1. Types of virtual reality
1.1. Fully immersive
1.1.1. a computer model or simulation, in other words
1.1.2. a powerful computer
1.1.3. hardware linked to the computer that fully immerses us in the virtual world
1.2. Non-immersive
1.3. Collaborative
1.3.1. sharing an experience in a virtual world with other people
1.4. Web-based
1.4.1. a way of building virtual worlds on the Web
1.4.1.1. using a technology analogous to HTML called Virtual Reality Markup Language, VRML
1.5. Augmented reality
1.5.1. is all about connecting the real world we experience to the vast virtual world of information that we've collectively created on the Web
2. Equipment
2.1. Head-mounted displays (HMDs)
2.1.1. two small screens
2.1.1.1. creating a realistic 3D perspective of the virtual world
2.1.2. a blackout blindfold that blocks out all other light
2.1.2.1. eliminating distractions from the real world
2.1.3. stereo headphones
2.2. Immersive rooms
2.2.1. An alternative to putting on an HMD
2.2.2. a room onto whose walls changing images are projected from outside
2.2.2.1. As you move in the room, the images change accordingly
2.3. Datagloves
2.3.1. which are ordinary gloves with sensors wired to the outside to detect hand and figure motions
2.4. Wands
2.4.1. a stick you can use to touch, point to, or otherwise interact with a virtual world
3. Applications
3.1. Education
3.1.1. flight cockpit simulators
3.1.2. surgeons are now routinely trained using VR
3.2. Scientific visualization
3.2.1. atomic level research
3.3. Medicine
3.3.1. surgical training and drug design
3.3.2. monitoring, examining, or operating on patients remotely
3.3.3. tested as a treatment for various kinds of psychiatric disorder
3.3.4. in rehabilitation for stroke patients
3.3.5. suffering degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis
3.4. Industrial design and architecture
3.4.1. Architects build virtual reality computer models you can walk through and explore
3.4.2. design cars, airplanes, and other complex
3.4.3. can be tested for its aerodynamic, safety, or other qualities compare to 3D
3.5. Games and entertainment
4. Define
4.1. experiencing things through our computers that don't really exist
4.2. A believable, interactive 3D computer-created world that you can explore so you feel you really are there, both mentally and physically
5. Criteria
5.1. Believable
5.1.1. need to feel like you're in your virtual world
5.2. Interactive
5.2.1. As you move around, the VR world needs to move with you
5.3. Computer-generated
5.3.1. powerful computers that help create faster, interactive worlds
5.4. Explorable
5.4.1. A VR world needs to be big and detailed enough for you to explore
5.5. Immersive
5.5.1. VR needs to engage both your body and your mind
6. Pros and cons
6.1. Pros
6.1.1. Train for difficult and dangerous jobs
6.1.2. cheaper to design cars, airplanes, and other complex, expensive vehicles on a computer screen than to model them in wood, plastic, or other real-world materials
6.2. Cons
6.2.1. VR causes social isolatio
6.2.2. VR is not popular
6.2.3. In some cases, the use of VR for simulation has not been trusted by people