Framework for Microdosing Odors in Virtual Reality for Psychophysiological Stress Training.
Daniel Anheuer, Brid Karacan, Lara Herzog, Nora Weigel, Silja Meyer-Nieberg, Thomas Gebhardt, Jessica Freiherr, Martin Richter, Armin Leopold, Monika Eder, Marko Hofmann, Karl-Heinz Renner, Cornelia Küsel
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) October 31, 2024 DOI: 10.3390/s24217046 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractOdors 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.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Concept paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Micropump Multisensory vr Odor actuator Olfaction Olfactory display |
| Key finding | A portable fragrance dosing system using piezoelectric micropumps can deliver reproducible constant amounts of odor close to the nose for VR applications. |
Abstract
To better cope with stress in emergencies, emergency personnel undergo virtual reality (VR) stress training. Such training typically includes visual, auditory and sometimes tactile impressions, whereas olfactory stimuli are mostly neglected. This concept paper therefore examines whether odors might be beneficial for further enhancing the experience of presence and immersion into a simulated environment. The aim is to demonstrate the benefits of VR civilian stress training for emergency personnel and to investigate the role of odors as stressors by manipulating the degree of perceived psychophysiological stress via olfactory impressions. Moreover, the current paper presents the development and validation of a convenient and portable fragrance dosing system that allows personalized odor presentation in VR. The presented system can transport reproducible small quantities of an air-fragrance mixture close to the human nose using piezoelectric stainless steel micropumps. The results of the fluidic system validation indicate that the micropump is suitable for releasing odors close to the nose with constant amounts of odor presentation. Furthermore, the theoretical background and the planned experimental design of VR stress training, including odor presentation via olfactory VR technology, are elucidated.