Testing Started on Net-based System for Enhanced Bathing Experience
NTT Com, together with Tokyo Gas, Toho Gas and parent company NTT, has begun testing a system that enables bathers, while sitting in the tub, to adjust room temperature, humidity and lighting, enjoy audio-visual content and even select soothing aromas for release into the bathing area. The testing, which is not available to the general public, started today and is to be continued until the end of March, 2007.
The system uses universal middleware developed by NTT under the OSGi (Open Services Gateway Initiative), an international nonprofit alliance promoting standardized management of software and related devices on the Java™ platform. Via Internet connection, the system provides access to music channels and video-on-demand via NTT Com’s OCN Theater service, and even NTT Com’s early-warning system for alerting people to earthquakes moments before the temblors are felt.
The aroma system, which is based on NTT Com’s Internet-based Fragrance Communications service, holds six aromatic oils that are mixed together in various combinations to produce a wide variety of fragrance selections that users can set on the touch panel.
The tests will focus on points such as ease of operation of the touch-panel screen, comfort level from the point of view of the bather, and overall convenience.