Virtual Reality (VR) dates back to the
1950’s created by a visionary man by the name of Morton Heilig.
Heilig was a cinematographer and desired for the theatrical
experience to be engaging. The first concept of the sensory
technology was shown in the Sensorama; it not only had a visual
display, it offered odor emitters, speakers, a moving chair, and
fans. It was not until the early sixties when engineers developed the
single head display.
Virtual Reality has many uses in
technology, gaming, and also therapy. This technology has influenced
movies such as The Matrix, Tron, and Gamer. These Sci-Fi movies have
encouraged robotic rovers that are able to navigate in any
environment, operated from a remote location.
VR can be used in
simulation such as flights, surgical operations, and engineering
concepts. EON Reality has produced educational components that allow
students to be engaged discovering the solar system, oceanography, in
addition to other various atmospheres that could only be studied in
books. EON also has developed training software for medical and
technology professionals.
The Omni created
the Oculus Rift, it is the newest form of VR that integrates natural
body movement through simulation. It translates computer keystrokes
from body movements, with its unique tread design; users are able to
run, jump, and dodge. The advances for gaming are limitless and out
sell movies in regards to retail purchases.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
is an anxiety disorder commonly occurred after a close encounter with
death or constant bodily state of fear. Emory University has one of
the test sites, where Iraq Veterans can go to seek therapy. By
conducting similar stimulation in a safe environment doctors are able
to counsel patients past the traumatic experience. The studies have
proven to aid in insomniac occurrences and anxiety attacks.
Strickland,
Jonathan. "How Virtual Reality Works" 29 June
2007. HowStuffWorks.com.
<http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/other-gadgets/virtual-reality.htm>
12 November 2013.
The fact that this can be used for PTSD shows that medicine is taking a big leap. Technology is now medication!
ReplyDeleteOh my! This article truly indicates how technology will change our future.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of virtual reality I always think of games, but it is cool how it can be used for surgical procedures and people with PTSD.
ReplyDeleteA lot of great knowledge. Good advances in the medicine industry but we all know where its going to be used the most and profit the most. In gaming and to enhance carnal desires. Virtual reality has been a highly sought after for years and soon it will be a reality. Next thing we know we will all have a Wizard machine thing like from Phil of the Future. (Throwback I know)
ReplyDeleteI thought this was a very interesting excerpt. This is very helpful for the medical advance industry. Virtual world has always been compared to reality and I believe in years to come the two would be combine together so closely that many wouldn't be able to tell it apart. Overall, I think this was a great excerpt and I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI have always been interested in the prospects in virtual reality in the forms of advancement of science, entertainment, and overall communication. The potential uses of it could be near endless and seeing it being used for the treatment of PTSD just follows my hope for it future uses in more than just the the video game industry (I am really looking forward to the uses in video games though).
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that virtual reality can be use to help cure ptsd
ReplyDelete