Literature Review on Machine Olfaction

This assignment requires a comprehensive review of literature focusing on machine olfaction. It delves into the evolution of this field, examining various techniques and technologies employed in artificial olfaction. The review also analyzes the diverse applications of machine olfaction across domains like healthcare, food science, and environmental monitoring. Finally, it discusses emerging trends and future prospects for this rapidly developing technology.

XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY 1
XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY
By (Student's Name)
Course
Instructor
Institution
City and State
Date

XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY 2
Letter of Transmittal
Jogman Smith,
Head of Extension Unit program,
XYZ Social Media Firm,
Califonia M 2098,
September, 1st 2017.
Dr. Wismith Brown,
XYZ Social Media Research Program,
209 Boston.
Califonia V 2010
Dear Winsmith,
I submit herewith a proposal in support of research program entitled "Digital Smell
Technology” to be performed under mu counsel in Havard University’s Computer laboratory.
I am requesting $ 98000 funding for a period 5th September 2017-5th October 2018.
This project will enhance the growth of our firm by generating a 40% increment in its capital
and market share.
Thank you.

XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY 3
XYZ Digital Smell Technology
Executive summary
The aim of this study is to investigate how different digital smell technology impact users
emotions. This paper seeks to answer the question how different types of smells impact users’
pages. In doing so, it will establish the evolution of digital smell, hardware devices, Ismell
applications, effects of digital smells on different sites, review principles associated to smell
technology, give limitations, and significance of using sent in marketing.
Keywords: digital smell technology, technology, marketing

XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY 4
Table of Contents
Executive summary................................................................................................................................3
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................5
Background of the Study........................................................................................................................5
Research Question and Objective..........................................................................................................5
Literature Review...................................................................................................................................6
Evolution of digital scent technology.................................................................................................6
Application of fragrance technology in marketing.............................................................................7
Research Methodology and Design (s)...................................................................................................8
Research design..................................................................................................................................8
Descriptive research design............................................................................................................8
Sample unit and sampling methodology............................................................................................9
Sampling Design.............................................................................................................................9
Sample Size.....................................................................................................................................9
Discussion about data......................................................................................................................10
Interviews.....................................................................................................................................10
Questionnaires.............................................................................................................................10
Applications......................................................................................................................................11
How scent appeals to emotions.......................................................................................................11
Effects of digital smell on various sites................................................................................................12
Setbacks of scent technology...............................................................................................................12
Significance of digital smell technology................................................................................................13
Ethical considerations..........................................................................................................................13
Data Analysis and Presentation............................................................................................................14
Validity and reliability.......................................................................................................................14
Limitations of the study........................................................................................................................15
Summary..............................................................................................................................................15
Bibliography.........................................................................................................................................16

XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY 5
Introduction
The scent technology traces its origin in early1950s however it is still under process to find its way
in various markets to improve the economic and social well-being of the people across the globe. It
is the less traveled Avenue despite various attempts by olfactory manufacturers and retailers to find
a perfect smell to boost their sales. This study will establish effective methods to create awareness,
persuade, convince, inform and remind the consumers about scent products offered by different
producers and firms.
Background of the Study
Distinctively, the specific objectives of this paper are to assess the impact of smells on
emotional appeal and memory, to determine how smell is transmitted via the internet, and to
establish how digital scent technology impacts marketing. The target population comprises of
600 people with the likelihood of embracing digital smell technology making up a sample of
60 people under age brackets of 15-65 years. Survey method is to be adopted to qualify the
study outcomes. Simple random sampling technique is preferably advocated for to help in
selecting the participants. Data will be generated using questionnaires and analyzed
quantitatively through graphs, pie charts, and tables. The validity and reliability of this
research will be established by pretesting formulated questionnaires before the study1. Ethics
will entail honesty, confidentiality, the willingness of participation, and protection of sources.
1 Canal, C. and Idani, A., 2011. Software Engineering and Formal Methods. PP 20-25

XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY 6
Research Question and Objective
This paper seeks to find out how different types of smells impact users emotions. Specifically,
the following objectives shall be taken into account to come up with answers with regards to
the scent technology2.
i. To assess the impact of smells on emotional appeal and memory.
ii. To determine how smell is transmitted via the internet.
iii. To establish how digital smell technology affects marketing.
To meet the above stated aims of the study, the below research questions will help us achieve the
objective:
i. How different types of smells impact emotional appeal and memory?
ii. How is smell transmitted through the internet?
iii. What are the effects of digital smell technology to marketing?
iv. How does different digital smell technology impact user’s emotions?
v. Does online communication indulge the senses of and hearing and sight?
vi. Who is the main contributor of digital smell technology?
vii. What are the principles of application smell technologies?
viii. How is fragrance technology applied in marketing?
ix. How does scent appeal to emotions?
x. What are the different types of marketing used in reaching the target audience?
2 Pearce, T. 2003. Handbook of machine olfaction. Weinheim [Germany]: Wiley-VCH.
PP
400-457

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Literature Review
Online communications are well known for indulging only two senses; sight and hearing. The
paradigm shift in online communication shows that evolution in the digital space is embracing the
scent technology which supports the sense of smell using the nose. This new technology supports
an e-nose application that receives and transmits smell through the internet3. The DigiScents
media company has been sported as a major contributor of digital scent though iSmell technology
that broadcasts scents from the web.
Evolution of digital scent technology
Digital scent technology deals with transmission and receiving scent enabled digital media such as
web pages, movies, video games, and music among others. The scent technology came into
existence during 1950’s where Hans Laube invented a smell-O- vision system that released odor
during film projection to enable the viewers “smell” what was happening in the movie. Later, Hans
inventory faced stiff competition from Charles Weiss who invented the AromaRama system which
emitted scents through air conditioning system in theatres. Since then other scent technologies
have evolved with the invention of iSmell, Pinoke, Scent Dome, Kaori Web, XML Smell, and
P@D Aroma Generator among others4. These scent technologies aim at offering digital smell
solutions to websites, theatres, TVs, and phones.
3 Garner, C., Bolfek-Radovani, J., Fogg, H., Riedel, J., Ternouth, P., Briscoe, G., Dima,
M.,
Shiach, M. and Virani, T., 2014. London creative and digital fusion.
4 Zolait, A. 2013. Technology diffusion and adoption. Hershey, Pa.: IGI Global (701 E.
Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, Pennsylvania, 17033, USA).pp. 110-123.

XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY 8
Smell technology principles
Sensitivity: It is the core principle under which the e-nose technology works. The artificial
nose works through different sensitivity patterns to distinguish different odors.
Sensing a deodorant: This principle demands that a deodorant to be detected and recorded
before delivering a signal to the processing unit. For example smell, a device used to emit gas
via the computer to produce scent and synthesize it.
Application of fragrance technology in marketing
Scent marketing just as any marketing aims at increasing awareness, selling the brand and
change the loyalties of potential clients. There are different types of scent marketing with each
playing a different role to the target audience. These are as discussed below;
Aroma billboard smell: Aroma billboard smell is the most vibrant scent technology that
contains a scent statement to customers. It is well known to customers due to its trademark in
coffee Starbucks5. The smell is perceived as part of customer experience and a source of
attraction towards a given brand.
Thematic smell: This complements the decor or purpose of a distinctive place. For instance,
the vanilla smell in a beauty spars or resort.
Ambient smell: This type of smell is subtle and creates an atmosphere. To some extent, this
scent is used to cover unpleasant odors.
5 Pearce, T. 2013. Handbook of machine olfaction. Weinheim [Germany]: Wiley-VCH.PP
250
255

XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY 9
Signature smell: This type of smell is exclusive to big brand names for purposes of creating a
brand image. The targets associate this smell with their favorite brands and its representation.
For example, Ivory smell used in high-end shoe represents luxury and wealthy lifestyle.
Research Methodology and Design (s)
Since the study contains elements that can be measured and analyzed. Therefore both qualitative
and quantitative research methods will be embraced. Survey will be used to measure the variables
under study6. This method is most useful in areas where time and resources matter. It is the best
approach since only a specified study area will be chosen and desired characteristics as guided by
the research objectives taken to scale to find an accurate outcome. Similar characteristics will be
perceived common among all the represented population and regions since most people share
tastes and preferences. The target population will comprise of teenagers under the age bracket of
15-20, youths from 21- 35 years, middle age ranging from 36-55 years, and finally the aging
population from 56- 65years with a view of establishing the contributions digital scent technology.
Research design
Descriptive research design
A research design is a plan conceived to obtain answers to research questions. It provides a
framework for planning and conducting a study. There are various approaches to research design,
and they include: exploratory, descriptive and explanatory. This paper settled on descriptive
6 Angst, C.M., Agarwal, R., Sambamurthy, V. and Kelley, K., 2010. Social contagion and
information technology diffusion: the adoption of electronic medical records in US
hospitals. Management Science, 56(8), pp.1219-1241.

XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY 10
research design to collect data, test hypothesis and answer questions concerning the current study7.
This design is efficient since it will help XYZ to evaluate conditions and attitudes through
observation and interpretation techniques. The descriptive design also focuses on human contexts,
therefore, it shall portray accurate, current facts through data collection for a testing hypothesis to
conclude the study. The data to be collected shall be both textual and statistical therefore
qualifying this design since it allows analysis of behavior, characteristics, and attitudes of a
particular group. It is suitable since it allows easy understanding of individuals and groups actions
within a given context.
Sample unit and sampling methodology
Sampling Design
The sampling technique to be used is stratified random sampling. The researcher should use
simple random sampling to establish the number of respondents from each sub group. This
entails picking correspondents randomly from the target population. This method is suitable
since it ensures that every element in the population has an equal and independent chance of
being included in the sample.
Sample Size
A sample is a sub set, sub unit, or section of the whole population selected by the researcher
for observation and analysis. The sample makes it possible for the researcher to survey an
entire population in depth. The researcher will select a few elements from the population for
7 Burdon, R., Parachnowitsch, A. and Thomson, J. 2016. The Ecology of Floral Signals in
Penstemon digitalis. Uppsala: Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis.pp 220-256

XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY 11
the study and the findings to be implemented to the whole population as shown in the table
below.
Population Categories Targets Populations Sample Size Percentages %
Teenagers 240 24 40
Youths 160 16 27
Middle age 180 18 30
Aging population 20 2 3
Totals 600 60 100
Table 3.1: Sample Size (Source: Author, 2017)
Discussion about data
Data collection is gathering empirical evidence to gain new insights about a situation and answer
questions that prompt undertaking of the research. They include questionnaires, interviews, focus
groups, observations, and census. The study shall embrace the following;
Interviews
One on one interview should be conducted between the researcher and some of the
correspondents8. This will enable the researcher to obtain qualitative data and allow
clarification of any unclear information. Given that the interview is in person, the researcher
will create a good rapport with the interviewee hence more accurate data. Cases of
inconsistence from participants should equally be addressed accordingly. Significantly, the
researcher will observe the correspondents and obtained important characteristics as per the
research guidelines9.
8 Canal, C. and Idani, A., 2011. Software Engineering and Formal Methods. PP 20-25

XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY 12
Questionnaires
Semi structured questionnaires will be used to meet the objectives of the study. Data is
expected to qualitative and quantitative. The questionnaires will be open-ended to allow the
respondents freedom as well as the researcher to obtain more information seemingly not
captured during the interview. However, some closed ended questions are to be used to ensure
the research gets its objectivity and gather demographic information and other statistical data.
Questionnaires will be useful in establishing the number of people who hold certain beliefs on
digital scent technology on:
Smell hardware: Digital scent technology is about transmission and receiving scent enabled
digital media such as web pages, movies, video games, and music among others. This scent
technology includes a series of events and processes that pass through smell hardware
devices. The commonly used smell hardware devices include iSmell, scenography, and
sensors. Each device play a role in transmitting scent via internet as follows;
Ismell: This device connects to a computer through the USB port. The device uses cartridges
that allow it to read a digital scent file and waftinto the air through a small fan.
Scentography: Scentography permits integration of scents with the digital media such as
DVDs, games, and websites. It allows users to enrich their webpages.
Sensors: Different sensors such as optical fibres are used to sense scent and process it.
9 Lunceford, B., 2013. Telepresence and the ethics of digital cheating. Explorations in
Media
Ecology, 12(1-2), pp.7-26.

XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY 13
Applications
Cheok argues that the scent technology uses various applications to perform various functions
ranging from; sending scented emails, watching scented DVDs, sampling perfumes from beauty
products websites, and smelling freshly brewed coffee on online stores. The applications are
categorically placed into three. These are;
Educative application: Gilbert, 2015 argues out that this application package aims at
teaching subjects such as sciences, History, and Geography.
Entertainment application: The scent makes music and games
Medical use: Aromatherapy is an excellent example of a scented medical application that
helps to cure diseases by smelling various scents. For example, brain disorders.
How scent appeals to emotions
Smell evokes memories and emotions. Memories and emotions may be pleasant or unpleasant
experiences. For example, a good smell from a beach instantaneously causes nostalgia for good
times and pleasant vocational memories. Senses such as sight, touch, taste, and sight are not
instant though they can trigger memories and emotions as well10. This is because they have to
travel to the cognitive receptors first before evoking a response. Smell is a subconscious effect and
triggers an impulsive reaction from the target audience such as buyers. Most businesses are
embracing the smell technology to brand and market their products.
10 Salkind, N. 2010. Encyclopedia of research design. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage.pp 400
450.

XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY 14
Effects of digital smell on various sites
Theatre. Virtual theaters work under the principle of virtual reality. For example, a movie
where an action of a burning tire takes place, viewers are not only limited to seeing the tire
burning but also smell the burning tire through scent filled in the theater.
Television. The quality of pictures and sound is heightened thereby increasing the urge of
watching the television. This attracts more viewership.
Internet. DigiScents technology adds a new dimension in e-commerce and entertainment. For
example, adding scent to a movie, online advertising, and interactive games are the possible
outcomes of smell technology11.
Email . Scent enabled emails to allow users to engulf a sense of reality which increases their
interaction level with a mutual sense of closeness. For example, the scent technology allows
families and friends to bond through celebration messages such as birthday wishes where a
card with music and a dozen of roses with smell can be sent electronically.
Setbacks of scent technology
Cost. The cost is likely to be high. Home computer users may find it unreasonable to pay high
price tags for the luxurious and sniffing websites
Much commitments. Digital scent technology is immature therefore requires committed
partnership and reasonable investment schemes to customize the results for companies and
businesses that use smell to brand their products and services12.
11 Shiach, M. and Virani, T., 2014. London creative and digital fusion.

XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY 15
Highly subjective. Smells are highly subjective making it risky and complex when it comes to
gender and cultural appropriateness. Therefore the scent should be congruent to the message
or business attached to it. If not checked, it can harm the business and people as well. The
choice of smell plays a huge role in the successfulness of the campaign since clients are more
likely to respond by their expectations.
Significance of digital smell technology
Readily available materials/ availability of facilities. The scent cartridges contain natural
materials which are easily accessible through supermarkets, cosmetic shops, food and
beverages, and garden squares among others.
Smell protection. The iSmell is designed in a way that the scent is well protected from the
source to the end user, therefore, it cannot be tempered with in whatsoever manner. It is,
therefore, more reliable and not prone to damage as it is in the case of variation in human
beings. The e-nose is equally portable and reliable.
Ethical considerations
The study should be conducted in accordance with the declaration of Research Institute.
Participation should be on free will basis. Sources should be allowed maximum freedom to
give solicited information with regards to the study objectives. Additionally, they should be
12 Obrist, M., Tuch, A.N. and Hornbaek, K., 2014, April. Opportunities for odor:
experiences
with smell and implications for technology. In Proceedings of the 32nd annual ACM
conference on Human factors in computing systems (pp. 2843-2852). ACM.

XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY 16
well protected from harm by maintaining the confidentiality of information sourced from
them. A backup system should be created to ensure the information is protected against loss
and manipulation. However, the correspondents should also be given a chance to give their
opinions, thoughts, and ideas by designing open ended questionnaires13.
Data Analysis and Presentation
Data analysis is the process of systematically searching, arranging, organizing, and breaking
data into manageable units, synthesizing the data, searching for a pattern, discovering what is
important and what is to be learned. The findings of XYZ Company should be presented in
figures, pie-chart diagrams, and tables. Percentages would equally be calculated to access
different characteristics such as the number of people who own computers, staffing, resources
and others. After that, brief explanations should follow to describe the numerical figures
obtained.
Validity and reliability
Reliability is the degree to which an assessment tool and produces give stable and consistent
results. The study should, therefore, use parallel forms to measure safety. The questionnaires will
be guided by research questions and be pre-tested to ascertain the suitability of the tool before the
actual administration. This will help to detect weakness in design and instrumentation and
provided proxy data for selection of a probability sample. Pre-testing should be done by
administering the questionnaire to 10 respondents not included in the actual study. This will enable
the researcher to fine tune the survey for objectivity and efficiency of the process. The
13 Pearce, T. 2013. Handbook of machine olfaction. Weinheim [Germany]: Wiley-VCH.PP
250-255

XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY 17
questionnaire should take approximately twenty minutes to fill14. Equally, repetitive elements and
characteristics across the correspondence should be noted to gauge the reliability of the research.
These may include; costs, market perceptions, and technological level about smell technology.
Limitations of the study
The study is likely to be limited regarding specified timeframe. This will push the researcher
into many tasks to come up with reliable data and meet the deadline. Some sources may also
be having busy schedules and finding them may be a little bit strenuous delaying the process.
The researcher should, therefore, set appointments with the sources before the exercise.
Summary
Concisely, the scent technology through digital smell is a revolutionary high-tech system that
has a better position within the market sphere. Human beings are highly attracted to scents.
The sense of smell is a powerful tool in transmitting memories and emotions thus a good
marketing strategy for XYZ. The company should, therefore, use high-tech systems with
standby software engineers before reaching out to its target clients. The management should
do a cost analysis to establish the overall cost regarding human resources, material cost,
system installation, training among others. Conducting a SWOT analysis would also help
XYZ to establish its position within the market, singling out its strengths, weaknesses,
opportunity, and threats. Being a social network, XYZ should consider some issues needed to
collect its data. These issues are not only limited to the sources but also a legal framework,
demographics, technological aspects, and environmental issues.
14 Burdon, R., Parachnowitsch, A. and Thomson, J. 2016. The Ecology of Floral Signals in
Penstemon digitalis. Uppsala: Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis.pp 220-256

XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY 18
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Angst, C.M., Agarwal, R., Sambamurthy, V. and Kelley, K., 2010. Social contagion and
information technology diffusion: the adoption of electronic medical records in US
hospitals. Management Science, 56(8), pp.1219-1241.

XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY 19
Burdon, R., Parachnowitsch, A. and Thomson, J. 2016. The Ecology of Floral Signals in
Penstemon digitalis. Uppsala: Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis.pp 220-256
Canal, C. and Idani, A., 2011. Software Engineering and Formal Methods. PP 20-25
Garner, C., Bolfek-Radovani, J., Fogg, H., Riedel, J., Ternouth, P., Briscoe, G., Dima, M.,
Shiach, M. and Virani, T., 2014. London creative and digital fusion.
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XYZ DIGITAL SMELL TECHNOLOGY 20
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