WO2009098693A2

WO2009098693A2 - Computer scent dispenser device and method

Info

Publication number: WO2009098693A2
Application number: PCT/IL2009/000140
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amos Porat
Original assignee: Amos Porat
Priority date: 2008-02-05
Filing date: 2009-02-05
Publication date: 2009-08-13
Also published as: WO2009098693A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a computer scent dispenser. More particularly, the present invention relates to a computer scent dispenser enabling the user to create a pleasant scented environment of one scent or more or a combination of a number of scents operated by the computer user or sent by a messaging software or e-mail.

Description

COMPUTER SCENT DISPENSER DEVICE AND METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to scent dispensers, aromatic diffusers and devices, and more specifically, to a dispenser enabling the user to create a pleasant scented environment, of one or more scents, operated by the computer user or sent via a network device by messaging software, e-mail or network communications like WI-FI or remote control.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

People have a number of senses, including the sense of smell which is one of mans' major senses and can be affected by the thousands of scents around him, both natural and man-made. When a person works on a computer in any environment, he or she sometimes wish to change the scents in that environment according to their choice.

Different people relate to different scents.

US Patent No. 5,724,256 to Lee, describes a computer controlled olfactory mixer and dispenser for use in multimedia computer application, enabling computer control of a large number of different odors using a limited number of selected scents. Other examples of controllable aroma, perfume or scent dispensers, include: Korean Patent No. KR20030016519 to Hwang et al; US Patent Publication No. 2007258849 to Kent; US Patent No. 5,591,409 to Watkins; US Patent Publication No. 2003164557 to Chung et al;

Japanese Patent Publication No. JP2003228662 to Fumiyoshi et al. Japanese Patent No. JP4022369 to Matsunaka; PCT Publication No. WO0236176 to Mendoza; US Patent No. 6,169,595 to Manne; PCT Publication No. WO0119417 to Balbi;

PCT Publication No. WO9908174 to Rasouli et al. The above mentioned devices involve relatively complex scent dispenser devices based on control of liquid and gas injectors.

The object of the present invention is to enable a computer user to operate a simplified scent dispenser device to control the type of scent or scents according to choice, both in the users own environment and also in a distant area by using messaging software or internet network messages and instructions, to send to other users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a

Computer Scent Dispenser (CSD) connected to a computer and enabling the dispersal of one or more scents using scented producing materials, in an area defined by the user.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a scent dispensing system for providing a scented environment from scent producing materials, comprising: a programmable computer means operating with a software control program; and scent dispensing means having one or more scent sources, wherein scent dispensing means, comprises: a ventilating system creating friction with said scent producing material, and a driver means connected to said ventilating system and computer means, said scent dispensing means for controlling operation of said ventilating means in response to computer control command, thereby providing a controlled scent.

In the preferred embodiment, the CSD operates on the principle of friction with solid scent-producing materials, and dispensing of the scents released, by means of a fan, as part of the ventilating system. The friction means are connected to the fan by, for example, nylon wires which rub against and consume the solid scented material, where the fans are operated by electricity or other power source, receiving commands through the driver operating with the computer. This enables the creation, combination and dispersal of one or more scents.

According to this invention the source of the scent can be in close proximity to the computer or in a different area according to the choice of the user.

The CSD can be operated and controlled from afar by the computer by direct connection or in a wireless manner, or via any network connection.

It is an additional feature of the present invention that the end user can receive an SMS (text message), or other message format, capable to act as a trigger for operating the CSD from a remote area, sent via the Internet or any communication system to any device associated with the end user.

It is an additional feature of the present invention that the CSD comprises cartridges of solid material using different kinds of scents and different scent intensities, for example: "low", "medium", high" etc, which are obtained by different speed levels of the fan.

It is an additional feature of the present invention that the CSD can be time set for operation in a particular time frame.

The CSD comprises a software driver enabling its operation by computer. The software can be configured with pre-set operating parameters, or allow for manual entry of desired operating parameters.

One feature of the CSD is the use of solid scent-producing materials enabling dispensing of a scent by movement of the air received by friction with a solid material dispensed in the air by means of a fan.

Another feature of the CSD is the use of one or more scent producing materials such as liquids, dispensed in a desired area by molecular friction of mechanical means or soaked in an absorbing material.The scent-producing material may be combined with gas.

It is a further feature of the present invention that the CSD can be made in various sizes and be placed within various devices such as an optic computer mouse, computer speakers, computer screen, or a designated casing or within the casing of the computer and connected to a part enabling the cooling of the totality and space of the computer. It is a further feature of the present invention that it is possible to connect the scent dispenser to the computer, to one or more power supplies, but it is also possible to use the power supply of the computer as an electric power source.

It is a further feature of the present invention that when the CSD is configured to provide a combination of scents, this may be achieved by a plurality of fans feeding a common air-flow duct.

It is yet a further feature of the present invention that a single fan can be configured to have a plurality of brushes which are individually selectable to produce individual or combined scents from a multiple-layered scent producing material. It is a feature of the present invention that the CSD scent enables the user to produce different scents either singly or in combination, depending on the following factors: a. The number of cartridges comprising scents. b. The length of use. c. The type of scent dispenser. d. The type of fan and the force of operation.

It is an additional feature of the present invention that the CSD is controlled by operating software, featuring a driver to identify the hardware connected to the computer, using one of the following: -An optical connector

-A wireless connector (WI-FI, Bluetooth or other suitable protocol) -A hard-wired remote connector -U. S. B. connector -COM connector -Other connectors

All of the above connection types enable production and reception of the combination of scents desired by the user.

The driver means operates an electronic command circuit which may be provided by a switching system operating using relays, mechanical or electronic switches. Another feature of the present invention is that the computer scent dispenser can also be used as an accessory together with visualization means such as: clips, presentations, movies, games and so on.

Another feature of the present invention is that when the user would like to create a certain combination of scents in a desired environment, the user operates the software which enables operating the scent mechanism, selecting the scent or scents desired on the computer screen, and followed by an operating command which dispenses the scent as selected.

Another feature of the present invention is that when the user operates a messaging software or e-mail or is surfing the internet network he can send an operating command using script or batch file (a file comprising commands and instructions for the receivers interface) and after consent and authorization of the computer or the receiving user the suitable scent will be dispensed in the area of the receiver.

Another feature of the present invention is that the computer scent dispenser can be integrated in game consoles for example: play station, Nintendo, and other computer games or products such as simulators and so on in order to create a maximal user experience.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention with regard to the embodiments thereof, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout, and in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a front prospective view of a scent dispensing device controlled by a programmable computer, constructed and operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates a front-view of a scent dispensing device according to the present invention; Fig. 3 illustrates a front-view of a scent dispensing device in a disassembled mode according to the present invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates a rear-view of a scent dispensing device according to the present invention; Fig. 5 illustrates an enlargement of the rear-view of Fig. 4 featuring the friction means and a method of inserting a scent producing material, according to the present invention;

Fig. 6a illustrates an enlargement of a rear-view of a plurality of dispenser sections each with an inserted scent producing material according to the present invention;

Fig. 6b illustrates a single scent producing material inserted in a dispenser section, featuring three layers of depth of the scent producing material;

Fig. 7 illustrates a cross section of a layered scent producing material across a shaft bearing a plurality of brushes. Fig. 8 illustrates a schematic view of a dispenser section operating with a common airflow duct using combined or individual scents;

Fig. 9 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the inventive scent dispensing device operable with a computer; and

Fig. 10 illustrates a software flow chart diagram of the operation of the inventive scent dispensing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a Computer Scent Dispenser (CSD) connected to a computer and enabling the dispersal of one or more scents using scent-producing materials, in an area defined by the user.

In the following description, a particular application for dispensing a scent from a solid scent-producing material is set forth.

Referring now to Fig. 1, there is shown a scent dispensing system 2, comprising a scent dispensing device 12 using software installed in a personal computer 4, and comprising screen 6, keyboard 8 and mouse 10. Referring now to Fig. 2, there is shown scent dispensing device 12 in which the body of the housing 14, has a back cover 16 which opens to replace scent dispensing units, a cable 18 connecting to computer 4, a grill 20 to cover the scent dispensing propellers (not shown) through which scented air is dispensed. Referring now to Fig. 3, there is shown a front-view of a scent dispensing device

12 in a disassembled mode, including the body of the housing 14, a hinged door 24 with openings for allowing air to enter, motor-driven fans 22 operable by computer software. The combination of the housing 14, the air openings and fans 22 provides a ventilating system portion of scent dispensing device 12. Referring now to Fig. 4, there is shown the interior of a scent dispensing device, showing an enlargement of rear view of fans 22. During rotation, fans 22 rotate wires 28, which extend from the motor shaft, so that wires 28 brush against scent-producing material (SPM) 26 causing friction which releases small chips of scented powder, and fan 22 pushes out the scented chips, each fan 22 dispensing a different kind of scent and enabling a combination of scents. These actions are controlled by the electronic command circuit provided by control unit 30.

Referring now to Fig. 5, there is shown an enlargement of the rear-view of fans 22 and a method of inserting SPM 26. Scent-producing material 26 is inserted into compartment 32 in the back of fan 22, while fastener 38 maintains SPM 26 in place, with the additional support of a projecting rib 36 extending along the side of SPM 26. Rib 36 engages a groove 34 having notches formed therein, with groove 34 situated in compartment 32 for the purpose of determining the insertion depth of SPM 26. Once SPM 26 is inserted, thin wires 28 attached to the shaft of the motor remove particles from the SPM 26 during motor rotation. When the thin wires 28 have removed all the material of the SPM 26 in a particular position, defined by the notches in groove 34, SPM 26 can be adjusted and pushed in deeper into compartment 32. The SPM 26 is pushed along projecting rib 36 further into groove 34 and then wires 28 can begin to brush against a new layer of the same SPM 26, thus utilizing the most of SPM 26, so that little of it goes to waste. Thus, SPM 26 can be adjusted to three location depths, according to the spacing of the notches formed in groove 34 (see Fig. 6b). Referring now to Fig. 6a, there is shown an enlargement of a plurality of compartments 32 with inserted SPM 26, each isolated from another. Illustrated are elongated thin wires 28, which are bent against newly presented SPM 26. Thin wires 28 are elongated so they can reach as far as the boundaries of the inner space of compartment 32, since after prolonged use of the scent dispensing device 12, the circle around fan 22 grows larger in diameter, and the wires 28 automatically spread out onto a larger radius in order to brush against the larger diameter hole in SPM 26.

Referring now to Fig. 6b, there is shown a SPM 26 with three layers 40, which may be inserted into compartment 32 as described in Fig. 5. Referring now to Fig. 7, there is shown a cross-section of a layered SPM 26, each layer 40 having a different scent. A shaft 42 is located through the hole, and three brush wires 28a-c are attached to the shaft 42, each brush wire 28 being able to brush against the proximate one of layers 40a-c. Each selected brush wire 28a, 28b or 28c can be operated individually, or all brush wires 28a-c can be operated at the same time. By operation of a clutch 46, which may be magnetic or mechanical, located on shaft arm 48 in three locations of brush wires 28a-c, it can be determined which of brush wires 28a-c is rotated. When selected the clutch 46 magnetically engages magnet 47 on brush arm 49.

In operation, the user operates the scent dispensing device 12, causing shaft 42 to rotate on its axis. The user selects a specific scent, causing the corresponding clutch 46 of selected brush wire 28a-c to engage brush arm 49 and rotate. Thus, selected brush wire 28 rotates and small chips of scented powder are released only from said selected brush wire's 28 layer, since other brush wires 28 aren't engaged, and therefore do not rotate.

Referring now to Fig. 8, there is shown a plurality of dispenser compartments 32, each leading to an individual air duct 52, all combined into common air duct 54, and a fan 56 pushes air towards common air duct 54. Each dispenser section 50 may have a different SPM 26 inserted in compartment 32. A user can operate a single dispenser section 50, desiring the scent that particular SPM 26 dispenses, alternatively, the user can operate a number of selected dispenser section's 50 containing different scented SPM's 26, creating a combination of scents. The air generated from dispenser section 50 is blown through air duct 52 into common air duct 54, and fan 56 blows the air through common air duct 54 and out of the scent dispensing device 12, thus dispensing a scent to the environment.

Referring now to Figure 9, there is shown a schematic block diagram of the inventive scent dispensing device operable with a computer system.

In block 60 the computer operating system is shown comprising a programmable computer such as personal computer 4, including a screen 6, keyboard 8, mouse 10 and other accessories (see Fig. 1) to be installed with operating system such as Microsoft Windows, or equivalent. The computer operating system 60 is configured with a driver 62 which is a typical application program serving as an interface between the computer operating system software and output hardware connected to computer 4 I/O ports.

Driver 62 interprets the commands for producing a scent which are communicated via the computer to the driver and in turn from the driver to the control unit 30. Control unit 30 controls the operation of scent dispensing device 12 and determines the mode in which scent dispensing device 12 operates. The control unit 30 controls the operation of the individual fans 22 in combination or individually so that a combined or individual scent may be dispensed.

Referring now to Figure 10, there is shown a software flow chart of the operation of the computer scent dispensing device 12 of the present invention. The scent dispensing device system begins operation with computer system initialization in block 70, after which the scent dispensing device 12 itself proceeds through a set up routine in block 71, in which various inputs and outputs are checked to see if the system is ready for operation. If normal set up is chosen in block 72, the system uses pre-set operating parameters, and the system proceeds to a monitoring mode in block 74, which monitors the computer for receipt of a command in block 76, to initiate the operation of the scent dispenser in block 78.

If manual set up is chosen in block 72, then various individual operating parameters can be entered in block 73, such as number of scent dispensing fans, duration of operation, speed of operation, etc. and the system proceeds to a monitoring mode in block 74. In the software block 76 the system detects the various types of commands that can be sent for operating the scent dispensing device, such as an SMS message, email, Blue Tooth, remote control or a local machine software key logger which detects key strokes intended for operating the scent dispensing device. A remote access software key logger can also be used to allow for messaging of computer control commands from another computer to operate the scent dispensing device in block 78.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, it is recognized that modifications and variations may readily occur to those skilled in the art and consequently, it is intended that the claims be interpreted to cover such modifications and equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A scent dispensing system for providing a scented environment from scent- producing material, comprising: a programmable computer means operating with a software control program; and scent dispensing means having at least one scent source, wherein said scent dispensing means comprises: a ventilating system creating friction with said scent-producing material, and a driver means connected to said ventilating system and computer means, said scent dispensing means controlling operation of said ventilating system in response to computer control command, thereby providing a controlled scent.

2. The scent dispensing system of claim 1, wherein said scented environment is in arfe area defined by the user.

3. The scent dispensing system of claim 2, wherein said area is in close proximity tϋ≠' said computer means.

4. The scent dispensing system of claim 2, wherein said area is remote to said computer means.

5. The scent dispensing system of claim 1, wherein said driver is connected to said ventilating system via hardware selected from one of USB, COM, D connector 9 pin, wireless connection, optical connection, linear connection and the like.

6. The scent dispensing system of claim 1, wherein said scent-producing material is liquid soaked in an absorbing material.

7. The scent dispensing system of claim 1, wherein said ventilating system comprises: at least one compartment having mounted therein at least one fan, wherein said fan further comprises: a brush accessory for creating friction with said scent- producing material, wherein said friction creates a scent by movement of air due to rotation of said fan.

8. The scent dispensing system of claim 7 comprising a plurality of individual compartments isolated from one another.

9. The scent dispensing system of claim 7, wherein said compartment further comprises: a groove and a fastener for maintaining said scent-producing material in place, wherein said groove has notches.

10. The scent dispensing system of claim 9, wherein said scent-producing material is solid, and has a rib formed on its side for engaging said groove.

11. The scent dispensing system of claim 10, wherein said rib engages said groove to determine the insertion depth of said scent-producing material.

12. The scent dispensing system of claim 10, wherein said scent-producing material comprises multiple layers, wherein several of said multiple layers are one of same and different scents.

13. The scent dispensing system of claim 11, wherein said multiple-layered scent- producing material can be adjusted and pushed deeper into said compartment, and the location of said scent-producing material is defined by said notches of said groove.

14. The scent dispensing system of claim 7, wherein said brush accessory comprises thin wires extending from a rotation shaft of said fan.

15. The scent dispensing system of claim 14, wherein said thin wires are made of nylon or other material.

16. The scent dispensing system of claim 14, wherein said thin wires are long so they can automatically spread out onto a growing radius as said scent-producing material is consumed.

17. The scent dispensing system of claim 7, wherein said ventilating system comprises: a plurality of fans; a plurality of individual air flow ducts each having one of said plurality of fans mounted thereon; and a common air flow duct connected to said individual air flow ducts; wherein air flow containing scent from said individual air flow ducts, feeds said common air flow duct, wherein said plurality of fans may function all at once, and wherein said plurality of fans may contain said scent-producing materials of same and different scents, thereby providing a combination of scents.

18. The scent dispensing system of claim 7, wherein said compartment comprises: a plurality of brushes, wherein said brushes are individually selectable to produce one of individual and combined scents from said multiple-layered scent- producing material.

19. The scent dispensing system of claim 18, wherein each of said plurality of brushes comprises: a brush arm and a brush wire, said brush arm comprising a magnet, wherein each layer of said multiple-layered scent-producing material is proximal to one of said plurality of brushes, and wherein a clutch selected by computer command engages a corresponding magnet, thereby rotating said brush wire and providing a controlled scent.

20. The scent dispensing system of claim 7, wherein said fan is operated by an electrical power source which receives commands from said computer.

21. The scent dispensing system of claim 1, wherein said command is in one of "a script form and batch file form.

22. The scent dispensing system of claim 1, wherein said scent dispensing means comprises at least one scent source provided as a replaceable cartridge.

23. The scent dispensing system of claim 1, wherein said system provides different scents or a combination of scents depending on the following factors: a. the number of said scent sources comprising scent; b. the length of use; c. the type of scent dispensing means; and d. the type of ventilating system and the type of force of operation.

24. The scent dispensing system of claim 1, wherein said system provides different scent intensities of different rotation speeds of fans forming said ventilating system.

25. The scent dispensing system of claim 1, wherein said system can be time set to operate at a specific hour, and for a duration of time.

26. The scent dispensing system of claim 1, wherein said software comprises: a normal setup, wherein operating parameters are pre-set; and a manual setup, wherein operating parameters are entered manually, as desired.

27. The scent dispensing system of claim 1, wherein said scent dispensing means is integrated with visualization means, such as clips, presentations, movies and games.

28. The scent dispensing system of claim 1, wherein said scent dispensing means is configured within a stand-alone housing.

29. The scent dispensing system of claim 1, wherein said scent dispensing means is configured as part of existing structures, such as computer peripherals and the like.

30. The scent dispensing system of claim 1, wherein said system is integrated in game consoles for example: play station, Nintendo, other computer games", products, simulators and the like, in order to create maximal user experience.

31. A scent dispensing device for providing a scented environment from scent producing material, wherein said scent dispensing device has at least one scent source, and comprises: a ventilating system creating friction with said scent-producing material, and a driver means connected to said ventilating system and configured to operate with computer means, wherein said ventilating system operates in response to a computer control command, thereby providing a controlled scent.

2. A scent dispensing system for providing a scented environment in a vehicle from scent- producing materials, comprising: scent dispensing means having one or more scent sources, wherein said scent dispensing means comprises: at least one fan creating friction with said scent-producing material, and an electronic card with integral software so that a plurality of fans may operate separately or together, said scent dispensing means controlling operation of said fans, thereby providing a controlled scent.