Virtual Reality: You Are There

Telepresence or virtual reality allows a person, with assistance from advanced technology devices, to figuratively project himself into another environment. This technology is marketed by several companies, among them Fakespace, Inc., a former Ames Research Center contractor. Fakespace developed a teleoperational motion platform for transmitting sounds and images from remote locations. The Molly" matches the user's head motion and when coupled with a stereo viewing device and appropriate software creates the telepresence experience. Its companion piece is the BOOM-the user's viewing device that provides the sense of involvement in the virtual environment. Either system may be used alone. Because suits gloves headphones etc. are not needed a whole range of commercial applications is possible including computer-aided design techniques and virtual reality visualizations. Customers include Sandia National Laboratories Stanford Research Institute and Mattel Toys."

Full article: http://hdl.handle.net/hdl:2060/20020080926