Introduction:
The virtual reality (VR) experience is constantly evolving and advancing. While VR provides an incredibly immersive experience for users, there’s one missing component – scent. While ScentVR offers a solution for this, there are also alternative methods for adding smells to your VR experience without using ScentVR. One major drawback is that you are limited to the scope of smell you can provide (usually one) and you can quickly become accustomed to the smells. ScentVR provides 6 scents at realistic intervals and varying strengths to prove a much more real-world experience.
What is an Essential Oil Diffuser?
Essential oil diffusers are devices that spread a mist of water mixed with essential oils into the air. These diffusers come in different shapes and sizes and can be used to add a variety of smells to your VR setup.
Types of Essential Oil Diffusers:
- Ultrasonic Diffusers
- Nebulizing Diffusers
- Evaporative Diffusers
Ultrasonic Diffusers:
Ultrasonic diffusers use high-frequency vibration to turn the essential oil and water mixture into a fine mist. These diffusers are easy to use, quiet, and affordable.
Nebulizing Diffusers:
Nebulizing diffusers use a small nebulizing pump to convert essential oils into a fine mist. These diffusers are more expensive but provide a stronger and more concentrated scent.
Evaporative Diffusers:
Evaporative diffusers use a fan to blow air through a filter, which diffuses the essential oil into the air. These diffusers are the least expensive option but can be noisy.
How to Choose the Right Essential Oil Diffuser:
When choosing an essential oil diffuser, consider the following factors:
- Scent Strength
- Size of the Room
- Noise Level
- Price
Steps for Adding Smells to VR using Essential Oil Diffusers:
- Choose the Right Essential Oil Diffuser
- Select Essential Oils that Suit your Needs
- Fill the Diffuser with Water
- Add Essential Oils to the Diffuser
- Turn on the Diffuser
- Enjoy the Scent in VR
The “Trick” to Using a Diffuser for VR:
Ready for the best trick/cheat? A fan! Not only just a fan but you need an oscillating fan that varies in direction. This way you will not get a continual flow of smell to your nose, but a short burst at different intervals. If you can do it- a second fan can introduce some randomness as well. This will not be as realistic as ScentVR but it is a vary cheap and achievable alternative with equipment you probably already have at home.
Conclusion:
Incorporating scent into your VR experience is a simple and effective way to enhance the overall immersion. While ScentVR offers a solution for this, there are also alternative methods for adding smells to your VR experience without using ScentVR. Essential oil diffusers are an affordable and easy way to bring scent into your VR setup. Choose the right essential oil diffuser, select the essential oils that suit your needs, fill the diffuser with water, add essential oils, and enjoy the scent in VR.