Introduction of Virtual Reality - Research Paper Example

BSc Computing (Year Computer Systems Assignment Due for Issue (week commencing 23/09/14 for Deadline 23:59 Sunday 18/01 Agreed Date for late submission: Module Tutor: Signed: Yinghui Zhang Student Name: Student ID: Chong Chze Vern 14423211 Assessment Feedback Aspect (& weighting) Excellent Very Good Satisfactory Needs some more work Needs much more work Task 1 (100%) Specific aspects of the assignment that the marker likes: Specific aspects of the assignment that need more work: Tutor’s Signature: Date: Grade: CSY1014 Computer System Task 1 1. Introduction of Virtual Reality 2. Importance of Virtual Reality 3. (a)Types of Virtual Reality (i) Immersive virtual reality (ii) Non-immersive virtual reality (b)Method of Virtual Reality (i) Simulation based virtual reality (ii) Avatar image based virtual reality (iii) Project-based virtual reality (iv) Desktop-based virtual reality (v) True Immersive virtual reality ©Additional information: Related terms with virtual reality Artificial reality Augmented reality 4. History of Virtual Reality 5. Virtual Reality Hardware (a) Input devices (i) Tracking devices (b) Output devices (i) HMD(head mounted display) (ii) The Immerse Desk (iii) The Power wall (iv) Digital Gloves (v) Digital Suit 6. Virtual Reality Application (i) Virtual Reality In Military (ii) Virtual Reality In Medical (iii) Virtual Reality In Games (iv) Virtual Reality In Movie 7. Table form includes positive & negative user of virtual reality and challenges & future possibilities 8. Conclusion 9. References Introduction of Virtual Reality Virtual reality refers to an artificial environment developed with software and presented to users in a manner that the user suspend their belief and accept them as an environment that is real (Whyte, 2007). The concept popped into headlines few years ago, but their roots reached back forty years ago. During the late 1950s, the nation was still recovering from McCarthyism, and undergoing shakes from Elvis sound, idea arose that would turn the way the computer users would interact with them and make a possible virtual reality. A young electrical engineer called Douglas Engelhard viewed the issue from a different perspective. Rather than limiting the use of computers to crunching, he envisioned them to be one of the instruments for digital display as argued by Mihelj and Janez, (2012). He was aware that with the help of radar, any information in digital form can be seen on the screen. He then reasons and connected the computer to a screen and used the two hardwares in solving the problem. On PC, virtualreality is familiarised using two wits, sound and sight. In the early days, the digital version for virtual reality was just like the graphics of 8 bit was to video games as shown below The most common virtual reality is 3D image that can be readily explored at computers, normally through manipulation of mouse or keys so the image content moves in a certain direction or zoomed out. More of the complex effect involve such mechanism as actual rooms and wrap up display screen with a wearable computer and haptic machines that makes one to feel the images (Craig, Sherman, and Will, 2009). Virtual reality is has different divisions such as real setting meant for education and training through simulation, and advancement of the illusion setting for interactive story or game. The common products for creating the effects of virtual reality include visual reality, Ray Dream Studio, Bryce, Extreme 3D, and 3D studio MAX. The VRML (Virtual Reality Modelling Language) enables the creator to specify the images and the regulations for their interaction and display with the help of textual language statements (Mihelj and Janez, 2012). Reasons for coming up with virtual reality are many and vary from one individual to the other. People love playing games. Some of these games include computer game and card game (Whyte, 2007). With the help of virtual reality, games enable people to become something without the help of the natural effects of reality. Additionally, with the help of virtual reality, people can live world on their computers since they feel protected against other people. (Virtual Reality) Importance of Virtual Reality Mobile phones can be used to manage time. Mobile phones were developed over the course of a decade; they have become an important tool for people in term of safety, easy of communication, and convenience(Craig, Sherman, and Will, 2009). This is because the telephone could be with a person at all times and in any location. Importance of VR can train for military and others operation such as medical, education, manufacturing, etc. VR can also use in movies with 3D and other entertainments such as games. Types of Virtual Reality IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY Immersive systems are high and strong technology with a 3D display system that allows the user to merge into a displayed image. Images usually display in stereoscopic 3D (Craig, Sherman, and Will, 2009). Tracking system can be a convert and allow the user to move almost everything around these 3D images and even merge with them. It looks very actual like reality does. NON-IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY Non-immersive systems are the less common immersive implementation of virtual reality methods. Through the desktop system, a virtual environment is viewed through a portal or window by utilising a standard high-resolution monitor(Mihelj and Janez, 2012). Method of Virtual Reality Five methods related to Virtual Reality exist and include Simulation-based VR, Avatar image based VR, Projector-based Virtual Reality, Desktop-based VR and True Immersive VR. (1) Simulation-based VR This is the first kind of VR that is experienced in the world of computers and their connection to use in human life. For instance, simulators that can be used by drivers help them in establishing different notions about their being on wheels of a car. The different visuals create a significant role in the kind of actions the driver is likely to take up when navigating and have the best experience on the road (Mihelj and Janez, 2012). The simulators are reliable for carmethodadvancement, safety enhancement and human aspectlearning. (Simulation-based virtual reality) (2) Avatar image based Virtual Reality Avatar image-based virtual reality helps peopleto join the virtual atmosphere in the form of real video as well as an avatar. Virtual reality system can handle two types of users(Gutierrez, Vexo and Thalmann, 2008). One can take part in the 3D distributed virtual environment for the actual thing. The development of the particular visuals is completely crashed to boost the logic of the actual world of imaging. People who use this kind of method to explore the world of imaging have a better experience than any other individual out there accessing images through normal ways through factoring VR in any of their mechanisms. (Avatar images based virtual reality reality) (3) Projector-based Virtual Reality Example of projected-base virtual reality includes robot navigation, airplane simulation and construction modelling. The illustration based VR method helpsimproving attractiveness in workstation graphics because it provides a way more realism by using snap realistic imagery and modelling formula simple and unique. (Projector-based virtual reality) (4) Desktop-based Virtual Reality Computer programs that copy into a real or imaginary world in 3D format that is displayed on the screen. It has several features like desktop-based virtual reality. A common disadvantage of the form of immersion that there is no sense of peripheral vision, reducing the ability of figuring out what surrounds an individual. (Desktop-based Virtual Reality) (5) True Immersive Virtual Reality Using HMD with a computer rule of the image and head tracking devices to move around with a helmet with a middle stage may be produced by "virtual space". (True Immersive Virtual Reality) Additional Information: Related terms with VR Artificial Reality (Artificial Reality) “Artificial reality created by Myron W. Krueger helps users control their PCs at any time in respect to video tricks despite the kind of environment, bringing out the best interactions possible. Augmented Reality (Augment reality) "Augmented reality is considered as a form of technology where computer created pictures is superimposed onto objects as a form of enhancement. They improve or enhance what is already there. The merger of the real with the simulated blurs the boundary of the two as well as enhancing our senses. Augmented reality is closer to the actual world than virtual reality that is based upon fully immersive artificial worlds." History of VR 1. THE CONCEPT OF VRIS FROM 1950 2. THEN IN 1965-ULTIMATE DISPLAY. 3. 1966-HMD WAS INVENTED. 4. PEOPLE BECAME AWARE OF VR IN 1990s. Virtual reality came to the limelight only in the recent years, but its roots reach back four decades(Craig, Sherman, and Will, 2009). In 1950s, just as the country was trembling off musty traces of McCarthyism and shuddering to the echoes of Elvis; that an idea came about that that was geared towards redefining the way people used computers and make the dream of VR possible. Douglas Engelbart, a youthful electrical engineer and former naval radar technician, had a different approach altogether. Rather than limit computers to number crunching, Engelbart he started thinking on how they can be useful to humanity. He knew from his days with radar that any digital information, screen was a viable option for it to be accessed from by a larger audience(Mihelj and Janez, 2012). Because this approach of screen and computer connection would bring more ways of exploring solutions for various issues affecting the humanity, he decided to develop it. Engelbart, being a bright young man, came up with a resolve for vision of computing in 1960s. (Flight simulator) In the meanwhile, entertainment industry such as computer graphic and computer games was the source of many valuable spin-offs in virtual reality. (Doug Engelbart) Virtual Reality Hardware The crucial hardware to virtual reality purist is the rate in which the user is deeply immerse in the simulation of the computer. The virtual reality hardware includes the computers, sensory displays, and input devices. The computer hardware is composed of the process acceleration cards (Craig, Sherman, and Will, 2009). Some of the input devices include tracking systems and other input devices such as headphones, head mounted display, head tracker receiver, and glove tracker receiver as shown in the picture below. (Head Mounted Display) For virtual reality to work well, virtual reality hardware has always been found necessary. Conventionally, the hardware is normally used in stimulating the user visually. This tends to place the user in a virtual reality environment. What is normally experienced is dependent on what the user does (Whyte, 2007). Bulky gaming operations during the 1990s made use of the virtual reality hardware. What contributed to its failure was the size. The virtual reality hardware is soon becoming irrelevant in the technology. Some of the simpler designs of virtual reality hardware include the Xbox One and Sony PS4. “The following table show the input devices and the output devices of virtual reality” Input Devices Output Devices Tracking Devices HMD(Head Mounted Display) The Immerse Desk The Power Wall Digital Gloves Digital Suit Input Devices Tracking Devices VRsystems Features They interrelate with the system’s CPU. This related to the system theorientation of the users point of view. In systems that let the user roam around within a physical space, the locality of the person can be diagnosed with the use of trackers, along with side movement and momentum. (Tracking Devices) Output Devices 1 HMD (Head Mounted Display)- are portable viewing screens that add profundity to otherwise planeimagery. When someone checks the helmet, they see two lenses through which they view the screens. When the use of the application that brings about simulation is started, pictures in the view point are projected differently from the computer (Mihelj and Janez, 2012). This is experienced by the manner in which the said objects can be seen by our human eyes such as through the left or right eye. 2 Individuals are able to evaluate their particular moves through special devices that are meant for the purpose of achieving goals in VR. The particular simulation is continuously update every time one makes a movement and this is seen through the computer screen and is the best way you can track your doings in VR. 3 The development and use of VR through HMD is more enhanced and appreciated around the globe because of the privacy people tend to experience when implementing different kind of simulations for different purposes. This is felt because of the blockage within the surrounding under the operation by the particular individuals. 4 5 The Immerse Desk- It refers programs of the computer that simulate a real or imaginary world in three-dimensional format that are shown on the screen (The Immerse Desk) 3) The Power Wall-Power walls help in bringing out the simplest show despite the fact the the resolution experienced from them is enormous because of their composition that is characterised by LCD panels. (Power wall) 4) Digital Gloves-A simple means of gesturing commands to the computer rather than punching in commands on a keyboard, which is challenging if you are putting on anHMD or are operating the BOOM. You program the computer to change modes in response to the moves you do with the digital gloves time viewpoint control in a 3D situation given out by computer or camera. (Digital Gloves) 5) Digital Suit-function same as above(refer to digital gloves) (Digital Suit) Virtual Reality Application The Virtual Reality software exists in various forms and for various virtual reality applications. This includes the Three Dimensional Modelling Software; Since VR is a 3D medium, all the objects found in the virtual world need to be specified such that they can be seen from any given angle. 2D Graphics Software is used since there is a confinement in the geometric complexity of an object found in a virtual setting. It is normally used so that one can paint the object surfaces with many and additional details (Whyte, 2007). The process is termed as texture mapping and needs 2D graphics software called the paint program. The images that are created with the help of this software can be stretched over the framework that is produced in the three-dimensional modelling software to create an interesting and detailed object. Some of the examples of 2D graphic applications include the Adobe Photoshop, adobe illustrator, and Fractal Design Painter. Another application is called the Digital Sound Editing Software. Sound is a crucial but neglected component of virtual reality(Mihelj and Janez, 2012). Although the high tech in three-dimensional graphics is impressive to see, it is not always realistic and fails to approach the human perceptual system. The virtual environment is always considered to be of low resolution, looks similar to the computer graphics and cannot be mistaken to be a real thing. The reproduction technology of sound is fixed along. The digital sound is of high resolution just as human hearing (Whyte, 2007).. Another application is called the simulation software; the simulation software needs complex software to offers a compelling incident. The software needs to course the inputs that come from input devices and trackers and then update 20 times every second. The software is used in creating and maintaining the internal database of objects found in a virtual world (Craig, Sherman, and Will, 2009). Some of the software for VR simulation includes the sense 8, division, Supers cape, cosmos, and VRML. 1) Virtual Reality In Military (Military) Virtual reality has been developed by the military that included three services such as an air force, an army and navy. They are used for training purposes to train soldiers for combat situations or other dangerous situation where they have to learn how to react in an appropriate manner(Whyte, 2007). A virtual simulation allows them to do without serious injury and risk of death. Furthermore, they can create a particular scenario to experience the environment without the real work risks. It saves a lot of money and safer than traditional training methods. “Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is a condition that develops when a person has been placed under extreme stress or suffered a high level of trauma (Craig, Sherman, and Will, 2009). A good example of this is a soldier who has suffered PTSD as a result of front line duty, but other examples include an accident, physical assault, terrorism or the after effects of a major disaster. PTSD is treated using various therapies such as hypnotherapy but another form of treatment is virtual reality. This article discusses the ways in which this is used to treat conditions such as PTSD.” 2) Virtual Reality In Medical (Medical) Healthcare is one of the biggestassets in virtual reality that enable surgery simulation such as robotic surgery, skills training and phobia treatment. It allows professionals healthcare to learn the new method and to refresh existing one in a safe environment. Besides that, it also allows this without causing any danger to the patient. Virtual robotic surgery is a popular use of this technology is in robotic surgery. This is where surgery is carried through of a robotic device – controlled by a human surgeon, which decreases time and risk of complications(Whyte, 2007). The main aspect of this system is force feedback as the surgeon requires gauging the amount of pressure to use when carrying out a delicate procedure(Mihelj and Janez, 2012).But there is an issue of time delay or latency that is a big worry as any delay – even a blink of an eye– can feel unusual to the surgeon and interrupt the procedure. Therefore, its necessary to be precise force feedback in place to prevent this occurrence (Gutierrez, Vexo and Thalmann, 2008). Robotic surgery and other things connected to virtual reality and medicine are in a virtual reality and healthcare section. Virtual Reality in Games (Games) Virtual reality games are becoming more and more popular with many young adult who love the graphics, animations and best of all and also being able to speak with each other. Currently, they have many types of games available such as Mac, PC, Xbox360, PS2 and PS3 whatever console you put in virtual reality game. Furthermore, these games are most likely for the young adults but there is a few which are designed for the adults. Both are very good way of getting them used to the technology. 3) Virtual Reality In Movie (Movie) Virtual reality is a not a new niche in science fiction movies, where it is used as a mean to bring the fantastical into something that seems totally real. TRON is one the first movie to use virtual reality as a plot element. The main actors were taken from reality and taken into a virtual world inside a computer(Craig, Sherman, and Will, 2009). Example of virtual reality in a movie (i) Brainstorm (ii) Video drome (iii) Lawnmower Man (iv) Strange Days (v) Until the End of the World (vi) Johnny Mnemonic (vii) The Matrix (viii) Star Wars (ix) Terminator (x) Jurassic Park “The following table shows the positive and the negative users of virtual reality” Positive users of VR Negative users of VR 1. Training 1. VR replacing reality 2. Entertainment: fun, expression, artistic 2. People preferring VR to reality 3. Risk-free experience 3. Addiction 4. Experiencing things you wouldn’t normally be able to experience 4. Possible Impacts on a real body “The following table explains the challenges and future possibilities of virtual reality” Challenges Future Possibilities VR has been heavily criticized for being an inefficient method for navigating. Non-geographical information. Virtual experience and virtual identifies via memory implants. Spend too much time on VR equipment will make u feel headache due to eye strain. Recording and sharing experiences. Repetitive strain injury (RSI) can result from repeated use of the handset gloves. Game scenarios. *Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) used to analyze the pain experienced by the patient in the muscles, nerves and tendons which occurs as a result of repetitive movement and overuse. Conclusion of Virtual Reality All of my research above is based on search results of Google Books from the Google search engine website. Though the disadvantage of VR can disturb the human’s perception ability, its advantages in different fields makes it and a user friendly (Mihelj and Janez, 2012; Craig, Sherman, and Will, 2009). In summary, virtual reality is normally termed as a computer generated setting where sound and sight and at times touch are simulated to come up with objects, pictures, and sounds that seems to look real. Users tend to enter the simulated environment with the help of an HMD and connect with the help of a glove. The virtual reality systems tend to develop and come up with 3D images in full colour. They also track the body movement of the participants, usually hand and head through the VR world. Business world computing will significantly be impacted by this kind of technology and its use will not spare the personal application of the machines. The virtual reality will soon be incorporated into peoples existence from the banking and virtual shopping. References Bidgoli, H. (2004).The Internet Encyclopaedia, Volume 3, John Wiley & Sons Biocca, F. and Levy M. R, (2013). Communication in the Age of Virtual Realit. Routledge Craig, A. B., Sherman, W. R, and Will, J. D (2009). Developing Virtual Reality Applications: Foundations of Effective Design. Morgan Kaufmann Gutierrez, M., Vexo, F and Thalmann, D (2008). Stepping into Virtual Reality, Springer Science & Business Media Highton, S. (2010). Virtual Reality Photography: Creating Panoramic and Object Images. Virtual Reality Photography Jonassen, D. H. (2004). Handbook of Research on Educational Communications and Technology, Taylor & Francis Mihelj, M and JanezPodobnik, J (2012). Haptics for Virtual Reality and Tele operation, Springer Science & Business Media Vince, J. (2004). Introduction to Virtual Reality, Springer Science & Business Media Westwood, J. D, Haluck, R. S and Hoffman, H. M (2005). Medicine Meets Virtual Reality 13: The Magical Next Becomes the Medical Now, IOS Press Whyte, J. (2007). Virtual Reality and the Built Environment, Routledge Virtual Reality- Source: http://www.duelinganalogs.com/comic/is-it-virtual-reality-or-is-it-memorex/ Simulation-based virtual reality- Source: http://vrtech.iastate.edu/S06/snowplow.php/ Avatar image based virtual reality- Source: http://preventdisease.com/news/12/110812_The-Power-of-Virtual-Reality-Your-Avatar-Can-Influence-Your-Health-and-Weight.shtml/ Projected-based virtual reality- Source: http://challengepost.com/software/tred-virtual-reality-immersion-experience Desktop-based virtual reality- Source: http://www.5dt.com/products/ifloviz01.html True Immersive virtual reality- Source: http://www.vrealities.com/head-mounted-displays Artificial Reality- Source: https://design.osu.edu/carlson/history/lesson17.html Augmented Reality- Source: http://iwearyourecho.com/augmented-reality/ Flight simulator- Source: http://www.geek.com/games/this-is-the-ultimate-in-home-flight-simulation-1287908/ Doug Engelbart- Source: http://archive.wtsp.com/rss/article/323445/81/Inventor-of-computer-mouse-dies-at-age-of-88 Head Mounted Display- Source: Sherman, William R. Understanding Virtual Reality: Interface, Application, and Design. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2013.Print Tracking Devices- Source: http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/bluetooth-tracking-devices/ The Immerse Desk- Source: http://www.technologytell.com/gadgets/20811/the-ultimate-geek-desk/ Power Wall- Source: http://www.cc.gatech.edu/gvu/ii/jigsaw/ Digital Gloves- Source: http://www.rapidreadytech.com/2013/10/lockheed-martin-steps-up-digital-manufacturing/ Digital Suit- Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:AC89-0437-20_a.jpeg Military- Source: http://www.army-technology.com/contractors/training/cassidian-cp/cassidian-cp3.html Medical- Source: http://www.cmdn.dundee.ac.uk/main-news/scotland%E2%80%99s-first-eye-surgery-simulator Games- Source: http://www.avatarnation.net/ Movie- Source: http://phys.org/news87121098.html Read More

Mobile phones were developed over the course of a decade; they have become an important tool for people in term of safety, easy of communication, and convenience(Craig, Sherman, and Will, 2009). This is because the telephone could be with a person at all times and in any location. Importance of VR can train for military and others operation such as medical, education, manufacturing, etc. VR can also use in movies with 3D and other entertainments such as games. Types of Virtual Reality IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY Immersive systems are high and strong technology with a 3D display system that allows the user to merge into a displayed image.

Images usually display in stereoscopic 3D (Craig, Sherman, and Will, 2009). Tracking system can be a convert and allow the user to move almost everything around these 3D images and even merge with them. It looks very actual like reality does. NON-IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY Non-immersive systems are the less common immersive implementation of virtual reality methods. Through the desktop system, a virtual environment is viewed through a portal or window by utilising a standard high-resolution monitor(Mihelj and Janez, 2012).

Method of Virtual Reality Five methods related to Virtual Reality exist and include Simulation-based VR, Avatar image based VR, Projector-based Virtual Reality, Desktop-based VR and True Immersive VR. (1) Simulation-based VR This is the first kind of VR that is experienced in the world of computers and their connection to use in human life. For instance, simulators that can be used by drivers help them in establishing different notions about their being on wheels of a car. The different visuals create a significant role in the kind of actions the driver is likely to take up when navigating and have the best experience on the road (Mihelj and Janez, 2012).

The simulators are reliable for carmethodadvancement, safety enhancement and human aspectlearning. (Simulation-based virtual reality) (2) Avatar image based Virtual Reality Avatar image-based virtual reality helps peopleto join the virtual atmosphere in the form of real video as well as an avatar. Virtual reality system can handle two types of users(Gutierrez, Vexo and Thalmann, 2008). One can take part in the 3D distributed virtual environment for the actual thing. The development of the particular visuals is completely crashed to boost the logic of the actual world of imaging.

People who use this kind of method to explore the world of imaging have a better experience than any other individual out there accessing images through normal ways through factoring VR in any of their mechanisms. (Avatar images based virtual reality reality) (3) Projector-based Virtual Reality Example of projected-base virtual reality includes robot navigation, airplane simulation and construction modelling. The illustration based VR method helpsimproving attractiveness in workstation graphics because it provides a way more realism by using snap realistic imagery and modelling formula simple and unique.

(Projector-based virtual reality) (4) Desktop-based Virtual Reality Computer programs that copy into a real or imaginary world in 3D format that is displayed on the screen. It has several features like desktop-based virtual reality. A common disadvantage of the form of immersion that there is no sense of peripheral vision, reducing the ability of figuring out what surrounds an individual. (Desktop-based Virtual Reality) (5) True Immersive Virtual Reality Using HMD with a computer rule of the image and head tracking devices to move around with a helmet with a middle stage may be produced by "virtual space".

(True Immersive Virtual Reality) Additional Information: Related terms with VR Artificial Reality (Artificial Reality) “Artificial reality created by Myron W. Krueger helps users control their PCs at any time in respect to video tricks despite the kind of environment, bringing out the best interactions possible. Augmented Reality (Augment reality) "Augmented reality is considered as a form of technology where computer created pictures is superimposed onto objects as a form of enhancement.

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