Virtual reality is a computer simulation that allows the viewer to see three-dimensional and realistic images. Virtual reality is made possible through sophisticated computers and complex programs designed to detect and interact with the person's actual body movements and actions in real time (instantly). The person can manipulate the "virtual", or computer generated, environment with specially designed tools such as gloves, a helmet, and a variety of other such devices (Virtual Reality: History). These tools that are needed for advanced virtual reality simulations are usually owned by institutions such as NASA, universities, or government training facilities. Using tools such as the clothing type is usually restricted to the more expensive or educational experience of the technology. In fact, most people that use virtual reality may or may not know that they are because it is so common and due to the fact that using VR is not restricted to wearing the specialized gear.

Virtual reality didn't always have such a commercial appeal even though it is most widely used today as a consumer product-enhancing agent when it first surfaced. In fact, VR wasn't even a concept to the general p

VR can be used for much more than just training. For example, it was previously stated that NASA used VR for its purpose of training pilots. NASA also uses it to better map out sections of space the scientists are studying (Shawn Regian). By mapping out in the virtual sense the features and properties of that portion of space on a computer, scientists can effectively and more efficiently study a portion of space. The military also uses VR in the sense of mapping out landscapes for the briefing on its personnel (Shawn Regian). This information may be stored in a computer for the purpose of targeting a missile or showing a pilot or soldier exactly where and what his/her objectives are. Medical students can see a portion of the human or animal (for veterinarians) anatomy so they will have a better understanding of how the different mechanisms work or what different structures look like or even for some standard medical procedures(Shawn Regian).

Virtual reality grew and expanded as the computers that generated the simulations grew and expanded. Today, virtual reality plays a major role in everyday life especially for the entertainment business. The technology of today far surpasses the technology of even yester-year, let alone the late 50s. In 1950, it was fiction to sit in front of your television and play video games (Lance Morrow). The idea hadn't even been introduced. Now, games are about as real as the chair or sofa that you sit in. Simulations reach new heights with every technological advance. Computers are doing things bigger, better, and faster than ever before and always being improved. And with all this improvement, the products that can be produced as a result become better, more complex and able to do much more (Lance Morrow).

Other improvements come from the entertainment industry where bigger and better video games are being developed. In the past, video games were extremely primitive with games such as pong, space invaders and things of that nature. Graphics were very polygonal and extremely limited to what they could do. Today, games have evolved into three-dimensional worlds complete with who knows how many variations available to be applied to the game. Video games of today are so much more complex and also more expensive. VR developments are a key factor in the development in the games of tomorrow. People expect to be amazed with the visual appeal of the virtual reality graphics. Most games of today are mostly played on a flat television-like screen and do not require players to immerse themselves in things like a VR helmet or gloves. These games are in some cases as sophisticated as some of the government's training programs despite the lack of extremely complex VR equipment.

Also in the entertainment business is the development of VR in movie making. Recently, animated movies have been released that use a good bit of this technology. Action as well as children's movies make use of this resource. VR has had a major influence in the public eye as far as the movie industry is concerned. Most people expect elaborate special effects created by computers or extreme animation. Movies such as "Star Wars„¶" have even been re-released in recent years to improve some of the special effects that can be achieved through this technology.

As stated above, VR is already in use for the majority of today's life aspects. VR will continue to grow and become more domina

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