Gentle Rossouw
25204310
Blog 1
Virtual reality is a revolutionary and different technology and distinctions can be found between older technologies such as film, the telephone and the written letter.
What distinguishes visual reality (VR) from older technologies?
VR can be traced back to the 1920’s with the development of the flight simulator but it was not until 1984 that Jaron Lacier coined the term with his head-mounted display (eyephone) and DataGlove inventions. This makes visual reality a fairly new development and area of research.Writing a letter and speaking over a telephone still deals with technology but “virtual reality is an immersive, interactive system based on computable information.” Older technologies are not a “rare” experience in the sense that everyone has access to it. The “real” virtual reality-experience is made possible with very expensive computers and equipment. The viewer has difficulty distinguishing between reality (real life) and virtual reality. This is not to say that only highly interactive equipment can provide a true virtual reality experience but rather that there are different levels in virtual reality and letter-writing or film-watching are simply primitive forms of the “virtual experience”. Viewers are fully aware that they are watching a film in a darkened room and a comfortable chair. Viewers may be in "another world" while watching the film and the viewer might engage with it but the level of connection is not so high that it can convince the viewer the film is reality. Thus, one can distinguish between older technologies and virtual reality in terms of levels and the full body experience (e.g. full body data suit) would be the most convincing and breathtaking experience while writing a letter the simplest form. In order for virtual reality to succeed, it needs to deal with all the sensory inputs - sight, sound, touch and even smell. People make sense of their environments through their senses. In order to distinguish between reality (real life) and virtual reality a combination of technology and the EXPERIENCE needs to be considered. The virtual environment has to be highly interactive.
Virtual reality is thus exceptional, rather than completely different from older technologies. Virtual reality is the high-point of all this technology and does not only deal with computers but rather a whole range of topics. Richard Wagner suggests in his article entitled “the essence of visual reality” published in his book The metaphysics of virtual reality (1993) hat “perhaps the essence of visual reality ultimately lies not in technology but in art.”
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Virtual Culture
Alana Engelbrecht
25120914
"VR is not a state of consciousness or a simulated drug trip. VR is an emerging field of applied science". -Michael Heim
VR, or rather the definition for it, is still being debated in the modern world where it is still relatively new in terms of technology. I think what distinguishes VR from television, film and letters is that it has the combined functions of all the latter in one, among other things. VR uses the three I’s, immersion, interactivity and information intensity, to generate its success. It is capable of transporting the user to a ‘new place’. Making use of one’s different senses, VR equipment takes one to a virtual environment where anything is possible.
There is a big difference between the levels of interactivity between VR and television and film. When one watches a film one is restricted by the number of actions one can take. One is seen as the outsider, the spectator, and not part of what is being displayed. With VR one becomes the main attraction or the star of one’s own arena. It is no longer a matter of the simple passive observer but the creator and the actor.
Telepresence makes VR unique in the sense that one can be somewhere without physically being there. In terms of medicine it can be used to achieve great things where doctor no longer have to cut open patients to such a large extent. The fact that one can ‘be’ at a different location without really being there and interact with that environment at the same time surpass the function of a letter and numerous other things. In a VR the user can do almost anything his mind can conjure up. It surpasses older technologies easily as can be seen above.
25120914
"VR is not a state of consciousness or a simulated drug trip. VR is an emerging field of applied science". -Michael Heim
VR, or rather the definition for it, is still being debated in the modern world where it is still relatively new in terms of technology. I think what distinguishes VR from television, film and letters is that it has the combined functions of all the latter in one, among other things. VR uses the three I’s, immersion, interactivity and information intensity, to generate its success. It is capable of transporting the user to a ‘new place’. Making use of one’s different senses, VR equipment takes one to a virtual environment where anything is possible.
There is a big difference between the levels of interactivity between VR and television and film. When one watches a film one is restricted by the number of actions one can take. One is seen as the outsider, the spectator, and not part of what is being displayed. With VR one becomes the main attraction or the star of one’s own arena. It is no longer a matter of the simple passive observer but the creator and the actor.
Telepresence makes VR unique in the sense that one can be somewhere without physically being there. In terms of medicine it can be used to achieve great things where doctor no longer have to cut open patients to such a large extent. The fact that one can ‘be’ at a different location without really being there and interact with that environment at the same time surpass the function of a letter and numerous other things. In a VR the user can do almost anything his mind can conjure up. It surpasses older technologies easily as can be seen above.
Virtual Culture
Aimee Cornish 25025512
Virtual reality is a computer based world where anything is possible. In virtual reality humans interact with technology. Users are exposed to both new and old technology. He point of virtual reality is to expand human ability beyond what is physically and mentally possible. Virtual reality immerses one into this impossible world creating a false sense of reality.
Virtual reality is a broad term which can be broken up into smaller categories. Computer games and the internet are the most common forms, and also most easily used.
Some computer games, like SIMS, entail the creation of a virtual family. In computer games one interacts with virtual reality. These range from three dimensional interaction - sight, sound and touch - to total immersion in a virtual world.
The internet is an example of virtual reality. It is a network that enables one to learn, and connect with other people. The user can create a new identity and get away from everyday life. In this simulation of reality, it is not difficult to get lost in the false world.
This is more advanced than film, where one watches and hears events in others’ lives. In virtual reality the user is personally and directly involved.
Differences between virtual reality and the other technology are constantly changing. Virtual reality is forcing older technology to make advances in order to stay relevant- such as high definition television. Using older technology, one is limited to being either a spectator or creator. Virtual reality empowers one to play both these roles. The users’ action creates a reaction. This makes virtual reality very exciting and makes it different from the other technology.
The smart board is a excellent example of how virtual reality has advanced education. Flight simulation helps train pilots. Virtual reality has permeated through modern society, whether one is aware of it or not. Anyone with a cell phone has experienced virtual reality. Virtual reality is practised from a young age. The belief in virtual reality is an escape from the chaos of everyday life.
Sources Consulted
Heim, M. 1993. The essence of VR. The metaphysics of virtual reality. New York & Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Virtual reality is a computer based world where anything is possible. In virtual reality humans interact with technology. Users are exposed to both new and old technology. He point of virtual reality is to expand human ability beyond what is physically and mentally possible. Virtual reality immerses one into this impossible world creating a false sense of reality.
Virtual reality is a broad term which can be broken up into smaller categories. Computer games and the internet are the most common forms, and also most easily used.
Some computer games, like SIMS, entail the creation of a virtual family. In computer games one interacts with virtual reality. These range from three dimensional interaction - sight, sound and touch - to total immersion in a virtual world.
The internet is an example of virtual reality. It is a network that enables one to learn, and connect with other people. The user can create a new identity and get away from everyday life. In this simulation of reality, it is not difficult to get lost in the false world.
This is more advanced than film, where one watches and hears events in others’ lives. In virtual reality the user is personally and directly involved.
Differences between virtual reality and the other technology are constantly changing. Virtual reality is forcing older technology to make advances in order to stay relevant- such as high definition television. Using older technology, one is limited to being either a spectator or creator. Virtual reality empowers one to play both these roles. The users’ action creates a reaction. This makes virtual reality very exciting and makes it different from the other technology.
The smart board is a excellent example of how virtual reality has advanced education. Flight simulation helps train pilots. Virtual reality has permeated through modern society, whether one is aware of it or not. Anyone with a cell phone has experienced virtual reality. Virtual reality is practised from a young age. The belief in virtual reality is an escape from the chaos of everyday life.
Sources Consulted
Heim, M. 1993. The essence of VR. The metaphysics of virtual reality. New York & Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Styliani Theodorou (25254210)
Activity 1
Virtual reality is a new technology that relates to a specific experience that a human can have with a computer-generated world. The term virtual reality has been used extensively to describe any form of interaction or use with technology. However the accurate description of this term differs from that of other, ‘older’ technologies such as the telephone, written letter and film.
Virtual reality requires the human to be immersed in the technology. This means that certain senses are cut off from the real world as one is placed in an artificial space that simulates reality. By having our senses manipulated into ‘feeling’ the artificial space, we are able to interact with the technology and not just use it.
Although we are immersed in technology while watching a film, we are not placed within the film’s space to experience the artificial world ourselves. What makes virtual reality revolutionary is the ability to place the viewer within an artificial space or allowing them to view a simulation of themselves in the virtual space. This applies to the notion that writing a letter is a form of virtual dialogue or talking on the telephone can be a form of cyberspace. While this may be true, these technologies are not virtual realities, as they do not immerse the human in a new space that is disconnected from reality. They may be able to interact, but not to the extent where the bodily senses are manipulated to feel to be present in or experience the virtual space.
Only highly progressive technologies are able to create these virtual realities. The more progressive and sophisticated the software, the more ‘real’ the virtual space will feel to the human. This requires a great amount of specific information to create the technologies required for virtual reality. A doctor who performs an operation through virtual reality needs the technology to precisely imitate his or her hand movements without a delay in time.
This simulation of reality is what makes virtual reality revolutionary and unique from other technologies. It immerses a person in a new world while cutting him/her off from actual reality allowing them to interact and experience this virtual space. This requires such sophisticated use of information beyond a domesticated computer’s ability.
Virtual reality is a new technology that relates to a specific experience that a human can have with a computer-generated world. The term virtual reality has been used extensively to describe any form of interaction or use with technology. However the accurate description of this term differs from that of other, ‘older’ technologies such as the telephone, written letter and film.
Virtual reality requires the human to be immersed in the technology. This means that certain senses are cut off from the real world as one is placed in an artificial space that simulates reality. By having our senses manipulated into ‘feeling’ the artificial space, we are able to interact with the technology and not just use it.
Although we are immersed in technology while watching a film, we are not placed within the film’s space to experience the artificial world ourselves. What makes virtual reality revolutionary is the ability to place the viewer within an artificial space or allowing them to view a simulation of themselves in the virtual space. This applies to the notion that writing a letter is a form of virtual dialogue or talking on the telephone can be a form of cyberspace. While this may be true, these technologies are not virtual realities, as they do not immerse the human in a new space that is disconnected from reality. They may be able to interact, but not to the extent where the bodily senses are manipulated to feel to be present in or experience the virtual space.
Only highly progressive technologies are able to create these virtual realities. The more progressive and sophisticated the software, the more ‘real’ the virtual space will feel to the human. This requires a great amount of specific information to create the technologies required for virtual reality. A doctor who performs an operation through virtual reality needs the technology to precisely imitate his or her hand movements without a delay in time.
This simulation of reality is what makes virtual reality revolutionary and unique from other technologies. It immerses a person in a new world while cutting him/her off from actual reality allowing them to interact and experience this virtual space. This requires such sophisticated use of information beyond a domesticated computer’s ability.
Janet vd Berg
Janet van den Berg
25216512
Activity 1
What distinguishes Virtual Reality form other technologies.
In order to distinguish Virtual Reality from other technologies, one should take into account the degree of the virtual experience offered by Virtual Reality. It is indeed true that other technologies or forms of communication also immerse us and take us into ‘cyberspace’, caters for human and computer interaction or supplies us with intense information. Yet, what distinguishes virtual reality from these can be considered the way in which this advanced form of technology incorporates all three the ‘I’s’ (immersion, interaction, information) in one virtual experience.
Virtual reality is an immersive and interactive technology that feeds its participant information that is constantly updated. According to Michael Heim (1993:109), the essence of virtual reality does not lie in its technology, but in Virtual Reality as an art. Virtual reality is the art of transformation that ultimately changes our understanding of what reality is. It is an art of the highest class that convinces the participant that he/she is in truth in another place. It alternates the participant’s sensory input with information that is supplied by a computer system that ultimately has the ability to manipulate the senses into experiencing another reality.
Heims (1993:109) also defines Virtual reality as being real in effect, but not in fact. The putting on of goggles and gloves when participating in a virtual experience make it possible for the participant to be physically affected by the virtual reality that he/she enters. All the senses are engaged which makes the experience more real than any other for of technology. One literally feels transported to another place, even though in fact it is all fiction.
Virtual Reality seems to be a technology that, like no other, has made it possible for us to go beyond our physical boundaries. It is a technology in which the body seems to play no part. It attempts, and succeeds, in creating the separation between mind and body. This high level of immersion is very important in separating Virtual Reality from other technologies. Immersion does not become a method to escape, but rather to engage in a new reality.
25216512
Activity 1
What distinguishes Virtual Reality form other technologies.
In order to distinguish Virtual Reality from other technologies, one should take into account the degree of the virtual experience offered by Virtual Reality. It is indeed true that other technologies or forms of communication also immerse us and take us into ‘cyberspace’, caters for human and computer interaction or supplies us with intense information. Yet, what distinguishes virtual reality from these can be considered the way in which this advanced form of technology incorporates all three the ‘I’s’ (immersion, interaction, information) in one virtual experience.
Virtual reality is an immersive and interactive technology that feeds its participant information that is constantly updated. According to Michael Heim (1993:109), the essence of virtual reality does not lie in its technology, but in Virtual Reality as an art. Virtual reality is the art of transformation that ultimately changes our understanding of what reality is. It is an art of the highest class that convinces the participant that he/she is in truth in another place. It alternates the participant’s sensory input with information that is supplied by a computer system that ultimately has the ability to manipulate the senses into experiencing another reality.
Heims (1993:109) also defines Virtual reality as being real in effect, but not in fact. The putting on of goggles and gloves when participating in a virtual experience make it possible for the participant to be physically affected by the virtual reality that he/she enters. All the senses are engaged which makes the experience more real than any other for of technology. One literally feels transported to another place, even though in fact it is all fiction.
Virtual Reality seems to be a technology that, like no other, has made it possible for us to go beyond our physical boundaries. It is a technology in which the body seems to play no part. It attempts, and succeeds, in creating the separation between mind and body. This high level of immersion is very important in separating Virtual Reality from other technologies. Immersion does not become a method to escape, but rather to engage in a new reality.
Virtual Culture
Virtual Culture
VKK 356
Blog Activity 1
Marianka Els
25192452
Virtual reality is basically technology, it is a technological experience. In order to distinguish virtual reality from the older technologies such as film, the telephone and the written letter, I will focus specifically on virtual reality relating to computers and computer gaming.
When we speak on the phone or read a letter we are immersed and we are transported to another place but these places are imaginary, they do not really exist and we do not physically see them but we merely imagine them. Unlike speaking on the phone, in the virtual reality of computer gaming, sound is not necessary to communicate or to enable one to imagine an artificial space, the world is already there and it is visible.
When we watch a film, this imaginary space is visible but what distinguishes the virtual reality of computer gaming from these older three technologies is the fact that the imaginary space is visible and we can actually interact with this place. In a movie we see the characters and the environment but we cannot interact with them, whereas in a computer game you can actually enter a three dimensional world and interact with the characters and the characters will also interact with you, you can also control your movements and navigate yourself through the artificial environment using devices such as a mouse or a joystick. You are thus more submerged in the three dimensional world and thus become even more immersed in the artificial space. In computer gaming telepresence is thus also increased because you feel even more present in the imaginary environment even though you are still sitting at your desk in front of the computer.
According to Michael Heim another revolutionary technology is Telepresence surgery where surgeons can operate without having to be physically present, an advantage of this technology is smaller incisions and patients heal quicker.
New technology is thus absolutely revolutionary and if immersion, interaction and information of virtual reality keep on increasing and getting better, we might not be able to distinguish between virtual reality and real life at all one day...
VKK 356
Blog Activity 1
Marianka Els
25192452
Virtual reality is basically technology, it is a technological experience. In order to distinguish virtual reality from the older technologies such as film, the telephone and the written letter, I will focus specifically on virtual reality relating to computers and computer gaming.
When we speak on the phone or read a letter we are immersed and we are transported to another place but these places are imaginary, they do not really exist and we do not physically see them but we merely imagine them. Unlike speaking on the phone, in the virtual reality of computer gaming, sound is not necessary to communicate or to enable one to imagine an artificial space, the world is already there and it is visible.
When we watch a film, this imaginary space is visible but what distinguishes the virtual reality of computer gaming from these older three technologies is the fact that the imaginary space is visible and we can actually interact with this place. In a movie we see the characters and the environment but we cannot interact with them, whereas in a computer game you can actually enter a three dimensional world and interact with the characters and the characters will also interact with you, you can also control your movements and navigate yourself through the artificial environment using devices such as a mouse or a joystick. You are thus more submerged in the three dimensional world and thus become even more immersed in the artificial space. In computer gaming telepresence is thus also increased because you feel even more present in the imaginary environment even though you are still sitting at your desk in front of the computer.
According to Michael Heim another revolutionary technology is Telepresence surgery where surgeons can operate without having to be physically present, an advantage of this technology is smaller incisions and patients heal quicker.
New technology is thus absolutely revolutionary and if immersion, interaction and information of virtual reality keep on increasing and getting better, we might not be able to distinguish between virtual reality and real life at all one day...
Virtual Culture
Joe Van Schalkwyk
24227804
Virtual Culture
Virtual Reality, defined in the study unit as “an emerging field of applied science”, distinguishes itself quite obviously from the examples of film, telephone- or postal communication. Being an example of “applied science” segregates it to a rather higher position than the “science in use” in the case of the examples.
The 3 I’s used in the description of VR also allude quite apparently to the divide between it and other technologies. Immersion, which isolates and ‘drowns’ the body’s senses applies only to VR simply because other technologies, for instance the telephone, or internet usage leaves the human participant quite free to experience other impulses. Interaction with computers or technology, as in the case of VR is also far removed from that of many other technological experiences, like for instance where sophisticated medical technologies such as laser surgery is used, there is no interaction between patient and technology other than what the surgeon directs. Information intensity also, a prerequisite of VR, is something not necessarily present in other technologies the likes of word-processing, vector drawing applications, or traffic control operations.
The real revolutionary benefit and distinguishing factor of VR, lies in its ability to literally do away with the limitations of reality. Communication, however distant, will always be possible given enough time and resources. Entertainment, today so dependant on technological advances will remain possible without its benefits. However without the limitless benefits of virtual reality, it would for instance never be possible to view the inside workings of the human brain, lungs or heart without possible fatal interference. Similarly it will never be a possibility for the greater majority of the human race to for instance kill other humans, in great numbers, for no apparent reason – like it is in video games – without dire repercussions. Nor will it be possible for but a select view to see the other side of the moon, or experience the depths of the oceans. Limitations such as religious, or cultural ones are also made transgressive. Many cultures forbid women to drive cars, talk to strangers, or simply venture beyond the confines of their own houses – limitations easily overcome by means of virtual reality.
24227804
Virtual Culture
Virtual Reality, defined in the study unit as “an emerging field of applied science”, distinguishes itself quite obviously from the examples of film, telephone- or postal communication. Being an example of “applied science” segregates it to a rather higher position than the “science in use” in the case of the examples.
The 3 I’s used in the description of VR also allude quite apparently to the divide between it and other technologies. Immersion, which isolates and ‘drowns’ the body’s senses applies only to VR simply because other technologies, for instance the telephone, or internet usage leaves the human participant quite free to experience other impulses. Interaction with computers or technology, as in the case of VR is also far removed from that of many other technological experiences, like for instance where sophisticated medical technologies such as laser surgery is used, there is no interaction between patient and technology other than what the surgeon directs. Information intensity also, a prerequisite of VR, is something not necessarily present in other technologies the likes of word-processing, vector drawing applications, or traffic control operations.
The real revolutionary benefit and distinguishing factor of VR, lies in its ability to literally do away with the limitations of reality. Communication, however distant, will always be possible given enough time and resources. Entertainment, today so dependant on technological advances will remain possible without its benefits. However without the limitless benefits of virtual reality, it would for instance never be possible to view the inside workings of the human brain, lungs or heart without possible fatal interference. Similarly it will never be a possibility for the greater majority of the human race to for instance kill other humans, in great numbers, for no apparent reason – like it is in video games – without dire repercussions. Nor will it be possible for but a select view to see the other side of the moon, or experience the depths of the oceans. Limitations such as religious, or cultural ones are also made transgressive. Many cultures forbid women to drive cars, talk to strangers, or simply venture beyond the confines of their own houses – limitations easily overcome by means of virtual reality.
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