4.3 VR & Simulation Flashcards
What is a virtual reality system?
Enables a person to react and move according to certain simulated conditions.
What is a simulation?
A program which models a real life situation by putting values into a computer model to see how it behaves in different environments.
State and describe 2 types of people who use simulations.
- Car manufacturers - during the design stage to test cars to see what happens when they crash.
- Architects - to design new buildings and stimulate strong winds or an earthquake to see how a building would react before it is built.
How are virtual worlds created?
Computer-controlled graphics and 3D modelling techniques.
State and describe the purpose of 3 devices used in VR.
- Stereoscopic helmet / Head-Mounted Device - to allow for audiovisual output
- Hand gloves - for touch sensations to control the model
- Tracking devices / joystick - to navigate around the environment
Summarise how simulators are used to train pilots.
Aircraft simulators take the form of a full-size replica of a cockpit, but never leaves the ground. Computer screens replace the windows. It is programmed to give trainee pilots all the experiences they may encounter in the air, including turbulence, thunderstorms, landing on an icy runway, flying in thick fog, and faults to re-enact emergencies. This is safer and cheaper than flying a real plane.
Describe how simulators are used by surgeons.
A surgeon can investigate a person’s medical problem in detail before carrying out surgery. They can plan and practise a particular operation on the virtual patient first, sometimes called telepresence.
Describe how simulators are used to train medical students.
Using VR, they are placed into a virtual house and are made to carry out simple tasks through situations. EG they can test how easy or difficult it is to move around in a specially designed pedalled chair, or they can experience what it is like to be exhausted from a medical illness like undergoing chemotherapy to cure cancer. This makes the student more aware of the patient’s problems.
Explain how VR gaming works.
Computer games involve the designer programming a set of rules for the user to follow. Game simulations can be realistic, eg Formula One car racing games. This works by responding to inputs from the user devices like the throttle, gears and steering wheel. Visuals, sound effects and sensation of acceleration provide the impression of driving a real car.
State 3 advantages of VR gaming.
- Using internet technology means users from different countries can play against each other from the comfort of their own homes.
- Advances in graphics, processing power, game design and complexity make new games increasingly realistic
- Skills gained from playing games can be transferred to other areas of education and training
