How many different blends
are possible?
Theoretically, tens of thousand of blends can be produced from
a selection of 16 original component oils when combined in various
proportions, thousands being useful. In the case of a 32 component/note
system these numbers and the potential variations go up wildly.
Notes regarding calculation of useful blends:
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In most cases, blends would composed of less
than six notes, although the system is fully capable of exceeding
this, so blends greater than this number are excluded for
the purpose of establishing usefulness. |
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We have excluded potential combinations that
may not be esthetically pleasing. Some components naturally
combine while others clash. |
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We have eliminated extremely subtle differences
between some blends that only a highly trained nose can detect.
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From the time that a specific blend
is requested, how long does it take a person to smell it? How
long does it take to smell a small change in a existing blend?
Under normal circumstances, by the time the user is ready to
take their next breath, the full force of a new blend has reached
their nose. Actual time ranges from 1 to 1 1/2 seconds at the
designed distance of user to the machine.
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How long do scents last?
The scents normally exist as long as we command them to, and
then dissipate within 5 seconds of a command to stop. Thus, if
we desire to create a forest blend for one minute, we program
it for a just a few seconds less.
Often we desire to have a blend waft in, gently appearing and
disappearing as if in a breeze. We prefer to project scent in
a naturalistic way, as might occur when wandering through a garden,
rather than imposing a strong scent of a single intensity for
a long period, as happens with conventional aroma massage or environmental
fragrancing. The nose remains much more sensitive under subtle
application of scent with variations of intensity and composition.
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How close must a user be to the
system in order to smell it?
Our second-generation portable prototype system is effective
from about 6 inches to three feet; a distance of 18 inches from
an individual is optimum. The system is aimed toward the user's
face from just about any direction in sight of their nose (side,
front, above, etc). Our first prototype, which was built into
the "Multisensory Stimulation System", was optimized
for 6 inches.
The concept is to place scent precisely where it is needed, near
a user's nose, and not throughout a room. This system was designed
to project trace amounts of aromatics to a precise location. Similar
to a laser, which focuses light on a speck across the room, it
lights just the speck, but not the whole room. This personal method
uses very little oil and permits a near instantaneous response
to a command or blending queue. This is also why there is so little
unwanted residue left in the air space.
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Is it possible to make one
that covers a larger area, even a room?
Yes, but this is not the best use of this technology. The blending
ability functions well at any scale, but the time required for
a scent to reach people would be increased significantly (Seconds
become minutes) This could still be satisfying experience, though.
Due to the large amount of coverage within a non-targeted or broad-targeted
space, much more air and oils would be used. A good ventilation
system would be necessary to remove old scents and residue. With
proper design, it is possible to focus the system across a bar
within a nightclub, or a zone within a themed environment.
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Is the aromaComposer a smell Synthesizer?
How is this system different than so call scent synthesizers and
other multi-scent systems, Smell-o-vision type?
The aromaComposer system is not a synthesizer, but rather a "synergizer".
It is not intended in anyway to simulate or synthesize smells
from a series of substances either natural or synthetic, but rather
to automate the process that aromatherapists use in crafting useful
synergies from various pure essential oils and/or absolutes.
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Does this system replace
aromatherapists?
No! On the contrary, this system was designed to extend their
reach. This valuable tool empowers the therapist, enables the
process, and envelops the user in a multisensory environment designed
to touch them in a way they have never before been touched.
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How can aromatherapists
make use of the system, how can they and their patients benefit?
We have taken established/traditional aromatherapy to the next
level, raising the bar, of what is possible.
This system is completely programmable, blending essential oils
& absolutes upon a therapist's command or automatically upon predetermined
queues; accompanying either music and/or guided meditation experiences
recorded onto CD and DVD discs.
Drawing upon the expertise of highly qualified aromatherapists
and other practitioners, preprogrammed experiences (nurturing
environments) will be created for use in complementary therapies
and medicine. These star aromatherapists will be able to share
their best work with thousands of individuals worldwide.
Therapists can create and transmit custom programs (made for
their clients) to treatment centers, spas, and homes of clients
for continued therapy. Records for each client can be stored within
the therapist's own secure computer database. Synergies can be
shared with other professionals for their use or comments via
the Internet. Collaborative efforts may be possible.(See Alpha
Sensory)
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Multisensory Integration
- Can the aromaComposer diffuser be integrated into a more complex
(multisensory) system?
Yes, the aromaComposer system, by itself, can be integrated into
any number of multisensory systems.
In simple forms, the aromaComposer works by itself and in combination
with three-dimensional sound, the optional VibraSonic Chair and,
when desired, with visual display systems. The aromaComposer's
control system is designed to play specially encoded CDs and DVDs
that already have audio, aroma, visual and chair controller data
on them, thus permitting many possible system configurations for
various needs, budgets, and markets. In addition, the aromaComposer's
system controller can be interfaced with computers and biofeedback
devices, and can be adapted to control many other sensory delivery
devices.
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Is the aromaComposer appropriate
for use in Multisensory Environments (MSE's) or for Snoezelen
applications?
"Multisensory research is now an interdisciplinary scientific
field concerned with the neural and psychological mechanisms of
intersensory interaction". The concept of the Multisensory Environment
is now widely accepted as an effective therapy for special needs
populations and for the staff that care for them. Developed from
the Dutch "Snoezelen" concept there are thousands of MSE's worldwide
developing new ways to encourage awareness, exploration, and learning.
As an example, one particular company alone created over 3,000
multisensory environments, into a variety of settings, in 20 countries
including: schools, hospitals, nursing homes, developmental centers,
mental health facilities, autism programs, early childhood programs,
day treatment programs (for both children and adults), group homes,
rehabilitation centers, hospices, and many more.
Our aromaComposer system is vastly superior to and more capable
than anything available within these spaces today. Our new controller
technologies and blending capacity give us a distinct advantage
over others in this field.
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Can I buy or try an aromaComposer system
today?
The aromaComposer is a new technology along with a method of using
that technology, and is not yet commercially available. Two fully
functioning prototypes do exist, both based upon current patents
and numerous trade secrets and both of which are located in Southern
California. Currently, extended research and system testing are
underway, including experimental programming of multisensory environments.
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The public will be able to experience the system in combination
with other multisensory devices at a few selected Spa locations
very soon. These locations will be announced on our website's
"news" page as soon as they are accessible.
Some qualified researchers, aromatherapists and their clients,
engineers and product designers, and industry-marketing consultants
are being given the opportunity to test and evaluate this portable
system currently. The intellectual properties are available for
license by appropriate manufacturers.
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So, what does the future of aromatherapy look
like?
Truly … the sky's the limit!
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