Fragrance delivery for multimedia systems

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for emitting fragrance connected to an electromechanical device such as a robotic vacuum cleaner are disclosed. In preferred embodiments, a fragrance generator processes information generates a control signal and a controlled airflow. In turn, a fragrance delivery system in communication with the controlled airflow selectively volatilizes fragrance chemicals that are then selectively delivered by the device. 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.

1 . An apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation comprising: 
 at least one signal connected to a robotic vacuum cleaner, and fragrance information synchronized with the 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 one or more of fragrance chemicals in communication with the controlled airflow, whereby at least one of said fragrance chemicals is volatilized.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to  claim 1 , wherein the fragrance delivery system comprises an indexing turret containing a plurality of ports, each port containing one of a plurality of fragrance chemicals.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to  claim 2 , wherein the multiport valve contains an absorbent material impregnated with a fragrance in each port.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to  claim 1 , wherein the delivery system comprises a miniature multiport valve.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to  claim 1 , further comprising a transmitter connected to the fragrance generator and a receiver connected to the fragrance creation system, whereby the transmitter sends the fragrance signals to the receiver.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to  claim 1 , wherein the fragrance generator comprises a compressor regulated by a microprocessor.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to  claim 6 , further comprising a high-pressure cutoff sensor.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to  claim 1  wherein the controlled airflow comprises a short burst of pressurized air having a duration of less than five seconds.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to  claim 1  wherein the fragrance delivery system is disposed within the robotic vacuum cleaner.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to  claim 1  wherein the fragrance delivery system is mounted on an outside surface of the robotic vacuum cleaner.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to  claim 1  wherein the fragrance chemical comprises a fragrance.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus for fragrance sensory stimulation according to  claim 1  wherein the fragrance chemical comprises a deodorizing chemical.  
   
   
       13 . A fragrance producing system synchronized to an electromechanical device comprising: a fragrance delivery system for providing a short burst of air containing one or more fragrance chemicals coordinated by receiving and processing a signal contained within the an electromechanical device that has been transmitted to a fragrance creation system in which the signal activates a compressor that selectively volatilizes the fragrance chemical, wherein said one or more fragrance chemicals are disposed within an apparatus that selectively mixes at least one fragrance chemical with pressurized air generated by said compressor.  
   
   
       14 . The fragrance producing system according to  claim 13 , wherein the signal contained within the electromechanical device is transmitted via an RF transmitter to an RF receiver connected to the fragrance creation system.  
   
   
       15 . The fragrance producing system according to  claim 13 , wherein the apparatus that selectively mixes a fragrance chemical with pressurized air generated by said compressor comprises a turret with a plurality of ports, and each of said ports includes an absorbent material and a fragrance chemical.  
   
   
       16 . The fragrance producing system according to  claim 13 , wherein the apparatus that selectively mixes a fragrance chemical with pressurized air generated by said compressor comprises one or more of micro-valves, and each of said micro-valves includes an absorbent material and a fragrance chemical.  
   
   
       17 . A method of diffusing a fragrance comprising the steps of: 
 providing a device having one or more ports containing a sufficient variety and quantity of fragrance to correspond to a sequence of fragrances;    loading the device with the fragrance;    providing a signal that is processed to activate a compressor and connect the device with an airflow so that the correct fragrance chemical is volatilized when a burst of air reaches the fragrance chemical.    
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the step of providing a signal comprises programmatic methods that direct the system to generate a scent for a pre-determined period of time.  
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the step of connecting the device with an airflow comprises indexing a turret.  
   
   
       20 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the step of connecting the device with an airflow comprises actuating one of an array of valves.