Abstract
In holding and lifting an object, we estimate the weight of the object through visual information. If two objects are made of the same material and same weight, we lift and perceive one of the larger volume to be lighter than the other of the smaller volume. This phenomenon is an illusion called the Size-Weight Illusion. In this study, we quantified such phenomenon as mentioned above, by means of giving virtual information instead of a real object. The virtual object information given to subjects was only tactile information. To investigate the characteristics of tactile sensation on the perception of the weight of a virtual object, (1) the distance between the two fingers and (2) the grasp force holding the virtual object, were performed. As the results, the force generated weight perceived to be equal to a standard object was clarified to be almost proportional to the square of the grasp width or the grasp force. That is, an object of the same weight was felt lighter when the grasp width or grasp force was increased. It was referred that these characteristics of tactile sensation obtained from the grasp conditions must be considered in handling object in virtual reality.
