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Description
The aim of the project is to develop a prototype (TRL8) for a patentable and producible scent recording device. It will be a mobile device that will allow users to collect scents , store them in special scent capsules, and spray for re-experiencing scent sensation or hand them over to other users. Users will be able to change the intensity of the smells, as well as to delete odors from reusable scent capsules. The device may be used to improve the emotional wellbeing and emotional self-regulation of people. The use case is to give people the ability to record scents associated with positive memories. The device would be very well suitable for people with visual disabilities, as they are limited in creating their memories through visual media.
Summary of project results
The main goal of the project is to develop a scent recorder (Scent Camera) to allow people to record, store, and release scents as easy as to take pictures or record sounds. It is important to record scents because scent stimuli trigger memories and emotion much better than audio-visual stimuli. This technology would be in general need for humanity to record scents that are endangered by climate changes for the next generation and particularly needed for people with visual disabilities to trigger their memories of special events, places, nature, etc.
It was engineered, designed and tested various adsorbents and their mixtures as well as hardware devices within the scope of the project. These activities were important to build hardware for recording scents with reasonable accuracy. Two types of the scent recorder prototypes: (1) handheld (with handheld air
pump) and (2) electric (with electric air pump) built. The handheld air pump showed better recording accuracy than the eclectic one. At the moment we do not know why. The handheld version recorded testing scents (sniffing sticks) with at least 85% quality and 60% real scents in good quality/very good quality (particularly 70% of food related scents in good quality/very good quality). At the moment we do not know why it is such a big difference.
The project was crucial for building the first consumer focused scent recorder in the market as it was too risky (both technological and market adoption) for investors. Without this project it would not be possible to develop a scent recorder until TRL8 (e.g. handheld scent recorder). We have applied for patent and registered design.