APPLICATIONS OF

VIRTUAL REALITY

SANDEEP BASWA G VENKATESH D.VISHWANADH SUDHEER

sandeepbaswa@gmail.com venkee.javens@gmail.com sudheer.chanti@gmail.com
9951 681 281 9010 520 526 9951 77 00 81
III / IV CSE III / IV CSE III / IV CSE
Raghu Engg College Raghu Engg College Raghu Engg College
 Applications of Virtual Reality

1. ABSTRACT: paper ends with the discussion on the range to

which this concept can be applied, and the extent
Virtual reality (VR) is a technology
to which it can be developed.
which allows a user to interact with a computer-
simulated environment, be it a real or imagined 2. INTRODUCTION:
one.  Most current virtual reality environments are
2.1 Virtual reality:
primarily visual experiences, displayed either on
a computer screen or through special Virtual reality is a high-end user–computer
or stereoscopic displays, but some simulations interface that involves real time simulation and
include additional sensory information, such as interactions through multiple sensorial channels.
sound through speakers or headphones. These sensorial modalities are visual, auditory,
tactile, smell, and taste.
In this paper we have presented the
It is a very powerful and compelling
concept of virtual reality in different simulation
computer application by which humans interact
techniques that are applied in the military. The
with computer-generated environments in a way
techniques such as flight simulators, Ground
that mimics real life and engages various senses.
Vehicle Simulators and Water Vehicle Simulators
Although its most widely known application is in
are dealt under this category. These simulation
the entertainment industry, the real promise of
techniques resulted in realistic, immersive virtual
virtual reality lies in such fields as medicine,
scenarios that help soldiers acclimate to various
engineering, oil exploration, and the military, to
combat environments and situations.
name just a few.
We have also presented how the concept In terms of functionality, it is a simulation
of virtual reality is applied in certain fields of in which computer graphics is used to create a
medicine like the treatment of phobias and in realistic-looking world. Moreover, the synthetic
surgeries. world is not static, but responds to the user’s input
(gesture, verbal command, etc.). This defines a
Besides the above mentioned applications,
key feature of virtual reality, which is real-time
we have introduced a “new concept” of Virtual
interactivity. Here real time means that the
Execution wherein the step by step execution of a
computer is able to detect a user’s input and
program is simulated. This is explained using C-
modify the virtual world instantaneously. People
Language constructs. The disadvantages and the
like to see things change on the screen in response
ways to overcome them are also explained. The

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 Applications of Virtual Reality

to their commands and become captivated by the

simulation.
Interactivity and its captivating power
contributes to the feeling of immersion, of being
part of the action on the screen, that the user
experiences. But virtual reality pushes this even
further by using all human sensorial channels.
Indeed, users not only can see and manipulate
graphic objects on the screen, they also touch and
feel them. 3. VR - Military Applications:

2.2 The three I’s of Virtual Reality: From the earliest moments in the history

It is clear from the foregoing description of virtual reality (VR), the United

that virtual reality is both interactive and States military forces have been a driving factor in

immersive. These features are the two I’s that developing and applying new VR technologies.

most people are familiar with. There is, however, Along with the entertainment industry, the

a third feature of virtual reality that fewer people military is responsible for the most dramatic

are aware of. VR is not just a medium or a high- evolutionary leaps in the VR field.

end user interface; it also has applications that

involve solutions to real problems in engineering,
medicine, the military, etc. These applications are
designed by virtual reality developers. The extent
to which an application is able to solve a
particular problem, that is, the extent to which a
simulation performs well, depends therefore very
much on the human imagination, the third “I” of
VR. Virtual reality is therefore an integrated trio Virtual environments work well in military

of immersion–interaction–imagination, as shown applications. When well designed, they provide

in figure. the user with an accurate simulation of real events

in a safe, controlled environment. Specialized
military training can be very expensive,
particularly for vehicle pilots. Some training

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 Applications of Virtual Reality

procedures have an element of danger when using
real situations. While the initial development
of VR gear and software is expensive, in the long
run it's much more cost effective than putting
soldiers into real vehicles or physically simulated
situations. VR technology also has other potential
applications that can make military activities
safer.
the terrain beneath his vehicle when flying at
night, making it safer to land in difficult
conditions.
Today, the military uses VR techniques
not only for training and safety enhancement, but
also to analyze military maneuvers and battlefield
positions.
3.1 Flight Simulators

Out of all the earliest VR technology

applications, military vehicle simulations have
probably been the most successful. Simulators use
sophisticated computer models to replicate a
vehicle's capabilities and limitations within a
That's why when engineers first began to stationary -- and safe -- computer station.
experiment with head-mounted displays (HMD),
the military took notice. Both the Navy and
the Air Force funded some of the earliest work in
developing effective HMDs. The first HMDs
weren't linked to a virtual environment -- they
were linked to a camera. Engineers mounted a
camera to a servo-controlled base (a base
platform connected to one or more motors that
adjust the position of the base by rotating or tilting Possibly the most well-known of all the
the platform). simulators in the military are the flight simulators.
Air Force, Army and Navy all use flight
A user wearing the HMD could control
simulators to train pilots. Training missions may
where the camera pointed by turning his head in
include how to fly in battle, how to recover in an
different directions. In an early application of this
emergency, or how to coordinate air support with
technique, Bell Helicopter Company mounted an
ground operations.
infrared camera on the bottom of a helicopter. The
chopper pilot could get an unprecedented look at

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 Applications of Virtual Reality

All three branches use hardware developed Although not as high profile as flight
by the military as well as from third-party simulators, VR simulators for ground vehicles are
vendors. Because of this, many of the flight an important part of the military's strategy. In fact,
simulators they use are different from one simulators are a key part of the Future Combat
another. Often, this can cause difficulty when System (FCS) -- the foundation of the armed
linking systems together -- simulated enemies forces' future. The FCS consists of a networked
may not appear in the same point of space for battle command system and advanced vehicles
multiple pilots, for example. Currently, there's a and weapons platforms. Computer scientists
big push to create better networks among designed FCS simulators to link together in a
simulators to facilitate coordinated training network, facilitating complex training missions
missions. involving multiple participants acting in various
roles.
Although flight simulators may vary from
one model to another, most of them have a similar
basic setup. The simulator sits on top of either an
electronic motion base or a hydraulic lift system
that reacts to user input and events within the
simulation. As the pilot steers the aircraft, the
module he sits in twists and tilts, giving the
user haptic feedback. The word "haptic" refers to
the sense of touch.
The FCS simulators include three
Some flight simulators include a
computer monitors and a pair
completely enclosed module, while others just
of joystick controllers attached to a console. The
have a series of monitors arranged to cover the
modules can simulate several different ground
pilot's field of view. Ideally, the flight simulator
vehicles, including non-line-of-sight mortar
will be designed so that when the pilot looks
vehicles, reconnaissance vehicles or an infantry
around, he sees the same controls and layout as he
carrier vehicle.
would in a real aircraft.
The Army uses several specific devices to
3.2 On the Ground and In the Water train soldiers to drive specialized vehicles like

Ground Vehicle Simulators: tanks or the heavily-armored Stryker vehicle.

They not only accurately recreate the handling

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 Applications of Virtual Reality
and feel of the vehicle they represent, but also can
replicate just about any environment you can
imagine. Trainees can learn how the real vehicle
handles in treacherous weather conditions or
difficult terrain. Networked simulators allow users
to participate in complex war games.
Today, many training facilities are using
simulators to familiarize soldiers with the urban
combat tactics. Simulators give the military a
chance to teach soldiers how to navigate and
operate effectively within urban landscapes
-- without having to construct a physical artificial
environment.
Water Vehicle Simulators
Navy submarine simulators are different
from other military-vehicle simulators. There are
no windows to the outside world on board a sub,
so there isn't a need for lifelike graphics.
Submarine simulators instead must provide
realistic instrument readings as the crew navigates
through the simulation. Some submarine
simulators are stationary, which can detract from
a user's sense of immersion. Others, however, are
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mounted on a set of pneumatic arms that can tilt
the module, allowing it to physically simulate a
diving or surfacing maneuver.
Another impressive naval application of
virtual environments is the virtual bridge. The
navigation, seamanship and ship-handling trainer
(NSST) accurately replicates the bridge of a large
Navy ship. Navy bridge teams can train together
through various scenarios, building teamwork and
ship-handling skills in the process.
3.3 Virtual Boot Camp
Apart from familiarizing soldiers with
some of the most complex vehicles in the military
fleet, trainers have discovered that virtual
environments can come in handy in other
applications as well. Military officials and video
game studios have partnered to create realistic,
immersive virtual scenarios that help soldiers
acclimate to various combat environments and
situations. Nonmilitary gamers can even get a
sample of some of these scenarios by playing
popular commercial software games.
 Applications of Virtual Reality

more intensive training. Trainers use everything

from CAVE systems to head-mounted displays
and treadmills to reinforce concepts and
techniques with trainees.

One such pilot program is the Virtual

Squad Training System (VSTS), located at
Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. Recently, the
facility commissioned a new training system. It's a
wearable and wireless system that allows soldiers
to move unencumbered through a virtual
environment with the help of the following
Pandemic Studios created a complex virtual-reality gear: 
training simulation as part of the Future Combat
 A head-mounted display with a motion
Systems (FCS) initiative. Soldiers can practice
tracker
small team tactics in a virtual urban environment.
 A special load-bearing vest that holds
They use an Xbox console to run the game and
the batteries for the unit and a wireless
take on the role of a team leader attempting to
computer unit
achieve specific objectives in various scenarios.
 A body motion tracker
Pandemic Studios later offered a modified version
 A wireless weapon controller that
of the software as a commercial game, called
matches the size, weight and shape of real
"Full Spectrum Warrior."
military weapons.
Today, the military uses these games to
Quantum3D, Inc. created the systems
help connect with recruits and give them a safe
specifically for the military. They run on a
environment to practice techniques and skills.
specialized software package, but can also use a
Some programs are web-based, allowing recruits
program called the Battle Master IOS. The
to interact with experienced soldiers and learn
about real-life techniques that can help keep them
safe.

Some VR training applications go a step

further than console games. While not common,
some bases include larger virtual reality setups for

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 Applications of Virtual Reality

programs allow soldiers to train with simulated with a dedicated VR system, but the computers
weapons like the M4, M165 or M249 while are much less expensive and easy to network.
navigating a virtual combat environment.
The military also uses virtual
3.4 Other Applications environments to prepare soldiers for emergencies.

Another application of virtual For example, the Navy Research Laboratory has

environments in the military is battlefield the Virtual Environment Training Technology

visualization. Battlefield visualization is vital program. In this program, the Navy trains sailors

when determining combat strategies in real time. how to deal with shipboard fires using a virtual

It's also a key element in the training regimen of environment.

commanding officers. It helps commanders assess

4. VIRTUAL EXECUTION
their options before making decisions that could
put soldiers in harm's way.
5.1 Problem Statement:
Tools like the Google Earth and the Sketch
For a novice of Computer field,
Up make creating 3-D maps easy and
understanding the processes that are under gone
inexpensive. Today, military officials can explore
when a program executes is a tough job. During
a 3-D model of an area, viewing it from any angle
the explanation of the first program in our first C -
while formulating strategies and looking for
Programming class, 40 to 45 students, out of a
potential logistical problems.
class of 60, did not understand what actually
The military has explored using a VR
happens during execution and why we are writing
workbench as a display technology for battlefield
the program. Out of the 15 to 20 members who
visualization. The viewer wears a pair of special
have understood the program, many have already
goggles that create the illusion of depth, so that
seen how a program would like.
the images displayed on the workbench appear to
be 3-D. Multiple users can view the same display There is every need for the students to
at once, assuming they're all wearing the special know how a program internally executed and why
goggles. are the programs written for.

Today, a high-powered laptop can meet 5.2 Solution:

much of the military's needs for visualization. One
This problem can of course be solved by
don't get the same level of immersion when
an effective teacher and student pair. besides, we
working with a personal computer as you would
think that the aforementioned problem can be

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 Applications of Virtual Reality
attacked with the help of Virtual Reality
technology.
Devices that are to be used,
 Head mounted display.
 Software that converts the program’s
execution into graphical pictures.
5.3 Overview:
The user who is to be shown the process of
the execution should be provided with a head
mounted display. The working procedure of this
VR application is stated using the execution of the
C Program in TurboC IDE. Steps that are to be
followed are as follows
 The user should make appropriate settings
such that the software is run when the
program is executed.
 The user’s screen is split into 2, one half
consisting of the actual program and the
other half which illustrates what exactly
the program does for the particular
statement.
First the simulator shows how the program
is brought from the secondary to the main
memory, followed by the location where its
memory is allocated. The display to the right of
the program consists of the following
 Processor with registers.
 The instructions in memory.
 The data that is stored in the memory.
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 Interrupts (if any)
The process that is done inside the
computer is explained with every instruction. The
user, at any stage, can stop, pause, resume and
slow the simulation. Only the interdependent
processes are displayed as per the user’s setting
that has been selected previously.
For example, when a statement like int
a=10; is encountered, the left half of the screen
shows the statement and the right half shows the
memory allocation of the integer ‘a’ with a
garbage value which is then replaced by the value
10 in the simulation. It is then followed by the
instruction a=a+6; Now the simulation shows the
following steps
 Value of ‘a’ is taken by the processor.
 6 is added.
 The result is stored in a’s location.
In this way this concept of simulation
deals with the creation of blocks of code, data
structures etc.
5.4 Disadvantages:
The main disadvantage of the above
technique is that the simulation of the program
may display the information that cannot be
understood by the user.
This can be eliminated by the initial
settings panel that is set before every user who
takes the simulation.
 Applications of Virtual Reality
The other disadvantage of this application
is that the cost of the machinery. This can also be
surpassed by the depth of the topic that this brings
to the content.
5.5 Applications:
This technology of simulating the process
using Virtual Reality concept can be applied to
the following fields for further progress.
During the manufacture of any software
product in any software organization,
considerable amount of time is spent on “Testing”
phase.
 The usage of the above technology
makes the process of both “Testing and
Debugging” simpler as with the simulation
the tester can identify the bugs in the
programs, similarly it also lessens the
burden of the Debugger to debug the bugs
in the code.
 On the other hand, the organizations
can also diminish their investments on
different technicians as one can simply test
and correct the code instead of employing
two different persons.
This technology can further be enhanced
by the inclusion of the study of operating systems’
related mechanisms which are theoretically hard
to imagine. The operations like the scheduler
related tasks, memory management, time sharing
and many more functions that an operating system
could provide can easily be simulated using this
technology. This makes the manufacturers to
assure quality.
5. CONCLUSION:
Now, we can conclude that, Virtual
Reality is a very powerful and compelling
computer application by which humans interact
with computer-generated environments in a way
that mimics real life and engages various senses.
It provides simulation techniques that help in
training armed forces. These techniques are less
expensive and effective when compared to
exposure theory. Also virtual reality finds its use
even in the fields of medicine such as curing
patients' phobias, in surgery etc.
Till now we have seen virtual reality and
its innovative ideas in various fields. Now we
would like to propose our new idea which we
termed it as Virtual Execution that enhances the
understandability of a student. On further
enhancement of this Virtual Execution, the testing
and debugging capacities over any software
product or program can be upgraded to make that
product run with fewer errors.
6. REFERENCES:
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 Applications of Virtual Reality

 http://www.howstuffworks.com/
 http://www.informatik.umu.se/~jwworth/3Ap
plicationAreas
 en.wikipedia.org
 www.cybertherapy.info
 http://www.cybertherapy.info/MIM_0161_Riv
a.pdf

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