Virtual Reality VIsion

Virtavision -- the evolution of television into a home entertainment medium with interactivity and three-dimensionality. Some aspects of online gaming and television are likely to merge into centrally programmed, multi-participant, interactive, three-dimensional virtual reality television ("virtevision"). Interactive VRTVs may take the place of non-engaging television just as color TVs have largely replaced black-and-white televisions. three-dimensional models of human movement also has information on this virtual reality topic.

"Augmented Reality" is a predominantly real-world setting within which a few virtual elements are superimposed to expand the feasible scope or scale of manipulation of the real world. Examples have a surgeon employing virtual reality to work at a micro-scale that could not be done with unaided human hands or a pilot with a translucent Head Mounted Display (head mounted display) that overlays maps on the pilot's range of sight to guide direction. For related information, please also see use of parallax vision in virtual reality systems .

When simulating the sense of touch, Virtual Reality systems must simulate the physical resistance that virtual things would have on our movement as if they were real. This resistance can be transmitted to one's senses though several mechanical pistons, inflatable air pockets, or magnetic resistance devices integrated into gloves or body suit. Simulation of touch and movement through such devices is known as "haptics." While kinesthetics technology is presently less advanced than computer to human interaction through vision and audio signals, it will likely become more prevalent as technology progresses. Also, the use of virtual reality for medical education covers this VR subject.

While virtual reality can be used in many ways, entertainment was one of the first uses and still tops the list. The immersive and engaging attributes of VR make it well-suited for virtual gaming. In the coming decade, novel virtual amusement ("virtainment") applications will come from hybrid combinations of online gaming, internet access, and television. These applications can be centrally coordinated, multi-participant, responsive, and 3D entertainment experiences. There is social value of physically gathering in one location, so there will still be a role for movies in the world of virtainment. Virtual movies ("virties") will go far beyond 3D effects with polarized lens glasses; they will feature realistic three-dimensional images and multi-sensory audience engagement. The page on the realistic behavior of objects in virtual reality delves into more developments.