Using olfactive virtual environments for learning organic molecules

A multi-modal virtual reality application that aims to investigate the effect of olfaction on learning, retention, and recall of complex 3D structures such as organic molecules, is presented. Students interact with molecules in either desktop or immersive configuration. In the latter case, visual immersion is achieved through the use of a large rear-projected stereoscopic screen. In both configurations motion parallax is provided using a camera-based head tracking technique. Both desktop and large-scale fan-based devices that allow real-time smell diffusion are used.