We propose a projection-based olfactory display method as an unencumbering way to deliver smells using a scent projector. This device allows us to deliver smells both spatially and temporally by carrying scented air within a vortex ring launched from an air cannon. However, our original scent projector had a problem: users often felt a significant, unnatural airflow when the vortex ring hit their faces. In this paper, we propose a novel configuration of a projection-based olfactory display that reduces this breeze effect. We use two air cannons that launch vortex rings that collide at a target point and break by themselves, distributing their smell at the point where they were broken to make a small "spot" of scent. With this configuration, users feel as if the smell came with a soft breeze, so that they can enjoy a more natural olfactory experience.

The Proactive Desk is a force feedback system using a two-degree of freedom linear induction motor (LIM) designed for ordinary desktop operations. The system provides two-dimensional force feedback on a desktop surface, but only for a single object. This means that when several users operate this system together, only one user at a time can acquire force feedback from the system. In this paper, we propose a new-generation haptic display, Proactive Desk II, which uses an advanced LIM for multi-object driving, and develop a prototype system based on our approach. The system employs a cluster of coils for producing magnetic fluxes individually underneath the desktop, and those synthesize several traveling magnetic fields as a result. These magnetic fields simulate a local region of the field generated by our first-generation system, being able to drive multiple objects separately.

We present recent results we have obtained in the design of a wireless tactor system for use in virtual as well as real environments. We describe a system we have designed that uses vibration motors wired to a body-worn control box, which in turn communicates with a host computer using a wireless connection. Though we have successfully integrated this system into an existing VR-based dismounted infantry simulator, it is clear that expanding the body coverage and number of vibration points requires a solution that is completely wireless. To this end, we describe a working prototype we have built that, though still somewhat large and feature-limited, has convinced us of the merit of our approach.

This installation provides painters with a method for feeling attributes of digital colors and a fluid canvas. When a user of this installation moves the stylus paintbrush over the digital canvas, he/she senses the "weight of the colors" through the brush. For example, the user experiences dark colors as heavy in weight and light colors as light in weight. Complex painting is expressed as a mixed tactile sensation using a new desk-style force feedback system called the "Proactive Desk." Other existing digital painting systems that use haptic cues usually aim to be physically and visually correct. In this approach, however, we invested effort in enhancing the relationship between digital colors as a virtual material and the sense of touch. Additionally, we took the importance of co-located drawing work space for creative tasks into account. We believe that this experience will arouse new inspiration and give digital painters the opportunity to experience again how important touch is for creativity in art.

The paper describes the properties of Ueda's (1985) image enhancement method for line drawings and its merit for practical use. This method can remove the line discontinuities or mis-connections caused by scanning errors. The method is applied to simple images to evaluate its effect quantitatively. The authors confirm that it is more efficient than any other methods, and propose a drawing capturing system based on this method that can build up high quality drawing databases faster than any other system.