Olfactory Displays - The Future

There has not been a demand for computer-controlled odor synthesizers except for a few applications in virtual reality training and virual environments. Specifically, synthesizers are being developed for paramedic training and for surgical training. The former to heighten the sense of reality in simulation training and the latter to provide important diagnostic cues.

	DARPA sponsored research with Artificial Reality Corporation to develop a Virtual Reality simulation environment for paramedic training. The goal was to incorporate olfactory/odorant stimuli to increase training realism.
To enable olfactory realism in the Virtual Environment, a device was constructed to emit the specific odors required. In the image above, arrows indicate breeze direction. As the user approaches different areas of the accident scene, odors such as blood, garbage, gasoline, and smoke are released.