methods of haptic feedback

When simulating the macroscale aspects of movement and touch, Virtual Reality (VR) systems must simulate the resistance that virtual things would impose on movement of parts of the body such as fingers, arms, and legs. For instance, if one lifts a virtual cube, then one's hand and arm must feel the relevant resistance so that the virtual cube seems real. Pressure sensation can be transmitted from a computer to one's body though micropressure machines (tiny pistons, inflatable bubbles, and so forth) powered by mechanical motors, magnetism, hydraulics, air, or other media. These micro-pressure machines can be integrated into gloves, electronically-wired clothing, or gyroscopic armatures. Direct resistance from 3D fields might be possible in the future, but remains experimental. Haptic computer-to-human communication will become widespread as technology progresses, but it currently is less advanced than communication through sight and hearing. Linked page Personalized Avatar Creation using Face Recognition also has related material.

Optics may also be used to track our motion. A simple approach to optical tracking involves attaching multiple light sources to a glove or body tights and then tracking their movements three dimensionally, but this only tracks a few points. Gesture interpretation by computing systems is, even now, underway. This involves computer simulation of the structure and motion of one's hands and face -- integrating concepts across the fields of anatomy, kinesiology, and vision. Novel discussion of virtual reality at Virtual Tours Santa Rosa, California .

For VR related material, please also see Home Virtual Reality Tours .