2. Thesis Statement Virtual reality has become increasingly beneficial to a variety of aspects in society. This is primarily due to its ability to properly prepare, or train people for real-life scenarios.
7. History “The concept of virtual reality has been around for decades, even though the public really only became aware of it in the early 1990s. In the mid 1950s, a cinematographer named Morton Heilig envisioned a theatre experience that would stimulate all his audiences’ senses, drawing them in to the stories more effectively.”
8. Future “In the past, computing power has doubled approximately every 18 months, a trend that is known as Moore’s Law. If this is the case then we should have a computer powerful enough to run immersive VR programs in our own homes by the year 2037.”
12. “Non-immersive desktop VR is when a computer user views a virtual environment through a computer screen. A user can then interact with that environment, but is not immersed in it.”
18. “Telesurgery is an evolving format for laparoscopic procedures, in which the surgeon is located at a distance from the patient and operates using a joystick held in place by a ‘confederate’ at the patients bedside.”
19. “Virtual rehabilitation puts patients at the helm of a life-size video game, forces them to use atrophied muscles and teaches the basic skills necessary to recover from severe injuries.”
23. “Virtual lessons can work for educators as a tool in assisting students to become immersed in a learning environment where they can participate in their own learning in a technology based environment.”
33. “Safety in the South African mining industry is a vital issue. Inadequate or insufficient training is often cited as a root cause for many mining fatalities. Virtual reality-based training tools can provide simulated exposure to real-world working conditions without the associated risks.”
35. Conclusion I originally thought virtual reality was all about entertainment, but throughout my research I realized that it can be very beneficial to many people in real life. Also with the increasing dominance of technology in today’s society, it may one day play a vital role in every day life.
37. Works Cited Baker, Christopher W. A New World of Simulators. Brookfield: Millbrook Press, 2001. Print. Cefrey, Holly. Virtual Reality Life in the Future. New York City: Rosen Book Works, 2002. Print. Heim, Michael. The Metaphysics of Virtual Reality. New York City: Oxford University Press, Inc, 1993. Print. Holtzman, Steven. Digital Mosaics the Aesthetics of Cyberspace. New York City: Simon & Schuster, 1997. Print. Iovine, John. Step Into Virtual Reality. New York City: Windcrest, 1995. Print.
38. Works Cited Levy, Joseph R., and Harley Bjelland. Virtual Reality System. New York City: Windcrest, 1994. Print. Pascoe, Elaine. Virtual Reality Beyond the Looking Glass. Woodbridge: Blackbirch Press, 1998. Print. Pimentel, Ken, and Kevin Teixeira. Virtual Reality Through the New Looking Glass. New York City: Windcrest Books, 1993. Print. Reekie, Scott. “Death of the Classroom?” SIRS Discoverer. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2009. <http://discoverer.prod.sirs.com.wf2dnvr14.webfeat.org/discoweb/disco/do/article?urn=urn%3Asirs%3AUS%3BARTICLE%3BART%3B0000126702>. “Riding the Electronic Highway.” SIRS Discoverer. Weekly Reader Corporation, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2009. <http://discoverer.prod.sirs.com/discoweb/disco/do/article?urn=urn%3Asirs%3AUS%3BARTICLE%3BART%3B0000025014>.
39. Works Cited Rondon, Giselle. “Is it real, or is it... Virtual?” SIRS Discoverer. Cobblestone, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2009. <http://discoverer.prod.sirs.com/discoweb/disco/do/article?urn=urn%3Asirs%3AUS%3BARTICLE%3BART%3B0000279977>. Skurzynski, Gloria. “Virtual Reality.” SIRS Discoverer. N.p., July 1994. Web. 17 Nov. 2009. <http://discoverer.prod.sirs.com/discoweb/disco/do/article?urn=urn%3Asirs%3AUS%3BARTICLE%3BART%3B0000025714>. “Virtual Reality: A Trip Through an Electronic Universe.” SIRS Discoverer. Weekly Reader Corporation, 28 Jan. 1994. Web. 17 Nov. 2009. <http://discoverer.prod.sirs.com/discoweb/disco/do/article?urn=urn%3Asirs%3AUS%3BARTICLE%3BART%3B0000025054>. “Virtual Reality in Real Life Medicine.” SIRS Discoverer. Weekly Reader Corporation, Nov.-Dec. 1997. Web. 17 Nov. 2009. <http://discoverer.prod.sirs.com/discoweb/disco/do/article?urn=urn%3Asirs%3AUS%3BARTICLE%3BART%3B0000059564>. Weakly Reader Corporation. “Health Effects of Virtual Reality.” SIRS Discoverer. Ed. Weekly Reader Corporation. N.p., Sept. 1996. Web. 17 Nov. 2009. <http://discoverer.prod.sirs.com.wf2dnvr14.webfeat.org/discoweb/disco/do/article?urn=urn%3Asirs%3AUS%3BARTICLE%3BART%3B0000029451>. Weiss, Ann. Virtual Reality a Door to Cyberspace. New York City: Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd., 1996. Print.
Editor's Notes
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Virtual reality is relevant to me because I’ve been interested in technology my entire life and was always intrigued by the idea of a simulated environment.(www.google.com/images)
My topic is relevant to the audience because although the use of virtual reality may currently be uncommon, one day it may be a part of people’s everyday lives. Also with its uses in such a variety of fields, virtual reality could greatly benefit a given career. (www.google.com/images)
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The definition is, virtual reality is a technology which allows a user to interact with a computer-simulated environment. This means that virtual reality can range from plugging into the matrix, to playing the sims. Virtual reality is used all over in today’s society and has become increasingly useful to many people.(www.virtualenvironments.info)(www.google.com/images)
While the idea of virtual reality has been explored since the 1930’s, it has really only become practical in the last decade. Virtual reality was originally implemented into flight training, but is now useful in many places. (Reekie 9) (www.google.com/images)
In the future simulations could replicate practically anything. The potential uses of virtual reality are limitless. (Reekie 10)(www.google.com/images)
Here I would like to show a segment from Avatar, to demonstrate a media example of virtual reality.That clip shows how the main character can become fully immersed into the avatars environment. (www.google.com/images)
Immersive virtual reality fully immerses a user into a simulated environment. Immersive VR is established when a user cannot distinguish between what is real and what is not. It generally requires a head mounted display, which provides bi-ocular images, and audio. A data-glove is also necessary in order to track the users movements, and duplicate them in the virtual environment. This allows the user to interact with their surroundings, and have an extreme sense of presence. This type of virtual reality is often the most expensive due to higher maintenance and equipment costs. (Stevens)(www.google.com/images)
Semi-Immersive virtual reality projects an image of the user into a computer program. It’s generally designed for gaming, but can have other uses. Semi-immersive projection provides a strong sense of presence, but does not compare to fully immersive virtual reality. It displays the user through a monitor or multiple screens, but it is not completely interactive. While it falls in the middle of the price scale, semi-immersive projection is less common than other types. (Rondon)(www.google.com/images)
Non-immersive virtual reality has advantages in that it doesn’t require the highest level of graphics performance. Due to lesser requirements, non-immersive systems cost less than other types of virtual reality. This allows it to be the most efficient choice for businesses that can use virtual reality, especially aviation and medial uses. (Stevens)(Taylor 12) (www.google.com/images)
Virtual reality has become useful in a variety of different fields.These fields include the military, medicine, architecture, education, sports, meteorology, chemistry, astronomy, and therapy. (Skurzynski)(www.google.com/images)
The military uses virtual reality to train pilots for real life scenarios. There are six primary types of virtual training, but we’ll go into them more later. Some advantages of training virtually are the reduced risk and costs compared to training in an actual aircraft. The systems simulated in training, replicate real systems with an exactness that reproduces the same skills. This causes virtual reality to be very efficient for the military. (Baker) (www.google.com/images)
Battlefield Visualization determines strategies to combat enemies in real life. It is one of the key elements in training for the military. The system allows for strategists to plan based on a replication of a specific battle or event. This serves to maximize effectiveness as well as helping to reduce unnecessary casualties. Any technology that assists in saving lives is invaluable to the military. (Baker)(www.google.com/images)
Information Enhancement supplies a pilot or tank commander with necessary information mid-combat. The Air Forcedeveloped a heads up display which optically combines critical information such as, altitude, airspeed, and heading, with an unobstructed view in a fighter aircraft. This allows pilots to be more attentive to their surroundings instead of having to look down to the many different instruments. Reduced distractions are key to a pilots survival in dangerous situations, which causes the head mounted display to be a necessary piece of equipment. (Pascoe)(www.google.com/images)
Surgical simulators allow surgeons to practice often dangerous procedures without the risk. The virtual reality simulation is used as an analog for the actual surgery where doctors can practice on a virtual patient before performing the surgery. This helps to increase a surgeons skill as well as experience, which reduces the possible margin of error. I can’t imagine a hospital that wouldn’t gladly welcome technology that can increase the chance of survival for patients. (Life in Real Life Medicine)(www.google.com/images)
Many people are skeptical about the use of a joystick to perform surgery, but relying on telepresence allows for more control and reduced risk. More control means less accidents, something no surgeon wants.(Cefrey)(Cefrey 26)(www.google.com/images)
Using virtual rehabilitation can cause a patient to show more interest in their recovery. Studies have shown that using virtual reality can reduce the average recovery time in young patients. (Heim)(Heim 84)(www.google.com/images)
Virtual screening is a computational technique that is a vital part of the drug discovery process. It involves the rapid assessment of large libraries of chemicals and it identifies the structuresthat are most likely to bind to a drug target. Virtual screening has allowed scientists to exponentially increase the possible combinations of chemicals in drug research. There are many current day medicines that can be attributed to virtual screening, and with technology always increasing it will continue to assist in drug discovery. (Life in Real Life Medicine)(www.google.com/images)
The use of three-dimensional imaging can be exceedingly useful in the planning or preparation of a project. This technique is invaluable to modern architects, as it allows them to simulate most scenarios that they will encounter during the design, construction, and eventually the life of the structure. Virtual reality allows architects to essentially create their structures and test them without wasting any of the necessary resources. Fixing problems before construction even begins, reduces the cost and time required to complete the project. (Pimentel)(www.google.com/images)
Whyville is an educational internet site that engages its users in learning. The site presents an interactive way to practice math and reading, and it is one of the most popular virtual worlds out there. It has more than 5 million players, and has received a number of awards from independent parent groups for its educational value and safety. Whyville was one of the first virtual worlds for children, and is one of the few virtual worlds whose purpose is primarily educational.(Iovine) (www.google.com/images)
Virtual reality presents an interactive way for kids to get involved with learning. Studies have shown that teachers who implement virtual lessons, find their students to be more attentive, and more interested in the lesson. (Pascoe)(Pascoe 12)(www.google.com/images)
Simulated competition is an interactive replication of a specific sport. Wii Sports is a very basic example of a simulated competition, but can still be considered virtual sports. Some sports simulations are fully immersive and can actually serve to practice, develop coordination, or develop a mental understanding of game strategies. Some sports programs can be rewarding but, most simulations are designed solely for entertainment. (Pimentel)(www.google.com/images)
Virtual reality use can even go as far as predicting the weather. Weather reporters have been using the system TriVis for years to provide more accurate reports. TriVis uses a satellite to obtain data about, statistically corrected forecasts, precipitation, and fronts. It then analyzes this data to create projections of storm systems. Using TriVis to visualize artificial clouds, meteorologists can predict weather with increased accuracy. Virtually recreating weather effects also helps to predict further into the future. (Heim)(www.google.com/images)
Scientists use the program Real Mol to display molecular models in an interactive, immersive environment. This can lead chemists to more in depth research, as well as much more accurate data. The program uses a head mounted display as well as a data-glove to interact with the digital molecules. This enables scientists to move molecules or protein chains to create new ones. With virtual simulations of molecules, there are infinite possibilities to experiment with.(www.vrl.umich.edu)(www.google.com/images)
Astronauts use a form of telepresence in order to practice or prepare for specific scenarios. They use a virtual reality interfacing helmet to simulate a space shuttle, asteroids, or even planets. This can serve to familiarize astronauts with the shuttles functions, or emergency procedures. Research-wise, virtual reality can recreate a planets atmospheric conditions. Thanks to telepresence, astronauts can obtain information, and experience, without the risk or cost of actual preparation. (Stevens)(www.google.com/images)
Virtual therapy can serve to treat a variety of psychological problems. One of these problems may be acrophobia, also known as the fear of heights. It works by immersing a patient into an environment where the fear would take place, with out actually being there. The idea was first thought up by a psychologist named Ralph Lamson. He experimented with virtual reality treatments for people with acrophobia and came up with about a 90% cure rate. Virtual therapy may be effective for some but, it does not treat all psychological problems. (Skurzynski) (www.google.com/images)
Economically, virtual reality can benefit many different companies. In aviation training, simulations save money by eliminating the need for an actual aircraft, which including fuel, unloading fees, and man-power, isn’t very economically viable. Automotive companies spend money on crash tests and making a car safe. Crash testing virtually, provides the necessary data without the need of excess spending. Architects use virtual reality to plan out a building and predict flaws in the design that could turn out be extremely costly. Astronauts use simulations for training, or research, which costs a considerable amount less than it would in real life. (Holtzman)(www.google.com/images)
Although virtual reality can provide economic relief for some, others suffer the penalty of increased costs for the possible benefits. From a military stand point, things like battlefield visualization, and head mounted displays are more costly, but the results from these products are invaluable. Virtual reality programs used in chemistry and biology are often expensive, but the potential research is vital. Hospitals spend money on simulators that provide reduced risks. Meteorologists use a more expensive means of forecasting in order to acquire more accurate data. (Holtzman)(www.google.com/images)
Providing safety is a major role of virtual realities. Military simulations save lives by keeping soldiers out of battle as well as properly preparing them for battle. This can eliminate real life threats and make dangerous situations merely a simulation. The military is always eager for technology that can protect it’s soldiers. (Baker)(www.google.com/images)
There are many factors that can cause flawed structure designs to be dangerous. Accidents can be sudden and are potentially fatal. Architectural use of virtual reality can predict defects in the design and eradicate them before construction. This helps to eliminate injuries and casualties due to faulty planning. (Holtzman)(www.google.com/images)
On average, one worker dies every day, and about 16 are injured in mine-related accidents. If proper training were applied, deaths and accidents could be drastically reduced. This would also cause increased production for the minding industry. (Holtzman)(Holtzman 4)(www.google.com/images)
The authors Ken Pimentel, and Kevin Teixeira are a part of a science team at the University Nottingham. Their team regards the research of many things, one being virtual reality. Their book, Virtual Reality Through the Looking Glass, discusses different points on virtual reality but is especially detailed in the evolution of cyberspace. In comparison to the book, Virtual Reality a Door to Cyberspace, Pimentel and Teixeira better demonstrate the history of cyberspace and how it has developed over the years.In this article, Scott Reekie talks about how education has been influenced by virtual reality. Scott Reekie is a writer for Faze Magazine and is responsible for the Science and Technology section of the magazine. In his article he talks about how virtual reality has become beneficial to education. He states that learning through virtual reality can be a positive way to use cyberspace. This contrasts with another article, which states that virtual reality can be positively used in real life medicine.
This article has authority because Giselle Rondon is a longtime writer of science articles that have been published all over. In his article, Rondon talks about the reality of virtual reality. He says that although some websites may appear to be real, they are merely virtual imitations. This article is related to the previous article which discusses the history and different uses of virtual reality.This article has authority because the author, Gloria Skurzynski, attended Mount Mercy College, and has had over two dozen books published about science related topics. This is a general article about virtual reality and its history. Skurzynski talks about the invention of the term more then ten years ago and the equipment to go along with it. There is a helmet and data glove, which serve to immerse you in another world as well as mimic your movements and actions. This article is related to another one by Giselle Rondon, which discusses the differences between what is virtual reality and what is not.Although the author of this article is unknown, it is still credible because it is reprinted from Aerospace Technology Innovation, which is part of NASA. The purpose of virtual reality in medicine is to predict the outcome of a specific surgery. This can be extremely beneficial because it can help surgeons increase their rate of success and reduce the chance of mistakes in risky operations. This article differs from an earlier mentioned article because it analyzes medical benefits of virtual reality as opposed to its use in education.Despite not knowing the author of this article, I can trust this source because it has been granted special permission by Current Health 1 from SIRS Discoverer. This article discusses the hazardous effects from virtual reality. This contrasts a previous article that was about the health benefits of virtual reality. This article mentions something called cyber sickness. This is where after experiencing virtual reality; someone can become sick or confused. Symptoms resemble motion sickness but not everyone experiences cyber sickness.Ann Weiss is a long time writer of scientific ideas and conflicts, she has many books published that explore different ideas. In her book, Virtual Reality a Door to Cyberspace, she discusses different points on virtual reality, but what stands out are her views on what makes the virtual reality. She says how its not about headsets or the computer, but that it begins with being a human being. This contrasts with an earlier book, Virtual Reality Through the New Looking Glass, which states that cyberspace begins with headset.
