Stimulation effects provided to drivers by fragrance presentation considering olfactory adaptation

Methods of presenting fragrances have been proposed as a means of preventing drivers from dozing and helping them remain alert. However, the stimulation effects of fragrances and their durations have yet to be evaluated sufficiently. In addition, it is necessary to consider the decrease in sensitivity that results as the driver adapts to a fragrance. We examined fragrance presentation techniques for drivers and constructed a system that simulates an actual vehicle cabin. We then tested the stimulation effects of a fragrance presentation on drivers and its effective duration. We found that intermittent presentation of the fragrance was effective in keeping a driver alert.