Ask A Scientist© Computer Science Archive

Index Key:   CSI013
Author :     McCawley
Subject:     Virtual Reality,  SimCity
Text:        Requesting information on virtual reality for a seventh grader 
writing an essay on this topic.  Appreciate any response.

Response #: 1 of 1
Author:     Psych
Text:       Virtual Reality in its ultimate form would be like the holodecks  
on Star Trek the Next Generation.  This does not exist yet, of  course.  The 
basic idea is that you emulate or model a real world situation on a computer.  
This idea seems to be more specifically associated with visual models.  Also, 
in order to qualify, one should be able to interact with the model.  With 
present technology, this might include using a glove which youcan see in the 

model and then touching objects that can be seen.  The applications seem 
limitless because one could model any real world situation  and then interact 
within it.  One example would be testing jobs in  the workplace.  Factory set-
ups could be tested on a computer and checked for any problems before the 
building is built.  Also, one can experience unusual and dangerous situations 
without being exposed to the danger of those situations.  If one stretched the 
definition a bit, SimCity might be considered virtual reality for your PC 
(even though it is just a game).