Projects

My projects focus on developing novel haptic and thermal interaction systems for immersive virtual reality experiences.

HeatFlicker: Virtual Campfire System

Overview

HeatFlicker is a virtual reality system that enables users to experience the warmth of a virtual campfire.

The system combines non-contact thermal stimulation and vibrotactile-induced perceptual illusions to present dynamic warmth sensations without physically moving a heat source.

By reproducing the changing warmth generated by a flickering flame, HeatFlicker aims to enhance immersion in virtual environments.

Research Background

Conventional thermal displays often require mechanical movement of heat sources or complex hardware configurations.

HeatFlicker explores an alternative approach based on human perceptual mechanisms, enabling compact and dynamic thermal feedback for VR applications.

T. Ito, T. Tanabe, S. Hasegawa, N. Ienaga, and Y. Kuroda,
“Fundamental Investigation of Warmth Motion Illusion Induced by Pulling Illusion,”
2025 IEEE World Haptics Conference (WHC), 2025.

Warmth Motion Illusion

Overview

Warmth Motion Illusion is a perceptual phenomenon where users perceive warmth as moving across the skin.

This research investigates how the pulling illusion generated by asymmetric vibrotactile stimulation can induce a sensation of moving warmth.

The approach enables presentation of dynamic thermal sensations without physically changing the location of thermal stimulation.

Research Topics

Non-contact Thermal Feedback

Overview

I investigate methods for presenting thermal sensations without direct contact between the device and the user.

Non-contact thermal feedback can provide more natural interactions in VR environments, where users may not directly touch physical interfaces.

Research Topics