Recently, haptic devices have been successfully incorporated into the human-computer interaction model. However, a drawback common to almost all haptic systems is that the user must be attached to the haptic device at all times, even though force feedback is not always being rendered. This constant contact hinders perception of the virtual environment, primarily because it prevents the user fro...

Methods Subjects were healthy volunteers who were told the study was evaluating the effect of time and touch on the autonomic nervous system. The practitioner had more than 10 years experience with lovingkindness meditation (LKM), a form of NVCC. Subjects completed 10-point visual analog scales (VAS) for stress, relaxation and peacefulness before and after LKM. To assess physiologic effects, pr...

The use of virtual images, computer generated objects and 3D models is becoming increasingly relevant in a number of fields such as simulators for training of medical operator [1], teleoperation [2], computer aided design and 3D modelling [3]. For instance, virtual reality can help training surgeons, reducing the need for learning and practicing entirely with patients or animals[4]. To this aim...

Just as for any other sensory system, researchers have long wanted to discriminate between the discriminative and hedonic aspects of tactile perception. Supporting such a distinction, have, in recent decades, uncovered existence dedicated system receptors hairy skin (C-Tactile, CT, afferents) that appear be preferentially tuned pleasant stroking (i.e. caressing) touch. No matter what kind touch...

Visual and tactile stimulation are known to affect the experience of eating and drinking. In this study, we focused on the vibration of a Japanese Sake bottle when used to pour liquid. We manufactured a device that can be attached to the neck of any plastic bottle and investigated how beverage consumption was affected by the vibration. We found that presentation of the vibration affected the am...

How do I know the person I see in the mirror is really me? Is it because I know the person simply looks like me, or is it because the mirror reflection moves when I move, and I see it being touched when I feel touch myself? Studies of face-recognition suggest that visual recognition of stored visual features inform self-face recognition. In contrast, body-recognition studies conclude that multi...

Touch, such as a caress, can be interpreted as very pleasant. The emotional valence assigned to touch is likely related to certain bottom-up factors, such as optimal activation of C-tactile (CT) afferents. It is however unclear if besides somatosensory input, contextual factors related to the own body also play a role in the perceived pleasantness of touch. To test this, we manipulated visual a...

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity Summary This thesis presents the design and performance of the Virtual Palpation Gripper, an early prototype of a remote palpation instrument intended for laparoscopic surgery. Psychophysical experiments related to this prototype are also described. In minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery, the interventions are performed with i...

We describe the research challenges of bringing HCI into the domain of sports, and what research in this domain can add to the general questions multi-modality and sensor-based interaction. To illustrate this, we present results from a pilot study on providing tactile feedback to cross-country skiers. Our results show how real-time feedback can be provided for a variety of purposes without disr...