Understanding Virtual Reality

Introduction to Virtual Reality Systems

Before we can reasonably discuss methods of using VR, we first must have a basic understanding of what this medium is all about and an overview of the technology involved. In Part II of this book, we present the basics of VR technology and experience. We discussed in Part I a variety of possible media used to access virtual worlds. Indeed, the user interface is how the user communicates with the constructed world and, conversely, how the world is manifested in a way to be perceived by the senses. In Part II, we explore the many levels at which the user interacts with a virtual world using the medium of virtual reality.

We begin by considering the physical level of the interface–the hardware (input in ...