VIRTUAL REALITY

System that enables one or more users to move and react in a computer-simulated

environment.

Various types of devices allow users to sense

and manipulate virtual objects much as they would

real objects. This natural style of interaction

gives participants the feeling of being immersed in the

simulated world. Virtual worlds are created by

mathematical models and computer programs.

Virtual reality systems use special interface devices to immerse users in a simulated world. This user is wearing a head-mounted display (HMD) and gloves. The image on the screen is the image the user sees

on the screens inside the HMD.

Interface Devices

Virtual reality simulations differ from other

computer simulations in that they require special

interface devices that transmit the sights, sounds, and sensations

of the simulated world to the user. These devices also

record and send the speech and movements of the participants to

the simulation program.

Interface Devices

The HMD or the Head-Mounted Display

Using this information, a computer recalculates images of the virtual world—a slightly different view for each eye—to match the direction in which the user is looking, and displays these images on the HMD.

Interface Devices

The haptic  interfaceRelays the sense of touch and other physical sensations in

the virtual world, is the least developed and perhaps the most challenging to create. Currently, with the use of a glove and position tracker, the computer locates the user's hand and measures finger movements.

Development and Uses

In recent years, virtual-reality devices have improved

dramatically as the result of various technological advances.

Computers now are more powerful, have a higher memory

capacity, are smaller, and cost less than in the past.

These developments have made it possible for scientists

to develop virtual-reality simulations.

Development and Uses

Therapists use VR to treat sufferers of child abuse

and people who are afraid of heights.

Muscular dystrophy patients can learn to use a

wheelchair through virtual reality.

Surgeons may use VR to plan and practice an

operation on a virtual patient rather than a real person.

Development and Uses

Architects could take clients on a virtual tour of

a new house before it was built.

VR could be used to train the operators of aircraft

and other complicated machinery.

Development and Uses

• Network VR simulations could enable people in many

different locations to participate together in teleconferences,

virtual surgical operations, or simulated military training

exercises.