Virtual Reality Technology and Applications (Intelligent Systems, Control and Automation: Science and Engineering)

Product Details

Series: Intelligent Systems, Control and Automation: Science and Engineering (Book 68)
Hardcover: 231 pages
Publisher: Springer; 2014 edition (September 16, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9400769091
ISBN-13: 978-9400769090

As virtual reality expands from the imaginary worlds of science fiction and pervades every corner of everyday life, it is becoming increasingly important for students and professionals alike to understand the diverse aspects of this technology. This book aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the theoretical and practical elements of virtual reality, from the mathematical and technological foundations of virtual worlds to the human factors and the applications that enrich our lives: in the fields of medicine, entertainment, education and others.
After providing a brief introduction to the topic, the book describes the kinematic and dynamic mathematical models of virtual worlds. It explores the many ways a computer can track and interpret human movement, then progresses through the modalities that make up a virtual world: visual, acoustic and haptic. It explores the interaction between the actual and virtual environments, as well as design principles of the latter. The book closes with an examination of different applications, focusing on augmented reality as a special case. Though the content is primarily VR-related, it is also relevant for many other fields.