 - Virtual reality is the simulation of a real or imagined environment that can be experienced visually in the three dimensions of width, height, and depth and that may additionally provide an interactive experience visually in full real-time motion with sound and possibly with tactile and other forms of feedback. The simplest form of virtual reality is a 3-D image that can be explored interactively at a personal computer, usually by manipulating keys or the mouse so that the content of the image moves in some direction or zooms in or out. Most of these images require installing a plug-in for your browser. As the images become larger and interactive controls more complex, the perception of "reality" increases. More sophisticated efforts involve such approaches as wrap-around display screens, actual rooms augmented with wearable computers, and haptics joystick devices that let you feel the display images.Virtual reality can be divided into: - The simulation of real environments such as the interior of a building or a spaceship often with the purpose of training or education
- The development of an imagined environment, typically for a game or educational adventure
Popular products for creating virtual reality effects on personal computers include Bryce, Extreme 3D, Ray Dream Studio, trueSpace, 3D Studio MAX, and Visual Reality. The Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) allows the creator to specify images and the rules for their display and interaction using textual language statements.
| LAST UPDATED: |
27 May 2006
|
 |
Read more about virtual reality:
|
|
Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know.
Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com
|
|
