An Introduction to Virtual Reality

What is Virtual Reality?

• Definition
• Motivation
• History
• Types of VR
• Technology requirements
• Head-mounted displays
• Alternative stereo displays
• Motion Tracking
• Interaction devices
• Haptic feedback
• Sound
• Software
• Recommended reading

Introduction to 3D Graphics and VRML

• VRML
• Coordinate systems
• Geometric primitives
• Prefined VRML primitives
• Complex VRML shapes
• Transformation
• Appearance
• Lighting
• Shading
• Geometry Optimisation
• Levels of detail
• Anti-aliasing
• Fog
• Animation
• Interaction
• Literature list

Applications

• Architecture, design and prototyping
• Education and conferencing
• Training
• Medical
• Art and leisure
• Business and visualisation

Challenges

• Hardware technology
• Building worlds
• User interface design
• Human Factors
• Distributed virtual environments

Conclusions

Final Thoughts