| To say that virtual reality technology has finally | | | | resolution and sound quality are the primary |
| arrived would not quite be correct, but it is closer | | | | systems with the most focus on them in virtual |
| than ever. Let's take a look at this new and | | | | reality technology. But there are scientists working |
| developing advancement in our lives. | | | | on other sensory feedback systems. User force |
| Virtual reality technology has taken our fantasies | | | | feedback, called haptic systems, is the event |
| and is trying to make them real-or at least, as | | | | whereupon a user can reach out and touch a |
| real as a computer can simulate. That you can | | | | virtual object and receive computerized feedback |
| stand (or sit) in your own living room and take a | | | | that actually makes the user feel a corresponding |
| virtual tour of ancient Rome, or have your golf | | | | sensation. This is the newest element of |
| swing analyzed is just short of a technological | | | | development in the virtual reality technology world. |
| miracle. | | | | For example-about that golf swing analysis we |
| Today's scientists are working on developing the | | | | mentioned earlier. Using an actual golf club, the |
| most realistic 3D simulated worlds they can, using | | | | user feels it in his hands, but what he sees, when |
| virtual reality technology. Computers, combined | | | | he looks at it, will be a virtual representation of |
| with special interfacing peripherals, are capable of | | | | the golf club. That is one way scientists are using |
| simulating any environment written into its | | | | haptic systems to give the sensation of full |
| programs. | | | | immersion into a 3D world. |
| Basically, the requirements for such a simulated | | | | The peripherals used in virtual reality technology |
| environment require that the computer and its | | | | become an important factor in giving the user the |
| peripherals be able to project a 3D world that | | | | ability to interact with his 3D world. Such |
| looks at real as possible to the user. It is also | | | | peripherals, like data gloves and omni-directional |
| necessary that the programs be able to track the | | | | treadmills, body suits, headsets and joysticks are |
| user's movements, using that information to | | | | but a few of the devices in common use today |
| adjust the environment accordingly, to give the | | | | as part of the experience. |
| user a sense of total immersion into his virtual | | | | The financial implications of virtual reality |
| environment. | | | | technology is astounding. Virtual reality technology |
| The degree to which a user feels completely | | | | is not limited to games and theater. With this |
| immersed in the virtual environment is called | | | | capability, it will be possible to create products |
| telepresence. Along with being able to interact | | | | virtually and make changes to them without |
| with the environment, telepresence in virtual | | | | having to actually build and scrap them. Medical, |
| reality technology is the standard by which this | | | | educational and businesses the world over stand |
| advancement is measured. A successful | | | | to make great strides in their respective fields |
| telepresence will give the user a sense that he is | | | | when the costs of research and development are |
| no longer in his own world, and will have to | | | | reduced through the use of virtual reality |
| cooperate and interact with his new environment. | | | | technology. |
| Therefore, the quality of the display is vital. Image | | | | |