Virtual Reality Essay -- Technology Research Papers

Virtual Reality Imagine walking down a white sandy beach. The sand is warm between your toes and there is a light breeze that moves your hair. You look across the horizon at the bright warm sun, a little to bright you think as you squint. But the water before you is so clear, you can see small fish clear to the bottom. The water is cool and it feels refreshing as you let the waves crash gently at your feet. This place is beautiful and peaceful, but you realize your not alone. You look to your right and see a child and her mother splashing in the water. You can hear the child laughing and feel the rippling sensation in the water against your legs. The sun is getting a little warm as a small bead of sweat falls across your brow. You look onto the beach and see the white sand as it glistens from the sun. You look a little farther and see the towel and chair you left earlier. You marvel about what a beautiful day it is. Then, you sigh as you walk across the warm sand and it sticks to your wet feet, wate r is dripping off you, but you feel relaxed. You don't want to leave this beautiful place, but you realize your time is up. You feel a sharp tap on your shoulder and your helmet is slowly being removed from your head. Reality comes flooding back to you, gone is the white sandy beach and warm sun, but and in its place are the cold uninviting walls of the laboratory. The scientist smiles and asks how you enjoyed your experience. What has just happened is the technology of the future called virtual reality. This is concept that allows one to think they are experiencing something through the use of the major senses. Virtual reality creates an imaginary image that allows for a sense of deception. Virtual reality takes place in many ... ...of funds. With further research and advancements comes the opportunity to entertain, train, as well as help people. Wouldn't we all like to experience a little vacation without the hassle of packing, flying or driving, and unpacking when we return. Instead we could relax and experience it without leaving the privacy of our own homes. Works Cited Beier, K.P. Virtual Reality: A Short Introduction. University of Michigan. September 2001. www.~VRL.umich.edu Facit Visual Simulations. Sensory Product Line. 2001 Facit Ltd for Virtual Reality. www.facit.co.uk/medical.htm Mc.Masters, Kelly. Almost There. November 13, 2001. PC Magazine. www.pcmag.com Mitchell, Keith. Virtual Reality. December 16, 1996. www.ei.cs.vt.edu/~history/Mitchell.VR.html "Virtual Reality." Encararta Encyclopedia Article. Ed. Zelter, David 1993-2000. www.encarta.msn.com Williams