Enhancement of virtual reality effect using fragrance

Abstract: A simulation apparatus includes a headset 6 for receiving three-dimensional computer graphics from a computer control module 2 and means for providing an aromagas to the headset 6 in a controlled manner.

Description: The present invention relates to simulation apparatus and in particular to apparatus found in "virtual reality" technology. Virtual reality systems usually consist of a computer control module, a headset worn by a user and a joy stick and/or sensitive gloves. Three-dimensional computer graphics are projected inside the headset and produce a pre selected view of, for example, a race track. Computerised vehicles move along the track and their speed and direction can be controlled by movements of the joy stick/gloves. The view can be changed with every movement of the users headset or joy stick/gloves. It is also known to fit the headset with a stereo system so that movements of the headset can alter the volume and direction of sound to simulate the noise of a vehicle as it moves along a race track. In an article entitled "Three-dimensional navigation using five senses by G.Allport published on 26 th September, 1991 there is disclosed a virtual reality system which includes the production of smells to simulate the real world. However, there is no detail as to how the smell or smells are produced and delivered to the user or how the smells are controlled. US Patent No 4952024 describes a virtual reality apparatus which include a headset to which smells can be delivered which smells emanate from scent pallets. French Patent application 2597190 discloses a simulation apparatus in which the aromagas comprises an ingredient or ingredients for creating the smell or fragrance dissolved in a solvent and stored under pressure in a gas cylinder. A solenoid valve is provided for computer controlled release of the aromagas. It is an aim of the present invention to enhance the reality of the "virtual reality" effect by delivering one or more smells or fragrances in a controlled manner to the headset or other computer graphics signal receiving means. According to the present invention, a simulation apparatus includes a computer control module (2), receiving means for receiving three-dimensional computer graphics from said computer control module and means for providing a smell or fragrance in the form of an aromagas at the receiving means, which is characterised by comprising a solenoid valve (12) and in that the aromagas is initially contained in a cylinder under pressure, the flow of aroma gas from the cylinder towards the receiving means being controlled by the solenoid valve which is operated at pre-selected intervals and for pre-selected durations by a signal or signals from the computer control module. Preferably, the means for receiving three-dimensional computer graphics is a headset. Preferably, the aromagas consists of a particular ingredient for creating the smell or fragrance dissolved in a solvent and stored under pressure in a gas cylinder, a gas line is provided in fluid communication between the gas cylinder and the headset and a solenoid valve controls the release of the aromagas from the cylinder to the headset. In a preferred embodiment the solenoid valve is operated at preselected intervals and preselected durations by signals emanating from the computer control module. An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, reference being made to the Figure of the accompanying diagrammatic drawing which is a schematic view of a simulator apparatus. As shown a simulator apparatus for use as a "virtual reality" computerised entertainment system comprises a computer control module 2 connected by means of a control cable 4 in a manner known per se to a headset 6. Arranged in parallel with the control cable 4 for at least a portion of its length is an aromagas line 10 in the form of a tube having a small bore, for example, 20 gauge bore said tube extending from a gas cylinder 8 to the headset 6. The gas cylinder 8 contains under high pressure, in the order of 50 bar, an active ingredient, that is, a substance which on release from the cylinder 8 will create the desired smell/fragrance dissolved in a solvent, for example, carbon dioxide and alcohol and is herein referred to as the "aromagas". The flow of the aromagas from the cylinder 8 is controlled by a liquid/gas solenoid valve 12. As shown, there is provided a control cable 13 extending from the solenoid valve to the computer control module 2. Also in flow communication with the aromagas line 10 is an air line 14 extending from an air compressor 16. In use, during a "virtual reality" game, according to the programme being operated, at selected intervals and for selected durations the computer control module 2 will send a signal or signals to the solenoid valve 12 to allow a bolus of aromagas to leave the cylinder 8, enter the aromagas line 10 and flow towards the headset 6. At a preselected interval after each bolus has reached the headset 6 air under pressure from the air compressor 16 flows through the air line 14, and aromagas line 10 to purge the aromagas from the line 10 and eventually the headset 6. For safety reasons, there are limits to the duration of smell "boluses", that is to say the size of bolus will be limited so that the player could not be asphyxiated and there will also be controls as to the frequency of such boluses. This may be done through a timer override device to ensure that the boluses of aromagas arrive at the headset, for example, at an interval of one per minute. Although reference has been made in the above described embodiment to one gas cylinder containing aromagas, it is envisaged that a range of smells and fragrances could be provided to the headset 6 by means of a plurality of gas cylinders 8. A small computer control unit would be provided to operate the solenoid valve of each gas cylinder 8 at a predetermined time to ensure that the appropriate smell arrived at the headset at the appropriate time. Each gas cylinder 8 would have its own aromagas line each taking a separate fragrance to the headset. In this embodiment the air purge would then entrain via a venturi device each bolus of aromagas as required. Alternatively, a single hose line would connect with the headset attached to the electrical control cable 4 and the various boluses of aromagas gas would follow each other up the hose as demanded and these could be placed under pressure by means of the air line 14. Although reference has been made to virtual reality games it is envisaged that this system of supplying a headset with aromagas could be applied to more serious training situations where, for example, flight simulation is used to train pilots.

Claims: A simulation apparatus including a computer control module (2), receiving means (6) for receiving three-dimensional computer graphics from said computer control module (2) and means for providing a smell or fragrance in the form of an aromagas at the receiving means (6), characterised by comprising a solenoid valve (12) and in that the aromagas is initially contained in a cylinder under pressure, the flow of aromagas from the cylinder towards the receiving means (6) being controlled by the solenoid valve (12) which is operated at pre-selected intervals and for pre-selected durations by a signal or signals from the computer control module (2). A simulation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the aromagas comprises an ingredient or ingredients for creating the smell or fragrance dissolved in a solvent and stored under pressure in the cylinder (8), and in that an aromagas line (10) is produced for fluid communication between the cylinder (8) and the receiving means (6) the solenoid valve (12) being located in the aroma gas line (10). A simulation apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which an air line (14) is provided said air line (14) being in fluid communication between an air compressor (16) and the aromagas line (10) for purging aromagas from the aromagas line and the receiving means (6) at preselected intervals of time. A simulation apparatus as claimed in claim 1,2 or 3, in which a plurality of gas cylinders are provided each containing a different aromagas each being connected by an individual aromagas line to the headset. A simulation apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which a solenoid valve is associated with each aromagas cylinder said solenoids being operated by a computer control unit such that each aromagas arrives at the receiving means (6) at a preselected time and remains there for a preselected interval of time. A simulation apparatus as claimed in claims 4 or 5, in which each aromagas cylinder is connected to the receiving means 6 by means of a single hose line.

Inventors: SHERVINGTON EVELYN ARTHUR, SHERVINGTON, EVELYN ARTHUR
Applicants: BOC GROUP PLC, THE BOC GROUP PLC
Application year: 1995
Main classification: A63F9
IPC codes: A63F13, A61L9, G09B9, G06F3, F17C7