During the year 2020 to 2021 of my master I realized with a team an end of year project. This end of year project was oriented towards a solution for a business problem. We worked with Olfy, a startup that offers an olfactory simulation solution for the virtual reality media. Its product is a physical device that allows olfactory simulation. The goal of our project was to create an application using the olfactory sense to present its device to other companies and interested customers. We had six weeks to complete this project. We were composed of two 3D graphic designers and me as a programmer. This application was made on Unity.
Olfy's olfactory device :Olfy's olfactory device can be attached to any VR helmet and is also equipped with a battery and a display. This device can diffuse up to 3 smells, it works with the help of essential oil reserves contained in vials and which are released by the activation of a Piezoelectric per burst. It is connected to the application using a Wifi module.
Olfy's olfactory device
For this project we had to develop an application for the Oculus Quest 2 and eventually a PC version. As this support is limited in power we made two versions, one for the PC and one for the Oculus Quest 2. As you can see below the comparison of the Oculus Quest 2 and PC version. This application was a challenge to make it optimized and fluid on the Oculus Quest 2. Functionally the application is identical only the visual aspect is affected.
Oculus Version :
Oculus Quest 2 Version
Application : The application will put the user in a forest situation. He will have to plant seeds and water them to make them grow with the help of the assistant. At each growth of plants or trees a smell will be released. The application ends when the 3 seeds are planted.
User : The user can take a seed and put it down. He can also take a watering can and fill it and water it. He can teleport in a defined area.
Assistant : The assistant is present to guide the player to the planting areas as well as directions to successfully complete the experiment.
Device : At each tree or plant location, once the seed is deposited, a smell appears. It is diffused in a discontinuous way to maintain the presence of the smell. The change of zone around the other trees or plants triggers the smell defined by the element planted in this zone.
Demonstration video :