Framework for Microdosing Odors in Virtual Reality for Psychophysiological Stress Training.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) October 31, 2024 Daniel Anheuer, Brid Karacan, Lara Herzog et al.
Odors may enhance the sense of presence and immersion in virtual reality (VR) stress training for emergency personnel, potentially serving as stressors that modulate perceived psychophysiological stress. A portable fragrance dosing system using piezoelectric stainless steel micropumps was developed and validated, capable of delivering reproducible small quantities of an air-fragrance mixture close to the human nose for personalized odor presentation in VR. Validation results indicate the micropump releases odors with constant amounts. The theoretical background and planned experimental design for VR stress training incorporating olfactory technology are described.