The Digital Scents (DIGITS) research project develops a system prototype that measures scents by an electric noeNose and transforms them into digits. The scents can then be reproduced by using a carefully controlled self-learning scent synthesizer. In the future, synthesized scents can be perceived by people and even other machines around the world with digital communication networks.
The research lays the ground for developing systems that are able to transmit olfactory perceptions and experiences in real time everywhere in the world.
The project represents a new kind of human-technology interface and interface development with significant potential effects. Introducing scents in the predominantly audio-visual communication culture will diversify the use of communication networks.
Goal
In the future, synthesized scents can be perceived by people and even other machines around the world with the help of a digital communications network. The research lays the ground for developing systems that are able to transmit olfactory perceptions and experiences in real time everywhere in the world. The project represents a new kind of human-technology interface and interface development with significant potential effects. Introducing scents in the predominantly audio-visual communications culture will diversify the use of communications networks.
The implementation is based on interdisciplinary research covering chemical sensing, microfluidics, machine learning, psychology, interactive technology, and company collaboration. The work will cover the research, development, integration of sensor and actuator technology, and human testing of the system. The Academy of Finland is funding the project.
Funding source
Academy of Finland, The Finnish Cultural Foundation
Contact persons
Veikko Surakka
Professor
veikko.surakka [at] uta.fi
+358 40 557 3265