Virtual+Reality

=Virtual Reality= toc



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Definition
VR is about the interactive relationship between a user and a "computer-simulated environment". Interaction occurs based on the tools present. Some systems now even make use of tactile information known better as [|force feedback], allowing users to feel sensations artificially generated in a virtual environment.

A user can completely immerse themselves in a world of reality, such as pilot or combat training or they can interact within an unrealistic video game type environment. The current technology that is related to virtual reality does not allow for a very high-fidelity interaction due to technological limitations (i.e. bandwidth and image resolution). This is expected to change in the near future as technology is being advanced and as there is an increased amount of people adopting this technology.



History
Virtual Reality (VR) began as an idea to Morton Heilig, a cinematographer who wanted to create the ultimate viewing experience for his audiences. Films on the big screen only encompass 18 percent of the audiences visual filed. Heilig used this as a starting point for his idea, he wanted to expand the viewers visual field. He was quoted as saying : "I became very excited. I thought, 'Why stop at a picture that fills only 18 percent of the spectator's visual field, and a two-dimensional picture at that? Why not make it a three-dimensional image that fills 100 percent of the spectator's visual field, accompanied by stereophonic sound? If we're going to step through the window into another world, why not go the whole way?'" (Tate, Scott (1996). Unfortunately, due to lack of financing Heilig was unable to create his dream. Although he was able to create a unit called the "Sensorama Simulator". It was a virtual workstation that used 3-D images/ camera views and full stereo sound. Users were able to experience ordinary events such as riding a motorcycle with the wind in their hair (brought on by a fan) and although this was all very mundane and lacked technology it was very useful in opening the door for future virtual reality machines.




 * SENSORAMA SIMULATOR**

Main Tools
Simple visual interaction can occur through the use of a computer screen but this can be furthered by adding any one or more of the following tools: >
 * 1) Haptic Glove: Putting on a special glove allows a recording of hands, fingers, and the strength of the movement through an input device. This however requires alot of calobration done before hand and is very expensive.
 * 1) Headset: A headset that covers the top half of your head. This ensures that your eyes and ears will be covered, allowing a particpant to be fully involved in the VR experience.
 * 2) Walker: This is a device that records the movement of your feet
 * 3) Speakers
 * 4) A mouse
 * 5) VR Platform: Allwos your body to be monitored on the platform, so that when you move on the platform, it is represented in the VR environment. Uses a variety of sensors to do this, mainly motion sensors.

=New Virtual Keyboard - Will Laptops become Obsolete?=



Currently there is the new revolution of blue tooth virtual keyboard catering to those who have PDA's and Smart Phones. This elimates the factor of carrying around an external keyboard and can be used anywhere that has a flat surface. The keyboard works with a sensor that is able to pick up finger movements and reads it as key strokes.

Also in Japan there is a prototype that relates to this virtual keyboard know as a "Pen Compter".



As it can be seen in the above image, the Pen Computer not only provides a virtual keyboard, it has extended into a virtual monitor. The goal is to replace laptops and to further mobilize the idea of portable PC's. Soon laptaps will come in pen form and can fit in your pocket or even a nice pencil case holder. Pretty Neat!

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Cours Offerings on VR
CCIT students can take cct375h5S if they wish to learn further about VR and its implimentations.