VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY TO CHANGE BUSINESS, MEDICINE AND VIDEO GAMES

Posted on July 19, 2009 by Jeffrey Newman

We may be on the verge of a significant technological breakthrough, likely to change our lives in many areas. Virtual and augmented reality and the use of videoconferencing is expected to alter daily business functions; enhance scientific and medical advances and create a new genre of video games and films. Virtual and “augmented” reality simulations have recently undergone major advances and the technology now exists to allow us to inexpensively enter computer enhanced worlds which so mimic reality differences are not discernable. One new product, Nintendo’s Wii has recently been shown to help treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including depression, according to Ben Herz, Program Director in the School of Allied Health Sciences at The Medical College of Georgia. Wii allows patients to move in simulated reality in a safe environment. Apparently the game increases production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter deficient in Parkinsons patients. Nintendo is also working on a holographic video system which will project full spectrum 3d images for videogames. This will mean that players will “step into” the action with already rich visuals and sound effects.  A company in Seattle has created a new virtual reality device that lets players move around inside a hollow ball while visualizing a virtual reality world. The company VirtuSphere, says that the new device may be used for training fire fighters and combat troops and  will also be developed for realistic videogame experiences. The sphere is an 8.5 foot hollow ball. The user steps into the ball wearing a wireless head mounted vitual display and can walk jump, roll or crawl in any direction. Iowa State University has created what it says is the most realistic virtual realit room in the world. This is a 10-foot by 10-foot virtual reality room which surrounds users with computer generated 3D images. It is being used to study, among other things, cell biology (aka Fantastic Voyage). One thing is certain, the time is not far off when businesses use vitual reality to save money on travel and to enhance communications. The first significant uses are expected in video games where players will step into a new reality of adventure and realism and instead of using an xbox or mouse, they will act physically in this world. Studies indicate that pilots trained on flight simulators–a form of virtual reality are more proficient than those trained in real planes. Surgeons are now receiving training on model simulators allowing them to gain significant time in the operating room without risk to actual patients. The technologies used in both of these fields are now being developed for use in realistic video games and Hollywood films.