Device and Method for Integrating Scent into Virtual Reality Environment

Abstract

A system and method for evaluating a fragrance product or object is provided, wherein the system includes a virtual reality component configured to present a user with a product or object in a virtual reality environment; an optional biometric sensor component configured to obtain the user's biometric data; a wearable scent delivery component configured to deliver a scent to the user; and a digital controller component that synchronizes delivery of the scent with the user's interaction with the product or object in the virtual reality environment.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A system comprising
 (a) a virtual reality component configured to present a user with a product or object in a virtual reality environment;   (b) a wearable scent delivery component configured to deliver a scent to the user; and   (c) a digital controller component in communication with (a) and (b), wherein said digital controller component synchronizes delivery of the scent with pre-specified events in the virtual reality environment or based on the user's interaction with the product or object in the virtual reality environment; and   (d) one or more biometric sensor components configured to obtain the user's biometric data, wherein said one or more biometric sensor components are selected from the group of a respiration sensor, an electro-dermal activity (EDA) sensor, a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, an electrocardiography (ECG) sensor, an electroencephalography (EEG) sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, an eye-tracker, an accelerometer, or a gyroscope.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the biometric sensor components provide feedback to the digital controller component thereby altering the virtual reality environment and a scent delivery parameter. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the respiration sensor detects changes in direction and intensity of airflow in the user's nose to trigger scent delivery at onset of an inhalation phase. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the wearable scent delivery component delivers the scent to the user in a plume directed at the user's nose. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the virtual reality component comprises a virtual reality headset. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the wearable scent delivery component is detachably fixed to the virtual reality headset. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the wearable scent delivery component comprises a detachable scent cartridge. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the wearable scent delivery component comprises an adjustable arm for positioning directly below the user's nose. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the wearable scent delivery component is an article worn on the user's neck. 
     
     
         21 . A method for introducing scent as another sensory dimension to a virtual reality environment comprising
 (a) providing a system of  claim 12  in a virtual reality movie, advertisement or gaming experience; and   (b) delivering a scent to the user at a pre-specified event in the virtual reality environment.   
     
     
         22 . A method for evaluating consumer behavior comprising
 (a) providing a system of  claim 12  in a virtual reality environment;   (b) delivering a scent to the user at a pre-specified event in the virtual reality environment; and   (c) obtaining the user's biometric data in response to the scent.