Virtual Tourism
Virtual Reality
The definition of virtual reality comes, naturally, from the definitions for both ‘virtual’ and ‘reality’. The definition of ‘virtual’ is near and reality is what we experience as human beings. So the term ‘virtual reality’ basically means ‘near-reality’. This could, of course, mean anything but it usually refers to a specific type of reality emulation.
So what is virtual reality?
Answering "what is virtual reality" in technical terms is straight-forward. Virtual reality is the term used to describe a three-dimensional, computer generated environment which can be explored and interacted with by a person. That person becomes part of this virtual world or is immersed within this environment and whilst there, is able to manipulate objects or perform a series of actions.
The person wears a head-mounted display (HMD) or glasses which displays three-dimensional images as part of their experience. Some systems enable the person to experience additional sensory input, e.g. sound or video which contributes to their overall experience. Multi-sensory experience
They are aided by various sensory stimuli such as sound, video and images which form part of most virtual reality environments. But many newer environments include touch or force feedback through a haptic device such as a ‘data glove’ which further enhances the experience.
Virtual environments
Many people who work with virtual reality prefer to use the term ‘virtual environments’ instead. This is a response to a perceived negativity to this technology which has often turned out to be true. There are people who view virtual reality with little enthusiasm and dismiss it as ‘science fiction’, seeing it as having no practical application in the real world.
Variety of uses
But there are in fact, a wide variety of applications for virtual reality which include: * Architecture * Sport * Medicine * The Arts * Entertainment
Virtual reality can lead to new
The definition of virtual reality comes, naturally, from the definitions for both ‘virtual’ and ‘reality’. The definition of ‘virtual’ is near and reality is what we experience as human beings. So the term ‘virtual reality’ basically means ‘near-reality’. This could, of course, mean anything but it usually refers to a specific type of reality emulation.
So what is virtual reality?
Answering "what is virtual reality" in technical terms is straight-forward. Virtual reality is the term used to describe a three-dimensional, computer generated environment which can be explored and interacted with by a person. That person becomes part of this virtual world or is immersed within this environment and whilst there, is able to manipulate objects or perform a series of actions.
The person wears a head-mounted display (HMD) or glasses which displays three-dimensional images as part of their experience. Some systems enable the person to experience additional sensory input, e.g. sound or video which contributes to their overall experience. Multi-sensory experience
They are aided by various sensory stimuli such as sound, video and images which form part of most virtual reality environments. But many newer environments include touch or force feedback through a haptic device such as a ‘data glove’ which further enhances the experience.
Virtual environments
Many people who work with virtual reality prefer to use the term ‘virtual environments’ instead. This is a response to a perceived negativity to this technology which has often turned out to be true. There are people who view virtual reality with little enthusiasm and dismiss it as ‘science fiction’, seeing it as having no practical application in the real world.
Variety of uses
But there are in fact, a wide variety of applications for virtual reality which include: * Architecture * Sport * Medicine * The Arts * Entertainment
Virtual reality can lead to new