This document provides an overview of virtual reality from its origins in the 1950s to current applications. It describes how VR uses computer simulations to enable users to interact with simulated environments in real time. Early VR systems were hampered by bulky equipment and lag, but technology improvements have allowed VR to be used for military stress treatment, medical applications, movies, and video games. The document outlines some of the tradeoffs in VR design and argues that improved graphics, tracking, and portability will further VR development and could make it an even more immersive "reality".

1. Virtual Reality
Shivani Anerao
Sybsc IT(B)
102

2. Intro To Virtual Reality
 First introduced in the late 1950s
 A computer simulation of a real or imaginary
system
 Enables a user to perform operations on the
simulated system
 Shows the effects in real time
 Douglas Engelbart came up with the idea of
VR machines

3. Factors For Development
 Communications
technology merging
with graphics
technology
 Computers made from
transistors

4. Input Devices
 Wands
 Data gloves
 Stair steppers
 Head-Mounted Displays

5. Early Virtual Reality Setbacks
 Cumbersome gear
– Heavy gear causing
strain
– Unable to use for long
due to exhaustion
 Expensive
– Aimed at the high
income business or
family
– Majority could not own
one

6. Lag Plaguing Virtual Reality
 Motion Delay
– Seasickness
– Nausea
– Dizziness

7. Early Uses
 U.S. military radar
system
 Flight simulators
 Ivan Sutherland’s
“Sketchpad” for
designers

8. Current Uses
 Virtual reality war
zone stress
reliever
 VR treatment with
kids
 Movie
entertainment
 Video game
entertainment

9. War Zone Stress Reliever
 Treat post-traumatic stress disorder in troops
 Provides effect of reactions on the battlefield
 Isolate things that were causing war-related stress

10. Treatment With Kids
 VR provides an effective distraction utility
 “Alleviates pain for those that have severe
injuries or illnesses”
 Minimizes stress during long operations
 Increases endurance in certain situations if
allow to interact with the VR items

11. Movie Entertainment
 Early Examples
– Star Wars
– Terminator
– Jurassic Park
 Current Examples
– Peter Jackson’s “King
Kong”

12. Video Game Entertainment
 An exchange
from reality for
virtual
 MMORPGs –
Massively multi-
player online
role-playing
games

13. Choices
 Frame rate refresh versus resolution
 File size versus detail and interaction quality
 Better algorithm versus time to create it
 Accessibility versus power

14. Research & Development
 “Images must become sharper and more
detailed.
 Movements need to be tracked more
rapidly, and hence more realistically.
 Technology needs to be more expansive
while, in many instances, becoming lighter,
smaller, more portable”

15. Overall
 Technology continues to
advance
 Graphics improve as well
as controllers used to
operate systems
 Virtual reality may end up
being our true “Reality”

16. Works Cited
 In Love With Reality Truly, Madly, Virtually , The New York
Times, January 8, 2006 Sunday, Late Edition - Final, Section 2;
Column 1; Arts and Leisure Desk; ART; Pg. 36, 1254 words, By
MICHAEL RUSH. Michael Rush is the director of the Rose Art Museum
at Brandeis University and the author of ''Video Art'' (Thames &
Hudson, 2003) and ''New Media in Art'' (Thames & Hudson World of
Art, 2005).
 Cancer kids treated with virtual reality, The Australian, September 27,
2005 Tuesday IT Tabloid Edition, FEATURES; IT Alive / Computers;
Pg. 107, 557 words, Barbara Gengler
 Military Turns To Virtual Reality To Treat Post-Traumatic Stress;
Recreating An Iraqi War Zone; Technology also helps treat auto
accident victims and people with a fear of flying, Investor’s Business
Daily, July 13, 2005 Wednesday, SECTION INTERNET