Researchers developing odor recorder

It looks like Japan is leading the way on yet other technology front, first introducing Smell-O-Vision to movie theaters, and now developing an odor recorder that'll let you grab a smell and enjoy it any time you like. The device, developed by engineers at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, works by using 15 chemical-sensing microchips that pick up aromas which it converts into a sort of "digital recipe" that can be reproduced at any time with the help of 96 chemicals that can be mixed, heated, and vaporised at will, resulting in sweet, sweet emissions the human nose can recognize. So far, the researchers say they've replicated the smell of oranges, lemons, apples, bananas, and melons -- even distinguishing between green and red apples. In addition to recording smells for the fun of it, the researchers see the system as a potential boon to online shopping, letting consumers check out fragrances and food before buying them. We're just glad we're not around for the pranks at that laboratory.

[NNTPgrip @ Jun 30th 2006 5:05PM]

Screw recording and playing back. This could be a good detector to see if something stinks. Breath etc. Also, find the smell in the apartment.

[TheBlunderbuss @ Jun 30th 2006 5:12PM]

This seems to have been in development for quite some time.
I remember reading about it 10 years ago, but then again, we're supposed to have flying cars by now.

[Leo @ Jun 30th 2006 6:02PM]

I have to wander what it shows about the internet nowadays when I read about this in this months NewScientist (a printed magazine) before I read this on engadget...

Its pretty cool though, but the chemicals would probably run out quickly and cost a lot.

[NicleT @ Jun 30th 2006 6:36PM]

This is a good news! However, what frighten me more it is the impact of the odors reader.

[dario @ Jun 30th 2006 6:45PM]

"honey, we're out of smells. time to buy a new cartridge for 200$. yay."

woah, cost to keep on smellin will probably be alot. i'd rather enjoy my own odor for free now thank you

[rutsy5 @ Jun 30th 2006 7:27PM]

remember the iSmell anyone? ...anyone?

[shmengie @ Jun 30th 2006 7:52PM]

oh, man...can't wait 'til i'm just fully jacked in. it'll be just like the matrix, but not as cheery.

[bliss @ Jun 30th 2006 9:18PM]

for some reason, this reminds me of the movie "Equilibrium"... creeeeepy.

[bob @ Jun 30th 2006 10:08PM]

it would be cool.

[Dispraiser @ Jul 1st 2006 1:13AM]

3/4 of websites are absolute eyepiss to look at, I almost have to ignore a lot of sites because they're so terrible and ugly. Do scientists really think crappily designed websites, banner ads and porn sites need to grab another sense?

[Jake @ Jul 1st 2006 1:38AM]

Anyone look at the Google Ads for this?

[Maxx @ Jul 1st 2006 1:58AM]

This wouldnt be cool if a hacker made a program that made your smell-o-vision output poison gas....

[Nephlet @ Jul 1st 2006 12:57PM]

Oh great, now all the computers will be saying I smell bad too.

------------------------------------------------------

nephlet; the child of ones nephew. (I will play with my nephlet tomorrow

[voice of reason @ Jul 1st 2006 10:23PM]

i forsee this technology being used in airports to detect bombs and illegal drugs and by police to detect alchohol usage. have you ever seen the movie "blank check"?

[Alex @ Jul 2nd 2006 11:48AM]

Haha, Jake has a point about the google ads for this...That's questionable...But this gave me an idea...how cool would it be to have a noise shaped pc with this shit!? It's like a giant nose! Really! oh I am so high...

[TheWakeUpCall @ Jul 2nd 2006 12:46PM]

Hahaha. The google ads are great. Thanks for pointing that out Jake. Anyway, this is gonna rock! How many years do you reckon it will be until we can download smells?

[qwertyblue @ Jul 3rd 2006 8:50AM]

Is it only me that sees a use for this in the porn industry, you heard it here first!