Virtual Reality

Providing the main concepts of Virtual Reality (VR), this book describes both theoretical (models, methods, algorithms) and practical aspects (equipments, software) of VR. Therefore it is of interest not only to students, researchers and engineers but also for any important decision-maker in the field. It will serve as a manual for both designers and users, comprehensively presenting the current state of experts' knowledge on virtual reality (VR) in computer science, mechanics, optics, acoustics, physiology, psychology, ergonomics, ethics, and related area. Designed as a reference design guide to help the reader develop a VR project, it presents the importance of the user's needs and various aspects of the human computer interface (HCI). It further treats technical aspects of VR, hardware and software implementations, and details on the sensory and psycho-sensory interfaces. Providing various concepts and technologies, including mathematics and modelling techniques, it allows the reader to formalize, conceptualize and construct a virtual reality project from original thought to application. For engineers, computer scientists and computer game developers and as an educational tool in courses for senior senior graduate students. Philippe Fuchs took the initiative to organize this impressive collective work with the help of Guillaume Moreau. The original, full version of the book in French is authored by 101 authors from universities and companies, providing an exhaustive survey of what is really VR today. At the instigation of Pascal Guitton, the main part of the book was then translated into English to offer a reference book to the non-French-speaking community. This book (and the initial encyclopedia) demonstrates the vitality of the French VR community (both academics and companies) which is structured thanks to a unique national association (AFRV).