Virtual Reality:Scientific and Technological Challenges
Despite widespread
interest in virtual reality, research and development efforts in
synthetic environments (SE)--the field encompassing virtual
environments, teleoperation, and hybrids--have remained fragmented. Virtual Reality is the first integrated treatment of the
topic, presenting current knowledge along with thought-provoking
vignettes about a future where SE is commonplace.
This volume discusses all aspects of creating a system that will
allow human operators to see, hear, smell, taste, move about, give
commands, respond to conditions, and manipulate objects
effectively in a real or virtual environment. The committee of
computer scientists, engineers, and psychologists on the leading
edge of SE development explores the potential applications of SE
in the areas of manufacturing, medicine, education, training,
scientific visualization, and teleoperation in hazardous
environments.
The committee also offers recommendations for development of
improved SE technology, needed studies of human behavior and
evaluation of SE systems, and government policy and infrastructure.
"...the most comprehensive examination of
the state-of-the-art virtual reality technology available today.
It is destined to become an essential reference for everyone who
participates in virtual reality development."--CyberEdge
Journal
"...great thought and care has gone into
this report...The report is a must-read; a refreshing example of
an instance where the taxpayers got their money's worth and then
some."--CyberEdge Journal
"Without a doubt it is a state of the art
book by persons knowledgeable and experienced telling where we
stand today and where we might go. A book full of guidance to all
those who are interested in benefitting from the use of Virtual
Reality techniques."--Computer Books Review (UK)
"This book is essential reading for anyone
already involved in virtual reality research or thinking of
venturing into the field."--Computer Bulletin
"To say [the book] is of high quality is an
understatement. The bibliographical references are a gold mine of
knowledge. A book full of guidance to all those who are interested
in benefitting from the use of Virtual Reality techniques."--Computer
Books Review (U.K.)
"...definitely the most important single
publication to date on the topic." --Library and
Information Science Research
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