Abstract
This article discusses the use of prototypes of various technological devices to use odor sensory channel for higher immersion in virtual reality environments. Based on the results of research conducted by the teachers and students center of Usability and Mixed Reality at ITMO University, a prototype of a device for transmitting odors was developed. The article presents the concept and technological scheme of this device. The developed hardware and software complex consist of special platform based on a microcontroller (Arduino Nano) and a control device. The control device was built on the architecture of ARM, with the possibility of wireless connection. To control the air flow and odor supply from the tanks, it was selected a water pump, connections to the tanks is provided by with the help of special valves with a crane. In addition, for this software and hardware complex, a special three-dimensional location was modeled, as well as the design of the backpack and the scheme for its attachment.
Highlights
In the work "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life ", Charles Darwin stated, that natural selection acted for the benefit of every being, so the physical and mental qualities tended to develop in the direction of perfection [1].Applying this statement in the aspect of technologies of virtual and augmented reality, it is possible to presume that developing these technologies, we strive for the most complete (“perfect”) existence in cyber reality, both mentally and physically
Means that when we put on a virtual reality headset, we isolate ourselves from the real world and completely immerse ourselves in the computer reality
The first and main channels of transition from reality to the virtual world were visual and audio channels. This already allows the partial destruction of the “fourth wall” through the relative realism of virtual locations. An example of this in virtual reality is the dualism of the user, on the one hand he can stay himself projecting his mental reflection into the computer world, or on the other hand he can try on the role of a character with specific qualities that may contradict the user, but he is ready to accept the rules of the game [2]
Summary
In the work "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life ", Charles Darwin stated, that natural selection acted for the benefit of every being, so the physical and mental qualities tended to develop in the direction of perfection [1]. Technological and social aspects of this problem, the staff of the Center of Usability and Mixed Reality at ITMO University, together with the students of the Faculty of Software Engineering and Computer Systems, set themselves the task of creating a prototype device for transmitting odors while the user is in environments of virtual reality. The mask attaches to the viewer’s face and to one of the virtual reality headsets, and a scent generator with nine individual aroma capsules releases odors into the nose area (simulates hundreds of smells) This device comes with the Feelreal SDK, which allows developers to add various individual scents to their projects. A special fixed tube connects the prototype, placed in a backpack, to the device that sprays odors on the headset, which does not affect the weight and center of gravity of any virtual reality headset used. Figure. 8 presents a developed model of the scene with special locations for concentration of smell in high tech style
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