Analysis of weight perceptual mechanism based on muscular motion using virtual reality

In this paper, by focusing on weight perception, we attempted to clarify a perceptual mechanism using functions of the haptic interface. We especially examined the weight perceptual mechanism when the weight of an object suddenly changed, which does not take place in our natural life. This experimental condition can only be realized by using the advantage of the haptic interface. The results show the difference in the perceptual threshold due to addition and reduction of the weight. Moreover, the results indicate that subjects can also correct the supporting force corresponding to the sudden change in the weight when they could not sense the change. Namely, it implies that subjects adjust the supporting force under an imperceptible state, which may indicate an interesting muscular motion under a state of unconsciousness.