Why can’t we send scent the way we send sound and images?

Answer

For the transmission of image and audio signals, these are converted into a digital representation (sequence of ones and zeros) after registration in the respective sensors. On the receiving side, these digital representations are then converted into an image and audio signal via image and audio actuators (being the display screen and the loudspeakers). In principle, the same process is therefore possible for odor signals and this has already been demonstrated to a limited extent. A problem with odor signals is the high number of components. Where image and audio signals have only a limited number of components (3 colours, stereo…), this can amount to more than 500 odor components for odor signals if we want to be able to reconstruct all possible perceivable odors. These basic components are similar to the ink cartridges you use with a color printer (typically only four). This makes the sensors and actuators very complex. The actuators must also be provided with the necessary fragrances. The latter in particular is a very expensive affair and a blocking factor for the introduction of, for example, scented television.