absorbent material impregnated with a fragrance in each port.

Claims

1. An apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation comprising:

a multimedia source comprising at least one audiovisual signal connected to an audiovisual display, and fragrance information synchronized with the audiovisual signal;

a fragrance generator for processing said fragrance information into a fragrance signal;

at least one fragrance control system that accepts a fragrance signal as an input, and generates a control signal and a controlled airflow; and

a fragrance delivery system comprising a plurality of fragrance chemicals volatilized by a microfluidic dispersal system in communication with the controlled airflow, whereby at least one of said fragrance chemicals is volatilized and the volatilized fragrance is collected and sensed by a subject.

2. The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to claim 1, wherein the fragrance delivery system further comprises a capillary tube and a dispersal needle.

3. The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to claim 2, wherein the dispersal needle is electrically charged.

4. The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of fragrance chemicals are connected by a the micropump via a common conduit.

5. The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to claim 1, further comprising a fan.

6. The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to claim 1, further comprising a calibration system disposed adjacent the fragrance delivery system.

7. The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to claim 1, further comprising a microprocessor controller for controlling the sequence in which said fragrances are dispersed.

8. The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to claim 7, wherein the microprocessor controller is triggered by an activation signal.

9. The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to claim 7, wherein the microprocessor controller is an ASIC.

10. The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to claim 8 wherein a sequence of fragrances is dispersed after the activation signal is received.

11. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the chemical includes one or more constituents that attract particulate matter when exposed to the dispersal needle.

12. A method of fragrance sensory stimulation comprising the steps of:

connecting a multimedia source comprising at least one audiovisual signal to an audiovisual display,

delivering fragrance information synchronized with the audiovisual signal;

spraying the substance using a micropump,

passing a discharge stream through an electrostatic spray device to create a delivery stream, and

controlling the micropump and spray device with an electronic device.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the electronic device is one of a microprocessor or ASIC.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the micropump is a piezoelectric pump and further comprising the step of removing particulates from the environment.