What is Virtual reality?

Virtual reality is a term used for the reconstruction of continuously changing scenes, as one would see them in real life, on a computer screen. It is basically an advanced version of computer graphics designed on the basis of real life or imaginary situations. The hardware and software required to simulate real time and real events on the computer are being developed. Logitech, the US hardware manufacturer has recently designed special computer mouse which will enable users to feed in three-dimensional (3D) spatial information into a computer. However, one would require special glasses to get a sense of screen depth and perceive the 3D effect. Computer modelling of 3D graphics has similarly become feasible.

Flight simulators that allow pilot trainees to learn flying without ever leaving the ground also create a virtually real environment of the cockpit of an actual aeroplane. This cockpit is mounted on hydraulic pumps that give the tilting effect to match the simulated movements of an aircraft. All cockpit instruments are computer-controlled showing parameters such as altitude and speed of the aircraft, weather conditions and local topography. Thus all conditions of an actual flight are duplicated so that a trainee can gain experience without taking the risk of flying a real aeroplane.