Display Technology of Images with Scents and Its Psychological Evaluation

Abstract

Scent is an important component of every individual’s real life; it has many psychological and physical effects. Therefore, if a visual image is presented along with a matching scent, we expect it will possibly carry more detailed information and be perceived as a more realistic sensation than it would have on its own. In order to do so, it is necessary to solve some problems. First, the qualities for a device to be able to integrate a scent with an image are discussed. Second, a new method in which scents are emitted through a display screen in the direction of a viewer in order to enhance the reality of visual images is described. Third, the psychological effects on a viewer when scents are integrating with images are described. The authors investigated the viewing experiences and eye catching effects when applied to movies, a digital-signage, and virtual reality.