Reality of virtual reality

Virtual reality is generally regarded as a next-generation human-computer interface. Even so, virtual reality has been included in research projects for many years now, and until recently has remained a back-room curiosity. Virtual image displays such as aircraft head-up displays have been available since the 1950s. The defence establishments have been investigating visually coupled systems (now known as virtual reality) for many years, unfortunately very little information is in the public domain. Technology has matured to a point where fairly cheap systems can now be assemble-this has led to quite major claims being made by the various equipment suppliers. Recent press releases both in newspapers and on television have attracted the public´s imagination. It has been speculated that very large sums of money are available for the exploitation of virtual reality systems. Unfortunately, the practicalities of real engineering has resulted in serious limitations of the technology. In order to create virtual reality, these technology limitations must be understood and overcome. Whatever solution is eventually derived, it must fully address the complex human factors related issues