Intensity-Adjustable Non-Contact Cold Sensation Presentation Based on the Vortex Effect.

Area of Science:

• Haptics and Sensory Feedback
• Virtual Reality Technology
• Thermoreception

Background:

• Accurate temperature simulation is crucial for immersive virtual reality (VR).
• Existing methods for thermal feedback often lack precision or non-contact capabilities.
• Human perception of cold varies significantly with environmental conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a non-contact method for generating intensity-adjustable cold sensations.
• To utilize the vortex effect for precise temperature control in VR applications.
• To create a model for predicting skin temperature changes based on airflow parameters.

Main Methods:

• Applied the vortex effect to generate approximately 0°C cold air.
• Adjusted cold air volume flow rate to control perceived temperature intensity.
• Developed and validated a cooling model using measurement experiments.
• Evaluated prototype performance in psychophysical cold discrimination tests.

Main Results:

• The cooling model accurately estimated skin temperature changes with a root mean-square error of 0.16°C.
• Intensity-adjustable non-contact cold sensations were successfully elicited.
• The vortex effect enabled precise control over perceived cold intensity.
• Prototype performance confirmed the feasibility of generating varying cold sensations.

Conclusions:

• The developed method effectively generates intensity-adjustable, non-contact cold sensations.
• The vortex effect provides a viable mechanism for precise thermal feedback in VR.
• The cooling model offers reliable prediction of skin temperature responses.
• This technology enhances immersion by integrating realistic cold stimuli with other sensory inputs.