中文版本

Opportunity

The sense of smell plays a critical role in human perception and emotional response, yet current extended reality (XR) technologies—such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR)—primarily focus on visual and auditory stimuli, neglecting olfactory experiences. Existing olfactory displays are often bulky, inflexible, and lack precise control over scent release, limiting their integration into wearable or portable XR devices. Additionally, traditional odor-delivery systems rely on fans or tubes, which are noisy, energy-intensive, and impractical for seamless user interaction. There is a growing demand for compact, flexible, and responsive olfactory interfaces that can synchronize with XR environments to enhance immersion, therapeutic applications, or entertainment experiences. This patent addresses these limitations by introducing a novel electronic device capable of dynamically controlling scent release in a wearable or portable form factor. 

Technology

The patent describes an innovative electronic device designed to provide or modulate smells in real-time. The device comprises a flexible body with a chamber for holding chemical substances (e.g., phase-change materials or odorants) and an interface for controlled release. Key innovations include:  

1. Release Control Mechanism: A magnetically actuated valve system with a flexible film (e.g., PET) that opens/closes holes in the interface. An electromagnetic coil interacts with a permanent magnet attached to the film, enabling rapid (<1 ms)="" and="" precise="" adjustment="" of="" scent="" release.="" the="" valve’s="" movement="" also="" generates="" airflow="" to="" disperse="" odors="" without="" fans.="">
2. Temperature Adjustment: Integrated resistive heating elements (e.g., serpentine Au/Cr electrodes) and a thermistor enable thermal regulation of the chamber to accelerate or suppress evaporation of chemical substances. A microcontroller maintains stable temperatures (±1°C) for consistent odor intensity.  
3. Compact Design: The device is fanless, tubeless, and lightweight (<1 mm="" thickness),="" making="" it="" suitable="" for="" wearable="" applications="" (e.g.,="" skin="" attachment)="" or="" integration="" into="" xr="" headsets.="" biocompatible="" materials="" (e.g.,="" polyimide="" films)="" ensure="" safety="" for="" prolonged="" use.="">

Advantages

• Precision Control: Adjusts scent intensity via valve frequency/amplitude and temperature modulation.  
• Portability: Flexible, thin (<1 mm),="" and="" lightweight="" design="" enables="" wearable="" integration.="">
• Energy Efficiency: Eliminates fans/tubes; uses low-power electromagnetic actuation (~0.077 W). 
• Rapid Response: Valve operation in milliseconds allows dynamic synchronization with XR content. Customizability: Supports multiple chambers/interfaces for complex scent combinations.  

Application

• Extended Reality: Olfactory displays for VR/AR/MR to enhance gaming, training (e.g., military/firefighting simulations), or therapeutic environments (e.g., exposure therapy).  
• Entertainment: Synchronized scent delivery in movies, theme parks, or live events.  
• Healthcare: Aromatherapy devices for stress relief or treating phobias/depression via controlled odor exposure.  
• Wearables: Skin-attachable patches for personalized fragrance delivery or medical monitoring (e.g., masking malodors).