Abstract

Virtual reality is a field of three dimensional computer modeling that allows the viewer to be immersed in the model. Use of goggles, earphones, and a sensory glove brings the viewer into an interactive computer generated world. The goggles create the appearance of three dimensions. The glove serves two purposes. First, it provides feedback to the computer to move a computer glove. Second, it will provide physical force when the computer modelled hand touches a computer generated physical object. Therefore, viewers believe they have touched something. In complex models, texture can be felt. Museums will be able to use virtual reality as a demonstration tool to allow the museum attendees to view everything from the creation of the universe to the principles of optics. Not only will they be able to be active participants, but the use of a glove or other interactive device will allow the participants to touch and affect the images they are viewing. Audio can accompany the 3D images to enhance the effect of being a part of what you are viewing.

© 1992 Optical Society of America