Applications of Virtual Reality And Information Visualization

Medicine

• See-through glasses can be used to superimpose live ultrasound images of internal organs onto the body or to view real-time information such as a patient's vital signs during surgery.

• Motion analysis using VR sensors can be used to help train athletes to prevent injuries.

• Rehabilitation and physical therapy can be enhanced by the use of VR sensory equipment to pinpoint motor control problems.

• The study of the human body can be facilitated by the use of 3D models of the body in which medical professionals or students can move to observe functions.

• Surgical operations can be practiced on VR cadavers and new techniques can be tried out or perfected on VR bodies instead of live ones.

• New drugs can be tested in VR by examining how they will react or bond with molecules.

• Surgeons could conduct robotic surgery from anywhere using telepresence techniques and be protected from the risks of exposure during operations.

Science

• Many scientific models could be better understood if they could be viewed in 3D.

• Mathematicians could visualize three-dimensional equations.

• Researchers could create interactive simulations of scientific phenomena.

• Students could learn about scientific concepts by experiencing them in VR.

• Chemists can study molecular structure and interactions without actually mixing chemicals.

Education and Training

• VR is an effective aid to teaching which allows students to visualize information and to interact with information in a multisensory immersive environment.

• Virtual classrooms allow students to attend classes without actually being there.

• VR provides the tools to visualize and manipulate abstract information making it easier to understand concepts.

• Simulators can be used for training (i.e. flight simulators for pilots, virtual cars for driver training).

• Battlefield simulations can be used to train soldiers.

Entertainment

• VR is used in video games where the game player becomes part of the action.

• Movies and television shows are using more VR (Earth 2, Tek Wars, Star Trek).

• Sports such as golf and racquetball can be played in VR.

Tools for the Handicapped

• The input devices used in VR provide mechanisms for handicapped persons to communicate and navigate.

• Physically handicapped individuals can participate in virtual activities such as sports or dancing.

• Accessibility to structures can be tested by doing a walk through a virtual building examining the spacing dimensionality and reachability of objects.

Robotics

• Robots can be controlled from a remote location.

Military

• Military training and operations was one of the first practical applications of VR (flight simulators, development and testing of combat strategy).

• VR allows avoidance of exposure to hazards such as firing of real weapons, or performing dangerous maneuvers.

• Control of weapons after firing them by telepresence from a safe distance reduces risks (smart bombs).

• Optically combining critical information such as altitude, airspeed and heading with an unobstructed view through the forward windscreen of a fighter aircraft allows the pilot to fly without having to look around the cockpit at gauges.

Sports and Fitness

• VR can be used to enhance the experience of indoor exercise by creating realistic simulations (a bike ride through the country on a stationary exercise bike).

• Realism is created by the use of tactile and/or force feedback which compensates for muscular movement or indicating contact with objects.

• Golf can be played on a VR course.

Art

• A virtual theatre can have participants involved in the play controlling the plot by selecting from a set of scripts.

• One could visit a museum or art gallery using VR.

• Instead of passively viewing a piece of art, one could become a part of it.

Architecture

• VR offers the potential to enhance architecture by allowing a simulated walkthrough of a virtual space before the expensive construction is undertaken.

• Problems can be found and fixed before they become real.

Business

• A virtual spreadsheet where information can be interactively modified and examined could allow businesses to experience what if scenarios.

• Information can be visualized in 3D.

• Virtual prototyping can save time and money in the development of new products.

• Virtual meetings.

REFERENCES

The Encyclopedia of Virtual Environments (EVE) at the University of Maryland at College Park is a collection of information about the many applications and components devices and technologies which comprise Virtual Environments.

Case Study 10: Virtual Reality Technology contains a definition of virtual reality and a general list of current applications of V R.

Last updated Tuseday March 22, 1995