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Topic:
"Using Immersive Virtual
Authors:
Carolina Cruz-Neira, Robyn R.Lutz |
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Introduction
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Commentsq Software Project, Process I feel that the project of using virtual environment to test systems is critical in many aspects. Some software projects are highlighted in the article to discuss certain aspects on this methodology. One application is the training of fire-fighters, pilots and others in other hazardous environment. Using immersive virtual environments (VEs) for tests of such nature are crucial, as it eliminate the need to expose users to dangerous environments. VE also serves as a cost and time saving design tool. The automobile manufacturer, BMW, for example test the behaviour of automobiles during crashes with VE, replacing dummies and real cars. This kind of “virtual crashes” is able to bring much savings in terms of costs and resources. For another example, in aeronautics industry, we used to have engineers building the physical prototype for evaluation. But with the introduction of VEs, they can create designs with more flexibility and they even test their designs in a variety condition, including emergency situation. However, on a low note, using VEs has its own disadvantages. These include causing users eye strain, dizziness, nausea and to even more serious conditions, like losing consciousness. I personally feel that apart from the side effects, VE certification has so much to offer. All developed VEs must meet the certification rules of that particular industry and country being developed. This will certainly ensure the standards of the certification thus having no compromising of safety guidelines in critical systems. This area of field will certainly bring advancement to our industrial and commercial industries with more breakthroughs of ideas.
q Platform The platform to the use of virtual environment is not mentioned in this article. I believed platform in this field is not any common name that I may know of. However, the author briefly mentions one virtual reality system, C2. It is a 12’x9’x12’ft room where three of the walls and floor are projection screens. Models of the different virtual systems will differ in aspects like their dimensions, display, resolutions, audio capabilities etc.
q People One of the authors, Robyn R.Lutz is a senior engineer in Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, and an affiliate assistant professor at Lowa State University. Her research interests include software safety, formal methods for requirements analysis, software certification. Another author, Carolina Cruz-Neira, is an Associate Professor, and the associate director of the Virtual Reality Applications Centre, both at Lowa State University. Her research focuses on immersive interfaces, and visualization techniques for scientific and engineering application. The area of both their research interest combined to evolve this interesting article topic - Cruz, to touch on the technical aspect of Virtual application, and Lutz to cover on the applications of certification.
q Product One mentioned product, Disney Quest, the first virtual reality amusement park. During testing, it was found that there is too wide a range of freedom to manoeuvre a ride on a flying carpet thus navigating and maintaining the orientation becomes hard for the users. In such cases, psychological effects such as dizziness, nausea or fainting may results. I thought if no proper testing was done to realise this slight error in software, significant damages might be resulted from huge projects like this that may involve different people from all age groups and from all over the world. More importantly, the amount of time, resources and ideas spend developing this system will be wasted if any bad reviews are made; causing large damage to the reputable name of Disney.
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