Droplet formation analysis for multi-component olfactory display using inkjet devices

Olfactory display delivers the olfactory sensation to the user by reproducing different odors, by blending odor components, thus allowing a multisensory experience in a variety of applications, including virtual reality, gaming, and multimedia. This study introduces a multichannel olfactory display constituting an electroosmotic (EO) pump and inkjet device as the dispensing unit for odor components. The Inkjet device is capable of ejecting very minute amounts of liquid (in picolitres), thus enhancing the overall dynamic range for odor blending. Since inkjet devices lack the presence of any valve, the EO pump voltage needs to be carefully adjusted for proper flow of the odor components leading to proper dispensing. Thus, this work emphasizes on the stability assessment of the channels and optimization for the proper working of the olfactory display.