iFeel_IM: innovative real-time communication system with rich emotional and haptic channels

The paper focuses on a novel system iFeel_IM! that integrates 3D virtual world, intelligent component for automatic emotion recognition from text, and innovative affective haptic interfaces providing additional nonverbal communication channels through simulation of emotional feedback and social touch. The motivation behind our work is to enrich social interaction and emotional involvement of the users of communication media. iFeel_IM! users can not only exchange messages but also emotionally and physically feel the presence of the communication partner.