Alternative sports viewing: Cross-modal appreciation of sports events

Haptic communication technology and human information science can update inclusive sports viewing. By adding a haptic sensation to the viewing experience or converting a sports video into a haptic sensation, we present a novel form of sports viewing in which the spectators whether disabled or not, can enjoy a sports event with the vicarious excitement. Junji Watanabe attempts to re-create a sports viewing experience, which does not depend on visual or auditory stimuli, as conventional sports viewing does, and in which spectators can generate alternative reality of the event. Projects of “alternative sports viewing” are presented, achieved by adding or subtracting various sensations.