Abstract: System, method and media for altering the mood of an occupant (such as a driver) of a vehicle. Reckless operation of motor vehicles by emotionally disturbed drivers is a major cause of traffic accidents just like alcohol, drug, and cell phone use. Emotional states such as annoyance, anger, anxiety, depression, and feeling hurried can significantly impair awareness by slowing observation and reaction times. Scents, both pleasant and unpleasant, have major effects on mood and sense of well-being. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention provide for an adaptive system which can detect a driver's mood, disperse an appropriate scent to improve the mood if it is unsafe, and learn the impact of scents on different users to effectively improve their moods.

Abstract: System, method and media for altering the mood of an occupant (such as a driver) of a vehicle. Reckless operation of motor vehicles by emotionally disturbed drivers is a major cause of traffic accidents just like alcohol, drug, and cell phone use. Emotional states such as annoyance, anger, anxiety, depression, and feeling hurried can significantly impair awareness by slowing observation and reaction times. Scents, both pleasant and unpleasant, have major effects on mood and sense of well-being. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention provide for an adaptive system which can detect a driver's mood, disperse an appropriate scent to improve the mood if it is unsafe, and learn the impact of scents on different users to effectively improve their moods.