  VEs are typically limited to visual and auditory cues; however, recent
results show that multiple sensory modalities increase the immersion. In this
study, an experimental protocol is proposed to recreate multiple tactile, in
particular thermal, sensations in VR. The aim is twofold: (1) studying the
performance of different devices for creating warm and cold sensations with
regards to their efficiency and acoustic disturbance; and (2) investigating the
interdependency between visual and tactile stimuli in the perception of
temperature. 14 participants performed two experimental studies. Our results
show no acoustic disturbance of the materials used. Spot projector is more
efficient than fan heater to create a warm sensation; fan + water spray is more
efficient than fan alone to create cold sensation. Moreover, no significant
contribution of visual cue on the thermal perception was found except for the
extremely cold simulation (snow visualization and thermal stimulation performed
with fan + water spray).
