Psychological Effects of Cool Sensations Generated by using Image Display, In Which Gas Can be Released Through Screen

Abstract

It has been suggested that the Kansei Multi-Media Display (KMMD) is able to emit air flows and scents in addition to conventional audio-visual information through the display. This display is characterized as follows: the display has slits and pits to emit air flows from a position close to projected pictures due to a system where the display is equipped in the back with an air blower and an air flow direction controller. This study aimed to show the psychological effects of two content layouts for cool refreshment, which were produced based on the characteristics of this multi-media display. The possibilities for function and application of the KMMD were examined. An experiment of a virtual fan created as a three-dimensional CG assessed the effects of cool refreshment and the feeling of presence induced by the air flows, which was connected to the swing movement of the fan and emitted from a position close to the image of the fan. Further, an experiment with seasonal images was conducted, providing aromas, which have been reported to affect an individual's sense of cold, when showing video scenes of a cold region. This experiment revealed cross modal physiological effects, such as the decline of the feeling of temperature and the temperature of the skin surface, which were induced subjectively and psychologically by the attribute of this scene.