Smelling screen: development and evaluation of an olfactory display system for presenting a virtual odor source

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Sensory Systems Engineering
• Virtual Reality Technology

Background:

• Traditional sensory displays lack olfactory components.
• Integrating smell into digital interfaces presents significant technical challenges.
• Existing methods for odor delivery are often localized and lack dynamic control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel olfactory display system capable of generating controllable odor distributions on a 2D screen.
• To investigate the perception of virtual odor sources created by the system.
• To explore the potential for enhanced immersion in digital experiences through scent delivery.

Main Methods:

• A system utilizing four fans at screen corners to create directed airflow collisions.
• Introduction of odor vapor into the airflow to simulate a localized scent source.
• Adjustment of fan speeds to dynamically shift the perceived location of the virtual odor source.
• Experimental measurement of airflow fields and odor distribution patterns.

Main Results:

• The system successfully generates a perceived odor distribution originating from the screen.
• The virtual odor source location can be precisely controlled by manipulating airflow balance.
• Users often do not immediately identify the fans as the odor source, attributing it to the screen.
• Sensory tests confirmed the effectiveness of the odor presentation and identified key factors for user perception.

Conclusions:

• The proposed olfactory display system offers a viable method for creating dynamic, spatially-aware scent experiences.
• This technology has the potential to significantly enhance user immersion in virtual environments and digital media.
• Further research is needed to optimize odor presentation and explore applications in various fields.