From: jew5001@venus.tamu.edu (WILLIAMSON, JOHN EDWARD)
Subject: INFO?: References on "alternative" tactile feedback
Date: 25 Apr 1993 21:47 CDT
Organization: Texas A&M University, Academic Computing Services



I'm looking for references on what I have started to call
"alternative" or illusory methods of imparting tactile feedback in a
virtual world.  These would include temperature (cold, in partcular)
and someting akin to accupressure and probably others.

I've talked to two researchers who are attempting to use cold to
indicate when a person has grabed an object in the virtual world.  A
band of metal is placed at each finger tip, when the person's virtual
hand collides with the object, a current is sent and the metal
instantly becomes cold.  I'd be happy with the name of the company who
makes this material.  Both labs have alluded to some "early psychology
research" as the basis of their study, but I've not had any luck
finding it.

Myron Kreuger mentioned an illusion in his book, _Artifical Reality_,
where if you grab your nose and someone applies pressure to the proper
place on your arm, you will have the impression that your nose is
growing.  Where did this come from?  I wouldn't be suprised if Wundt
and Herring's students examined these a hundred years ago, but I
haven't been able to find it yet.

Thanks in advance.

John Williamson
Hyper3D group leader
jew5001@zeus.tamu.edu