Understanding Virtual Reality Technology: Advances and Applications
Moses Okechukwu, Felista Udoka · Advances in Computer Science and Engineering · 2011
Advances in Computer Science and Engineering 54 experienced visually in the three dimensions of width, height, and depth and that may additionally provide an interactive experience visually in full real-time motion with sound and possibly with tactile and other forms of feedback.VR is a way for humans to visualize, manipulate and interact with computers and extremely complex data (Isdale, 1998).It is an artificial environment created with computer hardware and software and presented to the user in such a way that it appears and feels like a real environment (Baieier, 1993).VR is a computer-synthesized, three-dimensional environment in which a plurality of human participants, appropriately interfaced, may engage and manipulate simulated physical elements in the environment and, in some forms, may engage and interact with representations of other humans, past, present or fictional, or with invented creatures.It is a computer-based technology for simulating visual auditory and other sensory aspects of complex environments (Onyesolu, 2009b).VR incorporates 3D technologies that give a reallife illusion.VR creates a simulation of real-life situation (Haag et al., 1998).Therefore, VR refers to an immersive, interactive, multi-sensory, viewer-centered, 3D computer-generated environment and the combination of technologies required to build such an environment (Aukstakalnis & Blatner, 1992;Cruz-Niera, 1993).By immersing viewers in a computer-generated stereoscopic environment, VR technology breaks down barriers between humans and computers.VR technology simulates natural stereoscopic viewing processes by using computer technology to create right-eye and left-eye images of a given 3D object or scene.The viewer's brain integrates the information from these two perspectives to create the perception of 3D space.Thus, VR technology creates the illusion that on-screen objects have depth and presence beyond the flat image projected onto the screen.With VR technology, viewers can perceive distance and spatial relationships between different object components more realistically and accurately than with conventional visualization tools (such as traditional CAD tools).