Designing Your Scenting System

What Scenting System Do You Need?

There are multiple factors to consider when selecting a scent generator. The relationship to participants, the size of the space, the immediacy required for delivery, whether delivery is indoors or outdoors, the method of control, the duration of activation, the natural airflow in the environment and whether complimentary technologies are required.

Scenting Systems by SensoryCo

SensoryCo scenting systems cover a wide range of spaces, from small to large, indoors and outdoors, with the ability to target scent delivery to a specific location or diffuse aromas into the background. We also offer a range of control options from simple “on” and “off” or interfacing to external systems such as 4D theater, AV or show controls, through an open interface. Whatever your needs, SensoryCo has a system that can be perfectly tailored to your environment. Use the chart below to help determine which system or systems you will need for your next project.

Scenting System Comparison Chart

Proximity to Audience the relationship to participants is a determining factor in selecting a system. There are interactions in enclosed gaming platforms or museum exhibits (Close Up) where the audience is in very close proximity to scent delivery, within 1-3 feet / 1 meter. Whereas scent delivery could originate across a small room 3-10 feet / 1 – 3 meters (Moderate) or from even further away (Far).

Size of Space the Size of Space is closely related to Proximity but not always. This is related mostly to the volume of fill. The gaming platform above is an example of a Very Small space, a classroom sized room an example of a Small space, and a theater or concert venue an example of a Large Space.

Application we categorize our Applications as either Triggered or Ambient. A Triggered application is a scent experience where the scent is activated based on an action like the push of a button, a motion detector, or a AV control system.

Environment there are obvious differences between Indoor, Outdoor (or even Semi-enclosed) spaces. Factors to consider are temperature, air exchange and air flow patterns. Contact the SensoryCo design team for assistance.

Control SensoryCo offers a variety of control options from simple on/off operation (Manual) to remote control using our Relay or DMX interfaces.

Time On most Triggered applications have limited timed activations but not always. We view Limited Time On as a few seconds to a few minutes per cycle, Moderate Time On as several minutes per cycle and Long Time On as hours per cycle.

Delivery the majority of SensoryCo systems use dry air delivery (non-atomized scents). Our SmXT1 Large Space delivery system is the exception. The SmXT1 uses a highly concentrated sub-micron atomization that is extremely dry and virtually eliminates the fallout that you may experience from other scent atomizers.

Complimentary Tech the majority of SensoryCo systems are also self contained; meaning they deliver scent into a space without the need for any complimentary technologies. The SmXT1 is the exception where a distribution fan may be recommended depending on use.

Scent Design

Aromas also move and act naturally in a space. They are perceived right away but perception of a scent or fragrance is diminished over time. There is competition between individual smells. So whether a scent is subtle or invasive will factor into a design and timing of delivery as well. The bottom line is that design may be as important as choosing the right scent system. So before finalizing a design contact our scent design team to discuss your options.

If you are involved in training and simulation spaces and are interested in more odors and malodors visit the SensoryCo Training & Simulation Web Site.