Virtual Reality

Term Paper Title	Virtual Reality
# of Words	1176
# of Pages (250 words per page double spaced)	4.7

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality is a
creation of a highly interactive computer based
multimedia environment in which the user becomes
a participant with the computer in a "virtually real"
world We are living in an era characterized by 3D
virtual systems created by computer graphics. In
the concept called Virtual Reality (VR), the virtual
reality engineer is combining computer, video,
image-processing, and sensor technologies so that
a human can enter into and react with spaces
generated by computer graphics. In 1969-70, a
MIT scientist went to the University of Utah,
where he began to work with vector generated
graphics. He built a see-through helmet that used
television screens and half-silvered mirrors, so that
the environment was visible through the TV
displays. It was not yet designed to provide a
surrounding environment. It was not until the mid
'80's that virtual reality systems were becoming
more defined. The AMES contract started in
1985, came up with the first glove in February
1986. The glove is made of thin Lycra and is fitted
with 15 sensors that monitor finger flexion,
extension, hand position and orientation.
Connected to a computer through fiber optic
cables. Sensor inputs enable the computer to
generate an on screen image of the hand that
follows the operator's hand movements. The glove
also has miniature vibrators in the finger tips to
provide feedback to the operator from grasped
virtual objects. Therefore, driven by the proper
software, the system allows the operator to
interact by grabbing and moving a virtual object
within a simulated room, while experiencing the
"feel" of the object. The virtual reality line includes
the Datasuit and the Eyephone. The Datasuit is an
instrumented full-body garment that enables
full-body interaction with a computer constructed
virtual world. In one use, this product is worn by
film actors to give realistic movement to animated
characters in computer generated special effects.
The Eyephone is a head mounted stereo display
that shows a computer made virtual world in full
color and 3D. The Eyephone technology is based
on an experimental Virtual Interface Environment
Workstation (VIEW) design. VIEW is a
head-mounted stereoscopic display system with
two 3.9 inch television screens, one for each eye.
The display can be a computer generated scene or
a real environment sent by remote video cameras.
Sound effects delivered to the headset increase the
realism. It was intended to use the glove and
software for such ideas as a surgical simulation, or
"3D virtual surgery" for medical students. In the
summer of 1991, US trainee surgeons were able
to practice leg operations without having to cut
anything solid. NASA Scientists have developed a
three-dimensional computer simulation of a human
leg which surgeons can operate on by entering the
computer world of virtual reality. Surgeons use the
glove and Eyephone technology to create the
illusion that they are operating on a leg. Other
virtual reality systems such as the Autodesk and
the CAVE have also come up with techniques to
penetrate a virtual world. The Autodesk uses a
simple monitor and is the most basic visual
example for virtual reality. An example where this
could be used is while exercising. For example,
Autodesk may be connected to an exercise bike,
you can then look around a graphic world as you
pedal through it. If you pedal fast enough, your
bike takes off and flies. The CAVE is a new
virtual reality interface that engulfs the individual
into a room whose walls, ceiling, and floor
surround the viewer with virtual space. The illusion
is so powerful you won't be able to tell what's real
and what's not. Computer engineers seem
fascinated by virtual reality because you can not
only program a world, but in a sense, inhabit it.
Mythic space surrounds the cyborg, embracing
him/her with images that seem real but are not.
The sole purpose of cyberspace virtual reality
technology is to trick the human senses, to help
peo...

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