Concepts

1. Also known as V.R., artificial reality, and virtual environments.
2. Virtual reality creates simulated environments on a computer.
3. Virtual reality uses hardware and software:
   1. Headgear (Eyephone) -  has earphones and 3-D stereoscopic screens.
   2. Gloves (DataGlove) -  have sensors that collect data about hand movement.
   3. Software (Body Electric) -  interactive sensory to immerse into computer-generated world.
4. VRML is a programming language to produce virtual reality applications.
5. Virtual reality authoring programs are use to create applications.   

Virtual Reality Programming Language (VRML)

• Used to create real-time animated 3-D scenes.
• Can be used with browsers on the Internet.
• Hundreds of sites exists on the Web with virtual reality applications.   

Virtual Reality Authoring Programs

• Several lower-cost and powerful authoring programs are available.
• They use VRML and are widely used to Web-based virtual reality applications.
• Examples:
  • Cosmos Worlds
  • Platinum VR Creator
  • V-Realm Builder   

Virtual Reality Applications

1. Ultimate recreational use -  giant virtual reality amusement park.
2. Training and hazardous environments:
   1. Flying simulation
   2. Surgical operations
   3. Spaceship repair
   4. Nuclear disaster cleanup   

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