Week 4 Flashcards
What is Virtual Reality (VR)? How does it differ from Augmented Reality (AR)?
Answer: VR is a fully immersive digital experience where users are transported into a simulated 3D environment, typically using a headset. AR, on the other hand, overlays digital content onto the real world, blending virtual elements with the physical surroundings through devices like smartphones or AR glasses.
What are the main purposes of VR and AR?
VR: Simulates realistic or fantastical environments for gaming, training, education, and simulations.
AR: Enhances the real world by adding interactive digital elements for navigation, gaming, retail, and education.
Who created the first VR/AR head-mounted display, and what was it called?
Answer: Ivan Sutherland and Bob Sproull developed the “Sword of Damocles” in 1968.
When was the term “Augmented Reality” coined, and by whom?
Answer: The term was coined in 1990 by Boeing researcher Tom Caudell.
Name two popular applications of AR and VR in the current world.
AR: Pokémon GO (gaming) and IKEA Place app (retail visualization).
VR: Oculus Rift for gaming and virtual tourism platforms.
How is VR used in professional training?
Answer: VR is used in simulations for healthcare, aviation, and military training, providing immersive and controlled environments for learning.
What are the key features of AR compared to VR?
AR: Maintains real-world visibility with added digital overlays; accessible on smartphones and AR glasses.
VR: Requires complete immersion with a headset that blocks out the real world.
What are some distinctive features of the Oculus Quest 2 headset?
All-in-one VR functionality (standalone operation).
High-resolution display with fast refresh rates.
Inside-out tracking using built-in cameras.
Wireless freedom for enhanced mobility.
What device popularized VR gaming in the 1990s, and why did it fail to sustain?
Companies like Sega and Nintendo attempted VR gaming, but early systems were limited and uncomfortable.
What major event revived interest in VR in 2012?
Answer: The Oculus Rift Kickstarter campaign introduced an affordable and user-friendly VR headset.
What is the HTC VIVE designed for, and what are its key components?
The HTC VIVE is a high-end VR system designed for immersive room-scale experiences. Its key components include a VR headset, motion-tracked controllers, base stations, an interface box, a VR-capable computer, and a tracked workspace.
What feature distinguishes the Oculus Quest 2 from traditional VR systems like the Oculus Rift?
The Quest 2 is a standalone headset requiring no external sensors or PC to operate, offering wireless freedom.
What are some future possibilities for VR?
Answer: More realistic and accessible headsets, widespread use in training and therapy, and integration with AI for adaptive virtual environments.
How might AR integrate with the Internet of Things (IoT)?
AR could enhance smart city applications by overlaying real-time data, improving navigation, and creating personalized interactions with IoT devices.
How has AR changed the retail experience?
AR allows users to visualize products in their real space, improving purchasing decisions (e.g., IKEA Place app).
