What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual Reality is a computer-based technology, incorporates specialized input & output devices to allow the user to simulate real or imaginary world & be fully immersed in a 3D artificial environment. The simulated Real world environment could be simulations for pilot training or education classes & simulated imaginary world environment could be virtual reality games or interactive story. Artificial & immersed environment means allowing the user to feel & believe that he is an inside participant exploring a real world. Therefore, the user can listen, look, manipulate, interact, feel, speak & even smell if it is possible in these Virtual Reality simulated environments. The provided perception & interaction in this artificial environment came from special sensors & effectors corresponding to the movements of the users. For instance, the user can feel that he is flying in the space or throwing a ball simply be a hand gesture a nod or a sound.

Virtual Reality is immersive & providing highly visual experiences. These Visual experiences displayed either on computer displays or stereoscopic displays which allow you to see 3D information, simulate real environments & creates the illusion of depth in an image.


• Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML):

In addition to the definition of Virtual Reality we should know that it uses a special language to design these 3D virtual environments, called Virtual Reality Modeling language (VRML). This language uses textual statements (text file format) to describe 3-Dimensional images sequences, shapes, 3D world & other rules of possible user interaction. As a result, the user can interact with a sequence of images by viewing, rotating or moving them as he likes. For example you can explore or view a room & use controls to move it as you would experience it if you were walking inside that room with real space. However, to view these VRML you should have a VRML browser (plug in for your browser) or a viewer such as Platinum's Cosmo Player, WebEx or Worldview & many more.