What is virtual reality?

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According to Merriam-Webster virtual reality is “an artificial world that consists of images and sounds created by a computer and that is affected by the actions of a person who is experiencing it.” It a computer-simulated world that allows the user to interact with the environment. There are different levels of immersion and different uses for this type of technology.

Uses of virtual reality:

Gaming

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“Virtual reality gaming is where a person can experience being in a three-dimensional environment and interact with that environment during a game. This is an essential part of the game.” (virtual reality 1) Virtual reality games are becoming more popular because of the interactivity and immersive feel of being IN the game. Technology is helping to make games more interactive.

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One example currently in use is the kinect for the Xbox 360 and Xbox one or the Wii sensor. Both track body movement through sensors placed around the TV (above or below). With these sensors a person can control what is happening on screen. The Wii still uses a controller but the kinect only requires a person’s hands for control. The kinect also uses voice control which allows navigation through screens without the use of any body parts. Within a game the kinect can be used to play the game or it can hear commands while a controller is being used for other functions.

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A new and exciting product that is currently in development for virtual reality gaming is the Oculus Rift. “The Oculus Rift is a new virtual reality headset that lets players step inside their favorite games and virtual worlds.” (oculus VR 1) The Oculus Rift is still in the prototype stage but the future is promising. The developer is currently using crowd source funding to make a product that will be available and affordable for any gamer.

Military and Law Enforcement

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Using virtual reality in training for the military and law enforcement has two main benefits, it saves money and it is safer. “Specialized military training can be very expensive, particularly for vehicle pilots. Some training procedures have an element of danger when using real situations.” (Strickland 1)

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The military uses virtual reality in many ways. Flight simulators are used to train pilots in various dangerous or difficult situations. These simulators are used for training of non-military pilots as well but the push for there development was backed by the military. Ground vehicle simulators are used to teach soldiers how to drive specialized vehicles such as tanks. Submarine simulators are different from other military virtual reality. “There are no windows to the outside world on board a sub, so there isn’t a need for lifelike graphics.” (Strickland 3)

Another important use for virtual reality in the military is combat training. Being able to introduce soldiers to combat situations without risking their lives or others can help them learn what to do and how to make better decisions which can save their loves and the lives of their fellow soldiers as well as civilians that might otherwise be injured.

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Law enforcement uses virtual reality in ways similar to the military. They use vehicle simulators, and real-world situation simulators. The biggest difference between the two is that law enforcement has less use for combat training. “New virtual reality simulations now let officers practice how they interact with people.” (Parlow, Thompson 1) Officers have to know how to judge a situation and decide if it is a dangerous situation or not. They must decide what level of force is necessary and they must do so very quickly. Using virtual reality gives officers exposure to many different situations without the risk of injury to themselves or others.

Medical

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Virtual reality in the medical field is used to assist both patients and doctors. It is used “In diverse fields including psychology, medicine, neuroscience and physical and occupational therapy.” (USC 1) Advances in virtual reality continue to make medicine safer and more effective for all.

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As we have seen virtual reality simulators are a great training tool, this proves true with doctors and medical students as well. Like with military and law enforcement training simulators offer education in a risk free environment. Instead of a student practicing on a patient a simulator gives them a hands feel for what surgery will be like. “Within a virtual operating room the student will be able to practice the technical skills, the procedures and the theoretical background of operations and diseases.” (University of Twente 1)

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Many people suffer from anxiety and phobias, virtual reality is being used to help people overcome these disorders. Usually this is done through virtual reality exposure therapy. Traditional exposure therapy is used to gradually expose a patient to their fear. “Exposure therapy is time consuming. Often it’s also expensive and inconvenient, and it can compromise patient confidentiality.” (Strickland 1-2) Virtual reality exposure therapy is more cost effective and less time consuming because trips outside of the office are not necessary. It also keeps the patients treatment confidential which can assist in recovery. This type of therapy has seen success in helping people overcome their anxiety and fears.

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The use of virtual reality in games is entertainment but it can also be used as a form of rehabilitation. Playing a game can be an interactive and interesting way to keep patients interested and motivated. The SeeMe system uses the kinect for Xbox to help make therapy exciting and fun for patients.

Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence

I think that virtual reality will be key in creating an AI entity. The advances that have already happened in the field are amazing! Most are meant to be used by humans but I think the technology could one day translate to a human-like AI entity. I wonder if we will feel such an entity necessary even if we are able to develop it. The different and individual technologies involved in AI may one day come together but I think their individual contributions will be more valuable separate than as one entity.

Reflection

What impact did this assignment make on your understanding of the future applications of AI in the world we live in?

This assignment made it clear that AI is being developed for new and exciting purposes everyday. It also made it clear that it is already being used in unexpected but important ways. I think the future holds technology that we are only starting to imagine. I think AI will revolutionize every industry not just the few I have mentioned. I can’t wait for the day when I can put on the Oculus Rift and fell like I’m in the game!

In what way did your study for this paper challenge any of your assumptions?

I had always assumed that virtual reality was something we would see in the future but not something that was in use today. This paper definitely changed my mind about virtual reality and AI being used by people everyday. It was exciting to discover the types of products that are already available as well as the ones that are just around the corner. I had also assumed that virtual reality was only for entertainment purposes. Finding out that most virtual reality is not necessarily for entertainment challenged my ideas about it’s practical purposes. Virtual reality and AI are both being used in piratical and helpful ways just as much, if not more than, for entertainment.

Sources:

Merriam-Webster. (2014). virtual reality. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtual%20reality

Virtual Reality blog. (2009). What is virtual reality gaming? http://www.vrs.org.uk/virtual-reality-games/what-is-vr-gaming.html

Microsoft. (2014). Kinect for Xbox 360. http://www.xbox.com/en-US/KINECT

Oculus VR. (2014). Oculus VR. http://www.oculusvr.com/rift/

Strickland, J. (2014) How Virtual Reality Military Applications Work. http://science.howstuffworks.com/virtual-military.htm

Parlow, JW. Thompson, M. Effective law enforcement training with virtual reality software. Winona State University.

USC. (2014). Medical Virtual Reality. http://medvr.ict.usc.edu/

Strickland, J. (2014). How can doctors use virtual reality to treat phobias? http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/virtual-medicine.htm