Development of a Heat-Driven-Type MEMS Olfactory Display

An olfactory display is necessary for effective multimodal information communication. The relatively large size of current olfactory displays does not support integration with other information devices. Thus, in this study, a heat-driven-type microelectromechanical system (MEMS) olfactory display that is only a few square centimeters in size and, thus, suitable for integration, is proposed. The olfactory display was fabricated by implementing a microfabrication process, and the fundamental driving conditions for the heater and valve were confirmed. Furthermore, a perfume diffusion experiment was conducted to characterize the olfactory display. The diffusion of the perfume was successfully synchronized with the open/close time of the valve.