Egenjiko: Scent Matching Game using a Computer-Controlled Censer

Abstract

We propose “eGenjiko,” a gaming system for Genjiko (Japanese traditional scent-matching game) utilizing a computer-controlled censer and a tablet device. Genjiko is a scent-matching game in which players smell five scents and guess which are identical. The game is so simple and attractive that even a beginner can enjoy. However, aromatic wood and utensils such as a censer used in traditional Genjiko are very costly 1 and they are definitely not affordable for beginners. In this study, we developed a gaming system named eGenjiko that conforms to real Genjiko’s rules. The system has a computer-controlled censer that selects randomly five scents and diffuses them. After smelling all the scents, a player answers the matching pattern of five scents using simple notation by drawing on a tablet device. Then the system returns the correct answer. Using our eGenjiko, a single player who is not familiar with Genjiko can enjoy the game casually, without inviting other players.