The olfactory display designed in our laboratory can be used to produce smell-based content. Recently, we combined the olfactory display and Virtual Reality (VR) technology to make a game that aims to enhance the well-being of elderly people [Fig. 1]. For more details, check the dedicated paper.
Fig. 1: Setup of our game. The player explores the environement in VR while smells are presented witht the olfactory display (gray box).
We created a VR environment where the player can freely explore the landscape. The player moves with a controller and interacts with objects in the virtual world by moving the controller towards them, mimicking the action of touching. Upon finding a statue, if the player touches it, a smell is presented. The player's task is to memorize that smell. When the smell fades away, the player needs to find and touch a stone lantern. Next, three clouds with a distinct odor for each cloud appear [Fig. 2]. The player has to touch the cloud that emits the correct smell. Being able to smell scent with the olfactory display while navigating the VR space reinforces immersion.
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Fig. 2: Screentshot of the game. Each cloud emit a specific odour.
Memorizing scents is a task often used to help people who have lost the ability to smell. However the task is repetitive and can become boring over time. The novelty of introducing VR can make the patient more engaged in the task and potentially speeding up recovery time.
This game also contributes to improving specific cognitive functions for elderly people. In a series of experiments conducted at the Bunkyo Gakuin University, cognitive tests was administered before and after playing our game. The results show an improvement on the score for visuospatial processing and memory recall [Fig. 3]. This can be explained by the fact that olfactory signal is processed in a region of the brain that is close to regions that are responsible for cognitive and sensory functions.
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Fig. 3: Results of the cognitive test before and after playing the game. The score are improved in the test session that occurs after playing the game.
See a TV report of the game by TV Asahi.