Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed devices that use computer wizardry and augmented reality to fool the senses and make users feel more satisfied with smaller -- or less appealing -- treats.

On one device goggle-mounted cameras send images to a computer, which magnifies the apparent size of the cookie in the image it displays to the wearer while keeping his hand the same size, making the snack appear larger than it actually is. In experiments, volunteers consumed nearly 10 percent less when the biscuits they were eating appeared 50 percent bigger. They ate 15 percent more when cookies were manipulated to look two-thirds of their real size.