Investigating Individual Differences in Olfactory Adaptation to Pulse Ejection Odor Display by Scaling Olfaction Sensitivity of Intensity

Olfactory adaptation is a non-negligible issue to consider to provide sustained olfaction experience in virtual reality. This study conducted experiments to measure users’ adaptation to pulse ejection odor display by ink-jet devices and analyzed the individual differences in olfactory perception. The results revealed that the average intensity perception dropped approximately to 70% of max perceived intensity in the 10-minute scent display session. Furthermore, individuals’ adaptation levels were correlated to personal sensitivity to olfactory intensity variations acquired by labeled magnitude scale. This work provided a theoretical basis to personalize odor display in VR for more stable olfactory experience.