the evolution of virtual reality terms

As uses of virtual reality become less expensive and more pervasive in popular culture, the terms surrounding virtual reality will continue to evolve. One possibility is that the prefix "v" might become added to different words to find "virtual" in a manner similar to use of the prefix "e" to find "electronic" in internet-related uses. For example, virtual applications in the field of real estate uses might be shortened "vRealEstate" and virtual uses in the field of trade may be shortened "vTrade". Technical discussion of related material at VSMM '99 .

Defining Virtual Reality by psychological effects is applied science-neutral and therefore can provide a more enduring definition of virtual reality. It is based on the effects of the setting on human action and belief, not the technological details of how those effects are achieved. Using a psychological or behavioral framework one can define four progressive levels of Virtual Reality (VR) -- (1) first level virtual reality is a computer-generated environment in which those inside do not act like they are in a genuine world and do not lose sight of the fact that they are not in a genuine environment. (2) level two Virtual Reality is a computer-constructed setting wherein those inside come in contact as if they were in a genuine world, but never forget that they are not in the physical world. (3) third level virtual reality is an artificially-generated world wherein human people participating behave as if they were in a genuine world and temporarily forget that they are not in a genuine setting. (4) fourth level virtual reality is a computer-generated world in which people behave as if they were in the physical world and consistently believe that they are in the tangible world. In order to attain advanced effects, the computer-created world should involve major portions of the data processing potential of key senses (such as vision, hearing, touch) and important human control methods (such as hand and head motion). As a source for additional technical subjects, see Virtual Tours Minnetonka, Minnesota .

Linked page Virtual Tours also deals with similar virtual reality topics.