Development of Virtual and Augmented Reality

Abstract

This research paper is about virtual and augmented reality, it goes into detail about the history, the difference between the two, and how they’re used in life today. Virtual reality was first experimented with in the 1950’s, but Irvan Sutherland is credited for creating the first device dealing with both augmented and virtual reality in 1968. Virtual and augmented reality seem like they’re similar, but the difference is that augmented reality is a bridge between the real world and virtual world.

Virtual reality takes you into a whole new world within a computer system. Even though these two realities may work differently they can be used together to create different applications for health, companies, architecture, art and design. Virtual and augmented reality was meant to change the way we look at our reality and give us a new idea for how things function. It opens up a whole new way for people to immerse themselves for creativity and imagination.

Development of Virtual and Augmented Reality

Augmented and virtual reality brings a new perspective for the mind to live within a different reality, but inside your mind. Virtual reality is an authentic technology and also known as artificial reality, it allows users to interact through many computer devices with there senses like sight, hearing, and touch. Augmented reality can be defined as direct or indirect view of our reality that is augmented by a computer. The development and use of virtual and augmented reality is extraordinary, because it bring advancements that changes history, and helps in specific fields like education, museums, art galleries, medical industries, and military.

Brief History

Virtual reality was experimented with in the 1950 by the nuclear industry. Irvan Sutherland has credit for creating the first head mounted device and giving it the term “virtual world” in 1968. His device allowed the user to have exposure to movement in a computer-generated domain. Augmented reality was involved with virtual reality with the headset created by Sutherland. Its use was used as a display tracker and was tracked by two methods, mechanical tracker, and ultrasonic. At the time there was limited processing power from computers, so only simple wireframe pictures could only be shown in real time.

Difference Between Virtual and Augmented Reality

Augmented and virtual reality can seem similar but are actually very different. Virtual reality people would be expected to experience a computer-generated world through a computer, so you’re no longer seeing things from a real-world perspective. Augmented reality the environment is still real, but is more developed with information and imagery from a system. Augmented reality acts as the bridge between real and virtual world in an ideal way.

Uses for Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) can have many uses in modern day life, and many have ideas and plans for it as time passes. AR can be used with many technological enhancements like environments dealing with knowledge. For instance, it can be utilized in a library setting. Within a library setting it can be used to help with library instruction, like providing information on where a book is located on the shelf through recognition applications, it would be able to restore and reconstruct artifacts, and provide services when you need to through QR codes. AR can also extend further into the classroom through augmented books which are growing in number and will enhance group projects and interaction between students. Another area it can be used is in art education where students can interact with art through QR codes.

Organizations are also testing AR applications for use of general public. Museums and galleries are using AR virtual displays of artifacts and historical events. Tours can also be achieved through AR, like through tour guide applications to supplement paper maps, or to reconstruct damaged historic sites. AR can also add to things to landscapes, and spaces by adding virtual characteristics. AR can manipulate the environment and brings an “immersive experience”. This type of technology is growing and can be used for many things, from educational environments to general public use.

Uses for Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) has many incredible uses, like the medical field for medical applications, or aviation industry dealing with the military. There are plans for VR systems to be designed to aid in the pharmaceutical companies when creating chemicals by giving chemist the opportunity to observe molecular bonding behaviors and chemistry. VR can also be used in education and training. It can be used in the in the military and a training tool. The Super Cockpit was created for the air force and has been used as a flight simulator to train pilots. These simulations are very real in VR and have many views from cockpit windows, and a great number of emergencies situations you many come across in real life situations.

Another aspect VR can be used is through design. Boeing use VR to enhance layouts of aircraft controls and parts, and Chrysler Corp, also uses very similar designs with developing projects. VR can also be used for instances in CAD applications, one day VR may allow products to be designed without going through high costing prototype. With this engineer would be able to change and manipulate their designs. It can also be used to create 3D designs on flat land and architects can experience spatial layouts. For architects it can provide a realistic view for buildings and design in construction. VR can also provide entertainment purposes as well and has grown at a great rate. VR arcades are becoming more and more popular within Europe and the US and it will eventually be able to allow players to participate even more in the virtual role. VR can be used in so many ways, and is still developing to become so much more.

Conclusion

In conclusion virtual and augmented reality has great potential for future technology. Virtual reality is an artificial reality that allows you to interact with the virtual world through your senses. Augmented reality is a direct or indirect that is changed by a computer, it’s the bridge between reality and life. Both of these virtual realities are developing quickly within many fields like education, medical, military, and entertainment. It will continue to grow and advance and may be something we see in everyday households in the future. (Kozak, 2018)

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