Malaysia _ Agencies
The sense of smell is one of the most exciting senses, and people may soon be able to send all kinds of scents in online chats, especially in messaging and dating applications.
Researchers from the Institute "Imagineering estitut" in Malaysia have developed a "digital odor " technique, which may allow the user to send an array of odors over the Internet.
Adrian Shiok, one of the researchers involved in the development of this technique, told the site "NBC news": "It is not only the smell, it is part of a virtual reality integrated or augmented reality ", explaining: "For example, you can get a virtual dinner with your friend online, and you can see it Triple-dimensional, and share a glass of wine. "
Odors are usually transmitted by airborne particles, which enter the nose, but in this new system, researchers used electrodes in the nostrils to provide weak electric currents, which in turn stimulate the nerve cells that nourish the brain with many odors.
During the tests conducted on 31 participants, the team was able to evoke 10 different virtual scents, including fruits, wood and mint.
While this technique is by no means practical, researchers suggest that it can be adapted in the future to become more usable.
Dr. Shiok added: "The next stage is to produce it in a more controlled way, and this will allow people to develop programs and products to generate an electric scent."
In terms of practical uses, researchers believe that a "digital odor" technique can someday be used in cinemas to give viewers a more enjoyable experience in watching movies.
